{"id":34333,"date":"2023-04-03T16:24:54","date_gmt":"2023-04-03T06:24:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/basketball\/?p=34333"},"modified":"2023-04-03T16:24:57","modified_gmt":"2023-04-03T06:24:57","slug":"pinder-perth-bound-as-wildcats-announce-star-signing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/basketball\/pinder-perth-bound-as-wildcats-announce-star-signing\/","title":{"rendered":"Pinder Perth bound as Wildcats announce star signing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

THE FREE agency period of the National Basketball League (NBL) offseason got a massive shakeup late last week, with star big man Keanu Pinder<\/a> on the way to the Perth Wildcats<\/a> in a shock move that changed the landscape of the competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pinder, a Perth native, entered free agency as one of the biggest names on the market, having shot into stardom over the past two seasons. The Cairns Taipans<\/a> were eager to retain his services, but he attracted interest from a plethora of teams, with the big man itching to hit the court again after missing the postseason with an injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Wildcats suffered a big loss as free agency opened, with young gun Luke Travers<\/a> announcing he will be departing the team after developing his craft over in the west. However, the blow was softened with the addition of the reigning back-to-back NBL Most Improved Player. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Keanu Pinder will be joining the Perth Wildcats. Photo: Emily Barker\/Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Adding Pinder shoots Perth back into championship contention in the 2023\/24 season, pairing one of the competition’s best frontcourt players with Bryce Cotton<\/a>. The two-time MVP had another terrific season, but struggled with a lack of help, and the Wildcats could not make a return to the finals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the acquisition of Pinder completely changes Perth’s fortunes and the pair will create a formidable combination. The 27-year-old is coming off a career-best season with averages of 17 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game, and was named on the All-NBL Second Team for his efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speaking to the club website, Wildcats coach John Rillie <\/em><\/strong>said Pinder’s addition addresses a number of needs for the team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“We have put an emphasis on getting elite, local talent to the Wildcats this offseason and Keanu fits that mould, so to bring a home-grown talent back, we\u2019re off to a great start,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Keanu has shown great improvement in his all-round game over the last few seasons, his desire to work and compete for a championship is what caught my attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“He also rebounds at a high level so that addresses one of our weaknesses of last season.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, Isaac White<\/a> has agreed to join the Brisbane Bullets<\/a>, while fellow former JackJumper Sam McDaniel<\/a> will be heading to the same team. After a disappointing 2022\/23 campaign, Brisbane’s aggressiveness is a clear sign of its intent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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