Marquee mandate: Why Perth needs a star

With the Perth Wildcats beginning life after Bryce Cotton, a marquee signing could well prove the difference between being a championship contender, and battling it out for a Finals spot. 

“They need to land a marquee, because otherwise they’re just a team that will have three really good imports and then a bunch of middle local guys,” ESPN's Olgun Uluc said.

“They absolutely have to land a marquee, because then you’ve got four guys you build around with local talent and you’re in a great position,” Pete Hooley added.

The Wildcats have made no secret of their desire to lure three-time Olympian, Matthew Dellavedova across and build around the star point guard.

“If you get Delly, you put all your eggs in that import-five basketball,” Hooley said

While Dellavedova is the priority for the Wildcats, former United big man Jo Lual-Acuil Jr has been a name on the Wildcats’ radar for the last 12 months.

“If they don’t get Delly, maybe they have to turn their attention very quickly to getting JLA in that marquee.

“That domino of Delly is everything.”

With Kristian Doolittle already locked in on a multi-year deal, and Dylan Windler in talks for an extension, the core is starting to take shape.

“They have a multi-year offer in front of him,” Uluc said of Windler.

“They’re interesting in bringing Windler back, notwithstanding what happens with ‘Delly’ either way.

“My understanding is nothing’s been accepted yet, but Dylan Windler did enjoy his time in Perth.”

Dellavedova is said to be close to a decision on his future, with Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and the Wildcats in the mix.