The stars Perth should sign now

The signature of Bryce Cotton is paramount to the Perth Wildcats' NBL26 championship hopes, but don't underestimate the importance of a pair of fellow star imports.

Kristian Doolittle was a revelation in his second season in Perth, with his incredible performance in the Playoff decider almost single-handedly getting his side over the line. 

37 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists in a do-or-die fixture showed just how dominant the 27-year-old can be. 

"Kristian Doolittle put together a performance for the ages," Pete Hooley said on Overtime.

"He’s unguardable when he gets to his spot. He’s really patient offensively and his physicality is largely unmatched in that position around the league."

While Damon Lowery believes Cotton "still remains the most important and significant signing, at whatever price", he says "the club cannot be held hostage" waiting for a decision on his future, and must ensure it has the pieces in place should their star man depart.

"It’s been an ongoing report for months that Doolittle and the Wildcats have been in constant talks to reach a long-term extension to return next season, which would have the team well placed for the future if that comes to fruition," Hooley continued. 

"He’s one of the most dangerous prospects if they can bring him back next season, because now he understands the league.

"If they can lock him in for next year, then you’re starting to pencil him in for an All-NBL team already."

Alongside Doolittle and Cotton, Lowery says Dylan Windler is another name the Wildcats should pencil in for NBL26.

"I’m bringing him back as well, 100 per cent," he added.

"Those two imports, when you talk about stability ... get those two guys to get used to playing together for multiple seasons.

"Then you have a whole bunch of money freed up just in case Bryce decides, because it’s his decision after all, that he’s not coming back."

“The best thing about Doolittle and Windler are that they’re complementary pieces who can also be dominant pieces," Hooley added.

"It doesn’t matter who they put alongside guys like that, because they’ll just adapt to their surroundings."