Perth Wildcats import Brandon Knight won’t arrive in Australia until next week at the earliest

Perth Wildcats don’t expect new import Brandon Knight to arrive in Australia until next week, and there is no certainty that even then he will be available to play until October 10.

And Wildcats star Jo Lual-Acuil sent a scare through the team on Tuesday when he couldn’t complete training due to a calf problem. The club said that was precautionary after playing for 33 minutes on Saturday.

The Wildcats have been heavily criticised for not signing their third import until days before the start of the NBL season and were a long way short of their best against South East Melbourne on Saturday. The Phoenix won that game 100-79 despite leading by only three points with one quarter remaining.

Knight is yet to land in Australia as the club works through the paperwork required to clear him to travel and play. But even when he does arrive, he still has to recover from the trip and train with the team before he’ll be allowed to suit up.

“He is still in the US but it is looking prosperous for next week at some stage,” coach John Rillie said.

“We all live in hope. But there’s paperwork and a medical. So we’ll we’ll just see how that all plays out.”

The Wildcats have two home games this week which Knight will miss.

They face Adelaide on Thursday and they are now led by former Wildcats coach Trevor Gleeson, and also have superstar Bryce Cotton threatening to constantly tear games apart.

Perth then host New Zealand on Saturday night. The club has another home game next week, with a re-match against the Phoenix, and if Knight isn’t available, his first game is likely to be at RAC Arena against New Zealand on October 10.

Rillie said he can’t afford to get frustrated by the delays in compiling a full roster.

“We’re into the season, so with this type of stuff, all I can worry about is the guys that we have available to play the games,” he said.

“We’ve got a big week this week. He will be a welcomed addition when he arrives. But for right now, I’ve got to give my energy to the guys that are here and that can suit up and win games for the Wildcats.

“It’s a great opportunity for guys to get minutes and understand and feel what the NBL is about. So that’s all we can worry about. Nothing but good comes out of these opportunities.”