The Wildcats will play game two against the Kings without one of their ‘big three” as a leading candidate for one of the NBL’s top available jobs has pulled out of the race after international offer, while Sydney Kings import Torrey Craig has revealed a return to the NBA is firmly on his radar.
All of this and more in the latest edition of NBL Daily.
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WILDCATS STAR TO MISS CONTEST AGAINST THE KINGS
The Perth Wildcats will face the Sydney Kings in Game Two of their Semi-Final series without one of their “big three”, with Dylan Windler ruled out after suffering a late foot injury in Game One that saw him assisted off the court.
Windler had been battling plantar fascia in his left foot throughout the season and when he went down clutching at it in the dying stages of Game One, there were immediate fears for the star forward.
Wildcats coach John Rillie spoke to the media following Friday’s training session ahead of Game Two and outlined Windler’s importance to the team.
“People recognise when he’s not out there on the floor for us,” Rillie said.
“And from both ends – with his three-point range, his ability to live in the paint, make some good decisions – but then also defensively with his rebounding.
“He makes a lot of things tick for us. So if he doesn’t play, it’s just an opportunity for other guys to step up.”
Rillie has consistently trusted the depth of his roster throughout the season, backing others to rise in key moments. With Windler sidelined, the pressure now falls further on Kristian Doolittle and Jo Lual-Acuil Jr to lead the Wildcats.
Key contributors Elijah Pepper, Ben Henshall and David Duke Jr will also need to shoulder more of the scoring and playmaking load that Windler has provided all season.
Windler averaged 13.2 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game this season.
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Perth hosts Sydney in Game Two on Saturday night at RAC Arena, live on ESPN from 8pm AEDT.
FLAVELL PULLS OUT OF HEAD COACH RACE
The New Zealand Breakers have confirmed assistant coach Judd Flavell will not return next season as he prepares to begin a new chapter of his coaching career overseas.
Flavell joined the Breakers ahead of the 2025-26 season as an assistant coach, working alongside former head coach Petteri Koponen. With Koponen’s departure at the end of the season, speculation had grown that Flavell could step into the vacant head coaching role.
However, the club announced that Flavell has accepted an international opportunity to become a head coach. Sources told Fox Sports Australia that Flavell has accepted a role in Japan for the upcoming B.League Premier, a new top-tier division being introduced for the 2026-2027 season.
“I was approached regarding an international opportunity as a head coach during our recent season. After careful consideration of my long-term goals, I felt I couldn’t turn it down,” said Judd Flavell.
Flavell spent 13 years with the Breakers between 2006 and 2019, winning four championships with the club before returning in 2025.
“I am proud of what we have achieved as a team at the BNZ Breakers this season. The Breakers will always be a part of who I am, and I will remain a staunch supporter from afar.”
“I wish the club nothing but success and leave knowing the foundation Is now in place for them to reclaim their place at the top of the NBL,” said Flavell.
The move will not affect Flavell’s international role as head coach of the New Zealand Tall Blacks.
“I’m still very much committed and focused on my role with the Tall Blacks. I’ve never shied away from my love for this team, and I am extremely proud of what we’ve built over the past couple of years.”
Breakers President of Basketball Operations Dillon Boucher described Flavell as a “legend” of New Zealand basketball and gave his full support to the decision.
“Judd is a legend of New Zealand basketball, and we are incredibly proud to see him take this next step on the world stage,” Boucher said.
“Judd’s dedication to the Breakers has been absolute throughout his tenure, and we always recognised that his success both locally, and as the Tall Blacks Head Coach would eventually command international attention.
“He follows a path that reflects his growth as a world-class leader. Having committed to his new opportunity, he leaves with our full blessing. We are excited to see him pursue his new challenge.”
The Breakers are continuing their search for a new head coach ahead of the 2026-27 NBL season.
SYDNEY IMPORT’S NBA RETURN
Speaking to CODE Sports, Craig said there is already interest from NBA teams as he eyes a potential playoff opportunity once his NBL campaign ends.
“We’re talking to some NBA teams right now,” Craig told CODE Sports.
“Part of the reason why I came here to Sydney was to showcase playing good basketball at this age and to show that I can still play in the NBA.
“But for now I’m focused on the Kings first and whatever comes after that, comes after that.
“I just want to make sure that we win a championship,” Craig said.
Craig’s comments come after a huge performance in game one of the semi-finals, where he finished with 20 points, nine rebounds and three assists in the Kings’ win over Perth.
Across his nine games with Sydney, the NBA veteran has averaged 13.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.2 blocks per game, while shooting 54 per cent from the field and 42 per cent from three-point range.
Kings down Wildcats in a thriller | 01:11
Craig has played 538 NBA games across stints with the Denver Nuggets, Milwaukee Bucks, Phoenix Suns, Indiana Pacers, Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics.