The Perth Wildcats have finally landed their man, signing NBA veteran Brandon Knight as their new import guard, more than 18 months after the club began their pursuit for an import guard.
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Knight, who turns 35 in December, arrives with a wealth of experience after being selected eighth overall by the Detroit Pistons in the 2011 NBA Draft, a star-studded class that also featured Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson and Kawhi Leonard.
The guard went on to spend a decade in the NBA, playing for the Pistons, Milwaukee Bucks, Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets, Cleveland Cavaliers and Dallas Mavericks.
His best season came with Phoenix in 2015-16, where he played 52 games and averaged 19.6 points, 3.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game while shooting 41.5% from the field.
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However, injuries would play a significant role throughout Knight’s NBA career. He suffered a torn left ACL that sidelined him for the entire 2017-18 season, while also dealing with several ankle injuries and a sports hernia that required surgery.
Ironically, as Knight has entered the latter stages of his career, those injury troubles have largely subsided, with the veteran remaining healthy during his time playing overseas.
Knight’s connection to the Wildcats dates back to last season, when his name emerged as a potential import replacement for the injured David Duke Jr.
During HoopsFest in NBL26, the Wildcats were racing against the January 16 transfer deadline as they explored the possibility of bringing in a much-needed point guard.
At the time, Fox Sports Australia linked Knight to Perth as a potential Injury Replacement Player for Duke, who was recovering from an elbow injury sustained against the Adelaide 36ers on December 28.
Ultimately, the deadline came and went without a deal being reached, with the Wildcats opting not to bring Knight to the NBL.
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More than 18 months later, the move has finally become a reality.
Since departing the Mavericks in 2022, Knight has continued his career overseas, spending time in Puerto Rico and Greece.
Most recently, he suited up for Mets de Guaynabo in Puerto Rico, the same club that featured Adelaide 36ers superstar Bryce Cotton and South East Melbourne Phoenix head coach Josh King last season.
Across 20 appearances, Knight averaged 18.0 points, 3.7 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game while shooting 47.0% from the field, showing he can still produce at a high level despite being several years removed from the NBA.
Now, the veteran guard lands in the West with the Wildcats, completing their roster for NBL27.