Wildcats, Bullets sign imports in NBL finals bids

The Perth Wildcats and Brisbane Bullets have each signed players with NBA experience to strengthen their NBL play-off campaigns, with the Wildcats adding David Duke Jr and the Bullets bringing in Dakota Mathias.

The Perth Wildcats signed David Duke Jr to fill the roster spot left by Mason Jones, who was released after just five games as a replacement for the departed Bryce Cotton. Duke, a 26-year-old guard who previously played for the Brooklyn Nets, San Antonio Spurs, and Phoenix Suns, averaged 17.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.5 steals in 42 games for the Austin Spurs in the NBA G League last season. Wildcats officials praised his NBA and G League experience, athleticism, defensive skills, and versatility, and he is expected to join the team pending NBL approval, with the Wildcats set to host the Illawarra Hawks in an upcoming game.

The Brisbane Bullets signed Dakota Mathias as a full-time replacement for Javon Liberty-Freeman, who played only two games, requiring the release of Lamar Patterson to accommodate the new signing. Mathias, known as a sharpshooter, has NBA experience with the Philadelphia 76ers and Memphis Grizzlies, as well as stints in Spain, Germany, and the NBA G League. This move follows Patterson's standout performance in a recent comeback win over New Zealand.