Perth’s addition of NBL Next Star Alexandre Sarr helps signal the club's import needs, according to ESPN Insider Olgun Uluc.

Uluc says the 18-year-old Frenchman is another vital piece of the puzzle for John Rillie, as the Wildcats look to improve on a season of mixed fortunes. 

Sarr – who is currently ranked in the top 20 projected selections for the 2024 NBA Draft – joins the Wildcats as the club’s first ever Next Star. The seven-foot power forward looks slated for a role alongside fellow new signing Keanu Pinder in the side’s frontcourt.

“You look at the backcourt they’ve just brought back, it’s the same backcourt as last season,” Uluc said on The Marketplace. “It’s Tai Webster, Corey Webster, Bryce Cotton.

“That was a team that was the worst defensive team last season … I think the next import they get has to have a defensive focus. Keanu Pinder was a good first step towards that. He’s a mobile, switchable big.

“Now I think you go and get an import that also fits that mould. Someone who can defend really, really well.”

Sarr’s addition to the side is the latest in the total frontcourt rebuild currently being undertaken by the Wildcats.

He’s joined new signings Pinder, Hyrum Harris and Keanu Pinder as big options in Rillie’s depth chart, while local guard Ben Henshall has also signed with the club.

As it stands, import duo Brady Manek and TaShawn Thomas, club legend Jesse Wagstaff and centre Majok Majok are uncontracted for NBL24, while Luke Travers has left the club for Melbourne United.

Mitch Norton and Todd Blanchfield were also moved on from the club in recent weeks. 

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Uluc says while Sarr looks to be an incredible prospect, he should be allowed to find his feet in the NBL.

“He’s one of those guys who is going to come in the league [and] there will be somewhat of a tempered expectation,” Uluc added. 

“His frame is quite little, and he is very young ... but there’s a lot of potential there.”