Perth won't be hurried into a decision on ushering in a new NBL playmaker after Jaron Rillie's suspected hamstring injury has left the Wildcats without a recognised point guard.
Rillie cut a dejected figure when he subbed out with 8:39 remaining in Friday's 107-97 win over South East Melbourne, clutching at his troublesome right hamstring, which sidelined him for nine games earlier this season.
With underperforming American playmaker Mason Jones cut five weeks into the season, and his import replacement David Duke Jr out with an elbow injury since late December, Rillie was the last player Perth could afford to lose.
Wildcats coach John Rillie hopes his son Jaron's latest setback isn't as severe as feared.
"I don't want to jump to conclusions and think the worst," he said.
"Hopefully he's back sooner rather than later.
"We'll let the medical team look after that, then we'll move forward from there."
Rillie disputed news reports that Duke is expected to miss eight to 12 weeks.
And he hasn't put a line through the American guard yet.
"I've always said it's an injury where the timeframe is unknown," Rillie said.
"He is progressing well. I hope he's back sooner rather than later."
But the clock is ticking fast.
If Duke is unable to return, the Wildcats are able to replace him with an import, who would certainly be a like-for-like ball-handler.
Any replacement player must register before that team's 25th game. Fifth-ranked Perth (14-10), therefore, would need to have a signed contract in place before their HoopsFest clash with the Illawarra Hawks on January 16.
And the newcomer must suit up for at least seven games to be eligible for the playoffs - which for the Wildcats is January 25 against Melbourne United.
But Rillie is adamant he will not be rushed.
"When you make knee jerk-reaction decisions, they're usually poor ones," he said.
"So we have to be smart about how we approach this."
