Dunlap on Wildcats experience, squad assessment

The former Charlotte Bobcats head coach and championship-winning Milwaukee Bucks assistant spent four days in the Wildcats' camp as a guest coach at the G-League Fall Invitational.

The opportunity came about through Perth head coach John Rillie, who he coached for several years at the 36ers.

Dunlap wasn't surprised Rillie went down the coaching path after witnessing his professionalism and temperament as a player.

"He's a special coach and it's just like a fine wine, ageing a little bit and sharing those experiences," Dunlap said.

"He had the temperament of a coach and his steps have been calculated. John's a thinker and he's paid his dues.

"This opportunity with the Wildcats and their traditon of winning over the decades is a perfect marriage."

Dunlap surprised another of his former players in Jesse Wagstaff, with the pair having a couple of years together at Metro State University in Denver.

"To be a part of his life, albeit short, I couldn't be prouder of him," he said.

"I'm not surprised that he's still here at 37 but to win six championships is indelible so when people 50 years from now look at the record books, Jesse's name will be there and he's done that for his family."

As for his assessment of the Wildcats? Dunlap liked what he saw but urged patience with the new-look group which includes seven off-season additions.

"The main takeaway is they have athleticism so that means they'll be able to defend at a higher level," Dunlap said.

"They also have the ability to score but the big improvement is going to come from the defensive end and being able to do that wins championships.

"Because they have so many new players, the patience will be in the first third of the season where there will be some things that will just be growth-related.

"Once they get done with the teething, they have a chance to be very special."

The Wildcats take on the G-League Ignite for a second time in three days at Dollar Loan Center on Friday night.

The game will be streamed live and free on the NBA App from 9am on Saturday WA time.

See the full Mike Dunlap interview exclusively on the Perth Wildcats App