Wildcats recruit Pinder opens up on frustrating injury run

A left ankle injury saw the star big sidelined for five games across last season’s holiday period, and although the Taipans continued to thrive in his absence, that was only just the beginning of his concerns. 

An accidental stray elbow to the face from then Phoenix centre Dane Pineau ended his NBL season prematurely, but he recovered in time to head to Spain during the off-season for a stint with Liga ACB side Fuenlabrada.

A back injury limited Pinder to just six games before the Phoenix Suns came calling with a Summer League roster spot, then a back injury saw him fail to suit up for the side.

Next, a groin injury then saw him among the first group cut from Australia’s extended World Cup squad.

It's been quite the rollercoaster journey for Pinder, and in the midst of all that, he switched coasts ahead of NBL24, from Cairns to Perth.

“I’ve been having a bad patch in my life, but hopefully it’s nothing but rainbows and sunshine for the next six or seven months of the season,” Pinder told The West Australian.

“I’m almost at 100 per cent. It’s been a journey and a process but I’m almost there.

“It’s been unfortunate, but that’s life.”

The 28-year-old’s lack of availability may have put pay to his NBL23 MVP aspirations, but Pinder impressed enough in his 19 games to become the first player to ever earn back-to-back Most Improved Player awards.

He’s one of the league’s marquee signings ahead of NBL24, and looks set to form a lethal partnership with three-time MVP Bryce Cotton.

“I had a great time during the camp and am forever grateful for the Boomers including me in the squad. Hopefully next time I’ll be ready to rock,” Pinder said.

“Summer League was a good experience, I’m glad I got to see what it was like to be over there, it was unfortunate I didn’t get to play.

“I’m focused on the NBL season now. That’s my main focus. If I do well this season who knows what could happen."

The Wildcats' pre-season kicks off with a pair of games against the NBL All Stars on August 25 and 27 at Rockingham and Warwick respectively.

The season proper gets underway at RAC Arena against Tasmania JackJumpers on September 29 with a trip to Las Vegas and NBL Blitz in between.