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NEW South East Melbourne NBL import Devondrick Walker will open his NBL career in Perth on Friday against a Wildcats team he was on in 2017-18.

The 196cm wing suffered a fracture in his left foot that would sideline him for a large portion of the season and taking a non-surgical approach to his rehab, had to relinquish his position with Perth.

J.P. Tokoto was his replacement. Walker subsequently has played in italy and France and was a teammate of Phoenix captain Mitch Creek at Utah Jazz in the 2017 NBA Summer League.

“It seems a bit surreal after missing the opportunity to play for Perth a few seasons ago till now playing my first NBL game against Perth. We all know the NBL is a great environment, so I’m excited to see and enjoy the moment,” Walker said.

“Missing the opportunity to play in the NBL has always bothered me, so being able to come back and play is something I always wanted to do. And of course, who doesn’t like the beach in January?”

Walker, who replaces centre Keith Benson who now is playing in Dubai, also is good friends with Wildcats star import Bryce Cotton, the pair pictured below at a Wildcats session.

Walker, 27, most recently has been playing for Chorale Roanne Basket in France’s top league and spent the previous four seasons in the NBA G-League, named Most Improved Player in the 2016-2017 season.

For many, he will be a surprise choice, given Benson was a centre. But the growth of Dane Pineau this season has been impressive, the young Aussie big with consecutive rebounding games of 20 and 19 for the first time since Mark Bradtke in 2002.

“We’re excited to add someone of Devondrick’s character and ability to the team. He’s athletic, a great shooter and can defend multiple positions,” Phoenix CEO Tommy Greer said. “He’s also from all reports a great guy so will fit in with our group well.”

Wildcats fans also will get their first home look at new import centre Miles Plumlee who debuted in the road win over Illawarra at Wollongong.