Perth coach Trevor Gleeson admits his NBL side are "in an incredible hole" after star American import Andre Ingram was granted an immediate release on mental health grounds.
The Wildcats back court has now been left in tatters as a result, with point guards Damian Martin and Jarrod Kenny both out for at least the next fortnight with injuries.
"I've never experienced anything like this in my 20 years of coaching," Gleeson said.
"It puts us in an incredible hole with our guards out and now our import out."
Ingram, 30, approached Gleeson and club management on Tuesday afternoon, expressing that he couldn't continue playing overseas.
The American shooting guard and club management reconvened on Wednesday morning, and the Wildcats even offered to bring his family to the country before it was agreed he would be released from his contract.
"It surprised me big-time," Gleeson said.
Ingram has played two games in the Wildcats 4-1 season, scoring 15 of his 17 points from beyond the arc.
He only came into the second-placed Wildcats' squad as a replacement for fellow USA import Jaron Johnson, who was released a fortnight ago, just days after sinking a key three-pointer to win an overtime thriller against Cairns.
The defending champions will now consider a number of options to fill the hole for Friday night's clash with Illawarra and beyond.
"I was thinking about putting the boots on to make up the numbers, but I'm a bit out of shape," Gleeson joked.
Johnson remains training with the club, and he could be returned to their roster.
NBA squads were also cut to 15 on Tuesday, and bringing any exiled players to the NBL is being considered, however there are fears they won't arrive quick enough.
Guard Corban Wroe is likely to see added game time and Casey Pranther shifted to point guard, while youngster Jackson Hussey has been signed to a short-term contract.
"It will be limited minutes but I like his attitude," Gleeson said.
"He's got that toughness about him that he won't back down and we need that right now. "
Captain Martin has had a plate inserted into his fractured jaw, and could be back within two weeks. Kenny is out for up to another five years with a groin strain.
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