He can play.
The 26-year-old small forward dropped in 35 points during a preseason game against the Hawke’s Bay Hawks at the National Basketball League preseason tournament in Greymouth yesterday evening.
The win slipped away in the final second of the game.
Jackson Ball drained a three-point buzzer-beater to clinch a tense 83-82 win.
The Nuggets led by 11 going into the final quarter, so they will be disappointed to have lost from the position.
But on the upside, Perez demonstrated his scoring ability. He banged his way into the paint and towards the hoop all game.
Guard Patrick Freeman added 15 in another nice game.
Ball (21 points) and Darnell Cowart (23 points, eight rebounds) led the way for the Hawks.
The Nuggets trailed 22-18 at the first break.
Danyon Ashcroft had a busy opening quarter. His six points and three rounds help keep his side in touch.
Freeman dunked to level the score early in the second period and then Perez got busy.
He went on a scoring blitz on either side of the halftime break to give the Nuggets a 68-58 lead after three quarters.
The Hawks owned the final stretch, outscoring the Nuggets 25-13 to seal a win.
But more help is on the way for the Nuggets. They have signed a second import.
Don Carey jun has inked a deal and will join the side for the 2025 campaign.
The 25-year-old point guard spent two seasons in the G-League playing for the Maine Celtics.
He averaged 5.8 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists in his final season.
He bounced around in the college system but his final season was spent with the Maryland Terrapins where he averaged 7.4 points.
He hails from Upper Marlboro in Maryland and looks athletic based on his highlight reel.
He can get to the hoop and likes to shoot from the outside.
The Nuggets have one import slot available and that will likely go to someone who can give the team an inside presence.
