Dumped NBL import Johnson back with Perth

US import Jaron Johnson is back with Perth 10 days after being told he was no longer required by the NBL franchise.

The guard, who was released by the Wildcats after playing the season's first three games, fills a hole left by his replacement and fellow American Andre Ingram.

Ingram was granted a release on Wednesday on mental health grounds a week after arriving in Perth.

Johnson kept training with the club, and helps solve a looming back court crisis with point guards Damian Martin and Jarrod Kenny both out for at least the next fortnight with injuries.

Johnson had a mixed first stint with Perth, dropping a game-high 26 points against Cairns but managing five points against New Zealand and six against Brisbane.

And the Wildcats didn't miss a chance to have a bit of fun with Johnson's return, depicting him in a YouTube clip as a resurgent Gandalf in a Lord of the Rings scene when they announced the news.

Perth travels to Wollongong for Friday night's round-five NBL clash against Illawarra.