Perth Wildcats guard Bryce Cotton could be the latest overseas star to make the jump to the NBA, as “multiple NBA teams are following Cotton’s play closely with an eye toward potential conversations once the NBL season comes to an end” in the spring, according to ESPN’s Olgun Uluc.
Uluc also notes that Cotton’s contract with Perth expires this season, while adding that he “has always had scattered NBA interest, but nothing as firm or material as he has right now.” This could lead to expectations of the 32-year-old striking while the iron is hot.
However, “Cotton has been on record over the past few years that he had no interest in chasing an NBA deal,” particularly if he had to go through the training camp or Summer League routes. And really, why should he given the success he’s had in the NBL? It’s been quite a few years since 2016, when he last gave the NBA a shot.
With that being said, the NBA interest is “different” this time, as he could sign with a team ahead of their playoff run.
NBL Legend Bryce Cotton Drawing Free Agent Interest From NBA Teams
Despite being 6-foot-1 and 165 pounds, Cotton’s heart and talent make it easy to forget his diminutive size. Although NBA fans might be dismissive of MVP awards from other leagues, it still isn’t easy to win one. Cotton has done so four times since joining the NBL in 2016-17.
A crafty shot-creator with a soft shooting stroke, he’s only had one season scoring under 21 points per game in that time.
Bryce Cotton not only broke the points record in the modern 40-minute era with 59, but did it in style by adding to his highlight reel 🎬
Watch his game highlights here 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ghqKPDmGmy
— ESPN Australia & NZ (@ESPNAusNZ) December 1, 2024
Ranked third all-time in career points (4,940) in the NBL, Cotton is essentially Australia’s version of EuroLeague legend Mike James.
Like Cotton, James is an American-born hooper who decided to play abroad after unsuccessful attempts at carving out a consistent role in the NBA. James is now the EuroLeague’s all-time leading scorer. Cotton could be the NBL’s all-time leading scorer by the end of next season.
Like James, Cotton now has a great opportunity to play for a championship-contender in the NBA. In the spring of 2021, James was able to latch onto the Brooklyn Nets roster ahead of the playoffs. Though the Nets’ postseason run ended prematurely, James earned a lot of respect from NBA fans. Brooklyn isn’t a title-contender at this juncture, but Cotton could do the same with another squad.
Bryce Cotton’s Potential Suitors
There are multiple contenders that could use a backcourt upgrade, such as the Milwaukee Bucks and Golden State Warriors. It may be worth noting that both the Bucks and Warriors share a link to Australian basketball through former No. 1 pick Andrew Bogut, who suited up for both franchises. Bogut’s playing days are now over, but he does own a stake in the NBL’s Sydney Kings.
Coincidences aside, both the Bucks and Warriors really do need to shore up their guard depth.
Milwaukee has been relying on a declining Delon Wright and raw Ryan Rollins as Damian Lillard’s backups. Warriors guard De’Anthony Melton is out for the season and Brandin Podziemski is better suited as an off-guard. Meanwhile, Cotton bears similarities to both Lillard and Stephen Curry as a smaller guard with a penchant for pull-ups.
Some teams like to change the pace or complement a starter’s skillset with their depth pieces. Nonetheless, his overlap with Lillard and Curry makes it easy to picture him coming off the bench for them.
