The NBL MVP race is officially over, and Adelaide 36ers coach Mike Wells isn’t holding back—he’s declaring Bryce Cotton the undisputed winner. But here’s where it gets controversial: after Cotton’s jaw-dropping 42-point performance in a 92-89 comeback win over New Zealand, Wells boldly stated, 'If it’s not over tonight, then tell me what the definition of MVP is.' Is he right, or is this just a coach’s bias? Let’s dive in.
On Saturday at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, the Sixers faced a daunting challenge. Down by double digits in every quarter, including a 14-point deficit early in the fourth, they needed a hero. Enter Bryce Cotton. The American-born guard didn’t just play—he dominated, scoring a game-high 42 points while guarding the opposing team’s best player. It was a masterclass in leadership and skill, securing Adelaide’s top-three seeding for the finals.
This season, Cotton has been locked in a fierce battle with Sydney’s Kendric Davis for MVP honors. But Wells isn’t mincing words: 'If you’re not voting for Bryce Cotton, who’s been the best player in this league since the day he got here, I want to know why.' His argument is simple yet powerful: Cotton’s consistency, impact, and ability to carry his team make him the clear choice. And this is the part most people miss—Wells even went as far as to say, 'His leadership in the time-outs, on the court, what he was saying to the group was better than his scoring on offense.'
Cotton himself remained humble when asked about Wells’ declaration, simply laughing and saying, 'I’m not going to say he’s wrong.' But the numbers speak for themselves. Adelaide, now 23-9, reclaimed first place from Sydney after trailing by 18 points before halftime. Their grit and determination, as Wells puts it, have been on full display all season. And with a blockbuster matchup against Cotton’s former team, Perth, looming, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Here’s the controversial question: Is Bryce Cotton’s MVP case truly 'not even close,' as Wells claims, or is there room for debate? New Zealand’s coach, Petteri Koponen, acknowledged Cotton’s greatness, saying, 'You have to give credit to greatness when you see it.' But is that enough to crown him MVP? After all, players like Parker Jackson-Cartwright (25 points, seven assists) and Izaiah Brockington (19 points) also shone in the game, proving the league is packed with talent.
Adelaide’s success isn’t just about Cotton. Dejan Vasiljevic’s 19 points and Zylan Cheatham’s double-double (12 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists) were crucial in the win. Yet, it’s hard to ignore Cotton’s impact on both ends of the floor. As Wells put it, 'He carried us and he led us.'
Looking ahead, Adelaide and New Zealand will clash again in the Ignite Cup final on February 22 on the Gold Coast. Will Cotton continue his dominance, or will the Breakers find a way to stop him? And here’s the ultimate question for you: Is Bryce Cotton the undeniable MVP, or is the race still open? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over.
