Australian basketball sensation Josh Giddey believes that NBL champion Bryce Cotton will be a crucial asset for the Boomers during the 2027 FIBA World Cup in Qatar.
With the potential absence of Patty Mills, the Boomers may find themselves needing to fill a significant gap in their offensive lineup, particularly lacking a guard who prioritises scoring.
While the team boasts talented players like Giddey, Dyson Daniels, Dante Exum, and Jock Landale, their ability to create shots off the dribble against the world’s elite remains a concern.
Patty Mills and Josh Giddey representing the Boomers in Melbourne, Australia. Getty
Cotton, a three-time reigning NBL MVP with a total of six awards, became an Australian citizen in 2025, making him eligible to play for Australia in the Olympics and World Cup.
His journey hasn’t been easy, as he faced a four-year ban from applying in 2021 due to an administrative oversight beyond his control.
This setback denied him the opportunity to compete in the Tokyo and Paris Games, leaving the 33-year-old with a sense of reluctance about re-entering the mix.
As the spotlight now shifts to Qatar for the 2027 World Cup and Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympics, Giddey expressed his eagerness to team up with Cotton.
“Having Bryce on the team would be right at the top of my wish list for the Boomers. His skillset could provide us with a fresh dimension,” Giddey mentioned to Wide World of Sports during the announcement of Nine as the new free-to-air broadcaster of the NBL.
“When you examine our roster, we lack a player of Bryce’s calibre who can deliver that offensive spark. It would be fantastic to have him on board.”
Bryce Cotton of the Adelaide 36ers at the Nine x NBL launch. Nine
“If there’s a possibility of him joining the Boomers for the World Cup or the Olympics, we’d embrace it wholeheartedly. His inclusion would be exceptional for us.”
When questioned about his aspirations to represent Australia after the obstacles he faced prior to Tokyo and Paris, Cotton appeared ambivalent.
“Perhaps. I’m not as resistant to it as I used to be,” Cotton shared with Wide World of Sports.
“We’ll see what unfolds in the future.”
Mills has yet to announce his retirement and is keeping his options open for the 2027 World Cup.
At age 39 by the time of the Qatar tournament, the Australian guard is currently with La Laguna Tenerife in Spain after a seasoned 16 years in the NBA.
Josh Giddey of the Chicago Bulls at the Nine x NBL launch Nine
Giddey mentioned that the decision to represent the Boomers is now up to Mills and fellow veteran Joe Ingles, as they assess their futures.
“It’s an important question. They’re nearing the end of their careers. It’s a choice they need to make. They’ve contributed so much to the national team, and we have a solid group of young players ready to carry the torch,” Giddey stated.
Ben Simmons remains another intriguing figure in Australian basketball, as he steps back from the NBA this season to prioritise his health while also managing a professional fishing team in Florida.
Giddey revealed that he hasn’t had a discussion with Simmons about potentially joining the Boomers but is hopeful to see him back on the court soon.
“From what I’ve gathered, he still has a desire to play. It’s largely about getting healthy again. He has a strong passion for his new hobby (fishing). I’m confident he’ll eventually return to play, but we haven’t chatted about the Boomers yet; I’m sure that conversation will happen eventually,” Giddey said.
Simmons, who hasn’t yet played for the Boomers, may find himself running out of time.
Australia currently boasts more than a dozen players in the NBA, with several emerging talents anticipated in the upcoming draft.
Giddey acknowledges that the wealth of young Australian talent presents a selection challenge for new Boomers coach Adam Caporn.
“The incredible thing is that we’re at a juncture where NBA players are on the verge of making the team. That’s unprecedented for Australia. Previously, if you played in the NBA, you were guaranteed a spot on the roster,” Giddey noted.
“Now we have players in the NBA who aren’t guaranteed selection, which presents an exciting situation for our coaching staff. The talent pool is at its highest level ever.”
“These opportunities only arise once every four years, and we aim to seize them.”
Upon arriving back in Australia on Wednesday morning, Giddey was met with the news that Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan has decided to leave the organisation.
Head coach Billy Donovan of the Chicago Bulls conversing with Josh Giddey. Getty
The Chicago Bulls have undergone significant changes in their management over the past year, yet they wished for the veteran coach to remain onboard.
However, Donovan has chosen to step down after six seasons, following another year of missing the playoffs.
When asked about his feelings on Donovan’s decision, Giddey responded, “Yes and no”.
“Ownership publicly supported him, but Billy made his own choice,” Giddey remarked.
“I had great respect for him. I wish he could have stayed on longer. I can only say positive things about my experience with him, and I’ve truly enjoyed the time we shared.”
“This is just part of the industry we’re involved in. I wish him all the best in his future endeavours. I’ll reach out to him soon. He’s a hall of fame coach and will be appreciated wherever he goes.”
This season, Chicago managed just 31 wins, finishing 12th in the Eastern Conference.
Before the trade deadline, the team traded away key players including centre Nikola Vucevic, as well as promising young guards Ayo Dosunmu and Coby White.
Dyson Daniels (L) and Josh Giddey (R) share a moment post-game. NBAE via Getty Images
Giddey, the standout performer for the Bulls this season leading in points, rebounds, and assists, acknowledged that the team lost momentum following the trades.
“Early on, we looked really promising and I genuinely believed we had a playoff-worthy team. However, the trade deadline saw massive changes; we brought in about eight new players or parted ways with that many,” Giddey explained.
“It was a significant adjustment for us, and we effectively had a mini-camp midway through the season to help integrate all these new players into the squad. This year had an enormous number of moving parts.”
“Our general manager and president were let go, and now our head coach has stepped down—it’s been a whirlwind year.”
“Here’s hoping next season we can push for the playoffs and give our fans something to cheer about.”
Next season, the NBL will have a new free-to-air home on Nine, with the league set to feature in primetime on Saturday nights.
Cotton is optimistic that the league has earned this attention.
Bryce Cotton of the 36ers and Kendric Davis of the Sydney Kings during the NBL Grand Final series. Getty
“It’s a fantastic milestone. The league is undeniably growing each year,” he remarked.
“We have garnered respect within the global basketball community, and it feels like the stars are aligning for the league as we are receiving the recognition we’ve rightfully earned. The caliber of players who commit to or join our league further enhances its credibility.”
“Even those players who have no NBA experience contribute to this impressive mix.”
Giddey is equally enthusiastic about the future of the expanding league.
“It’s incredible. The league continues to grow, with more eyes on it. Securing this Channel Nine deal for a Saturday night primetime slot is phenomenal and will undoubtedly draw in more viewers,” he said.
“Attracting talents such as Bryce Cotton and players of his standard will only entice more individuals to pay attention to this league. I’m thrilled for the NBL; they’ve laboured tirelessly to elevate the league to its current status, and it’s gratifying to see a wider audience recognising its success.”
Compiled by SportArena.au.
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