The Dribble Podcast: Perth Wildcats star Bryce Cotton talks about NBA 10-day contracts

Perth Wildcats superstar Bryce Cotton doesn’t believe it is realistic for NBL players to receive offers to join the NBA under 10-day contracts as part of the rules to avoid postponements when players test positive to COVID-19. The NBA has extended its deadline for 10-day hardship contracts to February 17 as teams fight through the pandemic. American based former NBL players have received NBA opportunities in recent weeks but Cotton said his agent hadn’t been approached and he doesn’t think that will change. “I haven’t talked about it at all,” Cotton told The West Australian’s The Dribble Podcast. “With COVID, I think it’s very different. With travelling, to get back to America, I’m not sure how they would work out. Considering how guys drop like flies now in the NBA with COVID, they’d probably want someone that is easily accessible. “I don’t know how likely that would be for a player from the NBL. I’m sure it’s possible, but I just don’t know how likely that would be.” Cotton has previously played in the NBA under 10-day deals and famously rejected a short term offer to play for Atlanta to focus on winning a championship with the Wildcats. While Australian basketball fans shake their heads wondering why Cotton hasn’t had more NBA opportunities despite winning three NBL MVP awards, the 29-year-old said he’d come to terms with being overlooked. “In my first year or two outside of the NBA, I was very bothered by it because I didn’t understand why I wasn’t in there any more,” he said. “I didn’t feel like I played myself out of the position. But looking at it now in hindsight, it’s an immature way to perceive that situation because in life, sometimes things aren’t going to make sense and you don’t have control over everything.” Cotton will play his 150th game for the Wildcats on Saturday, adding another milestone to a brilliant career in Perth. He is certain to be named in the Wildcats’ 40th anniversary team in the coming weeks after a 10-man selection panel was announced on Wednesday. Cotton’ explained his Australian success has been inspired by memories of struggling to get noticed at every other level. “It has contributed completely to my drive,” he said. “I was doubted at every level and if Providence hadn’t offered me a (college) scholarship, I’d still be in Tucson right now. That’s something I’ve never taken for granted. “I look back at where I started and how hard it was for me to advance to every level – I just always want to push myself to make sure I make this ride go as long as it can because I don’t want to come this far just to get complacent and then kick my feet up.’

The Dribble Podcast: Perth Wildcats star Bryce Cotton talks about NBA 10-day contracts

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