Bogut blames roster construction for poor Perth start

Former NBL MVP Andrew Bogut says Perth’s NBL24 struggles are likely a product of the club's roster construction around star import Bryce Cotton.  

After 35 consecutive years of making the NBL post-season, the Wildcats' streak came to an end under Scott Morrison in NBL22, before they scraped into the play-in last season under John Rillie.

After a disappointing 2-5 start going into Round 6, fans and pundits have been trying to identify what the issues may be out West. But on his podcast, Bogut explained he believes the roster surrounding Cotton may be the issue above everything else. 

“Bryce Cotton is having one of his worst seasons in memory,” Bogut said on the Rogue Bogues podcast. 

“He’s an elite, elite import. One of the best of all time, but not fitting in well. He’s shooting 29 per cent from the field for the season. He just can’t get it going.”

Related: Who’s to blame for Perth’s fall?

Bogut explained he doesn’t necessarily blame the coach John Rillie or the system, but the personnel around Cotton do not complement him like past campaigns.

“The roster constructed isn’t great in my opinion,” he said.

“The reason why I think Bryce is shooting a poor percentage is that he struggles to play with other very talented players that are offensive-minded. 

“Because he’s a guy who likes to shoot a lot ... you look historically when Bryce Cotton has played his best basketball, Mitch Norton and Damian Martin – two guards who are not going to shoot the ball. They are going to do everything they can to facilitate for Bryce.” 

With a new-look back court that features import Jordan Usher and the Webster brothers, the Wildcats have plenty of scoring options in the guard positions, with Bogut explaining that it doesn’t allow Cotton as much room to warm up during the game and unleash in the fourth quarter. 

“I think Bryce is struggling to play with other very good players,” Bogut said. 

“He’s not a role player, he’s a guy who needs the ball, and when he has bad shooting nights or seasons he needs to find his way out of that by getting more shots. Now you don’t have Damian Martin, Mitch Norton, those guys who are happy to give up their shots to continue to find you. 

“I think that’s been a huge issue. They have a lot of offensively minded guys, they don’t have guys play a role and that’s about how you’ve constructed the roster.”

Despite the poor start, Bogut has optimism that the Wildcats can turn it around if Cotton can find his MVP-level consistency. 

“I think they are still a very proud club and a great fanbase that is passionate,” he said. 

“I think Bryce will find it eventually, he’s that good of a player. But to solely blame one person for their demise right now is a bit harsh.”

Can the Wildcats turn their season around? Watch Perth host the Adelaide 36ers on Saturday at 8:00pm AEDT Live on ESPN via Kayo Sports.