Is Cotton The Greatest Import Ever?

The more Bryce Cotton continues to ply his trade in the NBL, the more he becomes a factor in the ‘greatest of all-time’ import discussions around the league.

With his trio of championships and MVP Awards, along with his five All-NBL First Team selections and scoring titles, Cotton has been a dominant force in the league since he touched down in Perth for the first time in 2017.

Speaking on NBL Overtime, former league MVP Corey Williams says Cotton’s introduction into the league is one of the biggest moments in recent history.

“Since I’ve been here there’s been two things I can point out that have been exceptional for this league; LaMelo Ball coming to this league brought exposure the league would not have reached up until that point. Bryce Cotton signing two-three year deals [is the other],” Williams said.

“If I was playing in this league today, there’s no other player in this league I would lose sleep for having to defend the next day. Bryce Cotton is that guy, that’s how far above the rest he is.

“If Bryce Cotton leaves there’s a gap so big to fill as a far as players that put the standard to the elite level with the team he plays for.”

While Andrew Gaze often earns comparisons as the Michael Jordan of the NBL, Liam Santamaria has gone as far as to compare Cotton to LeBron James for his impact on this generation of the competition, regardless of whether he can become the consensus pick for greatest ever import.

“He is like the LeBron James of the league. He may not be the GOAT, because you’ve got Leroy (Loggins) and you’ve got Drewy (Gaze) and guys like that,” Santamaria said.

“Bryce is the LeBron because he’s the best of this era and he has the respect. Rayjon Tucker comes in and he wants to say some big, loud things, but did you see what he said?

“He’s not going to go out there and say ‘I’m better than Bryce’ … you’ve got to show the respect.”

Santamaria is alluding to Tucker’s lofty comments of stating he’s the best new import in the competition ... a statement that’s earned mixed reviews from fans across the country. Some perceive it as confidence. Others, well, perhaps a little too much confidence. 

Williams, looking straight down the barrel of the NBL Overtime camera, delivered a message to United’s new star import.

“Now it’s pre-season … I love your confidence and that’s how you’re meant to come into the league, that way,” Williams said.

“You [haven’t] won a game yet in pre-season. Make sure you get them (sic) wins. Scoring buckets is one thing, wins need to go with that. Good luck to you.”