Australian basketball player Josh Giddey believes that NBL champion Bryce Cotton will be essential for the Boomers at the 2027 FIBA World Cup in Qatar. Post-Patty Mills, Australia’s team faces a challenge in finding a scoring guard, lacking the ability to create shots against elite global players. Giddey, alongside Dyson Daniels, Dante Exum, and Jock Landale, acknowledges that while they have solid talent, they need an offensive spark like Cotton, who has earned six NBL MVP awards and became an Australian citizen in 2025.
Cotton’s eligibility to represent Australia at international events follows a frustrating ban from applying for citizenship due to an administrative error, which hindered his participation in the Tokyo and Paris Olympics. As the 2027 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics loom, Giddey expresses his enthusiasm for potentially teaming up with Cotton: “He’d be a top choice for the Boomers, offering a unique offensive style we currently lack.”
Cotton’s interest in representing Australia has waned due to past setbacks, but he remains open to future opportunities. Meanwhile, Mills, who is yet to retire, may still compete in Qatar, though he will be 39 years old and is currently playing in Spain. Giddey notes that the onus is on Mills and veteran Joe Ingles regarding their future with the Boomers, placing confidence in a younger generation ready to step up for Australia.
The Australian basketball landscape is rich with emerging talent, including Ben Simmons, who has recently taken a break from the NBA to focus on his personal interests, such as fishing. Giddey hopes to see Simmons back in the game eventually, as Australia boasts over a dozen basketball players in the NBA and more rising stars in upcoming drafts.
Giddey reflects on the challenges of team selection for new Boomers coach Adam Caporn, highlighting that being a current NBA player does not guarantee a spot on the national team, showcasing the depth and skill of the Australian basketball pool.
Switching gears, Giddey comments on news of changes within the Chicago Bulls organisation, including the departure of coach Billy Donovan, who he found supportive during his time with the team.
Indeed, the NBL has garnered new prominence with Nine becoming its new free-to-air broadcaster, a development welcomed by both Giddey and Cotton, underlining the league’s growth and recognition on the global stage. Cotton emphasises the credibility the league has gained, and both players are optimistic about its future and increased viewership, furthering the excitement surrounding Australian basketball.