Are the 36ers the most expensive team in league history?

The Adelaide 36ers would have to be the most expensive roster ever assembled in NBL history.

They've opened up the Armaguard truck, the money truck, and I'm not just saying that to troll but this has to be the most expensive salary ever put together in NBL history.

Like everyone, I was shocked about the Bryce Cotton news, it was very shocking. I put a line through him and thought he was going over to Japan just like everyone else did. Then bang, Adelaide swoop.

Then they've followed it up with bringing Montrezl Harrell back. They are clearly going all out on the championship or bust mantra, and credit to them.

In saying that they're the most expensive team in NBL history — they're also going to be very tough to beat with what they have assembled, to date, the most talented team in the NBL this coming season.

We, like most other teams will have our work cut out for us to try and get wins against them. It's absolutely huge to have Bryce back in the league, you want the league MVP's and elite players staying longer term in the NBL. As much as we hate to play against him, scout for him and scheme for him, I love the fact that he's back. You want to retain your best talent, everyone thought he was gone and now he's back, it's sensational.

You can't fault teams for bringing in great talent and people like that. Your Bryce's, your Xavier Cooks', even your Montrezl Harrell's — these kinds of guys you want them in the league.

Now that I'm an assistant coach and Bryce is back, there's a lot of sleepless nights ahead and a lot of video. He's seen every scout under the sun. We've just got to make sure that we do our work and we try to put together a scheme that can help us win.

It's interesting because some teams go the route of let Bryce get, well not let him, but if he's scoring 30 or 35 and we win, who cares? Then some teams go the route of, let's get the ball out of his hands at all costs. So, I don't know if there's a right answer to that. We just got to see what works with our group, what we can do defensively. One thing I do know, Bryce can turn it on in seconds, so you can never let your guard down. Even if he is 0-from-10 to start a game.

But it's easier said than done that job, I'll tell you that.

However it does set up a pretty big matchup when we play the Adelaide 36ers. Especially with KD obviously being in Adelaide last season and that whole rivalry is now going even further. I don’t think it will be quite on the Wildcats vs 36ers levels, but close. That's going to be a real, real good matchup and we welcome the challenge.

They're stacked from one through six, one through seven right now and they still haven't filled their roster.

It’s interesting to see Adelaide and their owner Grant Kelley spending so big this season when there were rumours just 18 months ago that Adelaide was looking to sell. I don't know if this coincides with that, trying to get a good product out before they can sell, but time will tell. I will say you want teams to spend, you want teams to retain talent and they've gone far above and beyond that.

Credit to Adelaide and Grant, it's his money that he's spending and he's trying to win. The fans should have a season to remember!

NBA Champion Andrew Bogut is a columnist and contributor for Basketball.com.au. He is part owner and assistant coach of the Sydney Kings.

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