13
Jun
Cotton Fallout
"Shocked": Wagstaff's first reaction to 36ers' Bryce
Perth Wildcats captain Jesse Wagstaff. Photo: James Worsfold/Getty Images
Wildcats captain Jesse Wagstaff reveals his first reaction to learning Bryce Cotton signs with 36ers
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Perth Wildcats captain Jesse Wagstaff admits he was blindsided by five-time NBL MVP Bryce Cotton's decision to sign with the Adelaide 36ers for three years just months after leaving the Western Australian NBL club.
"Pretty shocked," Wagstaff, 39, revealed.
"But I’ve got nothing but love and respect for Bryce. I texted him as soon as I heard the news. I hope the feeling’s mutual.
"I’m probably not still playing if it weren’t for Bryce. My individual success is tied to team success — and Bryce was a huge part of that. I’m forever in his debt.
"I hope he gets welcomed with open arms when he returns."
Cotton, 32, played nine seasons with the Wildcats, winning the league MVP an extraordinary five times and leading the famous club to three NBL championships in 2017, 2019 and 2020.
Wagstaff was on the fence about Bryce's return to Perth and how the Wildcats fans would treat Cotton when the 36ers visited for the first time.
"They can do what they want," Wagstaff said.
"I’m no one’s father… except to my three munchkins.
"But I think the fanbase is forever in Bryce’s debt. What he brought to this club over nine years — it’s unprecedented.
"I stay out of other players’ decisions. People think it’s just about basketball — but it’s also about families, life outside the game.
"It’s not always 100% about basketball. Bryce deserves respect."
Wagstaff and the Wildcats are firmly focused on NBL26 as the club works through signing another star, or two in an effort to over the loss of Cotton.
"When guys like Bryce (leave) or Damo (Damian Martin) retire, you don’t replace — you pivot," Wagstaff said.
"He’s still the best player in the league. We didn’t win every game with him — so he’s not unbeatable — but he is exceptional."
Wildcats boss Mark Arena was tight-lipped about the status of Perth's recruiting process.
"Nothing to announce right now," he said.
"I’ve also seen a lot of commentary about players we’ve never even spoken to.
"A lot of top players we’re speaking with are juggling multiple offers. It’s hard to pinpoint when the next signing will come.
"But we’ll be ready by Round 1. We’re in the global market for talent.
Arena maintains his decision to put a deadline on Cotton to re-sign with the Wildcats, which ultimately lead to the American leaving after the Wildcats were eliminated for the NBL25 playoffs
"Am I happy with how it unfolded? I don’t know if “happy” is the word," Arena admitted.
"But I’ll say this: we believe we did what’s right for the Wildcats.
"It was a collective decision. The buck stops with me, but Bryce had over six months — not three days — to consider things. No regrets.
"Could we have communicated better? Possibly. But this is professional sport — we need to build a roster that can win. And that means building more than just around one person.
"Yes. Bryce is a five-time MVP — he’s irreplaceable. But we’re building a well-rounded roster.
"Europe’s leagues are only just finishing. Japan too.
"You don’t win a title by signing players the fastest. You win it with the best roster by Round 1."
Bryce Cotton's career accolades
- 3× NBL champion (2017, 2019, 2020)
- NBL Cup winner (2021)
- 2× NBL Grand Final MVP (2017, 2020)
- 5× NBL Most Valuable Player (2018, 2020, 2021, 2024, 2025)
- 4× NBL Fans MVP (2019, 2021, 2024, 2025)
- 8× All-NBL First Team (2018–2025)
- 8× NBL scoring champion (2017, 2019–2025)
- NBA D-League All-Star (2015)
- All-NBA D-League Second Team (2015)
- NBA D-League All-Rookie First Team (2015)
- 2× First-team All-Big East (2013, 2014)
- Big East tournament MVP (2014)
