Cotton, Davis rivalry just getting started

While the dust has well and truly settled on the historic NBL26 Championship Series, the rivalry between superstars Bryce Cotton and Kendric Davis is still very much in its infancy.

In their second season competing against one another, Adelaide’s Cotton again claimed the regular-season MVP, his sixth of his NBL career.

But Davis and his Kings had the last laugh during the 2025-26 season, winning the championship following a dramatic Game 5 overtime win at Qudos Bank Arena.

During the recent episode of NBL Now Roundtable, the panel reflected on the building rivalry between the competition’s top players.

“What made this [Championship] Series special was having the two best players in the League. Bryce Cotton and Kendric Davis clearly separated themselves from the rest. They were also on the top two teams,” Rucker said on NBL Now.

“Coming into the Series, I thought Sydney would win three games to one. Instead, what we got was something unforgettable. It exceeded the past three Championship Series, which were also outstanding.

“[No doubt] there is tension [between the two]. Bryce is arguably a top three player in NBL history, Kendric represents a different approach, which can be confronting.

“That contrast elevated the Series. Bryce was even an underdog at times, which is unusual.

“Kendric had arguably the greatest game in Championship [Series] history and backed it up to close out the series.

“Whatever people think of his bravado, he delivers, and Bryce cannot deny Kendric’s greatness [now].”

2001 NBL champion Damon Lowery agreed that ‘contrasting personalities’ is good for the NBL.

“I am all for the bravado and we need contrast,” Lowery said.

“Bryce is polished and clinical. Kendric is new and raw. Over time he may change, but right now that contrast is good for the League.

“[But] for a rivalry to exist, both sides have to beat each other. Bryce’s body of work is unmatched, so it is different.

“On a season to season level, these two could compete for MVPs and championships for years.

“It is a friendly rivalry built on competition, not disrespect.”

One player that knows Cotton better than most is former Wildcats teammate Casey Prather, who is excited to see the pair trade blows in the coming seasons.

“Having the two best players going head-to-head was incredible to watch [this season],” Prather said.

“They are competitors, and Bryce will never let it get personal.

“As long as they share the League, it is a rivalry.

“Kendric is chasing what Bryce has achieved. Any time they are on the same court, it is a rivalry to me.”

Cotton is signed with the Adelaide 36ers through the end of the NBL28 season, while Davis headlines the Free Agency pool for the coming campaign.

The NBL27 Free Agency period opens at 9am AEST on Friday, April 17.