The upcoming NBL27 season is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory, and at the heart of this excitement is the MVP race. Personally, I think what makes this season so fascinating is the sheer unpredictability of it all. Last year, we saw Bryce Cotton edge out Kendric Davis by a mere two votes—a margin so slim it could’ve been decided by a single game. But this year? It’s anyone’s game, and that’s what makes it so compelling.
One thing that immediately stands out is the influx of new talent. Cole Anthony, a 367-game NBA veteran, has joined Melbourne United, and his presence alone has shifted the dynamics of the league. What many people don’t realize is that Anthony’s impact isn’t just about his skill—it’s about the narrative he brings. He’s a player who’s used to the spotlight, and if he decides to take on a dominant role, he could very well rewrite the MVP conversation. But here’s the kicker: Melbourne United’s roster is so deep that even if Anthony is the best player on the court, he might not get the MVP nod. As Chris Anstey pointed out, with stars like Chris Goulding and Luke Travers sharing the load, it’s unlikely any single player will dominate the stats sheet night after night.
From my perspective, this raises a deeper question: does the MVP award inherently favor players on less balanced teams? If you take a step back and think about it, Kendric Davis’s case is a perfect example. He’s lost key teammates like Jaylin Galloway and Tim Soares, which means he’ll likely have to carry a heavier burden this season. Lanard Copeland’s take on this is particularly insightful—he believes Davis has a chip on his shoulder, and with Brian Goorjian handing him the keys to the team, he’s in prime position to shine. But is that enough to secure the MVP?
What this really suggests is that the MVP race isn’t just about individual talent—it’s about circumstance. Bryce Cotton, for instance, has Trevor Gleeson as his new coach and a roster that’s largely unchanged from last year’s championship runner-up. Mark Worthington’s argument that Cotton could equal Andrew Gaze’s record with a seventh MVP is hard to ignore. But here’s where it gets interesting: even if Cotton wins, the debate about his legacy compared to Gaze’s will continue. Copeland, who played alongside Gaze, insists that no one can compare to the league’s ‘GOAT.’ This isn’t just about stats—it’s about the era, the impact, and the cultural significance of a player.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the mention of Skylar Mays as a dark horse candidate. South East Melbourne coach Josh King believes Mays has the potential to be an MVP-type player, citing his NBA and European experience. If you ask me, this is the kind of under-the-radar story that could make the season truly memorable. Mays isn’t a household name yet, but if he lives up to King’s expectations, he could be the breakout star of NBL27.
If you take a step back and think about it, this season is less about who will win the MVP and more about what the MVP award represents. Is it about consistency, like Cotton? Is it about stepping up in the face of adversity, like Davis? Or is it about making a splash in a new league, like Anthony or Mays? Personally, I think the beauty of this season lies in the fact that there’s no clear answer.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how it reflects the broader evolution of the NBL. The league is no longer just a destination for aging stars or overlooked talent—it’s a platform for players to redefine their careers. Cole Anthony, for instance, could use this season to prove he still has what it takes to dominate at the highest level. Similarly, Kendric Davis could finally shake off the runner-up label and cement his legacy.
In my opinion, the real MVP of NBL27 might not be a player at all—it could be the league itself. By attracting talent like Anthony and fostering homegrown stars like Davis and Cotton, the NBL is positioning itself as a global basketball powerhouse. This season isn’t just about individual accolades; it’s about the league’s rise to prominence.
As we head into the season opener on September 19, with Melbourne United hosting Cotton and the 36ers, I can’t help but feel like we’re on the cusp of something special. This isn’t just another season—it’s a turning point. And whether it’s Cotton, Davis, Anthony, or someone completely unexpected who takes home the MVP trophy, one thing is certain: NBL27 is going to be unforgettable.
