Adelaide have a scoring problem that Bryce Cotton cannot solve on his own. The 36ers enter Friday’s trip to New Zealand with the NBL’s lowest scoring average, and their designated sharpshooter, John Jenkins III, has cleared 13 points just once this season. For a team sitting ninth at 4–5, that is an awkward return from a player recruited to stretch defences.
The discussion has moved beyond missed jumpers. On NBL Roundtable, former league MVP Derek Rucker argued that Adelaide need Jenkins involved in more than catch-and-shoot possessions. Three-time Olympian Brad Newley offered a different reading: spot-up shooting is precisely Jenkins’ game, so the 36ers may need another creator rather than expecting him to become one. Both views expose the same issue. Adelaide’s attack needs another dependable way to manufacture a good shot when Cotton draws attention.
Cotton is averaging 27.4 points and 7.1 assists, according to the Breakers’ match preview. That production is formidable, but the offence still has to function when opponents load up on him or when he sits. Jenkins can punish that attention with his shooting; he cannot be asked to fix every stalled possession merely by taking more difficult attempts. A cleaner catch, a better screen or a second ball-handler getting into the paint may do as much for his output as a change in his own shot selection.
Adelaide are also short of options. The NBL’s Friday depth chart lists Flynn Cameron out with an ankle injury, Matt Kenyon with a back problem and Bul Kuol with an ACL injury. Those absences reduce the flexibility available to coach Trevor Gleeson, particularly around the wings and secondary creation. Jenkins is listed in the shooting-guard rotation, but the published chart is not a guarantee of his eventual minutes or starting role.
There is some reason to resist writing off the Sixers. In the club’s pre-match update, Gleeson pointed to wins away to Tasmania and Sydney before a poor first half against South East Melbourne. He believes the side has improved since New Zealand beat Adelaide 88–72 on 4 October. The problem is turning good stretches into four consistent quarters, especially against a Breakers team that has won both its Spark Arena games this season.
Friday’s rematch starts at 5pm ACDT (7.30pm in Auckland), with Adelaide then hosting Brisbane on Sunday. That two-game Round 7 schedule matters to SuperCoach managers, but Jenkins’ opportunity depends on role and minutes as much as fixtures. He is a player to watch for a change in shot quality and involvement, not someone whose fantasy rebound can be assumed because a pundit has called for it.
The simplest test comes when New Zealand force the ball out of Cotton’s hands. If Jenkins gets clean looks and Adelaide keep moving, the 36ers have another route to points. If every possession ends with a hurried jumper, the issue will look much bigger than one import’s scoring column.
Comments