NBL Dispute Escalates Between Sydney Kings and Adelaide 36ers
A dispute continues in the NBL following public comments made by Sydney Kings minority owner and assistant coach Andrew Bogut regarding Adelaide's internal leadership. This situation has led to a denial and an official complaint from the Adelaide 36ers, a reported apology from the Kings' coaching staff (excluding Bogut), and potential further action from the league.
Bogut's Comments and Adelaide's Denial
Andrew Bogut posted on X after Adelaide's loss to the South East Melbourne Phoenix, referencing reports of internal "crisis" or "emergency" meetings concerning the future of 36ers head coach Mike Wells. Bogut's post stated:
"Pretty wild league where the ‘leaders’ of your team meet to chat about firing your head coach, whilst you sit in first place on the NBL ladder with only a handful of games to go until the playoffs!"
The 36ers quickly denied the reports of a "crisis meeting" following their 20-point loss to the Phoenix. 9 News Adelaide's Will Crouch reported that 36ers management confirmed the reports were "categorically untrue" and that coach Mike Wells has the full backing of ownership. The 36ers have also filed an official complaint with the Sydney Kings, given Bogut's role as a minority owner.
Kings' Apology and Bogut's Stance
Reports indicate that the Kings' coaching staff, excluding Bogut, has issued an apology directly to 36ers General Manager Matt Weston. Sources close to Fox Sports Australia suggest that Bogut has refused to issue an apology himself.
League Intervention and Code of Conduct
The comments are expected to be addressed at an upcoming NBL owners' meeting later this week. Discussions may include the potential introduction of an ownership code of conduct to prevent similar incidents.
36ers Owner Defends Coach Wells and Team Performance
36ers owner Grant Kelley commented on the situation on The FIVEAA Sports Show, describing Bogut's actions as "very unfortunate" for an assistant coach of another club to make such statements. Kelley stated that the 36ers would not allow their staff to comment on other clubs and that the Kings had committed to speaking with Bogut.
Kelley defended Coach Wells, highlighting the team's record of 21-8, which is their best club record since the year of the Sydney Olympics.
He emphasized the club's full commitment to Wells, stating:
"One thousand per cent. There's no way that we would, to any coach, let alone to Mike, who has that record, you know, countenance any form of change or switch or anything."
Kelley acknowledged recent struggles but reinforced the club's broader direction and objective to contend for the championship this year and build for the future.
Outlook
While the 36ers focus on basketball, a potential finals meeting between the Kings and 36ers, should the ladder standings hold, could intensify their rivalry due to this ongoing dispute.