Adelaide 36ers fire back at Andrew Bogut’s crisis meeting claims despite leading NBL standings

The NBL has been rocked by a public spat between two of its flagship franchises, with Adelaide 36ers owner Grant Kelley launching a scathing response to Sydney Kings assistant coach Andrew Bogut’s controversial social media claims about internal crisis meetings.

Despite sitting atop the NBL ladder with a 21-8 record, the 36ers have endured a difficult stretch, losing four of their past six games. It was this recent slide that prompted Bogut to take to X with explosive allegations about the club’s leadership.

Bogut’s bombshell sparks fierce backlash

Pretty wild league where the "leaders" of your team meet to chat about firing your Head Coach, whilst you sit in 1st place on the @NBL Ladder, with only a handful of games to go until the playoffs!

NBL – #SEEINCREDIBLE

— Andrew Bogut (@andrewbogut) February 2, 2026

The post immediately drew fire from Adelaide hierarchy, with owner Grant Kelley delivering a pointed response on FIVEAA radio. « I thought it was very unfortunate for an assistant coach of another club to do that, » Kelley said. « It’s not something we would do. We wouldn’t allow our assistant coaches, let alone anyone in the organisation, to comment on another club. »

Kelley revealed that Adelaide had lodged an official complaint with the Kings, who subsequently apologized through their coaching staff – though notably, Bogut himself was not part of the apology. « We actually spoke to the Kings immediately and they’ve undertaken to us that they’ll speak to Andrew, and hopefully we won’t see too much more of this, » Kelley added.

Wells maintains confidence despite external pressure

Coach Mike Wells, at the center of the controversy, remained defiant when addressing the situation. « Their support of me since I took over has been unwavering, » Wells said, referring to the club’s leadership. « I feel very, very supported by those guys. »

When pressed about Bogut’s comments, Wells took the diplomatic route: « I know Andrew Bogut’s a hell of a coach and they’ve done a hell of a job in Sydney. Everybody in this day and age has an opinion and I can only focus on the things that Mike Wells can control. »

Kelley was emphatic in his support for Wells, stating: « Thousand per cent [Mike has our support]. There’s no way that we would do to any coach, let alone to Mike, who has that record, countenance any form of change or switch. » The owner highlighted Adelaide’s historic success this season, noting it represents « the best club record since the Sydney Olympics » and only the fifth time in 44 years the franchise has achieved 20 or more wins.

The controversy is expected to be discussed at the upcoming NBL owners’ meeting, with potential introduction of an ownership code of conduct on the agenda. With playoffs looming and a possible finals clash between the Kings and 36ers, this saga has added another explosive chapter to an already-intense rivalry.