Adelaide 36ers star Zylan Cheatham is arguably the most athletic player in the NBL. It’s rare that he doesn’t feature on the highlight reel after each game.
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Beyond the flashy plays, Cheatham has proven to be one of the most selfless players in the league this season - a key reason behind Adelaide’s strong start.
From college to the NBA, and then Europe and Japan, the well-traveled Cheatham recently sat down with foxsports.com.au to discuss his new role, his current environment, and what it’s like playing under Head Coach Mike Wells.
At just 29 years old, Cheatham, who originates from Phoenix, Arizona, has already gained extensive experience both internationally and in the NBA. Although he went undrafted in 2019, he earned a valuable opportunity when he signed a two-way contract with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Just four months later, Cheatham made his NBA debut against the Miami Heat, facing off against stars like Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. In 14 minutes of play, he contributed two points, three rebounds, and an assist, showcasing his potential on the big stage.
The taste of NBA-level competition fueled Cheatham’s motivation as he spent the next four years competing in the NBA G-League. He played for teams including the Iowa Wolves (Minnesota Timberwolves), Birmingham Squadron (New Orleans Pelicans), and Salt Lake City Stars (Utah Jazz).
Through relentless hard work and determination to return to the NBA, Cheatham earned a 10-day contract with the Utah Jazz under the COVID-Related Hardship Exception. Although he appeared in just one game and played for only five minutes, he once again proved to himself that he has what it takes to compete at the highest level of basketball.
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Seeking a bigger role and greater opportunities, Cheatham took his talents to Europe, signing with one of the world’s premier clubs, Bayern Munich.
In 19 appearances, he averaged 8.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game - performances that put him firmly on the radar of teams worldwide.
Impressed by Cheatham’s resume, the New Zealand Breakers signed him to a one-year deal for the NBL24 season.
During his time with the Breakers, Cheatham was the team’s third-leading scorer, behind Parker Jackson-Cartwright and Anthony Lamb. Unfortunately, a fractured foot just four games into the season sidelined him for two months.
In 17 appearances, he averaged 15.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and shot an efficient 50.9% from the field - an impressive display of his offensive abilities at this level. He parted ways with the club at the end of the season.
Before joining the Adelaide 36ers in the off-season, Cheatham played in Japan’s B.League for the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins.
Cheatham said it was a “great time” and that while there was “definitely some adjustment period” early, it “ended up being one of my better seasons”.
In 60 appearances for Nagoya, Cheatham averaged 12.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists.
“Obviously we [Nagoya] didn’t make the playoffs and do the things that we planned on doing but personally for me, just getting adjusted to the Japanese culture, getting that experience of playing with guys that don’t speak the same language as me and being in the heat of battle with that, it was an experience for me,” he said.
“Personally, it felt good to play every game and never miss a practice. That’s something I kind of pride myself on. So it was a successful season for me.”
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Cheatham’s decision to return to the NBL was driven by his feeling of being disrespected during his time with the New Zealand Breakers, especially after missing out on All-NBL Team honours.
“That really didn’t sit well with me, and then not making any All NBL teams and not really getting, I felt, the respect I deserved in the league, it kind of put that fire in my belly. I wanted to come back because I have unfinished business,” he said in an interview with CODE Sports.
Now with the Adelaide 36ers, Cheatham joins a roster featuring Bryce Cotton - arguably the greatest import in NBL history - along with sharpshooter Dejan Vasiljevic and dominant big man Isaac Humphries. With so much talent around him, Cheatham has embraced a new role and spoke about the shift in his responsibilities.
“Obviously it’s very different,” he said.
“Each season offers different things, you know, and each team and each organisation, each coaching staff is obviously different. So the make-up of our team this year is just different than the other years. And my expectations are a little bit different.
“Obviously, we have guys that pretty much carry the majority of the scoring load with Bryce being the head of that for me.”
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Cheatham has thrived with the 36ers. (Photo by Sarah Reed/Getty Images)
Cheatham has thrived with the 36ers. (Photo by Sarah Reed/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Early into the season, Cheatham boasts a plus/minus of +62 - clear evidence of his impact when on the court. He’s currently rebounding at career-best levels, averaging 10.5 rebounds per game - one of just three players in the league averaging 10+ boards.
“In these first six games, it’s just been expected of me to pretty much rebound,” he said.
“And I mean, to be that guy defensively and be that connector and be that piece that keeps everything going. For me, my mentality is just always do anything to win. Whatever my teammates expect of me, whatever my coaching staff needs of me, that’s what I’m gonna do.”
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A major factor in Cheatham’s decision to sign with Adelaide was Head Coach Mike Wells, whose leadership style clearly resonated with him.
“He [Wells] brings energy to the gym every time he walks in there. He is just a very charismatic, high energy type of guy,” Cheatham said.
“I mean he’s coached in the NBA for years, and in that time he’s gained skills in terms of being a player’s coach and kind of being able to relate to guys.
“Even as far as the basketball side goes, being able to listen to your players and understand that it’s not just one baseline way of doing everything, you know, you have different teams, different players, different abilities and different talents. And his job is to find ways to maximise that.
“He is definitely a player’s coach. He is just a good guy in general. As a basketball player, as a competitor, those are guys you want to play for.”
Cheatham celebrates a win. (Photo by Sarah Reed/Getty Images)
Cheatham celebrates a win. (Photo by Sarah Reed/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
This Sunday, Melbourne United will host Adelaide in what’s shaping up to be the biggest game of the season so far. The top two teams in the league will battle it out in what many see as a preview of finals basketball.
Cheatham gave insight into the 36ers’ mindset heading into the marquee clash.
“I think it’s important for us to try to approach every game the same way and try to prepare similarly, build those consistent habits and go about our season,” he said.
“I mean, I would be lying to you to tell you that we don’t want to knock off the top team. You look at the standings and you see a team in front of you and then you see that you have that team on the schedule.
“That is a game that you want to win being that they haven’t lost to anyone yet. I would love for us to be the first.”