Zylan Cheatham has re-signed with the Adelaide 36ers for two more seasons which will extend his tenure until 2028. He is averaging 12.3 points, 10.1 rebounds and 4.1 assists while the 36ers sit at the top of the ladder with a 15–4 record.

Anybody who suggested that the 36ers were not the best team on paper at the start of the season was wilding. The acquisition of Bryce Cotton on its own was big. Building around a core of Isaac Humphries and Dejan Vasiljevic was fundamental. Giving Flynn Cameron the opportunity to excel was promising. Getting Montrezl Harrell was major; letting go of Harrell was equally major. Perhaps the sensible decisions elsewhere could have clouded the public opinion of Cheatham’s recruitment. Cheatham was always going to be good.

Cheatham was a known commodity. His stint with the Breakers in 2023–24 showcased what he can do when he was a leading option on a team. Cheatham’s role regressed throughout the season while he had injury problems but that talent never goes anywhere. In addition, he was someone of high character. The 36ers tried to get him in 2024 but he decided to go to Japan. The 36ers signing Cotton in 2025 suddenly made that offer much more appealing and he decided to join.

What has been most special about Cheatham is his sacrifice. To an extent, everybody on the team has had to make some type of adjustment to either their role or playing time this season. It was bound to happen on a team with such an abundance of ability. Vasiljevic has been moved to the bench while Nick Rakocevic is a rare import who also operates in that capacity. NBA veteran Troy Brown Jr. functions purely as a role player. Keanu Rasmussen had flashes of potential last season but he now only receives sporadic minutes. Such buy-in is vital for success and the 36ers have all bought-in. None have done this greater than Cheatham. He does whatever the team needs at that time.

Whether it is rebounding, scoring, passing, defending, hustling or hyping, Cheatham can do it. Any sacrifice that needs to be made and it is made. Cheatham’s scoring is down from his Breakers stint (15.2 to 12.3); his rebounding (6.8 to 10.1), assists (1.2 to 4.1!) and blocks (.2 to .7) are up. That assist count in particular is testament to him; he is averaging a career-high assist total this season. Partnered with the more reserved Cotton, Cheatham is the one speaking out. That energy is contagious. The 36ers now have their best record in recent history.

Cheatham’s re-signing means that he will be here for the rest of Cotton’s current contract and ensures them as partners until 2028. It is the first time that he has re-signed with a team since his NBA G League days which shows he has found a home in Adelaide. When he plays for the 36ers next season, he will be the first 36ers import to re-sign and stay since Ramone Moore in 2018.

Never break up a good thing. Cheatham was a vital acquisition and now he will be a vital retention. No more sleeping on Big Z.