[1] Cotton was born in Los Angeles, California, and played basketball at Artesia High School in Lakewood before transferring to St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower.

He was used sparingly by the Sonics over two seasons until he and Hersey Hawkins were involved in a player trade to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Brent Barry on August 12, 1999.

Cotton was waived by the Bulls prior to the commencement of the 1999–2000 NBA season.

He also played with the West Sydney Razorbacks in the Australian National Basketball League.

Cotton's younger brother, Schea, also became a pro basketball player.