Cairns face tricky NBL import decision

A former Cairns Taipans captain believes a high-flying American may be pushed out of the side with the NBL to limit teams to just two imports next season.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 15: Cameron Oliver of the Taipans warms up before the round 20 NBL match between the Brisbane Bullets and the Cairns Taipans at Nissan Arena on February 15, 2020 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Jono Searle/Getty Images)

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A former Taipans captain believes high-flying American Cameron Oliver may be pushed out of the side with the NBL to limit teams to just two imports next season.

Clubs will lose a roster spot and an import position after a pay-cut deal was struck between the NBL and the Australian Basketball Players’ Association for the 2020-21 season.

In a perfect world, the Snakes’ three award-winning Americans, Scott Machado, DJ Newbill and Oliver would all be keen to come back for another campaign, with the club then needing to make the call on which of the two they would prefer.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 13: Cameron Oliver of the Taipans rebounds the ball against Mitch McCarron of United during the round 20 NBL match between Melbourne United and the Cairns Taipans at Melbourne Arena on February 13, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Forward Oliver has recently signed a short-term deal in Israel, which is unlikely to impact his NBL prospects for next season, while Machado has remained in FNQ since the season ended, regularly trying his hand at water skiing at Lake Tinaroo.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 13: Cameron Oliver of the Taipans drives to the basket under pressure from Shawn Long of United (L) and Mitch McCarron of United during the round 20 NBL match between Melbourne United and the Cairns Taipans at Melbourne Arena on February 13, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Former Cairns captain Cameron Tragardh thinks incumbent co-captain Newbill and NBL fans MVP Machado need to remain, with Oliver making way.

“People might think I am crazy, but I think you would need to leave out Oliver if you could get all three,” Tragardh said.

“He was elite, he was the surprise package of the season, but his price tag is going to be huge.

“You do not win championships with big guys – you need your point guard locked in and you need to back up the money truck for Machado.

“Machado is the key and I think you can still get Newbill about the right price.”

The Taipans are hopeful of retaining the All-NBL second team member when the next Australian season starts, with Oliver’s agent declaring on social media that the big man was set to “experience a few weeks in Israel”.

Chris Goulding of United makes fun of Cameron Oliver of the Taipans during a scuffle during the Round 20 NBL match between the Melbourne United and the Cairns Taipans at Melbourne Arena in Melbourne, Thursday, February 13, 2020. (AAP Image/Michael Dodge)

“Cameron Oliver signing in Israel is not unlike any other NBL off-season, where players take up opportunities overseas,” club chief executive Mark Beecroft told 7 News Cairns in a statement.

“It is our understanding that the Israeli Super League will be one of the first basketball competitions to return this year.

“We always keep in touch with our players, off contract or not, and continue to engage with Cam and his agent regarding the upcoming NBL season – which start date is still yet to be confirmed.”

Tragardh pointed to former Brisbane Bullet Matt Hodgson as a perfect replacement if Oliver was to depart, with Hodgson recently opting out of his contract following the NBL’s change in pay structure.

Hodgson was set to play for Rockhampton in the NBL1 North, before it was cancelled.

Originally published as Cairns face tricky NBL import decision