Taipans provide update on Machado’s future

Observations from the Cairns Taipans’ loss to Melbourne United on Thursday night, including an update on import point guard Scott Machado’s future.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 13: Scott Machado of the Taipans shoots under pressure 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)

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Observations from the Taipans’ loss on Thursday night.

1. ANYTHING TO STOP CG43

Combo-guard Mirko Djeric was doing everything he could to slow down Melbourne’s talisman, Chris Goulding.

At one point, Djeric had his back to the basketball and the rest of the play as he faced guarded Goulding.

As a sharp shooter just like Goulding, Djeric would know what annoys him on the defensive end and he made sure he did his best to do that.

With their semi-final hopes on the line, Goulding scored 23 points to help Melbourne defeat the Cairns Taipans.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 13: Shea Ili of United drives to the basket under pressure from Cameron Oliver of the Taipans (R) and Scott Machado of the Taipans 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)

2. OLIVER IS THE SNAKES’ DRAYMOND

Goulding gets another mention here after getting into a scuffle with high-flyer Chris Goulding late in the game.

When asked about the push and shove post-game, Oliver said he was the Taipans’ “Draymond Green”, who has been a leader for the Golden State Warriors over the last few years.

“We are both competitive people and I feel like I am the Draymond Green of this team,” Oliver said.

“If I need to speak up or sacrifice my body, I will do that.”

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 13: Scott Machado of the Taipans chases a loose ball 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)

3. MACHADO’S EXTENSION

Taipans boss Mark Beecroft did an extended interview on radio station SEN pre-game and had this to say about Scott Machado’s potential new deal in FNQ:

“We are doing our best, as we always do,” Beecroft said.

Originally published as Taipans provide update on Machado’s future