Ask Loughz: Taipans in playoff hunt

In the second “Ask Loughz” of the new NBL season, retired Cairns Taipans champion Alex Loughton answers all the big questions about the Far North club.

Scott Machado of the Taipans is challenged by Sek Henry of the Breakers during NBL Round 5 match between New Zealand Breakers and Cairns Taipans at Spark Arena, Auckland, New Zealand, Thursday, October 31, 2019. (AAP Image/David Rowland)

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The Snakes have started the season on the road mostly with a home stand coming up. After seeing the first seven games now, what are your expectations for the rest of the campaign?

I believe 16 wins gets you in a log jam come playoffs, 17 wins will secure fourth place. Taipans need to hold serve at home for 11/14 home games which reduces the number of road wins needed to six to reach 17 wins total.

With one loss at home already, there’s not much wiggle room to move.

They will have to convert five of nine remaining road games into W’s.

Thomas Abercrombie of the Breakers and DJ Newbill of the Taipans go for a loose ball during NBL Round 5 match between New Zealand Breakers and Cairns Taipans at Spark Arena, Auckland, New Zealand, Thursday, October 31, 2019. (AAP Image/David Rowland)

Momentum is a huge thing and three home games in a row could be just the catalyst to kickstart a purple patch.

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But I still believe they have a chance at top four

I know you are liking the energy Mirko Djeric is bringing from the bench. What have you seen from the guard this season that has you pleased?

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – OCTOBER 31: Cameron Oliver of the Taipans grabs a rebound during the round five NBL match between the New Zealand Breakers and the Cairns Taipans at Spark Arena on October 31, 2019 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)

Mirko is a hard worker and finds other ways to contribute if he is not getting many open looks to launch from range.

There may need to be focus on always getting him a look early when he first subs in so he can dial in and download the coordinates of the hoop for the next shot.

Scott Machado has impressed most so far. How does he compare to past Taipans point guards?

Machado is a more complete player than Scottie Wilbekin.

Wilbekin is a better scorer and quicker overall laterally and up and down the floor, but Machado plays with poise and puts the defence into submission when he comes off on balls by keeping them on his back, which allows him to asses the big helping and rise up or attack further.

He will also find the open man or kick the ball ahead into space for players to run onto it.

I am comparing a 28-year-old Machado to a fresh faced 21-year-old Wilbekin of course but the way Machado involves teammates makes him the perfect complement to athletic group.

If you have a question for Loughz about the Cairns Taipans season — email [e-mail] and we will get the club legend to answer it.

Originally published as Ask Loughz: Taipans in playoff hunt