Don't know much about him, but looking at his stats looks like a spot up shooter? Hell of a backcourt for Cairns though, and they're looking sneaky good on paper.

One of the best long-range shooting rosters the NBL has ever seen

If Jawai can find some form (any form will do) and Lucas Walker can stay fit, Cairns are going to be a problem. The only thing I question for them is their bench depth. I don't really think Rob Loe, Jarryd Kenny or Kuany Kuany are any good.

Yeah, if Jawai stays healthy and Walker plays like he did early-season for Perth, that's a potentially scary roster. Even if Jawai misses some games, I think you can do worse than Loe, although rebounding is going to be a question mark. Kuany Kuany is an unknown quality, and DKD hasn't really had consistent opportunity to show what he can do. I guess Heuir is not returning? Always felt like he was on the verge of taking the next step towards being a consistent bench contributor.

I guess that means Cairns are rolling out:

PG: Melo Trimble / Jarrod Kenny
SG: DJ Newbill / Kuany / DKD
SF: Devon Hall / Kuany / DKD
PF: Walker / Loughton / Young
C: Jawai / Loe / Young

Outside of the question marks at backup SG/SF, I like it. I'm sure Fearne is probably pissed that they finally sign 3 solid imports right after they axe him, though.

Team is now set, this would be my choice for rotation:

Loe / Jawai
Walker / Loughton / Young
Hall / Kuany
Newbill / DKD
Trimble / Kenny

Kuany to get absolutely no minutes and effectively be 11th man with the SF spot to be rotated through with Hall / Newbill / Walker / Loughton depending on matchups.

If Melo can be the on court general and not give up too many turnovers then this squad could cause a lot of issues.

Rebounding does seem like an issue but didn't Waxy get like 16 rebounds in a game vs Adelaide last year, if he can bring that hunger and supposedly they will play more up tempo(when Jawai is resting) then this will be a fun and dangerous team.

I love that Young is the 5th big guy on the roster and I'd definitely be giving him minutes as at worst you know he is gonna play his heart out.

Is Huier young enough to still be a DP as I think he is underrated but so is DKD (when his shot drops)

Calling it now, Trimble/Newbill/Hall best import trio in the L

http://www.nbadraft.net/players/devon-hall

anyone else notice that Devon Hall played college ball at Virginia, the same place that picked up Kody Stattman? they sent a couple of guys over last year to scout him, either during during preseason or right at the end of the Qbl season. remember seeing a guy in a Virginia cavs shirt at the fishtank sat next to Fearney the whole game..

not sure whether to read anything into this other than it can't have hurt the taipans to have had someone come over and see the program they run up here whe they were trying to talk Devon into the job.

Equalisation tax? Where was this mentioned?

Cairns have assembled a half decent squad in the end. Barring injuries, I don't think the league is going to be as lop sided as some people are suggesting.

I think Taipans will push for a top 4 spot

anon - maybe a reference to this article? http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/aap/article-5645641/NBL-wont-outgrow-Taipans-boss.html

Same article appeared in several online sources, so it could be a Taipans press release. Doesn't quote Beecroft saying anything about receiving equalization tax though, so may not be what Anonymous was referring to.

Impressive signings.

But- will the kids live up to expectations against the pros? Big question.

Other questions:
- Kelly as a coach.
- Can Jawai get fit and then stay healthy?

If there's positive answers to these questions, Cairns will indeed be strong, and might make a mockery of those who have suggested a huge gulf between the big spending clubs and the rest.

Nate Jawaii has not had an injury free season since coming back to the NBL.
Even in his most successful season he was constantly injured, so much so people were suggesting he should miss the GF game 2 in NZ (and concede the loss) to be fit back in Perth for Game 3.

Based on the trend so far, it is reasonable to think the trend will continue. This leaves the front court potentially thin if Loe is the 5 and Loughton takes some time at the 5 as well.

That said this team looks good on paper.

I'm guaranteeing a top 4 finish for this team

Haha, Manu here we are again. Bragging rights wager you and me, I say Taipans are no chance of making finals, and will almost certainly finish bottom 2, are we on?

If (or when) Jawai gets hurt, here's the Cairns bench, good luck with that.

Young
Loughton
Kuany
Dexter
Kenny

"anon - maybe a reference to this article? http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/aap/article-5645641/NBL-wont-outgrow-Taipans-boss.html

Same article appeared in several online sources, so it could be a Taipans press release. Doesn't quote Beecroft saying anything about receiving equalization tax though, so may not be what Anonymous was referring to."

Thanks Peter John. Does not really give specifics but nice article.

I'm sure Fearne was on more money than Kelly too.

thanks Anonymous. I found the original source for the excerpt in the other thread. It's from a long article here:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-07-26/regional-teams-not-bothered-by-rich-city-cousins-spending-spree/7649052

Oh, and the article is 2 years old. i.e., prior to last season. So the quotes were referring to the expectation of a luxury tax redistribution.

Well obviously if the same anonymous poster repeats it enough times, it must be true.

Cairns is a cobble of ageing rejects. They won't make the finals because they simply can't last the distance.

Illawarra looks similar, but I'd still back Bevo over Kelly.

Cairns are still rubbish.
Love Manu's sense of humour though.