Retaining Trimble has to be Taipans’ priority
WITH six games to go in NBL season 2018-19, today we can take a look at some areas the Cairns Taipans will focus on as they build for next campaign. The recruitment Trimble
Trimble has been an offensive revelation this year for the Snakes.
He’s scored, assisted, created and has done so with impressive shooting numbers.
He has proven durable and of Melo has largely appeared to fit in with the team culture.
The Taipans will want some roster continuity moving forward and they need to sell Melo on the idea of returning.
Winning games will strengthen their case and that pitch needs to start now. Understanding the value of DJ Newbill
Personally, I think the logjam of guards, the high usage of Trimble and the focus on trying to get something out of Devon Hall has generally meant that Newbill’s role has been more limited than it should have been.
The recent Breakers game was an example of what he can produce as a do-it-all offensive player. Is Newbill the right Robin to Trimble’s Batman for the future?
Thursday’s game in New Zealand would suggest so and the Snakes will look to confirm that as they think about continuity and player retention. Solving the shooting
For a roster predicated on shot-making ability, the Taipans have been disappointing.
The poor shooting can be a product of bad shooters taking shots, good shooters missing open shots or the outcome of your offence being shots which are contested and have a high degree of difficulty.
If it’s style and shot selection, then that's coaching and decision making, which can both be addressed over the last six. At this point, “winning” will be valued differently for the Taipans as they look to continue making incremental improvements.