Free Agency Analysis: Jarrod Kenny Back to Cairns

With free agency underway, NBL Media’s Liam Santamaria is taking a look at each and every signing and breaking down what it all means ahead of #NBL21.

SIGNING SNAPSHOT: JARROD KENNY BACK TO CAIRNS

Signed by: Cairns Taipans

The deal: One year

Age: 34

2019-20 team: Cairns Taipans

2019-20 stats (per game): 3.4 points, 1.1 assists, 42.1 FG%, 36.2 3P% 76.9 FT%

Projected role: Back-up point guard.

Quote: “JK is the whole package and he’s been huge for the Taipans in his two years here.” – Mike Kelly (Cairns Taipans head coach)

My take: This is not a re-signing that’ll create much fanfare but it’s a solid, sensible play by the Taipans. 

Kenny served as a dependable back-up to Scott Machado last season and will play the same role again in NBL21. He’ll also provide something of a steadying influence in the Taipans’ second unit alongside exciting young prospect Mojave King. 

The experienced Kiwi gets the Snakes through their sets, feeds Nate Jawai down low and knocks down open looks on the perimeter. What he does most of all though, is defend. The Taipans were one of the league’s best defensive teams last season and, despite his limited role, Kenny’s contributions at that end of the floor were an integral part of that. It’s also what made him something of a target for Wildcats coach Trevor Gleeson as he searches for a veteran PG to support Mitch Norton in Perth.

With all that in mind, this is a positive step forward for the Snakes. Now…. let’s hear about those imports!