By JOSH NEWMAN
Special to ZAGSBLOG
Nothing is guaranteed for Scott Machado right now and he knows it.
The former Iona College star point guard will play in the Vegas Summer League for the Golden State Warriors and will go to training camp with them in October, but will do so on a one-year, non-guaranteed contract worth just under $789,000.
With nothing to chance following a rookie season that saw him go undrafted followed by stints with the Houston Rockets, Warriors and multiple D-League visits in between, Machado will focus on his NBA career and leave representing his country for another day.
The 6-foot-1, 205-pound Queens native told SNY.tv on Monday evening that he is unlikely to play for Brazil this summer at the FIBA Americas Championship, which runs from August 30-September 11 in Venezuela. The top four finishers there qualify for next summer’s FIBA World Cup, which is the new name for what used to be the FIBA World Championship.
“His first priority is to make the Warriors,” a source close to the situation told SNY.tv on Monday evening. “Have to sacrifice National Team.”
The Haggerty Award winner, MAAC Player of the Year and NCAA leader in assists as a senior in 2012 is arguably in an advantageous position as the backup point guard position in Oakland may be up for grabs.
Jarrett Jack averaged 12.9 points and 5.6 assists in 79 games for the Warriors in a season that saw him emerge as a Sixth Man of the Year candidate. His play has likely earned him a long-term deal and a raise on the $5.58 million he made this season, the final one on his current deal.
If Jack does not stick around after the Warriors offer him their mid-level exception, that backup spot behind incumbent Steph Curry could be there for the taking.
Machado signed a 10-day contract with the Warriors on April 7, was promptly sent down to the Santa Cruz Warriors of the D-League and was ultimately signed by the Warriors for the rest of the season on April 17. He saw action in five playoff games for the Warriors, who were eliminated in the Western Conference semifinals by the San Antonio Spurs in six games.
“That was a very valuable experience,” Machado said. “I’ve never played in in such a wonderfdul atmosphere, being part of the NBA playoffs at that. The NCAA Tournament was wonderful, but the NBA playoffs was a whole different notch. It’s everyone’s dream and I was front and center being able to help my team.”
