Lee’s winning edge lifts 'all-in' Taipans

Marcus Lee is no stranger to success, with 82 NBL games under his belt, 53 wins, and consecutive trips to the Championship Series.

Adam Forde believes that winning pedigree makes the big man an ideal fit for Cairns.

“Since he's (Lee) come into the league, he's made an immediate impact,” the Taipans coach said.

“He came in midway through the season for Melbourne when they were outside of the top six at that time … and when he was injected into that team, they started winning the second half of the year.

“Then he wins a Championship, then he's in a grand final series last year.”

The 30-year-old is widely respected across the league for his defensive impact on the court, as well as his leadership and cultural influence off it.

“I’m definitely excited, I love being in the NBL in general,” Lee said.

“It’s nice that … you have a vet as an import.

“It’s a very good thing to kind of be that voice and be that comfortability for everybody on the court.”

The 6’11” big man drew interest from several teams during the off-season, but said Forde and the Taipans’ pitch made his decision straightforward.

“It wasn't much. I mean, it's not hard to get somebody here,” Lee said.

“Just the way he's (Forde) planning to do great things in the next couple years, and he made it pretty simple.

“It's always easy when you got a guy like Jack McVeigh that you signed days before calling me. So, it was easy.”

Lee will be among the most seasoned players on a Cairns roster traditionally known for its youth and development.

“I'm really excited about my role. Just the fact that, like I said again, the ability to speak out and kind of be in that leadership role is a big thing for me,” he added.

“Being one of the oldest, which is rare … last year I was in the middle, but still in the older kind of leadership group, but now it's kind of like I'm one of the oldest, and it's a good time for me to test everything I've learned in the couple years.”

All eyes will be on the Taipans this year, after being open in their pursuit to go 'all-in' for a Championship.

On Tuesday, they announced the signings of five new players, including NBA alumni Admiral Schofield and Ashton Hagans, and rising Australian young gun Reyne Smith.