After the 2012 NBA draft, I was mildly surprised that Iona's Scott Machado went undrafted and actually thought the Houston Rockets picked up a possible diamond in the rough by signing him afterward.
And while everyone seems to agree he can play, he is already on the move again today as the Santa Cruz Warriors announced that they have traded for the 6-foot-2 Rio Grande Valley guard in exchange for Chris Daniels and a second round pick in the D-League draft.
After signing with the Rockets and apparently impressing people in summer league, Machado was eventually released from and signed with the D-League where he was picked up by their D-League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. And about a month ago, SB Nation's Ridiculous Upside identified Machado as a player with potential for a NBA call-up.
Three Vipers players that were not selected for the All-Star game, but still have legitimate chances at call-ups are point guard Scott Machado, shooting guard Glen Rice, Jr. and power forward Vernon Macklin. Machado leads the team in assists per game (6.6)...(and has) the body type of a shorter version of Byron Scott and the best point guard that I've seen in the league so far. He's a very good ball handler, uses both hands well, and changes speeds well. The former standout at Iona College, Machado has real good court vision, makes good decisions, and has a knack for getting the right player the ball in the right situation. He showed good speed in the open floor and the ability to finish in the paint. Machado also showed good footwork on the defensive end. While averaging 11.4 points off the bench, this scout can envision Machado as a backup NBA point guard in the future.
It's a great signing both for Santa Cruz and Golden State if he can finally realize that NBA potential that everyone seems to perceive. The question is what it might take to get him there.
Rio Grande Valley Vipers have traded him to the Santa Cruz Warriors