Cairns Taipans NBL25 Team Preview

NBL25 Team Preview - Cairns Taipans

The Cairns Taipans are gearing up for the NBL25 season with a fresh roster and renewed ambitions. Keeping young talent like Taran Armstrong on board is seen as the biggest win for the Taipans during the offseason. Under the guidance of Head Coach Adam Forde, the Taipans have consistently defied expectations, often threatening the league’s top teams. 

The NBL24 season was a rollercoaster ride for the Cairns Taipans. They kicked off with an exciting preseason trip to the United States, taking on NBA teams and showcasing their potential. However, the season was marred by inconsistency, both on and off the court. The Taipans ended the season in eighth place with a 12-16 record, just missing out on a finals spot.

Taran Armstrong emerged as a bright spot in an otherwise turbulent season. As a first-year professional, he was tasked with leading the team, a role that came with high expectations. Despite a slow start and battling injuries, Armstrong found his rhythm and displayed his potential as a future star for the Taipans. His development will be crucial for the team's success moving forward.

Another young player who showed promise was Bul Kuol, whose defensive prowess and scoring ability made him a key player. However, Kuol’s tendency to accumulate fouls early in games often limited his playing time and effectiveness. The Taipans struggled with maintaining a consistent rotation, which led to a “Big Man Merry-Go-Round.” Players like Sam Waardenburg, Sam Mennenga, Josh Roberts, and Akoldah Gak all showed flashes of brilliance but were unable to cement their roles, impacting their confidence and the team’s overall performance.

The offseason brought significant changes to the Cairns Taipans' roster, with several key players departing. Most notably, Tahjere McCall, a star guard and team leader, left after a reported fallout with Coach Forde. McCall’s departure is a major loss for the Taipans, given his on-court production and leadership qualities. Last season, McCall averaged 17 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game, showcasing his ability to impact the game in multiple ways.

Patrick Miller, another crucial guard, also exited the team. Initially brought in to mentor Armstrong, Miller quickly established himself as a starting point guard, averaging 19.1 points, 5.7 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game. His scoring ability and leadership will be sorely missed in NBL25.

The loss of local talent Bul Kuol adds to the Taipans' challenges. Kuol, known for his aggressive defense and scoring, averaged 12.7 points, 1.7 assists, and 3.1 rebounds per game. Replacing his contributions will be crucial for the Taipans, who must look to other local players to step up.

Despite the key departures, the Cairns Taipans have been active in rebuilding their roster. The addition of three new imports and several local players suggests a shift in strategy and style of play.

Rob Edwards, nicknamed “The Microwave” for his ability to heat up quickly and score in bunches, is a key import addition. Edwards, who played for the Philadelphia 76ers’ G League affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats, brings NBA experience and a strong scoring ability. His averages of 8.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game highlight his potential to be a game-changer for the Taipans.

The Taipans also signed Tanner Groves, an athletic big man known for his physical presence in the paint. Groves, who recently completed a successful college career at Eastern Washington and Oklahoma, averaged 11.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. His arrival has excited Coach Forde, who sees Groves as a key piece in the Taipans’ inside game.

Pedro Bradshaw, a former Indiana Pacer and G League player, is another significant addition. Known for his shooting ability, Bradshaw shot over 40% from beyond the arc last season. His experience and versatility will be valuable for the Taipans as they look to compete in NBL25.

The Cairns Taipans enter NBL25 with a sense of optimism but also face uncertainty. The addition of new players brings hope, but integrating them into a cohesive unit will be a challenge. The development of young talents like Taran Armstrong and the impact of new imports such as Rob Edwards and Tanner Groves will be pivotal to the team’s success.

If Coach Adam Forde can harness the potential of his roster and establish a consistent rotation, the Taipans have the talent to compete for a finals spot. However, the question remains whether this small-market team can overcome the loss of key players and rise to the occasion. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on the Taipans to see if they can make a mark in NBL25.