Armstrong lauds NBL pathway to NBA

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Taran Armstrong says his two-year stint with the Cairns Taipans has best prepared him for his NBA career.

Golden State Warriors signing Taran Armstrong says his two-year stint with the Cairns Taipans has best prepared him for his NBA career.

Armstong joined the Taipans in 2023 after representing California Baptist in college, and the 23-year-old developed rapidly under Adam Forde, enjoying a standout campaign this season.

The highly talented guard averaged 17.1 points, 4.7 assists and 4.6 rebounds per game, leading to him earning a two-way deal with the Warriors.

Chatting to Newscorp, Armstrong explained how playing in the NBL has led him to an NBA opportunity.

“I almost went back to college but I’m glad I made the decision I did and came to the Taipans,” Armstrong said.

“The NBL’s a great league to play in, I think it’s super-translatable to the NBA, the style of play, the pace, how it is quite free flowing and read-and-react-type basketball, which is a lot of the NBA style.

“The preparation of playing against professional men, having to lead an inexperienced group, playing games that really, really matter and being back in my home country, it was a great experience.”