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Feb
Breaking News
Armstrong signs deal with Golden State Warriors
Taran Armstrong of the Taipans shoots a freethrow during the round 20 NBL match between Tasmania Jackjumpers and Cairns Taipans at MyState Bank Arena, on February 08, 2025, in Hobart, Australia. Photo: Simon Sturzaker/Getty Images
The star guard joins the Warriors after a breakout season with the Cairns Taipans.
- Taran Armstrong has signed a two-way contract with the Golden State Warriors
- He averaged 17.1 points, 4.7 assists and 4.6 rebounds per game this past season in the NBL
- Recorded the NBL's first triple-double in more than a year against the Brisbane Bullets
Taran Armstrong will realise his dream of playing in the NBA after signing a two-way contract with the Golden State Warriors, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.
"The Golden State Warriors are signing Australia's Taran Armstrong to a two-way contract, his agent Daniel Moldovan tells ESPN," Charania posted on Instagram.
The news comes after a breakout season in the NBL with the Cairns Taipans for Armstrong, where despite his team's struggles, he showed why he was touted as a future NBA prospect averaging 17.1 points per game, along with 4.7 assists and 4.6 rebounds while shooting the three at an improved 35%.
He also capped-off his season with the NBL's first triple-double since New Year's Eve in 2023, with 28 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in a 100-88 win over the Brisbane Bullets in the Taipans' last home game of the season.
Armstrong is now a free agent in the NBL after two seasons with Cairns.
The Rise of Taran Armstrong
Armstrong's rise to prominence in the NBL didn't happen overnight - the 21-year-old guard from Tasmania has steadily improved his game since joining the Cairns Taipans last season but this past year saw him elevate his performance to new heights, establishing himself as one of the league's most promising young talents.
Statistical Breakdown
- Scoring: Armstrong has significantly increased his scoring output, averaging 17.1 points per game (PPG) in the 2024-25 season. This marks a substantial improvement from his previous season's average of just 7.7 points per game.
- Playmaking: With 4.7 assists per game (APG), Armstrong has demonstrated his ability to create opportunities for his teammates. This figure represents a significant increase from the previous season, where he averaged just 2.7 assists, highlighting his growth as a facilitator.
- Rebounding: Armstrong's contributions extend beyond scoring and passing, as evidenced by his 4.6 rebounds per game (RPG). For a guard, this rebounding average is impressive and underscores his all-around impact on the court.
- Efficiency: Perhaps most importantly, Armstrong has maintained a high level of efficiency despite his increased usage. His field goal percentage of 46% indicates that he's not only taking more shots but also making them at a reliable rate.
Key Performance Indicators
To understand Armstrong's impact on not only the Taipans but the competition, we've highlighted some of his standout performances from the 2024-25 season:
- February 6, 2025, vs. Brisbane: In this game, Armstrong showcased his all-around brilliance with the league's only triple-double performance of the season. He recorded 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, demonstrating his ability to dominate in multiple facets of the game.
- January 3, 2025, vs. Illawarra: Armstrong's growth as a scorer was on full display as he poured in 28 points on an efficient 50% shooting from the field. He also contributed six rebounds and three assists.
- December 14, 2024, vs. Perth: In one of his most efficient outings of the season, Armstrong scored 24 points on a remarkable 64% shooting. He also dished out six assists, showcasing his ability to create for others.
