SuperCoach NBL teams preview: Cairns Taipans players to pick

Squad analyser of the Cairns Taipans plus player rankings to help you build a successful SuperCoach NBL squad for season 2024-25. Play for free.

A fresh-faced Cairns roster is set to embark on the NBL25 season, with four of their five SuperCoach top ranked players all new recruits.

How will their three American imports adapt to the NBL game style and is this the season Taran Armstrong breaks out to lead this team back up the ranks?

A lot to play out for Cairns which will make for an interesting watch.

These are the Taipans players to keep an eye on when picking your squad for SuperCoach NBL.

SIGN UP TO SUPERCOACH HERE

STARTERS

Pedro Bradshaw. Picture: Getty

1. Pedro Bradshaw | $277,000 | Guard

From the NBA Summer League to Cairns, Pedro Bradshaw is set to bring his shooting efficiency to the league, with the Taipans expecting an immediate impact from the small forward. A consistent scorer and strong on the rebound throughout college and his stint in the NBA Summer League, the versatile 6’7 wing is expected to lead the charge for the Taipans this season, therefore likely to rapidly collect SuperCoach points.

Rob Edwards. Picture: Getty

2. Rob Edwards | $277,000 | Guard

Attracted the Taipans’ eye with his ability to both hit the scoreboard and create scoring opportunities for his team, American import Rob Edwards brings a wealth of G-League experience to Cairns. He’ll collect SuperCoach points with his playmaking ability, with assists worth good SuperCoach points. It will be interesting to see how these new American imports adapt to the NBL style of play. One to watch after the early rounds.

Another Taipans’ import, Tanner Groves.

3. Tanner Groves | $277,000 | Center/Forward

The third American import fresh to the NBL scene, Tanner Groves is expected to play a crucial role for the Taipans. Following a big senior year in college, where he averaged 11.6 points and 5.8 rebounds, the 205cm centre has developed on Oklahoma’s Summer League roster and in stints in Europe and China before making his way to Cairns. Groves sets the hard screens and fights for rebounds, so will rack up SuperCoach points via his defensive plays.

Dillon Stith. Picture: AAP

4. Dillon Stith | $232,000 | Forward

Another fresh face to the Cairns lineup, however no stranger to Australian basketball, Dillon Stith is a workhorse who finally gets his full time NBL opportunity. The 32-year-old power forward most recently lined up for the Casey Cavaliers in the NBL1, where he averaged an impressive 19.6 points,8.0 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. If he can translate that impact to the NBL stage, no doubt he will quickly lock in SuperCoach points.

Sam Waardenburg. Picture: Getty

5. Sam Waardenburg | $225,600 | Forward/Center

Despite his SuperCoach value on the decline last season after battling a niggling injury, Sam Waardenburg enters his third season with the Taipans. The 6’10 forward was still able to notch up an average of 9.7 points and 5.2 rebounds, including a career-high 14 rebounds in a pre-season game, showing what he’s capable of. If he’s able to come out with a hot start early in the season, Waardenburg proves a solid pick while his value is on the cheaper side.

OFF THE BENCH

Taran Armstrong. Picture: Getty

6. Taran Armstrong | $199,200 | Guard

He impressed in his rookie season, now Taran Armstrong is ready to take the NBL by storm. The guard racked up an average of 7.7 points (46% FG), 4.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists in his first season showing and his SuperCoach value dramatically spiked by $139k by the end of NBL24. His value ahead of this upcoming season is on the lower side than where he ended last year, making him a strong off the bench pick to start the season.

Kyrin Galloway. Picture: Getty

7. Kyrin Galloway | $147,500 | Forward

Another off-season recruit for the Taipans, Kyrin Galloway’s SuperCoach value also significantly increased by the end of NBL24, jumping by $96k. His rebound game is strong, averaging 3.4 in addition to his 5.7 points last season for Adelaide and if he can build on those numbers, he’ll make for a good choice to round out your team bench. One to keep an eye on early in the season.

SuperCoach NBL winner reveals his team for this season

Top 5 must-have players for your SuperCoach NBL dream team

SuperCoach NBL teams preview: Bullets players to pick

SuperCoach NBL teams preview: Breakers players to pick

SuperCoach NBL teams preview: Kings players to pick

SuperCoach NBL team previews: United players to pick

SuperCoach NBL teams preview: JackJumpers players to pick

SuperCoach NBL teams preview: Illawarra players to pick

Originally published as SuperCoach NBL teams preview: Cairns Taipans players to pick