Taipans star import departs NBL

Taipans star import will depart the NBL for an overseas opportunity.

Rob Edwards of the Cairns Taipans (R) defended by Matthew Mooney of the Breakers during the round 19 NBL match between New Zealand Breakers and Cairns Taipans at Spark Arena, on February 01, 2025, in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Fiona Goodall/Getty Images)

Taipans star import Rob Edwards will depart the NBL for an overseas opportunity.

The announcement was made by head coach Adam Forde following the team’s 92-99 loss to the New Zealand Breakers on Saturday night.

The 28-year-old combo guard, who joined the Taipans on a one-year deal for NBL25, will miss the final two games of the season, against the Bullets and the JackJumpers.

Forde said there were mixed emotions about Edwards’ departure, acknowledging the positive financial opportunity for the player while also noting the loss for the team.

“It’s sad to see him go,” Forde said.

“Rob is going to be moving on to a situation that is very financially (beneficial) for him. He was torn about the decision, and if anything, needed my support to wish him well on his journey.”

Rob Edwards of the Taipans reacts after a play during the round 18 NBL match between Perth Wildcats and Cairns Taipans at RAC Arena, on January 25, 2025, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images)

Edwards became a father late last year which was a significant factor in the decision to depart Australia.

He was unable to be present for the birth and saw his newborn daughter for the first time during the FIBA break in November 2024.

It has not been confirmed which club Edwards has joined.

Forde said the club would give the Detroit native a send-off during the remaining days in New Zealand.

Edwards has been a scoring machine for the Taipans this season, averaging 19.8 points per game (ranked sixth in the league) on 41.5% shooting from the field, including 35.9% from three-point range.

The 196cm (6ft 5in) guard has been an essential shooting option for the team, especially amid team injury struggles, and has started in 26 games this season.

His standout performance came in Round 17, where he posted a season-high 35 points against the Brisbane Bullets, while accumulating 14 games with over 20 points.

Edwards, who made two NBA appearances for the Oklahoma City Thunder, joined the Taipans from the G League.

After stints at the Oklahoma City Blue, Wisconsin Herd, Cleveland Charge, Maine Celtics and Delaware Blue Coats.

Forde reflected on his time with the player, calling him one of the best he’s worked with.

“You can be combative with him and coach him and there’s a response. There’s a real competitor in Rob which I (have enjoyed).”

Forde said the Taipans will now turn their focus to the future, giving more playing time to Cairns-born Kody Stattmann, who is contracted for NBL26.

Originally published as Taipans star import departs NBL