Cairns Taipans point guard Taran Armstrong has signed an NBA two-way contract with the Golden State Warriors on the back of a stellar NBL season.
Despite an injury-interrupted season, the 23-year-old averaged 17.1 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game in 19 games.
With NBA rumours swirling ever since he was a college player, Armstrong’s remarkable improvement in the 24-25 NBL season has paved the way for his NBA opportunity.
Armstrong’s passing and court vision is elite, and it was his eye-popping playmaking during his 2021-22 freshman season for California Baptist that got him some NBA draft buzz. This included recording a triple-double in just his fourth college game.
Despite the facilitating prowess, in both his two seasons with California Baptist, and his first year with the Taipans, Armstrong struggled with this three-point shooting.
Taran Armstrong has signed with Golden State. (Photo by Simon Sturzaker/Getty Images)
But this season, the young Tasmanian was able to turn his main weakness into a key strength. Having shot 25.7 per cent on just 1.5 attempts in the 23-24 season, Armstrong shot 35.1 per cent on 5.1 attempts this NBL season, becoming reliable from both spot-up and catch and shoot threes on significant volume.
Armstrong’s increased strength to his 6″ 5’ frame has also paid dividends for his inside game. Armstrong has been more aggressive in driving to the rim than previous seasons, using his craft and strength to finish through contact, while also getting to the foul line more often, averaging 5.1 attempts per game this season.
His progression this season has rightly earned him the NBA call up, but the question is, can he stick in the league?
Armstrong’s driving and inside game may not be as effective against superior NBA athletes. While not a poor defender, he is likely to be targeted with his lean frame.
Although his improved shooting appears legitimate, Armstrong’s reliability from long-range is likely the biggest factor affecting his NBA future.
Despite those concerns, the greater pace and space of the NBA game will suit Armstrong’s playmaking. Armstrong can proficiently run the pick and roll and a flow offence with good shooters and passers like the Golden State Warriors makes it an ideal place for him.
However, considering the Warriors are chasing a playoff spot, Armstrong’s chances at NBA minutes are likely to be quite limited for the remainder of the season.
He will get a chance to showcase himself for the Santa Cruz Warriors, with one month to go in the G-League season.
If Armstrong can continue his 2024-25 NBL form in the G-League, the young Tasmanian should earn himself another two-way contract for the 2025-26 season or even a standard NBA contract.
Mackenzie Bookhttps://https://ift.tt/3xUN46q season earns Taran Armstrong NBA contract – can he make the next step?
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