21
Jul
NBL Team Profile
Cairns Taipans: Five things you need to know
NBL’s greatest underdog Cairns Taipans keeps searching for their golden moment
- Cairns Taipans are the oldest NBL team yet to win a championship
- Cairns' 2025 off-season remains largely incomplete
- The Taipans see themselves as a league disruptor
The Cairns Taipans can be seen by several metrics as the biggest underdog heading into NBL26. They have never won a championship in franchise history, play in the smallest market and finished dead last in the league last season. But perhaps that is what makes them so likeable.
Their home venue, the Cairns Convention Centre, is nicknamed “The Snakepit” to their loyal fans, and while it’s yet to see a banner raised, it’s seen plenty of heart.
No championship in the NBL would matter more than one for the Taipans.
2024-25 Season Summary
- Record (8-21)
- Finish 10th (Missed Postseason)
- All NBL Selections: -
2025 Off-Season Additions
- Reyne Smith
The Taipans have had a disrupted off-season so far considering they were the worst team in the NBL last season, but are sure to sign new names before the season begins. The Taipans lost Deshon Taylor and Tanner Groves to Japan and their starting point guard Taran Armstrong was given a shot with the Golden State Warriors.
However, Aussie Reyne Smith who excelled at the NBA summer league is a new bright spot for Cairns and projects to be a solid developmental piece moving forwards for the team, especially with the amount of point guard reps he is surely going to get.
Potential NBL26 Line-up
- PG: — | Kyle Adnam
- SG: Reyne Smith | Kody Stattmann
- SF: — | Alex Higgins-Titsha
- PF: — | Kyrin Galloway
- C: Sam Waardenburg
Team History
The Cairns Taipans were founded in 1999, joining the NBL right before the change of the millennium. The Taipans did not get off to a good start in the league as they had a combined record of 17-69 over their first 3 seasons.
Cairns got their first real taste of postseason success in 2006 as they made it all the way to the semi-final lead by Martin Cattilini - who won championships with the Wildcats and 36ers - before losing to the Kings.
In December 2008, the Taipans were placed into voluntary administration. This led to their coach and star imports being released from the team. After continuous financial troubles, overspending, and players having to take pay cuts, both the league and Cairns council vowed to help the team.
The Taipans best stretch of performances in their history came at an unlucky time as they reached their peak during the New Zealand Breakers 4 titles in 5 years dynasty. With stars such as Ron Dorsey and Ayinde Ubaka, the Taipans made the final in 2011. After being defeated by the Breakers in game 1, the Taipans stepped up in game 2 and Dorsey scored a 3 pointer at the buzzer to send the game into double OT which they won. After the Taipans were blown out in game 3, their two stars both left them to play for the Melbourne Tigers.
Despite losing their identity, it wasn’t long again before the Taipans rebuilt and challenged New Zealand for the title again as they made the 2015 NBL finals with Scottie Wilbekin and Cameron Gliddion. This series would also end in heartbreak as NZ hit a game winning shot to clinch the title.
The Taipans have not won a playoff series since that 2015 grand final appearance and have taken several steps back towards their early existence.
Five Fast Facts
- In 2022 and 2023, Keanu Pinder of the Taipans won most improved player back to back
- The number 8 of Aaron Grabau is the only retired jersey of this team who was with the team from 1999-2013
- The three last coaches to take the Taipans to the playoffs all won coach of the year
- The Taipans have been nicknamed ‘The Factory’ for their habit of developing players who have winning roles on other teams.
- NBA players who have played for the Taipans include Bobi Klintman of the Pistons and Taran Armstrong of the Warriors
Club Timeline
- 1999: Debuted into the NBL
- 2000-02: Just 17 wins across 3 seasons.
- 2006: Reach semi finals behind Martin Cattalini
- 2008: Enter voluntary administration, lose foundation
- 2009: Saved by league and Cairns council.
- 2011: Reach first Grand Final. Win epic double OT Game2 but lose Game 3.
- 2015: Return to Grand Final with Wilbekin and Gliddon. Lose after NZ hits title winning shot.
No team embodies the Aussie battler spirit quite like the Cairns Taipans. They show up, scrap hard, and represent their region with pride. Whether this season or not, the time when Cairns gets their championship will be a special day in NBL history. For now watch out for the Taipans to play spoiler for other teams hopes with their fast paced and free style of play.
