Warriors extend Qualifying Offer to Taran Armstrong

• Taran Armstrong signed a two-way deal with the Golden State Warriors in late February
• He averaged 17.1 points, 4.7 assists and 4.6 rebounds for Cairns this past NBL season
• Has a locker "right across" from NBA legend Stephen Curry

The Golden State Warriors have extended a qualifying offer to Australian guard Taran Armstrong, making him a restricted free agent ahead of the NBA’s July 1 deadline. The move gives Golden State the right to match any offer sheet the 23-year-old signs with another team. The team also extended a qualifying offer to teammate Jonathan Kuminga at the same time.

Armstrong will headline a Warriors Summer League team that will feature fellow Australians Alex Toohey and Alex Higgins-Titsha.

Armstrong joined the Warriors on a two-way contract in February 2025 after impressing in the NBL with the Cairns Taipans. Over two seasons in Australia, he averaged 12.0 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists across 42 games.

Before returning to Australia, Armstrong played two collegiate seasons at California Baptist University, where he was named WAC Freshman of the Year in 2021–22. Though undrafted in 2023, his performances in both college and the NBL helped elevate his stock and eventually earned him an NBA opportunity with the Warriors.

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

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