Taran Armstrong, the rising Australian basketball star, has captured global attention after signing a two-way contract with the Golden State Warriors in February 2025. Born in the small coastal town of Burnie, Tasmania, Armstrong’s journey from watching his father play semi-professional basketball to sharing the court with NBA legends like Stephen Curry is a story of grit, talent, and family legacy. With a breakout season in Australia’s NBL and a historic NBA entry, let’s explore his career, earnings, and personal life.
Taran Armstrong’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Taran Armstrong |
| Date of Birth | January 15, 2002 |
| Age | 23 |
| Education | California Baptist University (2021–2023) |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Height | 6’6” (198 cm) |
| Weight | 189 lbs (86 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2023 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $200,000–$300,000 |
| Salary (2024–25) | $162,933 |
| Wife/Girlfriend | N/A |
| Instagram/Twitter | N/A |
Early Career
Taran Armstrong’s basketball journey began in the small coastal town of Burnie, Tasmania. Born into a family with a strong basketball legacy, Armstrong was inspired by watching his father and uncle compete in the North West Basketball Union (NWBU).
He started playing organized basketball around the age of five or six, quickly developing a passion for the sport that would shape his future. As a youth, Armstrong honed his skills playing for both Burnie and Wynyard in the NWBU while attending Marist Regional College in Burnie. His talent didn’t go unnoticed, and in mid-2018, he was awarded an NBA Global Academy scholarship with Basketball Australia’s Centre of Excellence in Canberra.
This move marked a significant step in his development, exposing him to higher levels of competition and training. During his three years at the Centre of Excellence, Armstrong gained valuable experience in various leagues. He played four games in the South East Australian Basketball League in 2018, five games in the NBL1 in 2019, and two games in the Waratah League in 2020.
His performances continued to impress, and he helped Tasmania claim a bronze medal at the 2020 Under 20 National Championships, averaging an impressive 25 points per game. In 2021, Armstrong’s career took another leap forward when he moved to the United States to play college basketball for California Baptist University. As a freshman, he made an immediate impact, averaging 10.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game.
His playmaking ability was particularly noteworthy, as he led all freshmen in the nation in assists and ranked fifth overall. Armstrong’s college debut was a sign of things to come, as he recorded 12 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, and one block in a 22-point victory over San Francisco State. However, it was his fourth game that truly showcased his potential.
On November 18, 2021, Armstrong achieved a historic milestone by recording California Baptist’s first-ever triple-double with 16 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds against San Jose State.
His sophomore year at California Baptist saw continued growth and success. Armstrong played in all 33 games, averaging 11.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5 assists per game. He led the Lancers in both scoring and assists, and for the second consecutive year, led the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) in assists. His performances earned him a spot on the All-WAC Second Team, further cementing his reputation as a rising star.
Professional Career
Taran Armstrong’s professional career took a significant leap forward when he returned to Australia in 2023 to join the Cairns Taipans in the National Basketball League (NBL). After two standout college seasons at California Baptist University, where he earned Western Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year honors and set program records for assists, Armstrong faced a pivotal decision.
Despite interest from multiple NBL teams, he chose the Taipans to develop under coach Adam Forde’s system. His rookie season (2023–24) started with challenges, including a foot injury, but he showed flashes of brilliance with averages of 7.7 points and 2.7 assists while adapting to the physicality of pro basketball.
The 2024–25 NBL season marked Armstrong’s breakout. Emerging as the Taipans’ floor general, he averaged 17.1 points, 4.7 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game, shooting 46% from the field and 35% from three-point range. His signature performance came in a historic triple-double against the Brisbane Bullets—28 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists—cementing his reputation as a dynamic playmaker.
Coach Forde dubbed him the “head of the snake” for his leadership, while his improved decision-making and defensive intensity drew attention from NBA scouts. Armstrong’s stock rose further during the 2024 Adidas Eurocamp, where he earned All-Camp Team honors. Despite going undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft, he remained on teams’ radars through relentless workouts and standout NBL performances.
In February 2025, the Golden State Warriors signed him to a two-way contract, allowing him to split time between the NBA and their G-League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors. This deal made him the first Tasmanian-born player to join an NBA roster, fulfilling a lifelong dream. With the Warriors, Armstrong faces a steep learning curve but brings unique strengths. His 6’6” frame and court vision align with the modern NBA’s demand for oversized guards.
Early G-League appearances showed promise, with averages of 8.0 points, 5.0 assists, and 5.0 rebounds in limited minutes. While currently behind stars like Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler in the rotation, his work ethic and representation by Lighthouse Sports—an agency known for securing NBA opportunities for Australians—position him for growth. As the Warriors push for playoff contention, Armstrong’s development could play a quiet but critical role in their long-term backcourt plans.
Taran Armstrong’s Net Worth Details
Taran Armstrong’s net worth is estimated to be between $200,000 and $300,000 as of 2025.
Contract
Taran Armstrong secured his NBA breakthrough on February 25, 2025, signing a one-year, two-way contract with the Golden State Warriors worth $162,933. This deal allows him to spend up to 14 games with the NBA roster while primarily developing with the G-League’s Santa Cruz Warriors.
The structure gives Golden State flexibility to nurture his potential without using a standard roster spot, a common strategy for teams eyeing long-term guard depth. Armstrong’s contract also made history, marking him as the first Tasmanian-born player to join an NBA organization. With the Warriors focused on playoff contention, his two-way status provides a low-risk pathway to evaluate his fit alongside stars like Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler.
Salary
Taran Armstrong’s 2024–25 salary of $162,933 comes from his one-year, two-way contract with the Golden State Warriors, signed on February 25, 2025. This agreement allows him to play up to 14 NBA games while spending most of his time developing with the G-League’s Santa Cruz Warriors.
The deal reflects Golden State’s strategy to cultivate young talent without committing a full roster spot, leveraging his potential as a 6’6” playmaker. Armstrong will become a restricted free agent after this season, giving the Warriors flexibility to retain him based on his performance.
Career Earnings
| Season | Team | Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | Golden State Warriors | $162,933 |
NBA Career Stats
| League/Season | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NBL (2024–25) | 17.1 | 4.6 | 4.7 | 0.9 | 46.1% | 35.1% |
| G-League (2024–25) | 8.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 0.5 | 38.5% | 30.0% |
FAQs
1. Who is Taran Armstrong?
Taran Armstrong is an Australian professional basketball player born on January 15, 2002, in Burnie, Tasmania. A 6’6” guard, he rose to prominence through standout performances in Australia’s NBL with the Cairns Taipans before signing a two-way contract with the Golden State Warriors in February 2025. Armstrong is notable for his playmaking skills, size, and historic achievement as the first Tasmanian-born NBA player.
2. What teams has Taran Armstrong played for?
Armstrong began his career with the Cairns Taipans in Australia’s NBL (2023–2025), where he became a starting guard. He played college basketball at California Baptist University (2021–2023), earning All-WAC honors. In 2025, he joined the Golden State Warriors on a two-way contract, splitting time between the NBA and their G-League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors.
3. How tall is Taran Armstrong?
Taran Armstrong stands 6 feet 6 inches (198 cm) tall and weighs 189 pounds (86 kg). His height and court vision make him a versatile guard, allowing him to excel in scoring, rebounding, and playmaking. These attributes align with the modern NBA’s preference for oversized guards.
4. What are Taran Armstrong’s career stats?
In his breakout 2024–25 NBL season with Cairns, Armstrong averaged 17.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game, shooting 46.1% from the field. During his college career at California Baptist, he averaged 10.5 points and 6.3 assists as a freshman and 11.3 points and 5.0 assists as a sophomore. His G-League stats (2024–25) include 8.0 points and 5.0 assists per game.
5. When did Taran Armstrong join the NBA?
Armstrong entered the NBA on February 25, 2025, signing a two-way contract with the Golden State Warriors. The deal allows him to play up to 14 NBA games while developing in the G-League. His signing marked a historic milestone as he became the first Tasmanian-born player to join an NBA roster.
6. What is Taran Armstrong’s net worth?
Taran Armstrong’s net worth is estimated between $200,000 and $300,000. This stems primarily from his $162,933 NBA contract. His earnings from the NBL (2023–2025) are undisclosed but typical salaries in the league range from $50,000 to $150,000 AUD annually for non-marquee players.
7. Did Taran Armstrong play college basketball?
Yes, Armstrong played two seasons (2021–2023) at California Baptist University. As a freshman, he averaged 10.5 points and led the WAC in assists (6.3 per game). He earned WAC Freshman of the Year honors and set program records, including the first triple-double in school history (16 points, 12 assists, 10 rebounds vs. San Jose State).
8. What injuries has Taran Armstrong faced?
Armstrong dealt with a foot injury ahead of his rookie NBL season (2023–24) but played 23 games, averaging 7.7 points. In 2024, a calf injury sidelined him for the first two rounds of the NBL season. Despite these setbacks, he returned to lead the Taipans, showcasing resilience that caught NBA scouts’ attention.
9. What is Taran Armstrong’s contract with the Warriors?
His two-way contract with Golden State (signed February 2025) is worth $162,933 for the 2024–25 season. It allows him to spend most of his time in the G-League while being eligible for up to 14 NBA games. The Warriors retain flexibility to convert him to a standard contract based on performance.
10. How did Taran Armstrong’s family influence his career?
Armstrong grew up watching his father, Ben, and uncle, Sam, play semi-professionally for Tasmania’s Wynyard Wildcats. Their mentorship fueled his passion for basketball from childhood. He credits his parents, Benjamin and Melanie, and brothers, Tre and Tanner, for their unwavering support, calling family his “biggest motivation” and emphasizing their role in his development as a player and person.
