The New Zealand Breakers have added a local veteran for the remainder of the season, while the Brisbane Bullets have secured a rebounding specialist to bolster their playoff push.
Plus a reigning team MVP is on the brink of a critical return.
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TAIPANS CLUB MVP A GAME-TIME DECISION
As the Cairns Taipans look to spark their NBL26 campaign back to life, a major boost may finally be on the way.
Reigning Taipans Club MVP Sam Waardenburg has been upgraded to a game-time decision ahead of Saturday night’s clash with the Illawarra Hawks – positioning him for what would be his first appearance of the season.
Head coach Adam Forde spoke to media on Wednesday, offering cautious optimism about Waardenburg’s progress.
“We really want to see what the next 48 hours look like – he’s progressing along nicely,” Forde said.
Waardenburg has missed the opening 10 rounds after undergoing ankle surgery but is now edging closer to a return that would significantly reshape the Taipans’ rotation.
“Even his injection into practice is showing what he’s capable of and how it really changes the shape of us having him, especially being that explosive five-man for us,” Forde added.
“We’ll see how it goes… especially in the next 48 hours before we make a final call on him.”
Waardenburg was a standout in NBL25, averaging 14.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists, one block and 0.8 steals, while shooting 50% from the field, 35% from three, and 73% at the line. His ability to operate as a point-forward, stretch the floor and defend multiple positions makes him a critical piece for a Taipans side currently fighting back from a 3-12 start.
His presence would also help alleviate pressure on both Jack McVeigh and import centre Marcus Lee, giving Cairns much-needed versatility in the frontcourt.
Forde also provided an update on Reyne Smith, who continues to rehabilitate a lingering injury.
“Reyne won’t be playing this week. Timeline at this stage is undetermined,” he said.
“He’s not responding the way we had hoped, so there’s no point trying to force him through and potentially make the injury worse. We’ll get more feedback from where he’s at, but for the foreseeable future, he’s out.”
The Taipans face the 9th-placed Illawarra Hawks on Saturday night – a crucial opportunity for both – to reset and open the second half of the season with momentum.
2013 NBL CHAMPION RETURNS
The New Zealand Breakers have announced the return of 2013 NBL champion and local product Tai Webster, 30, for the remainder of the season.
Webster, who has played five seasons in the league, most recently suited up for the Perth Wildcats, where he spent three years. His comeback to New Zealand marks 12 years since he won a championship with the Breakers during his debut season in 2013.
His signing arrives amid unfortunate news for the club, with Izayah Le’Afa suffering a stress fracture in his foot during the Tall Blacks’ FIBA World Cup Asia Qualifier against the Boomers last night.
Webster joins the roster as a Nominated Replacement Player (NRP) for the rest of the campaign.
BNZ Breakers President Dillon Boucher said the move is both timely and significant:
“It’s incredibly unfortunate for Izayah. He has been working extremely hard, and this is a tough blow.
Adding a player of Tai’s calibre at this stage of the season is a massive boost for our group. We know exactly what he brings to the floor – energy, pace, and defensive intensity. Beyond his skills, he is a local guy who understands what this club means to the community.”
Sitting 7th on the ladder with just five wins, the Breakers will welcome the Auckland native’s experience as they push to stay in contention in the second half of the season.
BULLETS SIGN TITLE-WINNER
The Brisbane Bullets have officially announced the signing of 6’4, 25-year-old American forward Terry Taylor for the remainder of NBL26.
Taylor arrives from the Stockton Kings in the NBA G League, where he helped guide the team to a championship alongside former Perth Wildcats import Mason Jones.
Across 47 games for Stockton, Taylor averaged 16.5 points, 8.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists, shooting 45% from the field and 36% from three. While his 70% free-throw percentage remains an area to monitor, his physicality and versatility make him a Jae’Sean Tate–style addition for the Bullets.
Taylor replaces Jaylen Adams following his release from the club and will join the team immediately as they prepare for a crucial clash on Friday, December 5 against the Adelaide 36ers.
Bullets Head Coach Stu Lash praised the signing in the club’s announcement, saying: “Terry is tough, selfless and plays with a competitiveness.”
“We believe he complements our group and will make us even harder to play against,” Lash added.
Taylor also expressed his excitement about joining Brisbane: “From the outside looking in, you can see the Brisbane Bullets are building something.”
“I’m excited to come in, earn my minutes and add a piece that helps push us forward,” Taylor said.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity and hungry to get to work,” he added.
This is a season-defining signing for the Bullets, who sit 5-10 and eighth on the ladder. Taylor will link up with fellow mid-season addition Javon Freeman-Liberty, with both replacing Adams and Casey Prather as Brisbane looks to surge in the second half of the season.