Damo 75
Earlier this week

Taipans release Edwards early

Would like to see him back in the NBL, but probably unlikely. Good luck to him.

"Taipans star import Rob Edwards will depart the NBL for an overseas opportunity.

The announcement was made by head coach Adam Forde following the team's 92-99 loss to the New Zealand Breakers on Saturday night.

The 28-year-old combo guard, who joined the Taipans on a one-year deal for NBL25, will miss the final two games of the season, against the Bullets and the JackJumpers.

Forde said there were mixed emotions about Edwards’ departure, acknowledging the positive financial opportunity for the player while also noting the loss for the team.

"It’s sad to see him go," Forde said.

“Rob is going to be moving on to a situation that is very financially (beneficial) for him. He was torn about the decision, and if anything, needed my support to wish him well on his journey.”

Edwards became a father late last year which was a significant factor in the decision to depart Australia.

He was unable to be present for the birth and saw his newborn daughter for the first time during the FIBA break in November 2024.

It has not been confirmed which club Edwards has joined.

Forde said the club would give the Detroit native a send-off during the remaining days in New Zealand."

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Zodiac  
Earlier this week

That's a shame but understandable. Goon on the Taipans for doing the right thing by Edwards the offer might not have still been there by next weekend.

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mball  
Earlier this week

It will allow others to experience more court time, eg Stattmann yesterday.

In the post game interview Forde also stated Edwards' new situation was beneficial to the club and that his price would go up if he was to return to the NBL.

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hoopie  
Earlier this week

I would like to see him back. He did some really good stuff, showed he was up to NBL level, and seemed to be a good team player and a better role model than some imports they've had lately.

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Dunkman  
Earlier this week

Smart move by all, if Forde goes he's going to be a hard act to follow. Edwards got better as season went on, as Giddey in Adelaide previously its hard to play on a team where the keys are handed to a player trying to get into the nba. Forde had nothing but good words for Edwards. Good luck to Edwards.

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word14  
Earlier this week

Now this is how to handle a situation like this. Hope Adelaide took notes

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KET  
Earlier this week

This gives Tassie a red hot chance to blow out Cairns by 40 and put the 36ers to the sword if they can't win away these last 2 games.

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Zodiac  
Earlier this week

PW posted on here the Sixers would need to lose both games by a combined total of 54 points and Tassie would need to beat Cairns by 26 points. Pretty unlikely one would think but given it's the Sixers anything is possible.

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Troppo  
Earlier this week

How is it beneficial to the club ? will the tickets be cheaper on Thursday night?
Not sure about the role model but will agree the Taipans haven't always had exemplary imports .

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Twinkletoes  
Earlier this week

Troppo, I think the Taipans were paid a release fee by the club Edwards is going to.

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Troppo  
Earlier this week

If a release fee was paid or his salary was adjusted pro -rata then that saving should be passed onto the public who brought tickets thinking the Taipans cared about winning .

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Twinkletoes  
Earlier this week

I don't agree Troppo. Whilst disappointing that Edwards won't be available for the last home game, the Taipans did the right thing. There are 2 games to go with nothing riding on them but pride. If we were making a play offs run it would be totally different. Making Edwards stay and potentially miss out on a big contract that will help make a great difference in his life would simply be pig headedness.

I also don't agree that it shows the Taipans don't care about winning. Although we have 2 games left, season members have just the game against Brisbane to go. We can still win the game against Brisbane and Statmann will get an opportunity for some minutes, which will be nice to see given he is a local. The rest of the players are not going to roll over simply because Edwards is not there.

My worry about the game is the amount of travel we have done recently which included a double overtime game. Brisbane will be relatively fresh compared to us. If they still have the same amount of players out that they did last game though we should be able to beat them without Edwards (assuming we have everyone else on deck). Whether we do or not is another matter.

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Yup  
Earlier this week

It's a business...

Buyout money + salary saving = no brainer

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