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The Cairns Taipans have continued building towards the 2026-27 season, bringing back a familiar face to strengthen their local core in what shapes as a much-improved campaign after several difficult years.<\/p>\n
Watch NBA with ESPN on Kayo Sports | Stream the best of the NBA Playoffs. | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.<\/a><\/b><\/i><\/p>\n The Taipans have signed Keanu Pinder on a one-year deal, securing the marquee local who first made his name in Cairns several seasons ago.<\/p>\n Reported last month<\/a>, the deal has now been made official sources told Fox Sports Australia<\/i>.<\/p>\n The high-flying forward is coming off his debut season in Japan\u2019s B.League with the Akita Northern Happinets, where he averaged 16.3 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.7 steals across 45 games while shooting 41.4 per cent from the field. However, after the club confirmed his departure last week due to injury, Pinder became available to explore new opportunities.<\/p>\n His signing marks a return to Cairns after three years away, following a breakout stint with the club between 2021 and 2023.<\/p>\n In 47 appearances for the Cairns Taipans, Pinder averaged 13.3 points and 8.2 rebounds, earning back-to-back Most Improved Player awards. <\/p>\n His 2022-23 campaign remains one of the finest seasons of his career, firmly placing him in MVP conversations after averaging 16.9 points and 9.3 rebounds under head coach Adam Forde.<\/p>\n That form earned him a two-year deal with the Perth Wildcats, although his time in the west proved inconsistent, with a reduced role and fluctuating minutes throughout his stint at the club. He did however experience back-to-back semi-final appearances for the first time in his career.<\/p>\n