Cairns complete: Malique Lewis rounds out the roster

The Kenfrost Homes Cairns Taipans have finalised their roster with 21-year-old Malique Lewis, as the 2026 NBA Draft Pick returns to the NBL for a third season on a two-year deal, second year club option.

The Trinidadian forward was selected by the Washinton Wizards with the 60th overall pick, before being traded to Milwaukee at this year’s Draft, with the Bucks retaining his rights.

Lewis began his career in Spain’s Liga ACB, where he spent two seasons with Fuenlabrada before he was chosen by the Mexico City Capitanes in the 2023 NBA G League International Draft at 18-years-old.

Lewis’ next move was being recruited by the NBL Next Stars program, where he committed to South East Melbourne Phoenix for two years. Last season he averaged 6.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2 assists and 1.2 steals per game while shooting at 38.7% from three.

He recorded a career-high 23 points in Round 8 against Tasmania and posted a double-double against New Zealand with 13 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in Round 20.

Taipans Head Coach Adam Forde said Lewis is a special talent with the bonus of previous NBL experience.

"It's great to have Malique come to Cairns. He is already well-versed in the league, so we know what we are getting in the import spot,” said Forde.

"He's a great point of attack defender that can knock down the open three.

"Being a big wing too will help with the rebounding, which is an area of concern for us after our first two pre-season hit-outs.

"Malique's ability to defend multiple positions will also provide unique matchup opportunities for us."

Leading the Next Stars line-up at the 2026 adidas Eurocamp during the off-season, Lewis also secured workouts with six NBA teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics.

Lewis joins Jaylon Brown, Jack McVeigh, Keanu Pinder, Jaylin Galloway, Sunday Dech, Reyne Smith, Shaun Bruce, Kyrin Galloway, Luke Paul, Jonah Bolden and Walter Brown on Cairns’ 2026-27 roster.