Joe Ingles, a former NBA veteran who spent 12 seasons in the league, is officially returning to the NBL for the first time since 2009. The Australian basketballer signed a two-year deal with Melbourne United, where he'll make his NBL debut.
Mills on Brisbane's radar for NBL return | 00:45After 12 seasons in the NBA and one of the most decorated careers ever produced by an Australian basketballer, Joe Ingles is officially returning home to the NBL for the first time since 2009.
Watch NBA with ESPN on Kayo Sports | Stream an average 9 LIVE Regular Season games per week plus the best of the NBA Playoffs. |Melbourne United confirmed on Tuesday Ingles has signed a two-year deal with the club, bringing one of Australia’s greatest basketball exports back to where his professional journey first began nearly two decades ago. At 38, Ingles returns with a résumé few players in NBL history can match.
An NBA veteran, EuroLeague champion, Olympic bronze medallist and long-time Australian Boomers star, Ingles arrives at United after completing his 12th NBA campaign, most recently with the Minnesota Timberwolves. His NBA story remains one of the great Australian basketball success stories.
After going undrafted in 2009, Ingles fought his way onto an NBA roster and went on to spend 4,219 days in the league, establishing himself as a fan favourite and key contributor during an eight-year stint with the Utah Jazz. SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - FEBRUARY 12: Joe Ingles #2 of the Utah Jazz jokes with Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during a game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on February 12, 2021 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Alex Goodlett/Getty Images/AFP==FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY==During his time in Utah, Ingles became one of the league’s premier role players and shooters, with his best campaign coming in 2020-21 when he averaged 12.1 points, 4.7 assists and 3.6 rebounds per game while finishing runner-up in the NBA Sixth Man of the Year voting behind teammate Jordan Clarkson.
Following his departure from the Jazz, Ingles also suited up for the Milwaukee Bucks, Orlando Magic and Timberwolves before deciding to bring his playing career back to Australia. Long before his NBA rise, Ingles was already building an impressive career in Europe. Between 2010 and 2013, he played for Spanish powerhouse FC Barcelona, winning back-to-back Spanish League championships and two Spanish Supercups.
Regal Barcelona's Australian forward Joe Ingles reacts during the Euroleague basketball match Regal FC Barcelona vs. Panathinaikos at the Palau Blaugrana hall in Barcelona on April 11, 2013. Panathinaikos won 66-65. AFP PHOTO/ JOSEP LAGO He then joined Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2013, where he enjoyed one of the most successful seasons of his career.
Ingles helped lead the club to an Israeli League title, Israeli Cup crown and the prestigious EuroLeague championship while shooting 38 per cent from three-point range across all competitions. Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv's forward Joe Ingles fights for the ball with Emporio Armani Milan's guard Keith Langford during the Euroleague Playoff game 2 basketball match Emporio Armani Milan vs. Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv on April 18, 2014 at the Mediolanum Forum in Assago.
AFP PHOTO / GIUSEPPE CACACE Now, 17 years after leaving the NBL, Ingles returns to Melbourne as one of the most accomplished Australians the sport has produced. His first stint in the league came with the now-defunct South Dragons, where he played from 2006 to 2009. Across 102 games, Ingles averaged 14.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game while helping lead the Dragons to the 2009 NBL championship.
During that stretch, he also won Rookie of the Year honours, earned two All-Star selections and was named to the All-NBL Third Team. SPORT South Dragons v Melbourne Tigers. Vodafone Arena. Dragons' Joe Ingles.
Published: The Herald Sun - November 2, 2006 Page: 102 Edition: SECOND Keywords:Speaking on his return to Melbourne, Ingles said the move holds deep personal meaning.
“To return to where my professional career began almost 20 years ago is something I don’t take for granted. So much has happened since then, but Melbourne has always felt like home. ” He added that reconnecting with family and the local community was a major factor behind the decision to return.
“I still love competing, I still love the game, and I believe I can genuinely help this group win,” he said. “I’ve always enjoyed team-first environments built on toughness, connection and doing the little things well, and Melbourne United represents that. ” “At this stage of my career, it’s about impact, leadership and chasing something meaningful. I’m excited to earn the respect of the group, connect with the fans and hopefully help bring another championship to Melbourne.
” Ingles also returns as one of the most experienced Boomers of all time, having represented Australia at five Olympic Games and four FIBA World Cups, including the bronze medal-winning campaign at the Tokyo Olympics. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 04: Joe Ingles of the Boomers looks to pass during the game between the Australia Boomers and China at John Cain Arena on July 04, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia.
Melbourne United captain and Boomers teammate Chris Goulding believes Ingles will fit seamlessly into the squad.
“He fits our style perfectly, and it won’t be long before he’s hitting big shots at John Cain Arena. ” Ingles joins a growing Melbourne United roster featuring Goulding, Shea Ili, Sam Waardenburg, Fabijan Krslovic, Kyle Bowen and Dash Daniels as the club builds toward NBL27 with championship aspirations firmly in sight.
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