NBL championship-winning Illawarra coach Justin Tatum has vented his frustration over the treatment of star Hawks import JaVale McGee, declaring the Australian league “doesn’t deserve” the three-time NBA champion.
Suggesting McGee is not getting sufficient protection from referees against rough opposition tactics, Tatum cut a frustrated figure after Wednesday night’s 117-88 loss to the last-placed New Zealand Breakers in Auckland.
“I’m not sure if the league enjoys him being here because when I have a seven-foot guy keep falling on the ground, getting tripped, getting undercut, I’m not sure if he’s enjoying it, or if the league is enjoying it,” Tatum said post-match.
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“He could be an advocate for the league, but I’m not sure if he’s going to be an advocate if the league is going to misinterpret or not understand how to ref a guy his size.
“If you ask me, I don’t think the league deserves him to be here.”
McGee, who’s averaging 25.7 points and 10 rebounds to start the season, has quickly become one of the NBL’s biggest attractions — but also one of its most polarising figures. The NBL’s physical, bruising playstyle hasn’t made life easy for the three-time NBA champion. Tatum made it clear he’s concerned about the treatment his import is receiving.
“I’m not sure if he’s enjoying it,” Tatum added. “We cut up film all the time… it’s pointless at times, I feel.”
Ironically, McGee led all players with 10 free-throw attempts on the night and drew seven fouls from the Breakers, but Tatum maintained that several more calls were missed.
“One thing we feel we have to do is protect our players,” he said.
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JaVale McGee of the Illawarra Hawks shoots during the round four NBL match between New Zealand Breakers and Illawarra Hawks at Spark Arena, on October 08, 2025, in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)
JaVale McGee of the Illawarra Hawks shoots during the round four NBL match between New Zealand Breakers and Illawarra Hawks at Spark Arena, on October 08, 2025, in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Still, Tatum’s frustration wasn’t just directed at the officials. He also challenged McGee to push through the adversity.
“JaVale’s got to figure it out and play through it as long as he wants to play here,” he said.
The Breakers and Hawks went head-to-head at Spark Arena in a clash between two winless sides desperate to turn their seasons around. The Breakers, who entered at 0–4, finally broke through while the defending-champion Hawks slid to 0–3.
“What I’m feeling [is that] I wish my team would’ve given a better effort,” Tatum said post-game. “We need to get back to winning habits and playing a brand that we can be proud of night in, night out.”
It’s been a turbulent start for the Hawks. Through three games, Tatum has already picked up two technical fouls, key players are sidelined with injuries, and external noise continues to swirl around the roster. But what truly caught the NBL world’s attention were his fiery remarks about the officiating.
As emotions continue to rise in Wollongong, the spotlight now turns to how McGee and the Hawks respond. Between the injuries, the scrutiny, and the pressure of defending a title, Illawarra’s season is teetering on the edge.