As a three-time NBA champion, JaVale McGee was always likely to make an impact in the NBL — even at 37. He just wasn’t expected to be this good.
The American is one of the most exciting players seen in the Australian competition and, in his short three-game career so far, is already putting up MVP quality numbers in what is arguably the NBL’s greatest era.
“I expected him to be dominant just because of his size and defence, but he’s blown me away,” renowned NBL commentator Pete Hooley said.
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The 213cm McGee is certainly making his presence felt on the court — as opposition defences resort to what his Illawarra Hawks coach Justin Tatum believes are illegal tactics — and off it, with basketball pundits around the world taking notice of his early impact in Australia.
But the extent of McGee’s impact should perhaps not come as a surprise when you consider his career achievements, and the journey that ultimately led him to the NBL.
Daniels on NBL, career & Hawks season | 06:13
FROM ‘SHAQTIN’ A FOOL’ TO 3-TIME CHAMP
McGee joined the NBL with one of the most decorated resumes the league has ever seen, but his career has certainly had its tough moments — notably regularly becoming the butt of Shaquille O’Neal’s jokes when his mistakes were highlighted on the legend’s ‘Shaqtin’ A Fool’ television segment.
Despite his production on the court, McGee was often berated as “dumb” or a “clown,” a label he admitted was hard to shake. In an interview with Dwight Howard, he said, “The thing about that whole ‘Shaqtin’ A Fool’ era when I was on there is I didn’t realise what it was doing to my career until I started to move on to other teams.”
McGee appeared on the segment numerous times and was even “honoured” twice as the Shaqtin’ A Fool MVP – a label he found deeply disrespectful. The TNT crew eventually went a step further, dedicating a full ten-minute compilation solely to McGee and his so-called “bad plays.” Reflecting on the moment he’d had enough, McGee recalled, “I think I might’ve blocked a shot and went coast to coast – somebody undercut me, and I missed the layup.”
It wasn’t until McGee publicly called out O’Neal for bullying him during those segments that he began rebuilding his reputation.
From there, he carved out a new identity – that of an elite, efficient, high-energy role player – and went on to win three NBA championships in four years. “I know what I can do. I know my role. I know the energy I bring to teams. I know the efficient way I play basketball,” McGee told USA Today in 2022.
McGee’s record ultimaltely speaks for itself.
He won two titles with the Golden State Warriors and one with the Los Angeles Lakers, and was also part of the 2020 Team USA Olympic gold medal team in Tokyo.
JaVale McGee playing with the Lakers in 2019.
JaVale McGee playing with the Lakers in 2019.Source: Getty Images
McGee played 16 seasons in the NBA across nine different teams, but his path to basketball greatness was almost written from birth. His father, George Montgomery, was a second-round pick in the 1985 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers, while his mother, Pamela McGee, is a former WNBA player, 1984 Olympic gold medallist, and two-time NCAA Division I champion at USC. Basketball runs deep in his bloodline.
Throughout his NBA career, McGee appeared in 909 games, averaging seven points, five rebounds and one block per game on 57 percent shooting.
His best season came in 2018-19 with the Lakers, where he averaged twelve points, seven rebounds and two blocks per game.
So why did a 16-year NBA veteran with that kind of success decide to join the NBL? McGee explained it simply: “I was in the NBA for 16 years and I always had a hint of jealousy towards the European players because they get to go to different countries and really explore. I never really had that opportunity, so when this opportunity came up to come to Australia … I jumped straight on it,” he told the Geelong Advertiser.
Stephen Curry #30, Kevin Durant #35 and JaVale McGee #1 of the Golden State Warriors in 2017.
Stephen Curry #30, Kevin Durant #35 and JaVale McGee #1 of the Golden State Warriors in 2017.Source: Getty Images
‘WOULDN’T KNOW HE IS 37’
Coming from a season in Puerto Rico, McGee’s arrival in the NBL has been nothing short of electrifying so far. At 37 years old, he’s playing like a man reborn, averaging 25.7 points and 10 rebounds, along with three assists, two steals and two blocks per game.
NBL legend and commentator Lanard Copeland admitted he’s been surprised by just how effective McGee has been.
“I did not expect for him to be as agile and mobile as he has been so far,” Copeland said to foxsports.com.au.
“If you watched him from afar and didn’t know who he was, you would not know he was 37 years old.”
Those words couldn’t be more accurate. McGee has been a nightmare matchup for the league’s best bigs – players like Will Magnay, Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. and Sam Mennenga have all struggled to contain him. His mix of power, length and agility has made him a dominant two-way presence every night.
“He’s been unreal,” said Hooley.
“I expected him to be dominant just because of his size and defence, but he’s blown me away.”
Beyond the box score, McGee’s impact on the league has been immense.
“JaVale McGee has brought an NBA championship pedigree and real excitement into the NBL from his first day,” said NBL CEO David Stephenson.
JaVale McGee warms up for the Hawks. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)
JaVale McGee warms up for the Hawks. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“He’s engaging new fans and opening our League to new audiences around the world.” Hooley echoed that sentiment: “Just listening to the way he speaks about the league and how comfortable he is here only strengthens the chance for more guys in his position to join the NBL.”
Recently, however, McGee’s name found its way into headlines for a different reason – his coach, Justin Tatum, voiced frustration after Illawarra’s loss to the New Zealand Breakers. “We’ve got a 16-year NBA veteran on our team who’s been getting fouled on the floor, tripped up and checked at half-court. We’ve got to fight through a lot of adversity on that one,” Tatum said post-game, before adding, “I don’t think the league deserves him being here.”
It was a bold statement from a coach under pressure, but it spoke volumes about how highly McGee is valued – not just by his team, but across the entire league. His professionalism, star power, and leadership have raised expectations for what an import can bring to the NBL, both on and off the court.
MOVE OVER NEXT STARS, IT’S TIME FOR EX-STARS
That presence has even inspired broader discussion about the league’s future. Former NBL player and media personality Felix Von Hofe raised the idea of a new NBL era – not “Next Stars,” but “Ex-Stars.”
“Ex-NBA stars using the NBL as a pathway to one or two more years in the league,” he said. “Imagine an ‘Ex-Stars’ class of John Wall, Patty Mills, Dwight Howard – make it happen, Larry.”
It’s a concept with growing support. Copeland is a believer too, saying, “The blueprint is already set in place. The money’s good. They speak English. Everything works right for them.”
And with the success of players like Montrezl Harrell last season and McGee this year, that idea doesn’t seem far-fetched at all.
The NBL has never been stronger. Once a struggling domestic competition, it’s now one of the most respected leagues in the world – even NBA star Zion Williamson called it “the second-best league in the world.”
For players like McGee, the NBL provides not just competition, but purpose.
McGee is thriving. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
McGee is thriving. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“For a guy like McGee, who perhaps was never the focal point of a team in the NBA, he gets to lead and dominate here at the back end of his career. What more could you want?” Hooley said.
Von Hofe added, “The best thing that can happen to the NBL is that JaVale comes out here, dominates, gets picked up by an NBA team late and opens the pathway for guys like Patty Mills, John Wall or Pat Bev to try.”
The excitement around McGee’s time in the league is real – and so is the ripple effect it could create.
“We’re looking at an MVP candidate,” Copeland said.
“His numbers alone will get him in the conversation.”
If he continues this level of play and helps lead the Hawks back into contention, McGee could open the door for a wave of former NBA players to follow.
For the NBL, that’s a dream scenario. A league once fighting for survival now finds itself hosting world champions, gold medallists, and global stars – and in McGee, it has the perfect ambassador.
What he’s doing now isn’t just remarkable; it could be the beginning of a new era for the NBL – one where former NBA players find new life, new fans, and a new appreciation for the game in Australia.