After a one-year absence from the NBA, a former veteran center will now play in Australia.
Forging a solid career spanning over a decade in the NBA is not every player’s cup of tea, especially as a role player.
Despite the low odds, there are players who have done it, and former Dallas Mavericks star JaVale McGee is among those names.
However, McGee failed to find a team last season after a short stint with the Sacramento Kings for the 2023-24 season.
At 37 years old, McGee is undoubtedly out of the prime of his career. It was evident from his averages of just 4.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 0.4 assists per game for the Kings in 46 games.
While no NBA team offered McGee a deal, the former Golden State Warriors and LA Lakers veteran found a new home in Australia.
Yes, the 3x NBA champion is heading to the Illawarra Hawks, the team announced.
“Adding JaVale McGee to our program is a game-changer. His leadership, athleticism, and championship mentality will elevate our group and energise the Illawarra community.
“The signing of JaVale reinforces the club’s commitment to sustained success and global recognition,” Hawks’ GM Mat Campbell said (h/t Dallas Hoops Journal).
McGee will begin this new chapter in his career following a 16-year stint in the NBA after being selected as the No. 18 pick in the 2008 NBA Draft.
While McGee is no longer in the NBA, let alone with the Mavericks, the organization’s one poor decision is still causing them a financial burden.
For context, the Mavs offered McGee a three-year, $17.2 million deal in 2022. However, it quickly became clear that the veteran center’s best days were behind him as he was waived in 2023.
Instead of clearing the debt in a single swoop, the Mavericks decided to stretch McGee’s remaining amount until the end of the 2027-28 NBA season.
As a result, the 3x NBA champ will still earn above $2.2 million per year from the Mavericks until the end of the above-mentioned campaign.
