ONE OF the biggest signings in National Basketball League (NBL) history was announced this week, with the Illawarra Hawks landing three-time NBA Champion JaVale McGee on a one-year deal.

McGee is one of the biggest names to ever join the competition, having won championships in the NBA with the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers in the past decade, and has played for many franchises at the top level, bringing an immense level of experience to Australia’s premier basketball competition.

The former first round pick made a name for himself as a high-flying dunker and shot blocker during the early 2010’s and participated in the NBA Dunk Contest early in his career, showcasing elite athleticism and making the most of his seven-foot-frame and impressive wingspan.

During his 16-year NBA career, McGee played with nine NBA franchises, valued for his ability to score inside the paint as well as block shots down the other end, and found most of his success with the Washington Wizards early in his career, and the Golden State Warriors in the twilight of his time at the top level.

He reached the ultimate success with Golden State in 2017 to become an NBA Champion for the first time, and when the Warriors backed it up the following season, McGee’s role increased and he played a crucial part in the team’s success. He was moved into the starting lineup for most of the regular season, and started the final three games of the NBA Finals as the Warriors defeated the Cavaliers for the second year in a row.

He won his third championship in 2020, this time in the bubble as the Los Angeles Lakers claimed the ultimate prize, and McGee was a crucial member of the rotation, coming off the bench to play backup minutes in the frontcourt.

Since then, McGee has played short stints for various NBA teams, but most recently suited up in Puerto Rico, still showing his craft inside the paint and athleticism despite being 37 years of age and certainly in the twilight of his basketball career.

Now he joins a Hawks side fresh off a maiden NBL Championship and looking to go back to back, with McGee now making that a much more realistic possibility. The big man will join the likes of Tyler Harvey and Sam Froling in playing under Justin Tatum, and the team will undoubtedly be one of the heavyweight contenders once again.

 “JaVale’s experience and competitive drive align perfectly with our culture of excellence. We’re excited to integrate him into our rotation and see him as a key contributor right away,” Tatum said.

With over 1000 games of NBA experience under his belt, McGee is one of the most decorated players in the NBL immediately, and will play a crucial role if the Illawarra Hawks are any chance of going back to back.