When JaVale McGee signed with the Illawarra Hawks this offseason, many assumed the three‑time NBA champion was looking for a graceful final chapter to a long, winding career. Instead, the 16‑season veteran has stormed into the Australian NBL with the kind of production that few could have predicted, instantly becoming one of the league’s most impactful players.
In his debut against the Tasmania JackJumpers, McGee delivered a stat line that would make any superstar proud: 32 points on 15‑of‑20 shooting, 13 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks. He followed that up in Game 2 with another powerhouse performance, posting 26 points, 14 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals, and a block. For context, McGee scored more than 25 points only twice in his entire 909‑game NBA career, and he hasn’t been a regular rotation player since the 2021–22 season with Phoenix, when he averaged just under 16 minutes per game.
What makes these numbers so remarkable is not just the volume, but the efficiency and versatility. McGee has always been known as a rim‑runner and shot‑blocker, but in Illawarra he’s showing a polished offensive game, soft finishes, alley‑oop dunks, and even mid‑range touches. His defensive instincts remain sharp, as evidenced by his combined seven steals and four blocks across the two contests.
For the Hawks, McGee’s presence is transformative. Illawarra coach Justin Tatum praised his ability to anchor the paint and set the tone physically, while also noting that the team is still building chemistry around their new centerpiece. Opponents, meanwhile, are already adjusting game plans to account for his dominance inside.
Beyond the box score, McGee’s resurgence is a reminder of the talent gap between NBA role players and the rest of the basketball world. In the NBA, McGee spent much of his career as a complementary piece, an energy big who thrived in spurts alongside stars like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Nikola Jokić. In the NBL, he’s proving that even a so‑called “role player” from the NBA can instantly become a superstar in another top‑flight league.
At 37, McGee’s body language suggests he’s not treating this as a farewell tour. He’s running the floor with energy, mentoring younger teammates, and embracing the spotlight in Wollongong. For Illawarra fans, it’s a thrilling start to the season; for McGee, it’s a chance to rewrite the narrative of his career—not as a quirky journeyman, but as a dominant veteran who still has plenty left to give.
If his first two games are any indication, JaVale McGee isn’t just in Australia to finish out his career. He’s here to dominate, and in doing so, he may have already become one of the NBL’s must‑watch attractions.
