“I couldn’t give a f*** if you think Jack’s worth it”

Jack McVeigh grabbed headlines as one of four marquee players reportedly earning over $1 million a season, with his agent even sharing the news on Instagram.

Big contracts often attract external noise and added pressure, but Cairns Taipans coach Adam Forde isn’t paying any attention to it.

“The outside noise will be like, ‘is Jack worth it?’ I couldn’t give a f*** if you think Jack’s worth it,” Forde said via Code Sports.

“It doesn’t matter and Jack needs to know that it doesn’t matter.”

The Taipans have embraced an “all-in” mentality for a Championship push this year, and McVeigh is central to those ambitions.

He has the ability to light up the scoreboard and remains one of the league’s most dangerous finishers. That unforgettable game-winner against Melbourne in Game 3 of the NBL24 Championship Series still lingers in fans’ minds.

Forde said a “collective effort” will define the Taipans’ success, but McVeigh’s impact could be the difference in big moments.

He returns to the NBL with added polish, bringing NBA experience and a strong FIBA Asia Cup campaign into the season.

The 29-year-old said it’s a testament to the NBL’s growth that it’s competing with the world’s biggest leagues to secure and retain top talent.

“It was a bit crazy with everyone finding out, but I think it’s kudos to the league and what the NBL is becoming,” he added.

The Taipans tip off their Hungry Jack’s NBL26 campaign against the Phoenix on September 20 at John Cain Arena.