BREAKING: Aussie icon returns to NBL

Melbourne United announced on Tuesday that 810-game NBA star and Olympic bronze medallist Joe Ingles is signing with the club on a two-year deal.

Having just completed his 12th NBA campaign, Ingles is one of the nation’s greatest ever basketball players, ranking in the top five for points, assists, rebounds, steals and three-pointers among all Australians to have ever played in the US-based league.

After starting his professional journey in the NBL in 2006 with the South Dragons, where he ultimately won a championship in 2009, Ingles is excited to return to Melbourne.

“Coming home to Melbourne feels incredibly special,” Ingles said.

“To return to where my professional career began almost 20 years ago is something I don’t take for granted. So much has happened since then, but Melbourne has always felt like home.

“We’re really excited to reconnect with the community here, and to be closer to family and friends again. After so many years overseas, that part means a lot to us.”

A consistent winner across the course of his career, including eight NBA Playoff appearances, a Euroleague championship, as well as league and cup championship victories in Spain and Israel, the 38-year-old forward heads to United with a clear objective to compete for the NBL’s ultimate goal.

“From a basketball perspective, this opportunity really excited me. I still love competing, I still love the game, and I believe I can genuinely help this group win,” he said.

“I’ve always loved playing in team-first environments built on toughness, connection and doing the little things well, and I think Melbourne United represents all of that.

“At this stage of my career, it’s not about individual achievements. It’s about impact, leadership, helping a group come together and chasing something meaningful.

“I’ve watched the culture Melbourne United has built over a long period of time and that was a huge part of the attraction for me.

“There’s a standard and professionalism there that really aligns with who I am.

“I’m excited to get to work, earn the respect of the group, connect with the fans and hopefully help bring another championship to Melbourne.”

Adding to his extensive professional resume is what Ingles has done with the Australian Boomers across five Olympic Games and four FIBA World Cups.

Having played alongside Ingles for a number of those tournaments, including Australia’s first ever Olympic medal victory at the 2020 Tokyo Games, Melbourne star Chris Goulding outlined exactly what Ingles can bring to the lineup once he joins his United teammates.

“I think Joe will be a great addition to the team,” Goulding said.

“His decision-making, leadership and shooting abilities make him a great teammate and someone that everyone will love to play with.

“I think he will fit into our style perfectly. It won't be long until he's hitting big shots in front of a packed.”

Ingles joins Goulding, Shea Ili, Sam Waardenburg, Fabijan Krslovic, Kyle Bowen and Dash Daniels as rostered players for the Hungry Jack’s NBL27 Season.

>> Free Agency Tracker: Rolling updates, signings and reported moves