"Locked in on the NBA": McVeigh’s mission far from over

Australian fans would welcome Jack McVeigh back to the NBL with open arms, but for now, his focus remains firmly on the NBA.

Waived by the Houston Rockets last month, the Tasmania JackJumpers star is back in the US for Summer League, doing everything he can to prove he belongs.

“I’ve spent a lot of time on my body the last couple of years, and this is the best I’ve ever moved,” he told Pete Hooley from Las Vegas. “The best my body’s ever felt.”

McVeigh is lining up for the Atlanta Hawks, and finished with 7 points and 5 rebounds in the team’s Summer League opener, logging 16 minutes of action.

The NBL24 Champion’s role is clear, and he’s embracing it.

“Just come in and be me essentially,” McVeigh said.

“Bring culture, bring a voice, and then make shots. You know, catch it, shoot it. If they give me space, let it fly.”

As for what comes next, McVeigh is letting his actions do the talking.  

“I don’t know what my agent’s doing, but I’ve told him, ‘Do what you need to do, but leave me alone.’ I’m locked in. I’m taking it day by day. I’ve got a performance coach I’m working with, and we’re just focused on giving this my all and enjoying this process right here,” he said.

And as to whether a return to the NBL might be on the cards, the Championship Series MVP didn’t hesitate.

“I’m focused, locked in on the NBA, baby.”

Reflecting on his first season abroad, McVeigh says the growth has been significant - on and off the floor.

“It was huge. I mean, you come over and the game’s completely different. And so, for me, it was like, ‘Okay, how do I affect winning at this level? And what does that look like? And how do I shape and mould that?’

“For me, it was putting on a bit of size, putting on a bit of muscle, moving myself back up to that four spot at this level, which, you know, you’ve got to increase physicality. And then it’s a whole different game essentially because of how big the court is.

“So I’ve learned a lot. A lot. I feel like I’m a completely different player and person right now than I was 12 months ago.”

The 2025 NBA Summer League starts from July 11, Australian time, with exclusive interviews and insights available on the NBL App and NBL.com.au.