JaVale McGee most recently played in the NBA during the 2023-24 season when he was a member of the Sacramento Kings. <\/p>\n
He had averages of 4.0 points and 2.7 rebounds per contest while shooting 57.8% from the field in 46 games. <\/p>\n
This week, the news was announced that McGee will be joining a team in the NBL. <\/p>\n
Via ESPN’s Olgun Uluc: <\/a>“JaVale McGee has agreed to a one-year deal with the Illawarra Hawks, sources told ESPN. The 7-foot centre joins the defending NBL champions following a 16-year NBA career.”<\/p>\nJaVale McGee has agreed to a one-year deal with the Illawarra Hawks, sources told ESPN. The 7-foot centre joins the defending NBL champions following a 16-year NBA career.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Olgun Uluc (@OlgunUluc) August 1, 2025<\/a><\/p>\nMany NBA fans reacted to the news on social media (h\/t Legion Hoops<\/a>). <\/p>\n@7ixers: “Shaq lowkey ruined his reputation like a hater he wasn’t even that bad”<\/p>\n
@RealRemyWong: “He\u2019s good for a couple blocks per game but that\u2019s about it”<\/p>\n
@kienobifilms: “He\u2019s not just bringing rebounds\u2026 he\u2019s bringing personality.”<\/p>\n
![\"NBA]( "\\"NBA")
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Nov 4, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) and forward Kevin Durant (35) and center JaVale McGee (1) look on in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images \/ Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
@Its_RianM: “JaVale was not a bad player.”<\/p>\n
@2kLouie: “3 NBA rings & an Olympic gold medal 100% qualifies you for the basketball HOF. Yao Ming has none of that, I wanna see JaVale in the hall!”<\/p>\n
@WrldCade: “Bring all the washed nba players to Australia where we\u2019ll actually enjoy and welcome them, unlike the nba”<\/p>\n
@AwobajoS: “Good for him to experience another culture while balling out and make money”<\/p>\n
![\"JaVale]( "\\"JaVale")
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Oct 8, 2023; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Sacramento Kings center JaVale McGee (00) reacts after making a layup against the Toronto Raptors in the first half at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images \/ Bob Frid-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
McGee played 16 seasons in the NBA. <\/p>\n
He won three NBA Championships with the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors. <\/p>\n
His career averages were 7.6 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per contest while shooting 57.8% from the field in 909 games. <\/p>\n