Aussies Abroad: Ingles shines in start for Wolves

NBL-linked star Joe Ingles has made the most of his first start of the NBA season with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday AEDT.

Across 18 minutes of action, the Australian Boomers tallied 7 points (including one triple), 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 steal, in the Wolves’ 132-120 loss to Orlando.

During his second season in Minnesota, the 38-year-old has helped propel the Wolves to sixth in the Western Conference standings, with just two games remaining until the post-season.

“It [Ingles returning home] is continuing to build,” Hooley said on the latest episode of The Marketplace, presented by Paywise.

“It's still a decision that his family is going to have to make if he wants to come home at all, but from what we understand, there have been conversations with both Melbourne clubs, as well as the Adelaide 36ers.

“Joe's never been the fastest player in any league that he has played in, but if you can do certain things better than anybody else, like shoot the ball with a high IQ, [not to mention] get away with more physicality, I believe he would have a tremendous impact in whatever role he ends up in. He's still got plenty left in the tank.”

Once Ingles’ Playoffs campaign wraps up with Minnesota, his next stop will come into question, with Hooley reporting that the 2020 Olympic bronze medallist is open to a return to the NBL.

Ingles started his professional career with the South Dragons, with whom he played three seasons and won the 2009 NBL Championship.

After more than a decade overseas and 806 NBA games to his name, ESPN’s Olgun Uluc reiterated Hooley’s point, saying the signing of Ingles would great addition to any NBL team.

“Notwithstanding the age, you think about the positional size and the IQ, and it makes sense anywhere,” Uluc said.

“It feels like the 36ers of the team that are the ones that are chasing most aggressively, they really, really want him.

“But it also feels like Ingles' preference is one of the Melbourne teams. That's what it feels like, and those two teams, we're waiting and seeing.

“They've had conversations with him, and they're figuring out if they can fit him into their plans.

“Again, it's Joe Ingles, generally, you find a way to fit Joe Ingles into your plans.”