'Open to a return': Could NBA champion be back in NBL27?

Since arriving in Australia, he’s become one of the most dominant forces in the Hungry Jack’s NBL.

Now it appears three-time NBL champion JaVale McGee, who is averaging 19.3 points, 9.9 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game with Illawarra, could be back for another season.

NBL commentator and former Sydney King Brad Rosen reported McGee spoke at a pre-game corporate function on Friday night at the WIN Entertainment Centre, saying he's 'open to returning to the Hawks, open to staying in Australia and has loved his time here'.

Fellow commentator Jason Cadee said the League and fans would “100 per cent” want McGee back next season.

“You look at people when they come out here with the wrong mindset, it never works out,” Cadee said on ESPN. “But guys like JaVale, considering all he’s achieved, who come out, want to be a part of it [the club and community] and fully embrace the culture, can really make a difference.

“I’ve seen it with a number of guys I was teammates with, like Josh Childress and Tyler Johnson. They both loved their situations and wanted to extend their stay.

“JaVale falls in that category too and with him saying he’s open to a return, I believe it would be great to have him back [in our competition next season].”

JaVale McGee is a $360,800 centre in the NBL’s official fantasy game, Beat The Coach, presented by Choice Hotels. Take on Damon Lowery and Beat the Coach in any round of the NBL26 Season and you’ll receive an entry into the end-of-season $10,000 prize draw, including $5,000 cash and $5,000 in Choice Hotels™ gift vouchers. Sign up to play now here.

The reigning champions have the majority of their roster set for the 2026-27, including Tyler Harvey, Sam Froling, Will Hickey, Wani Swaka Lo Buluk, Mason Peatling, Dan Grida and Todd Blanchfield, with the club also having a team option on Biwali Bayles.

The Hawks take on Melbourne United at John Cain Arena from 2.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN and Channel 10.