Was McGee NBL’s biggest snub?

Amid the glitz and glamour of the Andrew Gaze MVP celebrations, one name was conspicuously absent - JaVale McGee.

The three-time NBA champion, Olympic gold medallist and Illawarra Hawk didn’t receive a place in the All-NBL First or Second teams, raising many eyebrows.

McGee had an outstanding season leading the League in blocks, finishing second in rebounding, and was named the Hawks' MVP, but was completely overlooked on Monday night.

In 31 games, and in an average of just 25 minutes per game for the defending-champion Hawks, the 38-year-old delivered:

- 19.3 points per game (on 58% FG)
- 10 rebounds (2nd in the NBL)
- 2.1 assists
- 0.9 steals
- 1.8 blocks (tied 1st in the NBL)
- Efficiency rating of 26.1 (above Cotton’s 26.0)

McGee was a walking double-double who bullied opponents in the paint, erased shots at the rim and finished with authority. He posted multiple 20 point, 10 rebound games and was the most dominant interior force in the League.

While the All-NBL teams are positionless, the First Team had no centres while the Second Team featured Zylan Cheatham and Xavier Cooks, but there was no room for McGee.

The All-NBL debate ...

Jack McVeigh – Made All-NBL Second Team, but some experts had him on the First Team. He was a club MVP and strong all-round performer on an injury-hit team.

Jo Lual-Acuil Jr – The Perth big man snuck into the top 10 scorers in the league this season at 17 points per game and ripping down 6 rebounds. His numbers may have been down on previous years, but with a loaded Wildcats roster, his impact was a big reason they finished in the top four.

Milton Doyle – Damon Lowery made waves by putting United star Milton Doyle in his first team prediction and then doubled down during NBL Overtime about his selection. While many people opposed that view, Doyle did finish 14th in the league in scoring (1st on United) and 4.3 assists per game, while also delivering some big moments for the fifth placed United.

Sam Mennenga – A finalist for the Most Improved Player and the winner of the Next Generation Award, the New Zealand big man had an outstanding individual season. Finishing eighth in the league in scoring with 17.7 points per game and pulling down just under seven rebounds.

Tyson Walker – While Melbourne United’s form struggled after the first FIBA break, Walker’s play was consistently superb in his debut season in the league. The dynamic point guard averaged just under 15 points, 5 assists and almost two steals per game. He made his name on the defensive end as he continued to unlock his offensive production over the course of NBL26.

All-NBL First Team
Bryce Cotton (Adelaide 36ers) - 54 votes
Kendric Davis (Sydney Kings)  - 52 votes
Nathan Sobey (South East Melbourne Phoenix)  - 52 votes
Kristian Doolittle (Perth Wildcats) - 51 votes
John Brown III (South East Melbourne Phoenix) - 36 votes

All-NBL Second Team
Jack McVeigh (Cairns Taipans)  - 31 votes
Parker Jackson-Cartwright (New Zealand Breakers)  - 30 votes
Xavier Cooks (Sydney Kings)  - 30 votes
Bryce Hamilton (Tasmania JackJumpers) - 28 votes
Zylan Cheatham (Adelaide 36ers)  – 23 votes

A "slap in the face"?

Wani Swaka Lo Buluk - Hawks head coach Justin Tatum publicly blasted the awards process as a "slap in the face" for not even nominating Swaka Lo Buluk for Defensive Player of the Year (Damian Martin Trophy).

Damian Martin Trophy for the Best Defensive Player
John Brown III (South East Melbourne Phoenix) - 75 votes
Will Magnay (Tasmania JackJumpers)  - 27 votes
Kristian Doolittle (Perth Wildcats) - 24 votes

Breakout unrewarded?

Owen Foxwell – The 22-year-old point guard from South East Melbourne had a standout season leading from the front for Josh King. Improving his stats in almost every single category year-on-year, but notably becoming a major reason for the team’s success in NBL26.

Most Improved Player
Flynn Cameron (Adelaide 36ers) - 51 votes
Makuach Maluach (Sydney Kings)  - 39 votes
Sam Mennenga (New Zealand Breakers)  - 35 votes

Sixth man impact, missing wins?

Will Hickey – It was a tough season for Hickey, who missed the beginning due to an eye injury and returned when his team was struggling to find form. Individually, the Hawks’ champion had one of his best seasons, putting up a career best 12.7 points, 5.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game.

Best Sixth Man
Angus Glover (South East Melbourne Phoenix) - 64 votes
Kouat Noi (Sydney Kings)  - 44 votes
Majok Deng (Tasmania JackJumpers)  33 votes