NBA, Boomers star Joe Ingles to join Melbourne United on two-year deal

Melbourne United is thrilled to announce that 810-game NBA star and Olympic Bronze Medalist, Joe Ingles, is set to join the club on a two-year deal.

Having just completed his 12th NBA campaign, Ingles is one of the nation’s greatest ever basketball players, ranking in the top five for points, assists, rebounds, steals and three-pointers among all Australians to have ever played in the league.

After starting his professional journey in the NBL in 2006 with the South Dragons, where he ultimately won a Championship in 2009, Ingles touched on what the move back to Melbourne means to him.

“Coming home to Melbourne feels incredibly special,” Ingles explained. 

“To return to where my professional career began almost 20 years ago is something I don’t take for granted. So much has happened since then, but Melbourne has always felt like home.

“We’re really excited to reconnect with the community here, and to be closer to family and friends again. After so many years overseas, that part means a lot to us.”

A consistent winner across the course of his career, including ten NBA Playoff appearances, a Euroleague Championship, as well as league and cup Championship victories in Spain and Israel, Ingles comes to United with a clear objective to compete for the NBL’s ultimate goal.

Looking at how the club has continually challenged for Championships over the last decade, the 203cm forward explained why the move to Melbourne was an obvious decision.

“From a basketball perspective, this opportunity really excited me. I still love competing, I still love the game, and I believe I can genuinely help this group win.

“I’ve always loved playing in team-first environments built on toughness, connection and doing the little things well, and I think Melbourne United represents all of that.

“At this stage of my career, it’s not about individual achievements. It’s about impact, leadership, helping a group come together and chasing something meaningful.

“I’ve watched the culture Melbourne United has built over a long period of time and that was a huge part of the attraction for me. There’s a standard and professionalism there that really aligns with who I am.

“I’m excited to get to work, earn the respect of the group, connect with the fans and hopefully help bring another championship to Melbourne.”

Adding to his extensive professional resume is what Ingles has done with the Australian Boomers across five Olympic Games and four FIBA World Cups.

Having played alongside Ingles for a number of those tournaments, including Australia’s first ever Olympic Medal victory at the 2020 Tokyo Games, Chris Goulding outlined exactly what Ingles can bring to the lineup once he joins his United teammates.

“I think Joe will be a great addition to the team,” Goulding said. 

“His decision-making, leadership and shooting abilities make him a great teammate and someone that everyone will love to play with.

“I think he will fit into our style perfectly. It won't be long until he's hitting big shots in front of a packed out John Cain Arena crowd.”

Once he arrives in Melbourne, Ingles will join Goulding, Shea Ili, Sam Waardenburg, Fabijan Krslovic, Kyle Bowen and Dash Daniels as rostered players for NBL27.