Former Shaqtin' A Fool star dominates overseas

JaVale McGee thrives in Australia's NBL at age 38

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Three-time NBA champion and 16-year veteran JaVale McGee has dominated in Australia's top basketball league, the NBL, averaging 19.3 points, 10 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.8 blocks and 0.9 steals per game. Despite his team, the Illawarra Hawks, not making the playoffs, the 38-year-old McGee is considering returning to the NBL next season.

Why it matters

McGee's strong performance overseas at his advanced age shows he still has something left in the tank, even as his NBA days appear to be behind him. His success in the NBL could open the door for other veteran NBA players to extend their careers by playing internationally.

The details

In his best game of the season, McGee scored 37 points with 14 rebounds, two steals and one block. While his team did not make the NBL playoffs, McGee's impressive stats demonstrate he can still be an effective big man despite being 38 years old. McGee's best NBA season came nearly 15 years ago when he averaged 11.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.2 blocks for the Washington Wizards and Denver Nuggets.

  • McGee averaged 19.3 points, 10 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.8 blocks and 0.9 steals per game in the 2026 NBL season.
  • In his strongest performance, McGee scored 37 points with 14 rebounds, two steals and one block.
  • Following his strong season, McGee spoke about returning to the NBL for the 2027 season.

The players

JaVale McGee

A three-time NBA champion and 16-year veteran who has dominated in Australia's NBL at age 38, averaging 19.3 points, 10 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.8 blocks and 0.9 steals per game.

Illawarra Hawks

The NBL team that JaVale McGee played for, though they did not advance to the playoffs.

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What they’re saying

“I've absolutely loved my time here in Australia. I definitely have a high temptation to come back next season.”

— JaVale McGee

What’s next

As the NBL offseason nears, McGee's return status will be worth monitoring to see if he decides to continue his career in Australia's top league.

The takeaway

JaVale McGee's dominant performance in the NBL at age 38 shows veteran NBA players can extend their careers by playing overseas, even if their NBA days are behind them. McGee's success could inspire other aging stars to explore international opportunities to keep playing at a high level.