Melbourne United receive major boost as Joe Ingles signs
Melbourne United have pulled off one of the biggest signings in recent NBL history, securing former NBA veteran Joe Ingles on a two-year deal ahead of the Hungry Jack’s NBL27 season.
The 38-year-old returns to Melbourne after completing a 12-year NBA career that included 810 games, multiple playoff appearances and an Olympic bronze medal with the Australian Boomers at the Tokyo Games.
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Ingles began his professional career with the South Dragons in 2006 and won an NBL championship in 2009 before forging a decorated international career across the NBA, EuroLeague, Spain and Israel.
“Coming home to Melbourne feels incredibly special,” Ingles said.
“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.”
Melbourne United finished on top of the NBL ladder last season but fell short during the finals series, with the club now making an aggressive push to reclaim the championship it last won in 2024.
The addition of Ingles is expected to see Australian betting sites install United as early favourites for the NBL title, with the veteran expected to add leadership, elite shooting and playoff experience to an already stacked roster.
United are yet to appoint a replacement for coach Dean Vickerman, who quit to purse international coaching ambitions, after nine seasons in the hot seat.
“Right now we’re in that space now of really focussing on what that shortlist looks like with the aim of starting interviews relatively soon, but we’re going to take our time because we want to get this decision right so we find the right coach to take us forward,” Melbourne United CEO Nick Truelson said.
