Former Utah Jazz Fan Favorite Joe Ingles Signs with Melbourne United

Joe Ingles’ time in the NBA has reached its end as he signed a two-year deal with Melbourne United. The former Jazzman spent eight years with the franchise, and while he only averaged 8.6 points per game, Ingles quickly became a cult favorite. His Aussie attitude, paired with three seasons in which he played in every single game for Utah, made it easy to support him, and that sentiment followed him throughout his career.  

Ingles started his career in Melbourne back in 2006 and eventually won the NBL in 2009 with a now-dissolved franchise, the South Dragons. The Aussie made the jump to the NBA in 2014, kicking off a stint with the Jazz that lasted until 2022. From there, he spent a season in Milwaukee and Orlando before ending his career with a two-year stint in Minnesota. 

Now, back where it all began, this time with Melbourne United, the 38-year-old reflected on the move in his introductory interview with the team. 

“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,” Ingles said. 

“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,” he continued. 

While the sun has set on his NBA career, the memories he made with the Jazz will last well beyond his playing days. In a team that saw the dynamic duo of Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell grow into the players they are today, Jinglin’ Joe remained a mainstay in the hearts of the Jazz faithful. 

Ingles may not have been a stat-sheet stuffer night in and night out, but his impact on the team stretched far beyond what numbers could portray. For that, he will forever be cemented in Jazz lore, and the day he returns to the Delta Center will be met with a crowd roar so loud it’ll be heard from Australia.