Australian basketball veteran Joe Ingles is coming home to the NBL with Melbourne United on a two-year contract after 15 years away from the league.

The 38-year-old joins United after completing his 12th NBA season. Ending an NBA career that included stints with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Utah Jazz, Milwaukee Bucks and Orlando Magic.

Ingles is ranked in the top five Australians for points, assists, rebounds, steals, and three-pointers in the NBA.

Returning to Melbourne where he began his professional career with the South Dragons in 2006, he said he felt “incredibly special”.

Becoming the first player to sign with the club, he won the NBL Rookie of the Year award in his debut season and helped lead the Dragons to the 2009 championship.

“To return to where my professional career began almost 20 years ago is something I don’t take for granted,” he said.

As one of Australia’s most accomplished basketballers, he represented the Boomers at five Olympic Games and helped win bronze medals in Tokyo and Paris.

Despite turning 39 before the NBL season begins in September, Ingles said he still believes he can help Melbourne contend for a championship.

“I still love competing, I still love the game, and I believe I can genuinely help this group win,” he said.

“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.”

Melbourne United captain Chris Goulding thinks he will fit into their style perfectly.

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

Melbourne United finished fifth in the 25–26 NBL season before losing to the Perth Wildcats in the elimination finals.

Photo: OLYMPICS: JUL 25 Olympics Tokyo 2020 by Pete Dov is available HERE and is used under a Creative Commons Licence. This image has been cropped