Joe Ingles settles into Melbourne United return after 12 NBA seasons

Joe Ingles is averaging 11 points, four assists and four rebounds through seven games for Melbourne United after returning to Australia following 12 NBA seasons, according to a new Guardian interview. The 39-year-old said he felt physically well as he settled into the latest stage of his career.

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Speaking to Guardian reporter Jack Snape, Ingles also discussed passing 1,500 days without alcohol. He stopped drinking during rehabilitation from a serious knee injury in 2022 and continued after returning to competition. What began as part of his recovery became a lasting change, rather than something he reversed once he was playing again.

Ingles, his wife Renae and their three children are adjusting to life in Melbourne after years of NBA travel. The Guardian reported that he typically travelled for more than 40 road games annually and played for four teams in his final five seasons in North America.

Melbourne announced his two-year contract in May. The NBL's announcement recorded 810 NBA games and eight playoff appearances, alongside an international career spanning five Olympics and four FIBA World Cups. Ingles was part of Australia's bronze-medal team at the Tokyo Games. At the time of his signing, the league also highlighted his place among Australia's leading NBA players across points, assists, rebounds, steals and three-pointers.

His return reconnects him with the city where his professional career began with the South Dragons in 2006. Melbourne United's account of his earlier career recalled the Dragons' 2009 championship-clinching win over the Melbourne Tigers: Ingles contributed nine points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals in a 21-point Game 5 victory. He subsequently won a EuroLeague title and domestic trophies in Spain and Israel.

When the signing was announced, Ingles said his priorities were contributing to victories, providing leadership and helping the group develop, rather than accumulating individual achievements. United teammate Chris Goulding, who has played alongside him for Australia, identified his decision-making and shooting as strengths. Ingles had also told Australian media that he would not have committed to the return without believing he could help Melbourne win.