NBA champion returns to Melbourne

Sunday, May 19, 2024

Jack White has signed with Melbourne United one a two-year deal, the second of which contains a player option.

One of Melbourne’s favourite sons is returning home for NBL25, with the club confirming the signing of former NBA champion Jack White to a two-year deal, the second of which contains a player option.

White has spent two years playing in the United States since departing Melbourne, first with the Denver Nuggets and Grand Rapids Gold on a two-way contract, before a G-League stint with the South Bay Lakers and a 10-day contract with the Memphis Grizzlies this season.

The Boomers forward is one of a handful of players to have been named both an NBL and NBA champion in their career following his NBL21 title-win with United and 2023 NBA crown with Denver, and is one of a handful of stars to tread a path over to the NBA after a successful stint with the club.

He was also a member of Australia’s 2023 FIBA World Cup campaign, and is part of the Boomers’ extended Olympic squad.

Head coach Dean Vickerman believes White has expanded his game since his last stint at the club, and has welcomed his return.

“We think he’s going to be a magnificent asset for us,” Vickerman said.

“We’re incredibly proud of Jack and the journey he has taken across his career so far. To have been a player that we worked with in his college days, to then playing here and being a big part of the championship team in NBL21, to then chase his dreams and win an NBA Championship with Denver, it’s been a remarkable journey so far.

“We’ve seen him expand his game in the G-League, playing some really good basketball at the five while still being able to guard every position on the court.

“The greatest improvement we’ve seen is in his shot and the confidence in the way he can get it off from deep. He’s going to be an easy addition to our group because of his versatility.

“In his time away, he’s had to adjust quickly to changing lineups, so he’s developed a really great ability to effectively play a role no matter what the scenario is.”

White has returned to the club after 21 games at NBA level where he averaged 1.3 points and 1.4 rebounds per game. He averaged 13.6 points and 7.4 rebounds per game in his 57 G-League appearances.

Melbourne has also revealed the contract contains an NBA-out clause.