McGee 'appreciating every moment' in NBL

Three-time NBA champion JaVale McGee has been a revelation since arriving in Australia to play for the Illawarra Hawks.

During his seven appearances in the NBL for the reigning champions, the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games gold medallist is putting up 21.3 points, 10.6 rebounds and 2.1 blocks (which is equal first in the competition alongside Perth's Jo Lual-Acuil).

And while the Hawks are languishing in second-last with a 2-5 record, the 983-game NBA veteran is thoroughly enjoying his experience down under.

"I’m one of the luckiest guys in the world just being born seven-foot and athletic period,” McGee said to CODE Sports.

“A lot of people look at journeymen like me and think, ‘I wouldn’t want to be that guy’. He has to pick up and go to all these different places, but I look at it as a blessing.

“I get to experience different cities and countries. I’m doing stuff in my life that people could only dream of and I appreciate every moment."

McGee, whose impressive performances have seen NBL champion Damon Lowery call him the "MVP front-runner", and his Hawks will look to rebound on Sunday when they travel to Adelaide to take on the 5-2 36ers, headlined by Bryce Cotton.

That Round 7 fixture tips off at 4.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN and 10 DRAMA.

Read the full story here >> Three-time NBA champion JaVale McGee could have retired, instead he brought his game to the NBL