JaVale McGee: This NBL star should be in the NBA

With 16 seasons and 981 games to his name, Illawarra Hawks’ JaVale McGee knows what it takes to play and succeed in the NBA.

That impressive stint in the United States also included three NBA championships, two with the Golden State Warriors and one with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Now having competed in the NBL for 20 rounds, he’s got a gauge on who from the competition could compete in the world’s number one league.

While he believes Adelaide’s five-time MVP Bryce Cotton “could definitely make a name for himself in the league” and New Zealand’s NBL Next Star Karim Lopez “could make a run for it”, the 38-year-old says another Breakers star is the most suited to make the jump - Sam Mennenga.

"I look at him, and I'm like, 'you should definitely be in the league," McGee said to the Illawarra Mercury.

"I look at guys in every position, but in my position, Mennenga is the best chance to make it in the NBA and actually make an impact.

"His athleticism and speed and his shooting ability, I think he has NBA ability."

During his 26 games in NBL26 before sustaining a season-ending wrist injury, Mennenga averaged 17 points, 7 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game.

McGee and his Hawks host NSW rivals Sydney from 7.30pm AEDT on Thursday, live on ESPN.

Read the full story here >> This is the player McGee says should be in the NBA, but it's not a Hawk