Mavericks castoff is suddenly turning back the clock like Dallas never expected

The Dallas Mavericks have been manning the middle by committee when it comes to their big men this season. That’s why it's hard not to notice what former Maverick big man JaVale McGee has been doing overseas in Australia.

Dallas was quick to pull the plug on McGee during the 2022-23 season after his on-court performance didn’t meet team expectations. He played just 42 games that year, averaging just 4.4 points and 2.5 rebounds per game. And the Mavs used the stretch-and-waive provision to waive McGee and spread out the remaining two years of his three-year, $20.1 million contract over four years for immediate salary cap relief.

But based on McGee’s recent overseas production, perhaps the Mavs were a bit too hasty to cut ties with the still athletic big man?

McGee is showing the Mavericks he has plenty left in the tank

McGee is experiencing a rare late-career renaissance on the court at the seasoned age of 38. He’s averaging 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks in just 25 minutes per game in Australia’s NBL. It might make Dallas fans wonder what his length and athleticism could have done for the Mavs this season.

Playing for the Illawarra Hawks in Australia for the 2025-26 season has let everyone know McGee still has some premium gas left in the tank. Despite his team missing the playoffs, he was named club MVP, proving he still has the pedigree to play basketball at a high level.

The 2008 NBA first-round pick has overwhelmed his overseas competition with a variety of back-you-down footwork, sweeping hook shots, floaters, his trademark long-armed monster dunks, and the occasional trey ball. McGee’s 1.8 blocks per game led the NBL, and his 10.0 rebounds ranked second in the league.

JaVale McGee's history with Dallas never worked out

Dallas and McGee have history.

Sadly, they always seemed to connect at the wrong time. McGee’s first stint with the team in the 2015-2016 season was ruined by a troublesome stress fracture in his left tibia, which saw him play only 34 games and average just 5.1 points and 3.9 rebounds per game.

That’s why McGee’s second coming on the Mavs during the 2022-23 season was supposed to be his redemption arc. McGee was motivated to make things right.

“That was my first injury – first and last injury, actually,” said McGee after signing with the Mavs for a second go round. “That was the first injury that I ever had, and I really didn’t know what it takes to get over injuries, especially a stress fracture where I had a rod put into my shin at that time.”

“So I really didn’t know what it was going to take. And not knowing exactly what it takes to overcome that and get back to an elite level, it took me a couple of years, but yeah, I’m back,” McGee added.

Unfortunately, those good feelings didn’t translate to the basketball court, and the Mavs waived McGee in August 2023 because his performance as a starter did not meet expectations, leading him to quickly fall out of the rotation and ultimately exit the team.

McGee could have provided stability on and off the floor for the Mav bigs

Fast forward to today, the Mavs now find their big men committee in flux due to Dereck Lively II being out for the season (right foot) and Daniel Gafford still trying to regain his form from a persistent right ankle injury.

Newly acquired Marvin Bagley III has shown flashes. Still, a veteran like McGee, who has won championships and recovered from a major leg injury, could have provided mentorship to the young bigs while contributing some meaningful minutes on the court.

Now Mavs fans can only appreciate the three-time NBA champion’s resolve from afar and wonder what could have been.