Three-time NBA Champion signs with Sacramento Kings

The Sacramento Kings signed three-time NBA Champion JaVale McGee to a one-year deal on Thursday. The Dallas Mavericks waived McGee on Tuesday a year after the two parties agreed to a three-year contract. The three-time champion is now at another home to bring a championship to Sacramento. 

Three-time NBA Champion signs with Sacramento Kings

After the Dallas Mavericks waived him on Tuesday, free agent center JaVale McGee agreed to a one-year deal with the Sacramento Kings on Thursday. 

McGee is a veteran, who brings a winning DNA. McGee won consecutive titles with the Golden State Warriors in 2018 and 2019. Furthermore, he was also a member of the Los Angeles Lakers 2020 NBA Bubble Championship team.

JaVale is a good addition to the Kings lineup. The 35-year-old McGee provides Sacramento with depth at the center position. Fighting for a spot behind All-Star big Domantas Sabonis, McGee offers solid rim protection and rebounding with his 7-foot-0 height and a 7-foot-6 wingspan. The former 18th overall pick joins a crowded big man room that includes Nerlens Noel, Alex Len, and Neemias Queta.

Career Stats for JaVale

In his career, McGee has averaged 7.8 points and 5.2 rebounds. He made a positive impact as a member of the Phoenix Suns in the 2021-22 season where he appeared in 74 games, averaging 15.8 minutes, 9.2 points, and 6.7 rebounds. McGee helped propel the Suns to the top overall seed but did not return to the team the following year as he sought a long-term contract.

During his time in Dallas, McGee started the first seven of nine games before falling out of the rotation. Despite the Mavericks signing him to a three-year contract as a free agent, McGee was used sparingly and averaged only 4.4 points and 2.5 rebounds in 42 games last season.

Last Word on McGee

Sacramento will be the tenth NBA team the journeyman has played for. In similar news, McGee’s mother, Pamela McGee, was drafted by the Sacramento Monarchs in the 1997 WNBA Draft. The 2nd overall pick averaged 10.6 points and 4.4 rebounds as a rookie. JaVale looks to build on his mother’s success during his stint in Sacramento and help grow the younger pieces into a contending team this season. 

In a loaded Western Conference, the Kings look to take another step forward this season. They had great success this past season. Their regular season record of 48-34 last season ended a 16-year playoff drought. Sacramento’s season ended in the first round to the Warriors. Nevertheless, the future is bright for the Kings and McGee can add value to an emerging Sacramento team.