Jack White returns to United on two-year deal

Melbourne United is set to bring one of Australia’s best basketball players to the NBL with the signing of Boomers forward and NBA and NBL Champion, Jack White, on a two-year contract with a player option.

Fresh off two seasons split between the NBA and the G League, White’s return is set to go down as one of the largest free agency moves of the offseason.

In 2023, White was part of an NBA Championship campaign with the Denver Nuggets as a Two-Way Player. He then joined the Memphis Grizzlies to finish their 2024 season.

Few people are more excited about seeing White back in MU colours than Head Coach Dean Vickerman.

The three-time Coach of the Year winner spoke about the growth of Victorian’s game over his two years away from United.

“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 our 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 5 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.”

These sentiments were echoed by Chris Goulding, who recently spent time playing alongside White again on Australia’s FIBA World Cup Squad.

“Jack has been a big part of what we’ve done within this organisation in his time here previously,” Goulding explained.

“Spending time with him last year at the World Cup, I think he’s only gotten better and I can imagine that growth has continued across his time in the G League and NBA last year, so I’m excited to see an even better version of Jack White on the court in NBL25.

“He’s always been able to shoot the ball at a really high level, and looking at the way he’s progressed with his shooting in his time away from the club, I think he’s going to be even more ready to shoot the ball with confidence when we need it.”

Across 57 games in the G League, White averaged 13.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and close to an assist and a block per game while shooting the ball at 37.5% from three.

White’s contract features an NBA-out clause, allowing him to take up an NBA opportunity should a deal present itself.  

White joins Chris Goulding, Matthew Dellavedova, Shea Ili, Luke Travers, Kyle Bowen, Flynn Cameron, Tanner Krebs, Rob Loe and Tom Koppens as contracted players for the NBL25 season.

To keep up to date with all of United’s Free Agency news, keep your eye on our Offseason Hub and download the Melbourne United app on iOs or Google Play.