Broad stance, elbow secured, ball held high above his forehead, the silhouette of Joe Ingles’ jump shot alone should spark warm memories for those fortunate enough to witness the Aussie’s prime with the Utah Jazz.
With the recent announcement that Jinglin’ Joe would return home to Melbourne United of the Australian NBL, the NBA community solemnly understands that the world’s oldest 38-year-old athlete would ride into the sunset in his home nation. Ingles meant many things to the four teams he played for, but none hold him in higher regard than the Utah Jazz, the organization that he called home for the first eight years of his NBA life, from age 27 to age 34.
He made a name for himself as a sharpshooter, never more than a catch away from thrusting a dagger into the defense. But as a defensive pest and smiling face in the locker room, it was easy for Utah fans to fall in love with the quirky lefty from down under.
20 years ago, back in the ancient age of 2006, a baby-faced, follically sustainable Joe Ingles laced up his shoes and torched the NBL scene when he scored 29 points in his debut. Outpacing defenders, stapling his foes to the hardwood with stepback jumpers, slamming down thunderous dunks, and adding some gorgeous southpaw three-pointers, lest Ingles appear completely unrecognizable now two decades into the future.
Joe didn’t stick immediately in the NBA, bouncing off the LA Clippers in the preseason of 2014, before getting picked up on a flyer by the Utah Jazz. From there, he would play 79 games (starting 32) in Utah, averaging just 5 points, 2.3 assists, and a steal in 21 minutes of action per night.
He would go on to miss just 1 game over the next three seasons in Utah, becoming a full-time starter by his fourth NBA season, already having crossed the threshold of his lifespan’s third decade.
Many remember Ingles as the man who slayed Oklahoma City’s three-headed dragon of Paul George, Russell Westbrook, and Carmelo Anthony. Through six games in the opening round of the Western Conference Playoffs, Ingles was an integral cog in the Utah game plan, shutting down the All-Star George both in-game and via psychological torment. Canning three-pointers before immediately turning to scream in his adversary’s face — eyes wide, flashing a grin of pure glee. Pestering George off the ball, Ingles gave OKC’s star zero breathing room from start to finish.
All game long, you could read Paul George’s expression: “How on Earth is this guy beating me?”
That was no mystery to the Jazz; Joe Ingles had trapped George in his domain, and now the Aussie was in his element.
Y’all mind if this white boy hablas a little Inglés?
Snapping his wrist like the crack of a whip, Ingles’ distinct load-up netted him a career three-point field goal percentage over 40%. It was in games like this 19-point outburst that Ingles’ portfolio was on full display, where he torched the opposition despite looking like he had just escaped from the neurological wing of a nearby hospital.
Headband Joe remains a legend around these parts, and legend has it that you can still hear the snap of the net when he draws near.
Ingles finished second in votes for the Sixth Man of the Year Award in 2021, handing the award to his teammate Jordan Clarkson on live television with a brotherly smile that almost made you wonder if a noogie was on the way once Clarkson collected his trophy.
As a teammate and as a member of the community, Ingles left his mark in Utah. He was outspoken in his support for Autism, sharing his experience raising his son and sharing with the world that support is available, and children with autism are deserving of love and support. Joe and his wife, Renae, have been major promoters for autism awareness since their son’s diagnosis.
This year, the NBA celebrated its third year of autism acceptance month, complete with custom shoes with symbols of support worn by all 30 head coaches across the league.
As a player, as a father (hi there, Paul George), and as an advocate for his family, Joe Ingles’ legacy in Utah is much greater than 8 seasons of basketball, but he proved he was no slouch on the court, either.
Thank you for the laughs and the highlights, Joe.
Calvin Barrett is a writer, editor, and prolific Mario Kart racer located in Tokyo, Japan. He has covered the NBA and College Sports since 2024.