Joe Ingles 'ace' decision to return was 'in the jeans'

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Aussie Joe Ingles revealed today he asked his daughter whether he should return for his 12th season in the NBA.

"We asked the kids this year, and (daughter) Milla wanted me to play because she wants to wear her new jeans to a game. That was her reason," Ingles, 37, said during the Minnesota Timberwolves NBA Media Day.

"Last year was tough — me coming here, my family staying in Orlando — way harder than we thought it would be.

"You always think it’ll work out, and it did, but it’s hard when you’ve got nine-year-olds and a four-year-old. They’re at the age where they understand Dad’s not around.

"Having my daughter in tears the last few nights before coming back — those are the things that go through my mind every year.

"Is it worth it to do it again, or do I just go be with them? But the support from (wife) Renee and even the kids."

The highly respected veteran returns for the 2025-26 season on a one-year deal, which he said suited him at this stage of his career.

"Obviously at this point, probably since I tore my ACL, it’s just year by year," Ingles added.

"I’m more than happy to take these one-year deals and figure it out in the summer.

“I said it last year: I’ll always be ready to play if that’s what’s wanted or needed. I’ll always be a good teammate, always help the guys, whether I’m playing or not.

"I had a great summer — first time in 15, 18 years with no national team or training camp. I got into tennis, so if anyone plays tennis I’ll whoop your ass.

"It was good to work out on my own schedule, figure out new little things that might help. I feel great, I’ll be ready to go tomorrow. With (coach Chris Finch) Finchy, we’ve got a great relationship. If he tells me to be ready, I’ll be ready.”

Ingles reflected on his more than 720 career NBA games and the decision, from a basketball perspective, to suit up again.‍‍

“We’re all competitors. Honestly, I also don’t know what else I’d do — apart from maybe being a semi-pro tennis player," Ingles quipped.

"I’m definitely still competitive. You’ve seen bits of that fire in our scrimmages. Once you lose that, it’s easy to retire. If you don’t want to work out, don’t want to compete or win — what are we doing it for?

"That competitiveness is still there. Once it’s gone, it’ll be obvious, and I’ll be happy to move on.

"But right now I love being around the group. It’s all I’ve known since I was 17. This is my 20th year as a pro — that’s pretty cool.

"And with what we did last year, having that same group back, a proper training camp this time, it’s exciting to have another crack at it.

"Speaking to Renee, the kids, it was an easy decision.”

Without doubt, the Timberwolves have brought Ingles back to lead the locker room as a veteran with the respect of the Wolves stars including Anthony Edwards and long-time teammate Rudy Gobert.

“I’ve definitely had moments where I haven’t spoken to people the right way," Ingles admitted.

"I’m always gonna say what I feel or think. Over my career you learn the right time and place to say things.

"Sometimes in the heat of the moment you don’t — I’ve had moments with Rudy or Kyle where we’re ready to punch each other, but after the game it dies down.

"With Rudy, I know how to talk to him. He knows no matter how I say it, I want the best for him.

"I don’t think he’s had a lot of people who’ve had his back over his career, and he knows I always have.

"With Ant it’s the opposite — he’s open to listening, whether it’s from the best player or a two-way guy.

"He respects me, but he’s willing to take feedback or criticism the right way.

"You learn guys’ personalities — how they respond to positive stuff or criticism.

"That’s just experience. And yeah, I’ve had some shitty times too. Oh, hell yeah.”

Ingles has a career average of 7.9 points per game, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. He's a career 40.9% three-point shooter.