'I’d do it forever if I could': Joe shows he's still got game

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Six-time NBL MVP Bryce Cotton questioned Minnesota Timberwolves and Australian Boomers legend Joe Ingles' fit for the Adelaide 36ers as speculation mounted that the South Australian star may return to the NBL post his NBA career.

“I’m not sure. I’d have to take a look at Joe, see how he’s moving these days,” Cotton told SEN in South Australia last week.

“I haven’t watched a lot of the NBA this year.

“At this stage, we want to make sure anybody we sign can definitely help us on the court.

“It’s not about just signing a big name.”

Ingles, 38, showed that NBA players are simply built different in the last game of the playoff-bound Timberwolves regular season.

The three-point shooting wing played 32:23 minutes, went 6-from-10 (3-from-6 threes) for 16 points, adding 10 assists and six rebounds in the 132-126 win against the New Orleans Pelicans.

That’s four rebounds shy of a triple-double in his 12th season in the league.

Timberwolves coach Chris Finch has repeatedly praised Ingles for how he has embraced his veteran leadership and bench role on the 49-33 six-seed Minnesota squad, which will renew its rivalry with three-seed Denver in the first round of the playoffs.

“I just love – I’ve said it – I love being around the guys. I love the competitiveness of every day,” Ingles said.

“Even playing in the sizzle games and that, I don’t know if you guys – you probably don’t get to see it – but it’s really competitive and it’s fun.

“I’ve always said to the young guys, you’re not going to play in the game much at all, or if any.

“This is a game for us, so take it as serious as you can. I’ve seen those days where you don’t have it.

“My first year in Orlando with a younger group, I really enjoyed that and helping those guys.

“Then obviously coming here, for a team that’s been in a lot of series and is still so young — Jaden’s so young, all these guys are still so young – so yeah, it’s been fine.

“Obviously, the only part that sucks is my family’s not here. Apart from that, I’d do it forever if I could.

“They need to put a spot like the kickers in football – just inbound. You can take half, take a little pay cut or something, and I’ll do it.”

The 36ers have reportedly inquired about Ingles returning after he retires, but he has said no.

Code Sports reports: “The forward’s representatives had contacted the Sixers to say the NBA journeyman wouldn’t be joining the club. However, Adelaide hopes head coach Mike Wells’ close relationship with Ingles – built over eight seasons together at the Utah Jazz as assistant coach and player – could sway the Aussie great to join the 36ers.

“The veteran swingman’s wife, Renae, has strong family links in Melbourne. The couple previously sold their Brighton home for over $9.15 million in 2022. Even if Ingles’ family is based in Melbourne, the Sixers hold hope of the star forward living in Adelaide for six months of the year.”

Ingles would make the 36ers better, without a doubt. At 38, he’s not flashy but an elite veteran who would average about 12-14 points, 6-8 rebounds and 8-10 assists in 28-30 minutes.

Adding a double-double to Adelaide’s returning core and a shooter you simply can’t leave open to support high-usage Cotton would make the 36ers even tougher. Ingles' ability to create out of high-IQ pick and rolls when Cotton is playing off the ball, sheesh, would be a tough cover.

If Ingles’ last regular season game was a 16-point, 10-assist double-double on April 13, 2026, it was a statement and another proof point that NBA players, regardless of minutes role or age, can play.

Joe Ingles NBA Career