Rise to Success: Career Highlights of JaVale McGee

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how JaVale McGee made an impact.

JaVale McGee is a professional basketball player, currently playing for the Vaqueros de Bayamón (BSN) and contracted with the Illawarra Hawks (NBL). Drafted 18th overall by the Washington Wizards in 2008 after playing college basketball for Nevada, McGee is a three-time NBA champion, winning titles with the Golden State Warriors (2017, 2018) and the Los Angeles Lakers (2020). The son of Olympic gold medalist Pamela McGee, he also earned a gold medal with the U.S. Olympic team in 2020.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1997: Mother Drafted in WNBA

In 1997, JaVale McGee's mother, Pamela McGee, was drafted in the WNBA by the Sacramento Monarchs.

July 9, 2008: Signed with the Washington Wizards

On July 9, 2008, JaVale McGee signed a two-year, $2.4 million deal with the Washington Wizards.

2008: NBA Draft and Washington Wizards Selection

In 2008, JaVale McGee was selected as the 18th overall pick in the NBA draft by the Washington Wizards after playing college basketball for the Nevada Wolf Pack.

2008: Declared for the NBA Draft

In 2008, after averaging 14.3 points and 7.3 rebounds as a sophomore, McGee decided to hire an agent and declare for the NBA draft.

2009: Invite to U.S. National Team Mini-Camp

In 2009, JaVale McGee received an invite to the U.S. national team's mini-camp.

2010: Averaged over 10 Points and Eight Rebounds

In 2010, JaVale McGee averaged over 10 points and eight rebounds with the Wizards.

January 6, 2011: Participation in NBA Slam Dunk Contest

On January 6, 2011, JaVale McGee was selected to participate in the 2011 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, finishing in second place. He also set a Guinness World Record for the most basketballs dunked in a single jump.

March 15, 2011: First Career Triple-Double

On March 15, 2011, JaVale McGee achieved his first career triple-double against the Chicago Bulls, recording 11 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 blocks. However, he received criticism for taking ill-advised shots and a technical foul for excessive celebration.

2011: Averaged over 10 Points and Eight Rebounds

In 2011, JaVale McGee averaged over 10 points and eight rebounds with the Wizards.

2011: Visit to the Philippines

In 2011, during the NBA lockout, JaVale McGee visited the Philippines twice, participating in exhibition games and a basketball clinic.

March 15, 2012: Trade to the Denver Nuggets

On March 15, 2012, JaVale McGee, along with Ronny Turiaf, was traded to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for Nenê.

July 18, 2012: Re-signed with the Denver Nuggets

On July 18, 2012, JaVale McGee re-signed with the Denver Nuggets on a four-year, $44 million contract.

2012: Bill Filed for Filipino Citizenship

In 2012, a bill was filed for JaVale McGee's Filipino citizenship to make him eligible to play for Smart Gilas.

2013: Started Juglife Foundation

In 2013, JaVale McGee started the Juglife Foundation, an organization that brings awareness to drinking water and hydration, including hosting celebrity softball games and partnering with Hope 4 Kids International.

2013: Mom's Got Game and NBA Draft

In 2013, JaVale McGee was announced to be starring in "Mom's Got Game", a reality TV show, with his mother. Also in 2013, Rudy Gobert was drafted by the Nuggets, surpassing McGee's armspan record.

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October 29, 2014: Return to the Nuggets

On October 29, 2014, JaVale McGee made his return for the Nuggets, recording two points and two rebounds in the season-opening victory over the Detroit Pistons.

2014: Asked to Play for Gilas Pilipinas

In 2014, JaVale McGee was asked again by Gilas Pilipinas to take part as a naturalized player for the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain.

February 19, 2015: Trade to the Philadelphia 76ers

On February 19, 2015, JaVale McGee was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers along with other assets in exchange for Cenk Akyol.

August 13, 2015: Signed with the Dallas Mavericks

On August 13, 2015, JaVale McGee signed with the Dallas Mavericks.

January 5, 2016: Season Highs Against Sacramento Kings

On January 5, 2016, JaVale McGee recorded season highs of 13 points and 11 rebounds in a double-overtime victory over the Sacramento Kings.

July 8, 2016: Waived by the Mavericks

On July 8, 2016, JaVale McGee was waived by the Dallas Mavericks.

September 16, 2016: Signed with the Golden State Warriors

On September 16, 2016, JaVale McGee signed with the Golden State Warriors.

2016: Warriors' Championship Season

In 2016, during the Warriors' championship season, JaVale McGee experimented with a vegan diet, which led to him committing to it full-time the following year, 2017.

March 31, 2017: Season-Best Blocked Shots Against Houston Rockets

On March 31, 2017, JaVale McGee had 13 points and a season-best five blocked shots in a victory over the Houston Rockets.

August 1, 2017: Re-signed with the Warriors

On August 1, 2017, JaVale McGee re-signed with the Warriors on a one-year contract.

2017: NBA Championship with Golden State Warriors

In 2017, JaVale McGee won his first NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors.

2017: Became a full-time vegan

In the summer of 2017, JaVale McGee transitioned to a full-time vegan diet after observing positive results during the Warriors' 2016-17 championship season.

June 2018: Second Championship with the Warriors

In June 2018, JaVale McGee won his second straight championship after the Warriors defeated the Cavaliers in the NBA Finals.

July 10, 2018: Signed with the Los Angeles Lakers

On July 10, 2018, JaVale McGee signed with the Los Angeles Lakers.

2018: Second NBA Championship with Golden State Warriors

In 2018, JaVale McGee secured his second consecutive NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors.

2018: Debut Album Release

In 2018, JaVale McGee, under the moniker Pierre, released his self-titled debut album.

March 22, 2019: Career Highs Against Brooklyn Nets

On March 22, 2019, JaVale McGee had career highs of 33 points and 20 rebounds against the Brooklyn Nets.

2019: Played in 68 Games

During the 2019 season, JaVale McGee played in 68 games for the Lakers, averaging 6.6 points and 5.7 rebounds.

November 23, 2020: Traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers

On November 23, 2020, JaVale McGee was traded from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

2020: Replacement on U.S. Olympic Team

In 2020, JaVale McGee and Keldon Johnson were announced as replacements for Bradley Beal and Kevin Love on the U.S. Olympic team.

2020: Co-produced Available

In 2020, JaVale McGee co-produced the song "Available" with Poo Bear and HARV on Justin Bieber's record, Changes.

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2020: NBA Championship with Los Angeles Lakers and Olympic Gold Medal

In 2020, JaVale McGee won his third NBA championship as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers and also won a gold medal with the U.S. Olympic team.

2020: Third NBA Championship with the Lakers

In 2020, JaVale McGee won his third NBA championship as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers.

March 25, 2021: Traded to the Denver Nuggets

On March 25, 2021, JaVale McGee was traded to the Denver Nuggets.

August 16, 2021: Signed with the Phoenix Suns

On August 16, 2021, JaVale McGee signed with the Phoenix Suns.

July 9, 2022: Signed with the Dallas Mavericks

On July 9, 2022, JaVale McGee signed with the Dallas Mavericks.

August 29, 2023: Waived by the Mavericks

On August 29, 2023, JaVale McGee was waived by the Dallas Mavericks.

September 2, 2023: Signed with the Sacramento Kings

On September 2, 2023, JaVale McGee signed with the Sacramento Kings, matching his mother in playing for professional basketball franchises in Dallas, Los Angeles, and Sacramento.