Two weeks after Melbourne United and Dean Vickerman officially parted ways following a successful nine-year tenure, the club appears to have identified a major target in its search for a replacement.
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According to the NBL, United has set its sights on former NBA head coach and current Milwaukee Bucks assistant David Joerger, in what would be one of the biggest coaching appointments in league history.
Joerger, 52, brings extensive NBA experience, having spent six seasons as an assistant coach with the Memphis Grizzlies between 2007 and 2013 before taking over as head coach for the next three years. He later coached the Sacramento Kings from 2016 to 2019.
Across his NBA head coaching career, Joerger compiled a combined 245-247 regular season record while guiding his teams to 22 playoff games, finishing with a 9-13 postseason record. During the 2013-14 season, he also earned two Western Conference Coach of the Month awards.
The potential move adds another layer of intrigue to Melbourne United’s off-season ambitions, particularly given Joerger’s long-standing connection with newly signed veteran Joe Ingles.
Back in 2013, Joerger reportedly attempted to lure Ingles to Memphis, with the Australian guard enjoying one of the most efficient shooting stretches of his career at the time, knocking down 47.7% from three-point range.
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Speaking about Ingles during that period, Joerger praised the veteran’s ability to stay effective despite limited opportunities.
“He doesn’t shoot nine threes a game. He shoots three,” Joerger said.
“And it’s hard when you’re not getting up nine balls to get in a rhythm with a whole bunch of shots. I really respect that.”
Since stepping away from an NBA head coaching role, Joerger has remained heavily involved at the highest level, most recently serving as an assistant coach with the Milwaukee Bucks since 2024.
Should Melbourne United secure his signature, it would further strengthen what is shaping as one of the deepest and most accomplished coaching groups the NBL has ever seen.