The 25-year-old American point guard played four games for the Dallas Mavericks in the 2021-22 NBA season.
He went undrafted in 2021, but signed a two-way deal with the franchise and made it on to court in the world’s top basketball league.
Under the terms of the deal, he split time between the Mavericks and their NBA G League affiliate, the Texas Legends, where Nuggets forward Todd Withers also played recently.
McLaughlin was traded to the Santa Cruz Warriors G League side last year.
Nuggets coach Brent Matehaere said they got on the tail of McLaughlin through Perth Wildcats coach John Rillie.
"JR knew him as a player and recruited him to college. He believes in him as a person and as a player, and so that kind of support and knowledge is really critical any time you are bringing in import players," Matehaere said.
"When you are together for 19 to 20 weeks, it is important to have good players around you."
It is also important to have someone good. The Nuggets have a title to defend and McLaughlin will carry a heavy scoring load.
"We’re excited about having him and he can really play basketball," Matehaere said.
As a senior at UC Santa Barbara, McLaughlin averaged 16 points per game and helped the team win the Big West title. He was named Big West player of the year.
"He can certainly score the ball but he has the ability to distribute as well."
Matehaere looked at a lot of game tape, and McLaughlin really stood out.
"We’re excited to pick him up and have him show his wares out here."
McLaughlin will join the likes of Withers, Perth Wildcats shooting guard Michael Harris, star centre Sam Timmins and swingman Josh Aitcheson in a solid-looking roster.
The Nuggets open their campaign against the Manawatu Jets at the Edgar Centre on April 9.
