The Utah Jazz very nearly went into training camp with a two-way contract up for grabs. But, the Jazz closed the door on competition for that roster spot when they signed former Wyoming guard Justin James to a two-way deal on Wednesday.
James was drafted 40th overall in 2019 by the Sacramento Kings and spent the last two seasons there. He played 72 total games for the Kings while also playing multiple assignments in Stockton with the Kings’ G League affiliate.
A Florida native, James played four years at Wyoming, where he finished his senior year leading the Mountain West Conference in points and steals per game.
Though James played in a limited capacity with the Kings, owning career averages of 3.2 points on 44.6% from the field, when he was given more minutes he often took advantage of the opportunity. His per-36 numbers likely tell a story that’s closer to James’ real potential — 15.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists.
James scored a career-high 31 points in the Kings’ third to last game of the season last year, on 12-of-17 shooting included going 4-of-5 from 3-point range.
The 6-foot-7 guard/forward will join the Jazz in training camp next week in Las Vegas.