Jazz Sign Justin James To Two-Way Contract
Sep 22, 2021, 3:32 PM
Utah Jazz Two-way forward Justin James (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Utah Jazz signed forward Justin James to a two-way contract on Wednesday.
James, a third-year forward out of Wyoming spent his first two seasons in the NBA with the Sacramento Kings where he appeared in 72 total games. The Kings waived James on August 15 shortly before his contract was set to become guaranteed for a third season.
The move fills the team’s final open two-way spot, joining second-year guard Trent Forrest among players who will be splitting time between the Jazz main roster and the G League affiliate Salt Lake City stars to open the season.
The @utahjazz have signed Justin James to a two-way contract.
That means both two-way deals are filled for the Jazz alongside Trent Forrest.
Also means MaCio Teague and Derrick Alston Jr. are almost sure to be full-time @slcstars players this season.
— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) September 22, 2021
James was the 40th pick in the 2019 NBA draft out of Wyoming and has career averages of 3.2 points, 0.9 rebounds, and 0.6 assists. At 6’7, 190 lbs, the forward shoots 44 percent from the floor and 34 percent from three.
When playing 15 minutes or more for the Kings, James proved to be a productive piece in the Kings rotation. In his second season, James scored in double-digits in four of his eight outings of 15 minutes or more, including a breakout 31 point outing against the Memphis Grizzlies in May.
The signing brings the Jazz roster to 18 total players including the two two-way contracts. Teams can carry as many as 20 players during the offseason but must trim the roster to between 13-15 guaranteed roster spots, plus two additional two-way contacts by opening night.
Justin James is entering his third NBA season after two years in Sacramento.
He was the 40th pick of the 2019 NBA draft out of @wyo_mbb and has career averages of 3.2 points, 0.9 rebounds, and 0.6 assists.
At 6'7, 190 lbs, he shoots 44% from the floor and 34% from three.
— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) September 22, 2021
The Jazz have 14 players with at least partially guaranteed contracts, leaving one full open roster spot heading training camp which opens on Tuesday.
James surprised some analysts by hearing his name called in the 2019 draft despite a productive career at Wyoming. The forward averaged 22.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 4.4 assists during his final season in the Mountain West where he was named All-League second-team.
The Jazz will open the regular season on October 20 against the Oklahoma City Thunder while the Stars will open play on November 5.
