On July 4, 2025, the Charlotte Hornets officially inked Sion James, the 33rd pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, to a four-year, $9.97 million rookie deal—a deal fully compliant with the Second-Round Maximum Salary rule. What makes this contract especially compelling isn’t just the dollar figures: it’s a story that spans small-town beginnings, perseverance through college, and readiness to defy expectations at the professional level (Sports Illustrated).
Early Years
Born on December 4, 2002, in Sugar Hill, Georgia, James attended Lanier High School. As a junior, he posted averages of roughly 14.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game—a versatile stat line hinting at his future two-way potential (Wikipedia).
Tulane University
He began his college career at Tulane, immediately earning a starting role. By his senior year, James averaged 14.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. Notably, he claimed the AAC Sportsmanship Award twice (2023 & 2024), served as chair of the AAC Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, and logged nearly 350 hours of community service. These achievements culminated in accolades including the Freeman School of Business Dean’s Service Award and the Newcomb-Tulane College Student‑Athlete Award (Sports Illustrated).
Transition and Growth
In May 2024, James transferred to Duke University, stepping onto a much bigger stage. Playing under Coach Jon Scheyer, he adapted to a new role and delivered solid production: 8.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game, all on impressive shooting splits—51.6% from the field and 41.3% from beyond the arc (Bleacher Report).
Defensive Recognition
His defensive fundamentals earned ACC All-Defensive Team honors in 2025. Duke’s system prized communication, discipline, and effort—areas where James excelled. Observers praised him as a “rugged defender,” equipped to switch across positions and anchor perimeter defense .
Professional Projection
Scouting reports highlighted James as a “two‑way guard” with a guitar-string jumper and strong basketball IQ, though with some limitations in athleticism and self-creation. Despite not projecting as an explosive star, he was seen as a “coach’s dream”—defensive-minded, team-first, and ready to earn his minutes .
Chapter 3: A Second‑Round Surprise
Draft Night Twist
On June 26, 2025, Charlotte pulled the trigger, taking James with the 33rd overall pick. This was seen as a strategic win—the Hornets prioritized experience and fit over sheer upside (Sports Illustrated).
Franchise Context
The Hornets’ draft class was forward-focused: Kon Knueppel at #4, Liam McNeeley at #29, and James at #33. The selection of James underscored Charlotte’s rebuild pathway—balancing potential with reliability (Sports Illustrated).
Financial Breakdown
James’ $9.97 million contract includes a fully guaranteed two-year base of approximately $4.7 million, with a third-year trigger and a fourth-year team option—maximizing the second-round exception (Sports Illustrated).
Contractual Implications
For Charlotte, it’s a low-risk, high-reward arrangement. Financially, it’s prudent; development-wise, it gives James time to mature. The structure ensures flexibility and strategic planning through years 3 and 4.
Tactical Roles
Under coach Steve Clifford and GM Mitch Kupchak, the Hornets are prioritizing perimeter defense and efficient shooting around stars like LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. James offers all that and more—spot-up scoring, secondary playmaking, and switchable defense .
Roster Context
Charlotte’s recent draft choices reflect a wide spectrum of talent—frontcourt (Flagg, Kalkbrenner) and backcourt (Knueppel, McNeeley). James brings veteran presence to a young team, smart basketball instincts, and unyielding effort—a glue-guy archetype
Strengths
- Defensive Versatility: His physicality, awareness, and size at 6′5″ plus a 6′6.5″ wingspan enable him to guard multiple positions effectively .
- Shooting Efficiency: At Duke, shot 41.3% from deep, on low volume but high efficiency—potential to excel as a catch-and-shoot wing .
- Basketball IQ & Passing: A steady decision-maker with positive assist-to-turnover rate and ability to keep the offense flowing
- Athleticism & Burst: Scouts flagged average first step and limited elite athleticism, which may hamper his ability to create pull-up shots (
- Creation Skills: Primarily a role-player offensively; not a primary ball-handler or creator—must accept his niche .
Summer League Preview
Expect James to shine in NBA Summer League alongside Knueppel and Kalkbrenner. For a player like him, early exposure in a competitive, developmental setting is ideal (Sports Illustrated).
- Bench Unit Anchor: Likely to lead defenses in second unit, providing toughness and spacing.
- Spot-up Scorer: Coming off screens, setting up plays, making threes.
- Timely Minutes: Depending on rotation needs, could see action in first or second units, especially in defensive matchups.
Year 1: Master NBA defense schemes, understand Hornets’ system, build rapport, gain strength.
Year 2: Increase shot volume, refine off-ball movement, develop pull-up game.
Year 3 & 4: Transition to rotational mainstay or niche specialist.
Second-round deals often range $4M–$10M total over 2–4 years. James’ contract is near the top of this spectrum, signifying Hornets’ commitment .
- Other 30–40 picks have fluctuating trajectories—baller bargains or waived prospects. This fully guaranteed pact underscores that Charlotte believes in his upside.
At under $10M for four years, the Hornets gain a defense-first wing with positional flexibility—a bargain if he pans out
Late Bloomer
James wasn’t highly touted out of high school—saw consistent growth at Tulane before stepping into the limelight at Duke.
With five collegiate seasons, he offers maturity. The journey from mid-major to blue blood and then to NBA symbolizes steady ascension—an underdog script.
Tulane Pride
Fans celebrated his draft night, noting he was first drafted Tulane player since 2018 and the highest since 1951. Tulane’s community sentiments were loud and appreciative (
While not a hyped first-rounder, Hornets supporters appreciate his fit. Social forums emphasize his defensive hustle and potential—qualities rare in second-rounders.
Fantasy analysts project James as a defensive specialist with limited fantasy appeal early on .
Critiques echo: limited creation means he may never star—but average athleticism paired with high IQ suggests potential to be a reliable pro .
Taking him at #33 means passing on certain high-upside athletic wings—but Charlotte seems happy choosing fit and polish over projection.
Summer League and training camp will be crucial. If he demonstrates defensive acumen and shooting consistency, he could lock down a rotation spot.
Season Outlook
A likely 10–18 minutes per game player early on—bench leader and special teams key. Could be the Hornets’ primary 3-and-D wing.
Long-Term Upside
In 2–3 years, he has the upside to emerge as a trusted role-player, or possibly a starter—if his pull-up shot matures and defense remains stout.
Injury resilience, health, and physical adaptation are wildcards. His non-athleticism could be exploited, but effort and IQ could mitigate weaknesses.
Sion James’ journey—small-town player → mid-major star → blue-chip defender → NBA contract—embodies an underdog who never quit. His story resonates: grit over glamor, craft over flash, maturity over hype.
In a league dominated by generational talents, it’s rare to see a second-round pick carry such complete personal and basketball narratives.
Front Office Strategy
Charlotte is sending a message: smart, adaptable wings matter. James is emblematic of a draft philosophy leaning toward team-first, two-way basketball.
Cap Dynamics
If he works out, Charlotte benefits from value control. If not, the team can move on post‑2026 when non-guaranteed years arrive.
Sion James’ four-year, $9.97 million contract is more than just numbers on paper—it’s a narrative-rich moment combining legacy, loyalty, strategy, and identity. It’s an organizational bet—on a player whose defining traits aren’t explosive highlights, but consistency, culture, and character.
For James, it’s the culmination of hard-won progress—from Sugar Hill electric runs, to Tulane leadership, Duke’s defensive spotlight, and now an NBA future backed by faith and structure.
For Charlotte, it’s an investment in depth, identity, and style. If James delivers on defense and develops his shooting further, they’ll look like geniuses. Even if he serves as a reliable rotation guard, they’ll have maximized their draft resources.
Regardless, this contract is a major milestone—highlighting that battles are won not only on highlight reels but through steady craft and conviction. And in the grand narrative of NBA underdogs, Sion James just had his opening chapter.
- Summer League: Will he command attention with defense and threes?
- Training Camp: Can James lock down a rotation spot?
- Regular Season: Will he mature into a key bench wing? Is he ready for moments of first-unit play?
Stay tuned—Sion James’ ascent from overlooked asset to valued Hornets contributor is just beginning. His story is a testament to the power of steady growth, unflashy excellence, and the opportunity inherent in second chances.
