Amid a wave of injuries that’s left them shorthanded at point guard, the Charlotte Hornets have decided to sign Isaiah Wong to a two-way contract, per ESPN senior insider Shams Charania.
The Charlotte Hornets are signing guard Isaiah Wong to a two-way NBA deal from the G League’s Salt Lake City Stars, agent Darrell Comer of Tandem told ESPN. Hornets are adding depth amid injuries. Wong, a former second-rounder, has averaged 24.1 points in G League this season.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 1, 2024
Hornets Sign Former Miami Hurricanes Standout Isaiah Wong
Wong was selected 55th overall by the Indiana Pacers during the 2023 NBA Draft after a standout career with the Miami Hurricanes. A talented scorer, he averaged 16.1 points per game across his last three college seasons. In 2022-23, he was named the ACC Player of the Year.
Legendary.
Take a look at Isaiah Wong’s resume at Miami and where he ranks in the history books. 👇
Pretty impressive career, tbh. pic.twitter.com/mD5LAiapQe
— Canes Men’s Basketball (@CanesHoops) May 2, 2023
The New Jersey native then spent his rookie season on a two-way contract with the Pacers, primarily suiting up for the Indiana Mad Ants. In 15 games, Wong posted 17.7 points per contest and shot 37.7 percent from three. His craftiness carrying over to the G League wasn’t unexpected given the way he played in Summer League. There, Wong averaged 11.8 points per game while shooting 40.0 percent from three.
Isaiah Wong in our #PacersSummer finale:
24 PTS | 5 3PM | 3 AST pic.twitter.com/SabIkjBMWb
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) July 16, 2023
Interestingly, those numbers are similar to what he averaged for the Utah Jazz in this year’s Summer League. In five games, Wong tallied 12.0 points per contest, knocking down 40.0 percent of his threes. However, that wasn’t enough for the Jazz to extend him an offer, especially considering their backcourt logjam.
So, Wong went back to the G League, playing for the Salt Lake City Stars, the Jazz’s affiliate team. With them, he’s averaged 24.1 points (and 1.6 steals) per game, continuing to come into his own.
Isaiah Wong in the G-League this season:
24.1 PPG
3.9 RPG
3.4 APG
1.6 SPG
46/41/85%
1x Player Of The WeekWelcome to Charlotte. pic.twitter.com/cowsOKaLGc
— HornetsHoops (@hornetshoops_) December 1, 2024
What’s Next For Isaiah Wong?
After signing a two-way contract with the Hornets, Wong will presumably spend more time in the G League. Nonetheless, as LaMelo Ball and Tre Mann are expected to be out for multiple games, Wong may play in an NBA game for the first time since Nov. 1. With only four total minutes of NBA experience, he might look green behind the ears. However, his body of work suggests that he can be a consistent contributor, particularly at the offensive end.
