Caleb Houstan
Caleb Houstan (born January 9, 2003) is a Canadian professional basketball player who plays as a small forward for the Atlanta Hawks of the National Basketball Association (NBA), standing at 6 feet 8 inches (2.03 m) tall and weighing 205 pounds (93 kg).[1][2] He shoots right-handed and was selected by the Orlando Magic in the second round (32nd overall pick) of the 2022 NBA draft after one season at the University of Michigan.[2][3] Born in Mississauga, Ontario, Houstan developed his skills at Montverde Academy in Florida, where he was named the 2020–21 Gatorade Florida Boys Basketball Player of the Year and led the team to the GEICO High School Nationals championship.[4][5] As a highly touted recruit ranked sixth in the 2021 class by RSCI, he committed to Michigan, where he averaged 10.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game as a freshman in 2021–22.[3] Houstan began his NBA career with the Orlando Magic, appearing in 168 games over three seasons (2022–25) while splitting time with their G League affiliate, the Osceola Magic, where he showcased his three-point shooting prowess.[2] In August 2025, he signed with the Atlanta Hawks on an Exhibit 10 contract, which was converted to a two-way contract in October 2025, allowing him to play for both the NBA team and their G League affiliate, the College Park Skyhawks.[6][7] Notably, during the 2025 preseason, he hit a game-winning three-pointer in overtime against the Miami Heat on October 13, 2025.[8] Internationally, Houstan has represented Canada, earning a silver medal at the 2019 FIBA Under-16 Americas Championship and a bronze medal at the 2021 FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup.[4]Early life
Birth and family
Caleb Houstan was born on January 9, 2003, in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.[9] As a Canadian national, Houstan grew up in Ontario during his early childhood, where his family resided.[10] He is the son of David and Andrea Houstan, both Canadian natives, and has a younger brother, Devan Houstan.[9]Early basketball involvement
Houstan began his basketball journey in the youth programs of the greater Mississauga area, participating in local organized teams and grassroots leagues as a child.[11] One of his first organized teams was the Milton Stags, a youth squad in the Ontario Basketball Association (OBA) AAU circuit based near Mississauga, where he played alongside peers under coach Shane Bascoe as a kid.[11] During practices with the Stags, Houstan honed fundamental skills, particularly his shooting form. Coach Bascoe implemented a drill by turning off the lights in the gym and leaving the door cracked open, forcing players to visualize shots going in, which helped build consistency and muscle memory in his pre-teen years.[11] Houstan briefly attended St. Marcellinus Secondary School in Mississauga before moving to the United States at age 14 to join Montverde Academy in Florida for elite competition.[12][13] His family supported this early interest by facilitating access to these local programs and encouraging dedicated practice before his eventual move to the United States for advanced development.[14]High school career
Montverde Academy
Houstan enrolled at Montverde Academy, a prestigious prep school in Montverde, Florida, prior to his sophomore year in 2019, where he played alongside elite prospects like Cade Cunningham and Scotty Pippen Jr..[15] On July 17, 2020, he reclassified from the class of 2022 to 2021, accelerating his path to college basketball.[16] During the 2019–20 season, Houstan contributed to Montverde's undefeated 25–0 record, culminating in a prep national championship.[17] The following year, in 2020–21, he helped lead the Eagles to a 25–1 mark, including a victory over No. 3 Sunrise Christian Academy by a score of 61–57 to claim the National Interscholastic Basketball Conference (NIBC) championship.[18] Montverde also secured the GEICO Nationals title that season, finishing as the No. 1 ranked prep team in the nation and achieving back-to-back national championships.[9] As a junior in 2020–21, Houstan averaged 13.2 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, showcasing his perimeter shooting and versatility as a 6-foot-8 forward.[17] He delivered standout performances, such as scoring 22 points in a 109–31 rout of NFEI Academy on November 20, 2020.[19] His contributions earned him the 2020–21 Gatorade Florida Boys Basketball Player of the Year award.[4] These achievements at Montverde significantly boosted his recruiting profile among top college programs.[16]Recruiting
Houstan's standout performances at Montverde Academy, where he helped lead the team to national prominence, drew significant attention from college scouts and elevated his recruiting profile.[20] As a highly touted prospect, Houstan was selected to the rosters for the 2021 McDonald's All-American Boys Game and the Jordan Brand Classic, recognizing him as one of the elite high school basketball players in the country.[21][22] He was rated as a consensus five-star recruit, ranked No. 8 overall in the 247Sports Composite, No. 8 by ESPN, No. 11 by Rivals, and No. 15 by 247Sports.[17][23] Originally part of the 2022 recruiting class, Houstan reclassified to 2021 in July 2020 to accelerate his path to college and professional basketball.[16] He received offers from numerous top programs, including Duke, Arizona, Gonzaga, Michigan State, Alabama, Arkansas, and Virginia.[24][25] Houstan narrowed his choices to a final four of Michigan, Duke, Arizona, and Virginia before committing to the University of Michigan on October 30, 2020, citing the program's persistence and his relationship with head coach Juwan Howard as key factors.[26][21] His pledge helped Michigan secure the No. 1 recruiting class in the nation for 2021.[27]College career
2021–22 season
Caleb Houstan played his only college season as a freshman for the Michigan Wolverines during 2021–22, serving as a key perimeter contributor on a team that reached the second round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament. As a highly touted recruit, he quickly earned a starting role, appearing in all 34 games and starting every one, where he provided floor spacing and defensive versatility as a 6-foot-8 guard-forward.[3][17] Over the course of the season, Houstan averaged 10.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game while logging 32.1 minutes per contest. His scoring primarily came from beyond the arc, where he connected on 60 three-pointers at a 35.5% clip, helping Michigan maintain one of the Big Ten's more efficient offenses.[3] Houstan's development was highlighted by several strong performances late in the regular season, including a career-high 21 points on February 23, 2022, against Rutgers, during which he made five three-pointers in a 71–62 victory without head coach Juwan Howard on the bench due to suspension.[28] This outing showcased his ability to step up in high-pressure situations as a reliable shooter. Following the Wolverines' postseason run, Houstan declared for the NBA draft.[29]NBA draft entry
On June 1, 2022, Houstan announced his decision to remain in the 2022 NBA draft, forgoing any further college eligibility after initially testing the waters following his freshman season at Michigan.[30] Throughout the pre-draft process, Houstan participated in private workouts with multiple teams, including the Toronto Raptors, where he impressed with his shooting ability despite declining an invitation to the NBA Draft Combine.[31][32] Scouting reports highlighted his potential as a 3-and-D wing, praising his length, floor-spacing shooting, and defensive versatility, though concerns about his athleticism and inconsistent creation led to projections as a late second-round pick in most mocks.[33] His strong performance in Michigan's 2021–22 season, particularly his 35.5% three-point shooting, helped elevate his draft stock from earlier uncertainty. Houstan was selected by the Orlando Magic with the 32nd overall pick in the second round of the 2022 NBA draft, held on June 23, 2022, in Brooklyn, New York.[34]Professional career
Orlando Magic (2022–2025)
Houstan was selected by the Orlando Magic with the 32nd overall pick in the second round of the 2022 NBA draft and signed a four-year rookie scale contract worth approximately $8.2 million on July 11, 2022.[35] During his three seasons with the Magic, he appeared in 168 games, primarily as a reserve wing, averaging 4.1 points and 1.5 rebounds per game while shooting 37.2% from three-point range.[2] His role emphasized perimeter shooting and defensive versatility, contributing to Orlando's playoff runs in 2024 and 2025.[36] One of Houstan's standout performances came on January 7, 2024, when he scored a career-high 25 points, including 7-of-14 from beyond the arc, in a 117-110 overtime victory against the Atlanta Hawks. This game highlighted his potential as a spot-up shooter, as he also added four assists and a steal in 38 minutes off the bench. Throughout his time in Orlando, Houstan focused on refining his off-ball movement and catch-and-shoot efficiency to secure consistent minutes. To further his development, Houstan spent time in the NBA G League with the Magic's affiliates, initially the Lakeland Magic in 2022–23 and later the Osceola Magic starting in 2024. In 11 games with Lakeland during the 2022–23 season, he averaged 15.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game on 40.6% field goal shooting, including a 24-point, nine-rebound effort in a January 2023 win.[37][38] Assigned to Osceola on November 14, 2024, he appeared in three games, averaging 15.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game on 38.1% field goal shooting, before being recalled, using the stint to enhance his playmaking and rebounding.[39][37] These experiences helped him transition to a more reliable NBA contributor. Following the 2024–25 season, the Magic declined Houstan's team option, making him an unrestricted free agent.[8]Atlanta Hawks (2025–present)
On August 19, 2025, the Atlanta Hawks signed forward Caleb Houstan to an Exhibit 10 training camp contract, marking his transition from the Orlando Magic after three NBA seasons.[6] This deal allowed him to compete for a roster spot during preseason activities. His prior experience with the Magic, where he appeared in 58 games during the 2024-25 season, provided foundational development in professional play. Houstan's contract was converted to a two-way agreement on October 18, 2025, enabling him to split time between the Hawks and their NBA G League affiliate, the College Park Skyhawks.[40] The two-way role emphasizes development through increased playing opportunities in the G League while remaining available for NBA call-ups. During the team's media day press conference on October 2, 2025, Houstan discussed his adjustment to the Hawks, highlighting his anticipation for the team's fast pace and improved floor spacing compared to previous opportunities.[41] In preseason, Houstan showcased his shooting ability, notably scoring 21 points on 5-of-8 from three-point range in a 119-118 overtime victory over the Miami Heat on October 13, 2025, including the game-winning three-pointer.[42] This performance contributed to earning the two-way deal. As of November 16, 2025, he has appeared in five games for the Hawks (32 total minutes, averaging 2.8 points), while splitting time with the College Park Skyhawks, where he debuted on November 7, 2025, against the Raptors 905.[2][43][44]International career
2019 FIBA Under-16 Americas Championship
Caleb Houstan represented Canada at the 2019 FIBA Under-16 Americas Championship, held from June 3 to 9 in Belém, Brazil.[45] As a starting small forward, he played a pivotal role in the team's campaign, averaging 22.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 28.8 minutes per game across six contests, leading Canada in scoring and ranking second overall in the tournament.[46] His efficient shooting, including 44.0% from the field and 32.4% from three-point range, helped power Canada's offense throughout the event.[47] Canada finished the group stage undefeated at 3-0 in Group B, defeating Uruguay 101-63, Brazil 90-67, and Puerto Rico 96-76.[48][49] Houstan notched a double-double with 28 points and 10 rebounds in the win over host Brazil, showcasing his scoring and rebounding prowess.[50] In the knockout stage, Canada beat Mexico 95-78 in the quarterfinals before advancing to the semifinals, where Houstan erupted for 29 points in a 97-81 victory over the Dominican Republic. In the gold medal game, he added 25 points, but Canada fell 94-77 to the United States, securing the silver medal as the tournament runners-up.[51][52]2021 FIBA Under-19 World Cup
Caleb Houstan represented Canada at the 2021 FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup, held in Riga, Latvia from July 3 to 11. As a key member of the team, he started all seven games, averaging 17.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game while playing 31.7 minutes on average, leading Canada in scoring and ranking fourth overall in the tournament for points per game.[53][54] Houstan's contributions were pivotal in Canada's run to the medal round, where the team secured its second-ever World Cup medal by earning bronze. In the quarterfinal against Spain, he exploded for a game-high 25 points, including 11 in the decisive fourth quarter, along with six rebounds, three assists, and a tournament-high five steals, helping Canada advance with an 81-77 victory.[55][56][57] Despite a 92-86 semifinal loss to the United States, Houstan delivered 23 points on 6-of-19 shooting. In the bronze medal game against Serbia, he added 17 points and three assists in a 101-92 win, capping his tournament with six double-digit scoring outings, two of which exceeded 20 points.[58][56][59]Playing style
Shooting and defense
Caleb Houstan has established himself as an elite three-point shooter in the NBA, boasting a career percentage of 37.4% from beyond the arc across 173 games (as of November 2025).[2] His shooting efficiency has shown marked improvement over time, particularly in the 2024–25 season with the Orlando Magic, where he connected on 40.0% of his three-point attempts, ranking among the league's top performers in that category for his team. This prowess stems from his quick release and ability to capitalize on open looks, making him a reliable floor-spacer in offensive schemes. During his single college season at Michigan in 2021–22, Houstan developed into a promising spot-up shooter, hitting 35.5% of his threes while averaging 1.8 makes per game off the bench.[3] Transitioning to the professional level, he refined this skill further, evolving into an effective off-ball mover capable of relocating for catch-and-shoot opportunities or cutting to the basket.[33] In the NBA, his role has emphasized these traits, allowing him to thrive in systems that prioritize perimeter spacing without requiring primary ball-handling duties.[60] On the defensive end, Houstan contributes through active perimeter guarding and opportunistic play, leveraging his 6-foot-8 frame for extended reach on the wing.[33] He recorded a career-high four steals in a January 3, 2024, game against the Sacramento Kings, showcasing his ability to disrupt passing lanes and pressure ball-handlers.[8] Throughout his career, he has averaged 0.3 steals per game, with multiple instances of multi-steal performances highlighting his defensive intensity and positioning against opposing guards and wings.[2]Physical attributes and limitations
Caleb Houstan measures 6 feet 8 inches (203 cm) in height and possesses a 7-foot (213 cm) wingspan, attributes that grant him exceptional reach for contesting shots, elevating his release point on jumpers, and aiding in rebounding efforts.[8][61] These physical traits enhance his effectiveness as a perimeter player, allowing him to shoot over smaller defenders while maintaining positional advantages on the wing. Despite his size, Houstan holds the distinction of being the tallest active NBA player with at least 500 minutes played who has never recorded a dunk in a game, as noted in a February 25, 2025, article from The Athletic.[62] This unusual feat underscores his reliance on skill rather than explosive athleticism for scoring near the basket. Houstan's vertical leap and overall athleticism represent notable limitations, restricting his explosiveness and ability to finish plays through contact at the rim.[61][63] Scouting evaluations have consistently highlighted a lack of "run-jump athleticism" and "vertical pop," which can hinder his transition play and interior scoring efficiency.[61][64]Career statistics
NBA
Houstan's NBA career statistics, through the early games of the 2025–26 season as of November 12, 2025, reflect his role as a bench specialist emphasizing three-point shooting and perimeter defense.[2]Regular Season
| Season | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022–23 | ORL | 51 | 4 | 15.9 | .363 | .338 | .833 | 1.9 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 3.8 |
| 2023–24 | ORL | 59 | 13 | 13.8 | .388 | .373 | .808 | 1.4 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 4.3 |
| 2024–25 | ORL | 58 | 6 | 13.6 | .421 | .400 | .882 | 1.3 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 4.1 |
| 2025–26 | ATL | 5 | 0 | 6.4 | .500 | .500 | 1.000 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 2.8 |
| Career | 173 | 23 | 13.8 | .396 | .373 | .849 | 1.5 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 4.0 |
Playoffs
Houstan has limited playoff experience, appearing in eight games across two postseasons with the Orlando Magic.[2]| Season | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023–24 | ORL | 3 | 0 | 4.7 | .500 | .500 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.0 | |
| 2024–25 | ORL | 5 | 0 | 9.4 | .143 | .200 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 1.2 | |
| Career | 8 | 0 | 7.6 | .188 | .250 | 0.8 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 1.1 |