Jaylen Nowell
Jaylen Nowell is an American professional basketball player who plays as a shooting guard for the Shanxi Loongs of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).[1] Born on July 9, 1999, in Seattle, Washington, Nowell stands at 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m) tall and weighs 201 pounds (91 kg).[2] He attended Garfield High School in his hometown, where he was a standout player, before committing to the University of Washington for college basketball from 2017 to 2019.[2] During his sophomore year at Washington, Nowell helped lead the Huskies to the Pac-12 regular-season title and averaged 18.5 points per game, earning first-team All-Pac-12 honors.[3] Nowell declared for the 2019 NBA Draft after his sophomore season and was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves with the 43rd overall pick in the second round.[2] He spent his first four NBA seasons (2019–2023) with the Timberwolves, primarily developing in the NBA G League while making 184 appearances for Minnesota, where he averaged 9.0 points per game.[2] After becoming a free agent in 2023, Nowell signed 10-day contracts with the Memphis Grizzlies and Detroit Pistons during the 2023–24 season, appearing in 13 games across stints with the Grizzlies and Pistons.[2] He then joined the New Orleans Pelicans for the 2024–25 NBA season but saw minimal action before moving on.[4] In February 2025, Nowell signed a 10-day contract with the Washington Wizards but was waived on February 17 without appearing in a game; during this period, he also represented the USA Basketball Men's AmeriCup Qualifying Team, contributing in wins over Puerto Rico and the Bahamas.[5] Following his NBA release, Nowell excelled in the G League, setting a career-high efficiency rating of 44 on February 5, 2025, while playing for the Capital City Go-Go.[6] On June 10, 2025, he signed with the Shanxi Loongs in the CBA, marking his transition to international professional basketball outside the NBA.[1] Throughout his career, Nowell has been known for his scoring ability, athleticism, and perimeter shooting, though challenges with size and consistency have limited his NBA role.[7]Early life and amateur career
Early life and high school
Jaylen Nowell was born on July 9, 1999, in Seattle, Washington.[2] His parents, Lanie and Michael Nowell, met at Clark Atlanta University, where both were standout basketball players; Lanie played as a center, while Michael earned all-conference honors as a forward from 1989 to 1993.[3] The family was deeply immersed in basketball, with frequent games in local parks fostering Nowell's early passion for the sport, and his mother providing unwavering emotional support throughout his development.[3] Michael's competitive intensity and coaching influenced Nowell's drive, emphasizing relentless improvement. Nowell's father, Michael, passed away on May 11, 2015, after a battle with cancer, which deeply impacted Jaylen and fueled his determination in basketball.[8] Nowell attended Garfield High School in Seattle, a program renowned for its basketball tradition.[9] As a sophomore in the 2014–15 season, he averaged 23.5 points and 6.1 rebounds per game over 29 outings, leading the Bulldogs to the Class 3A KingCo Championship and a 27–2 record.[9][10] His performance earned him a spot on the MaxPreps Sophomore All-American team that year. Following his father's death, Nowell was selected to the 2015 USA Basketball Men's U16 National Team, contributing to the gold medal at the FIBA Americas U16 Championship in Argentina.[5] As a junior, Nowell was selected to the Associated Press All-State first team, solidifying his status as one of Washington's top prospects.[9][11] Rated as a four-star recruit and ranked among the top 100 national prospects—No. 45 in the ESPN 100 and No. 66 in the RSCI index—Nowell drew interest from multiple programs, including California.[12][2] On June 29, 2016, as a junior, he verbally committed to the University of Washington, opting to stay in his hometown and play for the Huskies.[13]College career
Nowell began his college basketball career at the University of Washington, where he played two seasons for the Huskies under head coach Mike Hopkins. As a highly touted recruit from his hometown of Seattle, he quickly established himself as a key contributor, showcasing his scoring prowess and versatility as a guard. Over his collegiate tenure, Nowell appeared in 70 games, starting 67, and helped elevate the program's standing in the Pac-12 Conference.[14] In his freshman season of 2017–18, Nowell led the Huskies in scoring, averaging 16.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game across 34 appearances, while playing 32.5 minutes per contest. His efficient offensive output, including a 45.1% field goal percentage, earned him a spot on the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team, recognizing his immediate impact as one of the conference's top newcomers. Nowell's scoring consistency was vital in several games, helping the team navigate a competitive schedule.[14][15] As a sophomore in 2018–19, Nowell elevated his performance, averaging 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game in 36 outings, with 34.4 minutes per game. He shot an impressive 50.2% from the field and played a pivotal role in leading the Huskies to the Pac-12 regular-season championship, their first since 2012, by providing consistent scoring and playmaking. Notable performances included a 24-point outing against USC in the Pac-12 Tournament quarterfinals, underscoring his ability to deliver in high-stakes matchups. For his efforts, Nowell was named Pac-12 Player of the Year—the first Husky to win the award since 2006—as well as First-Team All-Pac-12 and USBWA All-District IX.[14][16][17] Across his two seasons, Nowell amassed 1,127 total points, 325 rebounds, and 204 assists, solidifying his reputation as a dynamic scorer capable of creating his own shot through drives and mid-range pull-ups. Pre-draft scouting reports highlighted his scoring efficiency—over 50% from the field in his final year—and smooth shooting stroke, projecting him as a second-round prospect with strong offensive instincts, though noting areas for defensive improvement. Following the 2018–19 season, Nowell declared for the 2019 NBA Draft on March 31, 2019, forgoing his remaining college eligibility to pursue a professional career.[14][18][19]Professional career
Minnesota Timberwolves (2019–2023)
Nowell was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves with the 43rd overall pick in the second round of the 2019 NBA draft.[20] On August 6, 2019, he signed a four-year rookie scale contract with the team.[21] As a rookie, Nowell was assigned to the Timberwolves' G League affiliate, the Iowa Wolves, where he averaged 21.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game over 26 appearances during the 2019–20 season.[22] Nowell made his NBA debut on November 6, 2019, in a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, logging one minute off the bench. He appeared in 15 regular-season games for Minnesota during the 2019–20 campaign, averaging 3.8 points in 10.1 minutes per game, before earning a spot in the NBA bubble in Orlando, where he played seven postseason games and averaged 6.2 points off the bench.[23] In the 2020–21 season, Nowell saw increased opportunities, appearing in 42 games and averaging 9.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 18.1 minutes per game, primarily as a reserve.[23] The 2021–22 season marked a breakout year for Nowell, as he established himself as a reliable bench contributor, playing in 62 games and averaging 8.5 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 15.7 minutes per game.[23] On December 27, 2021, he scored a then-career-high 29 points on 10-of-18 shooting in a win over the Boston Celtics, helping fill a scoring void amid injuries to key players.[24] Nowell's scoring prowess from the bench became a key element of the Timberwolves' rotation, providing consistent offensive spark and contributing to team chemistry through his energetic play and ability to stretch defenses with his shooting.[25] During the 2022–23 season, Nowell continued to develop as a sixth-man option, appearing in 65 games and posting career averages of 10.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 19.3 minutes per game.[23] He had brief G League assignments to Iowa, where he averaged 17.0 points per game in limited action, but primarily thrived in Minnesota's bench role, including a new career-high of 30 points against the Utah Jazz on February 8, 2023.[26] Following the expiration of his rookie contract after the season, Nowell became an unrestricted free agent and departed the organization in the summer of 2023.[27]Sacramento Kings and Memphis Grizzlies (2023–2024)
On September 30, 2023, Nowell signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Sacramento Kings to join their training camp roster.[27] He participated in preseason games but was waived by the Kings on October 20, 2023, before the regular season began.[27] Following his waiver, Nowell was allocated to the Kings' NBA G League affiliate, the Stockton Kings, where he spent the majority of the 2023–24 season developing his game.[28] In 31 regular-season games with Stockton, Nowell averaged 16.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game while shooting 43.0 percent from the field.[29] He showcased his scoring ability with standout performances, including a season-high 33 points against the Windy City Bulls on January 6, 2024.[30] This G League role allowed Nowell to build on his prior experience with the Minnesota Timberwolves, adapting to increased responsibilities as a primary ball-handler in a system emphasizing affiliate development.[31] On November 24, 2023, amid injuries on the Memphis Grizzlies roster, Nowell signed a 10-day hardship contract with the team. He appeared in several games during this stint, contributing off the bench as a scoring guard. The Grizzlies extended his stay by signing him to a second 10-day contract on December 4, 2023.[32] Over nine total appearances with Memphis, Nowell averaged 5.7 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 17.3 minutes per game. His contracts expired at the end of December 2023, after which he returned to the Stockton Kings to finish the G League campaign.[34]Short-term NBA stints (2024–2025)
In April 2024, Nowell signed consecutive 10-day contracts with the Detroit Pistons, providing the team with backcourt depth amid their rebuilding efforts. During his time with Detroit, he appeared in four games, averaging 7.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game in limited minutes off the bench. Nowell's stint contributed to practice sessions and team scrimmages, where his scoring ability from the G League helped simulate game scenarios, though he was not retained beyond the second 10-day deal due to roster constraints.[35] Later that year, in late August 2024, Nowell joined the Washington Wizards on an Exhibit 10 contract ahead of training camp, aiming to earn a spot on the opening roster or a G League assignment with their affiliate.[36] He participated in preseason activities but was waived on October 9, 2024, without appearing in any NBA games, highlighting the competitive nature of camp battles for non-guaranteed players. In November 2024, Nowell signed a non-guaranteed contract with the New Orleans Pelicans to address injuries in their backcourt, marking another brief NBA opportunity.[37] Over the next few weeks, he played in eight games, averaging 8.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game, often providing scoring punch in short bursts during blowouts or as a reserve option.[38] However, following the team's return to health, the Pelicans waived him on November 20, 2024, underscoring the precariousness of such temporary roles where players must quickly prove value amid frequent roster turnover.[39] Nowell's final short-term NBA appearance came in February 2025, when the Washington Wizards signed him to a 10-day contract on February 8, calling him up from the Capital City Go-Go based on his strong G League production earlier in the season.[40] He did not play in any games during this period, focusing instead on practices and contributing to team preparation, but was released on February 17, 2025, as the contract expired without extension.[41] These fleeting engagements across multiple teams exemplified the challenges of short-term NBA contracts, where players like Nowell often serve in developmental or emergency capacities, frequently leading to waivers and returns to the G League.Capital City Go-Go (2024–2025)
On November 20, 2024, following his waiver by the New Orleans Pelicans, Nowell signed with the Capital City Go-Go, the NBA G League affiliate of the Washington Wizards.[42] This marked his second stint with the team, where he quickly established himself as a primary scoring option amid ongoing efforts to secure consistent NBA opportunities after multiple prior waivers.[40] During the 2024–25 G League season, Nowell appeared in 25 games for the Go-Go, all as a starter, averaging 24.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game while shooting 51.4% from the field and 46.3% from three-point range.[43] His efficient scoring prowess was evident in several high-output performances, including a season-high 43 points against the Salt Lake City Stars on February 4, 2025, which highlighted his ability to drive the team's offense.[44] Nowell's contributions helped the Go-Go achieve a 20–14 regular-season record, securing a spot in playoff contention within the Eastern Conference.[45] On February 8, 2025, Nowell's strong play earned him a 10-day contract with the Wizards, during which he provided bench scoring before being released on February 17 to make room for another signing.[40] He promptly returned to the Go-Go, continuing to anchor their backcourt in the season's final stretch. At the end of the G League campaign in April 2025, Nowell was released by the team to explore international playing opportunities.[46]Shanxi Loongs (2025–present)
On June 9, 2025, Nowell signed a one-year contract with the Shanxi Loongs of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).[47][1] The deal marked his transition to international professional basketball following his time in the NBA G League, where his scoring prowess—highlighted by a 24.5 points per game average with the Capital City Go-Go—drew interest from overseas clubs.[48] Nowell made his debut for the Shanxi Loongs in the 2025–26 CBA season in October 2025, stepping into a primary scoring role amid the league's fast-paced, offense-oriented style.[49] His adaptation has emphasized perimeter shooting and transition plays.Career statistics and records
NBA statistics
Jaylen Nowell has appeared in 205 NBA regular season games across six seasons from 2019 to 2025, accumulating career totals of 1,815 points, 445 rebounds, and 380 assists while averaging 8.9 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game in 17.2 minutes of play. His shooting efficiency includes a 44.2% field goal percentage and 31.6% from three-point range over 624 attempts.[2] The following table provides a per-season breakdown of his regular season per-game averages for key statistics:| Season | Team(s) | G | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-20 | MIN | 15 | 3.8 | 0.9 | 1.3 | .358 | .115 |
| 2020-21 | MIN | 42 | 9.0 | 2.3 | 1.5 | .424 | .333 |
| 2021-22 | MIN | 62 | 8.5 | 2.0 | 2.1 | .475 | .394 |
| 2022-23 | MIN | 65 | 10.8 | 2.6 | 2.0 | .448 | .289 |
| 2023-24 | MEM/DET | 13 | 6.2 | 1.8 | 1.5 | .436 | .207 |
| 2024-25 | NOP | 8 | 8.4 | 2.5 | 2.3 | .356 | .296 |
G League statistics
Jaylen Nowell's G League career spans three seasons with the Iowa Wolves, Stockton Kings, and Capital City Go-Go, where he established himself as a high-volume scorer and facilitator. Over 79 regular-season games from 2019 to 2025, he averaged 20.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game, often serving as a primary offensive option during assignments from NBA affiliates.[53] His debut professional season came with the Iowa Wolves in 2019–20, appearing in 26 games and averaging 21.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists in 32.7 minutes per game. After a period focused on NBA development, Nowell returned to the G League with the Stockton Kings in 2023–24, playing 28 games and posting 17.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 27.9 minutes, adapting to a more balanced role. In 2024–25, he joined the Capital City Go-Go, suiting up for 25 games and elevating his production to 24.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in 34.7 minutes, highlighting his growth as a playmaker. The following table summarizes Nowell's regular-season G League statistics by team and season:| Season | Team | GP | PPG | RPG | APG | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019–20 | Iowa Wolves | 26 | 21.1 | 5.0 | 3.8 | 32.7 |
| 2023–24 | Stockton Kings | 28 | 17.4 | 3.5 | 3.6 | 27.9 |
| 2024–25 | Capital City Go-Go | 25 | 24.0 | 4.1 | 5.6 | 34.7 |
| Career | 79 | 20.7 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 31.7 |
College statistics
During his two seasons at the University of Washington, Jaylen Nowell established himself as a prolific scorer, averaging 16.1 points per game across 70 appearances while shooting 47.7% from the field and 39.8% from three-point range.[14] As a freshman in 2017–18, Nowell appeared in 34 games, starting 31, and averaged 16.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game in 32.5 minutes, with a field goal percentage of 45.1% and three-point percentage of 35.1%.[14] In his sophomore year of 2018–19, he started all 36 games, boosting his production to 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game in 34.4 minutes, improving to 50.2% field goal shooting and 44.0% from beyond the arc.[14]| Season | School | Conf | G | GS | MP | FG | FGA | FG% | 3P | 3PA | 3P% | FT | FTA | FT% | TRB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017-18 | Washington | Pac-12 | 34 | 31 | 32.5 | 5.5 | 12.2 | .451 | 2.2 | 6.3 | .351 | 2.8 | 3.4 | .812 | 4.0 | 2.7 | 16.0 |
| 2018-19 | Washington | Pac-12 | 36 | 36 | 34.4 | 5.8 | 11.5 | .502 | 2.1 | 4.8 | .440 | 2.6 | 3.1 | .831 | 5.3 | 3.1 | 16.2 |