Jordan Bone
Jordan Bone is an American professional basketball player who plays as a point guard for Hapoel Galil Elyon of the Israeli Winner League.[1] Born Jordan Latham Bone on November 5, 1997, in Nashville, Tennessee, he attended The Ensworth School for high school before committing to the University of Tennessee, where he played college basketball from 2015 to 2019.[2] At Tennessee, Bone appeared in 131 games, averaging 8.4 points, 2.6 assists, and 2.1 rebounds per game, earning recognition for his playmaking ability with a career assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.50.[3] Bone was selected by the New Orleans Pelicans with the 57th overall pick in the second round of the 2019 NBA draft, though his rights were later acquired by the Detroit Pistons.[4] He made his NBA debut with the Pistons during the 2019–20 season, appearing in 10 games and averaging 1.5 points per game.[5] In 2020, Bone signed with the Orlando Magic, where he played 14 games over the 2020–21 season, posting career averages of 2.8 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game across his 24 total NBA appearances, while shooting 37.8% from the field.[2] Following his NBA tenure, Bone continued his professional career in the NBA G League with teams including the Delaware Blue Coats (2021), Wisconsin Herd (2022–2023), and Fort Wayne Mad Ants.[6] He then transitioned to international basketball, signing with Beşiktaş in Turkey (2021), Basket Zaragoza in Spain (2021–2022), Vanoli Cremona in Italy (2023–2024), Hapoel Unet Holon in Israel (2024–2025), and Hapoel Galil Elyon (2025–present).[7] As of November 2025, in the 2025–26 Israeli Winner League season with Hapoel Galil Elyon, Bone has averaged 7.5 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assist per game in limited appearances.[8]Early life
Family and background
Jordan Latham Bone was born on November 5, 1997, in Nashville, Tennessee.[6][9] He is the son of Joshua Bone Sr. and Karen Bone.[9] His father worked as a sheriff's deputy in Davidson County and had played basketball at Berry College.[10] Bone grew up with two older brothers—Josh and Jaryn—who were integral to his family dynamic.[11] His oldest brother, Josh Bone, played basketball for the University of Tennessee from 2009 to 2011, serving as a key role model and inspiration for Jordan's own path in the sport.[12][13] Jaryn Bone played basketball through high school and later attended Middle Tennessee State University.[10]High school career
Jordan Bone attended The Ensworth School, a private high school in Nashville, Tennessee, where he played on the varsity basketball team from 2011 to 2015.[14] During Bone's four-year varsity tenure, Ensworth achieved a 83-37 overall record and won three consecutive TSSAA Division II-AA state championships in 2012, 2013, and 2014.[15][14] In his junior year (2013–14), Bone contributed significantly to the team's success in securing the state title, averaging key performances in postseason play.[16] As a senior in the 2014–15 season, Bone emerged as the team's primary scoring option, averaging 20 points, four rebounds, five assists, and two steals per game while leading Ensworth to a 23–6 record.[14] The Tigers advanced to the TSSAA Division II-AA state semifinals, where they fell to Christian Brothers High School, 53–41.[17] For his performance, Bone was selected as a finalist for the TSSAA Division II-AA Mr. Basketball award.[18][19] In September 2014, Bone committed to the University of Tennessee, choosing to play college basketball for his home-state program under coach Cuonzo Martin.[20]College career
Bone played college basketball for the Tennessee Volunteers from 2016 to 2019.[3] As a freshman in the 2016–17 season, Bone appeared in 23 games with 17 starts, averaging 7.2 points, 2.9 assists, and 1.7 rebounds per game. He missed nine games early in the season due to a stress-fractured foot.[21] During his sophomore year in 2017–18, Bone started 33 of 35 games, improving to averages of 7.3 points, 3.5 assists, and 2.1 rebounds per game, while shooting 38.0% from three-point range.[3] Bone had a breakout junior season in 2018–19, starting all 37 games and averaging 13.5 points, a Southeastern Conference-leading 5.8 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game. He earned Second Team All-SEC honors and helped lead Tennessee to a 31–6 record and a Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Bone set a school single-season record with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.91. Following the season, he declared for the 2019 NBA draft, forgoing his senior year of eligibility.[3] Over his three-year career at Tennessee, Bone appeared in 95 games (87 starts), averaging 9.7 points, 4.3 assists, and 2.4 rebounds per game, with a career assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.50.[3][14]Professional career
2019 NBA draft
Bone declared his intention to enter the 2019 NBA draft on April 3, 2019, while retaining his college eligibility by not hiring an agent.[22] After participating in the NBA draft combine, he announced on May 28, 2019, that he would forgo his senior season at the University of Tennessee and remain in the draft.[23] Bone's breakout junior season at Tennessee, during which he averaged 13.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game across 35 appearances, enhanced his professional prospects.[3] On June 20, 2019, he was selected by the New Orleans Pelicans with the 57th overall pick in the second round of the NBA draft.[24] Later that evening, the Pelicans traded his draft rights to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for cash considerations and the Pistons' 2024 second-round pick (later acquired by the Miami Heat via Philadelphia).[25] On July 8, 2019, Bone signed a two-way contract with the Pistons, enabling him to play for both the NBA roster and the team's G League affiliate, the Grand Rapids Drive.[26] During the preseason, he appeared in two exhibition games, averaging 2.0 points in 4.0 minutes per contest.[2]Detroit Pistons (2019–2020)
Bone signed a two-way contract with the Detroit Pistons on July 8, 2019, following his acquisition in a draft-night trade from the Philadelphia 76ers, who had selected him 57th overall.[26] He made his NBA debut on November 4, 2019, in a loss to the Washington Wizards, playing 1 minute and 54 seconds without recording a point.[27] Bone appeared in 10 games for the Pistons during the 2019–20 season, averaging 5.4 minutes and 1.2 points per game while shooting 25.0% from the field.[2] Bone's limited NBA minutes stemmed from a crowded point guard rotation led by Derrick Rose, who started 52 games and averaged 18.2 points, along with Reggie Jackson as the primary backup. His first NBA points arrived on November 23, 2019, against the Milwaukee Bucks, where he scored 4 points on 2-of-3 shooting in under 2 minutes off the bench.[27] Bone's scoring output peaked at 6 points in his final appearance of the season on February 20, 2020, versus the Bucks.[27] To gain more playing time, Bone was assigned multiple times to the Pistons' NBA G League affiliate, the Grand Rapids Drive. There, he excelled as a starter, appearing in 31 games and averaging 31.8 minutes, 17.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game while shooting 42.8% from the field and 38.1% from three-point range.[28] Bone's G League performance highlighted his playmaking and scoring ability, including a season-high 34 points on December 12, 2019, in a win over the Texas Legends.[29] Bone remained with the Pistons organization through the conclusion of the 2019–20 season, which was abbreviated due to the COVID-19 pandemic, before becoming an unrestricted free agent in November 2020 when the team opted not to extend a qualifying offer.[30]Orlando Magic (2020–2021)
Bone signed a two-way contract with the Orlando Magic on November 27, 2020, after spending time in the G League following his waiver by the Detroit Pistons. In the 2020–21 NBA season, Bone received increased playing time compared to his rookie year, appearing in 14 games off the bench and averaging 4.0 points, 1.3 assists, and 1.2 rebounds in 14.0 minutes per game.[2] His role expanded amid injuries to other guards on the roster, allowing him to contribute as a backup point guard with improved efficiency, shooting 41.5% from the field and 35.7% from three-point range.[2] Bone's scoring highlights included a season-high 9 points against the Boston Celtics on January 15, 2021, along with 8-point outings versus the Charlotte Hornets on January 24 and the Milwaukee Bucks on January 11.[31] Under the two-way deal, Bone was eligible for assignment to the Magic's G League affiliate, the Lakeland Magic, but did not appear in any games there during his NBA tenure.[30] He was waived by Orlando on February 3, 2021, to accommodate the signing of another guard to a two-way contract.[32]Delaware Blue Coats (2021)
Following his waiver by the Orlando Magic on February 3, 2021, Jordan Bone was acquired by the Delaware Blue Coats, the NBA G League affiliate of the Philadelphia 76ers, from the Lakeland Magic in exchange for the returning player rights to JP Macura and a 2021–22 third-round draft pick on February 6, 2021.[33][34] Bone appeared in 15 games (all starts) for the Blue Coats during the abbreviated 2020–21 G League season, which ran from February to March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He averaged 11.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.5 steals per game in 24.8 minutes of playing time, while shooting 41.0% from the field and 37.5% from three-point range.[28] In a standout performance on February 26, 2021, against the Lakeland Magic, Bone scored a game-high 22 points to lead the team in scoring.[35] This brief stint provided Bone with an opportunity to refine his point guard skills in a dedicated G League setting, free from the immediate expectations of an NBA recall, as the Blue Coats finished the regular season with a 12–9 record before their elimination in the conference semifinals.[28]Beşiktaş (2021)
On August 23, 2021, following his release from the Delaware Blue Coats of the NBA G League, Jordan Bone signed a one-year contract with Beşiktaş Icrypex of the Turkish Basketbol Süper Ligi (BSL).[36] This marked Bone's professional debut in European basketball, where he transitioned to a starting point guard role on a team competing in both domestic and continental competitions.[37] During the 2021–22 BSL season, Bone appeared in 10 games for Beşiktaş, averaging 12.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game while playing 28.6 minutes on the floor.[38] His shooting efficiency included 42.7% from the field and 61.0% from the free-throw line, contributing to the team's mid-table performance in the league.[38] In the Basketball Champions League, Bone featured in 3 matches, posting stronger averages of 17.0 points, 4.0 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game, highlighted by a 20-point outing with five assists in the season opener against Hereda San Pablo Burgos.[7][39] Bone's stint with Beşiktaş ended in early December 2021 when he mutually parted ways with the club to join Basket Zaragoza in Spain.[40] Over his brief tenure, he adapted quickly to the faster-paced European style, providing scoring and playmaking from the perimeter despite the team's overall 4–5 record in the Champions League group stage.[41]Basket Zaragoza (2021–2022)
On December 9, 2021, Bone signed a one-year contract with Casademont Zaragoza of the Spanish Liga ACB, joining the team midway through the season after his stint in Turkey.[42] In 21 regular-season appearances, Bone averaged 11.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game while playing 21.6 minutes off the bench, contributing as a scoring guard with improved playmaking. His shooting efficiency included 38.9% from the field overall, 47.8% on two-point attempts, and 75.0% from the free-throw line, though his three-point shooting stood at 27.3% on 4.2 attempts per game.[43] Bone's prior experience with Beşiktaş in the Turkish Basketbol Süper Ligi aided his adjustment to the physical and tactical demands of European competition. Zaragoza finished the regular season with a 12–22 record, placing 11th and missing the playoffs.[43] Bone's contract concluded at the end of the 2021–2022 campaign, after which he departed the club.[30]Wisconsin Herd (2022–2023)
On November 3, 2022, Bone joined the Wisconsin Herd, the NBA G League affiliate of the Milwaukee Bucks, as part of the team's opening night roster after the organization acquired his returning player rights from the Delaware Blue Coats the previous month.[44][45] Bone appeared in 17 games for the Herd during the 2022–23 regular season, starting all 17 contests while averaging 35.5 minutes per game. He posted averages of 18.3 points, 5.1 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game, shooting 46.3% from the field, 29.7% from three-point range, and 82.6% from the free-throw line.[46] His playmaking ability, refined during his prior stint in Europe, contributed to his strong assist numbers in a primary ball-handling role. On January 22, 2023, Bone recorded a career-high efficiency rating of 37 in a G League game.[1] Bone's tenure with the Herd ended on February 25, 2023, when he was traded to the Fort Wayne Mad Ants in exchange for forward Deividas Sirvydis.[46]Fort Wayne Mad Ants (2023)
On February 24, 2023, Bone was traded from the Wisconsin Herd to the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, the NBA G League affiliate of the Indiana Pacers, in exchange for Deividas Sirvydis.[46] Following a strong start to the season with the Herd, where he averaged 18.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game, Bone joined Fort Wayne late in the regular season.[47] In 8 regular-season games with the Mad Ants, he averaged 9.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game while playing 30.6 minutes.[28] As one of the team's veterans, Bone contributed to the Mad Ants' leadership core alongside players like Elfrid Payton, helping the squad secure a playoff berth for the first time since 2018.[48] Bone appeared in one playoff game for Fort Wayne, logging 16 minutes without scoring.[49] He remained with the team through the conclusion of the 2022–23 G League season in April 2023, after which his contract expired, positioning him for opportunities overseas.Vanoli Cremona (2023–2024)
On July 18, 2023, Bone signed a one-year contract with Vanoli Basket Cremona of Italy's Lega Basket Serie A, marking his return to professional basketball in Europe following stints in the NBA G League.[50] His experience as a G League veteran, where he averaged double-digit scoring and assists in recent seasons, positioned him as a key import guard for the team.[51] However, Bone's tenure with Cremona was short-lived. On September 9, 2023, the club announced a mutual termination of the contract citing strictly personal reasons on Bone's part.[52] Reports indicated the decision stemmed from a preseason injury that prevented him from participating.[53] As a result, Bone did not play in any regular-season or playoff games for Vanoli Cremona during the 2023–2024 campaign.[54] The contract was set to expire in the summer of 2024, after which Bone pursued opportunities elsewhere. Following his departure from Cremona, Bone did not play professionally during the 2023–24 and 2024–25 seasons due to injury and personal reasons.[55]Hapoel Unet Holon (2024–2025)
On August 1, 2025, Jordan Bone signed with Hapoel Unet Holon of the Israeli Winner League.[30] During the early 2025–26 season, Bone made limited appearances for Holon, including one game in the Basketball Champions League where he scored 11 points. He provided key contributions as a point guard before being released by the team around October 22, 2025.[56][7]Hapoel Galil Elyon (2025–present)
On October 22, 2025, Jordan Bone signed with Hapoel Galil Elyon of the Israeli Winner League, shortly after his release from Hapoel Holon.[57] Bone made his debut for the team on October 26, 2025, starting at point guard in a 67–77 loss to Maccabi Raanana, where he scored 13 points on 6-of-11 field goal shooting (including 1-of-2 from the free-throw line), grabbed 3 rebounds, and dished out 2 assists in 33 minutes of play.[8][58] As of November 15, 2025, Bone has appeared in two games during the 2025–26 season, averaging 7.5 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assist per game while focusing on his role as the starting point guard with an emphasis on facilitating assists and providing perimeter defense. Hapoel Galil Elyon holds a 1–2 record in the early league standings.[8][59] Bone remains under contract with the team through the end of the season.[56]Personal life
Family
Jordan Bone shares a close bond with his parents, Joshua Sr. and Karen Bone, who have continued to provide unwavering support throughout his professional basketball career. His mother, Karen, offered emotional encouragement during the 2019 NBA Draft, where the family's gathering highlighted their collective anticipation and joy upon his selection by the Detroit Pistons in the second round. Karen also expressed profound pride in Bone's decision to complete his University of Tennessee degree remotely while playing in the NBA, a milestone she emphasized as rooted in family priorities of perseverance and fulfillment.[60][61] His father, Joshua Sr., a longtime sheriff's deputy in Davidson County, Tennessee, joined in the celebratory moments, such as lifting Bone during the draft party festivities, underscoring the family's role in fostering his resilience amid career transitions.[60][62] Bone has two older brothers, Josh and Jaryn. His relationship with Josh Bone remains particularly strong, built on their shared experiences in University of Tennessee basketball—Josh having played and graduated from the program in 2011 and, as of November 2025, serving as an assistant coach at Middle Tennessee State University. Josh acted as Jordan's manager during the 2019 NBA Draft, organizing logistics and providing brotherly guidance during the tense wait that culminated in the viral draft party moment. Their connection extends to collaborative efforts, such as Josh delivering surprise graduation materials to the family home in 2020, reinforcing the siblings' mutual support in navigating professional challenges. Jaryn was also present at the draft party celebration.[60][61][62][63][14] The Bone family instills values of perseverance and hard work, principles Joshua Sr. and Karen emphasized from childhood that continue to drive Jordan's professional determination, as seen in his commitment to finishing his degree amid a demanding NBA schedule. These values were evident in public family moments, including the 2019 draft party attended by around 40 relatives and friends, where collective encouragement helped Bone process the emotional highs and lows of draft night. Additionally, surprise gatherings like the 2020 ESPN-orchestrated virtual graduation ceremony, involving family participation, highlighted their ongoing influence on his career mindset and humility in achievement.[61][60][64]Education
Jordan Bone attended the University of Tennessee from 2015 to 2019, where he majored in recreation and sport management.[14] After declaring for the 2019 NBA draft as a junior, Bone left school early but made a promise to his mother, Karen, that he would complete his degree despite entering professional basketball.[65] Bone fulfilled this commitment by finishing his coursework remotely during his rookie NBA season with the Detroit Pistons, earning his bachelor's degree in May 2020.[66][61] To celebrate, he surprised his mother on Mother's Day with the news of his graduation, balancing the demands of his professional career with academic responsibilities.[67][64] The University of Tennessee and ESPN arranged a virtual surprise ceremony for Bone, featuring University Chancellor Donde Plowman, head basketball coach Rick Barnes, and his family, where he participated in a tassel-moving ritual during a broadcast of ESPN's SportsCenter.[66][61]Career statistics
NBA
Jordan Bone played 24 games in the NBA during the 2019–20 and 2020–21 seasons, all in the regular season with no playoff appearances.[2] Over his career, he averaged 2.8 points, 1.1 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 0.4 turnovers in 9.6 minutes per game.[2] His shooting efficiency included 36.4% field goal percentage on 3.0 attempts per game, 28.6% from three-point range on 1.7 attempts, and no free throw attempts.[2] Bone's performance varied by team. With the Detroit Pistons in 2019–20, he appeared in 10 games off the bench, averaging 1.2 points in 5.3 minutes per game.[2] In 2020–21 with the Orlando Magic, he played 14 games, averaging 4.0 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 14.0 minutes per game.[2] Advanced metrics for his NBA tenure reflect limited playing time and efficiency challenges, with a player efficiency rating (PER) of 6.3 and true shooting percentage (TS%) of 44.4%.[2]| Season | Team | G | MP | FG% | 3P% | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019–20 | Pistons | 10 | 5.3 | .250 | .200 | 1.2 |
| 2020–21 | Magic | 14 | 14.0 | .426 | .313 | 4.0 |
| Career | 24 | 9.6 | .364 | .286 | 2.8 |
G League
Jordan Bone appeared in 72 regular season games in the NBA G League across multiple affiliates during his early professional career.[28] His career averages in the G League include 15.6 points, 5.8 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 0.9 steals per game while playing 32.7 minutes.[28] He shot 42.5% from the field, 35.3% on three-point attempts, and 79.7% from the free-throw line over that span.[28] Bone's scoring output varied by team and season. With the Grand Rapids Drive in 2019–20, he averaged 17.5 points, 7.1 assists, and 0.9 steals in 31 games.[28] In 2020–21 with the Delaware Blue Coats, his averages dropped to 11.5 points, 3.8 assists, and 1.7 steals across 15 games in limited minutes.[28] Returning to the league in 2022–23, he posted 17.3 points per game with the Wisconsin Herd before being traded to the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, where he averaged 9.8 points in his remaining appearances that season.[28] Bone's G League stints were facilitated by two-way NBA contracts with the Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic, providing developmental opportunities alongside limited NBA exposure.[30]International
Since transitioning to international basketball in 2021, Jordan Bone has played in several European leagues. Comprehensive career totals are not fully aggregated, but key season averages include:- 2021–22 Beşiktaş (Turkish Basketball Super League): 12.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists in 10 games.[68]
- 2021–22 Basket Zaragoza (Liga ACB, Spain): 11.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists in 21 games.[68]
- 2023–24 Vanoli Cremona (Lega Basket Serie A, Italy): Limited stats available; appeared in games but no full per-game averages sourced.
- 2024–25 Hapoel Unet Holon (Israeli Winner League): Stats not detailed in sources.
- 2025–26 Hapoel Galil Elyon (Israeli Winner League, as of November 2025): 7.5 points, 1.5 rebounds, 1.0 assist in 2 games.[1][68]
College
Jordan Bone played three seasons of college basketball for the University of Tennessee Volunteers from 2016 to 2019. Over 95 games, with 87 starts, he averaged 9.7 points, 4.3 assists, 2.4 rebounds, and 0.7 steals in 26.1 minutes per game, while shooting 42.9% from the field, 35.5% from three-point range, and 82.1% from the free-throw line.[3] His scoring and playmaking improved markedly each year, reflecting his development as a point guard. As a freshman in 2016–17, Bone appeared in 23 games (17 starts), averaging 7.2 points and 2.9 assists in 19.6 minutes. In his sophomore season of 2017–18, he played all 35 games (33 starts), posting 7.3 points and 3.5 assists in 23.1 minutes. Bone's junior year in 2018–19 was his breakout, starting all 37 games and averaging 13.5 points, 5.8 assists, and 3.2 rebounds in 32.9 minutes.[3]| Season | Games (Starts) | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016–17 | 23 (17) | 19.6 | 7.2 | 1.7 | 2.9 | 0.5 | .372 | .304 | .769 |
| 2017–18 | 35 (33) | 23.1 | 7.3 | 2.1 | 3.5 | 0.7 | .391 | .380 | .821 |
| 2018–19 | 37 (37) | 32.9 | 13.5 | 3.2 | 5.8 | 0.7 | .465 | .355 | .835 |
| Career | 95 (87) | 26.1 | 9.7 | 2.4 | 4.3 | 0.7 | .429 | .355 | .821 |