Jordan Mickey
Jordan Mickey (born July 9, 1994) is an American professional basketball player who plays as a power forward and center, standing at 6 feet 8 inches (2.03 m) tall and weighing 235 pounds (107 kg).[1] Known for his athleticism and shot-blocking ability, he has competed in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and various international leagues, most recently with the Qingdao Eagles in China's Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).[2] Mickey honed his skills at Prime Prep Academy in Dallas, Texas, before committing to Louisiana State University (LSU), where he played for two seasons from 2013 to 2015.[1] As a freshman in 2013–14, he averaged 12.7 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game, earning Southeastern Conference (SEC) All-Freshman honors.[3] In his sophomore year of 2014–15, he elevated his performance to 15.4 points, 9.9 rebounds, and a nation-leading 3.6 blocks per game, helping LSU to a 22–11 record and a second-round appearance in the NCAA Tournament.[3] Selected by the Boston Celtics with the 33rd overall pick in the second round of the 2015 NBA Draft, Mickey signed a multi-year contract with the team shortly after.[4] Over two seasons with Boston from 2015 to 2017, he appeared in 41 regular-season games, averaging 1.4 points and 1.2 rebounds in 4.8 minutes per game, while also contributing in four playoff contests.[1] He was traded to the Miami Heat in July 2017 and played 23 games for them in the 2017–18 season, posting career highs of 4.0 points and 3.5 rebounds per game in 12.3 minutes.[5] After becoming a free agent in 2018, Mickey transitioned to international basketball, playing for Russian teams Khimki and Zenit Saint Petersburg, Spain's Real Madrid in Liga ACB, and Italy's Virtus Bologna in Lega Basket Serie A from 2018 to 2024.[2] In the 2024–25 CBA season, Mickey joined the Qingdao Eagles, where he has been a standout performer, averaging 19.4 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists across 43 games with a 59.3% two-point field goal percentage.[2] His contributions include a 38-point outing against Fujian Sturgeons on December 19, 2024, and 34 points in a playoff game versus Zhejiang Guangsha on April 15, 2025, underscoring his continued impact as a versatile big man in professional basketball.[2]Early life and education
Early life
Jordan Mickey was born on July 9, 1994, in Dallas, Texas.[6] He is the son of James Wright and Torand Hunter.[6] His father played center at Abilene Christian University, where he earned Lone Star Conference Player of the Year honors in 1984.[7] Growing up in Dallas, Mickey developed an early interest in basketball, influenced by his father's athletic background and the city's strong hoops culture. He gained initial competitive exposure through local youth programs and the AAU circuit, playing for the Urban DFW Elite team alongside other top prospects. This foundation in Dallas's urban basketball scene honed his skills and led naturally to organized high school play.High school career
Mickey began his high school basketball career at Grace Preparatory Academy in Arlington, Texas, where he played during his junior year and contributed to the team's victory in the Texas state championship.[6] Prior to his senior season, he transferred to Prime Prep Academy in Dallas, Texas, under coach Ray Forsett.[6] In the 2012–13 season at Prime Prep, Mickey averaged 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game, showcasing his athleticism and defensive prowess as a 6-foot-8 forward.[6] Regarded as a consensus four-star recruit and ranked No. 28 nationally by 247Sports, Mickey drew widespread attention during his recruitment, receiving scholarship offers from more than 40 universities, including Arkansas, Louisville, Ohio State, West Virginia, and Oklahoma.[8][9] He ultimately committed to Louisiana State University (LSU) on September 27, 2012, bolstering the Tigers' 2013 recruiting class.[10]College career
Jordan Mickey played two seasons with the LSU Tigers men's basketball team under head coach Johnny Jones, emerging as a dominant defensive force in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).[6] As a freshman in the 2013–14 season, Mickey started all 34 games, averaging 12.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, and an SEC-leading 3.1 blocks per game while shooting 53.4% from the field.[11][6] His shot-blocking prowess anchored LSU's defense, where he ranked fourth in the conference in rebounding and earned SEC All-Freshman Team and SEC All-Defensive Team honors.[12][13] The Tigers finished 20–14 overall and 9–9 in SEC play, tying for sixth place, and advanced to the SEC Tournament quarterfinals before a 85–67 loss to Kentucky.[14][15] LSU then competed in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT), defeating Northwestern State in the first round before losing to North Texas in the second round, with Mickey contributing in both games. In his sophomore year of 2014–15, Mickey elevated his game, starting all 33 games he appeared in and posting averages of 15.4 points, 9.9 rebounds (leading the SEC), and a nation-leading 3.6 blocks per game, the highest in LSU history for a single season.[11][6] He recorded 16 double-doubles, including nine in SEC play, and was instrumental in LSU's improved interior defense.[6] For his performance, Mickey was selected to the First Team All-SEC by the coaches and again named to the SEC All-Defensive Team.[16][17] The Tigers achieved a 22–11 record, tying for third in the SEC at 11–7, and reached the SEC Tournament quarterfinals, falling 73–70 in overtime to Auburn.[18][19] As a result, LSU received an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament, defeating NC State in the first round before losing to Villanova in the second round, with Mickey starting both games. Following the season, Mickey declared for the 2015 NBA Draft on March 31, forgoing his remaining college eligibility to pursue a professional career.[20]Professional career
Boston Celtics (2015–2017)
Jordan Mickey was selected by the Boston Celtics with the 33rd overall pick in the second round of the 2015 NBA draft.[1] He signed a multi-year contract with the team on July 20, 2015.[4] Entering the league as a 6-foot-8 power forward known for his defensive prowess from his time at Louisiana State University, where he led the nation in blocks per game during his sophomore year, Mickey was projected as a rim protector with potential to contribute as a specialist on that end.[7] During his rookie 2015–16 season, Mickey saw limited action with the Celtics, appearing in 16 games and averaging 3.6 minutes per game.[1] He spent much of the year developing in the NBA G League with the Celtics' affiliate, the Maine Red Claws, where he excelled as a dominant force. In December 2015, Mickey earned NBA G League Player of the Month honors after averaging 19.6 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks over eight starts, helping Maine to a 7–2 record that month.[21] In his sophomore 2016–17 campaign, Mickey received slightly more opportunities, playing in 25 regular-season games for the Celtics while averaging 5.6 minutes per game.[1] The team advanced to the playoffs, where he appeared in two games, logging 9.0 minutes per game but contributing minimally.[1] Throughout his tenure, Mickey established himself as a defensive specialist valued for his shot-blocking ability and energy off the bench, though his offensive limitations restricted his overall role. Following the season, the Celtics waived Mickey on July 16, 2017, after which he signed with the Miami Heat as a free agent.[22]Miami Heat (2017–2018)
On August 20, 2017, following his waiver by the Boston Celtics on July 13, Jordan Mickey signed a two-year contract with the Miami Heat worth approximately $1.5 million for the first season, with a team option for the second year.[23][1] During the 2017–18 NBA season, Mickey appeared in 23 games for the Heat, starting three of them, and averaged 12.3 minutes, 4.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 0.4 blocks per game.[1] His role was limited by the depth of Miami's frontcourt rotation, which featured established players such as Kelly Olynyk, James Johnson, and Hassan Whiteside, leaving few opportunities for consistent minutes.[24] Early in the season, Mickey showed promise with energetic play and shot-blocking ability, including a career-high nine points on December 16, 2017, against the Houston Rockets, but his playing time dwindled significantly after late December, totaling just 59 minutes for the remainder of the regular season and none in the playoffs.[25][24] On May 10, 2018, the Heat declined Mickey's $1.6 million team option for the 2018–19 season, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent and concluding his three-year NBA career.Khimki (2018–2019)
After being waived by the Miami Heat in May 2018, Jordan Mickey signed a one-year contract with BC Khimki Moscow Region of the VTB United League and EuroLeague on July 26, 2018.[22] This marked his first professional stint outside the United States, where he joined a competitive roster featuring players like Alexey Shved and Stefan Jović, taking on a key role in the frontcourt as a versatile power forward capable of defending multiple positions.[26] In the 2018–19 VTB United League season, Mickey emerged as a starter, averaging 15.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game across his appearances, showcasing his athleticism and shot-blocking prowess in a league known for its physical play.[27] In the EuroLeague, he contributed significantly in 28 games with 22.5 minutes per game, posting 14.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game, including standout performances like a 20-point, 9-rebound effort against Žalgiris Kaunas.[28] His ability to stretch the floor with three-point shooting (35.1% on 2.0 attempts per game) and protect the rim helped solidify Khimki's defense, though early inconsistencies highlighted his ongoing adjustment to the faster pace and tactical demands of European basketball.[29] Khimki finished the VTB regular season strong, securing third place with a 20–6 playoff record before advancing to the finals, where they were swept 0–3 by CSKA Moscow, with Mickey providing key contributions in the frontcourt during the postseason push.[30] In the EuroLeague, the team ended 9–21, missing the playoffs in 12th place, but Mickey's development was evident as he adapted to the physicality, international travel, and emphasis on team-oriented play inherent to European competitions.[31]Real Madrid (2019–2020)
In July 2019, Jordan Mickey signed a two-year contract with Real Madrid, joining the Spanish club as a power forward/center to bolster their frontcourt depth.[32] During the 2019–20 season, Mickey appeared in 26 EuroLeague games for Real Madrid, averaging 9.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.0 block per game in 16.6 minutes of play, while shooting 62.8% from the field.[29] His role was somewhat limited due to the team's strong rotation and established big men, but he contributed defensively with efficient scoring inside the paint. In the domestic Liga ACB, he played 14 regular-season games, posting 6.7 points and 4.4 rebounds per game in 16.3 minutes, along with appearances in the Spanish Cup and limited playoff action.[29] Real Madrid enjoyed a successful campaign, securing the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey titles, with Mickey providing support in these domestic competitions.[33] The team advanced to the EuroLeague Final Four after a strong regular season and playoffs, but the tournament was ultimately canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mickey's stint at Real Madrid, following his breakout performance at Khimki, offered valuable exposure to one of Europe's most prestigious clubs and its high-level tactical systems, which have historically developed elite talents.[34]Khimki (2020–2021)
In July 2020, Jordan Mickey re-signed with BC Khimki Moscow Region on a one-year deal, returning to the club where he had previously played during the 2018–19 season.[35][36] The 2020–21 VTB United League season was significantly disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with multiple games postponed due to health protocols and outbreaks, including confirmed cases within the Khimki roster that affected team preparations.[37][38] Despite these challenges, Mickey contributed solidly in VTB League play, appearing in 16 games and averaging 15.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game while shooting 53.4% from the field and 30.0% from three-point range.[29][39] Khimki finished the regular season in seventh place with a 12–14 record, securing a spot in the playoffs amid the league's condensed schedule.[40] The team advanced to the quarterfinals but was eliminated by Lokomotiv-Kuban in a best-of-three series, with Mickey providing key defensive presence during the postseason push.[41][42] Following the conclusion of his contract at the end of the season, Mickey departed Khimki to pursue new opportunities.[43]Zenit Saint Petersburg (2021–2022)
On July 4, 2021, Jordan Mickey signed a one-year contract with Zenit Saint Petersburg of the VTB United League and EuroLeague.[44] Mickey joined Zenit as a versatile forward/center, leveraging his prior experience in Russian basketball from the 2020–21 season with Khimki to bolster the team's frontcourt depth. Under head coach Xavi Pascual, he primarily came off the bench as an energy player, focusing on defensive intensity, rebounding, and shot-blocking to complement starters like Alex Poythress and Tornike Shengelia. His athleticism and timing on defense made him a valuable rotation piece, particularly in high-stakes matchups, where he disrupted opponents' interior scoring.[45] In the 2021–22 EuroLeague regular season, Mickey played in 22 games for Zenit, averaging 10.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.5 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game while shooting 50.9% from the field.[29] The team compiled a 14–9 record over 23 games before the competition was suspended for Russian clubs amid the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, finishing fifth in the standings and qualifying for the playoffs, though unable to advance.[46] Zenit's campaign highlighted a balanced attack, with strong defensive efforts from the frontcourt helping secure key wins against teams like AS Monaco and ALBA Berlin. In the VTB United League, Mickey appeared in 15 games, posting averages of 13.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.0 steal, and 0.9 blocks per game on efficient 64.7% field goal shooting.[29] He earned VTB United League Defensive Player of the Year honors for his contributions, including consistent rim protection and rebounding in a league dominated by physical play. Zenit reached the finals and claimed the championship, defeating CSKA Moscow 4–3 in a hard-fought series, marking their first VTB title since 2018–19 and underscoring the team's domestic dominance.[45]Virtus Bologna (2022–2024)
In July 2022, Jordan Mickey signed with Virtus Bologna of the Lega Basket Serie A and the EuroLeague, marking his return to elite European competition following his stint in Russia.[47] His experience with Zenit Saint Petersburg in the VTB United League provided a seamless bridge to Italian basketball, where his defensive versatility fit well within coach Sergio Scariolo's system. During the 2022–23 season, Mickey emerged as a key rotation player for Virtus, averaging 7.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 0.8 assists, and 0.7 blocks per game across 32 EuroLeague appearances, while contributing 9.4 points and 4.8 rebounds in 37 Italian League games (including playoffs).[29] His athleticism and shot-blocking ability anchored the team's interior defense, helping Virtus secure the 2022 Italian Supercup title with a dominant 99–86 victory over Olimpia Milano in the final.[45] The squad advanced to the Italian League finals but fell to Olimpia Milano in seven games, despite Mickey's consistent energy off the bench.[48] Mickey renewed his commitment for the 2023–24 campaign, continuing to provide reliable frontcourt depth with averages of 8.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, 0.6 assists, and 0.7 blocks in 24 EuroLeague contests, alongside 10.8 points and 5.3 rebounds in the domestic league.[29] He played a supporting role in Virtus' successful defense of the Italian Supercup, defeating Germani Brescia 97–60 in the 2023 final to claim their third consecutive title.[45] The team again reached the Italian League finals, only to lose to Milano for the second straight year, with Mickey logging solid minutes in playoff matchups. After two productive seasons, Mickey departed Virtus in the summer of 2024, leaving behind a legacy as a defensive anchor who brought rebounding intensity and rim protection to a contending roster, contributing to back-to-back Supercup triumphs and consistent EuroLeague contention.[49]Qingdao Eagles (2024–present)
In November 2024, Jordan Mickey signed with the Qingdao Eagles of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) as an import power forward to bolster their frontcourt for the 2024–25 season.[50] His addition came amid the team's need for rebounding and scoring depth, replacing an earlier import player.[51] Mickey's early performance highlighted his impact, debuting on November 29, 2024, against the Beijing Royal Fighters with 27 points and 14 rebounds in a double-double effort that helped secure a victory.[52] He followed with additional double-doubles, including 29 points and 11 rebounds versus the Fujian Sturgeons on December 2, and 23 points with 12 rebounds against Shandong Heroes on December 7, establishing himself as a key interior presence with averages of 20.0 points and 9.5 rebounds over 35 regular-season games.[52] His prior experience in European leagues proved valuable in adapting to the CBA's emphasis on physical play and fast-paced transitions.[50] Under Mickey's contributions, the Qingdao Eagles compiled a 31–15 regular-season record, securing the 8th seed and advancing to the playoffs.[53] In the postseason quarterfinals against the Zhejiang Lions, he recorded multiple double-doubles, such as 34 points and 10 rebounds in Game 2 on April 15, 2025, aiding the team's competitive series effort despite elimination.[52] Mickey has since committed to the Eagles for the 2025–26 season. As of November 18, 2025, he continues to play for Qingdao in the ongoing CBA season, contributing to their early campaign with averages of approximately 18.5 points and 8.2 rebounds over the first 10 games.[2]Career statistics
NBA
Jordan Mickey appeared in 64 regular-season games over three NBA seasons with the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat, averaging 2.4 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 0.3 assists per game in 7.5 minutes of play.[1] His role was primarily as a reserve big man, with limited minutes early in his career before seeing increased playing time in his final season. Career highs included 9 points (December 16, 2017), 10 rebounds (December 18, 2017), and 3 blocks (March 9, 2016).[1]Regular Season
| Season | Team | G | MP | FG | FGA | FG% | 3P | 3PA | 3P% | FT | FTA | FT% | ORB | DRB | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | PF | PTS | |----------|------|-----|------|-----|-----|------|----|-----|------|----|----|------|----|----|----|----|----|----|----|----|----|-----| | 2015–16 | BOS | 16 | 3.6 | 0.5 | 1.4 | .364 | 0.0| 0.0 | .000 | 0.3 | 0.6 | .500 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.8 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 1.3 | | 2016–17 | BOS | 25 | 5.6 | 0.6 | 1.4 | .441 | 0.0| 0.0 | .000 | 0.3 | 0.6 | .571 | 0.5 | 0.8 | 1.4 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 1.5 | | 2017–18 | MIA | 23 | 12.3 | 1.7 | 3.6 | .476 | 0.1| 0.7 | .125 | 0.6 | 0.8 | .684 | 0.8 | 2.7 | 3.5 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.4 | 0.8 | 1.6 | 4.0 | | Career | | 64 | 7.5 | 1.0 | 2.3 | .449 | 0.0| 0.2 | .111 | 0.4 | 0.7 | .636 | 0.6 | 1.4 | 2.0 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 0.9 | 2.4 |Playoffs
Mickey appeared in 4 playoff games, all with the Celtics, averaging 2.0 points and 1.8 rebounds in 7.0 minutes per game.[1] | Season | Team | G | MP | FG | FGA | FG% | 3P | 3PA | 3P% | FT | FTA | FT% | ORB | DRB | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | PF | PTS | |----------|------|---|-----|-----|-----|------|----|-----|-----|----|----|-----|----|----|----|----|----|----|----|----|----|-----| | 2015–16 | BOS | 2 | 5.0 | 1.0 | 2.0 | .500 | 0.0| 0.0 | | 0.0 | 0.0 | | 0.5 | 0.5 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2.0 | | 2016–17 | BOS | 2 | 9.0 | 1.0 | 2.5 | .400 | 0.0| 0.0 | | 0.0 | 0.0 | | 0.0 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 1.5 | 2.0 | | Career | | 4 | 7.0 | 1.0 | 2.3 | .444 | 0.0| 0.0 | | 0.0 | 0.0 | | 0.3 | 1.5 | 1.8 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0.8 | 2.0 | His G League performances provided supplementary development, where he averaged double-digit points and rebounds across multiple seasons.[1]EuroLeague
Jordan Mickey has competed in the EuroLeague since the 2018–19 season, playing for multiple teams and establishing himself as a defensive specialist with strong rebounding and shot-blocking abilities. His EuroLeague tenure highlights his versatility as a power forward/center, contributing significantly in rebounding and interior defense across various roles dictated by team needs. Over his career in the competition, Mickey has appeared in 162 regular-season games, averaging 10.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.0 block per game.[29]Per-Season Averages in Specified Teams
| Season | Team | Games | PPG | RPG | BPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019–20 | Real Madrid | 26 | 9.0 | 4.2 | 1.0 |
| 2021–22 | Zenit St. Petersburg | 22 | 10.5 | 4.3 | 0.9 |
| 2022–23 | Virtus Bologna | 32 | 7.3 | 4.1 | 0.7 |
| 2023–24 | Virtus Bologna | 24 | 8.7 | 4.0 | 0.7 |
CBA
Jordan Mickey joined the Qingdao Eagles of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) in November 2024, bringing his defensive prowess from European leagues to the Asian circuit. In his debut 2024–25 season, Mickey quickly adapted, averaging strong double-double numbers while leveraging his shot-blocking ability honed in Europe to disrupt opponents in the paint.[2]| Statistic | Per Game Average |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 43 |
| Minutes | 33.0 |
| Points | 19.4 |
| Field Goals | 59.3% |
| Three-Pointers | 41.5% |
| Free Throws | 64.0% |
| Rebounds | 9.3 (2.3 offensive, 7.0 defensive) |
| Assists | 2.7 |
| Steals | 1.3 |
| Blocks | 1.1 |
| Turnovers | 2.4 |
| Personal Fouls | 2.4 |