D.J. Wilson

BIOGRAPHY

DeVante Jaylen Wilson, born on February 19, 1996, is an American professional basketball player who plays for the Shanghai Sharks of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). Wilson had an illustrious journey to reach where he is today. This biography outlines his inspiring journey from his early struggles to his triumphant NBA days, providing an insight into his career spanning from high school to the professional stage.

Growing up in Michigan, Wilson attended the Capital Christian School in Sacramento, where he first displayed his prowess in basketball. Led by his passion for the game, Wilson had to overcome numerous hurdles early on in his career. The most notable of these was a fifth lumbar vertebra stress fracture that put him out of action during the summer of 2012 and a part of his junior season.

Despite the setback and losing the attention of some recruiters, Wilson kept his spirits high, wearing a back brace for three months. He was determined to make a comeback and made a mark in June 2013, scoring 22 points and 8 rebounds against Ivan Rabb at a California Golden Bears camp event. Subsequently, he began to draw attention from Michigan and other schools.

Michigan Wolverines, the defending 2013 national runner-up, hosted him during the first weekend of October 2013. Eventually, he chose Michigan over rival offers from several universities. In doing so, Wilson became the first Sacramento area player ever to sign with a Big Ten Conference school. This was a testament to his playing abilities since he stood as the 135th ranked prospect of the national class of 2014 during his commitment.

Early in his college career, Wilson underwent surgery for his little finger and grappled with “knock-kneed” deformity. This forced him out of some off-season action. Nevertheless, his resilience paid off when he made an impact during the 2014–15 season, contributing significant points in a number of games.

In January 2015, Michigan defeated Youngstown State 105–46, with Wilson contributing 12 points, marking him as a force to reckon with. His showings helped Michigan reach the round of sixteen. Wilson finished the season as the team’s leading rebounder and shot blocker, achieving the most rebounds by a Wolverine since Mitch McGary four years prior and the most blocks in nine seasons.

Post his glorious college career, Wilson entered the 2017 NBA draft. He was picked 17th overall by the reputable Milwaukee Bucks. In his first NBA game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, he failed to make an immediate impact, but he gradually warmed up to his NBA career, securing valuable points in numerous games. His rising status compelled the Bucks to keep him on by exercising the fourth-year option of his rookie contract for $4.5 million, extending it till 2020-21.

In March 2021, Wilson was traded to the Houston Rockets along with several others for P. J. Tucker and Rodions Kurucs. His stint with the Rockets was short-lived as he didn’t receive an extension on his $6.9 million contract. Following this, he signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder on September 27, 2021, but was waived on October 15, causing him to join the Oklahoma City Blue instead, where he averaged 13.9 points and 9.6 rebounds over 13 games.

Wilson also had brief spells with the Toronto Raptors, Orlando Magic and the Philadelphia 76ers. However, injuries condemned him to the sidelines during some of these stints. Despite these obstacles, Wilson continued to create impact on court when given opportunities.

On July 8, 2022, he signed with the Toronto Raptors again only to be waived in October. He later joined the Blue on November 3, 2022. February 12, 2023 saw him being traded to the Lakeland Magic in exchange for a 2023 first-round pick. This was followed by a fleeting stint with Orlando Magic. On March 24, 2024, Wilson signed a 10-day contract with the Philadelphia 76ers before returning to the Osceola Magic.

Wilson’s career took an international spin on September 6, 2024, when the Shanghai Sharks of the Chinese Basketball Association signed him. His journey, marked by his consistent determination and exceptional basketball skills, is a testament to his resilience, and his story continues to inspire many aspiring athletes worldwide.