Daishen Nix

BIOGRAPHY

Daishen Nix, pronounced DAY-shən NIKS, was born on the 13th of February, 2002 and is among the rising stars in American professional basketball. Currently, he plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves, a National Basketball Association (NBA) team, under a two-way contract with the Iowa Wolves of the NBA G League. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 226 pounds, Nix’s court position is a point guard.

In 2020, he was considered one of the most promising point guards within his class, securing a five-star recruit status. Before going pro, he was originally slated to play college basketball for UCLA. However, he decided to skip the college route and instead, joined the NBA G League Ignite, a developmental team directly associated with the NBA G League.

During his high school years, Nix attended Trinity International School nestled in the heart of Las Vegas, Nevada. His family originally hails from Alaska, with Nix born in Fairbanks and raised in Anchorage. Prior to his move to Las Vegas, and subsequently being thrust into the limelight, Nix nurtured his love for basketball in Anchorage where he played for Mears Middle School. The decision for the relocation at age 13 was influenced by his mother’s advice, who felt it offered better opportunities for basketball exposure and a chance to live closer to their extended family.

As a junior at Trinity International School, Nix demonstrated his eye for the hoop on the court by averaging 19.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game. His impressive stats steered his team towards their second consecutive National Christian School Athletic Association (NCSAA) Division I title. Not only did he receive the NCSAA Player of the Year award, but also surpassed his team’s record in points, rebounds, and assists. In 2019, during his senior year, an unforgettable triple-double propelled his team to victory with Nix’s 45 points, 11 assists, and 10 steals. However, his high school career was not without disappointments as the coveted McDonald’s All-American Game, which he was selected to partake in, was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to his school feats, Nix was a key player for Simply Fundamental, an independent basketball team. This team was manned by Greg Lockridge, his school coach and legal guardian. Nix’s journey to professional basketball was cemented when he signed a one-year, $300,000 contract with the NBA G League Ignite in April of 2020. According to Nix, this decision weighed on both family considerations and his individual path. He perceived the G League as an incubator for his career in the NBA.

Despite the absence of his name in the 2021 NBA draft, Nix’s career remained on the rise as he joined the Philadelphia 76ers for the 2021 NBA Summer League. After a temporary contract with the Houston Rockets and a stint with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, Nix’s contract was finally converted into a standard deal in February 2022.

After a year with the Rockets, Nix eventually parted ways with the team. In September 2023, he joined the Minnesota Timberwolves, signing another two-way contract in October. As it stands, Nix’s professional journey remains on a positive trajectory, with him racking up another two-way contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves in July 2024.

Nix’s family background adds a further layer of depth to his journey. His mother, Mina Tupuola, imbibed a love for the game in her son. A proud Alaskan, Tupuola played for Lathrop High School and attended the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. Today, the torch is clearly passed on to Nix, showcasing his brilliant strengths on the court.