Josh Christopher

BIOGRAPHY

Joshua Evan Christopher, born on December 8, 2001, is a talented professional basketball player. An integral part of the Miami Heat team in the National Basketball Association (NBA), he also holds a two-way contract with the Sioux Falls Skyforce of the NBA G League. Prior to his professional career, Christopher honed his skills at Arizona State University where he played as a shooting guard for the Sun Devils. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 215 pounds, Christopher has significantly established his presence on the basketball court.

Basketball was a sport Christopher was introduced to at a young age and he often faced off against older opponents. Competing alongside his older brother, Caleb, he developed his skills, rendering him a formidable player during his early years at Mayfair High School in Lakewood, California and later on the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) circuit. His talents began to truly shine during his sophomore year at Mayfair when he averaged 25.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4 steals, and 3.6 assists per game. This extraordinary performance led his team to secure a 21–8 record.

Christopher’s skill and experience weren’t limited to his high school years. During his junior season, he managed an impressive average of 25 points per game, eventually capturing the Division 2AA championship. His performance in his senior year, alongside Dior Johnson – one of the highest-rated sophomores in the country, further cemented his credentials as a basketball star. Standing out with his 29.2 point average, 8 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 3.1 steals per game, he led his team to the CIF Southern Section Division 1 quarterfinals. He was also selected to participate in prestigious games like the McDonald’s All-American Game, Jordan Brand Classic, and Nike Hoop Summit, which unfortunately got canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Christopher’s excellence on the court earned him prestige as a five-star recruit and positioned him as the second best shooting guard in the 2020 recruiting class. He made quite the splash when he announced his commitment to Arizona State over several prominent universities. This move mirrored that of his brother, Caleb, who previously spent a year at Arizona State. As such, Christopher became a highlight recruit for the university, the highest since James Harden in 2007.

The professional realm was no different for Christopher as the young player continued to prove his prowess on the court. He began with a bang on November 26, 2020, where he scored a career-high 28 points for Arizona State in a match against third-ranked Villanova. However, owing to injury, he was able to take part in only 15 games in his freshman year. Still, he didn’t disappoint, clocking an average of 14.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game. This led him to declare for the 2021 NBA draft in March 2021.

Arguably achieving the pinnacle of his basketball career, Christopher was selected with the 24th pick of the 2021 NBA draft by the Houston Rockets. He left a formidable mark in his NBA debut in October 2021, scoring five points in just eight minutes against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite being assigned to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, a stint that saw him averaging 20 points in three games, he was recalled by the Rockets. He went on to achieve impressive scores against teams like Brooklyn Nets and San Antonio Spurs.

The subsequent 2022–2023 season saw Christopher facing a dry spell, with reduced minutes and numbers. Despite this setback, July 2023 marked a major move for Christopher when he was acquired by the Memphis Grizzlies from the Houston Rockets, albeit briefly before being exchanged in a five-team deal involving Dillon Brooks. His career took another major turn when he inked a two-way contract with the Utah Jazz in October 2023, although he was waived in January 2024.

Christopher’s association with the NBA G League continued when he joined the Sioux Falls Skyforce. After a stint, he signed another two-way contract, this time with the Miami Heat, in July 2024.

Basketball isn’t just a sport for Christopher; it’s part of his family lore. All of his siblings have dabbled in the sport. His brother, Patrick, experienced a brief professional career, including a stint with the Utah Jazz. Patrick’s godbrother is Tayshaun Prince, a retired NBA player. His sister Paris played college basketball at Saint Mary’s but sustained a career-ending injury as a freshman, while his brother Caleb played at both Arizona State University and Tennessee Tech before settling at Hope International University. His father Laron, is a musician, and along with his mother, is a devoted Christian. Known to many as “Jaygup,” a nickname established in childhood, Joshua Evan Christopher’s journey is a testament to resilience, family support, and unyielding talent.