Sion James’ journey to the NBA has been anything but conventional. From being overlooked by major programs in high school to grinding through four hard-fought years at Tulane, the 6-foot-5 guard has epitomized what it means to bet on yourself. Now, that bet has paid off in a big way. On a hot July day, the Charlotte Hornets announced they had signed James to a four-year contract worth $9.97 million — a life-changing moment for a player who was once seen as a long shot to make it this far.
James’ story begins in Atlanta, Georgia, where he starred at Lakeside High School. While he was undoubtedly talented, James didn’t have the eye-popping scoring averages or national exposure that tend to draw blue blood programs. Instead, he carved out a reputation as a steady, cerebral player — someone who could defend multiple positions, lead a locker room, and make the right play consistently. Scouts admired his basketball IQ, but in a world obsessed with highlights and viral moments, James flew under the radar.
That changed when Tulane University came calling. The Green Wave, looking to build a more competitive basketball culture under head coach Ron Hunter, saw in James the kind of cornerstone piece that could elevate their program. James committed and never looked back. Over his four seasons at Tulane, he became the heart and soul of the team — a versatile guard who filled the stat sheet and led by example. He didn’t just improve each year; he transformed himself into one of the most reliable two-way players in the American Athletic Conference.
What made James special wasn’t flashy play or overwhelming athleticism. It was his steadiness, his unshakeable poise in big moments, and his commitment to winning. By the time he wrapped up his college career, he had posted career averages of 10.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game — numbers that might not scream superstar, but tell a story of impact and consistency. He was also a standout defender, often tasked with guarding the opponent’s best perimeter player.
Still, as the 2024 NBA Draft approached, James wasn’t projected to be a first-round pick. Most mock drafts had him either late in the second round or going undrafted entirely. That didn’t deter him. He attacked the pre-draft process with the same grit and determination that defined his college years. He participated in the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament, where he turned heads with his high-level defense, court awareness, and leadership. In private workouts, he impressed NBA scouts and executives with his maturity, work ethic, and understanding of team concepts.
The Hornets, who had been tracking James for months, saw something in him that others missed. General Manager Jeff Peterson and Head Coach Charles Lee both emphasized their desire to build a winning culture around unselfish, team-first players who can defend and contribute without needing to dominate the ball. James fit that mold perfectly. When Charlotte signed him to a four-year deal worth just under $10 million, it was a sign of how highly they valued his potential — not just as a player, but as a foundational piece of a young roster.
For James, the moment was surreal. Speaking at a press conference following the signing, he expressed deep gratitude. “This means everything to me,” James said, fighting back emotion. “Coming from where I came from, a lot of people didn’t expect this. But I’ve always believed in myself, and I’ve had great people around me who believed too. Tulane gave me a shot when others didn’t. Now the Hornets are giving me the chance to keep proving myself. I’m ready to work.”
James is expected to join the Hornets for the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, where he’ll get his first taste of professional action. It’s a critical opportunity, not only to showcase his skills but to begin building chemistry with the team’s other young talents, including Brandon Miller, Mark Williams, and rookie lottery pick Ja’Kobe Walter. While James might not start right away, the Hornets believe he has the tools to contribute immediately — particularly on the defensive end, where his length, intelligence, and physicality could earn him minutes early in the season.
The financial structure of the deal reflects both belief in James and the realities of today’s NBA. It’s a partially guaranteed contract with escalating annual salaries and team options in the later years, allowing the Hornets flexibility while giving James a chance to secure long-term stability. For a player who wasn’t expected to make it this far, a nearly $10 million commitment is validation of his value and a sign that his underdog narrative is becoming one of success and staying power.
But James isn’t letting the payday change who he is. Throughout the whirlwind of media attention, congratulatory messages, and new obligations, he’s remained grounded. “The money’s nice, sure,” he said during an interview on a Charlotte sports radio station. “But I didn’t get into basketball for the money. I love the game. I love competing. I love being a part of something bigger than myself. That hasn’t changed and it never will.”
Coaches and teammates at Tulane echo those sentiments. Former teammate Kevin Cross, who played alongside James for three seasons, described him as the ultimate teammate. “Sion’s the kind of guy who does everything right — on the court, in the locker room, in the classroom,” Cross said. “He made all of us better. Charlotte’s getting a real one. He’s going to outwork everybody.”
The Hornets hope James can be part of a larger cultural shift. After years of instability and underperformance, Charlotte is focusing on building a sustainable, winning foundation. That includes drafting wisely, developing players internally, and investing in high-character individuals who elevate the organization both on and off the court. James checks every box.
In many ways, James’ signing is about more than just basketball. It’s a reminder of the power of perseverance, humility, and belief. In a sport where flash often overshadows substance, his rise serves as an inspiring counter-narrative. He didn’t take shortcuts. He didn’t chase headlines. He stayed true to his game, trusted the process, and now he’s living the dream that seemed improbable just a few years ago.
There’s still a long way to go. The NBA is a ruthless business, and nothing is guaranteed. James knows that. But he also knows what it took to get here — and he’s not about to let up now. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “I’ve got so much more to prove. I’m grateful, but I’m hungry. I want to win. I want to get better every day. I’m not satisfied.”
For the Hornets, signing Sion James might not make national headlines in the same way as landing a superstar free agent. But those who understand the game know this kind of move could be the difference between another rebuilding year and a real step forward. Charlotte is betting on culture, cohesion, and players who embrace the grind. Sion James is the embodiment of that vision.
From overlooked to overachieving, from college standout to NBA professional, from doubted to trusted — Sion James’ story is still being written. But if the first chapters are any indication, it’s going to be a compelling one. And in Charlotte, a city hungry for basketball success, he might just become the unexpected star that sparks a new era.
