One of the most highlighted teams in the Olympics was South Sudan. But it was their first Olympic appearance, so why were they a threat, especially after being in Group C? Well, during the exhibition games, the Sudanese almost pulled off what could’ve been the greatest upset in the game’s history. However, Team USA managed to get past them with a narrow win. Out of all, JT Thor, a familiar face, made quite an impression playing against LeBron James and Co. But who is this 21-year-old forward? Let’s jog your memory!

Thor is an American/South Sudanese basketball player born in Omaha, Nebraska. Thor’s family moved to Alaska when he was 5, after which he switched 3 schools and ended his senior year averaging just under 15 points and 6.6 rebounds. The 6-foot-10 forward then played for the Auburn Tigers back in his college days. As a freshman, Thor averaged 9.4 points, 5 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game and in the following year, he declared for the NBA draft.

Now, his numbers weren’t so special, but his athleticism at 6’10 really stood out, among others. He handled mismatches pretty well for someone his size, easily guarding the perimeter. Thor was the 37th overall pick by the Detroit Pistons in the 2021 NBA Draft. However, he was traded to the Hornets a few months later. In his 3 seasons in Charlotte, Thor put up 3.2 points and 2.3 rebounds. Consequently, they declined his player option, which made him an unrestricted free agent this year.

However, as JT Thor’s time in the NBA was slowly coming to an end, the youngster’s time with the South Sudan basketball team molded his path forward. It is safe to say that the 2024 Paris Olympics majorly saved him from potentially taking his hoops career overseas. In the exhibition game against Team USA, he dropped 14 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists, making big-time plays down the line. Thor really shined in his country’s dark-horse-esque journey in Paris, and to his luck, a certain GM was watching the same game!

JT Thor will be returning to the NBA after signing a two-way contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, as reported by Shams Charania. This won’t only be an opportunity for him to make a statement, but it also benefits the franchise in quite a lot of ways.

The Cavaliers made a lot of noise this past season. However, as a franchise, it has struggled to get back in business, though recently they were successful in finally pulling off a series win. Led by Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley, Cleveland is slowly emerging as a threat in the East. And to make things better, they now have a youngster with a lot of potential.

JT Thor has a big chance to prove himself in the NBA

During his G-League days with the Swarms, Thor averaged 12 points and 5.6 rebounds, and he had dropped a 34-point haul alongside 12 boards on his G-League debut! As he prepares to play for the Cavaliers and their G-League affiliate, Cleveland Charge, the Sudanese star has a great opportunity to finally showcase and establish himself as an NBA Championship-level rim protector, eventually making the final Cavs roster. His numbers haven’t been extraordinary so far, but the Olympic tour was a glimpse of what he’s capable of.

“He looks like he belongs out there defensively. I love his length, his versatility defensively, for sure. He’s got a nice IQ, too. He can see his feel for the game,” Hornets head coach James Borrego said in 2021.

JT Thor can be a great replacement for Mobley and Allen off the bench. His rim protection and pick-n-roll reads can also land him as a Center to work with alongside Mitchell. Given how far the Cavs came in the East, Thor will undeniably receive a lot of exposure. On the other hand, he’ll be one of the primary players for the Charge, which again, will be enough time spent on court for Thor.

It will be interesting to see how he performs with the Cavs after garnering all the attention last month. What are your thoughts on JT Thor playing for the Cavs? Do you think he can manage to become an asset to the team? Let us know in the comments.

Feel that you can do with another update from the sport of basketball? Then do check out this recent interview with the up-and-coming Georgia Lady Bulldogs star Asia Avinger.