DeVante Jaylen Wilson (born February 19, 1996) is an American professional

basketball Basketball is a team sport in which two teams, most commonly of five players each, opposing one another on a rectangular court, compete with the primary objective of shooting a basketball (approximately in diameter) through the defender's h ...

player for the

Lakeland Magic The Lakeland Magic are an American professional basketball team in the NBA G League based in Lakeland, Florida, and are affiliated with the Orlando Magic. The Magic began play in the 2017–18 season and play their home games at the RP Fundi ...

of the

NBA G League The NBA G League, or simply the G League, is the National Basketball Association's (NBA) official minor league basketball organization. The league was known as the National Basketball Development League (NBDL) from 2001 to 2005, and the NBA De ...

. He played

college basketball In United States colleges, top-tier basketball is governed by collegiate athletic bodies including National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), the United States Collegiate Athleti ...

for the Michigan Wolverines and completed his junior season for the 2016–17 season. He was drafted 17th overall in the

2017 NBA draft The 2017 NBA draft was held on June 22, 2017, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. National Basketball Association (NBA) teams took turns selecting U.S. college basketball players and other eligible players, including international players. ...

by the

Milwaukee Bucks The Milwaukee Bucks are an American professional basketball team based in Milwaukee. The Bucks compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the league's Eastern Conference Central Division. The team was founded in 1968 ...

, where he spent four seasons before he was traded to the Houston Rockets in March 2021.

Early life and education

At Capital Christian School in Sacramento, Wilson endured a fifth

lumbar vertebra The lumbar vertebrae are, in human anatomy, the five vertebrae between the rib cage and the pelvis. They are the largest segments of the vertebral column and are characterized by the absence of the foramen transversarium within the transverse ...

stress fracture A stress fracture is a fatigue-induced bone fracture caused by repeated stress over time. Instead of resulting from a single severe impact, stress fractures are the result of accumulated injury from repeated submaximal loading, such as running or ...

, which sidelined him during the summer of 2012 and part of his junior season, which caused him to lose the attention of some recruiters. He spent three months in a back brace from his hips to his chest. By the middle of his junior season, he completed a 1-year 5-inch growth spurt that took him to a height of . By June 2013, he had recovered enough to tally 22 points and 8

rebounds 'Rebound' is a term used in sports to describe the ball (or puck or other object of play) becoming available for possession by either opponent after an attempt to put the ball or puck into the goal has been unsuccessful. Rebounds are generally ...

against

Ivan Rabb Ivan Charles Rabb Jr. (born February 4, 1997) is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Delaware Blue Coats of the NBA G League. He played college basketball for the California Golden Bears. Growing up in California, ...

at a California Golden Bears camp event at

Haas Pavilion The Walter A. Haas Jr. Pavilion is an indoor arena in the western United States, on the campus of the University of California in Berkeley, California. It is the home venue of the Golden Bears men's and women's basketball, women's volleyball, a ...

. Soon thereafter, Michigan and other schools began recruiting him. 2012–13 Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team, The defending 2013 national runner-up Wolverines hosted him (and Devin Booker) during the first weekend of October 2013 and he accepted Michigan over offers from USC Trojans men's basketball, USC, Gonzaga Bulldogs men's basketball, Gonzaga, Northwestern Wildcats men's basketball, Northwestern, and Harvard Crimson men's basketball, Harvard. Wilson signed his National Letter of Intent with Michigan on November 13, 2013, with the expectation that Jordan Morgan would graduate from the 2013–14 Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team, 2013–14 Wolverines team and both Glenn Robinson III and Mitch McGary would enter the 2014 NBA draft. At the time of his signing, he was believed to be the first Sacramento metropolitan area, Sacramento area player to ever sign with a Big Ten Conference school. Wilson posted 29 points for Capital Christian School against Rabb and Bishop O'Dowd High School in the Northern California Open Division championship loss on March 22, 2014. After having committed to Michigan as the 135th ranked prospect of the national class of 2014 in October 2013, Wilson's ranking rose to 86th by April 2014 according to Rivals.

College career

Freshman season (2014–2015)

Prior to the 2014–15 season, Wilson had surgery on his little finger, and he was sidelined during some of the offseason and the August 15 — 24 four-game exhibition tour of Italy. Upon his arrival, he was diagnosed with valgus deformity ("knock-kneed"), and his neuromuscular therapy would eventually increase his vertical jump by during his college career. During the fifth game of the season for the 2014–15 Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team, 2014–15 team against 2014–15 Villanova Wildcats men's basketball team, Villanova in the 2014 Legends Classic (basketball tournament), Legends Classic, Wilson was injured when he was blocked and knocked down on a slam dunk attempt against Dylan Ennis. He was sidelined due to a sprained knee and eventually missed the remainder of the season. Ennis later transferred to play at Oregon Ducks men's basketball, Oregon.

Sophomore season (2015–2016)

On December 19, 2015, Michigan defeated 2015–16 Youngstown State Penguins men's basketball team, Youngstown State 105–46 with Wilson contributing 12 points on 5–6 shooting. The 59-point win was the second largest in school history. Although Wilson appeared in 26 games for the 2015–16 Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team, 2015–16 Wolverines, he only played as many as 10 minutes 5 times. Nevertheless, he finished second on the team in blocked shots with 10, including two in a January 12, 2016 upset of (#3/#3) 2015–16 Maryland Terrapins men's basketball team, Maryland. It was Michigan's first win over a top-three nationally ranked opponent at Crisler Center since the 1997–98 Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team, 1997–98 team defeated No. 3 1997–98 Duke Blue Devils men's basketball team, Duke, 81–73, on December 13, 1997.

Junior season (2016–2017)

In the January 1 Big Ten conference opener against 2016–17 Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball team, Iowa, Wilson posted a career-high 28 points and 14 rebounds in an 83–86 overtime (sports), overtime loss. On February 19, Wilson posted a team-high 16 points, including a game-tying three point field goal, in an overtime 78–83 loss to 2016–17 Minnesota Golden Gophers men's basketball team, Minnesota. On March 10, Michigan defeated (#12/#13) 2016–17 Purdue Boilermakers men's basketball team, Purdue 74–70 in overtime during the quarterfinals of the 2017 Big Ten Conference men's basketball tournament. Michigan was led by Wilson with 8 rebounds, 3 blocked shots and a game-high 26 points, which was the second highest single-game scoring performance of the tournament (trailing teammate Derrick Walton's 29-point performance the following day). Wilson averaged 15.3 points per game for Michigan's four games during the Big Ten tournament, helping the 2016–17 Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team, 2016–17 Wolverines emerge as the champion. Wilson averaged 16 points, 3 blocks and 4.3 rebounds in three 2017 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament games, helping Michigan reach the round of sixteen, where the team was eliminated by Ennis' 2016–17 Oregon Ducks men's basketball team, 2016–17 Oregon Ducks. In the NCAA tournament wins against 2016–17 Oklahoma State Cowboys basketball team, Oklahoma State and 2016–17 Louisville Cardinals men's basketball team, Louisville, Wilson went a combined 6–6 from the free throw line in the final 30 seconds of play. His overall averages for 7 postseason games was 15.6 points on 53.8% field goal shooting with 5.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks. He finished the season as the team's leading rebounder and shot blocker with overall averages of 5.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks. His 203 rebounds were the most by a Wolverine since Mitch McGary 4 years earlier and his 57 blocks were the most in nine seasons (Ekpe Udoh). Following the 2017 NCAA Tournament, he began to appear in various mock draft projections for the

. On April 10, both Wilson and teammate Moritz Wagner (basketball), Moritz Wagner declared for the draft, but did not hire agents, which gave them until May 24 to withdraw their names and retain their athletic eligibility to return to Michigan. During the week prior to the NBA Combine, he injured his quadriceps during a workout with the San Antonio Spurs, relegating him to taking part in physical measurements and interviews. Wilson stated during combine interviews that he would not remain in the draft unless he was assured of being a first-rounder. On May 24, Wilson announced he would remain in the draft, forgoing his final two years of eligibility.

Professional career

Milwaukee Bucks (2017–2021)

On June 22, 2017, Wilson was drafted 17th overall by the

in the

. He was the first of four 2016–17 Big Ten Conference men's basketball season, 2016–17 Big Ten Conference players selected in the draft. Wilson signed a $12.1 million rookie scale contract with the Bucks on July 6. He debuted on October 20, 2017 against the 2017–18 Cleveland Cavaliers season, Cleveland Cavaliers, but did not score or post any other stats. Wilson posted his first four points against the 2017–18 Oklahoma City Thunder season, Oklahoma City Thunder on October 31. During the season, the Bucks assigned Wilson to their

affiliate Wisconsin Herd multiple times. Wilson missed the first 22 games of the season with a hamstring injury for the 2018–19 Milwaukee Bucks season, 2018–19 Milwaukee Bucks. Despite being injured and having only 71 minutes of NBA experience, he was still signed for a $3 million third-year option by the Bucks at the October 31 rookie-scale player options deadline. On December 19 against the 2018–19 New Orleans Pelicans season, New Orleans Pelicans, Wilson posted a career-high 10 rebounds along with 9 points. On December 27 against the 2018–19 New York Knicks season, New York Knicks, he posted his first NBA double-double with 14 rebounds and 10 points in 21 minutes. On January 16, he established a new career-high with 13 points against the 2018–19 Memphis Grizzlies season, Memphis Grizzlies. He improved his scoring best on January 31 against the 2018–19 Toronto Raptors season, Toronto Raptors by posting 16 points. On March 31, 2019, Wilson made his first career start against the 2018–19 Atlanta Hawks season, Atlanta Hawks. On April 10, the final night of the season, Wilson posted a career-high 18 points, 17 rebounds and 4 assists against the 2018–19 Oklahoma City Thunder season, Oklahoma City Thunder. On October 24, 2019, the Bucks exercised the fourth-year option of Wilson's rookie contract for $4.5 milion, extending the contract through the 2020–21 season. Wilson posted a career-high 19 points on December 2 against the 2019–20 New York Knicks season, New York Knicks.

Houston Rockets (2021)

On March 19, 2021, Wilson was traded to the Houston Rockets along with D. J. Augustin and picks for P. J. Tucker and Rodions Kurucs. On August 1, the Rockets declined to extend a $6.9 million qualifying offer to Wilson, making him an unrestricted free agent.

Toronto Raptors / Oklahoma City Blue (2021–2023)

On September 27, 2021, Wilson signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Wilson was waived from Oklahoma City on October 15, and he subsequently joined the Oklahoma City Blue. In 13 games, he averaged 13.9 points and 9.6 rebounds. On December 22, 2021, Wilson signed a 10-day contract with the Toronto Raptors after the team was granted a hardship exception. On January 7, 2022, he signed a second 10-day hardship exception contract. On January 17, Wilson was reacquired by the Blue. On February 28, 2022, Wilson signed a 10-day contract with the Raptors. He was waived on March 6. On March 7, Wilson was reacquired by the Blue. However, he was waived the next day after suffering a season-ending injury. On July 8, 2022, the Toronto Raptors announced that they had signed Wilson. He was waived on October 15. On November 3, 2022, Wilson was named to the opening night roster for the Blue.

Lakeland Magic (2023–present)

On February 12, 2023, Wilson was traded to the

in exchange for a 2023 first-round pick.

Career statistics

NBA

Regular season

, - , style="text-align:left;", , style="text-align:left;", 2017–18 Milwaukee Bucks season, Milwaukee , 22 , , 0 , , 3.2 , , .563 , , .400 , , .500 , , .5 , , .1 , , .1 , , .0 , , 1.0 , - , style="text-align:left;", , style="text-align:left;", 2018–19 Milwaukee Bucks season, Milwaukee , 48 , , 3 , , 18.4 , , .414 , , .362 , , .553 , , 4.6 , , 1.1 , , .4 , , .4 , , 5.8 , - , style="text-align:left;", , style="text-align:left;", 2019–20 Milwaukee Bucks season, Milwaukee , 37 , , 1 , , 9.8 , , .394 , , .247 , , .611 , , 2.5 , , .7 , , .1 , , .1 , , 3.6 , - , style="text-align:left;" rowspan=2, , style="text-align:left;", 2020–21 Milwaukee Bucks season, Milwaukee , 12 , , 0 , , 8.8 , , .372 , , .357 , , .500 , , 2.1 , , .3 , , .1 , , .3 , , 3.6 , - , style="text-align:left;", 2020–21 Houston Rockets season, Houston , 23 , , 1 , , 14.3 , , .416 , , .339 , , .696 , , 3.8 , , .9 , , .4 , , .5 , , 6.1 , - , style="text-align:left;", , style="text-align:left;", 2021–22 Toronto Raptors season, Toronto , 4 , , 1 , , 13.5 , , .733 , , .000 , , .800 , , 4.0 , , 1.3 , , 1.3 , , .3 , , 7.5 , - class="sortbottom" , style="text-align:center;" colspan="2", Career , 146 , , 6 , , 12.3 , , .419 , , .327 , , .618 , , 3.1 , , .7 , , .3 , , .3 , , 4.4

Playoffs

, - , style="text-align:left;", 2019 NBA playoffs, 2019 , style="text-align:left;", 2018–19 Milwaukee Bucks season, Milwaukee , 8 , , 0 , , 5.4 , , .500 , , .200 , , 1.000 , , 1.3 , , .5 , , .0 , , .1 , , 2.4 , - class="sortbottom" , style="text-align:center;" colspan="2", Career , 8 , , 0 , , 5.4 , , .500 , , .200 , , 1.000 , , 1.3 , , .5 , , .0 , , .1 , , 2.4

College

, - , style="text-align:left;", 2014–15 NCAA Division I men's basketball season, 2014–15 , style="text-align:left;", 2014–15 Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team, Michigan , 5 , , 0 , , 4.8 , , .250 , , .000 , , – , , 1.2 , , .0 , , .0 , , .6 , , .4 , - , style="text-align:left;", 2015–16 NCAA Division I men's basketball season, 2015–16 , style="text-align:left;", 2015–16 Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team, Michigan , 26 , , 0 , , 6.1 , , .474 , , .333 , , .727 , , .7 , , .3 , , .2 , , .4 , , 2.7 , - , style="text-align:left;", 2016–17 NCAA Division I men's basketball season, 2016–17 , style="text-align:left;", 2016–17 Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team, Michigan , 38 , , 36 , , 30.4 , , .538 , , .373 , , .833 , , 5.3 , , 1.3 , , .5 , , 1.5 , , 11.0 , - class="sortbottom" , style="text-align:center;" colspan="2", Career , 69 , , 36 , , 19.4 , , .525 , , .363 , , .817 , , 3.3 , , .8 , , .4 , , 1.0 , , 7.1

References

External links

*
Michigan Wolverines bio
{{DEFAULTSORT:Wilson, D. J. 1996 births Living people 21st-century African-American sportspeople African-American basketball players American men's basketball players Basketball players from California Houston Rockets players Michigan Wolverines men's basketball players Milwaukee Bucks draft picks Milwaukee Bucks players Oklahoma City Blue players Power forwards (basketball) Sportspeople from Sacramento County, California Toronto Raptors players Wisconsin Herd players