On December 15, 2021, Devonte’ Graham launched a 61-foot buzzer-beater that not only defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder but also set an NBA record for the longest game-winning shot in league history. Yet today, this same player who once seemed destined for NBA stardom finds himself negotiating a fresh start thousands of miles away in European basketball. How did a consensus First-Team All-American who averaged 18.2 points and 7.5 assists in his breakout NBA season end up seeking opportunities overseas?
The story of Devonte’ Graham represents both the unpredictable nature of professional basketball careers and the resilience required to navigate an ever-changing sport. His trajectory from Kansas Jayhawks standout to NBA contributor to G League veteran illustrates the complex realities facing even talented players in today’s competitive landscape.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Devonte’ Terrell Graham |
| Born (Age) | February 22, 1995 (30 years old) |
| Nationality | American |
| Birthplace | Raleigh, North Carolina, United States |
| Occupation | Professional Basketball Point Guard |
| Active Years | 2018–Present |
| Height/Weight | 6’1″ (185 cm) / 195 lbs (88 kg) |
| Notable For | NBA record 61-foot game-winner, Big 12 Player of the Year (2018) |
| Teams | Charlotte Hornets, New Orleans Pelicans, San Antonio Spurs, South Bay Lakers |
| Career Earnings | Total career earnings of $28.3 million (approximate as of 2023-24 season) |
| Current Status | Negotiating with Crvena Zvezda (Serbia, 2025) |
Early Life and North Carolina Roots
Devonte’ Terrell Graham was born on February 22, 1995, in Raleigh, North Carolina, where basketball became his primary focus during his formative years. Raised by his mother Dewanna King, Graham developed his competitive edge on the courts of North Carolina’s capital city before establishing himself as a standout performer at Needham Broughton High School.
During his senior season at Broughton, Graham averaged 15.7 points and 5.4 assists per game while leading his team to a 26-6 record and the 4A state championship game. His performances caught the attention of college scouts, though his path to major college basketball would prove more complex than initially expected.
Initially committed to Appalachian State, Graham encountered complications when he attempted to de-commit after better opportunities emerged. The situation forced him to take a post-graduate year at Brewster Academy in New Hampshire, a decision that ultimately proved transformative for his basketball development and college recruitment prospects.
What Made Devonte’ Graham Special at Kansas?
At the University of Kansas, Devonte’ Graham developed into one of college basketball’s most dynamic point guards over four seasons (2014-2018). His collegiate career showcased consistent improvement, culminating in unanimous selection as Big 12 Player of the Year during his senior season.
Graham’s senior year statistics were exceptional: 17.6 points and 7.2 assists per game, culminating in a Consensus First-Team All-American selection and leading Kansas to the Final Four in San Antonio. His leadership and basketball court vision became defining characteristics, particularly evident in back-to-back 35-point performances against Toledo and Syracuse during the 2017-18 season.
The point guard’s impact extended beyond individual statistics. Graham earned First-team All-Big 12 honors in 2018 after previously receiving Second-team All-Big 12 recognition in 2017. His defensive contributions were also acknowledged when he was named to the Big 12 All-Defensive Team in 2016.
Graham’s college basketball achievements included MVP honors at the 2016 Big 12 Tournament after scoring 27 points in the championship game against West Virginia. Additionally, he contributed to Team USA’s gold medal victory at the 2015 Summer Universiade, demonstrating his abilities on the international stage early in his career.
Graham’s leadership qualities and relentless work ethic made him a fan favorite in Lawrence, Kansas. His consistent improvement over four seasons exemplified the dedication required at the highest levels of college basketball. Graham’s Kansas Jayhawks alumni status reflects not just his statistical achievements, but his role in maintaining the program’s championship culture through his unwavering commitment and competitive spirit.
Callout: Graham’s 2018 consensus First-Team All-American selection capped a remarkable college career that saw him average nearly 38 minutes per game during his senior season, showcasing both his durability and importance to Kansas’s success.
NBA Draft Selection and Professional Beginnings
Devonte’ Graham was selected 34th overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2018 NBA Draft before being immediately traded to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for two second-round picks. This trade to Charlotte would prove significant for both Graham’s development and the franchise’s future direction.
The transition from college standout to professional player required significant adjustments. Graham’s NBA debut came during the 2018-19 season with Charlotte, where he began developing the skills that would eventually make him a valuable NBA contributor.
Charlotte Hornets Career: The Breakout Years
Graham’s most impactful NBA seasons came with Charlotte, particularly during the 2019-20 campaign. His sophomore season averages of 18.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game established him as one of the league’s emerging point guards. That season also featured remarkable three-point shooting, as Graham connected on 37.3% of his attempts from beyond the arc.
The breakout performance wasn’t limited to regular statistics. Graham’s ability to create scoring opportunities both for himself and teammates made him a central figure in Charlotte’s offensive system. His court vision and basketball IQ allowed him to thrive in pick-and-roll situations while maintaining efficiency as a primary ball-handler.
Graham’s Charlotte Hornets career statistics reflect his development from rookie contributor to featured player. His improvement demonstrated the value of patience and development time for second-round draft picks who possess the right combination of skill and work ethic.
New Orleans Pelicans and Record-Setting Moments
In August 2021, Graham was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans as part of a three-team deal, signing a four-year, $47 million contract that reflected his perceived value as a starting-caliber point guard. The NBA contract negotiations represented a significant financial milestone for Graham, validating his emergence as a legitimate NBA starter.
With New Orleans, Graham continued demonstrating his ability to perform in clutch situations. The December 15, 2021, game against Oklahoma City Thunder showcased Graham’s range and confidence. His 61-foot buzzer-beater not only secured a 113-110 victory but also broke Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf’s previous record of 55 feet set in 1992 for the Denver Nuggets.
This shot became emblematic of Graham’s willingness to attempt difficult shots and his capability to deliver in pressure moments. The record-breaking buzzer-beater remains one of the most memorable Devonte Graham basketball highlights from his professional career.
San Antonio Spurs and Career Transitions
Graham’s tenure with the San Antonio Spurs began midway through the 2022-23 season following another trade. While his role diminished compared to his Charlotte days, Graham demonstrated adaptability by contributing as both a starter and reserve player. During his time in San Antonio, he averaged 13.0 points and 4.0 assists while shooting 36% from three-point range over the final two months of the season.
The San Antonio experience provided Graham with exposure to one of the NBA’s most respected organizational cultures. His San Antonio Spurs statistics, while modest, reflected his ability to adapt to different team systems and maintain professional standards despite reduced playing time.
How Did Personal Challenges Impact Graham’s Career?
On July 7, 2022, Graham was arrested in his hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina, for driving while impaired (DWI). The incident occurred at 2:39 AM when police pulled him over for driving 63 mph in a 40 mph zone. Graham’s breathalyzer test revealed a blood alcohol content of 0.11, above North Carolina’s legal limit of 0.08.
Graham pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor DWI charge in June 2023 and received 12 months of probation. The NBA subsequently suspended him for two games without pay, costing him approximately $166,897. This suspension was served at the beginning of the 2023-24 season, representing a professional consequence that affected both his reputation and playing time.
The incident highlighted the personal challenges that can impact professional athletes’ careers, regardless of their on-court abilities. Graham’s handling of the situation, including his guilty plea and acceptance of consequences, demonstrated accountability during a difficult period.
What Happened to Devonte Graham Recently?
As of July 2025, Graham is reportedly in advanced negotiations with Crvena Zvezda, a top Serbian basketball club competing in the EuroLeague. This marks a likely transition to European basketball, a move he was also linked to in 2023, representing a significant shift in his career trajectory.
Graham’s path to European basketball followed a challenging 2024-25 season. He began that campaign in the Portland Trail Blazers’ training camp on an Exhibit 9 contract but was waived before the regular season began. The Portland experience represented another setback in his efforts to maintain NBA employment.
In December 2024, he signed with the South Bay Lakers of the NBA G League, where he appeared in only five games, averaging 10.8 points and 4.4 assists per contest. His NBA G League experience highlighted the competitive nature of professional basketball, where even experienced players must prove themselves at every level.
In February 2025, Graham’s G League rights were traded to the Rip City Remix, though he never played for the Portland affiliate. This period marked the lowest point of his professional career, as the former NBA starter found himself unable to secure consistent playing time even at the developmental level.
Callout: Graham’s potential signing with Crvena Zvezda represents a strategic career move, as the Serbian club competes in the EuroLeague, providing him with high-level international competition and the opportunity to rebuild his professional reputation.
Professional Athlete Career: Playing Style and Impact
Graham’s effectiveness as a point guard stems from his combination of three-point shooting ability and court vision. Throughout his NBA career, he maintained respectable shooting percentages while demonstrating the passing skills necessary to orchestrate offensive systems.
His physical limitations (6’1″, 195 lbs) required Graham to rely on basketball intelligence rather than physical advantages. Graham’s ability to read defensive coverages and make quick decisions in pick-and-roll situations became his primary strengths as a professional player. These skills translated effectively during his most successful seasons with Charlotte.
Graham’s career NBA statistics of 11.1 points and 4.3 assists per game across 342 games reflect consistent production despite varying roles with different franchises. His three-point shooting (36.2% career) provided spacing for teammates while his assist-to-turnover ratio demonstrated solid decision-making under pressure.
The evolution of his professional athlete career demonstrates both the opportunities and challenges facing modern NBA players. Graham’s career statistics show the impact of role changes as he transitioned between different teams with varying expectations and systems.
What Does the Future Hold for Graham?
The potential move to European basketball represents both opportunity and necessity for Graham’s career continuation. At 30 years old, his European debut with Crvena Zvezda could provide the platform needed to demonstrate his abilities remain NBA-caliber. European basketball has historically served as a pathway for American players to rebuild their profiles before potential NBA returns.
Graham’s experience and basketball IQ should translate well to international competition, where pace and physicality often differ from NBA standards. His three-point shooting and playmaking abilities align with European basketball’s strategic emphasis on spacing and ball movement.
The EuroLeague provides high-level competition that NBA executives monitor closely. If Graham performs successfully with Crvena Zvezda, he could position himself for future NBA opportunities while establishing himself as a valuable international player.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened to Devonte’ Graham? A: Graham recently played in the NBA G League and is reportedly nearing a deal to play overseas with Crvena Zvezda in Serbia as of July 2025.
Q: What team is Devonte’ Graham on now? A: As of July 2025, Graham is negotiating with Crvena Zvezda after playing for the South Bay Lakers in the G League during the 2024-25 season.
Q: How tall is Devonte’ Graham and what is his age? A: Graham is 6’1″ (185 cm) tall, weighs 195 pounds, and is 30 years old, born on February 22, 1995.
Q: What are Devonte’ Graham’s career statistics? A: Graham averaged 11.1 points and 4.3 assists per game across 342 NBA games with Charlotte, New Orleans, and San Antonio.
Q: Was Devonte’ Graham suspended for DWI? A: Yes, Graham was suspended two games by the NBA in August 2023 after pleading guilty to a DWI charge from July 2022.
Q: What was Graham’s best NBA season? A: His 2019-20 season with Charlotte was his best, averaging 18.2 points and 7.5 assists per game while shooting 37.3% from three-point range.
Q: What is Devonte’ Graham’s net worth and salary? A: Graham’s total career contract value is approximately $54 million, though his current salary varies based on his team status.
Legacy & Enduring Impact
Graham’s basketball career illustrates both the opportunities and uncertainties inherent in professional sports careers. His college success at Kansas established him as a capable point guard, while his NBA breakthrough with Charlotte demonstrated his potential at the highest level.
Graham’s Kansas Jayhawks alumni status and his record-breaking NBA moments ensure his place in basketball history, regardless of where his career path leads next. His 61-foot game-winner represents not just a personal achievement, but a moment that showcased the unpredictable excitement that makes basketball captivating for fans worldwide.
The challenges Graham faced—from team transitions to personal difficulties—reflect the complex realities many professional athletes navigate globally. His willingness to pursue opportunities in European basketball shows the adaptability required to maintain a professional playing career in an increasingly interconnected sport where talent flows across continents.
Graham’s story serves as a testament to resilience in professional sports, demonstrating that success isn’t always linear and that setbacks can become stepping stones to new opportunities. His ongoing pursuit of excellence, whether in the NBA, G League, or international competition, embodies the determination that initially made him a standout player in college basketball.
As Graham potentially embarks on his European basketball career, his narrative continues evolving. The skills that made him successful in college and during his NBA peak remain relevant, and international basketball could provide the setting for his next chapter of professional achievement.
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