Louis King (basketball)
Louis King | |
|---|---|
| Born | April 6, 1999 United States |
| Occupation | Professional basketball player |
| Years active | 2018–present |
| Known for | Playing for Fujian Sturgeons in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) |
Louis D'ajon King (born April 6, 1999) is a professional basketball player from the United States currently playing for the Fujian Sturgeons in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). He competed in college basketball representing the Oregon Ducks.
High school career
Hailing from Secaucus, New Jersey as one of eight siblings, King began his high school basketball journey at Roselle Catholic High School during his freshman year. He then transferred to Pope John XXIII Regional High School for his sophomore season before moving mid-year to Hudson Catholic Regional High School in Jersey City, New Jersey, where he did not participate in games for the rest of that season. At Hudson Catholic, King shared the court with Jahvon Quinerly. Prior to the 2017–18 season, he earned a place on the watch list for the prestigious Naismith Prep Player of the Year Award.
In his senior year, King’s season was curtailed due to a knee injury sustained from an awkward dunk landing. Despite limited playtime, he posted averages of 15.2 points and 4.4 rebounds per contest. His performance secured him a selection to the 2018 McDonald's All-American roster and an invitation to participate in the 2018 Nike Hoop Summit, although he was unable to compete at the latter event because of injury.
Recruiting
King was recognized as one of the top 25 recruits nationally in the 2018 class by Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN. Additionally, he received leading rankings both statewide and by position from all three recruiting services.
College career
On September 21, 2017, King gave a verbal commitment to join Oregon, selecting them over offers from Kansas, Seton Hall, Purdue, and NC State. Throughout his freshman year, he averaged 13.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game and earned a spot on the Pac-12 All-Freshman team despite battling hand and ankle injuries. Following this season, King declared for the 2019 NBA draft.
Detroit Pistons (2019–2020)
After not being selected in the 2019 NBA draft, King secured a two-way contract with the Detroit Pistons. He re-signed another two-way deal on December 2, 2020, but was released from the team on December 14.
Westchester Knicks (2021)
King was signed by the New York Knicks on December 17, 2020, but was waived later that same day. He subsequently joined the Westchester Knicks as an affiliate player for the NBA G League season on January 21, 2021, making his debut on February 10. Over 15 games, King averaged 13.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.5 steals per game while logging 32.2 minutes and shooting .456 from beyond the arc—ranking sixth in three-point percentage league-wide.
Sacramento Kings (2021–2022)
On May 1, 2021, King inked a two-way contract with the Sacramento Kings. He was waived by Sacramento on February 17, 2022.
Return to Westchester (2022)
On February 25, 2022, King was brought back by the Westchester Knicks. He later participated with the Phoenix Suns in the 2022 NBA Summer League.
Rio Grande Valley Vipers (2022)
King secured a spot on the opening night roster for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers on November 3, 2022, after the team had obtained his returning player rights earlier that year.
Philadelphia 76ers (2022–2023)
King inked a two-way contract with the Philadelphia 76ers on December 26, 2022. He divided his time between the NBA squad and their G League affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats, playing a role in Delaware's championship success.
South Bay Lakers (2023–2024)
On October 18, 2023, King signed with the Los Angeles Lakers but was released the following day. He then joined the South Bay Lakers roster on October 28.
Mexico City Capitanes (2024)
King was acquired by the Mexico City Capitanes on March 1, 2024, in exchange for a first-round pick in the 2025 draft.
Criollos de Caguas (2024)
On March 27, 2024, King signed with the Criollos de Caguas, competing in the Baloncesto Superior Nacional league.
Return to Mexico City (2024)
King rejoined the Mexico City Capitanes on October 28, 2024. He departed from the team on December 20 after participating in 14 games.
Fujian Sturgeons (2024–present)
On December 20, 2024, King signed with the Fujian Sturgeons of the Chinese Basketball Association, marking his debut in Asian professional basketball.
National team career
King took part with the United States squad at the 2017 FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup held in Cairo, where he posted averages of 6.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.1 assists, contributing to the team's achievement of the bronze medal.
NBA
|- | style="text-align:left;"| | style="text-align:left;"| Detroit | 10 || 0 || 6.2 || .381 || .364 || .000 || 1.0 || .5 || .2 || .0 || 2.0 |- | style="text-align:left;"| | style="text-align:left;"| Sacramento | 6 || 1 || 14.2 || .500 || .364 || 1.000 || 3.4 || 1.5 || 1.2 || .5 || 7.3 |- | style="text-align:left;"| | style="text-align:left;"| Sacramento | 10 || 0 || 10.4 || .319 || .296 || .700 || 1.2 || .9 || .2 || .1 || 4.5 |- | style="text-align:left;"| | style="text-align:left;"| Philadelphia | 1 || 0 || 29.0 || .615 || .500 || .000 || 4.0 || 2.0 || 1.0 || .0 || 20.0 |- class="sortbottom" | style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"| Career | 27 || 1 || 10.4 || .417 || .351 || .650 || 1.6 || .9 || .4 || .1 || 4.8
College
|- | style="text-align:left;"| 2018–19 | style="text-align:left;"| Oregon | 31 || 28 || 30.4 || .435 || .386 || .785 || 5.5 || 1.3 || .9 || .2 || 13.5
Personal life
Louis King is the son of Louis and Ativea King. He attended Northern Burlington Middle School in Columbus, New Jersey, where he distinguished himself as a key player on the basketball team.