Josh Gray (basketball)

{{Infobox basketball biography

| name = Josh Gray

| image = Josh Gray (basketball).jpg

| image_size =

| caption = Gray with the LSU Tigers in 2015

| position = Point guard

| height_ft = 6

| height_in = 1

| weight_lb = 168

| league = Lebanese Basketball League

| team = CS Maristes

| number = 0

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1993|9|9}}

| birth_place = Lake Charles, Louisiana, U.S.

| high_school =

Washington-Marion
(Lake Charles, Louisiana)
Christian Life (Houston, Texas)
Wheatley (Houston, Texas)

| college = *Texas Tech (2012–2013)

Odessa (2013–2014)
LSU (2014–2016)

| draft_year = 2016

| career_start = 2016

| years1 = 2016–2018

| team1 = Northern Arizona Suns

| years2 = {{nbay|2017|end}}

| team2 = Phoenix Suns

| years3 = 2018

| team3 = Northern Arizona Suns

| years4 = 2018–2019

| team4 = Changwon LG Sakers

| years5 = {{nbay|2019|full=y}}

| team5 = New Orleans Pelicans

| years6 = 2019–2020

| team6 = →Erie Bayhawks

| years7 = 2021

| team7 = Fort Wayne Mad Ants

| years8 = 2021–2022

| team8 = Long Island Nets

| years9 = 2022–2023

| team9 = Lokomotiv Kuban

| years10 = 2023

| team10 = Real Betis

| years11 = 2023–2024

| team11 = Heidelberg

| years12 = 2024

| team12 = Shijiazhuang Xianglan

| years13 = 2024–2025

| team13 = Khasin Khuleguud

| years14 = 2025–present

| team14 = CS Maristes

| highlights =

NBA G League Scoring Leader (2020)

}}

Joshia Gray (born September 9, 1993) is an American professional basketball player for the CS Maristes of Lebanese Basketball League. He previously played for the Long Island Nets of the NBA G League, as well college basketball for Texas Tech, Odessa College and LSU.

Early life

Born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Gray had a difficult time growing up, losing his mother when he was 16 and getting trouble with the law as a teenager, being arrested multiple times, forcing him to bounce from school to school.{{cite web|first=Jody|last=Genessy|url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865656295/Jazz-hopefuls-Josh-Gray-Brannen-Greene-have-some-crazy-stories-to-tell.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160616170913/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865656295/Jazz-hopefuls-Josh-Gray-Brannen-Greene-have-some-crazy-stories-to-tell.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 16, 2016|title=Jazz hopefuls Josh Gray, Brannen Greene have some crazy stories to tell|work=DeseretNews.com|date=June 15, 2016|access-date=January 15, 2017}}

Gray first attended Washington-Marion Magnet High School, leading them to the 2010 Louisiana Class 4A State Semifinals in his sophomore season. As a junior, he transferred to Christian Life Center Academy, where he averaged 20 points per game and led them to a 20–4 record. In his senior season, he transferred to Wheatley High School where he averaged 24 points, six assists and three steals and led them to the Class 4A playoffs.{{cite web|url=http://www.lsusports.net/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=209536421|title=Josh Gray Bio|work=LSUSports.net|access-date=January 15, 2017|archive-date=February 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190216153224/http://www.lsusports.net/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=209536421|url-status=dead}}

College career

Gray began his college career at Texas Tech, averaging 26.7 minutes per game, 9.3 points, 3.2 assists and 2.5 steals as a freshman. In his sophomore season, he transferred to Odessa College, averaging 34.7 points, 5.9 assists and 2.7 steals, earning First Team JC All-America honors and the conference MVP.

As a junior, he transferred to LSU and was able to play immediately for them due to Odessa being a junior college. He would then average 7.1 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists as a junior and 5.4 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.8 assists as a senior, with the latter season having eventual #1 pick Ben Simmons as a teammate that year.

Professional career

=Northern Arizona Suns (2016–2018)=

After going undrafted in the 2016 NBA draft, Gray tried out with the Orlando Magic in the 2016 NBA Summer League. Gray was then acquired by the Northern Arizona Suns on October 31, 2016, after multiple successful local tryouts, which included paid tryouts with the Los Angeles D-Fenders and Austin Spurs.{{cite web|url=http://northernarizona.dleague.nba.com/news/northern-arizona-suns-set-training-camp-roster/|title=Northern Arizona Suns Set Training Camp Roster|work=NBA.com|date=October 31, 2016|access-date=January 15, 2017|archive-date=December 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221183423/http://northernarizona.dleague.nba.com/news/northern-arizona-suns-set-training-camp-roster/|url-status=dead}} On November 12, he made his professional debut in a 121–104 win over the Iowa Energy, recording 13 points, three rebounds and three assists in 18 minutes off the bench.{{cite web|url=http://dleague.nba.com/games/20161112/IWANAS/|title=Suns cruise past Energy to open inaugural season|work=NBA.com|date=November 12, 2016|access-date=January 15, 2017}} On November 27, he recorded his first career triple-double after posting 24 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists in a 98–89 win over the Sioux Falls Skyforce.{{cite web|url=https://stats.gleague.nba.com/game/2021600066/|title=Sioux Fall Skyforce 89 – Northern Arizona Suns 98|publisher=G-League Stats|date=November 27, 2016|access-date=January 14, 2020}}

=Phoenix Suns (2018)=

On February 1, 2018, after Isaiah Canaan fractured his fibula the previous night against the Dallas Mavericks, the Phoenix Suns signed Gray to a 10-day contract{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/suns/press-release/phoenix-suns-sign-josh-gray-10-day-contract|title=Phoenix Suns Sign Josh Gray to 10-Day Contract|work=NBA.com|date=February 2, 2018|access-date=February 2, 2018}} to help shore up the point guard spot a bit.{{Cite web|url=https://arizonasports.com/story/1401025/suns-sign-point-guard-josh-gray-10-day-contract/|title = Suns sign NAZ point guard Josh Gray to 10-day contract|date = February 2, 2018}} He made his debut a day later, recording 7 points, 1 rebound, and 1 assist in 8 minutes of play in a blowout loss to the Utah Jazz. Gray would put up season-highs of 9 points and a team-high 7 assists in a February 6 blowout loss to the San Antonio Spurs. He would sign his second 10-day contract on February 11 before being waived on February 21 for Shaquille Harrison.{{Cite web|url=http://arizonasports.com/story/1416187/suns-sign-josh-gray-second-10-day-contract/|title = Suns sign guard Josh Gray to second 10-day contract|date = February 12, 2018}} He returned to Northern Arizona afterwards.

=Changwon LG Sakers (2018–2019)=

On August 18, 2018, Changwon LG Sakers of the Korean Basketball League was reported to have signed Gray.{{cite web|url=http://www.asia-basket.com/South-Korea/news/544995/LG-Sakers-ink-Joshia-Gray|title=LG Sakers ink Joshia Gray|date=August 18, 2018|work=asia-basket.com|access-date=August 18, 2018}}

=New Orleans Pelicans (2019–2020)=

In July 2019, Gray joined the Brooklyn Nets for the 2019 NBA Summer League. On July 25, the New Orleans Pelicans announced that Gray had signed a two-way contract.{{cite web|title=Pelicans sign Cheatham and Gray to two-way contracts|url=https://secure.nba.com/pelicans/pelicans-sign-cheatham-and-gray-two-way-contracts|website=NBA.com|access-date=July 25, 2019|date=July 24, 2019}} Gray averaged 22.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 2.4 steals per game in 37 games in the G League.{{cite news |last1=Shipp |first1=Sonny |title=Former LSU Tigers nearing a return to NBA action |url=https://247sports.com/college/lsu/Article/Former-LSU-Tigers-nearing-a-return-to-NBA-action-147530068/ |access-date=May 31, 2020 |work=247 Sports |date=May 26, 2020}}

On November 24, 2020, Gray was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder,{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/thunder/news/hill-cheatham-gray-miller-williams-201124|title=Thunder Acquires George Hill, Zylan Cheatham, Josh Gray, Darius Miller, Kenrich Williams, One First and Two Second-Round Draft Picks and a Trade Exception|work=NBA.com|date=November 24, 2020}} but was then waived on December 1, 2020.{{Cite web|title=Thunder Waives Josh Gray|url=https://www.nba.com/thunder/news/gray-201201|access-date=December 2, 2020|website=Oklahoma City Thunder|language=en}} On December 18, 2020, Gray signed with the Indiana Pacers{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/pacers/news/pacers-roster-moves-dec-18-2020|title=Pacers Roster Moves – Dec. 18, 2020|date=December 18, 2020|website=NBA.com|access-date=December 18, 2020}} but was waived on the next day.{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/pacers/news/pacers-waive-three-201219|title=Pacers Waive Three|date=December 19, 2020|website=NBA.com|access-date=December 19, 2020}}

=Fort Wayne Mad Ants (2021)=

On January 11, 2021, Gray was included in the single site season roster by the Fort Wayne Mad Ants.{{Cite web|url=https://fortwayne.gleague.nba.com/news/fort-wayne-mad-ants-announce-2021-roster-for-single-site-season|title=Fort Wayne Mad Ants' announce 2021 roster for single site season|date=January 11, 2021|website=NBA.com|access-date=January 11, 2021}}

=Long Island Nets (2021–2022)=

On September 23, 2021, the Long Island Nets announced that they had acquired the returning right to Gray from the Fort Wayne Mad Ants for the returning right to Justin Anderson.{{cite web|title=Long Island Nets acquire returning player rights to Josh Gray|url=https://longisland.gleague.nba.com/news/long-island-nets-acquire-returning-player-rights-to-josh-gray|date=September 23, 2021|website=NBA.com|access-date=September 23, 2021}} On October 10, 2021, Gray signed with the Brooklyn Nets,{{cite web|first=JD|last=Shaw|title=Nets Sign Bryce Brown, Josh Gray; Waive Edmond Sumner|url=https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2021/10/nets-sign-bryce-brown-josh-gray.html|website=HoopsRumors.com|date=October 10, 2021|access-date=October 23, 2021}} but was waived the next day.{{cite web|first=Luke|last=Adams|title=Nets Waive Bryce Brown, Josh Gray|url=https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2021/10/nets-waive-bryce-brown-josh-gray.html|website=HoopsRumors.com|date=October 11, 2021|access-date=October 23, 2021}} On October 25, 2021, Gray was included in the training camp roster of the Long Island Nets.{{cite web|title=Long Island Nets announce training camp roster|url=https://longisland.gleague.nba.com/news/long-island-nets-announce-training-camp-roster-2|date=October 25, 2021|website=NBA.com|access-date=October 25, 2021}} On January 27, 2022, Gray was waived.{{cite web|url=https://gleague.nba.com/transactions/|website=gleague.nba.com|title=2021–22 NBA G League Transactions|date=January 27, 2022|access-date=January 27, 2022}}

=Lokomotiv Kuban (2022–2023)=

In 2022, Gray signed with Lokomotiv Kuban of the VTB United League.{{cite web|url=https://www.eurobasket.com/Russia/news/777328/Lokomotiv-lands-Joshua-Gray|title=Lokomotiv Lands Joshua Gray|date=November 9, 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://eprimefeed.com/sports/former-nba-player-signed-a-contract-with-the-russian-club/222380/|title=Former NBA player signed a contract with the Russian club|date=November 11, 2022}}

=Real Betis (2023)=

On January 27, 2023, he signed with Real Betis of the Liga ACB.{{Cite news|url=https://sportando.basketball/en/real-betis-officially-adds-josh-gray/|title=Real Betis officially adds Josh Gray|last=|first=|date=January 27, 2023|website=|newspaper=Sportando|language=En|access-date=January 27, 2023 |last1=Borghesan |first1=Ennio Terrasi }}

=Khasin Khuleguud (2024–2025)=

On December 31, 2024, Gray signed with the Khasin Khuleguud of The League.{{cite web |title=Xac Broncos add Gray to their roster, ex Heidelberg |url=https://www.asia-basket.com/Mongolia/news/909747/Xac-Broncos-add-Gray-to-their-roster-ex-Heidelberg |website=Eurobasket.com |access-date=January 4, 2025 |date=December 31, 2024}}

=CS Maristes (2025–present)=

On February 20, 2025, Gray signed with the CS Maristes of Lebanese Basketball League.{{cite web |title=Joshua Gray (ex Xac Broncos) joins Maristes |url=https://www.asia-basket.com/Lebanon/news/918686/Joshua-Gray-ex-Xac-Broncos-joins-Maristes |website=Eurobasket.com |access-date=February 21, 2025 |date=February 20, 2025}}

Personal life

The son of Charnella Robinson and Noah Gray Sr., he has one son, Kayson, as well as four brothers: Novon, Travon, Joseph and Noah Jr. Gray graduated with a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies.

Career statistics

=NBA=

==Regular season==

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2017}}

| style="text-align:left;"|Phoenix

| 5 || 0 || 17.2 || .268 || .231 || .636 || 2.0 || 2.4 || 1.6 || 0.4 || 6.4

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2019}}

| style="text-align:left;"|New Orleans

| 2 || 0 || 11.5 || .500 || – || – || 1.0 || 1.0 || .0 || .0 || 1.0

|- class="sortbottom"

| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|Career

| 7 || 0 || 15.6 || .279 || .231 || .636 || 1.7 || 2.0 || 1.1 || 0.3 || 4.9

=College=

| style="text-align:left;"| 2012–13

| style="text-align:left;"| Texas Tech

| 31 || 31 || 26.7 || .363 || .188 || .697 || 2.5 || 3.2 || 2.0 || .1 || 9.3

| style="text-align:left;"| 2014–15

| style="text-align:left;"| LSU

| 31 || 20 || 24.8 || .396 || .264 || .583 || 2.1 || 3.8 || 1.0 || .0 || 7.1

| style="text-align:left;"| 2015–16

| style="text-align:left;"| LSU

| 32 || 9 || 15.5 || .440 || .211 || .650 || 2.1 || 1.8 || 1.0 || .0 || 5.4

|- class="sortbottom"

| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"| Career

| 94 || 60 || 22.3 || .392 || .216 || .651 || 2.2 || 2.9 || 1.3 || .0 || 7.3

References

External links

[http://www.lsusports.net/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=209536421 LSU Tigers bio] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190216153224/http://www.lsusports.net/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=209536421 |date=February 16, 2019 }}
[http://www.texastech.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=266 Texas Tech Red Raiders bio]
[https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/josh-gray-1.html Sports-Reference profile]
[http://www.nba.com/suns/blog/inspiring-journey-suns-josh-gray The Inspiring Journey of Suns Josh Gray]

Category:1993 births

Category:Living people

Category:21st-century African-American sportsmen

Category:21st-century American sportsmen

Category:American expatriate basketball people in China

Category:American expatriate basketball people in Mongolia

Category:American expatriate basketball people in Russia

Category:American expatriate basketball people in South Korea

Category:American expatriate basketball people in Spain

Category:American men's basketball players

Category:Basketball players from Louisiana

Category:Changwon LG Sakers players