Blake Hinson, former Pitt men’s basketball forward, is continuing his professional career with a new opportunity. The Utah Jazz announced they will sign Hinson to a two-way NBA deal, as reported on February 8, 2026, boosting their roster with the rising talent from the NBA G League. This move marks another significant step for Hinson as he strives to establish himself in the NBA.
Performance Highlights in the NBA G League
Prior to the Jazz signing, Hinson impressed while playing for the Rip City Remix, the G League affiliate of the Portland Trail Blazers. Over 18 regular-season games this season, he has averaged 21.9 points and 5.7 rebounds across 35 minutes per game. His shooting splits include 44.1% from the field and 32.5% from beyond the arc, with 3.6 made three-pointers per game. These performances earned him recognition as a 2026 NBA G League Next Up Player and a spot in the three-point contest during the NBA All-Star weekend.
Early Professional Journey and Collegiate Background
Standing 6-foot-8, Hinson began his professional career under a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers after going undrafted in 2024. He later signed Exhibit 10 contracts with Golden State and Portland, though he was waived before the start of the season in both cases. Hinson’s collegiate career includes notable achievements at Pitt, where he was a First Team All-ACC selection in the 2023-24 season, averaging 18.5 points and 4.4 rebounds per game and setting a program record with 110 three-pointers.
In the previous season, he earned Second Team All-ACC honors with 15.3 points per game, including nine games scoring 20 or more points and five double-doubles. Before transferring to Pitt, Hinson spent two years at Iowa State without game appearances, and his college journey started at Ole Miss, where he averaged 10.1 points per game in 28 contests. Over his entire college career, he accumulated 1,707 points, averaging 13.2 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.
Rising Prospect Ahead of the NBA Season
Hinson’s solid performances and resilience in the G League highlight his potential to contribute at the NBA level. The Utah Jazz’s decision to offer him a two-way contract indicates their interest in developing his skills and integrating him into the team framework. With the Next Up Game and three-point contest appearances during the NBA All-Star weekend reflecting his growing profile, Hinson’s move to the Jazz could pave the way for more consistent NBA playing time and career advancement.
“The Utah Jazz are signing forward Blake Hinson to a two-way NBA deal out of the G League’s Rip City Remix, agent Paolo Zamorano of Gersh Sports tells ESPN. Hinson has averaged 21.8 points and 5.8 rebounds in the G League.” – Shams Charania, ESPN Insider
The Utah Jazz are signing forward Blake Hinson to a two-way NBA deal out of the G League's Rip City Remix, agent Paolo Zamorano of Gersh Sports tells ESPN. Hinson has averaged 21.8 points and 5.8 rebounds in the G League.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 8, 2026
