JT Thor Bio
Jokhow Panom “JT” Thor is a South Sudanese American professional basketball player who most recently signed with Pallacanestro Reggiana of the Italian Lega Basket Serie A. Standing 6 feet 9 inches tall and playing the power forward position, Thor has built a career that spans the NCAA, the NBA, the NBA G League, and now European professional basketball. After one season at Auburn, he entered the 2021 NBA draft and was selected 37th overall by the Detroit Pistons before being traded on draft night to the Charlotte Hornets.
Across his first four professional seasons, Thor moved between NBA rosters and G League affiliates, gaining experience with the Charlotte Hornets, Greensboro Swarm, Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Charge, Capital City Go-Go, and Washington Wizards. In November 2025, he took his game overseas to continue his development in one of Europe’s top national leagues. His journey from Anchorage, Alaska, to a multi-continent professional career reflects steady growth and persistence.
Early Life and Background
Jokhow Panom Thor was born on August 26, 2002, in Omaha, Nebraska, to South Sudanese parents. When he was five years old, his family relocated to Anchorage, Alaska, where he spent his early childhood. Growing up in a large household, Thor has four brothers and three sisters, and basketball became a central part of his life during his formative years.
Thor first picked up the game of basketball in seventh grade, a relatively late start compared with many of his future peers. He attended West Anchorage High School in Alaska, where his size and athleticism began to attract attention. The combination of his physical tools and rapid improvement set the stage for a major step up in competition at a young age.
At 14, Thor moved to West Virginia to live with his brother and enrolled at Huntington Prep School, a program known for producing high-level college prospects. After two seasons there, he transferred to Norcross High School in Norcross, Georgia, and reclassified into the 2020 recruiting class. As a senior at Norcross, he averaged 14.9 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, earning all-state recognition. He finished as a consensus four-star recruit and committed to Auburn, choosing the Tigers over Oklahoma State.
Path to Basketball
Thor began attracting national attention during his time at Huntington Prep, where he faced top-level high school competition. Transferring to Norcross High School gave him the chance to play a senior season against elite Georgia talent and showcase his skills in front of college recruiters. His reclassification into the 2020 class also accelerated his path toward a college commitment.
His senior year averages, combined with his length and defensive upside, made him one of the more intriguing frontcourt prospects in his class. Auburn offered the opportunity to develop in the Southeastern Conference, one of college basketball’s most physical leagues. The decision to commit to the Tigers over Oklahoma State marked his first major step toward a professional career.
JT Thor Career
Early Career (2020–2021)
Thor enrolled at Auburn for the 2020–2021 college season and quickly carved out a role as a freshman. On February 13, 2021, he posted a freshman season-high 24 points and nine rebounds while shooting 5-of-6 from three-point range in an 82–80 loss to Kentucky. The performance offered a glimpse of his offensive potential and his ability to stretch the floor as a big man.
Across his lone season at Auburn, Thor averaged 9.4 points, five rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. On March 23, 2021, he declared for the 2021 NBA draft while retaining his college eligibility, then signed with an agent and gave up his remaining college years. His decision confirmed his belief that he was ready for the next level.
Charlotte Hornets Era (2021–2024)
JT Thor was selected 37th overall by the Detroit Pistons in the 2021 NBA draft. On August 6, 2021, he was traded to the Charlotte Hornets along with Mason Plumlee in exchange for the 57th overall pick, and the Hornets signed him the same day. He spent the next three seasons in the Charlotte organization, splitting time between the NBA roster and the Greensboro Swarm of the NBA G League.
Thor made an immediate impact in his G League debut, scoring 34 points on 14-of-22 shooting with 12 rebounds in a 128–117 loss to the Birmingham Squadron. Assignments to Greensboro gave him a chance to log meaningful minutes and continue his development. The Hornets released him on June 28, 2024, ending his time in Charlotte.
Cleveland Cavaliers Era (2024–2025)
On September 9, 2024, Thor signed a two-way contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, linking him to the Cleveland Charge in the G League. The two-way deal offered a clearer pathway between the NBA roster and the Charge affiliate. Thor remained with Cleveland until March 1, 2025, when the Cavaliers waived him.
Washington Wizards Era (2025)
On March 3, 2025, Thor was claimed off waivers by the Washington Wizards, giving him a fresh opportunity in another NBA organization. He appeared in 11 games for the Wizards, averaging 3.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 0.5 assists per game. The short stint gave him additional NBA experience before his career took an international turn later in the year.
Pallacanestro Reggiana Era (2025–Present)
On November 11, 2025, Thor signed with Pallacanestro Reggiana of the Italian Lega Basket Serie A, marking his first move outside North America. Joining an established European club represented a new chapter for the 23-year-old forward. Wearing jersey number 4, he continues to add a different style of play to his basketball résumé.
Driving Style and Strengths
JT Thor is a 6-foot-9 power forward whose game is built around his length, mobility, and ability to stretch the floor. His 5-of-6 three-point shooting performance against Kentucky showcased a developing outside shot, while his 1.4 blocks per game as a freshman highlighted his defensive instincts. He rebounds comfortably on both ends and has shown flashes of efficient scoring when given consistent minutes.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of Thor’s signature moments came in his G League debut, when he erupted for 34 points and 12 rebounds for the Greensboro Swarm. His freshman season-high 24-point game against Kentucky remains another highlight of his early career. Being selected 37th overall in the 2021 NBA draft stands as a defining milestone, and his 2025 move to Pallacanestro Reggiana marks his first venture into European professional basketball.
JT Thor Career Wins
JT Thor’s career to this point has been defined more by development and opportunity than by major championship hardware. He has not yet won an NBA division title, a conference championship, or an LBA title at the senior level. His most notable achievements have been reaching the NBA as a second-round pick and earning a starting role with an Italian top-flight club.
Other Wins & Performances
At the high school level, Thor earned all-state honors as a senior at Norcross High School and finished as a consensus four-star recruit. His standout G League debut with Greensboro and his 24-point freshman performance against Kentucky remain among his most memorable single-game outputs.
JT Thor Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
JT Thor was raised in a large family with South Sudanese roots and four brothers and three sisters. He has deep ties to the basketball world through his extended family, including cousins who have played at the college and professional levels.
Personal Life
Thor’s older cousin, Jal Rial, played college basketball for Phoenix College and Howard College. His younger cousin, Kok Yat, played professionally in the NBA G League, including stints with the Iowa Wolves and Texas Legends. Thor’s family network has played a clear role in his basketball journey, beginning with his move at age 14 to West Virginia to live with his brother while attending Huntington Prep School.
2025 Season Performance
JT Thor’s 2025 season has unfolded in three distinct chapters across two different organizations. He began the year in the Cleveland Cavaliers system before being waived on March 1, 2025, and then was claimed off waivers by the Washington Wizards on March 3, 2025. In 11 games with Washington, he averaged 3.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 0.5 assists, providing a useful rotational presence off the bench.
Following his NBA stint, Thor made a significant career move on November 11, 2025, signing with Pallacanestro Reggiana of the Italian Lega Basket Serie A. The transition to European basketball offered a new competitive environment and the chance to take on a more prominent role. His early play in Italy is expected to be a key part of his continued growth as a professional.
Looking ahead, Thor’s 2025 outlook centers on establishing himself as a reliable contributor in a top European league while keeping the door open for future opportunities. His combination of size, shooting touch, and defensive upside gives him a clear pathway toward a longer professional career. The 2025 campaign, split between Washington and Reggiana, represents a transitional but potentially defining year for the young forward.