Tj Warren Bio
Anthony T. J. Warren Jr. is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Westchester Knicks of the NBA G League. Having showcased his talent at North Carolina State University, he was selected by the Phoenix Suns in the 2014 NBA Draft. Warren’s professional career has seen him establish himself as a prolific scorer, highlighted by his incredible performance in the 2020 NBA Bubble where he averaged 31 points per game. His journey includes stints with teams like the Indiana Pacers and Brooklyn Nets, emphasizing his resilience and offensive prowess.
Early Life and Background
Anthony T. J. Warren Jr. was born on September 5, 1993, in Durham, North Carolina, USA. He attended Riverside High School and Word of God Christian Academy before transferring to Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. At Brewster, Warren excelled as a small forward, leading his team to a National Prep Championship with a remarkable 33-1 record. His strong performance garnered attention from several colleges, ultimately leading him to commit to North Carolina State University on November 2, 2011.
Warren’s early exposure to basketball was influenced by his father, Tony Warren Sr., a former player at NC State. This familial connection to the sport motivated him to pursue basketball seriously, and he quickly became a standout player in high school. His impressive skills on the court earned him a place among the top prospects in the nation, culminating in his selection to the MaxPreps Class of 2012 Top 100.
Path to Basketball
Warren began his college basketball career at North Carolina State University in the 2012-2013 season. As a freshman, he averaged 12.1 points and 4.2 rebounds per game, earning a spot on the ACC All-Freshmen Team. His shooting percentage of 62.2% led the Atlantic Coast Conference that year. Despite a strong freshman season, Warren chose to return for his sophomore year to further develop his skills and improve his draft stock.
During his sophomore season, Warren truly blossomed, averaging 24.9 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. He had standout performances, including a career-high 41 points against Pittsburgh and 42 points against Boston College. His exceptional play led to him being named the ACC Player of the Year in 2014, making him the first player from NC State to receive this honor since Julius Hodge. After declaring for the NBA draft in April 2014, Warren was selected 14th overall by the Phoenix Suns.
Tj Warren Career
Early Career (2014-2019)
Warren made his NBA debut on November 9, 2014, after being drafted by the Phoenix Suns. He quickly established himself as a valuable player, earning All-NBA Summer League second team honors in 2014. Despite facing injuries, he had notable performances, including a season-best game with 17 points against the Minnesota Timberwolves in March 2015. Over the next few seasons, Warren continued to improve, culminating in a career-high 40 points in a game against the Washington Wizards in November 2017.
In the 2018-2019 season, Warren averaged 18.0 points per game and was a consistent scorer for the Suns. His contributions on the court earned him a four-year, $50 million contract extension with the team. However, injuries began to plague his career, impacting his performance and availability in subsequent seasons.
Breakthrough (2020-2022)
Warren’s breakthrough moment came during the 2020 NBA Bubble, where he averaged an impressive 31 points per game over eight seeding games. He scored a career-high 53 points against the Philadelphia 76ers, showcasing his scoring ability and earning a spot on the All-Bubble First Team. This performance solidified his reputation as a prolific scorer in the league.
In June 2019, Warren was traded to the Indiana Pacers, where he continued to demonstrate his scoring prowess. However, injuries limited his playing time, and he underwent surgery for a stress fracture in early 2021, which sidelined him for the remainder of the season. Despite these challenges, Warren remained a key player for the Pacers when healthy, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive efforts.
Notable Works and Milestones
Warren’s signature work includes his standout performances during the NBA Bubble, where he became one of the league’s top scorers. He has received several accolades, including being named to the All-NBA G League Third Team in 2025 and winning the NBA G League Winter Showcase championship in 2024.
Tj Warren Award Nominations
Throughout his career, T. J. Warren has received several nominations and accolades, including being named a consensus second-team All-American in 2014 and earning the ACC Player of the Year award in the same year.
Tj Warren Awards Won
Warren has won multiple awards, including the ACC Player of the Year in 2014, recognizing his outstanding performance during his college career.
| Award | Wins | Year |
|---|---|---|
| ACC Player of the Year | 1 | 2014 |
Tj Warren Family
Anthony T. J. Warren Jr. is the son of Tony Warren Sr., who played basketball for North Carolina State University. His family’s background in sports has played a significant role in shaping his career.
Personal Life
Details about T. J. Warren’s personal life are limited, but he has maintained a focus on his basketball career. His commitment to the sport has been evident throughout his journey in the NBA.