JT Thor’s name had gone unnoticed before the 2024 Olympics. He played three seasons with the Charlotte Hornets and even started 11 games. But being a backup for a struggling franchise often means being forgotten. The power forward, however, rose to prominence as a South Sudanese athlete at the 2024 Olympics.

So much so that even Shaquille O’Neal’s youngest son, Shaqir O’Neal, has started diligently following his progress. Recently, an NBA insider said Shams Charania reported that the South Sudanese striker has agreed to a new two-way contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Shaqir shared the news on Instagram in his Instagram stories.

A two-way contract means the power forward can play in up to 50 NBA games and could earn $578,577 in the 2024-25 season.

Thor made a big impression at the 2024 Olympics, averaging 6.7 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. He rose to popularity after South Sudan nearly beat the U.S. in the pre-Olympics, but even before that, he showed plenty of effort in both the G-League and NBA.

Thor played in the G-League for the Hornets’ G-League affiliate, the Greensboro Swarm, during the 2020–21 and 2022–23 seasons. In 15 games, he averaged 14.4 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game.

His performance in the G-League paved the way for him to become a regular in the Hornets’ rotation. In 165 NBA games, he has averaged 3.2 points and 2.1 rebounds per game.

At 6’1″, Thor offers excellent defense and can run down the court to make dangerous dunks. But he’s also shown he can sink three-pointers. His ability to shoot long distances nearly embarrassed Team USA during the exhibition match.

Shaqir O’Neal also showed him his support at that time.

Shaqir O’Neal was fascinated by Thor’s decisive shot

During the pre-Olympic friendly against South Sudan, the 2.06 meter tall striker made a step-back three-pointer from the corner with about 20 seconds left. The jump shot gave his team a one-point lead over Team USA before LeBron James sealed the deal with a jump shot.

JT Thor finished with 14 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block and 1 steal, but that wasn’t enough to get the job done. His long shot impressed Shaqir O’Neal, who shared a clip of it in his Instagram story.

Since Thor is only 21 years old, the athletic forward still has a chance to earn a starting spot in the NBA, and his recent two-way contract gives him a second chance in the league to do so.

HIn order to survive in the long term, however, the 21-year-old must significantly improve his offensive game.