One Minute with Josh Christopher

Sioux Falls claimed Josh Christopher from the available player pool on January 14th, 2024, adding instant offense into the lineup. Since his arrival, the 6’4 guard has averaged 15.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.4 steals per game with the Force. In a contest with the Memphis Hustle on March 19th, Christopher exploded for a career-high 40 points while also adding 10 rebounds. 

The California native played his High School ball at Mayfair High School in Lakewood, California, before attending Arizona State University. Christopher started all 15 games he played in at ASU, averaging 14.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.5 steals per game. Christopher entered the 2021 NBA Draft and was selected with the 24th pick by the Houston Rockets. After spending two seasons with the Rockets and appearing in 138 NBA games, he was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies before being released and inking a two-way deal with the Utah Jazz. The two-way contract was ended January 8th, 2024, being claimed by Sioux Falls just three days later. 

We caught up with the 22-year-old to learn more about him off of the basketball court. 

Favorite Athlete?
The Holy Trinity, LeBron, Kobe and Jordan. I’m a two-guard like Jordan and Kobe is just like Jordan plus I’m from L.A., but I grew up watching LeBron so I really can’t decide. 

Best talent outside of basketball?
Probably just the arts, whether it's clothes, I used to be able to draw really good and I got a good taste in music too. My dad plays the piano so I’ve been around music my whole life. Anything art related I can dabble in. 

Favorite pair of basketball shoes you’ve owned?
Venice Beach Kobe 8’s.

Favorite music?
It varies honestly, I grew up on rap music but I also grew up on a little bit of rock, alternative music too. I enjoy listening to that. 

Favorite food?
Tacos. 

Favorite thing about Sioux Falls?
The weather.

Favorite off-day activity?
Sit home, sleep in, play my guitar, and play Fortnite. 

Favorite TV show or movie?
I grew up on Spongebob like crazy. Movie is probably Toy Story 2.

If you weren’t playing basketball what do you think you’d be doing?
I’d probably be some type of designer or maybe an actor. I’d probably be a musician to be honest. 

Funniest teammate?
B McCoy

Why do you wear #13?
It was the last one they had available in high school, #13. I think I wanted #23 but one of the seniors got first dibs. Been with it ever since. 

Favorite game you’ve played in?
Probably when I had 28 against Villanova on Thanksgiving my freshman year in college. (Played against both Caleb Daniels and Cole Swider in this game)

Anything else we should know about you?
Jaygup, my nickname, comes from being the baby fish of all my siblings. I guess maybe a fun fact for all the people watching I play with a gold tooth in.