Signed! 55th Pick Isaiah Wong Joins the Utah Jazz – Could China Be Quick to Naturalize Him?

Isaiah Wong, a name that’s been whispered in both NBA circles and international basketball discussions, has officially signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Utah Jazz. Born in 2001 and selected as the 55th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Wong stands 6'4" (1.93 meters), weighs 183 pounds (83 kg), and is an explosive and versatile combo guard. Despite being a relatively unknown player in the grand scheme of the NBA, Wong’s journey has been one full of twists and turns, eventually landing him a spot in Utah's training camp.

Wong’s contract may not guarantee him a full-time NBA role, but it does give him an opportunity. If he performs well during training camp or preseason, there’s a chance the Jazz could convert his Exhibit 10 deal into a two-way contract. Even if cut, Wong has the option to continue honing his skills in the NBA G-League.

The big intrigue surrounding Wong, however, isn’t just his potential NBA future. The young guard has also found himself at the center of a much larger conversation—one involving international basketball, and more specifically, the Chinese national team. Rumors have swirled that Wong, who some once believed had Chinese ancestry, could be a candidate for naturalization to play for China. And while those claims about his heritage have been refuted, Wong has publicly expressed his openness to joining the Chinese national team. This has reignited discussions about China’s ongoing search for a top-level guard to bolster their national roster.

Isaiah Wong’s Path to the NBA

After signing a two-way contract with the Indiana Pacers last season, Wong spent the majority of his rookie year playing in the G-League. He averaged 14.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, showcasing his scoring ability and all-around versatility. Unfortunately, his time with the Pacers didn’t translate into significant NBA minutes—he appeared in just one regular-season game, scoring two points.

Wong’s summer was equally eventful. After the Pacers declined to extend him a qualifying offer, he became a free agent and eventually joined the Phoenix Suns for the 2024 NBA Summer League. He averaged 12 points per game while shooting a blistering 66.7% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc. Despite these numbers, Wong was unable to secure a full-time or two-way NBA contract. Still determined to prove his worth, he joined the NBA G-League’s Select Team, which competes in domestic and international tournaments, including the FIBA Intercontinental Cup.

Now, with the Utah Jazz, Wong has a new opportunity. The Exhibit 10 deal allows him to participate in the team’s training camp and preseason. If he makes a strong impression, he could secure a spot on Utah’s roster or be offered a two-way deal, allowing him to split time between the NBA and G-League. If not, Wong is likely to continue playing in the G-League, refining his game while remaining on the NBA radar.

The China Connection: Rumors of Naturalization

Isaiah Wong’s basketball journey hasn’t just captured attention in the United States. For a period, there were widespread rumors that Wong had partial Chinese heritage. While these claims were later debunked by experts, Wong’s connection to China took on a new life when the player himself expressed interest in potentially joining the Chinese national basketball team.

China’s men’s basketball team has long struggled to find guards who can effectively compete at the highest international levels. Wong’s scoring prowess and dynamic ability as a combo guard make him an appealing option. In an interview, Wong stated his willingness to represent China on the international stage, sparking speculation that the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) might pursue his naturalization.

Naturalization of foreign-born players is not new to international basketball, and it’s become an increasingly common practice for nations looking to shore up weaknesses in their rosters. China, too, has looked into this option. While Kyle Anderson (Li Kaier) became China’s first naturalized NBA player, his performance in the 2023 FIBA World Cup left much to be desired, as he struggled to mesh with the team and the Chinese style of play. The experiment with Anderson hasn’t dampened the CBA’s interest in potentially naturalizing another guard—someone more suited to filling China’s glaring need in the backcourt.

Given his skill set and willingness to play for China, Wong presents a very intriguing option. As a scoring guard with NBA experience, he offers exactly what the Chinese national team has been lacking—consistent backcourt firepower. Wong’s shooting ability, coupled with his capacity to create off the dribble, would give China a dimension they’ve sorely missed in recent years.

Why China Needs a Guard Like Isaiah Wong

The Chinese men’s basketball team is at a crucial juncture. After years of underperformance on the international stage, including a disappointing 2023 FIBA World Cup showing, the pressure is mounting for China to rebuild its program in time for future competitions like the 2027 World Cup. While naturalizing players isn’t a surefire solution, adding someone with Wong’s skillset could provide an immediate boost.

Chinese basketball has historically produced dominant big men like Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian, but the guard position has often been a weak spot. The current roster lacks a consistent scoring guard who can keep up with top international talent. While Chinese-American players like Jeremy Lin have occasionally flirted with the idea of playing for China, those discussions never materialized into reality. Wong, by contrast, has openly stated his interest in joining the Chinese national team.

His unique combination of shooting efficiency, playmaking, and athleticism make him an ideal candidate to lead China’s backcourt. Whether or not China makes a move to naturalize Wong in time for the next major international tournament remains to be seen. However, it’s clear that the opportunity exists, and with Wong’s stated interest, the path to naturalization could be a straightforward process.

NBA Aspirations: Will Isaiah Wong Return to the League?

While the potential for Wong to represent China is fascinating, the primary focus for now is his NBA future. The Exhibit 10 contract he signed with the Jazz is essentially a training camp deal, providing him the chance to showcase his abilities and compete for a roster spot. If Wong impresses in preseason, he could earn a two-way contract, which would allow him to continue developing his game in both the NBA and G-League.

At just 23 years old, Wong’s journey is far from over. Many players who sign Exhibit 10 contracts use them as stepping stones to bigger opportunities. Some players, like Alex Caruso or Kendrick Nunn, have risen from the fringes of the NBA to carve out successful careers after starting on similar deals. For Wong, the key will be staying healthy and continuing to develop his all-around game.

Even if Wong’s NBA dreams don’t materialize immediately, his willingness to play in the G-League and his success in international tournaments show that he’s ready to fight for his place. The NBA is always in search of talented guards who can score, and Wong’s unique combination of explosiveness, versatility, and shooting will likely keep him on teams’ radars.

If Wong can parlay his Jazz opportunity into a permanent NBA gig, he could still be on track to achieve the ultimate goal of many young players—becoming a regular contributor at the highest level of the sport. However, even if he doesn’t land on a full-time NBA roster this season, his G-League experience, international opportunities, and interest from China could provide him with plenty of chances to build a successful basketball career.

The Naturalization Debate: A Step Toward the Future?

For now, Wong’s future remains in Utah’s hands. But his willingness to represent China could open another door, potentially making him a key figure in Chinese basketball’s rebuilding process. Whether China will move quickly to naturalize him remains to be seen, but Wong’s stated interest is a positive sign for fans hoping to see him in the red and gold.

As 2024 winds down and the 2025 international basketball calendar comes into focus, Wong may find himself at the heart of two basketball worlds—striving to make his mark in the NBA while also contemplating a future with China’s national team. Whatever happens, Isaiah Wong’s journey is far from over, and his next steps will be watched closely by basketball fans around the world.