When Did Amari Bailey Get Drafted? A Look at His Journey to the NBA

When Did Amari Bailey Get Drafted

You might flip through NBA sites, scroll social feeds, and still wonder: when did amari bailey get drafted? That guesswork leaves fans stuck. You deserve the exact date, plain and simple.

He made his NBA leap on June 22, 2023. The NBA team grabbed him 41st overall. We trace his path, from college basketball at UCLA, through the NBA Draft Combine, to his spot with charlotte hornets.

We will clear the haze. Keep reading.

Key Takeaways

  • The Charlotte Hornets picked Amari Bailey 41st overall in round two on June 22, 2023, as Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum announced at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
  • Bailey averaged 11.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 29 games at UCLA under coach Mick Cronin and shot 38% from three.
  • At the 2023 NBA Draft Combine he scored 36 points, handed out 14 assists, and shot 58% in drills over two games.
  • He signed a two-way contract with Charlotte on July 14, 2023, to split time between the NBA roster and the Greensboro Swarm in the G League.

Amari Bailey’s Draft Selection

An NBA team locked in Bailey as a second-round pick, turning heads on draft night. Scouts leaned on scouting reports and analytics, singling out his shooting range and quick first step.

Drafted by the Charlotte Hornets

Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum took the podium on June 22, 2023, and announced Amari Bailey. The Charlotte Hornets selected him with the 41st overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft on the second day of the event.

Bailey lit up when his name appeared, like a kid opening a gift under bright lights. Hornets executives high-fived each other, pointing to his quick hands at Sierra Canyon and his one-and-done success as reasons for the pick.

41st overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft

Amari Bailey joined the Charlotte Hornets as the 41st overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Front office staff logged the draft selection on June 22, 2023 as a key date. He landed in the 2nd round slot and jumped into the pro scene fast.

Fans in Charlotte grew excited for the rookie guard.

Draft date: June 22, 2023

June 22, 2023 marked the 2023 NBA Draft night. Scouts, media, and fans filled Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Charlotte Hornets held the 41st pick, and they chose guard Amari Bailey from Sierra Canyon.

Big screens displayed each player’s highlights and college stats. Agents tapped phones, updating cap figures and Exhibit 10 details. Cheers rose when Hornets called Bailey’s name.

Early Basketball Journey

Amari lit up the Canyon prep, dazzling scouts with slick crossovers and sky-high dunks. They tagged him as a blue-chip guard, and scholarship bids flew in from top college rosters.

High school career highlights

Sierra Canyon courts became his proving ground. Scouts watched his every move.

  • Sierra Canyon tandem included Zaire Wade and Bronnie James, a lineup that drew local crowds and tough competition.
  • ESPN and MaxPreps tagged Bailey as a five-star prospect, citing his scouting report that praised his footwork and shooting touch.
  • Junior year stats showed 18.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game, figures that ranked him among California’s top guards.
  • Team captured CIF Southern Section titles in 2022 and 2023, where Bailey hit clutch shots, and he said, “We came to win,” after the final buzzer.
  • Coaches handed him All-State honors and MVP at the Southern California Regional, a nod to his leadership on and off the court.

Recruitment as a five-star prospect

Amari Bailey lit up Sierra Canyon with smooth drives and deep threes. Scouting services gave him a five star rating after he averaged 17 points, five assists, four rebounds. Coaches hailed his court vision and scoring flair, calling him a versatile offensive weapon with sky high potential.

One scout joked, “He plays with a pro’s mindset.” That comment spread fast.

Recruiting analysts stacked his name near the top of national boards and invited him to elite showcases. He shined alongside Adem Bona, proving he could lead a loaded squad. Mick Cronin flew in, offered him a scholarship to UCLA, and sold him on Pac-12 Conference play.

Scouts marked his move as the start of a big college basketball run.

College Career at UCLA

Bailey thrived under head coach Mick Cronin, and he snagged a spot on the league’s all-freshman team. He shined in the college championship, even after a foot injury, and he left fans curious about his next steps.

Performance during his freshman season

UCLA coach Mick Cronin tapped him as a starter in the Pac-12 conference. His freshman run made him a standout in college basketball. Amari Bailey took the court in 29 games. He averaged 11.7 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists per night.

Three-point shooting rose to 38 percent from beyond the arc. The conference recognized his effort with a spot on the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team.

Jaylen Clark’s foot injury late in the season thrust Bailey into a bigger role. Boards fell his way as he took on bigs like Adem Bona and Oscar Tshiebwe. His effort shone in the Pac-12 tournament and NCAA tournament as he stepped up to the plate.

Stat trackers used box score data and shot charts to map his growth. Scouts from the Charlotte Hornets marked his name on their draft list.

Key achievements and statistics

Amari Bailey dazzled scouts at the combine. He showed he can shine in big spots.

  • He scored 36 points and handed out 14 assists over two games at the NBA Draft Combine.
  • He shot 58 percent in combine drills, ranking near the top of all men’s prospects.
  • He sank a clutch jumper with five seconds left on the shot clock, proving he can perform under crunch time.
  • He earned a spot on the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team, one of seven Bruins honored by the Pac-12 Conference.
  • He helped lead UCLA to an NCAA Tournament berth in college basketball under coach Mick Cronin.

Transition to the NBA

He hit the ground running, signing a two-way deal with the NBA outfit, then moving between the main roster and its G League team. He lit up the Summer League with quick hands and sharp court vision, edging closer to a full roster spot.

Signing a two-way contract with the Charlotte Hornets

Amari Bailey signed a two way contract with the Charlotte Hornets on July 14, 2023. The deal gives him a spot on the NBA roster and game time with the G League team in Greensboro. This setup lets him develop fast under coach Steve Clifford and hit the court in back to back games.

He will practice alongside veterans like Terry Rozier, gaining reps in drills and scrimmages. Fans in Charlotte will watch his speed and shooting skills bloom. This contract allows up to 50 NBA games, a solid start for a 41st draft pick.

Takeaways

His draft day win came during the 2023 NBA Draft. A league official made the call clear. He rose at the evaluation event, the combine. The team saw his scoring and passing flair. Fans now watch his two-way deal with the franchise.

To learn more about the influential figures in Amari Bailey’s life, including his father, click here.

FAQs

1. When did Amari Bailey get drafted?

He heard his name called at the 2023 NBA draft, on June 22, 2023.

2. Where did Amari Bailey play high school ball?

He starred at Sierra Canyon in Los Angeles, he led the team with slick handles and fast drives.

3. What happened in his college basketball season?

Bailey joined the UCLA Wildcats in the Pac-12 conference under coach Mick Cronin. He teamed with Jaylen Clark, Adem Bona, Jaime Jaquez. A foot injury slowed him, but he still made the Pac-12 all-freshman team. The Wildcats made it to the NCAA tournament, it felt like a wild ride.

4. Why did he go one and done?

He showed pro skills in one year. He declared as a one and done player to jump into the NBA faster. He left college basketball early, to chase his big dream.

5. Which team drafted him?

The Charlotte Hornets picked him at 41. Some sources spell it charlote hornets by mistake, but it is the same franchise in teal and purple.


Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Related Articles

Top Trending

Grok AI Liability Shift
The Liability Shift: Why Global Probes into Grok AI Mark the End of 'Unfiltered' Generative Tech
GPT 5 Store leaks
OpenAI’s “GPT-5 Store” Leaks: Paid Agents for Legal and Medical Advice?
10 Best Neobanks for Digital Nomads in 2026
10 Best Neobanks for Digital Nomads in 2026
Quiet Hiring Trend
The “Quiet Hiring” Trend: Why Companies Are Promoting Internally Instead of Hiring in Q1
Pocketpair Aetheria
“Palworld” Devs Announce New Open-World Survival RPG “Aetheria”

LIFESTYLE

Travel Sustainably Without Spending Extra featured image
How Can You Travel Sustainably Without Spending Extra? Save On Your Next Trip!
Benefits of Living in an Eco-Friendly Community featured image
Go Green Together: 12 Benefits of Living in an Eco-Friendly Community!
Happy new year 2026 global celebration
Happy New Year 2026: Celebrate Around the World With Global Traditions
dubai beach day itinerary
From Sunrise Yoga to Sunset Cocktails: The Perfect Beach Day Itinerary – Your Step-by-Step Guide to a Day by the Water
Ford F-150 Vs Ram 1500 Vs Chevy Silverado
The "Big 3" Battle: 10 Key Differences Between the Ford F-150, Ram 1500, and Chevy Silverado

Entertainment

Samsung’s 130-Inch Micro RGB TV The Wall Comes Home
Samsung’s 130-Inch Micro RGB TV: The "Wall" Comes Home
MrBeast Copyright Gambit
Beyond The Paywall: The MrBeast Copyright Gambit And The New Rules Of Co-Streaming Ownership
Stranger Things Finale Crashes Netflix
Stranger Things Finale Draws 137M Views, Crashes Netflix
Demon Slayer Infinity Castle Part 2 release date
Demon Slayer Infinity Castle Part 2 Release Date: Crunchyroll Denies Sequel Timing Rumors
BTS New Album 20 March 2026
BTS to Release New Album March 20, 2026

GAMING

Pocketpair Aetheria
“Palworld” Devs Announce New Open-World Survival RPG “Aetheria”
Styx Blades of Greed
The Goblin Goes Open World: How Styx: Blades of Greed is Reinventing the AA Stealth Genre.
Resident Evil Requiem Switch 2
Resident Evil Requiem: First Look at "Open City" Gameplay on Switch 2
High-performance gaming setup with clear monitor display and low-latency peripherals. n Improve Your Gaming Performance Instantly
Improve Your Gaming Performance Instantly: 10 Fast Fixes That Actually Work
Learning Games for Toddlers
Learning Games For Toddlers: Top 10 Ad-Free Educational Games For 2026

BUSINESS

Quiet Hiring Trend
The “Quiet Hiring” Trend: Why Companies Are Promoting Internally Instead of Hiring in Q1
Pharmaceutical Consulting Strategies for Streamlining Drug Development Pipelines
Pharmaceutical Consulting: Strategies for Streamlining Drug Development Pipelines
IMF 2026 Outlook Stable But Fragile
Global Economic Outlook: IMF Predicts 3.1% Growth but "Downside Risks" Remain
India Rice Exports
India’s Rice Dominance: How Strategic Export Shifts are Reshaping South Asian Trade in 2026
Mistakes to Avoid When Seeking Small Business Funding featured image
15 Mistakes to Avoid As New Entrepreneurs When Seeking Small Business Funding

TECHNOLOGY

Grok AI Liability Shift
The Liability Shift: Why Global Probes into Grok AI Mark the End of 'Unfiltered' Generative Tech
GPT 5 Store leaks
OpenAI’s “GPT-5 Store” Leaks: Paid Agents for Legal and Medical Advice?
Pocketpair Aetheria
“Palworld” Devs Announce New Open-World Survival RPG “Aetheria”
The Shift from Co-Pilot to Autopilot The Rise of Agentic SaaS
The Shift from "Co-Pilot" to "Autopilot": The Rise of Agentic SaaS
Windows on Arm- The 2026 Shift in Laptop Architecture
Windows on Arm: The 2026 Shift in Laptop Architecture

HEALTH

Polylaminin Breakthrough
Polylaminin Breakthrough: Can This Brazilian Discovery Finally Reverse Spinal Cord Injury?
Bio Wearables For Stress
Post-Holiday Wellness: The Rise of "Bio-Wearables" for Stress
ChatGPT Health Medical Records
Beyond the Chatbot: Why OpenAI’s Entry into Medical Records is the Ultimate Test of Public Trust in the AI Era
A health worker registers an elderly patient using a laptop at a rural health clinic in Africa
Digital Health Sovereignty: The 2026 Push for National Digital Health Records in Rural Economies
Digital Detox for Kids
Digital Detox for Kids: Balancing Online Play With Outdoor Fun [2026 Guide]