Jamal Cain is a rising NBA forward known for his hustle, energy and hard-working approach on both ends of the floor. After starring at Marquette and Oakland in college, Cain went undrafted yet earned a two-way deal with the Miami Heat before landing with the New Orleans Pelicans for the 2024-25 season.
His journey from Michigan high school standout to a 6-foot-6 pro carving out rotation minutes in the NBA makes for an inspiring story of persistence and growth.
Jamal Cain’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Hasen Jamal Cain |
| Date of Birth | March 20, 1999 |
| Age | 26 |
| Education | Oakland University (Graduate year), Marquette University (Undergraduate) |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) |
| Weight | 191 lb (87 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2022 |
| Estimated Net Worth | $1.1 million |
| Salary | $578,577 |
| Career Earnings | See table below |
| Spouse / Partner | N/A |
| Instagram Profile | N/A |
| Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
Cain’s basketball journey began at the Academy for Business and Technology in Melvindale, Michigan, before he transferred to Cornerstone Health and Technology in Detroit for his final high school seasons.
In Detroit, he averaged 24 points and 14 rebounds per game as a senior, concluding his prep career with over 1,500 points and 1,000 rebounds while competing on the AAU circuit with The Family Detroit.
That performance earned him a four-star recruiting grade, recognition as the second-best player in Michigan by the Detroit Free Press and a finalist nod for the Mr. Basketball of Michigan award.
Cain committed to Marquette University, joining a Golden Eagles program where he would spend his first four collegiate seasons. As a true freshman, he appeared in 34 of 35 games, contributing 4.6 points and 3.4 rebounds per contest while ranking second on the team with a 47.3 percent three-point shooting mark.
His sophomore year saw more spot minutes-29 games with three starts-during which he averaged 1.7 points and 2.1 rebounds in 8.6 minutes per game as he adapted to the Big East’s physicality. Cain’s junior campaign featured increased responsibility; he appeared in all 30 games, even earning a start and steadily improving his defensive instincts and perimeter shooting.
He capped his Marquette tenure with a senior season in which he averaged 9.6 points and 6.3 rebounds per game while shooting efficiently, highlighted by a career-high 25-point outing at Georgetown and a clutch performance against Villanova.
For his final year of eligibility, Cain transferred as a graduate student to Oakland University. Under coach Greg Kampe, he exploded for 19.9 points, 10.2 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game, connecting on 49.9 percent of his field-goal attempts and 84.1 percent of free throws en route to Horizon League Co-Player of the Year honors.
During that season, he dominated with a 26-point, 21-rebound performance against Green Bay, going a perfect 14-for-14 from the free-throw line and showcasing his polished inside-outside game.
Professional Career
Jamal Cain has carved out a steady path through grit, hustle and well-timed shooting. After the NBA draft, he joined the Miami Heat’s Summer League squad and impressed coaches with his energy on the boards and ability to knock down open threes.
In mid-July he signed his first contract with Miami and, by early October, earned a two-way deal that split his time between the Heat and their G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce.
In Sioux Falls, he averaged over 22 points and nine rebounds per game, showcasing a reliable mid-range jumper and a knack for loose-ball scrambles that quickly made him one of the league’s most effective two-way prospects.
Cain made his NBA debut on November 12, 2022, logging a handful of minutes in a win over the Charlotte Hornets. He wasted no time using his length to grab offensive rebounds and spotting up for corner threes when given the chance.
Over the course of his rookie season, he appeared in 18 regular-season games and even saw brief action in the NBA Finals as the Heat reached the championship series. Though his playing time was limited, Cain absorbed invaluable experience practicing against All-Stars and running NBA defenses, lessons he parlayed into more confident floor play the following year.
The 2023–24 campaign was more of the same two-way shuttle between Miami and Sioux Falls, but Cain’s growth was evident in his smoother three-point stroke and stronger drives to the rim. He logged appearances in 26 games, including his first career start, and pushed his scoring averages even higher in the G League.
Coaches praised his toughness on defense, pointing to his ability to guard multiple positions and his relentless effort crashing the glass. By season’s end, Cain had established himself as a dependable energy wing who could step into NBA rotations without disrupting spacing or defensive schemes.
Jamal Cain’s Net Worth Details
Jamal Cain’s net worth is estimated to be $1.1 million as of 2025.
Contract
Cain’s current deal is a one-year, two-way contract with the New Orleans Pelicans that he signed in July 2024. Under this agreement, he earns a prorated NBA salary of $578,577 for time spent on the Pelicans’ roster and a G League stipend-typically around $75,000-when assigned to their affiliate.
The two-way structure allows Cain to appear in up to 50 NBA games while spending the rest of the season in Birmingham, giving him both high-level exposure and consistent playing time.
His contract isn’t guaranteed beyond the 2024-25 season, but the Pelicans retain the option to convert it into a standard NBA deal at any point, opening the door for a multi-year, fully guaranteed salary if he cements a regular rotation role.
Salary
Cain’s 2024–25 pay comes via a two-way pact with the Pelicans, so he pockets a prorated NBA salary of $578,577 for every day he’s on New Orleans’s active roster and earns about $75,000 when he’s assigned to their G League affiliate in Birmingham.
In practice, if he logs the maximum 50 NBA games allowed on a two-way deal, he’d bring in roughly $654,000 this season between both paychecks. That structure gives him NBA-level cash for his time in the big league and a steady G League stipend whenever he needs more floor time to keep sharpening his game.
Career Earnings
| Season | Team | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | Miami Heat | $508,891 |
| 2023-24 | Miami Heat | $559,782 |
| 2024-25 | New Orleans Pelicans | $578,577 |
NBA Career Stats
| Season | Team | GP | MIN | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022–23 | MIA | 18 | 13.3 | 5.4 | 2.9 | 0.7 | .561 | .350 |
| 2023–24 | MIA | 26 | 10.0 | 3.7 | 1.4 | 0.4 | .430 | .355 |
| 2024–25 | NOP | 37 | 13.6 | 5.3 | 2.3 | 0.6 | .430 | .325 |
FAQs
1. Who is Jamal Cain and what team does he play for?
Jamal Cain is an American professional basketball player born March 20, 1999, in Pontiac, Michigan. He currently holds a two-way contract with the New Orleans Pelicans of the NBA and their G League affiliate, the Birmingham Squadron, for the 2024–25 season based on sources.
2. What colleges did Jamal Cain attend and how did he perform?
Cain played four seasons at Marquette University, averaging 9.6 points and 6.3 rebounds as a senior. He used his final year of eligibility as a graduate transfer at Oakland University, where he posted 19.9 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game, earning Horizon League Co-Player of the Year honors based on sources.
3. How did Jamal Cain begin his professional basketball career?
Cain signed a summer league deal with the Miami Heat. He secured a two-way contract on October 9, 2022, splitting time between the Heat and their G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce, making his NBA debut on November 12, 2022 based on sources.
4. What high school did Jamal Cain attend and what were his achievements there?
Cain started at the Academy for Business and Technology in Melvindale, Michigan, then transferred to Cornerstone Health and Technology in Detroit. As a senior, he averaged 24.0 points, 14.0 rebounds, was named a Mr. Basketball of Michigan finalist and rated the state’s second-best player based on sources.
5. What are Jamal Cain’s career highlights and awards?
Cain’s notable accolades include Horizon League Co-Player of the Year Marquette’s Most Improved Player Award and Big East All-Academic Team honors. He also reached the 2023 NBA Finals with the Miami Heat, contributing during the postseason run based on sources.
6. How did Jamal Cain perform during his time with Miami’s G League affiliate?
Cain averaged 23.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. His strong performance showcased his scoring ability and versatility, positioning him for continued NBA opportunities based on sources.
7. What personal background and family influences shaped Jamal Cain’s career?
Cain is the son of Amanda Branner and has one brother and two sisters. He credits longtime trainer and mentor Mychal Covington, who introduced him to structured AAU and high school programs, with instilling a work-first mindset and providing consistent guidance throughout his development based on sources.
8. What are some of Jamal Cain’s recent NBA game performances?
Cain scored 25 points on 57.1% shooting with seven rebounds and three assists in a blowout win, and followed with an 18-point outing against the Thunder. These games highlighted his efficiency, three-point shooting touch, and ability to contribute off the bench based on sources.
9. How tall and what position does Jamal Cain play?
Cain primarily plays the small forward position. His size, combined with athleticism and scoring instincts, allows him to stretch the floor as a shooter and attack the rim, offering versatility on both ends of the court based on sources.
10. What progression has Jamal Cain shown since entering the NBA?
Cain’s rookie season saw him average 5.4 points in 13.3 minutes per game, shooting over 56% from the field. In his second year, he solidified his three-point shot at 35.5% and displayed improved defensive reads, reflecting a steady growth curve early in his pro career based on sources.
