Micah Potter has established himself as a resilient professional basketball player who has navigated the challenging path from college basketball to securing a position in the NBA. Currently playing as a power forward/center for the Utah Jazz on a two-way contract, Potter represents the determination required to make it in professional basketball after going undrafted.
His basketball journey spans from high school in Ohio to college stints at both Ohio State and Wisconsin, before ultimately finding his footing in the professional ranks. While not yet a household name, Potter has steadily developed his skills and carved out a role for himself in professional basketball, demonstrating valuable versatility as a big man with shooting capabilities.
Micah Potter’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Micah Potter |
| Date of Birth | April 6, 1998 |
| Age | 26 (as of April 2025) |
| Education | University of Wisconsin (transferred from Ohio State) |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6’9″ (206 cm) |
| Weight | 248 lbs (112 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2021 (Undrafted) |
| Net Worth | $600,000-$750,000 (Estimated) |
| Salary | $578,577 (2024-25 Two-Way Contract) |
| Wife | Elle Potter (née Van Grinsven) |
| Instagram Profile | @BigJam_23 |
| Twitter Profile | @BigJam_23 |
Early Career
Micah Potter’s basketball journey began in Mentor, Ohio, where he attended Mentor High School. During his early high school years, Potter wasn’t immediately in the spotlight, as he came off the bench until his junior season.
However, his talent began to shine through in that junior year, when he averaged an impressive 20.2 points and 9.1 rebounds per game. These standout performances earned him First Team All-State honors, establishing Potter as a legitimate college prospect.
Seeking to further develop his game and increase his exposure to college recruiters, Potter made the decision to transfer to Montverde Academy in Florida for his senior year. This move placed him in one of the nation’s premier high school basketball programs.
At Montverde, he continued to develop his skills, averaging 10.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. His contributions to the team were significant enough that he was named team most valuable player during his time there.
Potter’s high school performance caught the attention of several college programs, but he ultimately committed to Ohio State University, beginning his collegiate career with the Buckeyes in 2016. He started his freshman season in the Ohio State starting lineup, showing early promise.
However, an ankle injury sidelined him for two games early in the season, and upon his return, he was replaced in the starting lineup by Trevor Thompson. Despite this setback, Potter contributed to the team as a valuable rotation player, averaging 4.1 points and 3.1 rebounds per game during his freshman campaign.
His sophomore season at Ohio State brought additional challenges. Potter suffered a high ankle sprain in just the fourth game of the season. This injury, combined with the emergence of other players like Kaleb Wesson and Keita Bates-Diop, limited Potter’s playing time. He finished his sophomore year with averages similar to his freshman season: 4.1 points and 2.4 rebounds per game.
Just two days before what would have been the start of his junior season with the Buckeyes, Potter made the difficult decision to transfer from Ohio State. This marked a pivotal moment in his basketball career, as he sought a program where he could fully utilize his skills and receive more consistent playing time.
Potter’s next chapter would be written at the University of Wisconsin. Due to NCAA transfer rules, he was required to sit out the entire 2018-2019 season. Additionally, he also had to sit out the fall semester of the following season, further extending his time away from competitive basketball.
This period, though challenging, allowed Potter to develop his game in practice settings and adjust to Wisconsin’s system without the pressure of game situations.
When Potter finally became eligible to play for the Badgers in December 2019, he made an immediate impact. In his debut game against Milwaukee on December 21, 2019 – a full 644 days after his last game at Ohio State – he contributed 12 points, 5 rebounds, and a block in just 13 minutes off the bench. This performance was a sign of things to come.
Throughout the remainder of the 2019-2020 season, Potter appeared in all of Wisconsin’s remaining 21 games, making four starts. He averaged 10.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, along with 19 blocks for the season. His breakout performance came against 20th-ranked Penn State on January 11, 2020, where he scored a career-high 24 points on efficient 9-of-14 shooting, while also grabbing 13 rebounds.
In his senior season at Wisconsin (2020-2021), Potter continued to be a valuable player for the Badgers. Having proven his worth from the moment he joined the active roster, he was poised to make the most of his first full season with the team. Potter’s performance at Wisconsin earned him recognition beyond the court as well.
He was a two-time Academic All-Big Ten student and received the Big Ten Distinguished Scholar award in 2020, demonstrating his commitment to excellence both on and off the court.
After his collegiate career at Wisconsin concluded, Potter declared for the 2021 NBA Draft, ready to pursue his professional basketball dreams.
Professional Career
Micah Potter’s transition to professional basketball began with a significant challenge when he went undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft. Despite this initial setback, Potter refused to allow this moment to define his basketball career. Instead, he viewed it as an opportunity to prove himself through alternative routes to the NBA, demonstrating the resilience that would become characteristic of his professional journey.
Following the draft, Potter signed with the Miami Heat for the 2021 NBA Summer League. This opportunity allowed him to showcase his skills against other NBA hopefuls and recently drafted players.
While he didn’t secure a standard NBA contract with the Heat, Potter’s performance was strong enough to earn him a spot with the Sioux Falls Skyforce, the Miami Heat’s G League affiliate, as an affiliate player after making it to the final cuts in the Heat’s training camp.
In the G League, Potter began to establish himself as a professional player. His time with the Sioux Falls Skyforce provided valuable professional experience and allowed him to adapt his game to the increased speed and physicality of professional basketball. Potter’s performance in the G League caught the attention of NBA teams looking for frontcourt depth, leading to his first opportunity at the highest level.
In early 2022, Potter received his first NBA opportunity when the Detroit Pistons signed him to a 10-day contract. This short-term deal represented Potter’s official entry into the NBA. He made his NBA debut on January 1, 2022, against the San Antonio Spurs.
During his brief stint with the Pistons, Potter appeared in three games, averaging 4.0 points and 3.0 rebounds in just over 10 minutes per game. While his time with Detroit was limited, it provided Potter with valuable NBA experience and a chance to prove he belonged at that level.
After his 10-day contract with the Pistons expired, Potter returned to the G League to continue developing his game. His consistent performance at that level kept him on the radar of NBA teams. Potter’s patience and persistence paid off on October 12, 2022, when the Utah Jazz signed him to a two-way contract.
This type of contract allowed Potter to split time between the Jazz and their G League affiliate, the Salt Lake City Stars, providing him with a more stable professional situation while continuing his development.
During the 2022-2023 season with the Jazz, Potter appeared in seven NBA games, averaging 3.4 points and 2.3 rebounds in limited minutes. While his NBA playing time was modest, Potter made the most of his opportunities with the Salt Lake City Stars in the G League. There, he demonstrated his full potential as a stretch big man capable of scoring from multiple positions on the floor while also contributing on the glass.
The 2023-2024 season saw Potter continue his development in the Jazz organization. He appeared in 16 NBA games with Utah, contributing 3.3 points and 2.7 rebounds per contest. Meanwhile, in the G League, Potter showcased his complete skill set. Over 42 combined Showcase Cup and regular season games with the Salt Lake City Stars, he posted impressive averages of 15.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.8 blocks in under 30 minutes per game.
Perhaps most notably, Potter maintained excellent shooting efficiency with a line of 50.8% from the field, 39.9% from three-point range, and 75.6% from the free-throw line, highlighting his value as a modern big man with floor-stretching capabilities.
Potter’s hard work and consistent performance earned him a rare and prestigious opportunity in the summer of 2024. Through connections from Salt Lake City Stars head coach Steve Wojciechowski, Potter was recommended for the U.S. Select Team ahead of the Paris Olympics.
This elite group of players trains and scrimmages against the main USA Basketball team, helping them prepare for international competition. Potter’s involvement with the U.S. Select Team allowed him to train and compete alongside some of the best basketball players in the world across venues in Las Vegas, Abu Dhabi, and London.
This experience proved invaluable for Potter’s confidence and development. As he expressed afterward, “I always belonged. I always felt like I belonged, I competed like I belonged and I performed like I belonged. I never had doubt beforehand, but being on the floor with the best players America has, it just confirmed my confidence.”
Following this enriching international experience, Potter’s professional career took another positive step when the Utah Jazz agreed to sign him to another two-way contract in August 2024. The one-year deal, worth $578,577 if he remains on the roster past the league’s January salary guarantee date, demonstrated the Jazz organization’s continued belief in Potter’s development and potential contribution to the team.
For the 2024-2025 season, Potter has continued to split time between the Utah Jazz and the Salt Lake City Stars, working to expand his role at the NBA level while maintaining his productivity in the G League. As of April 2025, Potter has appeared in 33 games for the Jazz this season, including 10 starts, averaging 4.2 points and 4.2 rebounds in just under 18 minutes per game.
His ability to stretch the floor as a big man with three-point shooting capability (shooting 35.4% from beyond the arc this season) makes him a valuable asset in today’s NBA, where spacing and versatility are highly valued.
Throughout his professional journey, Potter has exemplified perseverance, consistently working to improve his game and make the most of every opportunity presented to him. From going undrafted to securing consecutive two-way contracts with an NBA organization and representing the U.S. Select Team, Potter has navigated the challenging landscape of professional basketball with determination and a growth mindset.
While still working to establish himself as a regular rotation player in the NBA, Potter’s trajectory suggests a professional with the tools, work ethic, and attitude needed to carve out a sustainable career at basketball’s highest level.
Wife
Micah Potter is married to Elle Potter (née Van Grinsven), whom he married on June 11, 2021, in Lomira, Wisconsin. Elle has established her own impressive athletic background as a former collegiate volleyball player at Loyola University Chicago. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch tall, Elle was born on May 24, 1998, making her just over a month younger than Micah.
During her volleyball career at Loyola University Chicago, Elle developed into an exceptional defensive player. She finished her collegiate career ranked third in Loyola history with an impressive total of 374 blocks. Her academic and athletic achievements were recognized with several honors, including the MVC Scholar-Athlete Team Honorable Mention selection and the Cal Molten Classic All-Tournament Team.
Elle graduated from Loyola in May 2021 with a degree in Public Relations and Advertising and a minor in Marketing, just one month before marrying Micah.
The couple’s relationship became public when Elle first posted about Micah on her Instagram account on February 11, 2019. Their relationship progressed quickly, with Micah proposing to Elle on July 1, 2020, which she happily accepted. They have now been married for nearly four years as of April 2025.
Professionally, Elle works as a social media marketing specialist for a platform called Her Competitive Advantage. According to her LinkedIn profile, she previously worked in Student-Athlete NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) in 2022. In her current role, she serves as the West Region Client Success Manager, overseeing 15 universities and their NIL Collectives.
Elle comes from a family with strong values. Her parents are Michael and Beth Van Grinsven, with her father Michael working as the principal of Michael Group Solutions, as well as serving as a performance coach and motivational speaker. Elle has two brothers named Jansen and Leif Van Grinsven.
Elle maintains an active presence on social media. Her Instagram handle is @elle_potter, where she has accumulated more than 8,500 followers as of January 2025. She can also be found on X (formerly Twitter) as @EllePotter_ and maintains a professional presence on LinkedIn under the name Elle (Van Grinsven) Potter.
Based on the available information, there is no mention of Micah and Elle having any children as of April 2025.
Micah Potter’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Micah Potter’s net worth is estimated to be $600,000 to $750,000.
Contract
Micah Potter is currently playing under a two-way contract with the Utah Jazz, which he signed in August 2024. This one-year agreement allows Potter to split time between the Utah Jazz of the NBA and their G League affiliate, the Salt Lake City Stars. Two-way contracts are designed for developmental players who show promise but may need additional seasoning at the G League level.
The Jazz officially announced this signing on August 6, 2024, marking Potter’s third consecutive season under a two-way arrangement with the organization. The contract demonstrates the Jazz’s continued investment in Potter’s development and their belief in his potential to contribute at the NBA level.
Salary
For the 2024-2025 season, Micah Potter’s two-way contract is valued at $578,577 for the full season, contingent upon him remaining on the roster beyond the league’s January salary guarantee date. This represents a standard two-way contract value for the 2024-25 NBA season.
Two-way players typically earn a prorated portion of this amount based on the number of days they spend with the NBA team versus the G League team, with a maximum of 50 games allowed at the NBA level. The salary for two-way players is calculated as roughly half of the NBA minimum salary for a player with corresponding service time, making it a significant step up from standard G League contracts but still considerably lower than full NBA minimum contracts.
Career Earnings
| Season | Team | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | Detroit Pistons (10-day contract) | ~$53,176 |
| 2022-23 | Utah Jazz (Two-way contract) | ~$502,000 |
| 2023-24 | Utah Jazz (Two-way contract) | ~$559,000 |
| 2024-25 | Utah Jazz (Two-way contract) | $578,577 |
| Total Career Earnings (Estimated) | ~$1,692,753 |
Career Stats
| Season | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | Detroit | 3 | 0 | 10.3 | 45.5 | 0.0 | 100.0 | 3.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 4.0 |
| 2022-23 | Utah | 7 | 0 | 7.4 | 66.7 | 57.1 | 0.0 | 2.3 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 3.4 |
| 2023-24 | Utah | 16 | 0 | 11.6 | 47.5 | 42.9 | 75.0 | 2.7 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.4 | 3.3 |
| 2024-25 | Utah | 33 | 10 | 17.7 | 42.3 | 35.4 | 88.9 | 4.2 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 4.2 |
| Career | 59 | 10 | 14.4 | 45.8 | 37.5 | 85.7 | 3.5 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 3.9 |
FAQs
1. Who is Micah Potter and where does he currently play?
Micah Potter is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the Utah Jazz in the NBA on a two-way contract with the Salt Lake City Stars of the NBA G League. He joined the Jazz organization in 2022 and has been developing his professional career with the team.
2. What college did Micah Potter attend before joining the NBA?
Micah Potter played college basketball at two different schools. He began at Ohio State University (2016-2018) where he played for two seasons. After transferring to the University of Wisconsin (2019-2021), he sat out a season due to transfer rules before finishing his collegiate career as a Badger.
3. When was Micah Potter born and where is he from?
Micah Potter was born on April 6, 1998, in Mentor, Ohio. He attended Mentor High School in his hometown where he came off the bench until his junior season when he averaged 20.2 points and 9.1 rebounds per game, earning First Team All-State honors.
4. What are Micah Potter’s physical measurements?
Micah Potter stands 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 meters) tall and weighs 248 pounds (112 kg). His size allows him to play both power forward and center positions effectively in the NBA, giving him versatility on the court.
5. How did Micah Potter enter the NBA?
Micah Potter went undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft after completing his college career. He began his professional journey with the Sioux Falls Skyforce in the G League before signing with the Detroit Pistons during the 2021-22 season. He later joined the Utah Jazz organization.
6. What teams has Micah Potter played for during his professional career?
Since turning professional in 2021, Potter has played for the Sioux Falls Skyforce (G League), Detroit Pistons (2021-22), Utah Jazz (2022-present), and Salt Lake City Stars (G League). His NBA experience includes brief time with the Pistons before finding a more consistent role with the Jazz.
7. What are Micah Potter’s key statistics in the 2024-25 NBA season?
In the 2024-25 NBA season, Potter has appeared in 26 games with 9 starts for the Utah Jazz. He’s averaging 8.6 points and 8.3 rebounds per 36 minutes while shooting 44.4% from the field and 38.7% from three-point range with an impressive 91.7% free-throw percentage.
8. What position does Micah Potter play in the NBA?
Micah Potter is versatile, playing both power forward and center positions in the NBA. With the Utah Jazz, he’s primarily listed as a center for the 2024-25 season, though he has played power forward in previous seasons based on team needs and matchups.
9. How was Micah Potter’s college basketball career?
At Ohio State, Potter averaged 4.1 points and about 3 rebounds per game. After transferring to Wisconsin, he became more productive, averaging 10.9 points (on 54.2% shooting, 46.9% from three) and 6.9 rebounds in just 18.9 minutes per game. He was named to the Academic All-Big Ten team twice.
10. What were Micah Potter’s career highlights before the NBA?
Before the NBA, Potter was named Team MVP at Montverde Academy during his senior year of high school, averaging 10.7 points and 5.5 rebounds. In college, he was named a preseason candidate for the 2021 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Center of the Year Award and was a two-time Academic All-Big Ten student.
