Whether you’re a die-hard basketball fan or just love stories of perseverance, Skal’s path to the NBA is one that stands out. From overcoming life-threatening adversity to becoming a first-round NBA draft pick, his career is a testament to hard work, faith, and the power of dreams.
Let’s take a closer look at Skal Labissiere’s personal life, early and professional career, financial details, and more.
Skal Labissiere’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Skal Labissière |
| Date of Birth | March 18, 1996 |
| Age | 29 |
| Education | Lausanne Collegiate School (High School), University of Kentucky (College) |
| Nationality | Haitian |
| Height | 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) |
| Weight | 235 lbs (107 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2016 (NBA Draft) |
| Net Worth | $23 (as per available sources) |
| Salary/Career Earnings | $6,367,674 (NBA career earnings through 2024) |
| Wife/Husband | (wife’s name not publicly disclosed) |
| Instagram Profile | N/A |
| Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
Skal Labissiere was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on March 18, 1996. His early life was marked by both promise and hardship. Growing up in Haiti, Skal began playing basketball at Collège Canado-Haïtien, a junior-senior high school in Port-au-Prince. His love for the game was evident from a young age, and he quickly became one of the most talented young players in the country.
However, tragedy struck in 2010 when a massive earthquake devastated Haiti. Skal, his mother, and his brother were trapped under the rubble of their collapsed home for hours. His legs were pinned, and he lost feeling in them, unable to walk for weeks after being rescued. The experience left a lasting impact on Skal, shaping his outlook on life and making him more grateful for every opportunity that came his way.
After the earthquake, Skal’s family made the difficult decision to send him to the United States for a better future. He moved to Memphis, Tennessee, to live with Gerald Hamilton, who ran the Reach Your Dream Foundation.
This organization helps international athletes pursue their dreams in the U.S. Skal’s transition was not easy. He arrived in Memphis speaking little English and had to rely on a French interpreter in school. Despite the language barrier and cultural differences, Skal worked hard both in the classroom and on the basketball court.
He attended Evangelical Christian School in Memphis, where he started playing varsity basketball as an eighth-grader. His height, athleticism, and skill set quickly set him apart from his peers. By his senior year, Skal transferred to Lausanne Collegiate School, but due to eligibility rules, he was unable to play for the school’s team. Instead, he played for the Reach Your Dream Prep Academy, where he averaged an impressive 26 points, 12 rebounds, and 4.5 blocks per game.
Skal’s performances in high school basketball and on the AAU circuit made him one of the top recruits in the country. He was named a First-team Parade All-American in 2015 and participated in the prestigious Nike Hoop Summit All-Star game. His talent caught the attention of college scouts nationwide, and he was rated as a five-star recruit, considered among the best in his class.
Professional Career
Skal Labissiere’s professional career began when he was selected 28th overall in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns. However, his rights were quickly traded to the Sacramento Kings on draft night. Signing his rookie contract with the Kings, Skal entered the NBA with high hopes and a determination to prove himself.
During his rookie season (2016–17), Skal split time between the Kings and their G League affiliate, the Reno Bighorns. He made his NBA debut on November 5, 2016, and gradually earned more playing time as the season progressed.
One of his most memorable performances came on March 15, 2017, when he scored a career-high 32 points and grabbed 11 rebounds against the Phoenix Suns. This made him the first rookie from his draft class to score at least 30 points in a game and the youngest Kings player to record a 30–10 game.
Over the next two seasons with Sacramento, Skal continued to develop his game. He became known for his mid-range shooting, shot-blocking ability, and versatility as a power forward and center. In the 2017–18 season, he played 60 games, averaging 8.7 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. Despite showing promise, Skal’s role with the Kings fluctuated due to coaching changes and roster moves.
In February 2019, Skal was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Caleb Swanigan. With Portland, he had the opportunity to contribute off the bench and even started the season finale in April 2019, scoring 29 points and grabbing 15 rebounds.
However, injuries and team dynamics limited his playing time, and he was eventually traded to the Atlanta Hawks in February 2020. Unfortunately, Skal did not appear in any games for the Hawks and became a free agent at the end of the season.
Skal Labissiere’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Skal Labissiere’s net worth is estimated to be $23 million.
Contract
Skal Labissiere signed a 10-day contract with the Sacramento Kings, marking his return to the NBA after spending most of the season with the Stockton Kings in the G League. This short-term deal was designed to provide the Kings with additional depth at the center position while key players were sidelined due to injuries. The 10-day contract is a standard arrangement in the NBA, offering players a brief opportunity to showcase their skills and potentially earn a longer-term spot on the roster.
Prior to this, Skal had signed several Exhibit 10 contracts with the Kings, which are non-guaranteed deals that allow players to compete for a place on the main team or continue developing in the G League. These contracts reflect Skal’s current role as a valuable depth player and mentor for younger teammates, while still keeping his NBA aspirations alive.
Salary
For the 2024–25 NBA season, Skal Labissiere’s salary with the Sacramento Kings was $128,603, earned through a 10-day contract signed in March 2025. This short-term deal reflects his current role as a depth player, providing support to the team during a period of injuries.
Compared to his earlier years in the league, when he earned over $1 million per season on his rookie contract, this salary is much lower and typical for players on temporary contracts. Skal’s total NBA career earnings through 2024 stand at approximately $6.37 million, highlighting the financial difference between his early career and his current status as a veteran looking to extend his time in the league.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team(s) | Cash Total | Cumulative Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Sacramento Kings | $1,188,840 | $1,188,840 |
| 2017 | Sacramento Kings | $1,312,611 | $2,501,451 |
| 2018 | Sacramento Kings/Portland Trail Blazers | $1,544,951 | $4,046,402 |
| 2019 | Portland Trail Blazers | $2,338,847 | $6,385,249 |
| 2024 | Sacramento Kings (10-day contract) | $128,603 | $6,367,674 |
NBA Career Stats
| Season | Team | Games Played | Points Per Game | Rebounds Per Game | Assists Per Game | Steals Per Game | Blocks Per Game |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016–17 | Sacramento Kings | 33 | 8.8 | 4.9 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 0.4 |
| 2017–18 | Sacramento Kings | 60 | 8.7 | 4.8 | 1.2 | 0.4 | 0.8 |
| 2018–19 | Kings/Trail Blazers | 22 | 3.0 | 2.0 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 0.3 |
| 2019–20 | Portland Trail Blazers | 33 | 5.8 | 5.1 | 1.3 | 0.2 | 0.9 |
| 2024–25 | Sacramento Kings | 4 | 1.3 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Career | 152 | 7.1 | 4.4 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 0.7 |
FAQs
1. Where was Skal Labissiere born and what is his nationality?
Skal Labissiere was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. He is Haitian by nationality. He spent his early years in Haiti before moving to the United States to pursue his basketball career.
2. How did Skal Labissiere’s early life in Haiti shape his basketball journey?
Labissiere survived the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti, where he and his family were trapped under rubble for hours. He temporarily lost the ability to walk but recovered with determination and support. This experience instilled resilience in him, which later fueled his basketball ambitions after relocating to the United States.
3. What position does Skal Labissiere play and what are his physical attributes?
Skal Labissiere primarily plays as a power forward and center. He stands 6 feet 11 inches tall and weighs around 235 pounds. His height and wingspan have made him a versatile player on both offense and defense.
4. Which college did Skal Labissiere attend and how did he perform there?
Labissiere attended the University of Kentucky for the 2015-16 season. He averaged 6.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game while shooting 51.6 percent from the field. Despite high expectations, he had a modest impact but remained a top NBA prospect.
5. When was Skal Labissiere drafted into the NBA and by which team?
He was selected 28th overall in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns. On draft night, his rights were traded to the Sacramento Kings, where he began his NBA career.
6. What teams has Skal Labissiere played for during his professional basketball career?
Labissiere has played for several teams, including the Sacramento Kings, Portland Trail Blazers, Atlanta Hawks, and Stockton Kings in the NBA G League. He has also had stints with the Reno Bighorns, Westchester Knicks, Mexico City Capitanes, and teams in Puerto Rico.
7. What are some of Skal Labissiere’s career highlights and achievements?
He was a First-team Parade All-American in high school and participated in the Nike Hoop Summit and Jordan Brand Classic. In the NBA G League, he has been selected for the Up Next Game and has posted strong stats, including averaging over 16 points and 8 rebounds per game in recent seasons.
8. What inspired Skal Labissiere to pursue basketball?
Initially more interested in soccer, Labissiere was inspired to focus on basketball after growing rapidly in height. Watching Kobe Bryant play motivated him and his brother to practice basketball moves, which sparked his passion for the sport.
9. What is Skal Labissiere’s NBA and G League statistical performance?
In his NBA career, Labissiere has played 148 games, averaging 7.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game. In the G League, he has averaged over 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists per game in recent seasons, showing consistent improvement and impact.
10. What is Skal Labissiere’s current status in professional basketball?
Labissiere most recently played for the Stockton Kings in the NBA G League. He briefly signed a 10-day contract with the Sacramento Kings in March 2025, appearing in three games before being released. He continues to pursue opportunities to return to the NBA.
