Corey James Kispert Bio
Corey James Kispert is an American professional basketball player currently serving as a small forward for the Atlanta Hawks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born on March 3, 1999, in Edmonds, Washington, Kispert has established himself as one of the premier three-point shooters in professional basketball. After a standout collegiate career at Gonzaga University, he entered the NBA as the 15th overall pick in the 2021 draft, selected by the Washington Wizards. His journey from a high school state champion to an NBA player reflects his consistent development and dedication to the sport.
Early Life and Background
Kispert grew up in Edmonds, Washington, and attended King’s High School in Shoreline. During his junior year, he delivered an exceptional season, averaging 23.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.3 steals per game while leading his team to their second consecutive state championship. He earned MVP honors at the State Championship Tournament, showcasing his ability to perform in high-pressure situations. Rated as a four-star recruit, Kispert drew interest from multiple college programs before ultimately choosing Gonzaga over Notre Dame following his junior season.
His senior year showed promise as he was averaging 25 points per game before suffering a foot injury in February that interrupted his high school career. Despite this setback, his recruitment remained strong, and his commitment to Gonzaga marked the beginning of his ascent in collegiate basketball. Interestingly, Kispert has mentioned that Virginia head coach Tony Bennett told him he needed to prove himself against higher competition, a comment that motivated Kispert significantly in future matchups against the Cavaliers.
Path to Basketball
Kispert’s path to professional basketball began with his exceptional performance at King’s High School, where his scoring ability and court awareness stood out among his peers. The four-star recruit designation placed him among the top prospects in the country, attracting attention from major programs across the nation. His decision to attend Gonzaga University gave him the opportunity to develop under a respected collegiate program while continuing to refine his skills against elite competition.
His recruitment story includes an interesting chapter with Virginia, where head coach Tony Bennett expressed hesitation about offering him a scholarship without seeing him face stronger opponents. This feedback motivated Kispert to prove himself, and he would later use that motivation to excel against Virginia during his collegiate career. This resilience and drive characterized his approach throughout his development as a player.
Corey James Kispert Career
College Career (2017–2021)
Kispert began his collegiate journey as a true freshman at Gonzaga, appearing in all 35 games with seven starts while averaging 6.7 points and 3.2 rebounds per game. His versatility and basketball IQ allowed him to contribute immediately at the Division I level. By his sophomore season, he had earned a starting role, averaging eight points and 4.1 rebounds per game as his responsibilities increased within the Bulldogs’ system.
His junior season marked a significant breakthrough, as he earned a spot on the Julius Erving Award watchlist and became Gonzaga’s sole returning starter from the previous year. On November 28, 2019, he scored 28 points while making seven of eight three-point attempts against Southern Mississippi in the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament. He continued his strong play with a 26-point performance against North Carolina in a 94-81 victory, demonstrating his ability to contribute against top-tier competition. At season’s end, he earned First Team All-West Coast Conference honors while averaging 13.9 points per game.
Following his junior season, Kispert declared for the 2020 NBA draft but did not hire an agent, leaving the door open for a return to college. He ultimately decided to return for his senior season on August 3, 2020, a decision that would prove transformative for his career. Entering his senior year on the Preseason All-WCC team, he scored his 1,000th career point in the season opener against Kansas, finishing with 23 points in the 102-90 victory. On December 26, 2020, he recorded a career-high 32 points, tying the school record with nine three-pointers, in a 98-75 win against Virginia. He led Gonzaga to a remarkable 31-1 record, with the only loss coming against Baylor in the national championship game.
For his senior season performance, Kispert was named WCC Player of the Year and won the Julius Erving Award as the nation’s top small forward. He earned consensus first-team All-American honors and was named Academic All-American of the Year. As a senior, he averaged 18.6 points and five rebounds per game, establishing himself as one of the most complete players in college basketball.
Washington Wizards Era (2021–2026)
On July 29, 2021, Kispert was selected with the 15th overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft by the Washington Wizards. Five days later, on August 4, he signed his rookie scale contract and began preparing for his professional career. He made his NBA debut on October 22, scoring two points in a 135-134 overtime victory against the Indiana Pacers. While his first official game was modest, his rookie season showed promise as he averaged 8.2 points per game while adapting to the speed and physicality of professional basketball.
His second season brought noticeable improvement, with Kispert averaging 11.1 points per game as his role within the Wizards’ offense expanded. His third season saw continued growth, with his scoring average rising to 13.4 points per game. Throughout his Wizards tenure, he established himself as an elite three-point shooter, currently holding a career three-point percentage of 38.2 percent. In his second year, his three-point percentage of 42.4 percent ranked 10th best in the entire league, demonstrating his value as a floor spacer and offensive weapon.
A defining moment came on March 31, 2023, when Kispert made nine of 14 three-point attempts, finishing with 27 points against the Orlando Magic. The nine three-pointers tied him for the second-most in a single game in franchise history. On October 21, 2024, he and the Wizards agreed to a four-year, $54 million contract extension, signaling the organization’s commitment to his long-term development. In 61 appearances that season, he averaged 11.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists before suffering a torn ligament in his left thumb that required surgery and ended his season on March 18, 2025.
Atlanta Hawks Era (2026–Present)
On January 9, 2026, Kispert’s career took a significant turn when he, alongside CJ McCollum, was traded to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for star point guard Trae Young. This move represented a new chapter for Kispert as he joined a franchise seeking to reshape its roster around a different core. He made his Hawks debut wearing jersey number 24, continuing his career with his new team. On February 26, 2026, Kispert recorded a career-high 33 points along with six rebounds in a 126-96 victory over his former team, the Washington Wizards, providing an early signature moment in his Hawks career.
Driving Style and Strengths
Kispert has established himself as one of the most reliable three-point shooters in the NBA. His shooting mechanics are smooth and repeatable, allowing him to score efficiently both off the catch and off movement. His ability to space the floor creates driving lanes for teammates while his basketball IQ enables him to find open spaces within opposing defenses. His scoring prowess extends beyond three-point shooting, as he can put the ball on the floor and finish at the rim when defenses close out too aggressively.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Kispert has achieved several notable milestones. His college career included scoring 1,000 career points and setting a school record with nine three-pointers in a single game. In the NBA, his nine three-point game tied him for second-most in Wizards franchise history. His career-high 33-point performance with the Hawks represents his highest-scoring night as a professional. The $54 million contract extension he signed with Washington in 2024 demonstrated his value as a building block for any franchise.
Corey James Kispert Career Wins
Across his collegiate and professional career, Kispert has accumulated numerous accolades that highlight his consistent excellence on the basketball court. His collegiate achievements remain among his most prestigious, while his NBA career continues to develop with each season.
Gonzaga Highlights
At Gonzaga, Kispert earned consensus first-team All-American honors as a senior in 2021, the highest recognition for collegiate players. He won the Julius Erving Award, given annually to the nation’s top small forward, becoming the first player in Gonzaga history to earn this honor. He was named WCC Player of the Year in 2021 and earned First Team All-WCC recognition in both 2020 and 2021. His senior season averages of 18.6 points and five rebounds per game reflected his status as one of the top players in the country. His career-high 32-point performance against Virginia showcased his ability to take over games against quality opponents.
Other Achievements
In addition to his collegiate honors, Kispert was named Academic All-American of the Year in 2021, recognizing his excellence in the classroom alongside his athletic achievements. His NBA career has seen him average double-digit scoring in three of his first four seasons, with his career three-point percentage of 38.2 percent marking him as a legitimate shooting threat at the professional level.
Corey James Kispert Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Kispert comes from an athletic family with notable sports achievements. He is the grandson of Dainard Paulson, a former American Football League player who holds that league’s record for most interceptions in a single season. This family legacy of athletic excellence has contributed to Kispert’s competitive nature and dedication to his craft.
Personal Life
Kispert is a Catholic and credits his faith with providing grounding throughout his basketball journey. While attending Gonzaga, he met his future wife, Jenn Wirth, who also played basketball at the university. The couple married on July 7, 2023, at the Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano, California. Their relationship began during their collegiate years, with both supporting each other’s athletic pursuits before embarking on their respective careers.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a challenging year for Kispert as he continued his tenure with the Washington Wizards. Before his season-ending injury, he appeared in 61 games while averaging 11.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. His performance demonstrated continued growth and consistency, making him a valuable piece of the Wizards’ future plans. The four-year, $54 million contract extension he signed in October 2024 reflected the organization’s belief in his long-term potential and contributions to the team.
However, the season took a difficult turn when Kispert suffered a torn ligament in his left thumb that required surgery. The injury occurred on March 18, 2025, ending his season prematurely and forcing him to begin rehabilitation. Despite this setback, his performance prior to the injury showed he had established himself as a reliable starter and three-point shooting threat in the Wizards’ rotation.
Looking ahead, Kispert’s trajectory suggests continued contributions at the NBA level. His elite three-point shooting, work ethic, and basketball IQ provide him with a strong foundation for sustained success. The trade to Atlanta in January 2026 opened new opportunities, and his early performances with the Hawks, including his 33-point career-high against Washington, indicate he is well-positioned for continued growth and impact in the seasons to come.