Every year, it seems like more and more NBA teams wake up to the idea that two-way contracts are a meaningful pipeline for player development. Twenty-six players were converted from two-way contracts to standard deals during the 2024-25 season, including playoff role players like Scotty Pippen Jr. and Ryan Rollins. Smart teams (Memphis and Miami, for example) have managed to find gems with their two-ways on an annual basis.
Here are five two-way contract players who have a strong chance at becoming the next two-way contract success stories during the 2025-26 NBA season:
Quenton Jackson (Guard, Indiana Pacers)
With Tyrese Haliburton out of the picture for a year, Indiana will need other guards on the roster to step up. Andrew Nembhard is a popular breakout candidate for that reason, but Quenton Jackson could also make an out-of-left-field leap with increased opportunity. Jackson has had some productive moments in the league already. He averaged 9.1 points on 50/47/69 splits in seven starts and 5.8 points on 47/37/77 splits overall last season. The explosive guard can score effectively, especially as a slasher, but he’s also made strides as a ball handler/playmaker in his career. If he keeps trending upward in the floor general department, “Fly Guy Q” could find himself as a full-time rotation player.
Elijah Harkless (Guard, Utah Jazz)
The Jazz as a whole lack grit and defensive aptitude. Their core guards (Isaiah Collier, Keyonte George, Walter Clayton Jr.) are all offensively inclined. Elijah Harkless could be the spark of energy the team needs in the backcourt. The second-year man is a stubborn stopper on the perimeter defensively and a determined rebounder as well. Most importantly, he doesn’t need the ball to impact the game, meaning he could share the court with Utah’s young prospects without stepping on their development. For more on Harkless, check out this article from July.
Jackson Rowe (Forward, Golden State Warriors)
Golden State has done an excellent job utilizing their two-ways in recent years, unearthing quality contributors such as Ty Jerome, Quinten Post and Pat Spencer. Steve Kerr trusts every man on his bench and gives each guy a chance. Jackson Rowe could be the next rotation piece to emerge from their two-way program. The sophomore stands at 6’7” with a strong frame and has all the ideal traits for a complementary forward. He spaces the floor, cuts sharply and gets after it on the glass. Rowe will turn 29 this season, but his age/experience should only boost his odds of making an impact on winning in 2025-26.
PJ Hall (Big, Memphis Grizzlies)
After an impressive career at Clemson, PJ Hall surprisingly went undrafted in 2024. He barely saw the floor as a rookie with Denver last season, playing just 3.5 minutes a night. This year, though, the script should flip. The Grizzlies have a shallow frontcourt, especially while Zach Edey is out, meaning Hall’s number may be called early on. The big man has the potential to be the next Jay Huff with his toughness and inside-outside versatility. If he shows out, Hall could become Memphis’ full-time backup five.
Tristan Vukcevic (Big, Washington Wizards)
Vukcevic offers an enticing perimeter skillset at the five spot. He shot 37.3% from deep last season, and he can hit contested and rhythm jumpers. His jumper is much cleaner than the average center’s. The 22-year-old is also comfortable putting the ball on the deck and attacking a closeout. Through two campaigns with the rebuilding Wizards, Vukcevic hasn’t found a stable role yet, but 2025-26 could be his year. It’s easy to picture him and Alex Sarr sharing the court for long stretches in the frontcourt.
Honorable mentions for this list include Keaton Wallace, Nae’Qwan Tomlin, RayJ Dennis, E.J. Liddell and Amari Williams. Overall, the league’s two-way contract pool is rich with talent and teams will be rewarded if they invest in their guys.
The Bench Mob Blog 