Amari Bailey, born on February 17, 2004, has swiftly risen through the ranks to become a promising American professional basketball player. He currently plays for the Charlotte Hornets in the National Basketball Association (NBA), holding a two-way contract that allows him to also contribute to the Greensboro Swarm in the NBA G League. Bailey’s journey to the NBA is marked by notable achievements, starting from his early life and progressing through his high school and college basketball career.

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Quick Facts

Full Name	Amari Bailey
Known As	(Not specified)
Date of Birth	February 17, 2004
Birthplace	New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
Nickname	(Not specified)
Nationality	American
Zodiac Sign	Aquarius
Age	19
Height	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight	185 lb (84 kg)
Father’s Name	Aaron Bailey
Mother’s Name	Johanna Leia
Siblings	NA
Education	Sierra Canyon (Los Angeles, California)
Marital Status	Single
Sexual Orientation	Male
Girlfriend	None
Kids	None
Salary	NA
Profession	Professional Basketball Player
NBA Draft	2023: 2nd round, 41st overall pick – Selected by the Charlotte Hornets
Position	Shooting guard
League	NBA
Active Years	2023–present
Awards and Achievements	Pac-12 All-Freshman Team (2023) McDonald’s All-American (2022) California Mr. Basketball (2021)
Net Worth	Estimated between $1 million – $5 million
Currently Plays for	Charlotte Hornets and Greensboro Swarm (Two-way contract)
Social Media	Instagram
Merch	NA

Amari Bailey Early Life

Amari Bailey was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Johanna Leia and former NFL wide receiver Aaron Bailey. Raised by his single mother, Bailey’s childhood was shaped in Chicago, Illinois. Even at a young age, he displayed exceptional basketball talent, gaining attention as Chicago’s most talked-about 7th-grade player while attending Skinner West Elementary School. His early life was featured in the Lifetime reality show “Bringing Up Ballers” in 2017, offering a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of a young athlete and his entrepreneurial mother.

High School Career

Bailey’s journey took him to Chatsworth, California, where he played for Sierra Canyon School. In his first year, he contributed to his team’s victory in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Open Division state title. In his junior season, he showcased impressive statistics, averaging 29.2 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game. Recognitions poured in as he earned titles such as California Mr. Basketball, MaxPrep California Player of the Year, and Gold Coast League MVP. Additionally, he was selected as a McDonald’s All-American in his senior year, highlighting his standing among the top high school players nationwide.

Recruiting

Bailey’s prowess on the court attracted attention early on, earning him a consensus five-star recruit status. Despite committing to DePaul at 13, he later opted for UCLA, showcasing his flexibility and commitment to finding the right fit. His recruiting journey was marked by ups and downs, including decommitments and recommitments, but ultimately, he found his place at UCLA under coach Mick Cronin.

College Career

Bailey’s college career at UCLA commenced with promising performances, earning him the Pac-12 Conference’s Freshman of the Week award and notable scoring outputs against Pepperdine and Stanford. However, a setback occurred when an injury sidelined him for seven games, impacting the latter part of the season. Despite challenges, he played a pivotal role in UCLA’s journey to the Sweet 16 of the 2023 NCAA tournament and was named to the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team.

Professional Career

The Charlotte Hornets recognized Bailey’s potential, selecting him in the second round of the 2023 NBA draft. He signed a two-way contract with the team, showcasing his skills in the NBA Summer League before making an impressive G-League debut with the Greensboro Swarm, scoring 26 points. Bailey’s NBA debut with the Hornets took place on November 12, 2023, against the New York Knicks, marking the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable professional career.

National Team Career

Bailey’s international experience includes representing the United States at the 2019 FIBA Under-16 Americas Championship in Brazil. His contributions were integral to the team’s success, averaging 13.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game, ultimately securing the gold medal.

Family Background

Amari Bailey, born on February 17, 2004, is the son of Johanna Leia and Aaron Bailey. His family dynamics changed with his parents’ separation, and he and his sister were raised by his mother as a single parent. This family structure, marked by Johanna Leia’s influence and guidance, significantly contributed to Amari’s development as an individual and an athlete.

Johanna Leia – A Former Model and Influencer

Johanna Leia, Amari’s mother, is recognized as a former model and has made a name for herself as a reality TV star and social media influencer. Her career achievements include being featured in the Lifetime reality show “Bringing Up Ballers” in 2017, where five Chicago-based families, including theirs, supported their aspiring basketball player sons.

Apart from being in the entertainment industry, Johanna is a dedicated entrepreneur and influencer. She first became a model for Ford and managed emerging athletes through her talent agency, “Just Living.” Her dedication to supporting Amari is evident, with frequent appearances courtside and expressions of support on social media.

In 2021, Johanna garnered headlines for her connection with the rapper Drake, who rented out Dodger Stadium for a private dinner date. However, their romance concluded in October of the same year.

Aaron Bailey – Former NFL Star

Amari’s father, Aaron Bailey, had a successful career in the NFL, spending five seasons with the Indianapolis Colts from 1994 to 1998. His primary roles included serving as a kick returner on special teams and playing wide receiver. With 1,040 receiving yards and six touchdowns, Aaron made significant contributions to the team.

However, his true impact was felt as a prolific return man, accumulating an impressive 3,696 return yards and scoring two touchdowns with 173 returns. After his NFL career, Aaron transitioned into a new profession as a Learning and Behavioral Specialist in Michigan’s Kentwood Public School district.

Presently residing in Michigan with his wife, Jennifer, Aaron Bailey’s athletic prowess appears to have been passed down to his son, Amari Bailey, who has excelled in basketball.

Physical Attributes

Amari Bailey, the talented American basketball player, boasts a listed height of 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 meters) and 185 pounds (84 kilograms). These physical attributes contribute to his dynamic presence on the court, showcasing a combination of height, agility, and strength that is essential in the competitive world of basketball.

Standing at 6 feet 3 inches, or 1.91 meters, Amari Bailey commands attention on the basketball court, utilizing his height to navigate opponents, secure rebounds, and deliver impressive plays. This listed height reflects his physical stature and the strategic advantage it provides in various aspects of the game.

Achievements and Awards

Amari Bailey’s basketball journey is studded with accolades that mirror his exceptional talent and impact on the court. In 2021, he clinched the prestigious title of California Mr. Basketball, showcasing his dominance in high school basketball. The following year, Bailey was named a McDonald’s All-American, solidifying his status as one of the nation’s top high school players. Transitioning to the collegiate level, he swiftly earned a spot on the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team in 2023, highlighting his immediate impact and versatility with the UCLA Bruins. These achievements collectively underscore Bailey’s remarkable trajectory in basketball, promising a future laden with continued success and recognition.

Net Worth 

Amari Bailey’s estimated net worth, ranging between $1 million and 5 million dollars, is a testament to the success and financial rewards he has garnered through his primary career as a professional basketball player. As a rising star, Bailey’s economic achievements underscore the significant value placed on his skills and potential within the sports industry, setting the stage for continued success and financial growth in the future.