Last Updated on July 21, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

P.J. Dozier has relied on his size, defensive versatility, and all-around skill set to carve out a role as a valuable backcourt contributor in the NBA. Even after overcoming a significant injury setback, his resilience, playmaking ability, and willingness to guard multiple positions have continued to make him an appealing option for teams seeking two-way depth.

Here’s the detailed information about PJ Dozier:

  • Full Name: Perry Dozier Jr.
  • Nationality: American
  • Age: Born October 25, 1996
  • Hometown: Columbia, South Carolina
  • Height: 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 m)
  • Weight: 205 lbs (93 kg)
  • Wingspan: 6 feet 11 inches (2.11 m)
  • Shoe Size: 15 (US)
  • Jersey Number:
    • College: #2 (South Carolina)
    • NBA: #35 (Oklahoma City Thunder), #50 (Boston Celtics), #1 (Denver Nuggets), #35 (Orlando Magic), #35 (Sacramento Kings)
  • Position: Shooting guard / Small forward
  • High School: Spring Valley High School (Columbia, South Carolina)
  • College: University of South Carolina (2015–2017)
  • NBA Draft: Undrafted in 2017
  • Player Archetype: Two-way combo guard with defensive versatility
  • Primary Offensive Role: Secondary ball-handler / slasher
  • Defensive Role: Perimeter stopper with switchability across guard/wing positions
  • Play Style: Long-striding attacker who operates in transition, attacks gaps, and defends multiple positions using length
  • Handedness / Shooting Hand: Right-handed
  • Athletic Profile: Above-average length and fluid athleticism; excels in open floor
  • Recruiting Status: 4-star recruit (ESPN Top 50 range)
  • Draft Status Detail: Undrafted in 2017; later signed via Summer League pathway and G League development
  • Injury Status Category: Moderate Risk — has experienced notable injuries (including ACL tear) impacting continuity but not fully career-ending
  • Career Stage: Journeyman rotation guard / depth piece
  • Comparison Style: Defense-first combo guard with slashing utility
  • Comparable Players:
    • Shaun Livingston — tall guard with slashing and midrange focus
    • Delon Wright — versatile defensive guard with secondary playmaking
    • Gary Payton II — defense-driven guard with opportunistic offense
  • Teams Played For:
    • Oklahoma City Thunder (2017–2018)
    • Boston Celtics (2018)
    • Denver Nuggets (2019–2022)
    • Sacramento Kings (2022)
    • Minnesota Timberwolves (2023)
  • Championship Rings: None
  • Kids: None publicly known
  • Siblings: Has a sister, Asia Dozier, who played college basketball at the University of South Carolina

PJ Dozier’s player archetype is that of a long, defense-first combo guard who brings versatility across both backcourt spots, functioning primarily as a perimeter defender capable of switching assignments while contributing offensively as a secondary ball-handler and slasher; his physical traits—standing around 6’6″ with notable length—enable him to disrupt passing lanes, contest shots, and finish in transition, and his play style leans toward opportunistic scoring, connective passing, and energy-driven defense rather than high-volume shot creation.

Scouting Report

P.J. Dozier has always looked most comfortable when the game gets a little messy. He’s not the type to break defenders down with a series of dazzling moves, but his long stride and high handle let him snake through pick-and-rolls, keep defenders on his hip, and see over the top of smaller guards to deliver passes that don’t appear available at first glance. The interesting thing is that his size changes the geometry of an offense more than his scoring does; he can bring the ball up, flow into a DHO, relocate to the wing, then attack a closeout without needing the play to revolve around him. His jumper can flatten out and defenders are often willing to test it, which means possessions occasionally stall if he can’t turn the corner, but he’s far more effective attacking a tilted defense than trying to manufacture one from scratch. Defensively, that’s where his length becomes a genuine tool rather than just a measurement. He bothers ball handlers from behind after screens, reaches into passing lanes without completely abandoning his assignment, and can switch onto wings for stretches because he absorbs contact well enough to keep them from walking into the paint. Bigger forwards can overpower him on deep seals, while smaller, explosive guards sometimes force him to open his hips earlier than he’d like, yet he generally recovers with his reach instead of conceding the play. To me, his ideal fit is alongside an offense driven by a star creator, where he can slide between secondary ball-handling duties, defend multiple perimeter assignments, and keep possessions connected rather than dominate them. His game brings to mind Shaun Livingston without the same mid-post reliance, with flashes of Delon Wright in the way he uses length and patience to influence both ends without piling up possessions.

Sources:
Basketball Reference — P.J. Dozier Stats
NBA.com — P.J. Dozier Player Profile
ESPN — P.J. Dozier Bio