"Thor and Spiderman back together after endgame" - NBA fans react as Cleveland Cavaliers sign South Sudanese forward

NBA fans dropped their reactions to the Cleveland Cavaliers signing rising South Sudan star JT Thor on a two-way contract. The Athletic's Shams Charania reported the news on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Saturday.

"Free agent forward JT Thor has agreed on a two-way NBA contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Thor – a 2021 second-round pick to Charlotte – averaged seven points and five rebounds in South Sudan’s games in the Paris Olympics," Charania wrote on X.

A fan made an uncanny reference to the Avengers movie while reacting to the news.

"Thor and Spiderman back together after endgame, how nice."

"Lmao the league is cooked we literally got Thor," said another fan.

Another X user voiced their excitement on the prospect of watching Thor playing for the Eastern Conference franchise.

"Great to see JT Thor getting a shot in the NBA! Excited to see what he can bring to the Cavs. Hope he takes full advantage of this opportunity! 🏀 #NBA #CavsNation."

One Cavaliers fans asserted that Thor has an excellent opportunity to build up his stock in Cleveland.

"We wanted Cam Johnson, we got JT Thor. Luckily for him, Cavs is one of the easiest ways to shine as a big man. Just catch the lob and play some defense and he'll earn a solid 10 minutes rotation."

Another fan lauded Cleveland for signing the South Sudanese star.

"South Sudan is a beast team filled with all Dawgs! Great, get!"

"Great showing in the Olympic Games. Well deserved," another X user said.

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JT Thor in the Olympics and NBA

JT Thor was a part of the South Sudan's national men's basketball team that became a fan-favorite with its excellent performances at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The 21-year-old averaged 6.7 points on 36.4% from the field, including 28.6% from the 3-point range. He also averaged 4.7 rebounds and one steal per game.

In South Sudan's 101-100 loss to Team USA in the showcase game in July, Thor scored 14 points in 18 minutes on the floor. He shot 3-of-6 from the field, including 1-of-4 from beyond the arc. The 21-year-old made seven of his nine free throws.

Thor was drafted as aa second-round pick in 2021 and has played three seasons for the Charlotte Hornets. Last season, the South Sudan forward played 63 games and averaged 3.2 points on 43.7% shooting from the floor, including 34.6% from downtown.

Overall, Thor has played 165 games in the NBA and averages 3.2 points and 2.1 rebounds.