[1] He played three seasons of college basketball for the University of Tennessee under head coach Bruce Pearl from 2008 to 2011.

[5] In July 2012, Hopson signed with Hapoel Eilat of the Israeli Basketball Super League for the 2012–13 season.

[10][11] On July 12, 2014, Hopson was traded, along with cash considerations, to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Brendan Haywood and the draft rights to Dwight Powell.

[14] On September 17, 2014, he was traded, along with Alonzo Gee, to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Jason Terry and two future second-round draft picks.

[16] On December 7, 2014, Hopson was acquired by the Sioux Falls Skyforce of the NBA Development League.

[17] On February 24, 2015, Hopson set two Skyforce single-game records, scoring 52 points and making 21 field goals in a win over the Reno Bighorns.

[18] On April 21, 2015, Hopson signed with Laboral Kutxa of Spain for the rest of the 2014–15 ACB season.

[19] In September 2015, Hopson signed with the Foshan Long Lions of China for the 2015–16 CBA season.

[28] He was waived two days later[29] and subsequently joined the Thunder's NBA G League affiliate, the Oklahoma City Blue.

[48] On November 3, 2022, Hopson was named to the opening night roster for the Oklahoma City Blue.