You’ve probably seen the highlight reels or caught a late-night Grizzlies game where Jaren Jackson Jr. looks like he’s playing volleyball with opponent layup attempts. It’s easy to think Michigan State is just a "toughness" factory. You know the drill—Tom Izzo finds a kid who likes to hit people, teaches him to rebound, and sends him to the pros to be a "glue guy."
But honestly? That narrative is kinda lazy.
If you actually look at the crop of michigan state basketball nba players currently carving out space in the league, you’ll see something way more complex than just "grit." We’re talking about a Defensive Player of the Year, a four-time champion who redefined the point-forward role, and a scoring wing who just secured a $75 million bag. The Spartan footprint in the NBA right now isn't just about hard fouls; it’s about high-IQ versatility.
The Modern Anchors: Jackson and Green
It's impossible to talk about Spartans in the pros without starting with Draymond Green. People love to hate him. They talk about the technicals and the podcast, but they often forget he was a second-round pick. Nobody expected him to be the defensive heartbeat of the greatest dynasty of this generation.
As of early 2026, Draymond is still out there doing Draymond things for the Golden State Warriors. His scoring has dipped—he's hovering around 8 points a game—but his value isn't in the box score. He’s basically a coach on the floor. If you watch a Warriors game today, he’s still the one directing traffic, even if his athleticism isn't what it was in 2016.
Then you have Jaren Jackson Jr. in Memphis.
JJJ is the evolution of the Spartan big man. He’s not just a bruiser. He’s a unicorn who can switch onto guards and still lead the league in blocks. In the 2024-25 season, he put up a career-high 22.5 points per game. He’s become the primary scoring option when Ja Morant is out, which is a far cry from the "role player" label people usually slap on Izzo’s guys. He was named an All-Star again in 2025, proving that the defensive dominance he showed in East Lansing was just the foundation.
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The Mid-Career Chameleons: Bridges and Harris
Miles Bridges is a polarizing figure, mostly for stuff that happened off the court, but his game on the court is undeniable. After sitting out the 2022-23 season, he returned to the Charlotte Hornets and basically didn't miss a beat. By the 2025-26 season, he’s been averaging nearly 20 points and 6 rebounds.
Most people thought Miles would just be a dunker. He’s actually turned into a legitimate three-level scorer. He’s shooting around 34-37% from deep, which makes him a nightmare in transition.
Then there’s Gary Harris.
Gary is the guy every contender wants. He’s currently with the Milwaukee Bucks (as of January 2026), providing that veteran "three-and-D" presence. His stats won't blow your hair back—maybe 6 to 10 points a night—but he’s shooting 37% from three and playing lock-down perimeter defense. He’s survived over a decade in the NBA because he’s reliable. That’s the "Spartan Dawg" DNA people talk about, but it’s polished for the modern pace-and-space game.
The New Guard and the Championship Pedigree
Max Christie is the one everyone should be watching right now.
When he left MSU after one year, a lot of fans (and maybe some coaches) thought he wasn't ready. He was skinny. He struggled with the physical nature of the Big Ten. But the Los Angeles Lakers saw the vision. After a solid stint in LA, Christie moved to the Dallas Mavericks for the 2025-26 season.
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Guess what? He’s thriving.
He’s been putting up double digits (around 12.3 PPG) and shooting over 40% from deep in some stretches. He’s 6'6" with a wingspan that makes him a perfect modern wing. He’s proving that Michigan State can produce "pro-style" finesse players, not just interior grinders.
The Ring Collectors
- Xavier Tillman Sr.: Won a ring with the Boston Celtics in 2024. He’s the ultimate "stay ready" guy. One night he’s a DNP, the next night he’s playing 20 crucial minutes in the playoffs because a starter got hurt.
- Draymond Green: Four rings. Enough said.
- Bryn Forbes: (Now retired/overseas) Won a title with Milwaukee in 2021.
Why the "Izzo Effect" Actually Matters
There is a common misconception that Tom Izzo’s system "hides" talent or holds guys back. People point to Cassius Winston (who is currently balling out for Hapoel Jerusalem in Israel) as an example of a college superstar who didn't "translate."
That’s a narrow way to look at it.
The reality is that michigan state basketball nba players are sought after because they understand schemes. NBA scouts tell you that Spartan players arrive with "pro habits." They know how to set a legal screen. They know how to talk on defense. They don't complain about their role.
Take Xavier Tillman. He’s not the tallest or the fastest, but he’s in the league because he knows where to be on every defensive rotation. He’s been a "serviceable" backup for the Celtics throughout 2025, even when he’s only getting 8 or 9 minutes a game. You can’t teach that level of professionalism to every 20-year-old.
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Where Are They Now? (A Quick Reference)
| Player | Current NBA Team (Jan 2026) | Role / Key Stat |
|---|---|---|
| Draymond Green | Golden State Warriors | Defensive Anchor / 5+ APG |
| Jaren Jackson Jr. | Memphis Grizzlies | All-Star / 2+ BPG |
| Miles Bridges | Charlotte Hornets | Lead Scorer / 19+ PPG |
| Max Christie | Dallas Mavericks | 3-and-D Wing / 38% 3PT |
| Gary Harris | Milwaukee Bucks | Veteran Reserve |
| Xavier Tillman | Boston Celtics | Backup Center |
The "Almost" NBA Stories
It’s worth noting that some of the greatest Spartans ever didn't have long NBA careers. Denzel Valentine, Cassius Winston, and Kalin Lucas were legends in East Lansing. Winston is a great example of a guy whose "measurables" (height/speed) just didn't quite match the NBA's extreme requirements, despite having the best basketball IQ in the room. He’s currently one of the top guards in the Israeli Premier League, proving he’s still a pro, just not an NBA one.
Moving Forward: Who's Next?
If you’re a fan looking for the next Spartan in the league, keep an eye on the current roster. Guys like Jeremy Fears Jr. and Jaxon Kohler have the tools, but they need that "Izzo seasoning" to turn into the versatile pros we see today.
The trend is clear: the NBA isn't looking for Michigan State "enforcers" anymore. They are looking for the versatile, high-IQ wings and bigs who can survive a playoff series.
Actionable Insights for Following Spartans in the NBA:
- Track the "Defensive Rating": When Jaren Jackson Jr. or Draymond Green are on the floor, their teams' defensive metrics skyrocket. Don't just look at points.
- Watch the "Value" Minutes: Players like Xavier Tillman and Gary Harris are often used in "clutch" defensive possessions. Watch the last two minutes of a close game to see why coaches trust them.
- Monitor Max Christie’s Growth: He is the litmus test for whether MSU can continue to produce high-level offensive wings. His shooting percentages in Dallas are the key to his long-term career.
The legacy of Magic Johnson and Steve Smith is safe, but the current generation is busy reinventing what it means to be a Spartan in the pros. It’s less about the "Izzone" and more about the "IQ Zone." These guys are sticking around the league because they are smarter, not just tougher, than the competition.