If you walked into the Breslin Center today and asked Tom Izzo about his guys in the pros, he probably wouldn't start with their scoring averages. He’d likely talk about their "toughness" or how they’re setting screens in the fourth quarter. It’s a Michigan State thing. Honestly, it's become a bit of a running joke in NBA circles—if a guy comes out of East Lansing, you already know he’s going to be the loudest person on the bench and the first one to dive for a loose ball.
But MSU basketball players in the NBA are doing a lot more than just "playing hard" in 2026. We're seeing a shift from the old-school "enforcer" archetype to legitimate, high-level modern stars.
Look at Jaren Jackson Jr. He isn't just a shot-blocker anymore. He’s a terrifying defensive anchor for the Memphis Grizzlies who can also drop 25 points without breaking a sweat. Then you’ve got the veterans like Draymond Green, who is essentially the "old man on the porch" of the league now, teaching the next generation how to win while still getting tech’d up for arguing a blocking foul.
The Stars Holding Down the Fort
It’s impossible to talk about the current crop of Spartans without starting in Memphis. Jaren Jackson Jr. is basically the gold standard for what a modern "Izzo big" looks like when you add a 7-foot frame and a three-point shot.
As of early 2026, JJJ is putting up some absurd numbers. He just dropped 25 points on the Lakers a few weeks ago, and he’s been hovering around that 18-20 PPG mark all season. The craziest part? His defense hasn't dipped. He’s still swatting three or four shots a night. He’s 26 now, which is scary because he’s finally hitting that "grown man strength" phase of his career. You've seen it in the way he handles contact in the paint. He isn't getting bullied anymore.
Then there’s the Draymond factor.
Draymond Green is currently in his 14th NBA season. Think about that for a second. In an era where guys flame out in three years, Draymond is still a focal point for the Golden State Warriors. He’s 35, and yeah, he’s slower. He’s averaging about 8 points and 5 assists. But his brain is still moving at 100 mph. Interestingly, he’s recently started talking about coaching after he retires. He even joked that he’d want to coach at "Michigan State or Golden State—something with a State."
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Could you imagine Draymond roaming the sidelines in East Lansing? The refs wouldn't stand a chance.
The Rotation Guys You Can’t Win Without
While the stars get the highlights, the "glue guys" are where the Michigan State pedigree really shows up. NBA GMs love these dudes because they don't complain about touches.
- Xavier Tillman Sr.: Now with the Boston Celtics, Tillman is the definition of a professional. He’s 26, doesn't play huge minutes, but when Porzingis or Horford need a breather, he steps in and the defense doesn't drop off. He’s currently averaging about 3 rebounds a game in limited run, but his "screen assists" and defensive positioning are why the Celtics keep him around.
- Gary Harris: He’s been in the league for over a decade now. That’s wild. Currently with the Orlando Magic, Harris has settled into that "3-and-D" veteran role. He’s shooting around 37% from deep and providing a steady hand for a young Orlando team.
- Max Christie: This is the one Lakers fans are watching closely. Christie was always a "project" coming out of MSU, but he’s finally carving out a real role in LA. He’s 22 now, and his shooting has become much more consistent. He’s putting up about 8 or 9 points a night and playing elite perimeter defense.
Miles Bridges and the Charlotte Situation
We have to mention Miles Bridges. Say what you want about his off-court history—and there is a lot to say—but on the court, he remains one of the most productive former Spartans. He’s a walking double-double for the Charlotte Hornets.
In January 2026, he’s been on a tear, averaging nearly 20 points and 8 rebounds. He’s the secondary engine for that team behind LaMelo Ball. He’s also under a massive contract (3 years, $75 million), which shows how much the Hornets value his specific brand of athleticism. He's 27, in his prime, and basically the only thing keeping Charlotte competitive some nights.
Why the "Spartan Brand" Scales to the NBA
Why do MSU basketball players in the NBA seem to last longer than players from other "blue blood" schools?
It’s the conditioning. And the film room.
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I’ve talked to scouts who say that Izzo-led practices are basically NBA training camps on steroids. By the time a guy like Jaxon Kohler or Coen Carr (keep an eye on them for the 2026 and 2027 drafts, by the way) hits the league, they’ve already been screamed at, broken down, and built back up. They know how to read a scouting report.
They also don't have "diva" tendencies. Mostly.
Take a look at the "undrafted" success stories too. Tyson Walker is currently grinding in the G-League, trying to find that permanent roster spot. He’s 25, slightly undersized at 6'1", but he’s a professional scorer. Most teams are hesitant because of his age, but he’s the kind of guy who will eventually get a 10-day contract and stick because he knows how to play the "right" way.
What Most People Get Wrong About MSU Pros
The biggest misconception is that MSU only produces "role players."
People look at Draymond and Tillman and think, "Oh, they just produce gritty defenders." But Jaren Jackson Jr. is a franchise cornerstone. Devin Booker (who was a Michigan kid but went to Kentucky—huge "what if" there) is the type of player Izzo could produce if the right wing talent stayed home.
The reality is that Michigan State prepares you for the business of the NBA. The league is 82 games of exhaustion. If you can't handle a Tuesday night in January against the Pistons, you won't last. Spartans thrive in the "dog days" of the season.
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Recent Stats for Former Spartans (2025-2026 Season)
| Player | Team | PPG | RPG | APG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jaren Jackson Jr. | Memphis | 18.5 | 5.6 | 1.9 |
| Miles Bridges | Charlotte | 19.5 | 6.4 | 3.7 |
| Max Christie | LA Lakers | 8.5 | 2.8 | 1.4 |
| Draymond Green | Golden State | 8.6 | 5.9 | 5.3 |
| Xavier Tillman Sr. | Boston | 2.8 | 2.2 | 0.5 |
Note: These are mid-season averages as of January 2026.
The Next Wave: Who's Coming?
The pipeline isn't slowing down. Currently, the 2025-26 Spartans are ranked #12 in the country. Jeremy Fears Jr. is looking like a future NBA floor general. He’s got that "it" factor—the vision and the pace that pro scouts drool over.
Then there’s Coen Carr. If you haven't seen his highlight reels, go do that now. He’s a human pogo stick. While his perimeter game is still a work in progress, his raw athleticism is already NBA-ready. He’s the type of guy who could be a situational dunker/defender in the league tomorrow.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
If you’re tracking MSU basketball players in the NBA, keep these things in mind for the rest of the 2026 season:
- Watch Jaren Jackson Jr.’s "Blocks + Steals" (Stocks) props. He’s been much more aggressive on the perimeter this year, which leads to more "stocks."
- Monitor Max Christie’s minutes. The Lakers are leaning on him more as their veterans (LeBron/AD) take nights off. His value is highest when he starts.
- Draymond Green's "Assistant Coach" role. Even if he isn't scoring, his influence on the Warriors' point spread is huge. When he's out, their defensive rating falls off a cliff.
The "Izzo era" of pros is transitioning into a new phase where the players are more skilled and versatile than ever. But they’re still going to be the ones diving on the floor for that loose ball. Some things never change.
Check the Memphis and Charlotte injury reports before placing any player-specific bets. Jaren Jackson Jr. recently dealt with an illness, and Miles Bridges has been nursing a sore knee, though both are currently back in action and producing at high levels. Stay updated on the G-League call-ups for guys like Tyson Walker if you’re looking for deep-league fantasy sleepers.