Carson Cooper, a 6‑foot‑11 forward from Michigan State, has agreed to a two‑way contract with the Memphis Grizzlies following the 2026 NBA Draft, the team announced on Tuesday.
A Draft‑Free Year for the Spartans
The draft passed without a single Michigan State prospect hearing his name called, marking the second consecutive year the program went unrepresented in the NBA Draft, a streak that began when Tom Izzo’s last NBA pick, Jase Richardson, was selected in 2025.
Cooper capped his senior campaign with averages of 11.1 points and 7.1 rebounds per game, while also registering 34 blocked shots and 21 steals, underscoring his defensive impact and playmaking ability.
He joins a lineage of former Spartans who have made their way to Memphis, including Zach Randolph, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Xavier Tillman Sr., all of whom have contributed to the Grizzlies’ front‑court depth over the years.
Teammate Jaxon Kohler also signed a non‑guaranteed Exhibit 10 contract with the Utah Jazz, reflecting a broader trend of underclassmen testing the draft process before withdrawing their names.
Summer League Schedule
The NBA’s Las Vegas Summer League will run from July 9‑19 in Nevada, with additional showcase games slated in California and Utah, providing Cooper and his fellow newcomers a platform to impress coaches ahead of the regular season.
With the Grizzlies looking to bolster their roster, Cooper’s blend of size, shot‑blocking and versatility could prove pivotal as the club evaluates its options for the upcoming campaign.