Michigan State Spartans in the NBA
The Michigan State Spartans have long been one of the most successful college basketball programs in the NCAA. The Spartans have produced some of the best players in the history of the game and have been a fixture in the NCAA tournament for decades. It’s only natural that many of the players who have gone through the program have gone on to have successful careers in the NBA. Here is a look at some of the most successful NBA players who attended Michigan State.
Magic Johnson
Perhaps the most iconic Michigan State alumnus to make it to the NBA is Magic Johnson. Johnson was a three-time All-American at Michigan State and led the Spartans to their first national championship in 1979. After leaving Michigan State, Johnson was drafted first overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1979 NBA draft. Johnson went on to have one of the most successful careers in NBA history, winning five championships, three MVP awards, and nine All-Star selections.
Steve Smith
Another successful Spartan to make it to the NBA is Steve Smith. Smith was a two-time All-American at Michigan State and led the Spartans to the NCAA title game in 1990. After leaving Michigan State, Smith was drafted fifth overall by the Miami Heat in the 1991 NBA draft. Smith went on to have a successful career in the NBA, making four All-Star teams and winning the NBA championship with the San Antonio Spurs in 2003.
Mateen Cleaves
Mateen Cleaves is another successful Spartan to make it to the NBA. Cleaves was a two-time All-American at Michigan State and led the Spartans to their second national championship in 2000. After leaving Michigan State, Cleaves was drafted by the Detroit Pistons in the 2000 NBA draft. Cleaves went on to have a successful career in the NBA, making one All-Star team and winning the NBA championship with the Pistons in 2004.
Jason Richardson
Jason Richardson is another successful Spartan to make it to the NBA. Richardson was a two-time All-American at Michigan State and led the Spartans to the NCAA title game in 2001. After leaving Michigan State, Richardson was drafted by the Golden State Warriors in the 2001 NBA draft. Richardson went on to have a successful career in the NBA, making two All-Star teams and winning the NBA championship with the Warriors in 2015.
Miles Bridges
Miles Bridges is the most recent Michigan State alumnus to make it to the NBA. Bridges was a two-time All-American at Michigan State and led the Spartans to the NCAA tournament in 2018. After leaving Michigan State, Bridges was drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2018 NBA draft. Bridges is still in the early stages of his career, but has already shown promise in the NBA, making the All-Rookie Second Team in 2019.
Other Notable Michigan State Players in the NBA
In addition to the players mentioned above, there have been a number of other successful Michigan State alumni who have made it to the NBA. Here is a list of some of the more notable players:
- Morris Peterson
- Kelvin Torbert
- Charlie Bell
- Shannon Brown
- Alan Anderson
- Adreian Payne
- Gary Harris
- Draymond Green
- Zach Randolph
- Denzel Valentine
Michigan State and the NBA Draft
Michigan State has long been a powerhouse in the college basketball world, and this has been reflected in the NBA draft. The Spartans have had at least one player drafted in the first round in each of the last seven drafts and at least one player drafted in the second round in each of the last nine drafts. Michigan State has also had at least one player drafted in the first round in each of the last three drafts.
Michigan State’s NBA Success
The success of Michigan State alumni in the NBA has been undeniable. Many of the players who have gone through the program have gone on to have successful careers in the league. From Magic Johnson to Draymond Green, Michigan State has produced some of the best players in the history of the NBA.
Michigan State’s Impact on the NBA
The impact of Michigan State on the NBA can not be understated. The Spartans have produced some of the best players in the history of the game and have been a fixture in the NBA draft for decades. Michigan State alumni have shown that they can compete and succeed at the highest level of basketball.
Future of Michigan State Alumni in the NBA
It is clear that Michigan State has had a great impact on the NBA and that this will continue into the future. The Spartans have a strong core of young players in the NBA, including Miles Bridges, Gary Harris, and Denzel Valentine. It is likely that these players, as well as future Michigan State alumni, will continue to have successful careers in the NBA.
Conclusion
Michigan State has been a major force in the college basketball world for many years, and this has been reflected in the success of their alumni in the NBA. From Magic Johnson to Miles Bridges, the Spartans have consistently produced some of the best players in the league. Michigan State alumni have shown that they can compete and succeed at the highest level of basketball and will continue to do so for many years to come.