Carson Cooper is making a strong early case in NBA Summer League.
The former Michigan State big man turned in another solid showing Monday night, following up his debut with the Memphis Grizzlies by producing 10 points, six rebounds and an assist in a 3-of-5 shooting night against Jaxon Kohler and the Utah Jazz. Cooper also threw down another alley-oop after posterizing Aday Mara a couple of days ago.
That came on the heels of his first Summer League game, when he put up 11 points, five rebounds and three assists on 5-of-6 shooting against Mara and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Through two games, Cooper is averaging 10.5 points and 5.5 rebounds while shooting 8-of-11.
For Memphis, the appeal is obvious. Cooper signed a two-way contract with the Grizzlies right after the 2026 NBA Draft, and he’s already flashing the kind of game that can keep him in the mix. He’s been active defensively, moved well, finished around the rim, and even knocked down a 3-pointer in his debut.
There’s also a clear opening in Memphis. Zach Edey is the starter, and after the Grizzlies traded for Isaiah Stewart from the Detroit Pistons, Stewart looks like the backup.
That leaves no obvious third center, which is where Cooper enters the picture. He’s giving Memphis a look at a tough, physical big who can run the floor and be a lob threat in pick-and-roll action.
Grizzlies fans have noticed, and some are already talking about Cooper as a possible third center for the 2026-27 roster. The organization’s history with Michigan State big men only adds to the buzz, with Zach Randolph, Deyonta Davis, Xavier Tillman and Jaren Jackson Jr. all having been on Memphis rosters over the past couple of decades.
Kohler had his own strong debut, too. In his first Summer League game, he posted 11 points and seven rebounds against Cooper and the Grizzlies. Utah is now 2-0 after that win, while Memphis sits at 1-1.
The Spartan rookies are showing out.
Memphis is scheduled to play again Tuesday night at 7 p.m. ET against the Atlanta Hawks.
In Other News...
This New Spartans Back Could Change A Frustrating Offensive Problem
Michigan State spent the offseason trying to reshape its running back room, and Marvis Parrish is one of three transfers brought in to help. The Western Kentucky transfer arrives as a true sophomore with four years of eligibility left, and his freshman season offered a glimpse of why the Spartans were interested: he showed he can contribute as both a runner and a receiver, giving the offense a different kind of backfield option.
For a team looking to smooth out a frustrating offensive issue, Parrishs value may come less from pounding between the tackles and more from what he can do in space. He appears to fit best as a pass-game weapon, while other backs on the roster are better suited for the bruising work near the goal line and in short-yardage spots. That split could make him an important piece in Michigan States offense even if his role is not the most obvious one on the depth chart. [Read more 🡒]
Michigan State Is Already Eyeing The Next Big Point Guard Shift
Michigan States staff is already thinking a step ahead at the most important spot on the floor, and the 2027 board is starting to take shape accordingly. The Spartans have extended scholarship offers to a pair of high-end point guard targets as they look at what the next era of the position could look like, with the program clearly unwilling to wait until the last minute to address a possible transition.
The timing makes sense with the way the roster is lining up, and it also shows how aggressively Michigan State is trying to stay ahead of the curve in recruiting. Point guard succession plans are rarely simple, especially for a program that wants to keep competing at a high level, so adding multiple options early gives the staff some flexibility while the bigger picture around the position continues to develop. [Read more 🡒]