Spartans in the NBA: End of season rankings
The 2020-21 NBA season has come to an end and with it we take time to reflect on which former Spartans did the best in the NBA this season. From Miles Bridges to Cassius Winston to Jaren Jackson Jr., let’s take a look at how the Spartans fared:
No. 8: Cassius Winston (PG - Washington Wizards)
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2020-21 Stats: 22 games, 4.5 MPG, 1.9 PPG, 0.4 RPG, 0.5 APG, 47.1% 3PT, 83.3% FT Cassius Winston split the season between the NBA and G League, but rode the bench during his time in the NBA. Winston played in 22 NBA games and averaged about 4.5 minutes per contest. He averaged 1.9 points per game for the Wizards, but found better success with the Erie Bayhawks in the G League, averaging 12.8 points per game, 2.8 rebounds per game and 5.6 assists per game across 15 games. Expect Winston to have a much bigger role in his second year in the NBA.
No. 7: Denzel Valentine (SG/SF - Chicago Bulls)
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2020-21 Stats: 62 Games (3 starts), 16.7 MPG, 6.5 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 1.7 APG, 33.1% 3PT, 94.1% FT Valentine had his first full NBA season since 2017-18, playing in 62 games this season. He missed the end of the 2017-18 season due to knee surgery, and missed the 2018-19 season due to ankle instability that carried over into the 2019-20 season. But, Valentine was able to play in most of the Bulls games and averaged 6.5 points per game off the bench in a contract year. Valentine enters the first free agency of his career this offseason.
No. 6: Jaren Jackson Jr. (PF - Memphis Grizzlies)
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2020-21 Stats: 11 Games (4 starts), 23.5 MPG, 14.4 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 1.1 APG, 1.6 BPG, 1.1 SPG, 83.3% FT Jackson Jr. was limited to 11 games this season due to a torn meniscus he suffered in the bubble last season. He made a quick impact on the Grizzlies and inserted himself in the starting lineup as the Grizzlies made a playoff push. Jackson Jr. averaged 14.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game in his return.
No. 5: Gary Harris (SG - Denver Nuggets/Orlando Magic)
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2020-21 Stats: 39 Games (38 starts), 27.7 MPG, 9.9 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 2.0 APG, 34% 3PT, 82.1% FT Harris had another injury-riddled season and played in 39 games. Harris was traded midseason from the Nuggets to the Orlando Magic in a package deal for Aaron Gordon. Over the course of the season, Harris averaged 9.9 points per game in what was his worst statistical season since his rookie year. Hopefully 2021-22 brings an injury-free season for Harris as he enters a contract year.
No. 4: Xavier Tillman Sr. (PF/C - Memphis Grizzlies)
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2020-21 Stats: 59 Games (12 starts), 18.4 MPG, 6.6 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 1.3 APG, 55.9% FG, 33.8% 3PT Tillman Sr. perhaps had the most surprising season among former Spartans in the NBA. He played in 59 games for the Grizzlies and even started 12! Tillman averaged 6.6 points per game in about 18 minutes per game. Tillman was a stalwart on the defensive side much as he was at MSU. Tillman flashed some of his upside and should have a much bigger role in 2021-22 season.
No. 3: Bryn Forbes (SG - Milwaukee Bucks)
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2020-21 Stats: 70 Games (10 starts), 19.3 MPG, 10.0 PPG, 1.6 RPG, 0.6 APG, 45.2% 3PT, 77% FT Forbes came to Milwaukee after signing a 2-yr/$4.79 million contract in the offseason. He spent the first four seasons with the San Antonio Spurs. As a role player off the bench that is electric from beyond the arc, he notched his best percentage from 3-point land with a 45.2% clip and averaged 10 points across 70 games. Forbes has done a solid job in the playoffs, including a 22-point performance in the first round.
No. 2: Draymond Green (PF- Golden State Warriors)
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2020-21 Stats: 63 Games (63 starts), 31.5 MPG, 7.0 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 8.9 APG, 1.7 SPG, 79.5% FT This was the toughest choice between Green and Bridges, but, ultimately, I went with Green at this spot because of his lack of ability to score. Green does everything else perfectly, but has struggled offensively the past three seasons. He averaged his lowest points per game (7) since 2013-14 when he wasn't even a full-time starter yet. He made up for it with his passing ability and defensive capabilities. He easily set a career best for assists in a season and second-most steals in a season. Green will look to be more of an offensive factor next season for the Warriors.
No. 1: Miles Bridges (SF - Charlotte Hornets)
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2020-21 Stats: 66 Games (19 starts), 29.3 MPG, 12.7 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 2.2 APG, 50.3% FG, 40% 3PT, 86.7% FT Bridges showed he should be known for more than his dunking prowess this past season. Bridges made big strides from Year 2 to Year 3 even though it was in a bench role. Bridges improved in nearly every statistical category from last year to this year. He received votes for both Most Improved Player and Sixth Man of the Year. Bridges showed flashes of becoming a lethal scoring threat for years to come, not just from the paint, but also from beyond the arc.
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