The 2019-20 NBA season started today and that means I get to start one of my favorite activities: watching Michigan State basketball alumni play in the pros. Here is a quick roundup of every Spartan in the NBA, when they play their first game, and a quick preview of their upcoming season.
Denzel Valentine, Guard, Chicago Bulls
After missing a full season rehabbing a devastating ankle injury, Denzel Valentine is back in action for the Bulls. He will look to return to form as he was finally starting to get some traction in the league before the injury.
First Game: Bulls @ Hornets, 7pm ET, Wednesday
Bryn Forbes, Guard, San Antonio Spurs
Bryn Forbes scrapped his way from being an undrafted G-League standout to starting for the Spurs in the NBA playoffs. Now, he will look to build on that momentum and further establish himself in the league. You can watch Bryn talk about his NBA journey here.
First Game: Spurs @ Knicks, 8:30pm ET, Wednesday
Miles Bridges, Forward, Charlotte Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets are not expected to be good at all this year, but Miles Bridges has quietly become one of the en vogue preseason predictions to pick Bridges as your Most Improved Player of the Year. He will square off against fellow Spartan Denzel Valentine tomorrow.
First Game: Hornets vs. Bulls, 7pm ET, Wednesday
Gary Harris, Guard, Denver Nuggets
Gary Harris has become one of the cornerstones of a Nuggets squad that many are calling a title contender this season. One of the best guard defenders in the league, Harris has truly become one of the most coveted wing players in the West.
First Game: Nuggets @ Trail Blazers 10pm ET, Wednesday
Jaren Jackson Jr., Forward/Center, Memphis Grizzlies
If Jaren Jackson Jr. didn’t get injured last year, he would have had a really good case to be Rookie of the Year. Now, he will have star rookie Ja Morant dishing him the ball on a Memphis Grizzlies team that is young and should be fun to watch. I really like how Brandon Clarke from Gonzaga fits next to him as well and will be watching a lot of Memphis basketball on League Pass this year.
First Game: Grizzlies @ Heat, 7:30pm ET, Wednesday
Draymond Green, Forward, Golden State Warriors
New year, same Draymond, very different team. The Golden State Warriors will be without Klay Thompson for likely the whole season and they obviously no longer have Kevin Durant to carry the load. It will be up to Draymond Green, Steph Curry, and D’Angelo Russell to lead a new-look Warriors back to the playoffs. I think he’s up for the challenge.
First Game: Clippers @ Warriors, 10:30pm ET, Thursday
