Jaxon Kohler Lands Memphis Workout: Why the Grizzlies Could Be the Best NBA Fit for an Overlooked Michigan State Big

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights
2. Introduction
3. Why a Memphis workout carries weight for a Michigan State big
4. The Grizzlies’ history with Michigan State bigs: precedent matters
5. Scouting Jaxon Kohler: what NBA evaluators will weigh in a workout
6. Carson Cooper and the underrated Spartan role players
7. How NBA workouts convert into concrete opportunities
8. Why Memphis represents a realistic developmental landing spot for Kohler
9. Comparisons and precedents: how Missouri, Purdue and other college products found roles
10. The draft narrative problem: why Jeremy Fears Jr.’s leap shouldn’t erase other prospects
11. Practical preparation for Kohler before and during the workout
12. Potential outcomes and timeline after the workout
13. What this means for Michigan State fans and the program
14. Long-term profiles: how Kohler and Cooper could develop into NBA pieces
15. What to watch next
16. FAQ

Key Highlights

• Jaxon Kohler has secured a workout with the Memphis Grizzlies, a franchise that has historically invested in Michigan State big men and currently needs frontcourt reinforcements after trading Jaren Jackson Jr.
• Kohler and Carson Cooper have received far less attention than teammate Jeremy Fears Jr. during draft season; both present distinct pro pathways—Kohler as a potential role frontcourt player and Cooper as a developmental option.
• The workout process offers multiple outcomes: draft-day selection, Summer League invitation, two-way or Exhibit 10 contracts, or G League/overseas development. Memphis represents a practical developmental environment for a prospect like Kohler.

Introduction

Jeremy Fears Jr.’s combine surge has dominated conversation among Michigan State fans and draft watchers, pushing two other Spartan prospects into the background. Carson Cooper and Jaxon Kohler produced reliable, often understated contributions in East Lansing, yet the draft narrative has centered elsewhere. A new development alters that dynamic: HoopsHype reports Kohler has locked in a workout with the Memphis Grizzlies.

That single scheduling detail does more than grant Kohler an exercise session with an NBA staff. It signals a concrete interest and places him in a franchise familiar with the pathway from Michigan State to productive pro minutes. Memphis has turned several Spartan bigs into usable NBA pieces, and with the Grizzlies in a post-Jaren Jackson Jr. transition, the fit merits examination. This article breaks down why the workout matters, how Kohler projects stylistically, where Carson Cooper fits into this draft era, and which realistic professional routes exist for both players.

Why a Memphis workout carries weight for a Michigan State big

Workouts are the key channel through which teams evaluate traits that don’t show up cleanly on a stat sheet: effort level in short bursts, motor, ability to take and process in-coaching adjustments, and how skill execution translates against NBA-sized defenders. Kohler’s scheduled session with Memphis does all that, but the context elevates its importance.

Memphis has a track record of drafting or signing Michigan State bigs who then earned meaningful roles. The Grizzlies built identities around physical, blue-collar frontcourt play for years. Their fan base embraced rugged interior players who crash boards, set hard screens, and protect the rim. Those are the types of traits evaluators look for in a prospect who might not be a lottery pick but can craft a long NBA career by occupying a specific role.

The Grizzlies’ immediate roster situation amplifies the need. The team finished 25–57 following the trade of a primary interior piece, leaving minutes and roles to be reshaped. A player like Kohler—who offers size, physicality and a team-first defensive orientation—could be a direct beneficiary of that vacancy. Memphis’s coaching and development staff also have a reputation for turning role players into valuable rotation pieces by focusing on task-specific skill development. For a prospect on the margins, that’s often more important than landing on a marquee team where minutes are scarce.

The Grizzlies’ history with Michigan State bigs: precedent matters

Memphis’s affinity for Michigan State bigs is more than a coincidence. The franchise has ridden a pattern of valuing exactly the kind of interior traits Spartans often produce: toughness, rebounding, screen-setting and defensive competence.

• Zach Randolph: While Randolph’s NBA journey took him through Portland and other stops, he became a franchise stalwart in Memphis. Randolph’s brand of scoring through contact, offensive rebounding and consistent low-post production offers a stylistic antecedent for how a big man can anchor a team’s identity. Teams noticed that workmanlike output and rewarded it with a long-term role.
• Jaren Jackson Jr.: A different prototype from Randolph, Jackson arrived in Memphis with shot-blocking and spacing potential. He developed into an All-Defensive, three-level threat who fit the modern frontcourt. When Memphis used Jackson as a cornerstone, the organization showed its willingness to build around a big who could protect the rim and expand offensively.
• Xavier Tillman: Drafted into a Grizzlies system that prized positional versatility, Tillman carved out situational minutes with defensive intelligence and playmaking from the high post. His path established a precedent for Spartan bigs earning rotational carries through hustle and high basketball IQ rather than pure scoring star power.

Those examples show Memphis’s flexibility in deploying multiple frontcourt archetypes and its willingness to invest developmentally when a player’s floor is clearly defined. For Kohler, who projects as a fundamentally sound interior piece rather than an instant starter, Memphis’s history implies a genuine pathway to minutes.

Scouting Jaxon Kohler: what NBA evaluators will weigh in a workout

Workouts compress a season’s worth of film into 30–45 minutes. Teams aim to validate what film suggests and spot red flags that tape can hide. Here’s how evaluators will synthesize Kohler’s college tape with his on-floor performance at a workout.

Key strengths likely to resonate

• Interior instinct and finishing: Kohler has displayed the ability to finish through contact and convert on close-range attempts. At the next level, conversion efficiency around the rim translates directly to role value, especially for teams prioritizing high-percentage offense in the paint.
• Rebounding and effort: College tape shows his willingness to pursue rebounds on either end and to compete on second-chance possessions. Transitioning that mentality against NBA athletes is critical; evaluators will note whether offensive rebounding is a reflex in the workout or a film-only trait.
• Screen-setting and movement: Prospects with a clear screen-and-roll or pick-and-pop awareness gain appeal. Kohler’s ability to read when to roll hard, when to seal for a post entry and when to space can increase his attractiveness as a tactical fit for modern schemes.
• Defensive understanding: Shot deterrence, help rotations and contest timing matter. Defensive IQ is often translatable across levels even when physical metrics lag.

Potential concerns NBA teams will probe

• Lateral quickness: The NBA features more athletic pick-and-roll guards and frontcourt players who can attack at speed. Evaluators will test whether Kohler can stay in front on switches or recover quickly when he’s out of position.
• Shooting range consistency: If Kohler is a floor-spacing candidate, measurable three-level range lifts his ceiling. Natural touch from mid-range and even the occasional corner tripled adds value. If the jump shot is still inconsistent, teams may peg him as a situational big rather than a modern, spacing-centric center.
• Frame and strength: Holding position against pro-level centers requires a combination of baseline strength and technique. Workout strength testing, contact drills, and screens-to-contact will offer teams direct evidence of how Kohler might withstand physical matchups.
• Versatility in guarding smaller components: Modern rotations demand bigs who can defend multiple positions or recover quickly after switches. Evaluators will simulate out-of-pace drives and test lateral responses.

How a workout can change narrative Workouts can serve as high-leverage moments. A prospect with a perceived deficiency—say, limited shooting range—can flip evaluator impressions by demonstrating improved mechanics on the spot and sinking several shots from NBA range under fatigue. Conversely, players with encouraging film sometimes struggle in drills because of nerves, timing issues or unfamiliarity with the drill set. Teams interpret such results not just as single-session outputs but as proxies for coachability, mental make-up and readiness to adapt.

For Kohler, a clean, assertive performance where he passes, catches in traffic, finishes through contact and showcases defensive communication will yield concrete returns: increased likelihood of a Summer League spot, an invite to a training-camp contract, or consideration in the late second round.

Carson Cooper and the underrated Spartan role players

Carson Cooper’s draft conversation has been quieter—partly because fans want him back in East Lansing and partly because his profile skews toward a steady, non-flashy contributor. Evaluating a player like Cooper requires patience; front offices often prize floor-spacing, defensive switching potential and positional versatility. Cooper’s concrete options depend on his stated intentions: return to Michigan State to improve draft stock, or pursue pro opportunities now.

If he returns to college Returning would give Cooper an additional season to refine a three-point stroke, tighten defensive footwork and increase physical strength. For many wings and stretch bigs, a return can convert a borderline second-round profile into a late-first or mid-second selection. Examples from recent drafts show players who returned for a final collegiate season and improved their measurables and role definitions enough to be drafted higher or to receive guaranteed training-camp deals.

If he turns pro now A likely immediate path begins with Summer League exposure. From there, teams may offer Exhibit 10 or two-way contracts—tools that allow clubs to retain developmental rights while channeling minutes to the G League. Overseas offers are credible alternatives, with many young players choosing international leagues for guaranteed minutes, more substantial roles and financial stability. Each route holds trade-offs: guaranteed playing time abroad versus proximity to NBA coaching staffs and easier recall if an NBA opportunity arises.

Teams increasingly value multi-positional defenders who can space the floor and hit designated catch-and-shoot attempts. Cooper’s long-term NBA viability will hinge on how clearly he can occupy a schematic role rather than being judged solely on raw athleticism or one-dimensional scoring.

How NBA workouts convert into concrete opportunities

A private workout is not a guarantee of draft selection, but it’s a critical mechanism in a prospect’s conversion funnel. Teams use workouts to compile a dossier: medical background checks, interviews, psychometric measures, and on-court observation. Here are the most common outcomes that follow a workout:

1. Direct draft interest: A standout workout can push a prospect into late-first or second-round consideration. Teams sometimes use a positive session to resolve positional uncertainty and then take a measured risk with a late pick.
2. Summer League invitation: Teams often sign prospects to non-guaranteed contracts or invite them to the Summer League to see how they perform in a game environment against similarly situated peers.
3. Training camp deals or Exhibit 10 contracts: These contracts are typically non-guaranteed but include bonuses contingent on the player joining the team’s G League affiliate. They serve as bridges for development.
4. Two-way contracts: Two-way deals allow teams to split a player’s season between the NBA and the G League while retaining control over their long-term development.
5. G League or overseas: If a workout yields interest but no immediate NBA contract, a prospect can land a high-level G League deal or an overseas contract that positions them for future NBA interest.

Beyond the contract types, the soft outputs of a workout can include establishing a working relationship with a team, gaining familiarity with a coaching staff’s terminology, and receiving targeted feedback on the most valuable skills to improve.

Why Memphis represents a realistic developmental landing spot for Kohler

A pragmatic match between prospect and franchise considers both roster need and developmental philosophy. Memphis offers both. The team’s recent struggles and roster turnover create open minutes in the frontcourt. The developmental staff’s track record with interior players—shaping their roles around strengths—gives Kohler a clear path toward carving time through role clarity rather than raw star potential.

The Grizzlies prioritize high-effort defensive play and situational offense. For a prospect who wins through positioning, rebounding and finishing around the rim, that approach maximizes immediate uses. Memphis’s history with Spartans demonstrates a willingness to be patient and to reward role players who display a high basketball IQ.

A workout in Memphis also offers a developmental checklist that Kohler can use to prepare. Executing pick-and-roll reads, demonstrating consistent free-throw and short-range finishing, and showcasing defensive communication in team drills will all strengthen his case. If Kohler makes those boxes visible, Memphis can offer either an entry-level contract, a Summer League role, or a G League assignment tied to an NBA contract—each a reasonable pathway toward earning rotation minutes.

Comparisons and precedents: how Missouri, Purdue and other college products found roles

To contextualize Kohler’s prospects, look at recent players who converted similar college profiles into professional careers.

• Xavier Tillman Sr.: His path demonstrates that frontcourt players with high IQ and a willingness to do the dirty work can translate into meaningful minutes. Tillman leveraged defensive acumen and positional versatility into situational rotations in the NBA.
• Zach Randolph: Randolph’s career illustrates that a player can transcend physical limitations by developing a reliable low-post game, offensive rebounding, and positional savvy. A player who does that can sustain a long career even without being a modern “stretch” big.
• Role-player European path: Several American bigs who did not make immediate NBA rosters chose Europe or other international leagues, developing their skill-set and returning to the NBA more valuable. Examples from the last decade show players using high-level minutes abroad to refine shooting, decision-making and exposure to pro-level physicality.

These precedents underscore that the immediate outcome of a workout—selection, invite, or pass—does not predetermine long-term success. Development pathways vary, and coaches prize players who can clearly articulate their role and show measurable improvement in targeted skill areas.

The draft narrative problem: why Jeremy Fears Jr.’s leap shouldn’t erase other prospects

Draft week narratives tend to cluster around breakthrough performances. Jeremy Fears Jr.’s strong combine placed him center stage; his athleticism and on-court fluidity generated buzz that overshadowed other teammates. That’s typical. One outstanding showing can reshape a draft board quickly because teams place a premium on measurables and isolated athletic tests.

But a single breakout should not diminish the prospects of role players who peaked later or whose strengths are subtler. Teams build rosters through complementary parts. Guards who create and bigs who protect and rebound remain indispensable. The draft process rewards specialization if a player can clearly perform a role that teams need.

Kohler’s conversation should be separate from Fears’s. While Fears’s standing influences team attention on Michigan State generally, Kohler must be evaluated on his own merits: positional fit, immediate utility, and developmental ceiling. A well-run franchise will treat each prospect as an independent variable and pursue the player who best addresses its current roster gaps.

Practical preparation for Kohler before and during the workout

Teams expect players to come prepared. A good workout for Kohler means combining fundamentals with situational savvy that translates to NBA contexts.

• Show a reliable finishing repertoire: NBA tryouts focus on the ability to finish at the rim under duress. Rehearsed moves—drop steps, quick hooks, drops to the short roll—should be crisp and repeatable.
• Demonstrate screening and rolling: Timing on screens, the ability to seal, and a strong second step to finish or create space matter. Run through both sides of the screen-and-roll during individual drills.
• Display defensive communication: Even in drills, vocal cues and hand signals reveal whether a player can integrate into a defensive scheme. That matters to teams trying to identify locker-room-ready players.
• Make free throws and short-range jumpers routine: Teams track shooting percentages in workouts; converting routine shots demonstrates touch and reduces perceived risk.
• Be coachable: Absorb corrections quickly. Teams value prospects who adapt within a session rather than those who stick rigidly to a single approach.

Physical preparation also matters. A player’s ability to sustain repeated efforts, defend through contact, and come back for multiple drills shows conditioning and mental readiness. For a big man, the ability to recover between plays and maintain verticality on contests is obvious to evaluators.

Potential outcomes and timeline after the workout

After a private session, expect teams to complete medical checks, conduct further film crossover, and interview the player and staff. Summer League announcements follow, typically signaling which players receive immediate opportunities. If a direct contract is not offered, Exhibit 10 or two-way deals could come quickly in the weeks after the workout. International offers can also accelerate if teams see fit.

For Kohler, the likely near-term results break down thus:

• Best-case immediate: Strong workout leads to a Summer League invite and a training-camp or two-way contract.
• Mid-case: No NBA contract, but a G League or overseas offer that positions him for future NBA consideration.
• Lower-case: Workouts reveal developmental gaps; Kohler returns to collegiate play if eligible or works through long-term development abroad.

Each outcome remains a viable route to professional success. NBA rosters change quickly; a role that did not exist this season could open next year. Patience and targeted skill growth are essential.

What this means for Michigan State fans and the program

Michigan State’s reputation as a producer of professional-ready frontline players remains intact. The program emphasized physicality, defensive consciousness and team-first roles—traits NBA teams still prize. Kohler’s workout with Memphis is a validation of that model. For fans, the immediate emotion might be disappointment that Cooper and Kohler haven’t earned the same headlines as Fears. But the professional trajectories for college players are rarely linear.

The Spartans’ coaching staff can point to this moment as evidence of the program’s ability to prepare pros across the roster: stars and role players alike. For recruits, the lesson is clear. A program that emphasizes situational readiness and professional habits delivers multiple avenues to the NBA or overseas contracts.

Long-term profiles: how Kohler and Cooper could develop into NBA pieces

Developmental trajectories for bigs differ based on their starting points. Kohler’s base appears to be that of a physical interior player with the potential to expand his skill set. If he can add even modest shooting range and improve recovery speed, he becomes a high-floor role player: minutes in the rotation, defensive assignments on select nights, and value as a pick-and-roll screener and lob finisher.

Cooper’s upside depends more on perimeter skill growth and positional versatility. If he becomes a consistent spot-up shooter and improves lateral quickness, he can project as a rotation wing who defends multiple positions and spaces the floor. Teams prize that combination, and success on that path often leads to multi-year contracts and steady NBA minutes.

Neither path requires All-Star trajectory. NBA rosters are built with specialists: pick-and-roll finishers, rim protectors, corner shooters, and switchable defenders. A player who understands his role and improves predictable, measurable skills can build a long professional career.

What to watch next

• Confirmation of a Summer League invite or training-camp agreement from Memphis.
• Reports from the workout regarding specific drills: shooting percentages, finishing through contact, defensive rotations.
• Follow-up workouts or interest from other teams. Multiple workouts suggest a higher probability of an immediate contract.
• Carson Cooper’s decision to return to Michigan State or to pursue pro opportunities; his path will clarify his draft profile.
• How teams frame Kohler’s strengths publicly. If a team highlights his defensive IQ and rebounding, that suggests a rotational role. If they highlight shooting, that means they see potential to expand his offensive toolkit.

FAQ

Q: How significant is a single team workout in the draft process? A: A single workout is a meaningful data point. It provides teams direct evidence beyond film—how a player handles drills, takes coaching, and performs under pressure. For late second-round prospects or undrafted free agents, a good workout can directly lead to Summer League invites, training-camp contracts, or two-way deals.

Q: Does a Memphis workout mean Jaxon Kohler will make the Grizzlies roster? A: Not necessarily. A workout signals interest and can open specific pathways, but it does not guarantee a roster spot. Possible outcomes include Summer League participation, Exhibit 10 or two-way contracts, G League assignments, or overseas opportunities. The workout increases Kohler’s visibility and creates a realistic chance for roster consideration.

Q: Why do teams sometimes favor players from certain colleges or coaches? A: Teams develop working relationships with coaches and programs when those teams consistently produce players with traits that translate to the NBA—discipline, basketball IQ, positional readiness, and coachability. Familiarity with a program’s style reduces uncertainty in evaluation and makes teams more willing to invest in players from those systems.

Q: How can Kohler improve his draft stock after a workout? A: Demonstrating consistent finishing, reliable mid-range and short-range shooting, improved lateral quickness, and clear defensive communication will most directly increase draft appeal. Post-workout feedback from team staff can guide targeted development in the weeks leading up to Summer League or training-camp invites.

Q: What routes are available if neither player is drafted? A: Undrafted players can sign Summer League deals, Exhibit 10 or two-way contracts with NBA teams, play in the G League for visibility, or accept international offers for more immediate playing time and financial security. Each route has precedent for leading back to the NBA.

Q: How should fans interpret offseason workouts and rumors? A: View them as incremental signals. A workout shows interest and opens potential opportunities, but it is one of several steps in the conversion process. Fans should track subsequent steps—Summer League invitations, training-camp deals, and transactions—to judge the real momentum behind a prospect.

Q: Could Carson Cooper still return to Michigan State? A: That depends on his eligibility and personal decision-making. Returning for another collegiate season can improve draft stock for players looking to refine specific skills, while turning pro immediately offers different development opportunities. Each path has trade-offs in exposure, coaching, and financial outcomes.

Q: Are there recent examples of Spartans who found success after a similar process? A: Yes. Recent Spartans have followed varied paths—some earned direct NBA roles, others developed in the G League or overseas and later returned. The program’s consistent delivery of professional-caliber players suggests multiple pathways remain viable for Kohler and Cooper.

Q: If Kohler signs a G League or overseas deal, does that close the door on the NBA? A: No. Many players use the G League and international leagues as proving grounds to refine their games and return to the NBA. Consistent performance and targeted skill improvement can lead to two-way contracts, 10-day call-ups, and eventual standard NBA contracts.

Q: What should prospects focus on most during workouts? A: Immediate execution—catch-and-finish, shot mechanics, defensive assignments—and coachability. Teams often decide based on a combination of on-floor competence and the player’s ability to absorb instruction and adjust within a session.

Kohler’s workout with Memphis is a practical development in a larger process. It moves him from film-based curiosity toward a clearer professional avenue. For Carson Cooper and the rest of the Michigan State contingent, the weeks ahead will shape who reaches the NBA directly, who takes a developmental detour, and who uses another collegiate season to refine their case. Each route has precedent and purpose. The singular fact of a Memphis workout should not be overstated, but it should not be dismissed either: it places Kohler where franchises like to discover useful, long-tenured role players.