Jaxon Kohler’s Pre-Draft Momentum: Why the Michigan State Big Man Deserves a Two-Way NBA Deal

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights
2. Introduction
3. From “Baby Jokic” to Senior Breakout: Kohler’s Collegiate Arc
4. What the Pacers’ Workout Schedule Signals
5. Two-Way Contracts: The Low-Risk, High-Upside Bridge
6. Scouting Report: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Projection
7. Fit with NBA Systems: Where Kohler Provides Immediate Value
8. The Development Path: How Kohler Turns a Workout Into a Career
9. The Economics and Roster Logic for Teams Without Picks
10. Case Studies: Paths from Two-Way or Undrafted to Rotation Player
11. Realistic Comparisons and What Scouts Will Be Looking For
12. Practical Advice: What Kohler Should Prioritize Before the Workout
13. Potential Alternatives If the NBA Route Slows
14. Why Not Drafting Him Would Be Short-Sighted
15. The Broader Draft Context: Why Workouts Matter More Than Picks for Some Teams
16. How Fans and Analysts Should Interpret These Pre-Draft Signals
17. The Next 12 Months: A Plausible Timeline for Kohler
18. Final Assessment: Why Kohler Is Worth the Investment
19. FAQ

Key Highlights

• Jaxon Kohler, a 6-foot-9, 245-pound Michigan State forward known for his rebounding and late-career shooting leap, has a pre-draft workout with the Indiana Pacers on May 29 after already visiting the Memphis Grizzlies.
• The Pacers, who hold no picks in the 2026 draft, are using private workouts to evaluate undrafted free agent candidates; Kohler profiles as an ideal low-risk, high-upside two-way target.
• Kohler’s development — from injury setbacks to a senior season with nearly 40% three-point shooting, 87% free-throw accuracy, 50% field-goal rate and 8.9 rebounds per game — creates a plausible path to an NBA roster via the G League and a two-way contract.

Introduction

The weeks before the NBA draft accelerate into a flurry of private workouts, tape review and quick judgments. Not every meaningful story comes from top-60 mock draft lists. Some arrive in the quieter rooms where front offices host prospects who could be immediate contributors on two-way deals or undrafted free-agent contracts. Michigan State forward Jaxon Kohler has entered that quieter room: after a workout with the Memphis Grizzlies, Kohler will visit the Indiana Pacers on May 29, joining a group of prospects that teams commonly evaluate as low-cost, developmental roster additions.

Kohler’s path to this moment is straightforward and compelling. He arrived at East Lansing as a high school standout nicknamed “Baby Jokic,” battled injury and inconsistency, and then forced a new conversation with a senior year that combined rebounding tenacity with genuine shooting growth. Those elements translate well to a two-way contract scenario: teams get length and rebounding with upside as a perimeter spacer, while the player gains NBA coaching, reps and G League minutes. For franchises that lack draft capital — the Pacers included — signing players like Kohler is a practical, sometimes essential, piece of roster construction.

This article examines Kohler’s profile, the strategic logic behind the Pacers’ interest, how two-way deals function as both opportunity and audition, and what the 6-foot-9 forward needs to do to convert a pre-draft workout into sustained NBA opportunity.

From “Baby Jokic” to Senior Breakout: Kohler’s Collegiate Arc

Labels follow prospects for a reason. The “Baby Jokic” tag pointed to a distinctive combination: a big with vision, feel and a nose for rebounds. Kohler’s high school reputation placed him in the conversation as a multi-faceted forward who could operate inside and — eventually — on the perimeter. What separated his college career at Michigan State was steady, measurable development rather than immediate stardom.

Kohler’s early years in East Lansing were uneven. A significant injury during his sophomore season interrupted his development and limited playing time, but the response over the following seasons demonstrated both physical recovery and a conscious expansion of skills. Statistical evidence anchors that narrative: Kohler shot zero three-pointers across his first two collegiate seasons, then engineered a dramatic conversion in his senior year, finishing close to 40% from beyond the arc. His overall efficiency also improved — 50% from the floor and an 87% mark at the free-throw line signal touch and shot mechanics that translate at higher levels.

Rebounding remained the most consistent feature of his game. Averaging 8.9 rebounds per game as a senior, Kohler mixed physicality with timing and strength. Michigan State’s system and coaching staff have a long track record of developing post players who play with effort and positional sense, and Kohler’s senior numbers reflect that lineage. He did not merely add a perimeter shot; he did so without surrendering the fundamentals that made him a floor-clearing presence inside.

What stands out beyond raw numbers is the arc: a player who overcame injury, retooled his shot, and became more efficient while maintaining core strengths. That development pattern fits the profile of players who can maximize a two-way contract — learning refinements in a professional setting while providing day-one value in the G League.

What the Pacers’ Workout Schedule Signals

The Indiana Pacers’ decision to host multiple prospects — including Kohler — across back-to-back workout days deserves scrutiny because the team enters the draft cycle without a pick in 2026. When a franchise lacks draft capital, private workouts and summer-league invites become critical tools to replenish talent cheaply. Teams that are asset-rich in contracts rather than picks must unearth bargains: undrafted free agents, two-way signees and players who can be developed into rotation options at minimal expense.

From the Pacers’ perspective, hosting Kohler suggests several assessments. First, they value rebounding and size that can play alongside their existing frontcourt, whether in defensive sets that demand physicality or in second-unit lineups that need a consistent board-presence. Second, Kohler’s sudden shooting improvement reduces a typical barrier for collegiate bigs — the inability to stretch the floor. Teams prize forwards who can space the floor given modern spacing requirements. Finally, workouts themselves are cheap and efficient. Evaluating Kohler live allows coaches and front-office personnel to measure movement without the noise of highlight clips.

For Kohler, the Pacers’ interest is practical validation. He will be judged not only on static measurements — height, wingspan, vertical — but on on-court traits that do not always translate to box score totals: footwork on defensive rotations, pick-and-roll positioning, and the confidence and repeatability of his shooting mechanics. The timing of the workout, immediately following his Memphis session, is also strategic. Prospects build momentum by visiting multiple teams; a strong string of workouts can turn that momentum into offers when teams fill out training-camp rosters or allocate two-way slots.

Two-Way Contracts: The Low-Risk, High-Upside Bridge

Two-way contracts are structured specifically for players in Kohler’s position. They permit NBA teams to sign prospects to deals that split time between the NBA roster and the G League affiliate, providing a bridge from collegiate competition to professional development. The financial commitment and roster flexibility are modest for franchises, and the arrangement creates an extended audition for the player.

The mechanics are straightforward: teams use two-way spots to store upside players who need seasoning. For the coaching staff, two-way signings serve as both insurance and projection. If a player like Kohler shows consistent progress, teams can convert the two-way into a standard contract, promoting them to a full roster spot. If not, the organization retains flexibility to pivot. That structure is why clubs with limited draft capital often target players who present clear upside and measurable floor traits: shooting, rebounding and positional size.

Two-way contracts also fit broader roster management philosophy. NBA seasons are long and injury-prone. Teams require depth that can be called upon without destabilizing cap management or guaranteed contracts. Two-way players fill that role. They earn real minutes in the G League, where coaches can fine-tune specific skills — perimeter defense against quicker wings, pick-and-roll reads, timing on closeouts — while maintaining controlled NBA exposure.

Kohler’s senior shooting numbers make him especially attractive within this framework. A 40% three-point mark from the senior season — even if on limited volume — suggests a repeatable stroke. Pair that with elite-level rebounding instincts, and you have a player whose floor is reasonable (rebounding, effort, defensive positioning) and whose ceiling is meaningful (stretch-five or stretch-four capable of creating match-up problems).

Scouting Report: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Projection

Strengths

• Rebounding: Kohler’s senior-year 8.9 rebounds per game highlight an ability to control glass both defensively and on the offensive glass. He shows an instinctual timing for boxing out and a willingness to engage physically.
• Shooting Development: A transition from zero three-pointers in his early college seasons to nearly 40% as a senior represents a rare transformation. The 87% career free-throw rate further supports reliable touch.
• Efficiency: Shooting 50% from the floor while increasing perimeter volume demonstrates efficient shot selection and finishing ability around the rim.
• Motor and Toughness: Consistent reports from Michigan State watchers emphasize effort and physical play reminiscent of Spartan interior tradition. Toughness translates quickly to professional minutes.

Areas for Improvement

• Defensive Versatility: The NBA demands switchability from bigs more than college does. Questions remain about Kohler’s ability to defend quicker wings on the perimeter and maintain lateral mobility in space.
• Shot Creation: At the next level, offensive roles are narrower for non-primary creators. Kohler will need to develop more in-ball passing and move off-ball to maximize his minutes.
• Athletic Ceiling: While size and strength are assets, explosive burst and elevating athleticism are often the difference between rotation role and metabolic reserve. Enhancements in quickness and verticality will be necessary for certain defensive matchups.
• Consistent Volume from Deep: Senior-season accuracy is promising, but consistent volume and game-to-game repeatability will be scrutinized. Scouts will examine shot selection under duress and off the catch versus off the dribble percentages.

Projection Kohler projects as a prototypical two-way candidate with a plausible path to a standard contract if he rebounds well to pro-level pace and continues to demonstrate shooting repeatability. His best-case scenario is a rotation frontcourt player who spaces the floor, defends the paint and provides consistent rebounding. The more likely immediate outcome is a G League starter with intermittent NBA call-ups over one to two seasons.

Fit with NBA Systems: Where Kohler Provides Immediate Value

Modern offenses prioritize floor spacing and role clarity; defenses prize rim protection and switchable lineups. Kohler’s profile makes him more valuable to teams that prioritize interior rebounding, pick-and-pop spacing and clean-cut rotations rather than hybrid switch-heavy defensive schemes requiring elite lateral quickness.

Ideal fits:

• Teams that play a spacing-heavy offense and need a rebounder who can pop out to the perimeter when the defense collapses.
• Organizations that blend veteran minutes with development minutes, giving Kohler room to grow without immediate pressure to become a primary scorer.
• Coaching staffs that prioritize skill development and have proven track records of incremental player improvement.

Less ideal fits:

• Teams that demand every frontcourt player to switch onto quicker perimeter players consistently.
• Systems that lack a path to G League ownership or a clear plan for player development.

The Pacers could be a pragmatic fit. While specific roster alignments shift season to season, teams without draft picks often seek players who can be integrated into rotational minutes via injuries, rest days or late-game situational needs; Kohler checks many of those boxes. Memphis’ interest makes equal sense; their system traditionally prizes frontcourt versatility and offensive spacing.

The Development Path: How Kohler Turns a Workout Into a Career

A single workout does not make a career, but a strong workout can open doors. For Kohler, the route to an NBA roster will likely follow familiar steps: strong pre-draft measurements and shooting showings, a two-way or Exhibit 10 contract, a productive G League season, and summer-league or training-camp evaluations that convert into full NBA opportunities.

Key milestones to monitor:

• Workout Performance: Coaches will prioritize movement efficiency, defensive footwork, closeout technique and the repeatability of the perimeter shot. A high shooting percentage in a stationary setting is positive; shooting off the catch and off the dribble in live-action settings matters more.
• Summer League Play: If Kohler earns a Summer League spot, consistent production there — rebounding, pick-and-pop effectiveness, low turnover rate — creates a narrative that teams can act on.
• G League Minutes: A G League starting role with visible improvements in defensive assignments, increased three-point volume, and sustained efficiency becomes proof of concept.
• Conversion to Standard Contract: Teams that need depth often convert two-way players mid-season. Consistency and availability are the deciding factors.

Beyond game performance, off-court work matters. Film study, nutrition, strength and conditioning improvements, and coachability all tilt decisions toward promotion. For a player like Kohler, measurable gains in quickness and lateral mobility will accelerate the timeline materially.

The Economics and Roster Logic for Teams Without Picks

Front offices constrained without draft picks must extract value in other ways. Workouts and undrafted signings represent one of the most cost-effective strategies available. Two-way deals offer financial prudence and roster flexibility, allowing teams to maintain cheap depth while scouting other markets for trades or veteran signings.

Why teams prefer this path:

• Cost Efficiency: Two-way contracts and Exhibit 10 deals impose smaller financial obligations than multi-year guaranteed rookie-scale contracts. Teams conserve cap space while still holding rights to the player.
• Talent Discovery: Undrafted players and two-way signees sometimes possess overlooked athletic or technical traits that specialist analytics and scouting can reveal.
• Injury Insurance: The NBA season’s attritional nature rewards teams that prepare depth ahead of time. Two-way players can be integrated quickly in case of injuries or schedule-induced rest for starters.

For organizations like the Pacers, who may lack early-round draft picks in a given cycle, the emphasis shifts to rigorous pre-draft evaluation. Private workouts provide a clearer understanding of how a player moves in space, reacts defensively and communicates on court — factors that tape cannot fully capture.

Case Studies: Paths from Two-Way or Undrafted to Rotation Player

Developmental contracts have produced rotation players and occasional All-Stars. The most instructive cases combine skill refinement with opportunity.

• Duncan Robinson: Undrafted in 2017, Robinson used Summer League play and the G League to refine his shot. Miami signed him to a two-way contract; he turned that into a standard deal and an expansive role as a three-point specialist. Robinson’s case highlights three things: elite shooting can override other limitations, a patient development plan matters, and team fit defines opportunity.
• Chris Boucher: Boucher’s path included extended G League success before earning NBA minutes. He used two-way opportunities and championship-contending systems to carve a role as a rim-runner and shot-blocker who can stretch the floor. His case illustrates how athleticism and defensive timing can translate when game plans accommodate developing players.

Both examples emphasize that repeatable skills — elite shooting, rim protection timing, or unique athletic traits — accelerate conversion from two-way to standard contracts. Kohler’s most transferable attributes are rebounding and a developing three-point shot. If he can show sustained efficiency in the G League while defending reliably on pick-and-roll actions, the path to a rotation spot becomes realistic.

Realistic Comparisons and What Scouts Will Be Looking For

Scouts will not pigeonhole Kohler immediately. Instead, they will compare his incremental strengths to players who succeed through role clarity. Appropriate comparison frames include:

• Stretch-four archetype: A forward who rebounds, pops to the perimeter, and executes pick-and-pop actions.
• High-motor role player: A player whose primary value is rebounding, energy, and consistency rather than primary scoring.

Critically, scouts will parse how much of Kohler’s three-point growth is mechanical versus systemic. Did he improve his footwork and release timing, or did Michigan State’s offensive structure create only select uncontested attempts? Likewise, defenders will test his lateral agility and closeout mechanics in workouts and G League games.

Teams will examine:

• Defensive switching ability and how he recovers when forced onto smaller, quicker players.
• Shot preparation and footwork on the catch.
• Energy plays: does he consistently pursue loose balls, box out, and close out on shooters?
• Decision making under pressure in transition and late clock situations.

These micro-measures matter more than raw box-score stats for players on the cusp.

Practical Advice: What Kohler Should Prioritize Before the Workout

A single workout can shift perceptions. Preparation that targets NBA evaluators’ priorities will maximize Kohler’s chances.

Priorities for Kohler:

• Demonstrate shooting mechanics that are repeatable under pressure. Make catch-and-shoot threes, step-out threes off screens and show a consistent free-throw routine.
• Show defensive footwork through controlled drills that simulate switching and closeouts. Coaches watching a workout seek fluidity more than pure athleticism.
• Highlight playmaking instincts: a couple of sharp interior passes or purposeful skip passes in 5-on-5 scrimmage situations elevate a forward’s value.
• Exhibit conditioning and recovery: NBA schedules are rigorous, and showing freshness and quick recovery after high-intensity drills sends a strong signal.
• Communicate on-court: vocal presence on rotations and screens indicates coaching readiness.

Off-court, Kohler should be ready with a clear narrative for his development: honest about past injury, specific about changes made to his shot and training regimen, and focused on immediate goals for his rookie season. Teams reward players who show clarity and a willingness to be coached.

Potential Alternatives If the NBA Route Slows

Not every prospect earns an immediate NBA contract. Kohler’s profile still permits other high-level professional pathways.

• G League Showcase and Extended Role: A season as a G League starter showcases skills to NBA teams. High-level G League play can create summer-league invitations and training-camp invites.
• Overseas Contracts: Europe, Australia’s NBL, and other international leagues often offer significant minutes, professional coaching and financial stability. Several players use international success as a springboard back to the NBA.
• Two-Way to Overseas Pivot: If two-way minutes remain limited, a player may opt to sign in a competitive overseas league where he receives a leading role to accelerate development.

Each path requires discipline and targeted work. The difference between eventual NBA minutes for undrafted players often hinges on year-over-year growth rather than a single breakthrough.

Why Not Drafting Him Would Be Short-Sighted

Draft capital is finite. Teams must weigh immediate need against upside. Kohler’s combination of size, rebounding, and newfound perimeter range offers a rare value proposition: a baseline of production with measurable upside in a key modern skill. For teams that prioritize floor spacing and possession value, a player who can rebound at a high rate while stretching the defense is particularly attractive.

The risk profile is low. Two-way and Exhibit 10 structures allow teams to evaluate Kohler without committing guaranteed salary or long-term roster slots. Given the upside and the limited downside, passing entirely on players like Kohler eliminates a low-cost avenue to depth and development.

The Broader Draft Context: Why Workouts Matter More Than Picks for Some Teams

Professional rosters are more than draft picks. Teams that lack early-round selections must cultivate alternative channels: scouting international markets, exploiting veteran bargains, and exhausting local workout circuits. In that reality, a pre-draft workout functions like a micro-draft board: teams can create bespoke scouting reports that compile instant fit metrics and personality traits.

Workouts matter when:

• Teams need to fill immediate depth without expending trade capital.
• Organizations prefer to vet character fit and coachability in person.
• The front office is building a culture and values players who mirror that culture’s attributes: toughness, accountability, and specific on-court traits.

Kohler’s workout with the Pacers is meaningful because it places him within that ecosystem. He is not merely a name on a list; he is a live evaluation for a team crafting a roster without draft picks.

How Fans and Analysts Should Interpret These Pre-Draft Signals

Fans often overreact to workouts and under-appreciate their strategic use. A workout is not a promise. It is a test, a conversation and often a negotiation. For players like Kohler, the process should be interpreted practically: teams are curious, and curiosity can lead to opportunity if performance aligns with organizational needs.

Analysts should place the workout in context:

• Evaluate the fit: Does the player solve a demonstrated roster problem?
• Assess the marginal cost: Is the two-way slot available? Does the organization prioritize this type of development?
• Track follow-through: Did the workout lead to a Summer League invite, training-camp offer or two-way contract?

In short, a workout is the start of a sequence — not its conclusion.

The Next 12 Months: A Plausible Timeline for Kohler

• Immediate: Complete workouts (Memphis, Indiana) and other team sessions; attend pre-draft combines or team-specific combines if invited.
• Draft Week: If unsigned, use the draft period to secure Summer League interest and Exhibit 10 or two-way offers.
• Summer League/Training Camp: Convert positive showings into a G League assignment or two-way contract; secure an Exhibit 10 guarantee if necessary.
• Rookie Season: Establish a G League starting role; refine lateral quickness and perimeter defense. Seek periodic NBA call-ups and aim for a standard contract conversion by year two with sustained improvement.

This timeline assumes steady development and health. The core variable is performance: consistent efficiency in shooting, demonstrable defensive improvement, and a reliable motor.

Final Assessment: Why Kohler Is Worth the Investment

Jaxon Kohler combines traits that meet the practical needs of NBA teams: size, rebounding instincts, and a suddenly reliable outside shot. Those traits matter more in an NBA where spacing and possession control dictate offensive efficiency. For teams that lack draft picks, signing players like Kohler on two-way deals is sensible roster management.

Kohler’s development narrative — overcoming injury, refining his shot and maintaining rebounding dominance — presents a low-risk, high-reward profile. Two-way contracts provide the ideal structure for him to prove repeatability and defensive work rate against pro competition. If he demonstrates movement fluidity, consistent shooting mechanics and defensive adaptability in workouts and the G League, a standard NBA contract is an attainable next step.

Teams that combine patient development with clear role definition have turned similar prospects into rotation options. Kohler’s career hinges on that combination: opportunity plus development. His May 29 workout with the Pacers is not the final word, but it is an important chapter in a realistic and promising professional journey.

FAQ

Q: What exactly does a two-way contract mean for a player like Jaxon Kohler? A: A two-way contract allows a team to split a player’s season between the NBA roster and its G League affiliate. The player gets professional coaching, regular game reps in the G League, and limited but meaningful NBA exposure. The arrangement is fiscally modest for teams and gives players a direct path to earn a standard contract by demonstrating reliable performance.

Q: Why would the Pacers work out Kohler if they don’t have a pick in the draft? A: Teams without picks use private workouts to evaluate undrafted free agents and two-way candidates who can be signed cheaply. Workouts are a chance to assess fit, measure development traits that tape cannot capture, and potentially secure inexpensive depth for the roster.

Q: How significant is Kohler’s jump to nearly 40% from three as a senior? A: The jump is significant because it changes the type of role he can play. A forward who rebounds effectively and can consistently hit perimeter shots becomes more valuable doctrinally in modern offenses. Scouts will still evaluate volume and whether the shot is repeatable under live pressure.

Q: What are the main concerns NBA teams will have about Kohler? A: Teams will likely focus on defensive versatility, lateral quickness, and the ability to defend in space. They will also assess shot volume and whether Kohler’s perimeter shot translates into consistent scoring threats at the pro level.

Q: Which teams might be the best fits for Kohler? A: Ideal fits are teams that value rebounding and floor spacing, have a development infrastructure (a strong G League affiliate and coaching staff), and play systems where a stretch big can be eased into minutes. The Pacers and Memphis — teams that have already worked him out — fit that profile.

Q: What should Kohler prioritize in the immediate run-up to the draft and workouts? A: He should emphasize repeatable shooting mechanics, defensive footwork, and conditioning. Demonstrating the ability to guard pick-and-roll actions, close out on shooters and rebound consistently while maintaining shooting efficiency will increase his marketability.

Q: What are realistic expectations for Kohler’s first professional year? A: Realistic expectations include earning a two-way or Exhibit 10 contract, starting in the G League, and receiving intermittent NBA call-ups. If he shows steady improvement, conversion to a standard contract in year two is achievable.

Q: If Kohler goes undrafted, does international play remain an option? A: Yes. High-level international leagues (Europe, Australia’s NBL, etc.) offer minutes, professional coaching and a path back to the NBA. Many players use international success as leverage for later NBA deals.

Q: Are there recent examples of players with profiles similar to Kohler succeeding? A: Players with rebounding-first profiles who added perimeter shooting have found success through two-way and undrafted routes, most notably those who convert elite shooting and consistent defense into rotation minutes. Duncan Robinson’s path from undrafted to a starting three-point specialist after G League development is a clear example of route-to-success through persistent refinement and role clarity.

Q: When should fans expect an official decision? A: Teams typically finalize summer-league rosters and training-camp invites during Draft Week. If Kohler impresses in workouts and secures a Summer League slot or exhibit contract, the next few months will determine his professional landing spot.