MSU Spartans in the NBA Playoffs

TL;DR

The NBA playoffs have started, featuring Jase Richardson from the Orlando Magic as the only Michigan State Spartan in postseason action. Other Spartans like Draymond Green and Miles Bridges missed the playoffs after their teams lost in the play-in games.

Key points

NBA playoffs have begun
Jase Richardson is the only Spartan in playoffs
Draymond Green and Miles Bridges missed playoffs
Seven Spartans are currently in the NBA
Detroit Pistons are the #1 seed

Mentioned in this story

Jase RichardsonDraymond GreenMiles BridgesXavier TillmanMax ChristieGary HarrisJaren Jackson JrMat Ishbia

Orlando MagicDetroit PistonsGolden State WarriorsCharlotte Hornets

Jan 22, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Jase Richardson (11) controls the ball against the Charlotte Hornets in the second quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images The NBA season has wrapped up and the playoffs have begun. As someone who also writes for Detroit Bad Boys, I highly encourage you to watch the #1 seed Detroit Pistons who look to have some postseason success for the first time in 15+ years. Or, if you’re looking for some more postseason basketball now that March Madness is over, you can keep an eye out on a few MSU alums. There are seven total Michigan State Spartans currently in the NBA, but only one will see playoff minutes. You could argue it could be four Spartans if you include Draymond Green, Miles Bridges, and Xavier Tillman the after the Golden State Warriors and Charlotte Hornets lost their play-in games for the #8 seed last night. Draymond has been with the Warriors since he was drafted in 2012. Miles has been with Charlotte since 2018 and Xavier teamed-up with him for the first time since they were teammates during Tillman’s freshman year. Your sole Spartan in the playoffs is none other than Jase Richardson of the #8 seed Orlando Magic, who just happen to be matched up with the #1 Detroit Pistons. While Jase may not be a part of Magic’s postseason rotation, he’s still earning valuable experience as he finishes his rookie year. Here are the final three Spartans in the NBA:

Q&A

Which Michigan State Spartans are currently in the NBA playoffs?

Jase Richardson is the only Michigan State Spartan currently in the NBA playoffs with the Orlando Magic.

What teams did Draymond Green and Miles Bridges play for in the NBA playoffs?

Draymond Green plays for the Golden State Warriors, and Miles Bridges plays for the Charlotte Hornets, both of whom missed the playoffs after losing in the play-in games.

How many Michigan State Spartans are in the NBA as of 2026?

There are seven Michigan State Spartans currently in the NBA.