A potentially underrated offseason move for the Grizzlies was signing Michigan State's Carson Cooper to a two-way contract shortly after the 2026 NBA Draft. Despite going undrafted, earning a two-way contract right away could be a strong sign of how much the Grizzlies are willing to develop Carson Cooper.
With the Isaiah Stewart trade and selections of Cam Boozer and Karim Lopez, the Grizzlies have made a significant effort to overhaul the frontcourt. Understandably, those moves have generated significant excitement within the Grizzlies fanbase for next season and beyond. However, Carson Cooper could end up becoming an important name to watch in this year's Summer League.
It's been an impressive journey for Carson Cooper
Probably the most interesting thing about Carson Cooper's journey is that he went from a zero-star recruit out of high school to becoming an important starter for Michigan State by his senior year. This season, Cooper averaged 11.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 2.1 stocks (steals and blocks) while starting all 35 games for the Spartans.
Connor Muldowney of FanSided's Spartan Avenue gave a pretty strong endorsement of Carson Cooper's game, especially during his senior season. He had the following to say about Cooper's game:
"Cooper is an elite fast-break big who can run great for his size and he’s also an elite lob threat. What NBA team wouldn’t want a 7-footer who has touch around the rim, can rebound, is a smart passer, and who runs the floor better than 90 percent of bigs." - Connor Muldowney, Spartan Avenue
Carson Cooper was an efficient player inside the arc this year, as he made 58.8% of his twos and was also a 78.8% free throw shooter in his final season of college basketball. Carson Cooper also held his own against multiple first-round frontcourt players in college basketball, including players such as Tarris Reed Jr. and, most importantly, Cam Boozer.
Listed at 6 foot 11 and 230 pounds, Cooper brings very reliable defense and proved to be a reliable supporting piece on offense in college who improved every season. With the Grizzlies putting a strong emphasis on being bigger and stronger under Zach Kleiman, Cooper fits that criteria as well.
Given that the Grizzlies could use another center on the roster despite having to clear roster space, could Cooper eventually become a solution? It can't exactly be ruled out that the Grizzlies target a third center via trade or free agency, but Carson Cooper with a strong Summer League could force himself into those conversations.
One of the most fun parts of Summer League every season is finding hidden gems. There's a decent chance the Grizzlies could end up finding one in Carson Cooper this summer.
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