Jaden Akins had quite the Michigan State basketball career under Tom Izzo. He came in as a highly-touted guard who joined Emoni Bates’ prep school team before getting kicked off and the five-star opted to decommit from Michigan State and sign with Penny Hardaway and Memphis.
Akins stuck around and worked his way up from role player to starter and then to star player on an Elite Eight team in 2024-25. He could’ve transferred several times for a larger role elsewhere, but he put in the work, trusted his Hall of Fame head coach, and stayed at his dream school for four years.
Following his Michigan State career, NBA teams were hesitant to use a draft pick on him because he hadn’t proven to be consistent enough as an offensive weapon.
Now, midway through his rookie season with the G-League’s Motor City Cruise, Akins is looking like a future NBA guard. At the very least, he deserves a spot at the end of a bench somewhere, because he has proven to be a legitimate offensive threat, and everyone knows he can play defense, too.
Akins is averaging 19.5 points, 5.3 assists, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game with the Cruise, and he’s shooting 46 percent from the floor and 39 percent from deep.
The former Michigan State star is not only playing himself into an eventual NBA roster spot, but he’s about to be named a G-League All-Star as a rookie.
Jaden Akins has a legitimate shot to make the G-League All-Star Game
Althought there are several players who average over 20 points per game in the G-League, Akins has drawn some serious hype this season for his high-flying plays, his playmaking ability, and his willingness to put his body on the line for his team.
While he has G-League teammates (Charles Bediako) trying to return to college for another season or two, he’s working on making the All-Star Game and earning an NBA roster spot.
Akins’ growth over the course of his post-high school playing career has been phenomenal, and Tom Izzo has to be proud of what his former starting shooting guard has accomplished.
A G-League All-Star Game berth might just earn him an NBA opportunity.