Jaxon Kohler stands out in NBA Summer League debut vs. Carson Cooper

A couple of former Michigan State teammates had their second matchup after leaving the Spartan basketball program a few months ago on Monday night.

Jaxon Kohler had his NBA Summer League debut on Monday as his Utah Jazz faced off against Carson Cooper and the Memphis Grizzlies. This was Cooper’s second Summer League showing, and just like the first, he was solid. As for Kohler, he didn’t play in Utah’s first game over the weekend but he stood out against the Grizzlies.

Kohler got to match up with his former teammate and he held his own, putting up 11 points and seven rebounds in 23 minutes. He was 5-for-7 from the floor, 1-for-2 from three, and dished out two assists while also being on the receiving end of a couple of Jazz lottery pick Darryn Peterson’s five assists.

Both Michigan State rookies got the start on Monday night. Kohler was second on the team in rebounding against the Grizzlies and he played the third-most minutes.

It looks like Kohler and Peterson are developing a pretty good connection with the Jazz.

The last play in the highlight above was a familiar one for Spartan fans as Kohler leaked out and got wide open down the floor after a made bucket, scoring on another lottery pick (Cam Boozer).

The hustle and high IQ plays are going to set Kohler apart when it comes time for the Jazz to identify their two-way signees. Kohler is currently on an Exhibit 10 contract which means that his spot within the organization is not guaranteed.

Not a bad start to his NBA Summer League career.

Jaxon Kohler is already doing what made him a fan favorite at MSU

Rebounding, playing with confidence, and scoring in a multitude of ways, including some really heady plays, are the facets of Kohler’s game that made him a fan favorite in East Lansing throughout his career.

Early on as a Spartan, he didn’t see the court much because he was buried on the frontcourt depth chart but then he came into his own as a junior following a sophomore year injury that set him back. He broke out as a senior this past season and played really well next to Cooper. Now, he’s Cooper’s counterpart and he continued that style of basketball that made him popular.

The plays in the above highlight really stood out and Michigan State fans have seen each of them happen dozens of times from Kohler. He’s a smart player who uses his high IQ to his advantage.

Although he’s not the best athlete on the floor and he definitely won’t be at the NBA level at any point, he makes up for it with his smarts and feel for the game.

Jazz fans are beginning to realize why the Michigan State rookie was nicknamed “Baby Jokic” out of high school. He’s a smart passer, he has a soft finish around the rim, and he moves methodically on the floor, making smart plays that catch defenses off guard.

I’m not saying Kohler is the next Jokic (I’m not that big of a homer), but he could carve out a nice role on an NBA roster at some point.

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