Top 5 former LSU basketball players in the NBA

Feb 15, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; A view NBA logo during the NBA All Star Jam Session at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

LSU basketball players have not exactly flooded the NBA in the past decade, but they still have a respectable presence. Here is a look at the five best former Tigers in the league.

When the 2015 – 2016 NBA season tips off on October 27, eight former LSU Tigers will be on NBA rosters ready to suit up for their respective teams.

All of these players have varying levels of experience, ranging from Brandon Bass who has played 10 seasons in the NBA to Jarell Martin (1st round, 25th overall pick by the Memphis Grizzlies) and Jordan Mickey (2nd round, 33rd overall by the Boston Celtics), who were just drafted in June will be beginning their rookie seasons.

Bass, along with the five other LSU Tigers to preceed Martin and Mickey, have had their fair share of challenges since entering the NBA.  For the most part, they have all struggled to break into the starting lineup, have played limited minutes and have suffered through a long list of injuries. At various points throughout their careers, however, they have all been important contributors and role players on their teams during playoff runs, with one even winning an NBA Championship.

Going into this NBA season, all of the former LSU Tigers will be playing with a chip on their shoulder. Whether they are rookies trying to make a name for themselves, young players still trying to earn a starting position or veterans trying to show that they still have something left in the tank, all eight players have something to prove during the upcoming season.

Here are the top five former LSU basketball players currently playing in the NBA.

Next: No. 5