Where Are They Now? LSU Tigers in the NBA: Tracking Your Favorite Players
The NBA Season kicks off tonight as four teams kick off their seasons followed by the rest of the league on Wednesday and Thursday. This season, there are seven LSU Tigers on active NBA Rosters to start the season while we could see a few more signed or elevated from the G-League. Given all of the turnover in the NBA, the league is tough to track but, here is the updated list of the current Tigers in the NBA and where they're currently playing.
Naz Reid - Minnesota Timberwolves
In Minnesota, Naz Reid has gone from Undrafted to one of the most popular players in a matter of years. Reid is coming off of winning the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year Award and a career year. Last season, Reid set new career highs in Points per game with 13.5, rebounds per game with 5.2, assists per game with 1.3, and his three point percentage took a massive jump from 34.6% to 41.4%. The Timberwolves were wiling to move on from franchise cornerstone Karl-Anthony Towns this offseason because of Reid's emergence meaning we'll only see his role continue to grow.
Ben Simmons - Brooklyn Nets
This season will be so important for Ben Simmons' career as he's in the final year of his contract on a rebuilding team in Brooklyn. Since leaving Philadelphia, Simmons has played just 57 games 15 of which came last season. When Simmons played last season he was a well rounded player averaging 6.1 points per game, 7.9 rebounds per game, and 5.7 assists per game all while playing standout defense. The Nets are a team expected to finish near the bottom of the league but, if Simmons can return to his former form many will be surprised by this team.
Cam Thomas - Brooklyn Nets
Last season was Cam Thomas' breakout in the NBA and after the Nets traded away Mikal Bridges, it's his team now. Thomas' production took a massive jump in 2023-24, as he averaged 22.5 points per game, 3.2 RPG, and 2.9 APG while shooting 36.4% from three and 85.6% from the free throw line. The Nets will be one of the worst teams in the league but, Cam Thomas' ability to score 40 points any night will make this team watchable.
Trendon Watford - Brooklyn Nets
Trendon Watford's fourth year in the NBA will be spent with fellow LSU Tigers Ben Simmons and Cam Thomas. Last season, Watford scored 6.9 PPG while averaging 3.1 RPG, and 1.3 APG while shooting 52.7% from the field. As Watford looks to emerge in the NBA, there is no better spot for him than Brooklyn as the rebuilding Nets will give him a chance to prove himself and possibly end up on a contender at the trade deadline.
Garrett Temple - Toronto Raptors
It feels crazy to say but, this will be Garrett Temple's 15th season in the NBA and his second year in Toronto. Last season, Temple dealt with some injuries limiting him to just 27 games with two starts averaging just 3.3 points per game. If Temple can flash a high three point percentage and solid perimeter defense, he could become a trade deadline piece for a contender but, he'll be a great veteran for the Raptors if not.
Tari Eason - Houston Rockets
Tari Eason returns after playing just 22 games last season as he dealt with an injury to his left leg. When Eason was healthy he looked like one of the Rockets best players, averaging 9.8 points per game, 7.0 rebounds per game, and 1.2 assists per game which were all increases from his rookie season. The Rockets are continuing to rebuild their roster around this young core and Eason's development in year three is one of the key storylines to watch.
Duop Reath - Portland Trail Blazers
Last season, Duop Reath split his time between the G League and the NBA as he was on a Two-Way contract in Portland. This season, Reath should spend his season with the Trail Blazers full time where he'll get to continue his development. Reath appeared in 68 games last season, scoring 9.1 PPG with 3.7 RPG, 1.0 APG, and 0.6 Blocks Per Game. As Reath looks to finally find a long term home in the NBA, he has a great chance to earn playing time with a Portland team that's rebuilding.
More LSU News:
feed
Note: Stats via Basketball Reference