Mizzou Players Shine in NBA and G-League

A look at how former Missouri Tigers are performing in the pros this season.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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As the NBA hits the All-Star break, several former University of Missouri basketball players are making an impact in the league and the G-League. From Kobe Brown's increased role with the Indiana Pacers to Michael Porter Jr.'s breakout season with the Brooklyn Nets, Mizzou alums are showcasing their skills at the highest levels of professional basketball.

Why it matters

The success of Mizzou players in the NBA and G-League highlights the program's ability to develop talent and prepare athletes for the professional ranks. It also generates positive attention and pride for the university, which can aid in recruiting future players and maintaining the basketball program's competitiveness.

The details

Kobe Brown was traded from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Indiana Pacers at the trade deadline and is now seeing significantly more playing time, averaging 23.5 minutes per game in his first two appearances for the Pacers. Jordan Clarkson of the New York Knicks is in his 12th NBA season but his production has dipped slightly. Meanwhile, Michael Porter Jr. was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in the offseason and is thriving as the team's primary scorer, averaging a career-high 25.0 points per game. Other Mizzou alums like Dru Smith of the Miami Heat and several G-League standouts like Tamar Bates, Sean East, Caleb Grill, D'Moi Hodge, and Jeremiah Tilmon are also making their marks at the professional level.

  • The NBA hit the All-Star break in February 2026.
  • Kobe Brown was traded to the Indiana Pacers at the trade deadline.

The players

Kobe Brown

A former University of Missouri basketball player who was traded from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Indiana Pacers at the NBA trade deadline and is now seeing significantly more playing time.

Jordan Clarkson

A 12-year NBA veteran and former Mizzou player who is currently a role player for the New York Knicks.

Michael Porter Jr.

A former Mizzou player who was traded from the Denver Nuggets to the Brooklyn Nets in the offseason and is now the team's primary scorer, averaging a career-high 25.0 points per game.

Dru Smith

A Mizzou alum in his fourth NBA season who has seen his role grow with the Miami Heat, playing in 55 games so far this year.

Tamar Bates

A former Mizzou player who is currently starring in the G-League for the Grand Rapids Gold, the Denver Nuggets' affiliate.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The success of Mizzou players in the NBA and G-League demonstrates the program's ability to develop talent and prepare athletes for the professional ranks. This not only generates positive attention for the university, but also helps maintain the basketball program's competitiveness by aiding in future recruiting efforts.