Social media reacts to impressive NBA debut for Carson Cooper

[ASFN Admin]

A lot of NBA fans, and Memphis Grizzlies in particular, are learning about Carson Cooper in real time. The former MSU big man may have slid under the national radar these past few years, but I think every Michigan State basketball fan knew that Cooper had a strong chance to compete for an NBA roster spot, and it looks like he might be ahead of schedule in that department.

Cooper is currently playing for the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA Summer League, who signed Cooper to a two-way deal immediately after the NBA Draft, and he was a key part of the Grizzlies' blowout win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday, dropping 11 points to go along with five rebounds, three assists, and a block. He also hit a three in the game, something he was working on at MSU but didn't fully unleash during his time with the Spartans. Notably, Cooper had a huge moment in the game when he dunked all over former Michigan big man Aday Mara.

After the games, NBA viewers and Memphis Grizzlies fans were impressed by Cooper, who looks poised to fight for some playing time with the NBA team this year. You can see some of the best reactions below:

Cooooopppppp https://t.co/TpBnNnxHCc

— Jeremy Fears jr. The Floor General (@jeremy_fears) July 4, 2026

Carson Cooper today:

11 Points
5 Rebounds
3 Assists
5/6 FGM
1/1 3PT
19 Minutes

Summer League debut. ️ pic.twitter.com/PtylL67Cik

— Michigan State Hoops (@michsthoops) July 4, 2026

I wouldn’t mind Carson Cooper as the 3rd string center

— EdeyMuse (@EdeyMuse) July 4, 2026

Carson Cooper's athleticism pops. He's flying around.

— Drew Hill (@DrewHill_DM) July 4, 2026

Michigan State grad Carson Cooper with an impressive summer league debut for the Grizz. Showcased his range, natural feel/touch, and held his own on the defensive end. Very valuable skillset for a big.

— Noah Buchholtz (@noahbuchholtz) July 4, 2026

Carson Cooper has given the Grizzlies some really good minutes

— Grizzlies SZN (@Grizzlies_szn) July 4, 2026

Carson Cooper is a dawg man lol

— ᴄᴏʟᴇ (@CREAMYCOLE) July 4, 2026

Carson cooper outplaying aday lol (had him above him in my rankings)

— Soggy Sports (@soggy_sportss) July 4, 2026

Carson Cooper…the Grizz are legally required to employ a big from Michigan State at all times, so you may just need to stick around if that’s coo

— Memphis Mcchicken (@MemphisMcchickn) July 4, 2026

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This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Social media reacts to impressive NBA debut for Carson Cooper

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