This is where to find the former LSU Tigers competing in the 2026 NBA Playoffs/Play-in.
The LSU Tigers men's basketball program has not had an easy go of things lately, but they were still able to develop a handful of solid NBA players in recent years.
With the NBA playoffs underway with the Play-In tournament, it's time to look at the matchups Tigers fans need to keep an eye on to see some of their former favorites compete. Luckily, all four ex-LSU players in the league will be in the playoffs.
Another interesting note is that three of the four were Will Wade guys, which should excite Tigers fans with Wade back in Baton Rouge. Here's where the former Tigers will be:
No. 7 seed Philadelphia 76ers - F Trendon Watford
Matchup: Play-In vs. No. 8 seed Orlando Magic
Watford went undrafted in 2021 but has stuck around in the NBA and is a solid bench player for the 76ers. It's unclear how big a role he will have in the playoff rotation, but there is room for his type of player. He's a big ball-handler who can pass and rebound. In the playoffs, Philadelphia won't want to take the ball out of the hands of their stars like Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid and Paul George.
No. 6 seed Minnesota Timberwolves - C Naz Reid
Matchup: vs. No. 3 seed Denver Nuggets
Reid was another undrafted player, but now he has become one of the most important players on the Timberwolves. He won the 2024 NBA Sixth Man of the Year award and was a candidate again this season, but he likely won't win it.
He is averaging 13.6 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists on 45.6/36.2/73.2 shooting splits. He is one of the best three-point shooting bigs in the league.
No. 5 seed Toronto Raptors - F Garrett Temple
Matchup: vs. No. 4 seed Cleveland Cavaliers
Temple is a bit of a different story than the others. If he touches the court in this series, something very wrong has happened. The 39-year-old is really a glorified bench coach, using his great leadership skills to show the younger players how to stick around in the NBA.
He's a very respected player, but he just doesn't play much. It would be nice to see the Raptors go on a run, as Temple has never won a ring in 16 seasons. Still not bad for yet another undrafted player.
No. 5 seed Houston Rockets - F Tari Eason
Matchup: vs. No. 4 seed Los Angeles Lakers
Eason has battled injuries early in his career, but when he's healthy, he is a very impactful player. The former first-round pick has lived up to the hype when he's on the court.
The fourth-year player averaged 10.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.2 steals on 41.6/35.8/77.6 shooting splits. His three-point shooting fell off a cliff in the second half of the season. From the start of the year to February 25, he shot an incredible 44%. From then on, he shot just 21.3%. If he can find his shot again, the Rockets could certainly go on a run. His defense never wavers.