Top 20 former Michigan State Spartans to play in the NBA

Earvin 'Magic' Johnson
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Former Michigan State Spartan Morris Peterson. (Photo by Ron Turenne/NBAE via Getty Images) /

14. Morris “Mo Pete” Peterson

With 9.3 points-per-game in 22.6 minutes-per-game and a 38 percent three-point shooting average, Morris Peterson earned himself as a spot as a member of the 2000-01 NBA All-Rookie First Team.

However, his career 10.7 points, 3.5 rebounds and 0.9 assists per-game averages are nothing marvelous, but he still maintained a productive career as an efficient and reliable role player, and these low numbers reflect a low usage rate.

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In the seasons where Peterson was utilized most are also his most productive seasons.

In 2002-03, Peterson started 80 games, and played his second most minutes per game with 36. Effectively, Peterson’s second highest scoring average also came this year, dropping 14.1 points per game that season.

Three seasons later, Peterson again stepped into a starting role. Although he only started in three less games that season than in 02-03, he averaged 38.3 minutes per game. This increase in use coincided with Peterson’s highest outputs in scoring (16.8), rebounding (4.6) and assists (1.3).