10 former Wolverines are still playing in the NBA

The 2024-25 NBA season, which tips off on Tuesday night, will feature 10 former Wolverines, at least to start.

None play for teams that are part of the opening-night doubleheader; most will play on Wednesday night, however. There are no rookies; Michigan didn’t have any players drafted last season. Here is a look at the group.

Caris LeVert (Cleveland Cavaliers)

With Max Strus injured, LeVert is in line for more minutes, and perhaps a starting role, early in the season. He averaged 14 points over 28.8 minutes per game last season for the Cavs, who lost in the second round of the playoffs to the eventual champion Celtics. LeVert enters his ninth year in the league.

Tim Hardaway Jr. (Detroit Pistons)

Hardaway, entering his 12th year in the NBA, is the longest-tenured active Wolverine. He was traded this summer to Detroit after five seasons in Dallas, bring some veteran leadership and outside shooting to the Pistons.

Kobe Bufkin (Atlanta Hawks)

The 15th overall draft pick last year, Bufkin appeared in 17 games as a rookie. He sustained a shoulder injury in practice and will miss at least Wednesday’s opener. It is not expected to be a long-term injury.

Moussa Diabaté (Charlotte Hornets)

After spending just one season at Michigan, he never saw regular playing time with the Clippers his first two years as a pro. Mostly a G League player, Diabaté signed a two-way contract with Charlotte this summer.

Duncan Robinson (Miami Heat)

The veteran sharpshooter appears to be healthy entering his seventh season in the league. He rediscovered his 3-point stroke last season before suffering a back injury.

Caleb Houstan (Orlando Magic)

One of four Wolverines in Orlando, Houstan has been a minor bench contributor his two seasons in the league. He shot 37 percent from 3 last season but was a nonfactor in Orlando’s lone playoff series.

Jett Howard (Orlando Magic)

The youngest son of the former Michigan head coach Juwan Howard, Jett played sparingly in 18 games as a rookie after getting drafted 11th overall. Orlando hosts Brooklyn, where Juwan is now an assistant coach, on Friday. Juwan is the lead scout for that game.

Franz Wagner (Orlando Magic)

The younger Wagner brother got paid this offseason, signing a five-year, $224 million max extension after solidifying himself as one of the rising stars in the league.

Moe Wagner (Orlando Magic)

The older Wagner brother was also brought back (on a much more modest deal). He’s found a niche in Orlando as an efficient reserve center.

Jordan Poole (Washington Wizards)

Poole’s fifth season in the league was his first in Washington. He was second on the team with 17.4 points per game, shooting 41 percent overall and 33 percent from 3. The Wizards open on Thursday.

More to come?

Other former Michigan basketball players could see action in the NBA at some point this season. Isaiah Livers, Zavier Simpson, D.J. Wilson, and Colin Castleton suited up for NBA teams last year.