Magic Johnson recently named the top candidate for the upcoming NBA season—and he’s playing for his alma mater, the Michigan State Spartans. The Los Angeles Lakers legend trusts the roster built by head coach Tom Izzo and sees huge potential in one of their stars.
Johnson believes that, once this player sharpens his offensive skills, he’ll go far. He’s still in college, but his upside makes him a strong contender for the big leagues.
A future NBA star in the making
According to Athlon Sports, Magic Johnson is backing Michigan State’s Coen Carr as the future of the NBA. He even said Carr might be the best athlete in the United States. That’s why Johnson insists that if Carr improves his offensive game, he’ll become a highly valuable NBA asset.
“There’s no better athlete in the country.”
Talked with Magic Johnson on Monday and he is very high on MSU basketball standout Coen Carr.He loves the growth of Carr’s game and shared why this upcoming season could be Carr’s breakout campaign. pic.twitter.com/fDPNZeriZj
— Ian Kress (@ian_kress) August 5, 2025
“Let me tell you something,” Johnson said about Carr, “if he gets that 15-foot jump shot, he could be the best player in the country—or at least one of the top five or six guys… There’s no better athlete in the nation.” Carr has been playing for Michigan State for two seasons.
During the 2024–25 season with the Spartans, Carr averaged 8.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 0.5 assists per game. He has stood out as a regular starter and one of the most dynamic players on the team.
His athleticism and skills haven’t gone unnoticed—especially by Johnson. Carr plays with an energy few can match in college basketball. His most exciting feature? A powerful vertical leap and a highlight-reel dunking ability.
According to 247Sports, Carr ranked 33rd nationally, was rated as the No. 7 power forward, and received a four-star recruit ranking.
Magic Johnson, the former Lakers star, played for Michigan State from 1977 to 1979 before being drafted into the NBA, where he made history.
