The NBA preseason, which tipped off Oct. 3, will feature a strong contingent Memphis basketball representation.
A group of former Tigers — most of whom competed for current Memphis coach and NBA legend Penny Hardaway — will spend the next two-plus weeks vying for NBA roster spots.
Among the more notable ones is James Wiseman. The 25-year-old, now listed at 6-foot-11, has become a bit of a journeyman as he has battled injury problems at various points during his professional career. Wiseman, who played just three games at Memphis during the 2019-20 season due to eligibility issues then became the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 draft, has played in only five regular-season games in the NBA over the past two seasons.
Now with the defending NBA champion
New York Knicks, Wiseman is "a frontrunner" to land a roster spot, according to the New York Post's Stefan Bondy.
The Knicks are set to face the Philadelphia 76ers in their first preseason game Oct. 5.
Here is a look at the rest of the former Memphis Tigers who are competing for NBA teams this preseason.
Lester Quinones
Once a fan favorite with the Tigers (2019-22), Quinones has enjoyed varying degrees of professional success at various levels of professional basketball. He has appeared in games for three separate NBA franchises (Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers and New Orleans Pelicans) and is hoping to make it four this year. Quinones is currently with the Miami Heat.
Moussa Cisse
The 6-11 center bookended his collegiate career with single seasons at Memphis (2020-21 and 2024-25), then signed with the Dallas Mavericks. He played in 38 games last season for the Mavs and hopes to remain on the roster this season.
Precious Achiuwa
A one-and-done after winning American Conference Player and Freshman of the Year honors in 2020, Precious Achiuwa is headed into his seventh season in the NBA and his second season with the Sacramento Kings.
Jalen Duren
Another one-and-done former American Conference Freshman of the Year, Jalen Duren will play his fifth season with the Detroit Pistons after signing a fully guaranteed, 5-year, $200 million contract on Oct. 1. It's the richest deal any former Memphis Tiger has ever signed.
Nae'Qwan Tomlin
The former Memphis standout, who only spent part of one season (2023-24) with the Tigers, was not drafted by any NBA team. But, after fetching a deal from the Cleveland Cavaliers, Tomlin has carved out a strong role. He is headed into his third season with the organization. Last season, Tomlin appeared in 64 games and averaged 5.8 points per game with the Cavs.
Dain Dainja
The 24-year-old big man was dominant for much of his lone season at Memphis (2024-25). After going undrafted, Dainja spent last season with the Sioux Falls Skyforce (the Miami Heat's G League affiliate). Dainja is now part of the Brooklyn Nets' organization.
Josh Minott
Another Tigers one-and-done, Minott was a second-round pick in the 2022 draft. He has spent time with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Boston Celtics. Minott is headed into his second season with the Nets.
David Jones Garcia
The 6-4 guard, whose lone season at Memphis came in 2023-24, is going into his second season with the San Antonio Spurs after signing his second two-way contract with the franchise in July. Jones Garcia played in 11 games with the Spurs last season.
Reach sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com, follow him @munzly on X.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Which former Memphis basketball stars are on NBA preseason rosters?
