Former Kentucky Wildcats in the NBA: 11/23 Edition
October 9, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Hornets forward Anthony Davis (left) Charlotte Bobcats forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (center) and Hornets forward Darius Miller (2) pose for a picture together before tip off of a preseason game at the New Orleans Arena. The Hornets defeated the Bobcats 97-82. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE
With no games being played last night on account of it being Thanksgiving, I wanted to take a look at how some of the former Kentucky Wildcats were doing in the NBA this season as a whole. Today we will look at all the players who have come out of Kentucky during the John Calipari era. That includes John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, Patrick Patterson, Eric Bledsoe, Daniel Orton, Brandon Knight, Enes Kanter, DeAndre Liggins, Josh Harrellson, Anthony Davis, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Terrence Jones, Marquis Teague, Doron Lamb and Darius Miller.
- John Wall, Guard, Washington Wizards
John Wall has been out all season with a knee injury and according to the Washington Post earlier this week, Wall’s timetable for returning to the floor is still unknown. Wall was poised for a breakout year after he averaged 16.3 points, 8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game last year.
- DeMarcus Cousins, Center, Sacramento Kings
DeMarcus “Boogie” Cousins has started 9 of the 11 games his team has played this season. The other two Cousins had to sit out due to a suspension. Cousins is averaged 16.6 points and 10 rebounds per game in his third season out of Kentucky.
- Patrick Patterson, Forward, Houston Rockets
While the Houston Rockets continue to accumulate young talent and made a major trade to acquire James Harden, Patrick Patterson remains a starter in his third year out of Kentucky. Patterson is averaging 12.7 points and 5.2 rebounds per game this season.
- Eric Bledsoe, Guard, Los Angeles Clippers
Eric Bledsoe continues to put in solid work off the bench behind All-Star point guard Chris Paul. Bledsoe is averaging 10 points, 2.9 assists and 2.8 rebounds per game in 19.2 minutes per game.
- Daniel Orto, Center, Oklahoma City Thunder
Daniel Orton was recently optioned to the NBA D-League, but in his time with the Thunder this season, he played in one game and scored two points on the only shot he attempted.
- Enes Kanter, Center, Utah Jazz
Enes Kanter, while never playing a minute as a Kentucky Wildcat, is still a player who came out of Kentucky and was coached by John Calipari every day in practice. Kanter averages 14.2 minutes per game, 4.6 points per game and 3.4 rebounds per game. Kanter continues to work hard in this time that he is given behind a couple of high quality big men who start for the Utah Jazz in Paul Milsap and Al Jefferson, as well as Derrick Favors off the bench.
- Brandon Knight, Guard, Detroit Pistons
Brandon Knight has started every game this year for the Pistons, averaging 10.6 points, 6.4 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game. Knights turnovers per game have gone up since last season’s 2.6 to 3.2 this season.
- DeAndre Liggins, Guard, Oklahoma City Thunder
DeAndre Liggins was optioned to the D-League at the same time as Daniel Orton, however, in his time with the Thunder this season, Liggins played in four games, totaling 5 rebounds and 1 assist this season.
- Josh Harrellson, Center, Miami Heat
Josh Harrellson was one of the last guys to make the Miami Heat final roster this season. “Jorts” averages 1.7 points and 1.7 rebounds in 3 games this season.
- Anthony Davis, Forward, New Orleans Hornets
Number 1 overall draft pick Anthony Davis has already had to sit out multiple games twice this season because of injury. First, Davis sat out games after receiving an elbow to the head from teammate Austin Rivers and had concussion like symptoms. Currently, Davis is sitting out with a stress reaction in his ankle. Davis is averaging 16 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game this season.
- Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Forward, Charlotte Bobcats
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist has been the motor that the Charlotte Bobcats have needed to get them going. The Bobcats are 6-4 and MKG has started every game so far this season. Kidd-Gilchrist averages 11.9 points and 6.8 rebounds per game this season.
- Terrence Jones, Forward, Houston Rockets
Terrence Jones has been buried on the bench behind multiple power forwards but has managed to make it into four games this season. Oddly enough, in those four games that he has played, Jones averages 15.8 minutes, 6.3 points and 3 rebounds per game.
- Marquis Teague, Guard, Chicago Bulls
Teague hasn’t gotten much playing time this season, making his way into 5 total games. In those five games, Teague has totaled 7 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds.
- Doron Lamb, Guard, Milwaukee Bucks
Doron Lamb, stuck in the same situation as Marquis Teague and other NBA rookies who weren’t lottery picks, struggles to find his way onto the court. Lamb has played in five games and has totaled 8 points, 3 assists, a rebound and a steal.
- Darius Miller, Forward, New Orleans Hornets
Last but certainly not least from the John Calipari era at Kentucky is fan favorite and homegrown Darius Miller. Miller has played in 10 games this season, starting one of those games. Miller averages 2.1 points, 1.2 rebounds and 1 assist in 13.3 minutes per game.