Former Kentucky Basketball star Alex Poythress made his NBA debut Sunday afternoon. His first basket? A dunk no doubt.
Alex Poythress has spent all of his professional basketball career making a name for himself in the NBA Developmental League. Poythress has spent the season starring for the Fort Wayne Mad-Ants alongside another former Kentucky Basketball star, Marquis Teague.
While in the D-League Alex Poythress became an absolute terror on the floor. While with the Mad Ants, Poythress has averaged 18.5 points to go along with seven rebounds per game. Although this is against D-League competition, it’s a step up from the streaky performances he had at Kentucky.
At 6-7, weighing in at 235 pounds, Alex Poythress has the body to go along with his athleticism on the floor. Poythress has the tangibles to work as a small power forward or a large, small forward on big lineups.
NBA Debut
Alex Poythress went undrafted in last year’s NBA Draft. The former Kentucky Basketball forward was signed as a free agent by the Indiana Pacers but let go prior to the start of the season. After making his presence known in the D-League, the Philadelphia 76ers have made the call to bring on the Clarksville, Tennessee native for the remainder of the season.
The 76ers have been hit with an abundance of injuries including that of Jahlil Okafor, Joel Embiid, and former number one pick, Ben Simmons. The NBA awarded a hardship exception to the 76ers which allowed room for Poythress on the squad.
The former Wildcat made his official debut for the 76ers on Sunday afternoon against the Toronto Raptors. Alex Poythress definitely impressed in his opening minutes as his first field goal in the League came off of a power move slam.
POY, HE BOUT TO DO IT. https://t.co/X3huODnKnr
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) April 2, 2017
Former UK star @AlexTheGreat22 had 11 points and 3 rebounds in 24 minutes in his NBA DEBUT for the #Sixers. #BBN https://t.co/KpAFROKQ7f
— ExCats (@ExCats) April 3, 2017
Hopeful For an NBA Future
No one can guarantee that Poythress will remain with the big league team for long. The 76ers have made a name for themselves as being a revolving door for young NBA talent. One thing can be for certain, Alex Poythress is an NBA player at all levels. With an improved jump shot, strength and a motor that doesn’t stop, this Kentucky Wildcat should use this stint in the league as an open tryout for another team.
Next: Top five Kentucky Players to Wear No. 5
Also, Poythress’ presence for the 76ers means that there is officially a Kentucky Basketball alumni on 20 of the 30 NBA teams. That’s pretty underwhelming if you ask Colin Cowherd.