Former Kentucky Wildcats In The NBA: 10/22, Preseason Edition
Oct 21, 2012; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo (9) speaks with a referee during the second half of a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-US PRESSWIRE
There were four NBA preseason games played last night, with former Kentucky Wildcats playing in three out of those four games. DeMarcus Cousins, Chuck Hayes, Jodie Meeks, Rajon Rondo, DeAndre Liggins, and Daniel Orton all suited up last night for their respective teams. Some people say that the preseason doesn’t matter, but I’m here to tell you that anyone who says that, is flat out wrong. Point blank. Period. This preseason is crucial for a couple former Kentucky Wildcats in the NBA, as they are attempting to make the 15-man roster of their respective teams. For example, the Miami Heat just waived Mickell Gladness and Robert Dozier, which means former Cat Josh Harrellson is one step closer to making the 15-man roster. Now, let’s take a look at how each of last night’s games involving former Cats went down.
Oct 21, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (12) shoots against Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (right) during the preseason game at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-US PRESSWIRE
Sacramento Kings 99 – Los Angeles Lakers 92
- DeMarcus Cousins, Center, Sacramento
- Chuck Hayes, Forward, Sacramento
- Jodie Meeks, Guard, Los Angeles
Well, after all the drama surrounding Dwight Howard in the past couple seasons, he has finally made his debut with a new team, as he went head to head with former Kentucky Wildcat big man DeMarcus Cousins. Cousins finished with 16 points, 6 rebounds and 4 steals, while his opposition, Howard, finished with 19 points, 12 rebounds, 4 blocks and 5 turnovers. Also for the Kings, Chuck Hayes played 20 minutes, finishing with 6 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals. For the Lakers, Jodie Meeks played 15 minutes, scoring 6 points, dishing out an assist and pulling down a rebound. Lakers lose to the Kings despite the return of Dwight Howard, 99-92
Oct 21, 2012; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo (9) drives to the hoop against Philadelphia 76ers power forward Lavoy Allen (right) during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-US PRESSWIRE
Philadelphia 76ers 88 – Boston Celtics 79
- Rajon Rondo, Guard, Boston
Former Kentucky Wildcat guard Rajon Rondo will most likely be the biggest player on this year’s Celtics team with Ray Allen gone and the other 2/3 of the Big 3, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett, getting up there in age. Last night, Rondo finished with 12 points, 10 assists and 4 rebounds in a solid preseason performance. The Celtics fell short in this one, to the 76ers, by the score of 88 to 79.
Oct 16, 2012; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Charlotte Bobcats guard Ramon Sessions (7) handles the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder guard DeAndre Liggins (25) during the second half at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-US PRESSWIRE
Oklahoma City Thunder 108 – Denver Nuggets 101
- DeAndre Liggins, Guard, Oklahoma City
- Daniel Orton, Center, Oklahoma City
Two former Kentucky Wildcats suited up for the Oklahoma City Thunder last night in their game against the Denver Nuggets. Recent reports from the Thunder organization point out that the battle for the final spot on the 15-man roster is down to either DeAndre Liggins or Daniel Orton, which means in the next week or two, one of these guys will be waived. Last night, Liggins played 4 minutes, scored 2 points and pulled down a rebound. Orton did not get any playing time last night for the second preseason game in a row, which leads me to think that the final spot on the roster is going to be given to DeAndre Liggins. The Thunder got the win over the Nuggets, 108-101.