Former Kentucky Wildcats in the NBA
By Wayne
Dec 16, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Utah Jazz center Enes Kanter (0) is defended by Miami Heat power forward Chris Andersen (11) and point guard Norris Cole (30) in the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
Of the 8 games played last night, 7 involved former Wildcats and of those 7 games only Daniel Orton (Suspension), Doron Lamb (DNP Coach’s Decision) and Keith Bogans (DNP Coach’s Decision) were left on the bench. 5 of 8 games featured former Wildcats but most didn’t fare so well as they went a combined 2-3 in those 5 games.
Detroit Pistons-101
Indiana Pacers-96
Josh Harrelson’s Detroit Pistons dealt the red hot Indiana Pacers their first one loss of the season Monday night. Calling them Harrelson’s Pistons is a bit of hyperbole but think back to when he first stepped on campus and tell me you thought he’d be playing in the league one day. You can’t…because he probably didn’t think he would either. But he finds himself in the rotation mix in Detroit and is making sure people take notice of what he has to offer. In his 16 minutes last night, he had 7 points, 10 rebounds, an assist, and 2 blocks to go with his (+4) point differential while on the floor.
Atlanta Hawks-114
Los Angeles Lakers-100
The haphazard Lakers are still searching for an identity after Kobe Bryant’s return. They seemed to function smoother without their legend lacing ’em up; play more like a team. Jodie Meeks had taken his spot in the starting line up and Meeks remains after Bryant returned. He’s currently averaging around 12 PPG but last night wasn’t pretty. in 25 minutes of action, he had 2 points on 1-8 shooting along with 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal. His -11 point differential ranked 3rd worst on the team. Is there any wonder they lost?
Washington Wizards-102
New York Knicks-101
Despite a huge 3rd quarter from the Knickerbockers, John Wall and the Wizards pulled it out in the end. With 6 seconds left, Bradley Beal drove baseline for the game winning lay in. Wall started hot and finished with one of his most complete lines of the season with 20 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 steals. To balance those 8 assists he coughed up 7 turnovers so if you eliminate those turnovers, this game isn’t close. As it stands, the Wizards are 10-13 on the season which speaks to his level of play this season.
Orlando Magic-83
Chicago Bulls-82
The hits just keep on coming for the Bulls as they fell to the lowly Magic Monday night. Though the Bulls signed D.J. Augustine, Marquis Teague got the start, though he didn’t play long, nor did he fill a stat sheet. He missed all 3 of his shots in 11 minutes and had no rebounds, assists, steals, or blocks. Without Derek Rose the Bulls are more a mess than ever at the G position.
Miami Heat-117
Utah Jazz-94
It appears that coming off the bench suits Enes Kanter a little better than starting the game. There’s less pressure and he’s able to get into the flow of a game more easily and the result is what you saw last night. He shot over 50% from the floor on 6-11 shooting for 14 points while pulling 8 boards in the loss.