Former Kentucky Wildcats in the NBA: The Complete Road Map

As another NBA season approaches, it’s time to take a look at the Former Kentucky Wildcats in the NBA. After starting last season with a record 22 players on opening day rosters, the numbers have dropped a bit. It still looks as though Kentucky will have 20 players on the NBA rosters to start the year, but before we look at them, let’s look at the players that dropped off the NBA radar.

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KEITH BOGANS

At age 34, it looks as if Keith Bogans may have reached the end of the road. He played just 6 games in Boston last year, then was traded to Philadelphia and then cut. Bogans may find some time on a team as injuries start to mount, but for now who knows what interest there may be. For what it’s worh, Keith did manage a 11 year career and changed teams 13 times, including 3 stints with my Orlando Magic.

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JOSH HARRELLSON

Just the fact that Josh Harrellson was in the NBA is a testament to John Calipari, but Jorts is headed overseas to play for the Chongqing Flying Dragons of the Chines Basketball Association. Jorts signed a two year deal last year with the Pistons but knee injuries led to his dismissal. At 25, Josh may return but for now he leaves with three teams in three years. He played in 75 games and averaged 3.5 points and 3.0 rebounds.

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DANIEL ORTON

The Daniel Orton NBA saga is over as he has signed with Shanxi in China. There really has never been a NBA first round pick that did so little in college and he did even less in the NBA, playing for three teams in three years before being cut by Washington. For his career, Orton appeared in 51 games and averaged 2.8 points and 2.5 rebounds, which was right in line with his season at Kentucky. If Orton ever makes it to a NBA roster again, he has a one game suspension waiting for him for leaving the bench during a Wizards exhibition game.

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DORON LAMB

Doron was the latest casualty as he was waived Saturday by the Mavericks. After being drafted by Milwaukee, Lamb was traded to Orlando midway through his rookie season. Lamb failed to make an impact with Orlando either and was waived by Orlando. The Mavs signed him but Doron could not make the 15 man roster. Lamb will more than likely get signed somewhere this year, or spend time in the D-League. So far, Lamb has 100 NBA games under his belt an averaged 3.5 points. Lamb is still a decent long range shooter, hitting 39.4%, so we shall see if someone takes a flyer on him.

Kentucky added two new members to the league this year, so now, let’s focus on the Cats on opening day rosters.