Kentucky Wildcats in the NBA
Feb 4, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) is defended by Oklahoma City Thunder center Kendrick Perkins (5) during the first quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Anthony Davis
At such a young age it is hard to say but Anthony Davis is the Best player from the Kentucky Wildcats at this time. With that being said, The New Orleans Pelicans will need their franchise player to put on his cape in order for them to sneak into the last spot of the playoffs. Davis and the Pelicans are currently a game in a half behind the Phoenix Suns at the moment and will have to also battle out the Oklahoma City Thunder to get the last spot. Davis understands what is at stake after the All Star Break.
"“The team’s focus coming back from this break will be defense and playing hungry,” Davis said. “We’ve got to remember that we’re in a position to get that eighth spot, but not forget who were battling with: two great teams in OKC and Phoenix. They can both easily win. At the same time, on any given night, a team can lose in the West. It’s tough, but we know who we are.”"
Feb 6, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Eric Bledsoe (2) dribbles against the Utah Jazz during the second half at US Airways Center. The Suns won 100-93. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Eric Bledsoe
Another player that for some reason gets lost in the light of other Kentucky Wildcats stardom is Phoenix guard Eric Bledsoe. The Suns currently have the 8th spot in the west but will be fighting with the Thunder and Pelicans the rest of the way to lock up the final seed in the Western Conference. The former Cat may finally get his chance to run the team by himself as teammate Goran Dragic could be traded before the trade deadline.
"USA Today reported Tuesday night that Dragic’s agent, Bill Duffy, informed the Suns that his client intends to sign elsewhere as a free agent this offseason, no longer willing to share a backcourt with Eric Bledsoe and Isaiah Thomas."
Feb 11, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Brandon Knight (11) drives for the basket in front of Sacramento Kings guard Ramon Sessions (9) during the third quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Brandon Knight
Finally we have Brandon Knight who has turned around the Milwaukee Bucks Franchise. After having the worst record in the league last season, the former Cat has the Bucks sitting pretty at the 6 spot in the Eastern conference. All of this has been done with out their 2nd overall pick Jabari Parker who is a future star in this league. Sitting at 30 and 23 I can not see them really moving up or down in the conference. The Bucks could look to add previous Kentucky Wildcats “teammate” Enes Kanter to their playoff push as well.
"Kanter reportedly made a trade request to Jazz management after growing frustrated with his lack of playing time in Utah. Like Knight, Kanter will be a restricted free agent this summer, and he too presents a difficult valuation decision. Kanter’s numbers are solid–he’s averaging over 18 points and 10 rebounds per 36 minutes this season with a 17.5 PER–but he just doesn’t really stand out."