The Bench
Coming up with a bench for this team shouldn’t be too difficult. Most successful teams have about five, maybe six bench players that contribute on a regular basis. When it comes to these types of players, depth is important to consider. You need size, speed, and scoring to leave the game at ease when the second unit is put into the game. With that said, here are some options that the Kentucky Alumni can get into the game en route to an NBA Title
Karl-Anthony Towns
Karl-Anthony Towns is blossoming into a great player for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Averaging 25 points and 12 rebounds per game could make his case for the starting center spot on this team. Nevertheless, Towns would fit in nicely with a team of Kentucky Basketball stars. Providing great production off of the bench for this team is important and Towns can give them a defensive and rebounding presence on both ends of the floor.
Jamal Murray
Jamal Murray is not the superstar yet that he will eventually turn out to be. He plays for a smaller market team in the Denver Nuggets but the league started to see his presence late in the season. With increased minutes, Jamal Murray showed the world what he can do with a basketball in his hands. A deadly three point shooter to back up Devin Booker is needed. You’re not going to miss much when Murray comes into the game. Defenders will still have to respect his shot enough to space the floor leaving room for John Wall to go to work.
Enes Kanter
Enes Kanter never really “played” for Kentucky, but he still counts. Kanter provides great depth at the power forward spot. He is certainly used to sharing the paint after spending multiple seasons with fellow big man Stephen Adams in Oklahoma City. His game compliments the rest of the starters. An Excellent rebounder leaves the door open for a great amount of three point shot attempts.
Rajon Rondo
Rajon Rondo is probably the most underrated facilitator in the league. Even though he is probably nearing the end of his career. He provides a great deal of playoff experience to this relatively young team. To think that he is the only Kentucky Player on this team that didn’t play for Calipari is weird. The bottom line is that a point guard like Rondo can get his teammates the ball and that makes for a great formula an NBA Title.
Julius Randle
Julius Randle is the type of player that can be used in smaller lineup situations. He’s 6-foot-9 and can rebound the basketball. He is good for about 10 points per game. with the scoring threats on this team, Randle would best provide a breather for Anthony Davis or even Michael Kidd-Gilchrist at the three-spot at times.
Eric Bledsoe
Eric Bledsoe is a great point guard himself. He is a player that can score in a variety of ways. Bledsoe averaged 24 points, 5 rebounds, and nearly 7 assists per game for the Phoenix Suns. He has great chemistry with John Wall and Demarcus Cousins from their Kentucky days. Eric Bledsoe also knows Devin Booker’s game as well which makes him a prime candidate to give this team some great minutes in relief of Wall and Rondo. He could also play some at the shooting guard spot which he is use to from back in his days at Kentucky.