A Kentucky basketball fan’s guide to the NBA Playoffs
By Drew Koch
The NBA Playoffs tip off on Saturday afternoon. The Kentucky basketball program has a ton of talent on NBA rosters, and a lot of it will be on display throughout the NBA Playoffs.
With March Madness behind us, it’s time to cheer on our former Wildcats who are now stars in the NBA. The NBA Playoffs tip off on Saturday afternoon. Coach Calipari and the Kentucky basketball program have put a ton of talent into the NBA. Want to be sure you keep an eye on your favorite former Cats during the NBA postseason? Check out Wildcat Blue Nation’s “Fan’s Guide to the NBA Playoffs”.
John Calipari has helped 31 young men achieve their dreams to become drafted by an NBA team. With Kevin Knox and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander headed to the 2018 NBA Draft, that number is sure to grow. Let’s take a peek at the NBA Playoff teams with former Cats on their roster.
Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards are happy to have the talents of former Wildcat John Wall. Wall, who recently returned from injury is a five-time All-Star and made the All-NBA team last season. Wall is joined on the Wizards by former Kentucky basketball standout Jodie Meeks.
Unfortunately for Meeks, he won’t be on the floor with Wall when the Wizards go up against the top-seeded Toronto Raptors. Meeks is suspended 25 games for violating the NBA’s anti-drug program. According to ESPN, Meeks tested positive for banned compounds ipamorelin and growth-hormone-releasing peptide-2.
Meeks is appealing the suspension, but until the appeal is heard, he will be unable to play. In a statement to ESPN, Meeks said, “Because I have never used a drug of any kind I am absolutely heartbroken and perplexed with the news today. Let me be clear: I have never taken anything whatsoever for a performance-enhancing reason. I respect the game of basketball too much.”
The Wizards tip off their best-of-seven series against the Raptors on Saturday in Toronto.