A Kentucky basketball fan’s guide to the NBA Playoffs
By Drew Koch
New Orleans Pelicans
Maybe the Pelicans should change their name to the Bayou Bobcats. New Orleans is home to four former Kentucky basketball players. Anthony Davis, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft is an MVP candidate this season. Joining Davis are former Cats Darius Miller, Rajon Rondo and DeAndre Liggins. Former Wildcat DeMarcus Cousins is also on the Pels roster, but he’s out for the season with an Achilles injury.
Anthony Davis is one of the best players in the league. The Brow is averaging a career-high in points with 28.1 points per game. Davis is also pulling down 11.1 rebounds per game this year. Davis has also swatted a league-high 196 blocks throughout the NBA season.
Miller is a key piece off the bench for the Pelicans. Miller has played in all 82 games and is knocking down 41.1% from downtown. Rondo leads New Orleans in assists with 8.2 per game. Rondo is the straw that stirs the drink for the Pelicans offense.
Liggins has played on seven different NBA teams, but the former Wildcat is hoping he’s found a permanent home in New Orleans. Liggins has played 58 games this season, 27 of them have been for the Pels. He has a small role off the bench, playing only 9 minutes per game.
The Pelicans are set to start the post-season on Saturday night in Portland against the Trail Blazers. New Orleans is the team in the playoffs with the most Kentucky basketball representation, but if at least one former Cat can grab a ring in June, BBN will be happy.