Kentucky basketball: Preseason Power Rankings of all the Wildcats in the NBA

The Kentucky Wildcats did it again. They officially have the most NBA players at 29. There were even a couple of surprises, with Justin Edwards making the Philadelphia 76ers roster and Oscar Tshiebwe getting assigned a spot on the Utah Jazz. This list does not include Brandon Boston Jr., who was signed after these power rankings. He will be included in the next set.

There are so many NBA players from Kentucky, from superstars to role players to rookies hoping to get more minutes. As the NBA games start today, let's put together a power rankings of all the Kentucky alums in the NBA.

One of the most elite players in the league last year, and he's only getting better. I put him at number one because we still haven't seen the ceiling of Gilgeous-Alexander. He is also ranked among the top NBA players in PIE, which is a fancy way of saying how important you are to winning. The higher the score, the more your presence causes your team to win.

Davis is a star and has been for a long time. He will continue his dominance in the NBA this year. He is still one of the most elite rim protectors in basketball, and his ability to score makes it essential for the Lakers to keep him on the floor.

Part of the big 3 of the Phoenix Suns with Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. He is one of a long line of elite guards to come out of Kentucky. His performance will be helpful to get his team to the playoffs this season.

One of the best centers in the game. He is a former all-star and gold medalist, and the Heat are one of the favorites to make the playoffs this year, and a lot of that comes on the shoulders of Adebayo. I could see him moving up this list, even with only a few players ahead of him.

Thanks to Murray's strong play, the Nuggets won the 2023 NBA title and almost went back-to-back last season in the 2023-2024 season. They will be looking for another strong push this year, and Murray will be a major reason for this.

It is really strange to see the Knicks symbol next to Towns' name. The trade that swapped two Wildcats and the numbers 6 and 7 on this list was stunning. The Knicks want to win, and they want to win now, and they are banking on Towns to help them get over the hump.

Randle in a new town in a new place will have way fewer expectations thrown at him compared to what the New York fanbase demands. However, he will want to ensure the Timberwolves only improve under his veteran leadership.

With Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Maxey as the big three for the 76ers, they continue to try to break what many consider a curse. They can't seem to find the championship trophy they so desperately need. They re-signed Maxey this offseason with the goal of this being the year.

Fox has had a ton of pressure on him to help the Kings win. He may actually elevate this year because the Kings signed DeMar DeRozan this offseason. Those two will plan to share the load of carrying this team to the playoffs.

Quickley was given a big deal this last year, 5 years, for $175 million. The Raptors want to build around him with new young talent in Ja'Kobe Walter and Jonathan Mogbo. This doesn't look like the year they will break through, but it's a year to grow and get closer.

I like Herro and think he should be higher on this list. He would be the main star on many teams but gets to be a strong scoring contributor on the Heat. It will be fun to continue to watch how Miami will use him this year.

Monk has a chance to make a bigger splash this year alongside former Wildcat De'Aaron Fox. Fox and Monk will help elevate the game of DeMar DeRozan. The Kings will put up a lot of points, and Monk will play a big part in that.

He had a downtick in minutes last year in a year that should have built off the 2022-2023 season. He is primed to contribute off the bench, but the Spurs have to be able to trust his ability to contribute on both ends of the floor consistently.

Sharpe will start the year on the injury list. He tore a muscle in his left shoulder, and the TrailBlazers have said it will keep him out a few weeks.

Washington is a reliable stretch big with some good defense to go along with his ability to score. The Mavericks will give him minutes, and the goal is to showcase that he is a stud and can be relied on for more.

Wallace was fun last year, but he didn't see a ton of time. However, in the flashes he showed, he impressed. This year, the Thunder will look to grow his role, and there should be plenty of opportunities for him to showcase his skills.

I think Sheppard could shoot up this list. He is a favorite to win Rookie of the Year, and he will either start or be one of the first ones off the bench. He absolutely stuffs the stat sheet with contributions all over. The Rockets got a good one.

Jackson spent the last year developing into a more NBA-style athletic big. He has a ton of upside in shot-blocking but needs to find ways to score when he is in. He's young enough by NBA standards that there is more to grow in Jackson.

Rebounding machine with some shot blocking mixed in. The Hornets like what they have in Richards, and it will be fun to watch if his role expands this year.

Lyles likes to play fast, which shouldn't surprise anyone coming from a John Calipari Kentucky team. He can stretch the floor and gives solid minutes off the bench.

He is mainly known for his defense and gets good opportunities to guard some of the better players in the league. He is good on the glass but needs to find more ways to score to help the Lakers find the playoffs this year.

I wasn't sure where to put Dillingham, and I hope he also shoots up this list, he is super young at only 19 years old so the sky is the limit. We will see how he climbs these power rankings.

I love a good, undrafted story. Toppin is still developing and won't see a ton of minutes this year but the Knicks like him enough to put him on their roster to start the season.

Livingston hasn't had much chance yet in the NBA, but that could change this year. The Bucks are going to give him chances to compete and showcase his ability.

I wasn't sure if Washington would make the Suns this offseason, but he's electric at times and can really flash from the guard position. I would love to see him get more minutes.

Tshiebwe made his way off the NBA G-League and secured a spot on the Jazz. It will remain to be seen how many minutes he gets, but he does provide useful depth for Utah.

Late draft pick, and the Pelicans like what they see in Reeves. It will be interesting to see if he makes it much onto the floor this season.

Good for Edwards, making the NBA as an undrafted rookie. He showed up and showed out, and now he has a chance to play for the 76ers.

UPDATE: Brandon Boston Jr. was signed by the New Orleans Pelicans to a two-way deal after this list was created. He makes the 29th Wildcat in the NBA.