Here’s an update for you on some of our former University of Kentucky Wildcats who have moved on to the NBA.
The following former Cats are now playing in the NBA Development League:
The Houston Rockets sent Kyle Wiltjer to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.
The Sacramento Kings sent Skal Labissiere to the Reno Bighorns.
The Charlotte Hornets sent Aaron Harrison to the Greensboro Swarm.
Dakari Johnson plays for the Oklahoma City Blue.
The Westchester Knicks have signed Doron Lamb.
The purpose of the NBA D-League is to give seldom-used or inactive players the opportunity to get playing time and also work on skills that they need in order to break into the rosters of their respective NBA teams. The D-League is also used in some cases to help rehabilitate a player after an injury, depending on the needs of the NBA team.
Being in the D-League can have a negative connotation, but it is very useful, and keeps players in competitive settings instead of just going to practices, working out and collecting DNPs on stat sheets.
DeAndre Liggins is a good example of a player who has used the D-League to his advantage; he has spent multiple stints there, racking up defensive awards and playing in All Star Games; now, he is with the defending NBA Champion Cleveland Cavaliers.
With the exception of nationally televised games, all NBA D-League games are streamed on Facebook Live this season. Click here to visit the NBA D-League’s official website and find out more about this opportunity.
We wish Kyle, Skal, Aaron, Dakari and Doron the best as they continue pursuing their dreams!
University of Kentucky alumna. DeMarcus Cousins was my gateway into the NBA. Watching former Kentucky Wildcats thrive in the pros is the best.