The NBA regular season got started this week, meaning that UK’s Draft Cats had their first chances at playing meaningful professional minutes. Here’s a look at how they and some other former UK players fared:
John Wall (Washington Wizards) – 14 points, nine assists, three steals
Playing against a very good Orlando Magic squad, Wall struggled a bit with his shot in his debut (6-of-19 from the field) in a 112-83 loss. The Magic effectively eliminated transition play for much of the game, but Wall was able orchestrate a few of his signature breathtaking fast-break layups to give Wizards’ fans reason for optimism.
DeMarcus Cousins (Sacramento Kings) – 14 points, eight rebounds, five assists
Behind DeMarcus Cousins, the Sacramento Kings won their season opener for the first time since 2003, beating the Minnesota Timberwolves 117-116. Cousins struggled with foul trouble throughou, but was very efficient in his 26 minutes. With star guard Tyreke Evans serving a on- game suspension, the Kings ran their offense through Cousins in crunch time and he rewarded them, making good passes, scoring in the post and converting at the foul line.
Patrick Patterson (Houston Rockets), Eric Bledsoe (Los Angeles Clippers), and Daniel Orton (Orlando Magic)
Of UK’s other three 2009 first rounders, only Eric Bledsoe has seen game action, playing 39 seconds in a Clippers’ loss to the Portland Trailblazers and missing one 3-pointer. With a great deal of depth at the power forward spot, the Rockets made Patterson inactive. Daniel Orton is still in the process of strengthening his surgically repaired knee and has only recently returned to practice.
Including the five draftees from last season’s team, there were 13 former Wildcats on NBA rosters on opening day. Here are some notable performances from this group:
Rajon Rondo (Boston Celtics)
The Celtics have played two games already this season with Rondo posting averages of 11.0 points, 13.0 assists, 4.5 rebound, and 2.5 steals. In the Celtics opening night victory over the Miami Heat, Rondo dished out 17 assists, one shy of a career high are more than they entire Miami Heat team.
Chuck Hayes (Houston Rockets)
The Rockets also have played two games. Hayes had a quiet first game but had 16 points, eight rebounds and six assists the next night in a loss to the Golden State Warriors.
Tayshaun Prince (Detroit Pistons)
Prince remains a fixture in the starting lineup of the Pistons at the small forward spot. In the Pistons’ opening loss to the New Jersey Nets, Prince contributed 14 points and two steals.
Nazr Mohammed (Charlotte Bobcats)
Mohammed is playing his 13th NBA season, earning the starting center position for the Bobcats. He had 10 points and four rebounds in his first game.
