Every year, it feels like half the NBA has a connection to Lexington — and this season is no different. From All-Stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to rising names like Reed Sheppard, Kentucky’s NBA pipeline is still overflowing with talent. But there are also a few surprising names not on rosters this year — and that might shock Big Blue Nation. Let’s dive in and see who made the list and who’s missing.
Former Kentucky Players Still Making Their Mark in the NBA for the 2025-26 Season
Kentucky basketball’s NBA pipeline is still as strong as ever. As the 2025-26 NBA season tips off, nearly two dozen former Wildcats are spread across rosters around the league — from All-Stars and franchise cornerstones to promising young contributors and two-way players fighting for their spot.
As of October 21, 2025, here’s the full rundown of ex-Cats currently in the NBA, along with a few familiar faces still looking for their next opportunity.
Established Stars
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder, 2017-18)
Gilgeous-Alexander continues to be one of the league’s premier guards. Last season, he averaged 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, 5.0 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 1.0 blocks, solidifying his spot among MVP contenders.
Anthony Davis (Dallas Mavericks, 2011-12)
Now suiting up for Dallas, Davis posted 24.7 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks in 51 games split between the Lakers and Mavericks.
Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns, 2014-15)
Booker remains one of the smoothest scorers in basketball, averaging 25.6 points and 7.1 assists for Phoenix last season.
Karl-Anthony Towns (New York Knicks, 2014-15)
A major trade sent Towns to the Knicks, where he put up 24.4 points and 12.8 rebounds while helping lead New York’s playoff push.
De’Aaron Fox (San Antonio Spurs, 2016-17)
Fox brought his speed and scoring punch to the Spurs, averaging 23.5 points and 6.3 assists after being traded from Sacramento.
Rising and Reliable Contributors
Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers, 2019-20)
One of the NBA’s most dynamic young guards, Maxey delivered 26.3 points and 6.1 assists in 52 games before injury setbacks.
Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat, 2016-17)
Miami’s defensive anchor averaged 18.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists while leading the Heat back to the playoffs.
Tyler Herro (Miami Heat, 2018-19)
Herro was right alongside him with 23.9 points and 5.5 assists, forming one of the league’s best backcourt duos.
Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets, 2015-16)
The Nuggets’ championship guard kept rolling with 21.4 points and 6.0 assists in 67 games.
PJ Washington (Dallas Mavericks, 2017-19)
Washington proved to be a steady two-way contributor, posting 14.7 points and 7.8 rebounds for Dallas.
Key Role Players
Malik Monk (Sacramento Kings, 2016-17) averaged 17.2 points and 5.6 assists.
Keldon Johnson (San Antonio Spurs, 2018-19) contributed 12.7 points and 4.8 rebounds.
Julius Randle (Minnesota Timberwolves, 2013-14) added 18.7 points and 7.1 rebounds.
Shaedon Sharpe (Portland Trail Blazers, 2021-22) produced 18.5 points and 4.5 rebounds.
Cason Wallace (Oklahoma City Thunder, 2022-23) averaged 8.4 points and 1.8 steals.
Immanuel Quickley (Toronto Raptors, 2018-20) delivered 17.1 points and 5.8 assists.
Jarred Vanderbilt (Los Angeles Lakers, 2017-18) remained a defensive specialist, grabbing 5.1 rebounds per game.
Newcomers and Two-Way Players
Rob Dillingham (Minnesota Timberwolves, 2023-24) averaged 4.5 points and 2.0 assists in limited minutes but flashed elite speed and creativity.
Justin Edwards (Philadelphia 76ers, 2023-24) put up 10.1 points and 3.4 rebounds, finding his rhythm as a rookie wing.
Reed Sheppard (Houston Rockets, 2023-24) averaged 4.4 points and 1.4 assists in 52 games, earning valuable experience early in his career.
Antonio Reeves (Charlotte Hornets, 2022-24) scored 6.9 points per game on a two-way deal.
Amari Williams (Boston Celtics, 2024-25) signed a two-way contract with Boston.
Jacob Toppin (Atlanta Hawks, 2020-23) appeared in 17 games while working to establish a steady rotation role.
Oscar Tshiebwe (Utah Jazz, 2021-23) averaged 7.6 points and 8.7 rebounds in 14 appearances, proving his rebounding still translates at the pro level.
Free Agents and Recent Alumni
A few familiar faces are currently free agents, still hoping to land new opportunities:
Brandon Boston Jr. (10.7 points per game with Pelicans)
Keion Brooks Jr. (10.1 points per game with Pelicans)
Kevin Knox (3.3 points per game with Warriors)
Trey Lyles (6.5 points per game with Kings)
TyTy Washington Jr. (2.2 points per game with Suns)
Other former Wildcats currently seeking new homes include Hamidou Diallo, Wenyen Gabriel, Olivier Sarr, Chris Livingston, Lamont Butler, Andrew Carr, Jaxson Robinson, Ashton Hagans, and Skal Labissiere.
The Pipeline Stays Strong
From veterans like Anthony Davis and Karl-Anthony Towns to up-and-coming stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Tyrese Maxey, Kentucky’s influence across the NBA remains undeniable.
Mark Pope’s first Kentucky roster may still be getting its footing in Lexington, but the program’s NBA tradition shows no signs of slowing down. Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat — and the league continues to prove it every night.
