Three Former Kentucky Wildcats Find New NBA Homes: A Closer Look at Their Journeys

The University of Kentucky has been a breeding ground for some of the NBA’s most electrifying talents. With alumni like Devin Booker and Anthony Davis making waves in the league, it’s no surprise that Wildcats are consistently in the mix during NBA transactions. However, with so many former Cats in the NBA, player movement is inevitable. Let’s take a closer look at three former Wildcats who have recently found new homes in the NBA.

Jacob Toppin Joins the New York Knicks

Jacob Toppin, a versatile forward known for his athleticism and defensive prowess, has signed a two-way contract with the New York Knicks. This deal allows him to split his time between the G-League and the Knicks’ main roster, offering him the opportunity to develop further while contributing to the team when needed. Toppin went undrafted after the 2022-2023 season but managed to secure a spot with the Knicks for the 2023-2024 campaign. Though he appeared in just nine games, averaging 4.2 minutes and 1.4 points per contest, his potential remains high. The Knicks are betting on his ability to grow within their system, and Toppin will be eager to prove that he belongs in the NBA full-time.

Johnny Juzang Heads to the Utah Jazz

Although Johnny Juzang finished his college career at UCLA, he began his journey with the Kentucky Wildcats, making his move to the Utah Jazz an intriguing chapter in his career. Juzang went undrafted but signed with the Jazz during the 2022-2023 season, where he showed promise as a sharpshooter. In his rookie season, he averaged 4.8 points per game, but his sophomore season saw a significant improvement. Juzang increased his scoring to 7.2 points per game while shooting an impressive 41.6% from beyond the arc. The Jazz rewarded his progress with a four-year contract, signaling their belief in his ability to become a key contributor moving forward. At just 23 years old, Juzang has the potential to carve out a solid NBA career as a reliable shooter.

Skal Labissiere Returns to the Sacramento Kings

Skal Labissiere’s NBA journey has been a rollercoaster ride since he was drafted 28th overall by the Phoenix Suns in the 2016 NBA Draft, only to be traded to the Sacramento Kings. Standing 6-foot-10, Labissiere made an immediate impact as a rookie, averaging 8.8 points per game and shooting 53.7% from the field. However, after a promising start, his career took a downturn, and he has not played in the NBA since the 2019-20 season. Despite the setbacks, Labissiere remains just 28 years old, and his recent signing with the Sacramento Kings marks a potential comeback. With his size and skill set, Labissiere has the tools to contribute in multiple ways, and the Kings are hoping he can rediscover the form that made him a first-round pick.

These three former Wildcats represent the ongoing influence of Kentucky basketball in the NBA. Whether it’s young players like Toppin and Juzang working to establish themselves or veterans like Labissiere seeking redemption, the journey from Lexington to the NBA continues to be an exciting one for Wildcats fans to follow.