Fifteen Former Wildcats to Play in the 2021 NBA Playoffs, Leading All of CBB

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Kentucky Basketball continues to dominate the NBA on its biggest stage. Just one year after Kentucky players set the record for most points by a school in a single playoff, the 2021 NBA Playoffs will begin with 15 former ‘Cats- leading the nation for the most players in the playoffs.

1️⃣5️⃣ Wildcats are set for the 2021 #NBAPlayoffs, the most of any college program 😼🏀#BuiltDifferent x #LaFamilia https://t.co/ydRbXTZeS7

— Kentucky Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) May 22, 2021

Of the 16 teams in the playoffs, nine of them will feature former Wildcats. Three of the teams will feature multiple Wildcats. The New York Kentucky Knicks, who came out of absolutely nowhere this season to clinch the fourth-seed in the Eastern Conference, leads with four Wildcats (Kevin Kox, Nearlens Noel, Immanuel Quickley, and Most Improved Player finalist, Julis Randle).

Here’s a look at each team that will feature a Wildcat for the playoffs.

Dallas Mavericks (1) – Willie Cauley-Stein
Denver Nuggets (1) – Jamal Murray*
Los Angeles Clippers (3) – DeMarcus Cousins, Patrick Patterson, Rajon Rondo
Los Angeles Lakers (1) – Anthony Davis
Miami Heat (2) – Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro
New York Knicks (4) – Kevin Knox, Nerlens Noel, Immanuel Quickley, Julius Randle
Philadelphia 76ers (1) – Tyrese Maxey
Phoenix Suns (1) – Devin Booker
Portland Trail Blazers (1) – Enes Kanter
*Out of the playoffs due to a season-ending injury

Coach Cal has coached 14 of these players, the only exclusion being Rajon Rondo, however Derrick Rose is another Cal product who will be participating in the playoffs this year. Rose, a sixth man of the year candidate, has been a vital member for the Knicks as well.

The playoffs are underway at 2:00 pm ET with Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro kicking us off as their Miami Heat take on the Miluakee Bucks on ESPN.