Kentucky has five of NBA's best scorers since All-Star Break

Kentucky players dominating the NBA is nothing new. But, particularly since the All-Star Break, some of our former ‘Cats are playing out of their minds.

Since the return to play following the All-Star Game on February 20th, five former ‘Cats rank in the top 25 of all scorers in the NBA. Devin Booker (PHX) and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC) rank among the top 10, both averaging just over 30 points per game since the break. De’Aaron Fox (SAC) is just below 30 points a night and just outside the top 10 at 11th. Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns (MIN) and Tyler Herro (MIA) ranks in the 20s.

Here’s the breakdown of each player’s points-per-game (PPG) averages before and after the break, including where they rank in the NBA over the recent span.

Stats

Player	PPG before 2/20	PPG since 2/20	NBA Rank
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander	22.7	30.4	7th
Devin Booker	25.5	30.3	8th
De’Aaron Fox	21.8	29.3	11th
Karl-Anthony Towns	24.4	25.1	21st
Tyler Herro	20.0	23.4	25th

Just a bunch of ‘Cats elevating their play as the postseason grows nearer — that’s what sticks out to me. Of course this group of guys are five elite scorers, but that they’ve elevated their production as the 82-game season drags on is worth a tip of the cap.

Unfortunately, SGA just had his season shut down due to an ankle injury, and Fox may be done for the year too with a hand injury — given that the Kings aren’t in playoff competition. However, Herro, Towns and Booker are revving up to play major roles for playoff teams.

Kentucky fans are spoiled numb with NBA success among former players, but to have five guys combining for 138.5 points per game since the All-Star break is quite the accomplishment. Now that UK’s actual basketball team is out, perhaps it’s time to turn our attention to the bevy of great NBA talents produced in Lexington who will be starring throughout the NBA Playoffs this spring and summer.