KSR Today: Reed and Rob are Pros, the NBA Draft Continues
For just the seventh time, two former Kentucky Wildcats were selected in the Top 10 of the NBA Draft. And for the first time, we have to wait another night to learn when the rest of the Cats will hear their name called in the second round.
Reed Sheppard was the first off the board at No. 3 overall to the Houston Rockets. He was joined by his parents for the post-pick interview, where they were also celebrating Stacey’s birthday.
“We’re just blessed, thankful to be here and enjoy it with our family,” Stacey told the ESPN and ABC audience. “We’ve got 75 people, family and friends here. We get to celebrate with them. It’s an unbelievable day.”
Rob Dillingham didn’t have to wait too long to hear his name called, but we did have to sit through an interview with John Calipari to get there. The Spurs passed on Dillingham at No. 4, then took him at No. 8 overall.
For a moment, the BBN celebrated the selection. “Rob and Wemby together?!?!” You could clearly envision the electric highlights on the horizon until about 60 seconds passed and Woj reported that Dillingham was traded to the Timberwolves for a couple of picks from the 2030s. Nobody on the ABC broadcast knew what their colleague was reporting. ESPN caught it just before he stepped in front of a mic. It was a mess.
Once the initial frustration subsided, most Kentucky fans realized the move to Minnesota could be fun. The T-Wolves made a nice run in the playoffs last season. They already have one former Cat, KAT, and a charismatic highlight-maker in the backcourt. Dillingham and Ant Edwards might be something special.
An Awkward Reaction in Atlanta
Fans packed State Farm Arena in Atlanta to celebrate the Hawks’ No. 1 overall pick. Except nobody really celebrated when they picked Zaccharie Risacher.
Three Frenchmen were taken with the first six picks and that might not be the most shocking thing that happened at the NBA Draft. Zach Edey was considered a dinosaur from a different era. The methodically moving big man was built for the NBA in the 80s, not in 2024. Many have doubted how the two-time National Player of the Year’s game would translate to the next level, but the Memphis Grizzlies did not. Edey was selected at No. 9 overall, arguably the most shocking move of the night.
Another familiar face was a surprising slider. Tennessee’s Dalton Knecht fell out of the lottery to pick No. 17. JJ Redick is coaching a former Vol for the Los Angeles Lakers. Welcome to Hell.
Complete First Round NBA Draft Results
Racing Louisville FC– HERE WE GO!
Kentucky Sports Radio has teamed up with Louisville City and Racing Louisville to provide you discounted tickets in 2024! Both clubs play at beautiful Lynn Family Stadium, the perfect place to spend an evening while the Cats aren’t in action. Racing Louisville is back at home in Butchertown Saturday at 4:00 pm against Bay FC. Let’s Fill the Fam!
LouCity is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, while Racing is the city’s only top-tier pro sports team newly featuring UK Hall of Famer Arin (Gilliand) Wright. Take advantage of those special discounted tickets for KSR fans.
How to Watch Round Two of the NBA Draft
Justin Edwards and Antonio Reeves are still waiting to learn their fate. For the first time, the NBA Draft is a two-day event. Instead of two minutes, each team will get four minutes to make a selection. The action oddly begins this afternoon at 4 pm EST, live from ESPN’s New York City Seaport Studios.
John Calipari has been lobbying for Edwards, selling him as the surprise of the Draft. Reeves’ stock is a bit in the air, but the mid-40s, right smack dab in the middle of the second round, feels like a safe bet.
How Much the Kentucky NBA Draft Picks will Make
Contracts still must be negotiated, but there is a rookie payscale built into the NBA Draft. According to data from Spotrac, the initial four-year deal for the No. 3 overall pick is worth $45.9 million, and the No. 8 pick is worth $28.5 million. That’s a decent payday.
It wasn’t a Great Night for John Calipari
NBA Draft night — or as he prefers to call it, graduation night — is one of John Calipari’s favorites on the calendar. He was smiling ear to ear throughout the day, sharing Draft stats on the Pat McAfee Show and posing for picks with his former Cats. Once they were picked, the internet had one pressing question: why in the world didn’t they start?
Final Night of Twilight Racing of the Summer
It’s the final week of the spring meet at Churchill Downs. Before they close up shop on Saturday with an excellent card for the Win and You’re In Stephen Foster Stakes, we get one final night of $2 beers in the Paddock at Churchill Downs. The weather’s looking beautiful this evening. First post is at 5 pm EST. Let’s pick some winners.
New 11 Personnel
Kentucky added a bunch of new football commitments while Adam Luckett was on vacation. Today we’re going to break down what all of the new additions are bringing to the BBN and discuss who could be the next to join the fold. Subscribe to the KSR YouTube Channel to receive notifications whenever a KSR podcast goes live.
Pardon My Take on KSR
America’s No. 1 Sports Podcast is taking over the Kentucky Sports Radio airwaves. In what has become an annual tradition during Matt Jones’ summer vacation, Big Cat and PFT Commenter are ready to take calls from Kentucky fans for the next two hours. Bring your A-Game, BBN.
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