“Just a big-time shot by a big-time player,” said Lakers coach Frank Vogel, who himself attended Kentucky and was a student-manager under former coach Rick Pitino. A total of 29 players from Kentucky were on NBA opening-day rosters (including two-way and inactive lists), the most of any school. In the 11 seasons Calipari has been the head coach at Kentucky, his players have totaled nearly $1.9 billion in NBA contracts. Still, a Heat-Lakers finals would also feature four former Kentucky players in Davis, Herro, Adebayo and Rondo. The Knicks hired former Kentucky assistant Kenny Payne to help coach up their younger players, including former Kentucky forward Kevin Knox.

Source: Forbes September 24, 2020 14:57 UTC