Wildcats Take Over Vegas: 11 Former Cats Ready to Dominate
The Las Vegas Summer League returns July 10–20 at UNLV’s Thomas & Mack Center, bringing together all 30 NBA teams and once again spotlighting former Kentucky Wildcats — 11 in total — across nine franchises . Here’s your must-watch roster:
RISING ROOKIES – GUARDS & FORWARDS
Reed Sheppard (Guard) – Houston Rockets
Drafted 3rd overall in 2024, Sheppard’s poised to lead. He’ll debut against the Lakers and is expected to command mid-game attention .
Rob Dillingham (Guard) – Minnesota Timberwolves
The 8th pick in 2024, Dillingham brings elite playmaking. Watch for his debut against the Pelicans .
Antonio Reeves (Guard) – New Orleans Pelicans
The 47th pick, Reeves will square off with Timberwolves on opening night — an early test in a high-stakes setting .
Justin Edwards (Forward) – Philadelphia 76ers
Signed in 2024, Edwards impressed in Salt Lake City. Now the spotlight shifts to Vegas .
Tre Mitchell (Forward) – Oklahoma City Thunder
Also signed in 2024, Mitchell looked solid in SLC. He’s another Cat with something to prove .
️ VETERAN DRIVES & POST PRESENCE
Oscar Tshiebwe (Center) – Indiana Pacers
Pacers’ debut slated for opening day. He’s coming off dominant collegiate play and aims to show it translates to the pros .
Kevin Knox (Forward) – Golden State Warriors
A seasoned pro entering his 7th year, Knox aims to reignite his career with a big summer showing
Jacob Toppin (Forward) – New York Knicks
Signed by the Knicks in 2023, Toppin’s ready to display his athleticism and energy on the big stage .
SECOND-CHANCE TALENTS – PROVING GROUNDS
Keion Brooks (Forward) – New Orleans Pelicans
Another Pelicans guard-forward duo to open vs Timberwolves. Brooks is ball-ready and battle-tested .
Chris Livingston (Forward) – Milwaukee Bucks
A 2023 draft pick, he’ll share the floor with TyTy Washington. This is his time to fight for NBA minutes .
TyTy Washington (Guard) – Milwaukee Bucks
Drafted in 2022, Washington must shine in Vegas to cement his NBA future .
Why It Matters
Rising Rookies like Sheppard and Dillingham aren’t just summer standouts—they’re building the future of their franchises and representing Kentucky’s elite talent pipeline.
Veterans like Knox and Tshiebwe are fighting for relevance and upward mobility—Summer League success can spark roster security.
Second-year players and G-Leaguers like Livingston, Washington, Brooks, and Toppin are auditioning for permanent spots in camps and rotations.
What to Watch
Debut Night Showdowns: Rockets vs Lakers (Sheppard) and Timberwolves vs Pelicans (Dillingham, Reeves, Brooks)
Sibling Surprise: Jacob Toppin follows older brother Obi into Summer League spotlight.
Big Men Battle: Tshiebwe’s noon debut with Pacers will test his post skills against professional talent.
As Big Blue Nation gears up, the storylines are electric. From lottery picks and high-flyers to gritty underdogs, this Kentucky class in Vegas embodies talent, heart, and the unmatched legacy of Wildcats basketball.
Tune In & Root On!
Catch the action on NBA TV, ESPN+, and ESPN2, with standout games airing live. Support your Cats, feel the pulse, and cheer the next generation of NBA stars—because in Vegas, Kentucky’s not just playing—they’re showcasing greatness.
