Cards in the NBA
Gorgui Dieng, C/F (Minnesota Timberwolves, @GorguiDieng)
The only former Louisville Cardinal on a starting lineup, Dieng has emerged as one of the core pieces on the Timberwolves roster. “The Old One,” as he is called in his native language of Wolof, the Senegal native remains a force as a rim protector and back-to-the-basket forward, alongside former Kentucky standout Karl-Anthony Towns. Dieng recently signed a four-year, $64 million contract with the Wolves, giving him long-term stability in the NBA.
Career Stats: 8.9 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 1.0 BPG; started all 82 games last season
Terry Rozier, G (Boston Celtics, @T_Rozzay3)
The Youngstown, OH native has played for the 17-time world champs for two reasons, drafted by the Celtics 16th overall in 2015. Currently, Rozier comes off the bench as a viable substitute for All-Star Isaiah Thomas, providing tenacious defense and a cunning ability to slash at the rim.
Career Stats: 4.3 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 1.5 APG
Montrezl Harrell, F (Los Angeles Clippers, @MONSTATREZZ)
Another draftee from the 2015 class, Harrell bounced between the D-League and Houston, before landing a roster spot for most of the 2016 season. Harrell started for a brief period in 2016 as a replacement, before settling in as a high energy bench player with an unmatched level of intensity.
In 2017, Harrell was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers as part of the Chris Paul mega-deal with the Rockets.
Career Stats: 6.9 PPG, 2.9 RPG
Chinanu Onuaku, C (Houston Rockets, @lifeofnanu_32)
Onuaku was drafted in the second round of the 2016 draft, much like his teammate Harrell (2015). Onuaku started one game in 2016, bouncing back and forth between the Rockets and the D-league affiliate Rio Grande Valley Vipers.
Career Stats: 2.8 PPG, 2.0 RPG
Donovan Mitchell, SG, Utah Jazz (@spidadmitchell)
The newest draftee among Cardinal basketball players, Mitchell was chosen by the Denver Nuggets, but traded to the Utah Jazz that same day. While his NBA career has yet to begin, Mitchell took the Summer League by storm this summer, averaging 28 points per game in the Las Vegas portion of the tour.
D-League Cardinals
| Player | Team | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Russ Smith, G | Delaware 87ers | @Specter_Smit | Set D-League record for single-game points (65) |
| Terrence Jennings, F | Delaware 87ers | ||
| Chane Behanan, F | Salt Lake City Stars |
Notable NBA Alumni
| Player | Team(s) | Years Played | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wes Unseld, C | Washington Bullets | 1968-1981 | NBA MVP (1969); NBA Finals MVP (1978); five-time NBA All-Star; #41 retired by Washington Wizards; Naismith Hall of Famer (1988) |
| Darrell Griffith, G | Utah Jazz | 1980-1991 | NBA Rookie of the Year (1981); #35 retired by Utah Jazz; 16.2 PPG in NBA (highest among all U of L players in NBA history) |
| Pervis Ellison, C | Sacramento Kings, Washington Bullets, Boston Celtics, Seattle Supersonics | 1989-2000 | Only #1 overall pick in U of L men’s basketball history; NBA Most Improved Player (1992) |
| Junior Bridgeman, G/F | Milwaukee Bucks, LA Clippers | 1975-1987 | #2 retired by Milwaukee Bucks |