Former Wildcats to follow in the NBA Playoffs

The NBA Playoffs are finally here, and with plenty of storylines to follow, a few of our Former Wildcats are ready to shine on the biggest stage. 

It is one of the most exciting times of the year if you are a sports fan as the NBA Playoffs return. That is also especially the case if you are an Arizona Basketball fan that follows the NBA too!

Typically what it means for us Wildcats fans, is that a few of our former Cats get to take center stage in the NBA Playoff action.

Arizona Wildcats

Well, the 2021 NBA playoffs officially here, these are the former Wildcats to follow this postseason!

Deandre Ayton
Team:  Phoenix Suns
Stats: 14.4 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 69 games.

Playing in his first NBA Playoffs, Deandre has seen a smaller role in Phoenix this year, however, I’m sure he wouldn’t trade that for the chance to play in the franchises’ first playoff appearance in 10 years. If Phoenix is going to be successful, the young man is going to need to step up in a big way.

T.J. McConnell
Team: Indiana Pacers
Stats: 8.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 6.6 assists in 69 games.

Having a terrific season in 2020-21, the beloved McConnell has not only helped Indiana in getting to the, but he has been on fire over the past month or so. Coming into the playoffs, he will have a huge role, especially as the Pacers look to steal one of the final spots as they face the Charlotte Hornets.

Andre Iguodala
Team: Miami Heat
Stats: 4.4 Points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 63 games.

Now 37, the savvy NBA veteran helped the Heat in getting to the NBA Finals last year in Orlando. He returns to the playoffs yet again, and while his role isn’t quite what it used to be, Andre still has a lot of valuable experience to provide as the 6-seeded Heat will face off with Milwaukee.

Aaron Gordon
Team: Denver Nuggets
Stats: 12.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in 50 games.

Now with the Denver Nuggets, Aaron will have a chance to compete in the Playoffs as the Nuggets are a real contender in 2020-21. After being traded midway through the season, Aaron has a nice role with the Nuggets, and his presence will help as Denver squares off with the 6-seeded Portland Trailblazers.

Zeke Nnaji
Team: Denver Nuggets
Stats: 3.2 points and 1.5 rebounds in 42 games played.

The rookie has seen a limited role in Denver this season but has had some great value in playing behind fellow, former Wildcat Aaron Gordon, and NBA superstar Nikola Jokic. While he may not get many opportunities in the playoffs, he will gain valuable experience and he will need to be ready when called upon.

Nico Mannion
Team: Golden State Warriors
Stats: 4.1 points. 1.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 30 games.

In his first season in the Bay, Nico has seen an increased role in recent weeks. The rookie has seen a bit of success, and while he not going to unseat Steph Curry in the playoffs, he will still likely see a solid role, and like Zeke, Nico will need to be ready when called upon.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson
Team: Portland Trailblazers
Stats: 2.5 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.2 rebounds in 11 games.

A recent signee of the Trailblazers, Rondae has valuable experience that could prove to be beneficial to Portland here. He has immense defensive talent, and with Portland looking to knock off the Denver Nuggets, his role will be very important.

Solomon Hill
Team: Atlanta Hawks
Stats: 4.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 71 games.

A solid role player, Solomon has continued to show his worth in this league, and with the Hawks making their first playoff appearance in quite some time, Hill will have an important role if Atlanta is going to pull the upset over the New York Knicks.

Josh Green
Team: Dallas Mavericks
Stats: 2.6 points and 2.0 rebounds in 39 games.

Still finding his role with the Mavericks, the rookie has found ways to make himself valuable, particularly on the defensive end. With the Mavericks facing off with the 4-seeded Los Angeles Clippers, the challenge will be on and we will see what Josh can do in the playoffs.