The Arizona Wildcats men’s basketball program will once again be well-presented in the NBA this season.
Nine former Arizona players are on NBA opening night rosters.
At least three more players are expected to begin the season on two-way contracts: Brandon Williams (Dallas Mavericks), Christian Koloko (Los Angeles Lakers) and Keshad Johnson (Miami Heat).
Arizona is also represented in the coaching ranks. Steve Kerr enters his 11th season as the Golden State Warriors head coach. Former walk-on Quinton Crawford is the new head coach of the Sacramento Kings’ G-League team, the Stockton Kings.
Here’s a rundown of the former Wildcats who are entering the season on NBA rosters. The league tips off Tuesday evening.
Josh Green, Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets traded for Green in July, weeks after the small forward competed for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals.
Green’s experience in Dallas will be sought after for a Charlotte team looking to return to the postseason for the first time since 2016.
Green is expected to compete for a starting position after being a role player for the Mavericks.
Dalen Terry, Chicago Bulls
Terry is beginning Year 3 with the Bulls. He’s shown promise in the first two season and is now looking to put the pieces together.
Terry averaged 3.1 points and 1.9 rebounds last season in 59 appearances.
Aaron Gordon, Denver Nuggets
Gordon is entering his 11th season in the NBA and his fifth with the Nuggets.
The power forward shot an outstanding 58.5% from the field last season including 40.7% from 3-point range. Gordon averaged career highs in assists and rebounds last year, as well.
Denver rewarded Gordon with a 4-year, $133 million extension on Monday. He is under contract through the 2028-29 season.
Zeke Nnaji, Denver Nuggets
Nnaji is entering a pivotal fifth season with Nuggets. Denver invested big in the 23-year-old last year, making him the fifth-highest paid player on the team.
Now Nnaji needs to deliver. He showed strides with his perimeter shooting during the preseason, making 6 of 11 3-pointers.
Nnaji should see his playing time increase this year after averaging 10 minutes per game last season.
Bennedict Mathurin, Indiana Pacers
Mathurin is back for his third season with the Pacers after missing the back stretch of last year with a torn right labrum.
In the 59 games Mathurin did play, he averaged 14.5 points and 4 rebounds.
He is expected to take on a Sixth Man role again this season. Consistency will be a big theme for him.
T.J. McConnell, Indiana Pacers
McConnell begins his sixth season with the Pacers and 10th season in the NBA. The 33-year-old point guard should continue to give the Pacers quality minutes off the bench.
McConnell averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 assists last season. The Pacers recognized his value with a 4-year, $45 million extension this offseason.
Pelle Larsson, Miami Heat
Larsson was a bit of a surprise late addition to the Heat’s opening night roster. The rookie wing impressed during the Summer League and then continued to show out during preseason.
Larsson’s versatility and defensive effort have earned praise from teammates.
Deandre Ayton, Portland Trailblazers
Ayton enters his second season with the Trailblazers and seventh season in the NBA.
In Year 1 with Portland, he averaged 16.7 points and 11.1 rebounds in 55 games. He shot a career-best 82.3% from the free throw line.
Ayton will be a focal point for a rebuilding Portland squad.
Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz
Markkanen was expected to be a trade asset after a second straight standout season with Jazz. Instead, he’s back in Utah, possibly for the long haul.
The Jazz gave Markkanen a 5-year, $238 million extension in August. The Jazz will still have the option to trade him next offseason.
Markkanen was tremendous last season, averaging 23.2 and 8.2 rebounds in 55 games. Health and durability remain an issue, as he’s yet to play more than 68 games in a regular season.
