Mark Pope’s debut year leading the Kentucky Wildcats has been widely viewed as a positive chapter by much of Big Blue Nation.
Now, several players from Pope’s initial roster are beginning their professional basketball journeys.
Lamont Butler is the most recent Wildcat to earn an NBA opportunity, securing a two-way contract with the Atlanta Hawks, as first reported by Mark Zeigler of the San Diego Union-Tribune.
After transferring to Kentucky, Butler wrapped up his collegiate career as the Wildcats’ starting point guard. During his lone season in Lexington, he posted averages of 11.4 points and 4.3 assists per game, while connecting on 39.1% of his three-point attempts. Known for his defensive tenacity, Butler also tallied 1.6 steals per contest.
Prior to joining Kentucky, the 6-foot-2 guard made a name for himself on the West Coast with San Diego State University. Butler’s lockdown defense earned him the title of Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2024.
Butler has also built a reputation for delivering in pressure moments. In 2023, he famously sank a buzzer-beating shot that propelled San Diego State to the national championship game. He carried that same clutch DNA to Kentucky. One of his standout performances in blue and white came in December against in-state rival Louisville, where he scored 33 points on a perfect 10-for-10 shooting night, including 6-for-6 from three-point range, and dished out six assists.
Although Butler missed nine games during the season, he’s been known for his overall toughness and durability throughout his college years.
After going undrafted, Butler’s two-way agreement with Atlanta means he’ll split time between the NBA G League and the Hawks’ main roster. He’s also expected to take part in the NBA Summer League this July, giving him another platform to display his talents.
Atlanta is getting a player who makes an impact both on the floor and in the locker room. Wishing Butler all the best as he begins his next chapter in the ATL!
