Cards in the NBA: Louisville players on opening day rosters
The NBA season has officially tipped off. Multiple Louisville alumni are expected to make significant contributions this year, with a few others working to reach the big stage. Veterans Donovan Mitchell and Terry Rozier headline the group of former Cards, while newcomer Chucky Hepburn will be trying to find his groove.
Louisville has been home to over 70 NBA draft picks. Names like Wes Unseld, Pervis Ellison, and Darrell Griffith have paved the way for the next generation of Cardinal greats. With the NBA more wide open than ever, Louisville alumni have a chance to increase their total of eight NBA championships.
Opening day rosters
Three former Cards will lace up on NBA courts this season. Mitchell will be representing the Cleveland Cavaliers, Rozier will be representing the Miami Heat, and the rookie, Hepburn, will be playing for the Toronto Raptors.
Mitchell is the most recognizable former Card in the league. Having amassed over 13,000 career points and coming off a First-Team All-NBA season, Mitchell is turning into a face of the league. Starting his career with the Utah Jazz, and now in his third year with the Cavaliers, Mitchell has been in the MVP conversation multiple times and has a real chance to lift the Larry O’Brien trophy. Last season, Mitchell averaged 24 points per game on 44 percent shooting, along with five assists.
Rozier is one of the more underrated players in the NBA. Averaging over 20 points per game in three separate seasons, the former Louisville point guard has been heavily slept on. This will be his third year playing for the Heat, and he will look to carve out a larger role after only starting 23 of 64 games last season. Rozier has seen his numbers dip significantly since being traded to South Beach. Taking on a smaller role in this new organization means less production. He is entering his 11th season and will be looking to make a statement towards the end of his career.
Louisville has been on a cold streak in producing NBA talent. The Cards have not had a player hear their name called on draft night since 2021. This year was no different, but Hepburn looks to take the unconventional route to make his dreams come true. The Raptors signed the former ACC Defensive Player of the Year to a two-way deal. Through five preseason games, Hepburn was able to score in double figures twice, including two games with four steals. In 27 minutes versus the Boston Celtics, Hepburn put on a clinic, scoring 13 points and dishing out eight assists.
G-League affiliates
Two former Cards will start the season in the G-League. David Johnson will be playing with the Memphis Hustle (Memphis Grizzlies), while Malik Williams is with the Sioux Falls Skyforce (Miami Heat).
Johnson saw NBA minutes for the Raptors in 2021-22, but has since been bouncing around the G-League. Coming off a summer playing for TBT Louisville, Johnson will look to build on his 16.5 points per game from last season.
Williams started two games for the Raptors during the 2023-24 season. Since then, he has played with the Miami Heat’s G-League affiliate. Averaging 11.8 points per game, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks last season, Williams is trying to prove he has a spot in the NBA.
Household names will shine this year, while others look to make an impact wherever they can. Hepburn will showcase his youthful energy, while veterans Mitchell and Rozier try to build on their professional careers.
