Lamont Butler, Jacob Toppin went OFF in NBA preseason last night
The Atlanta Hawks officially announced the signing of former Kentucky guard Lamont Butler on Monday afternoon. A few hours later, he was getting buckets in the preseason.
Butler made the most of every second he saw against the Miami Heat. The undrafted rookie finished with 18 points (5-15 FG; 3-7 3PT), six rebounds, five assists, and three steals in 37 minutes off the bench. Butler doesn’t even have a picture of his face next to his name on the NBA’s official box score. It’s just a blank outline of a headshot. But he doesn’t need the recognition when he’s locking up NBA players and putting together a complete performance in his preseason debut.
He wasn’t the only former ‘Cat racking up stats in this one, either. Jacob Toppin led the Hawks in scoring with 26 points 9-23; 2-9 3PT) while adding nine rebounds, five assists, and two blocks to his final line. And oh yeah, Atlanta beat Miami in overtime, 119-118. Butler came up with what was easily the biggest play of the night to make it happen.
Butler was one of a handful of Wildcats who did not get picked in the 2025 NBA Draft off Mark Pope‘s debut Kentucky team. The Hawks scooped him up for the NBA Summer League and kept him around for some preseason action. Terms of Butler’s latest deal were not revealed by the Hawks, but it feels safe to assume he has to keep producing in order to secure a long-term contract. Monday night was a great start, though.
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As for Toppin, he’s been dominating the G League since leaving Kentucky after the 2022-23 season. Also an undrafted prospect, the 6-foot-8 wing has made some short stops in the NBA, but has yet to stick. This season will be an important one for the 25-year-old. The Hawks fed him 41 minutes against the Heat — the front office wants to see what they have in him.
For Miami, Bam Adebayo saw just 19 minutes as a starter before being pulled. The three-time All-Star chipped in 13 points and nine rebounds during the loss. Tyler Herro did not play as he continues to recover from injury.
How about some love for Rob?
It didn’t come against an NBA team, but Timberwolves’ second-year guard Rob Dillingham had himself a night against the Guangzhou Loong Lions. Dillingham, who expects to play a larger role in Minnesota this season, popped off for 27 points and nine assists on 10-14 shooting (4-4 3PT) in 28 minutes. He only turned the ball over once, too. The Wolves really need a breakout season from Dillingham.
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