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Computer simulation projects Kentucky would go 2-80 in NBA

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Mike Miller

Kentucky’s national champion team features no fewer than five first-round drafts picks, three of whom will be lottery picks. Add senior Darius Miller (he’ll contend for an NBA roster spot) and the tantalizing potential of freshman Kyle Wiltjer (a sharpshooter who couldn’t play defense well enough to see the floor) and there’s little doubt the ‘Cats were among the most talented champs in recent memory.

The downside? That talent prompted the odious statements that Kentucky could beat an NBA team. Charles Barkley, Gary Williams and Larry Brown all said yes. The computer simulations from Kevin Pelton at Basketball Prospectus say no.

Although … it wasn’t impossible.

In this Mythbusting podcast (fast forward to the 13 minute mark) Pelton says his simulations project Kentucky to a 2-80 record in the NBA, with an average loss of 25 points a game. Anthony Davis might be a plus on defense, but Pelton says the offense (particularly point guard Marquis Teague) would have massive issues scoring.

But hey, they would win two games. So it is possible. Maybe.

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