BREAKING NEWS:Kentucky is guaranteed to have an NBA Finals champion, which former Wildcat will have the biggest impact? details more.

In a historic twist that’s electrifying basketball fans across the Bluegrass State, Kentucky is officially guaranteed to have an NBA champion this year. With the 2025 NBA Finals underway, the rosters of both contending teams boast star players who once wore the Kentucky Wildcats jersey. No matter who lifts the Larry O’Brien Trophy, Big Blue Nation will celebrate a champion.

🏀 The Finals Matchup: Wildcats on Both Sides

This year’s Finals feature the Oklahoma City Thunder facing off against the Boston Celtics. Each team features former University of Kentucky standouts who are expected to play key roles:

🔵 Oklahoma City Thunder – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA)

Position: Guard

UK Tenure: 2017–18

NBA Stats This Postseason: 29.8 PPG, 6.2 APG, 5.3 RPG

Impact: SGA has led the Thunder with poise, clutch scoring, and elite playmaking. A finalist for league MVP, he’s the heart of OKC’s title run and their undisputed floor general. If the Thunder win, it will likely be on the back of Shai’s brilliance.

🟢 Boston Celtics – Bam Adebayo

Position: Center

UK Tenure: 2016–17

NBA Stats This Postseason: 17.1 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 1.3 BPG

Impact: Bam anchors Boston’s defense and provides vital interior scoring and rebounding. As one of the most versatile big men in the game, his ability to guard multiple positions and facilitate from the high post makes him irreplaceable to Boston’s strategy.

Other Wildcats to Watch:

Isaiah Jackson (Thunder) – Limited minutes but provides valuable energy off the bench.

Tyler Herro (Celtics via mid-season trade) – Key sixth man role, offering offensive firepower in stretches.

Hamidou Diallo (Thunder) – Defensive spark plug and transition threat.

🏆 Who Will Have the Biggest Impact?

While Bam Adebayo is critical to Boston’s physical and tactical toughness, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the favorite to have the biggest individual impact. His scoring, leadership, and clutch performances throughout the postseason have elevated the Thunder from a young contender to a serious Finals threat.

If SGA continues his current form, not only could Kentucky claim a champion, but they might also boast an NBA Finals MVP.