Lamont Butler, the veteran Kentucky Wildcats guard known for his leadership and clutch performances, is officially set to begin workouts with NBA teams ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft. While he was not among the select few invited to the NBA Draft Combine, Butler’s individual workouts will give him a valuable platform to showcase his talents directly to scouts and front office executives.
Strong Senior Season and Veteran Experience
Butler, who transferred to Kentucky after playing a pivotal role in San Diego State’s Final Four run in 2023, brought maturity, defensive prowess, and playmaking skills to the Wildcats’ backcourt. During the 2024–25 season, Butler played an essential role as a stabilizing force for Kentucky, averaging around 9 points, 3 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. His leadership on and off the court was a crucial asset for first-year head coach Mark Pope.
One of Butler’s most memorable performances came in a rivalry win against Louisville, where he poured in a career-high 33 points and earned SEC Player of the Week honors. That breakout game caught the attention of NBA scouts, reigniting interest in his professional potential.
Why Teams Are Interested
NBA teams value experienced guards who can handle pressure, defend at a high level, and make smart decisions with the ball — all strengths in Butler’s game. Though he isn’t currently projected as a first- or second-round pick, his reputation as a hard-nosed competitor and his willingness to embrace a defensive role could help him earn a spot in the NBA or in a two-way contract role.
In these upcoming workouts, teams will likely focus on evaluating his shooting consistency, ball-handling against NBA-level pressure, and ability to guard multiple positions. Butler’s physicality and veteran basketball IQ are traits that could translate well to the pro level.
Coach Pope and NBA Support
Coach Mark Pope has expressed full confidence in Butler’s ability to impress in workouts, telling local media:
> “Lamont is a pro’s pro — he prepares like one, carries himself like one, and I know he’s going to give NBA teams something to think about.”
What’s Next
The pre-draft process will continue over the next several weeks, with Butler expected to work out with multiple NBA teams. Even if he goes undrafted, a strong showing in workouts could land him a Summer League invite or a training camp contract.
As Butler embarks on the next chapter of his basketball journey, Kentucky fans will be rooting for him to make the leap to the professional ranks — a testament to his perseverance, growth, and leadership during his time in Lexington.
