Lamont Butler hasn’t been a name regularly brought up in draft conversations, known more as a do-it-all threat in college rather than a true NBA prospect. That narrative could be shifting in a hurry thanks to his status as one of the top early performers at the G League Elite Camp in Chicago, the appetizer for the entree that is the NBA Draft Combine this week.
Butler did his job on the hardwood as one of the top all-around performers on day one of five-on-five competition, finishing with 12 points on 5-9 shooting with seven rebounds, four assists and a steal in a 101-63 blowout win over two of his former teammates, Andrew Carr and Amari Williams. The former went for eight points (3-3 FG), three rebounds, two steals, one assist and one block in that one while Williams added four points, eight rebounds, two assists and a steal. Kentucky signee Jaland Lowe also took the floor and shined in the other game, finishing with nine points (4-8 FG), five assists, two steals, one rebound and one block in an 89-85 win.
The scrimmage portion was only a part of day-one festivities — and only told half the story of Butler’s impressive start in Chicago. When it came to testing and measurements, the former Wildcat was among the best of all players in attendance.
What turned heads the most? How about his ridiculous 37.5-inch maximum vertical jump, good for second in the entire event behind only Missouri’s Caleb Grill. Lowe and Williams were next among familiar faces, both hitting the 34-inch mark on their leaps, tied for No. 12 overall.
Elsewhere, Butler also finished second in the no-step vertical jump with a 32.5-inch leap, behind Penn State’s Yanic Konan Niederhauser and his 33.5-inch jump. Lowe was also on that list, tied for No. 14 overall with a 27.5-inch leap.
As for his agility drills, the former Kentucky guard was first in the 3/4 court sprint at 3.01 seconds while Lowe came in at No. 10 overall with a 3.16-second effort. As for the pro lane drill, Butler finished No. 11 overall at 11.15 seconds. He also came in at No. 8 overall in the shuttle run at 2.84 seconds while Lowe was close behind at No. 11 overall with a 2.9-second dash.
It hasn’t all been about Butler, Lowe and Williams, either — Carr has gotten some love, too.
“Andrew Carr has had some moments, cleaning up for teammates, setting good screens and showing his versatility as a small ball 5, gadget 4,” scout Cyro Asseo said of the former Wildcat after watching him in Chicago. “A guy that can space the floor, make passes as a connector and defend multiple positions. Dean Wade-like in a way maybe not as good shooting.”
Butler’s squad is about to take the floor again this afternoon at 4:20 PM ET, followed by Lowe taking on Carr and Williams at 6:35 PM ET.
After things wrap up in the three-day G League Elite Camp, a select number of players from the draft-eligible group will be invited to participate in the 2025 NBA Draft Combine later in the week. Otega Oweh and Koby Brea have already been invited to that one, set to show off their abilities in front of scouts and team personnel. Will any other Wildcats join them? They’re all building a case — but Butler may have the best shot based on his first impression.
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