Nine former Jayhawks in the NBA this season; who will be the most successful?

October 29, 12:44 AMKansas Jayhawks ExaminerMatt Lindberg

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Boston Celtics' Paul Pierce celebrates with his teammates after a 95-89 win over Cleveland.

(AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

Well, KU basketball fans not interested in the National Basketball Association should be watching this season. This year, there are nine former Kansas Jayhawk basketball players in the NBA, one of the biggest showings for Kansas in the NBA in recent years. They include Paul Pierce (Boston Celtics), Kirk Hinrich (Chicago Bulls), Mario Chalmers (Miami Heat), Drew Gooden (Dallas Mavericks), Brandon Rush (Indiana Pacers), Nick Collison (Oklahoma City Thunder), Julian Wright (New Orleans Hornets), Darrell Arthur (Memphis Grizzlies) and Darnell Jackson (Cleveland Cavaliers). But who will be the most successful this season?

Actually, that's an easy question: Mr. Paul Pierce of the Boston Celtics. Pierce is on the 2008 NBA Champions Boston Celtics squad. Last season, Boston had plenty of injuries and it once again proved to fans that Pierce isn't capable of winning a title alone. But this season is looking good for Pierce, as the Celtics look even better than when they won the title in 2008. If Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen can stay healthy, Pierce and co. should definitely be back in the Finals in June. It doesn't hurt to have Rondo and Rasheed Wallace, two major role players, as well.

While Pierce might have the best shot at a title, the other former Hawks are definitely going to make an impact for their respective teams. Mario Chalmers has become the starting point guard in Miami, while Dallas' Drew Gooden will share the starting center role with veteran Erick Dampier, as well as sub at forward for Maverick star Dirk Nowitzki. Julian Wright, Darrell Arthur, Brandon Rush, Kirk Hinrich and Nick Collison have become key role players for their teams too.

Darnell Jackson is the only ex-Jayhawk who will more than likely see the court from only the bench. The Cavs are deep at forward and center, with Shaq leading the pack.

It's a great year for the NBA, with a lot of veteran talent at an all-time high with a good mix of fresh, young blood coming in. And it definitely doesn't hurt to have some former Hawks doing work.