“I’m Forever Grateful to You” — Lamont Butler Pens Emotional Message to Kentucky Fans After Signing with the Atlanta Hawks
The journey from college hardwood to the NBA is never easy. For Lamont Butler, it’s been one defined by resilience, leadership, and undeniable heart. And now, after signing a two-way contract with the Atlanta Hawks following the 2025 NBA Draft, the former Kentucky Wildcat has penned a heartfelt message to Big Blue Nation — a tribute to the fans, teammates, and coaches who helped shape his path.
From Lexington to Atlanta: A New Chapter Begins
On Thursday afternoon, Lamont Butler made it official: he is now part of the Atlanta Hawks organization after agreeing to a two-way contract that will see him split time between the NBA and the G League in the 2025–26 season. While the announcement marks the beginning of a new professional chapter, Butler made sure to pause and reflect on the unforgettable chapter he’s closing.
In a message posted across his social media accounts, Butler didn’t just thank Kentucky — he poured his heart out.
“I’m forever grateful to you, Big Blue Nation,” Butler began. “This past year at Kentucky changed my life. The fans, the coaching staff, my brothers in the locker room — y’all gave me a second home and a family. From the first day I stepped on campus, I felt the love, and that never stopped.”
A Short but Lasting Impact in Lexington
Butler transferred to Kentucky ahead of the 2024–25 season after spending the bulk of his college career with San Diego State. Already known as a gritty defender and clutch performer — including his iconic buzzer-beater in the 2023 NCAA Final Four — Butler brought leadership and experience to a young Kentucky squad under first-year head coach Mark Pope.
Though his time in Lexington lasted just one season, his impact was undeniable. On the floor, Butler was a stabilizing presence in the backcourt, often drawing the toughest defensive assignments and setting the tone with his maturity and poise. Off the floor, he quickly became a mentor figure for Kentucky’s underclassmen and earned praise from Pope for being “a true pro before ever becoming one.”
“Coach Pope believed in me from day one,” Butler wrote. “He let me be myself, let me lead, and trusted me with the ball in big moments. That kind of belief — that’s rare. I won’t ever forget it.”
Gratitude for the Big Blue Nation
Butler reserved special thanks for the Kentucky fans, widely considered the most passionate fanbase in college basketball. In true Kentucky fashion, the BBN embraced him from his first game in Rupp Arena, chanting his name after every big play and standing by him through the highs and lows.
“You all showed up every night, no matter what,” Butler said. “Rain, snow, win or lose — y’all filled that arena and made us feel like kings. I’ll never forget the chills of hearing that crowd, never forget the ‘Go Big Blue’ chants, and never forget the love y’all showed me.”
Fans quickly took to social media to return the love. Twitter and Instagram were flooded with messages of support, with hashtags like #ThankYouLamont and #BBNForever trending among the Kentucky faithful. One fan commented, “You wore that Kentucky jersey with pride and heart. We’ll be cheering for you every step of the way in the NBA!”
A Promising Fit in Atlanta
For the Atlanta Hawks, Butler brings toughness, experience, and a defensive-first mentality — qualities that are hard to find in young guards. The two-way deal offers him a clear path to develop within the organization while also gaining valuable minutes at the NBA level when opportunities arise.
Reports out of Atlanta suggest that Butler could immediately compete for backup guard minutes, especially with his ability to pressure the ball and serve as a secondary playmaker. His leadership qualities, already well-documented in college, make him a locker-room asset from day one.
And if there’s one thing fans in Atlanta can expect, it’s that Lamont Butler doesn’t back down from big moments.
Eyes on the Future, Heart in Kentucky
Despite the excitement of turning pro, Butler made it clear that Kentucky will always have a special place in his heart.
“No matter where this game takes me — to the NBA, overseas, wherever — I’ll always be a Wildcat. This place made me better. You made me better. I’m proud to say I wore that blue and white.”
He ended his message with a simple, powerful line that sums up his time in Lexington:
“Thank you, Kentucky. I love y’all. This ain’t goodbye — it’s just see you later.”
As Lamont Butler takes his talents to the NBA and begins the next chapter of his basketball journey, he leaves behind a legacy of leadership, gratitude, and competitive fire at Kentucky. Though his stint in Lexington was brief, his presence made a lasting impression on a program — and fanbase — that will always consider him one of their own.
And now, as he trades in Rupp Arena for State Farm Arena, one thing’s for sure: Big Blue Nation will be watching, cheering, and believing in him every step of the way.
Congratulations, Lamont. Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat.
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