Breaking NBA News: Former NBA Lottery Pick Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison

The former 7th overall pick in the NBA Draft, Ben McLemore, has been sentenced to 100 months in prison—over eight years—after a jury found him guilty of rape and sexual assault.

BREAKING: Ben McLemore will be sentenced to 8 years in prison for rape and sexual assault, h/t @esidery

(via @baxter) pic.twitter.com/w3rJzt6fSs
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 9, 2025

The incident occurred at a 2021 house party in Lake Oswego, Oregon, at the home of McLemore’s then-teammate, Robert Covington of the Portland Trail Blazers. McLemore was convicted on three of four charges, including first-degree rape. He hasn't played in the NBA since the 2021-22 season. He's been playing in China, Greece, Spain and Turkey since that time.

He was found guilty last week, with the verdict coming down on Wednesday.

McLemore was the seventh overall pick in the 2013 NBA draft by the Sacramento Kings. He also played for the Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers.

In nine NBA seasons, the 6'3" wing player averaged 9.0 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.0 assist per game, while shooting 36.3% from three-point land.