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Duke’s NBA Pipeline: 20 Blue Devils Currently Playing in the League

The basketball programme at Duke University is among the best in the nation, and its NBA talent pipeline is equally strong. Twenty former Blue Devils are currently active NBA players, including several of the league’s best talents.

Zion Williamson is one of the most prominent Duke alums in the NBA. The New Orleans Pelicans selected Williamson first overall in the 2019 NBA Draught and he has since emerged as one of the league’s most captivating players. He is renowned for his athleticism, ability to score, and rim-finishing skills.

RJ Barrett is another former Duke player who is succeeding in the NBA. The New York Knicks selected Barrett with the third overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draught. He can score from all three levels of the court and is a dynamic guard. He makes a good opponent as well.

The success of Duke’s basketball programme is evidenced by the Blue Devils’ pipeline of NBA players. At Duke, Coach Mike Krzyzewski has created a dynasty and produced some of the best NBA players. For many years to come, the Blue Devils will undoubtedly continue to generate NBA talent.

1. Zion Williamson (New Orleans Pelicans)

Zion Williamson. , , via Wikimedia Commons

American basketball player Zion Williamson, 23, plays for the New Orleans Pelicans of the National Basketball Association (NBA). In the 2019 NBA Draught, the Pelicans made him their first-round pick.

The 6’6″ power forward Williamson is renowned for his athleticism, power, and explosiveness. He is also a talented rim finisher and dunker. Williamson is one of the NBA’s most intriguing players and has the ability to rank among the league’s top players.

Williamson has endured a career-long battle with injuries, but when he has been on the floor, he has occasionally displayed glimpses of brilliance. Williamson was selected to his first All-Star team in the 2020–21 season after averaging 27.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game.

Williamson has high expectations going into the 2023–24 campaign. He is anticipated to be the Pelicans’ top rebounder and scorer. Williamson might take the lead if he stays healthy.

2. RJ Barrett (New York Knicks)

Canadian professional basketball player RJ Barrett, 23, plays for the New York Knicks in the National Basketball Association (NBA). After one season with the Duke Blue Devils, the Knicks picked him third overall in the 2019 NBA Draught.

6’6″ small forward Barrett is renowned for his quickness, adaptability, and scoring prowess. He is a good rebounder and defender as well. Although Barrett is still a developing player, the NBA could one day make him a star.

Barrett had a 14.3 point, 5.0 rebound, and 2.6 assist per game average in his first season. The NBA All-Rookie Second Team selected him. Barrett increased his scoring average to 17.6 points per game in his second campaign. With 5.8 rebounds per game, he was the Knicks’ rebounding leader as well.

Barrett averaged 20.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game in the 2022–23 season. Additionally, he had a career-high three-point percentage of 41.5%. Barrett received his first All-Star team selection.

3. Cam Reddish (New York Knicks)

Cam Reddish. , , via Wikimedia Commons

American professional basketball player Cam Reddish, 23, plays for the New York Knicks in the National Basketball Association (NBA). In the 2019 NBA Draught, the Atlanta Hawks selected him with the tenth overall pick.

Reddish, a small forward who stands 6’8″, is renowned for his quickness, shooting prowess, and adaptability on defense. He is also an adept passer and ball handler. Reddish has the ability to become a star in the NBA even though he is still a developing talent.

Reddish averaged 5.0 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game during his first campaign. The NBA All-Rookie Second Team selected him. Reddish increased his scoring average to 11.2 points per game in his second season. He also contributed 1.4 assists and 2.7 rebounds per game.

Reddish was traded to the New York Knicks for the 2022–2023 campaign. In 15 games with the Knicks, he scored 9.7 points, grabbed 2.2 rebounds, and made 1.4 assists per contest.

Reddish is an important member of the Knicks’ team and is predicted to be one of their captains in 2023–24. He has the ability to be one of the NBA’s top players because he is a skilled scorer and defender.

4. Wendell Carter Jr. (Orlando Magic)

The NBA has no other player like Carter. He can score from all three levels of the court and is a talented forward. He is a good rebounder and defender as well. Although Carter is still a developing player, the NBA has big plans for him.

Carter’s athleticism is just one of the unique qualities that make him so special. One of the most physically fit players in the NBA, he makes good use of his athleticism on both ends of the court. He is an excellent finisher around the basket and can go to the rim with ease.

Carter is a budding shooter as well. In the 2022–23 season, he had a 33.7% three-point shooting percentage, although it is anticipated that he will get better. Carter will be much more dangerous on offence if he develops into a reliable three-point shooter.

Carter is a capable defender as well. He can switch between screens and defend several places. For his size, he also has exceptional rebounding ability. Although Carter’s defensive skills are still evolving, he has the potential to become a player of the All-Defensive caliber.

In the NBA, Carter is a rising star. He is a skilled rebounder, defender, and scorer. He is also among the league’s most physically fit players. One of the top players in the future NBA draught is Carter.

5. Luke Kennard (Los Angeles Clippers)

Luke Kennard., , via Wikimedia Commons

American professional basketball player Luke Kennard, 26, plays for the Los Angeles Clippers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The Detroit Pistons picked him with the 12th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draught.

Kennard, a shooting guard who stands 6’5″ tall, is renowned for both his shooting prowess and ball-handling talents. He makes a good opponent as well. Although Kennard is still a developing player, the NBA may one day consider him a starter.

Kennard averaged 5.8 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game in his rookie campaign. The NBA All-Rookie Second Team selected him. Kennard increased his scoring average to 9.7 points per game in his second season. In addition, he had 2.2 assists and 2.6 rebounds per game.

Kennard was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers ahead of the 2019–20 season. In his debut season with the Clippers, he had averages of 10.0 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per contest. In the 2020–21 season, Kennard increased his scoring average to 11.9 points per game. Additionally, he had a game average of 2.3 assists and 3.1 rebounds.

Kennard averaged 9.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game in the 2022–23 campaign. He also had a career-high 49.2% field goal percentage and 54.0% three-point shooting. Kennard was a crucial part of the Clippers’ postseason success, averaging 12.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per contest.

6. Grayson Allen (Milwaukee Bucks)

For the Bucks, Allen is a crucial player, and they anticipate that he will be one of their captains in 2023–24. He is a gifted shooter, a gifted athlete, and a strong defender. Allen may start for the Bucks in the NBA and contribute to their chances of winning a championship in the future.

But throughout his career, both in college and the NBA, Allen has also been associated with a number of contentious episodes. He was given a one-game suspension by Duke University in 2016 for tripping a rival. He was given an indefinite suspension from the institution in 2017 for tripping another competitor. He was dismissed from a Summer League game in 2019 after committing two flagrant fouls.

Some fans and analysts have called for Allen to be suspended from the NBA due to his propensity for using unethical tactics. Allen has expressed regret for his earlier behavior and a commitment to playing honorable basketball. The passage of time will determine whether Allen is able to keep his word.

7. Gary Trent Jr. (Toronto Raptors)

Gary Trent Jr. , , via Wikimedia Commons

American professional basketball player Gary Trent Jr., 24, plays for the Toronto Raptors in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The Portland Trail Blazers picked him with the 37th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draught.

The 6’5″ shooting guard Trent is renowned for his athleticism and shooting prowess. He makes a good opponent as well. Although Trent is still growing as a player, he has the chance to start for the NBA.

Trent averaged 4.7 points per game in just 15 games as a rookie with the Trail Blazers. In 2021, he was exchanged for the Raptors.

Trent averaged 16.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game in his first season with the Raptors. His three-point percentage was 41.2%.

Trent had 17.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game in the 2022–23 season. He had the 17th-best three-point shooting percentage in the NBA (43.3%).

Trent is an important member of the Raptors’ team and is predicted to be one of their captains in 2023–24. He is a gifted shooter, a gifted athlete, and a strong defender. Trent has the potential to start for the NBA’s Raptors in the upcoming seasons, giving them a chance to contend for a playoff spot.

Trent is renowned for his distinctive and chic sense of style. He frequently sports colorful attire and accessories. Trent is a well-liked character among fans thanks to his sense of style, and he has been highlighted in a number of fashion magazines.

8. Jahlil Okafor (Detroit Pistons)

The Detroit Pistons of the National Basketball Association (NBA) are home to the 28-year-old Nigerian-American professional basketball player Jahlil Okafor. The Philadelphia 76ers selected him with the third overall choice in the 2015 NBA Draught.

Okafor, a center who stands 6’11”, is well-known for his ability to score and post plays. He is a skilled rebounder as well. Although Okafor’s game needs work, he has the potential to start for the NBA.

Okafor averaged 17.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game in his first campaign. The NBA All-Rookie First Team selected him. In his second season, Okafor’s scoring average fell to 11.8 points per game, although he continued to average 7.0 rebounds.

Okafor is an important member of the Pistons’ team and is predicted to be one of their captains in 2023–24. He is an excellent defender as well as a gifted scorer and rebounder. In the future, Okafor, who has the ability to start for the NBA’s Pistons, might make them contend for a postseason spot.

Okafor is renowned for his charity endeavors as well. In 2015, he established the Jahlil Okafor Foundation, which offers adolescents who are underserved with educational and recreational options. Okafor has also participated in a number of other charity organizations, such as the United Way and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

9. Justise Winslow (Portland Trail Blazers)

Justise Winslow. , , via Wikimedia Commons

American professional basketball player Justise Winslow, 27, plays for the Portland Trail Blazers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The Miami Heat selected him with the tenth overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draught.

Winslow, a striker who stands 6’6″, is renowned for his adaptability, athleticism, and defensive ability. He has excellent passing and ball-handling skills. Although Winslow is still growing as a player, he has the chance to start for the NBA.

Winslow averaged 6.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game in his first campaign. The NBA All-Rookie Second Team selected him. In his second season, Winslow’s scoring average rose to 7.1 points per game, but he missed a lot of time with an injury.

Winslow was moved to the Los Angeles Clippers for the 2021–22 season. In his first campaign with the Clippers, he scored 8.1 points, pulled down 4.5 rebounds, and distributed 2.2 assists a game. In February 2022, Winslow was dealt to the Portland Trail Blazers.

Before being sidelined for the season in December with an ankle injury that ultimately needed surgery, Winslow averaged 6.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game in 29 games during his rookie campaign with the Trail Blazers.

10. Brandon Ingram (New Orleans Pelicans)

American professional basketball player Brandon Ingram, 24, plays for the New Orleans Pelicans of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The Los Angeles Lakers selected him with the second overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draught.

The 6’7″ forward Ingram is well-known for his shooting prowess, quickness, and ball-handling abilities. He makes a good opponent as well. Although Ingram is still a young player, the NBA has big plans for him.

Ingram had a 9.4 point, 4.0 rebound, and 2.1 assist per game average in his first campaign. The NBA All-Rookie Second Team selected him. In his second season, Ingram’s scoring average rose to 16.1 points per game, but he missed a lot of time with an injury.

11. Harry Giles (Sacramento Kings)

Harry Giles. , , via Wikimedia Commons

American professional basketball player Harry Giles III, 25, plays for the Sacramento Kings of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The Portland Trail Blazers selected him with the 20th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draught.

Giles, a forward who stands 6’10”, is renowned for his quickness, length, and adaptability. He has good rim finishing ability as well as strong rebounding skills. Giles is still growing as a player, but he has a shot at being an NBA starter.

However, injuries have hampered Giles’ career. Due to a damaged ACL in his right knee, he was forced to sit out his whole rookie season. Due to a number of injuries, he also lost a substantial amount of time in his second and third seasons.

Giles finally had a healthy season in 2020–21, participating in 61 games for the Kings. He recorded a game average of 7.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. In the playoffs, Giles also posted averages of 10.1 points and 6.0 rebounds per game.

Giles played with the Kings in just 27 games in the 2021–22 season due to a variety of injuries. In each game, he averaged 4.9 rebounds and 7.2 points.

12. Marvin Bagley III (Detroit Pistons)

American professional basketball player Marvin Bagley III, 23, plays for the Detroit Pistons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The Sacramento Kings selected him with the second overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draught.

A forward standing 6’8″, Bagley is renowned for his athleticism, size, and skill set. He has good scoring, rebounding, and passing skills. Although Bagley is still a young player, the NBA has big plans for him.

Bagley’s athleticism is only one aspect that sets him apart. One of the most physically fit players in the NBA, he makes good use of his athleticism on both ends of the court. He is an excellent finisher around the basket and can go to the rim with ease.

Bagley is a budding shooter as well. He had a 35.4% three-point shooting percentage in the 2022–23 season, although it is anticipated that he will improve. Bagley will be even more dangerous offensively if he develops into a reliable three-point shooter.

13. Frank Jackson (Los Angeles Clippers)

Frank Jackson. , , via Wikimedia Commons

Jackson stands out among NBA players. He can score from all three levels of the court and is a dynamic guard. He is a good rebounder and defender as well. Jackson is still honing his skills as a player, but he has what it takes to become an NBA superstar.

Jackson’s athleticism is only one of the many qualities that make him so special. One of the most physically fit players in the NBA, he makes good use of his athleticism on both ends of the court. He is an excellent finisher around the basket and can go to the rim with ease.

Jackson is a budding shooter as well. During the 2022–23 G League season, he shot 49.2% from the field and 54.0% from three-point range. Jackson will be much more dangerous on offence if he develops into a reliable three-point shooter.

Jackson is a capable defender as well. He can switch between screens and defend several places. For his size, he also has exceptional rebounding ability. Jackson’s defensive skills are still evolving, but they have All-Defensive potential.

14. Tre Jones (San Antonio Spurs)

American professional basketball player Tre Jones, 23, plays for the San Antonio Spurs in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The Spurs selected him with the number 41 overall choice in the 2020 NBA draught.

In 20 games during his first season, Jones averaged 3.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.2 assists.  Jones averaged 11.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game in 10 games with the Austin Spurs.

In 53 games during his second season, Jones averaged 6.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists. He also had a three-point percentage of 36.8%. In the second half of the season, Jones took over as the Spurs’ starting point guard.

Jones is also becoming more of a playmaker. He has good passing ability and can spot open teammates. He can make his own shot and is a skilled ball handler. Jones will be even more dangerous offensively if he develops into a more reliable playmaker.

Jones can score goals as well. He can score from all three levels of the court and is a proficient shooter. He also has outstanding rim finishing skills. Jones’ scoring ability is still growing, but he has the potential to score double digits in the NBA.

15. Vernon Carey Jr. (Washington Wizards)

Vernon Carey Jr.. , , via Wikimedia Commons

The NBA has no other player like Carey. He is a dynamic forward with a variety of effects on the game. He has good offensive, defensive, and rebounding skills. Although Carey is still a young player, the NBA has big plans for him.

Carey’s stature and strength are a few of the things that set him apart. He is one of the NBA’s biggest and strongest players, and he makes the most of those attributes on both ends of the court. He is an excellent finisher around the basket and can go to the rim with ease.

In the 2022–23 season, he made 36.4% of his three-point attempts, however it is anticipated that he will improve on this in the current season.

16. Jalen Johnson (Atlanta Hawks)

American professional basketball player Jalen Johnson, 21, plays for the Atlanta Hawks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The Hawks selected him with the twenty-first overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draught.

Johnson, a forward who stands 6’8″, is renowned for his quickness, adaptability, and scoring prowess. He is a good defender and rebounder as well.

Johnson played in 58 games during his first season, averaging 5.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists. He also made 35.0% of his three-point attempts and shot 49.1% overall. Johnson was given a development assignment to the NBA G League’s College Park Skyhawks. Johnson averaged 17.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game in 11 games for the Skyhawk.

17. Paolo Banchero (Orlando Magic)

Paolo Banchero. , , via Wikimedia Commons

American professional basketball player Paolo Banchero, 20, plays for the Orlando Magic in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was chosen by the Magic as the first overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draught.

Banchero, a power forward who stands 6’10”, is renowned for his quickness, adaptability, and scoring prowess. He is a good defender and rebounder as well. Although Banchero is still a young player, the NBA has big plans for him.

In 72 games during his rookie season, Banchero averaged 20.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. He also made 29.8% of his three-point attempts and shot 42.7% from the field. Banchero was selected for the first team of NBA rookies.

One of the Magic’s most important players, Banchero is predicted to be one of their captains in 2023–24. His skills as a scorer, rebounder, and defender are impressive. In the future, Banchero, who has the ability to start for the NBA’s Magic, might aid them in their quest for a playoff position.

18. Wendell Moore Jr. (Minnesota Timberwolves)

In the NBA, Moore is a distinctive player. He is a versatile guard with a variety of effects on the game. He is a skilled athlete, passer, and defender. Although Moore is still a developing talent, the NBA might use him as a reliable role player.

Moore has several unique qualities, including his athleticism. He is one of the Timberwolves’ most athletic players, and he makes good use of it on both ends of the court. He can easily reach to the rim, and despite his size, he has outstanding rebounding skills.

In the NBA, Moore is a rising talent. He is an adept passer, athlete, and defender. He is also becoming a better shot. Moore might develop into a reliable role player in the NBA and assist the Timberwolves in their quest for a playoff position in the upcoming seasons.

19. Keion Brooks Jr. (Houston Rockets)

Keion Brooks Jr. , , via Wikimedia Commons

Keion Brooks Jr. is a 23-year-old American professional basketball player for the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Brooks is a 6’7″ forward known for his versatility, athleticism, and scoring ability. He is also a good rebounder and defender. In his rookie season, Brooks averaged 4.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 0.7 assists per game in 36 games.

Brooks is a capable defender as well. He can switch between screens and defend several places. For his size, he also has exceptional rebounding ability. While Brooks’ defensive skills are still evolving, they have the potential to be among the best in the NBA.

20. Trevor Keels (New York Knicks)

Keels is a crucial member of the Knicks’ bench, and in the 2023–24 campaign, more is anticipated of him. He is an excellent rebounder and defender in addition to being a gifted scorer and athlete. Keels might join the NBA rotation and aid the Knicks in their quest for a playoff position in the upcoming seasons.

Keels, a guard who stands 6’3″, is renowned for his agility, adaptability, and scoring prowess. He is a good defender and rebounder as well.

In 23 games during his rookie season, Keels averaged 2.9 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 0.6 assists. He also made 30.0% of his three-point attempts and shot 38.3% from the field.

With 20 former Blue Devils presently competing in the NBA, including four All-Stars and two NBA champions, Duke has one of the best NBA pipelines in the nation.