Duke University’s basketball program has long been a pipeline to the NBA and the 2024-25 season only hammered the fact further. With a 35-4 record, ACC regular-season and tournament championships, and a Final Four appearance, the Blue Devils showed off a roster loaded with professional prospects.
In our latest CSN Sports two-round mock draft for the 2025 NBA Draft, five Duke players are projected to be selected, including three in the lottery and two in the second round. Below, we break down where players like Cooper Flagg, Khaman Maluach, Kon Knueppel, and others are expected to land.
Duke’s Mock Draft 2025 NBA Projections For Cooper Flagg And More
Duke has five players projected to be selected in the 2025 NBA Draft, according to our CBS Sports mock draft. Three freshmen: Cooper Flagg, Khaman Maluach, and Kon Knueppel, are slated for the lottery (top 14 picks), while two upperclassmen, Tyrese Proctor and Sion James, are projected for the second round.
No other Duke players from the 2024-25 roster, such as Isaiah Evans or Patrick Ngongba, managed to appear in the CBS Sports two-round mock, which means, according to our research, they are currently projected to go undrafted, though their stock could rise with strong pre-draft performances.
Player Projections
1) Cooper Flagg, F (Freshman) – No. 1 Overall (Dallas Mavericks)
Cooper Flagg, the consensus top prospect, is projected to go No. 1 overall to the Dallas Mavericks, a pick solidified after their lottery win. The 6’9″ forward led Duke in every major statistical category, averaging approximately 18.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.3 blocks on 48% field goal shooting and 37% from three.
Flagg’s versatility as a two-way force makes him a perfect fit alongside Dallas’ frontcourt of Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford. His reported 15.0 box plus-minus ranks among the highest for a one-and-done player, trailing only behind Zion Williamson and Anthony Davis.
2) Khaman Maluach, C (Freshman) – No. 6 Overall (Washington Wizards)
Khaman Maluach, a 7’2″ center from South Sudan, is projected as the No. 6 pick to the Washington Wizards. The 18-year-old (turning 19 in September 2025) averaged 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks during his freshman season, shooting 71.2% from the field and 76.6% from the free-throw line, with four made 3-pointers.
He showed growth in the NCAA Tournament with double-digit scoring in three of five games. His 7’5″ wingspan and lateral agility make him a formidable rim protector, though his offensive game needs more cooking.
3) Kon Knueppel, F (Freshman) – No. 9 Overall (Toronto Raptors)
Kon Knueppel, a 6’7″ wing, is slotted at No. 9 to the Toronto Raptors, a slight slide due to teams above him prioritizing higher-upside prospects. Knueppel averaged 14.4 points, shooting 40.6% from three on over five attempts per game, with 47.9% field goal and 90.4% free-throw shooting, nearly hitting the 50-40-90 mark.
He also contributed 2.4 assists, showing off his high-IQ play. While not an explosive athlete, he is very polished at shot-making, attack closeouts, and comfort in pick-and-roll situations.
Some scouts question his ceiling due to athletic limitations, but his “vibranium-sturdy” frame and finishing through contact make sure that no matter the composition you drop him in, you can expect immediate results.
4) Tyrese Proctor, G (Junior) – No. 48 Overall (Memphis Grizzlies)
Tyrese Proctor, a 6’6″ junior guard, is projected as a second-round pick at No. 48 to the Memphis Grizzlies. He averaged 12.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.2 assists, shooting 41.1% from three.
Despite modest assist numbers (due to Flagg’s presence and Sion James’ addition), Proctor showed decent playmaking IQ in Duke’s system. His size and ball-screen play suit a combo guard role, and his defensive potential fits Memphis’ track record of developing veteran college guards like Desmond Bane.
However, his limited athleticism and low assist totals raise concerns about his ceiling, positioning him as a high-floor, low-upside prospect.
5) Sion James, G (Senior) – No. 50 Overall (New York Knicks)
Sion James, a 6’6″ senior guard, is projected at No. 50 to the New York Knicks. Known for his “outlier strength” at 220 pounds, James shot 50.0% on spot-up threes and provided secondary playmaking, averaging 8.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists.
His defensive versatility and willingness to go over the line for the team, align with the Knicks’ breakneck identity. While his offensive game may not fully translate, his physicality and hustle make him a low-risk, role-player pick late in the draft.
Undrafted Duke Players
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Several Duke players, including freshmen Isaiah Evans and Patrick Ngongba, are currently expected to go undrafted. Evans averaged 7.0 points and shot 41.6% from three, showing promise as a shooter, particularly in the NCAA Tournament (53.8% from three).
Ngongba’s limited role due to Duke’s depth likely contributed to his absence from the mock. Both could improve their stock through combine performances or workouts, as seen with other risers like Micah Peavy.
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