Duke 2024 NBA Draft Projections: Predicting landing spots for Blue Devils in the NBA
The 2024 NBA Draft is less than a week away, as it is officially set to kick off on Wednesday, June 26. This year will mark the first time that the draft will take place across two separate days as the second round will be held the following evening.
The Duke Blue Devils have consistently produced top-tier talent in the draft, and they will have two potential lottery picks in the 2024 NBA Draft. Here's a look at where Kyle Filipowski and Jared McCain could land next week.
Duke Blue Devils 2024 NBA Draft projections
#1: Kyle Filipowski
Projection: Round 1, 12th overall, Oklahoma City Thunder
Kyle Filipowski was a projected lottery pick after his freshman season with the Duke Blue Devils. He averaged 15.1 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.7 blocks in 29.1 minutes per game while shooting 44.1% from the field, 28.2% from three-point range and 76.5% from the free-throw line. After initially entering the 2023 NBA Draft, he opted out and returned to Duke for a second season.
As a sophomore, Filipowski averaged 16.4 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 2.8 apg, 1.1 spg and 1.5 bpg in 30.4 mpg while shooting 50.5% from the field, 34.8% from three-point range and 67.1% from the free-throw line. After trading Josh Giddey for Alex Caruso on Thursday, Chet Holmgren is the only returning Thunder player who averaged at least 15.0 mpg that is taller than 6'6.
The former Blue Devils center could immediately provide size to play alongside Holmgren or when the Rookie of the Year runner-up heads to the bench.
#2: Jared McCain
Projection: Round 1, 17th overall, Los Angeles Lakers
Jared McCain had a strong freshman season with the Duke Blue Devils as he averaged 14.3 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.1 spg and 0.1 bpg in 31.6 mpg while shooting 46.2% from the field, 41.4% from three-point range and 88.5% from the free-throw line. His shot-making ability will make him a valuable asset at the next level.
The Los Angeles Lakers ranked third-to-last in bench scoring during the regular season and last in the postseason. McCain would provide the second unit with a scoring punch that they sorely lacked in 2023-24, provided that they don't move the pick.
Playing alongside stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis should open the door for plenty of open looks and an easy transition to the league for the former Blue Devils guard.