The Duke Blue Devils have long been known as a powerhouse for NBA talent, and the 2025 NBA Draft only cemented that narrative. Much of the attention heading into draft night centered around projected No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, high-scoring Kon Knueppel, and international sensation Khaman Maluach. But for all the focus on Duke’s freshmen and international stars, it was the program’s veteran guard duo — Tyrese Proctor and Sion James — who added a seasoned flair to the Blue Devils’ stacked draft class.
This article takes a detailed look at where Proctor and James were projected, the factors that influenced their draft stock, and the actual results from the 2025 NBA Draft, examining how these two backcourt leaders carved a path to the next level.
I. Building the Resume: Tyrese Proctor and Sion James at Duke
Tyrese Proctor: The Sophomore Star Turned Veteran Leader
Tyrese Proctor, a 6-foot-6 combo guard from Australia, arrived at Duke in 2022 with considerable hype. A highly touted international recruit, Proctor showcased flashes of brilliance as a freshman. By the time he returned for his junior season in 2024–25, he was viewed as the seasoned anchor of Duke’s dynamic lineup.
In his third year, Proctor averaged 12.4 points, 4.8 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. Most notably, he dramatically improved his shooting, finishing the season with a career-high 40.5% from beyond the arc. That uptick in perimeter efficiency, paired with his ability to defend both guard positions and his impressive court vision, made him a compelling candidate for second-round selection in the NBA Draft.
Despite playing alongside future lottery picks in Flagg, Knueppel, and Maluach, Proctor’s experience was invaluable. He was often tasked with initiating the offense, settling Duke during high-pressure moments, and providing consistent defense on the perimeter.
Sion James: The Graduate Transfer Surprise
If Proctor was the expected name on NBA radars, Sion James was the emerging wildcard.
A graduate transfer from Tulane, James joined Duke for his final season of eligibility and immediately made a significant impact. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 215 pounds, James brought a level of physicality and defensive toughness that the Blue Devils needed.
He quickly carved out a niche as Duke’s top perimeter defender and one of the best glue guys in the ACC. His final-year numbers didn’t leap off the page — 9.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists per game — but scouts loved his efficiency, decision-making, and shooting (41.3% from three-point range). His assist-to-turnover ratio (115 to 47) showcased his value as a smart, disciplined player who understood how to contribute without dominating the ball.
II. Draft Stock Leading into June 2025
As the draft approached, both guards were firmly in the conversation for second-round selection — but where they would land was hotly debated.
Tyrese Proctor: A Smooth Combo Guard with Upside
By early June, most mock drafts had Tyrese Proctor slotted somewhere in the 40–50 overall range. ESPN placed him at No. 43, citing his combination of size, shooting touch, and versatility. NBADraftNet placed him a bit lower, around No. 47, while The Ringer had him as high as No. 41 to the Brooklyn Nets, noting his fit alongside a ball-dominant guard.
Scouts loved Proctor’s height and switchability. In an NBA that covets positional flexibility, he ticked many boxes. However, concerns remained regarding his explosiveness and finishing at the rim, which kept him from cracking the first round.
Sion James: A Defensive Stopper with NBA-Ready Tools
Sion James was labeled by several analysts as a potential “steal” candidate. ESPN and CBS Sports slotted him around No. 45, with some experts suggesting he could climb into the early second round due to his physicality and pro-ready maturity.
Teams like the Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, and Miami Heat were all rumored to be intrigued. His defense-first mentality and ability to guard three positions made him an ideal role player on the bench for contending teams.
III. Draft Night Reality: Proctor and James Find NBA Homes
On June 26, 2025, all projections turned into concrete results. For Duke’s veteran guards, it was a moment of validation.
✅ Sion James Drafted 33rd Overall by the Charlotte Hornets
In a mild surprise, James went off the board earlier than expected. The Charlotte Hornets selected him 33rd overall, making him one of the first picks of the second round.
Hornets GM Mitch Kupchak said in a post-draft press conference, “We loved Sion’s competitiveness and versatility. He’s the kind of player who makes your rotation better just by being on the floor.”
The selection confirmed what many insiders believed late in the process — that James had impressed during private workouts and interviews. His stock rose steadily in the two weeks before the draft, and Charlotte, eager to bolster their defense and toughness, pulled the trigger.
✅ Tyrese Proctor Taken 49th Overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers
A bit later in the second round, the Cleveland Cavaliers selected Tyrese Proctor with the 49th overall pick.
While the pick was slightly lower than some projections, it came with a major silver lining: Cleveland’s front office immediately offered Proctor a guaranteed roster spot, indicating he was a priority addition. Cavaliers GM Mike Gansey said, “Tyrese brings shooting, length, and a feel for the game that we value. We think he’ll thrive in our system.”
Given the Cavs’ guard-heavy rotation and their shift toward pace-and-space play, Proctor’s strengths — spot-up shooting, intelligent ball movement, and strong defensive instincts — make him a good fit for the team’s second unit.
IV. Comparing Projections to Actual Results
| Player | ESPN Projection | Actual Pick | Team | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sion James | No. 45 | No. 33 | Charlotte Hornets | Surpassed expectations by 12 spots |
| Tyrese Proctor | No. 43 | No. 49 | Cleveland Cavaliers | Dropped slightly but still within range |
It’s clear that James was the bigger draft night riser, while Proctor’s slide wasn’t seen as alarming. Both players landed on rosters that matched their strengths and development needs.
V. What the Experts Are Saying
Jay Bilas (ESPN Analyst)
“Sion James is going to be one of those guys who sticks in the league longer than people expect. He does all the little things well.”
Jonathan Givony (Draft Express)
“Proctor’s shooting improvement helped his cause. He’s a valuable combo guard who fits the modern NBA. Cleveland might have gotten a low-key steal.”
Ball Durham (FanSided)
“Duke’s 2025 draft class might be remembered as one of the most balanced in school history — superstar upside at the top, reliable veterans in the second round.”
VI. What Comes Next: NBA Fit and Development Plans
Sion James – Charlotte Hornets
James joins a Charlotte team looking to rebuild and establish a defensive identity. With LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller as offensive cornerstones, James will likely be asked to:
- Play tough perimeter defense
- Knock down corner threes
- Serve as a secondary ball-handler
Expect him to compete for minutes right away, especially with Charlotte emphasizing culture and intensity under new head coach Jerry Stackhouse.
Tyrese Proctor – Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland is known for player development, and Proctor enters a guard rotation featuring Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, and Caris LeVert. His initial role will be limited, but he could earn a niche as:
- A shooting guard off the bench
- Backup ball-handler in second units
- Defensive disruptor vs. opposing guards
With his shooting trending upward, Proctor has the tools to become a reliable three-and-D option in a competitive backcourt.
VII. Final Takeaways: A Veteran Duo Earns Their NBA Stripes
In a class headlined by one-and-done stars and flashy international prospects, Tyrese Proctor and Sion James stood out for their maturity, leadership, and reliability. Their path to the NBA wasn’t as hyped as Cooper Flagg’s or Khaman Maluach’s, but their selections in the 2025 Draft confirmed that there’s always a place in the league for gritty, skilled, and experienced backcourt players.
For Duke, their success marks another chapter in the program’s long history of sending not just stars, but professionals to the NBA.
For Proctor and James, it’s the beginning of the next chapter — one built on years of growth, patience, and belief.
And for NBA teams? They may have just drafted two of the most prepared players in the entire class.
