Blue Devil Country

Duke Basketball Product Perseveres, Finally Lands NBA Contract

Three years after leaving school early to chase an NBA dream, Duke basketball's DJ Steward has found the perfect opportunity.

Matt Giles

Duke basketball guard DJ Steward
Duke basketball guard DJ Steward / Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports
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He's undersized for his position. He left school too early. All in all, he's just a dime-a-dozen two-guard. That's what the critics have said about former five-star recruit DJ Steward ever since he bolted from Durham following his one-and-done Duke basketball campaign.

What those naysayers may have failed to consider is sheer determination. Never giving up.

In that department, Steward's score is off the charts.

So, roughly 36 hours after posting 37 points in an NBA 2K25 Summer League game for the Chicago Bulls in Las Vegas, all the hard work paid off to the tune of an official regular season contract in the league. Better yet, it's with Chicago, DJ Steward's hometown.

On Sunday morning, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Steward "has agreed on a two-way contract with the Chicago Bulls."

Steward, undrafted in 2021 after averaging 13.0 points per game for the lackluster 2020-21 Duke basketball team, spent the past three seasons improving from one year to the next in the G League.

Now, keep in mind that the 6-foot-2, 165-pound sharpshooter will likely spend much of his time in the G League again next season. This go-round, though, the 22-year-old DJ Steward appears almost certain to get a call-up to the big show from time to time and log his first career appearance in an NBA regular season game.

A dream come true, indeed.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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