Blue Devil Country

Eight Duke Basketball Faces Appear Among Top 100 Active NBA Players

Most of the premier Duke basketball representatives in the league are 27 years old or younger.

Matt Giles

Former Duke basketball forwards Jayson Tatum and Zion Williamson
Former Duke basketball forwards Jayson Tatum and Zion Williamson / Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
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Almost six percent of the players across all 2024-25 NBA rosters are Duke basketball talents. Even better, NBA Blue Devils account for eight percent of the top 100 in the league, according to the ranking that HoopsHype released this week in anticipation of the regular season getting underway in a little over a month.

ALSO READ: Former Blue Devil Forward Among Top Unsigned NBA Free Agents

Duke basketball's top presence on HoopsHype's list is a defending NBA champion and recent second-time Olympic gold medalist in Boston Celtics centerpiece forward and five-time All-Star Jayson Tatum. The 26-year-old checks in at No. 6, below only Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic, and No. 1 Nikola Jokic.

Next among Blue Devils are Duke's most recent top overall draft selections in sixth-year New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson at No. 22 and the Orlando Magic's third-year forward and former NBA Rookie of the Year, Paolo Banchero, right behind him at No. 23 overall.

Tatum, Williamson, and the Banchero are the only three Duke basketball products in HoopsHype's top 25.

Here are the others in the top 100:

  • No. 33 - Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving
  • No. 46 - New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram
  • No. 68 - Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson
  • No. 95 - Toronto Raptors guard RJ Barrett
  • No. 99 - Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II

RELATED: Full List of Former Duke Players Currently in the NBA

Stay tuned to Duke Blue Devils On SI for more Duke basketball news.

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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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