Brotherhood Draft Watch: Proctor and James Ready to Shake Up Second Round
While Duke’s Big Three of Cooper Flagg, Khaman Maluach, and Kon Knueppel have rightly dominated pre-draft headlines, two other Blue Devils are quietly positioning themselves as some of the most intriguing second-round prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft: Tyrese Proctor and Sion James.
These two guards may not be grabbing the spotlight like Flagg, the presumptive No. 1 pick heading to Dallas, or Maluach and Knueppel, who are projected lottery selections. But in the eyes of savvy front offices, Proctor and James bring something just as valuable — experience, maturity, and untapped upside.
Tyrese Proctor: Sacramento’s Missing Piece?
Tyrese Proctor has long been admired for his poise, versatility, and international experience. Hailing from Australia, Proctor is a smooth ball-handler with a high basketball IQ, and he offers a rare combination of perimeter shooting, on-ball defense, and creative playmaking.
Recently, his name has been strongly linked with the Sacramento Kings, who hold the 42nd pick. While that seems like a likely landing spot, there’s buzz that a team like the Boston Celtics — who are no strangers to Duke products — could scoop him up earlier if they’re looking for a reliable backup guard with size and court vision.
What makes Proctor so appealing is his ability to slot seamlessly into any backcourt rotation. He doesn’t need the ball to impact the game, but he can take over when necessary. His measured pace and decision-making make him an ideal fit in Sacramento, a team still searching for bench depth and a reliable secondary ball handler behind De’Aaron Fox.
Sion James: A Warrior in Waiting?
Then there’s Sion James, a one-and-done Blue Devil with a very different path. James began his college career at Tulane, where he arrived as a skinny 185-pound freshman. Now at 220 pounds, he’s built like an NFL linebacker — and plays defense with the same physicality.
Despite only spending one year at Duke, James made a strong impression. His 6-foot-6 frame, shooting touch, and toughness make him a strong candidate for the Golden State Warriors, who are reportedly very interested. It helps that Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. is a former Duke standout himself and has a history of keeping close ties with the program.
Golden State needs size and shooting in the backcourt — and James brings both. He’s a strong perimeter defender who can guard three positions, and he’s shown flashes of being a consistent knockdown shooter from beyond the arc. At 23, he’s one of the more experienced prospects in the draft and arguably one of the most pro-ready.
If available when the Warriors are on the clock, James might be too good to pass up. He fits the mold of the “underappreciated glue guy” that Golden State has long valued in its dynastic run.
The Value of Experience and Fit
What makes Proctor and James stand out isn’t flashy highlight reels or viral mixtapes. It’s the maturity of their game, their understanding of team concepts, and the ability to plug into existing systems. NBA teams, especially contenders or those looking for depth, are always on the lookout for ready-made contributors — and both guards check that box.
Proctor’s Australian national team background and years in a high-level college program make him a strong candidate for immediate rotation minutes. James, on the other hand, offers the physical profile and switchability that teams crave in the modern NBA, with a touch of scoring upside that remains largely untapped.
A Brotherhood Legacy Continues
If Proctor lands in Sacramento and James in Golden State, it wouldn’t just be a win for those franchises — it would also be a testament to Duke’s ever-expanding influence on the NBA. The Brotherhood isn’t just about top-10 picks anymore. It’s about producing players who are prepared for the league, regardless of where their names are called on draft night.
With all eyes on Flagg, Maluach, and Knueppel, don’t be surprised if it’s Proctor and James who emerge as the second-round steals of the 2025 NBA Draft.
Stay tuned to Trendysoccernews.com as we continue tracking every twist and turn in the draft journey of Duke’s next generation.
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