Built for the Big Stage: Why Sion James Could Be the Warriors’ Perfect Draft Steal in 2025
In an NBA landscape that continues to evolve with speed, skill, and versatility at the forefront, players like Sion James are no longer luxury additions — they’re necessities. As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, one name steadily rising on draft boards is that of Duke’s experienced and ever-improving guard, Sion James. And if there’s one team whose system might be tailor-made for his talents, it’s the Golden State Warriors.
This past college season, youth ruled the court for Duke. With a freshman trio of Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and Khaman Maluach expected to be top-10 picks, it would have been easy for a fifth-year senior to fade into the background. But instead, Sion James seized the moment.
The 6-foot-5 Georgia native, after four developmental years at Tulane, made the bold decision to transfer to Duke for his final season — a move that positioned him directly under the spotlight and amongst elite talent. And James thrived. His growth and maturity on the court caught the attention of NBA scouts, particularly the Golden State Warriors, who hosted him for a pre-draft workout this week in San Francisco.
A Steady Climb, Season by Season
James’ path to this point hasn’t been meteoric — it’s been methodical. Starting out at Tulane, he put in the work year after year. His scoring, rebounding, and efficiency steadily increased, culminating in a junior season that saw him average 14.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. His three-point shooting surged to 38.1 percent, a testament to his tireless improvement and dedication.
“I really started to see it by the time I got to the end of my time at Tulane,” James shared during his visit to Chase Center. “I started to recognize that I was just continually improving and that the NBA dream wasn’t as far-fetched.”
The Warriors Connection
Now, with 153 college games and 139 starts under his belt, James looks less like a project and more like a plug-and-play contributor — especially for a team like the Warriors. His size, experience, defensive mindset, and improved shooting align perfectly with what Golden State desperately needs: positional size, shooting depth, and defensive toughness.
“I’d love to [join the Warriors],” James said. “It’s really cool watching how everything works out. I think it’d be a great fit.”
And he’s right. With Golden State aging and looking to reshape its supporting cast around Steph Curry, players who can contribute immediately are invaluable. James brings the blend of maturity and upside that could allow him to step onto an NBA floor and make an impact from Day One.
A Sharpshooter in the Making
One of the biggest knocks on James early in his college career was his shooting. As a freshman, he shot just 28 percent from beyond the arc and struggled from the free-throw line. But fast forward to his Duke season — James knocked down 41.3 percent of his threes and improved his free-throw percentage to 81 percent. That kind of leap doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of countless hours in the gym.
“It was something that was a weakness of mine early on, and I’ve worked really hard to make it a strength,” James explained. “It’s really just come from dedication.”
His transformation physically also matches his mental and skill development. Entering college at 185 pounds, James now boasts a chiseled 220-pound frame, giving him the strength to absorb contact and defend multiple positions.
Defensive Grit and Winning Intangibles
At the NBA Draft Combine, James turned heads with his defensive effort and instincts. He racked up steals, altered shots, and played with the kind of intensity that’s often reserved for postseason veterans. In one scrimmage, he posted 10 points, four steals, and a block. The next day, he followed up with seven points, another four steals, and three more blocks.
“I’m trying to be that kind of player, someone who makes life hard for opposing players,” James said. “Guys like Jrue Holiday and Derrick White — those are the guys I’ve been watching. Guys who get up into the ball and never take a play off.”
That mindset, along with his ACC All-Defense honors, speaks to what James could offer a team like the Warriors: a defensive-minded wing who doesn’t need the ball to make an impact but can punish defenses when left open.
A Second-Round Steal in the Making?
With the Warriors holding the No. 41 overall pick in the draft, Sion James could be the ideal second-round gem. General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr., himself a former Blue Devil, knows the value of smart, experienced, and hard-nosed players. James fits that bill to a tee.
In a league where the margins between winning and losing are razor-thin, players like Sion James — battle-tested, unselfish, and adaptable — can make all the difference. He’s not the flashiest prospect, but he might be one of the smartest picks on the board.
As the NBA Draft looms, don’t be surprised if the Warriors make a move that echoes their past brilliance: finding value where others overlook it. In Sion James, they might just find their next key role player.
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