Where Are Duke Basketball’s Veteran Guard Duo Projected to Be Taken in the 2025 NBA Draft?

Where Are Duke Basketball’s Veteran Guard Duo Projected to Be Taken in the 2025 NBA Draft?

 

Proctor, a junior from Australia, returns to the draft board after bypassing the 2024 draft to further develop his game. James, a graduate transfer from Tulane who played his final year in Durham, impressed scouts with his physicality, leadership, and defensive ability. Both guards are drawing mid-round interest from NBA teams looking to add maturity and backcourt depth.

Tyrese Proctor: Late First to Early Second Round

Proctor has steadily climbed back into first-round consideration. Multiple mock drafts project him to go somewhere between picks 30 and 40, depending on team needs. His consistent shooting — he shot over 40% from beyond the arc this past season — and improved decision-making have made him an attractive combo guard option.

Bleacher Report and The Athletic recently placed Proctor at #37 and #38, respectively, suggesting fits with teams like the Detroit Pistons or Sacramento Kings. His international experience, court vision, and perimeter defense add to his appeal in a league that increasingly values versatile guards.

“He may not be a flashy scorer, but Proctor does a bit of everything well,” one NBA scout told The Athletic. “He’s the kind of guy who could contribute as a steady backup or low-usage starter early in his career.”

Sion James: Rising Second-Round Sleeper

Meanwhile, Sion James has emerged as one of the most intriguing second-round options. Standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 220 pounds, James combines defensive toughness with improved three-point shooting (41% in his final season). ESPN recently projected him to be selected 45th overall, and Duke outlets have placed him as high as #36 in mock scenarios.

James brings a physical presence and veteran poise that could immediately help teams looking for wing depth. His performance in pre-draft workouts has reportedly impressed teams like the Chicago Bulls and Philadelphia 76ers, who value his switchability and high basketball IQ.

“Sion James is the kind of guy who fills in all the gaps,” said a source close to the Duke program. “He guards three positions, hits open shots, and never forces the issue.”

While James lacks the offensive upside of some younger prospects, his maturity and clear role projection have increased his draft stock heading into the final week of evaluations.

Veteran Value in a Freshman-Heavy Draft

In a draft class dominated by elite one-and-done talent like Cooper Flagg and Ace Bailey, Proctor and James represent a different type of value — seasoned, dependable guards ready to contribute from day one. For franchises seeking stability and role clarity, the Blue Devil veterans offer exactly that.

As draft night nears, expect both names to come off the board somewhere in the 30–50 range, with Proctor slightly ahead. And in a league always looking for the next efficient role player, Duke’s veteran backcourt may prove to be among the safest bets.