The 2025 Duke Blue Devils were as good as any team in recent memory. While they did not cut down the nets in April, they did send all five starters to the NBA within the top 50 picks. Let’s dive into how these players did in NBA Summer League.
NBA Summer League Performances for 2025 Duke Draft Class
Cooper Flagg – Dallas Mavericks
Cooper Flagg was shut down after just two games in Vegas but they were certainly remarkable games. Flagg started off cold against the Lakers where he went 5/21 from the field but responded nicely with a monster 30 point game against the Spurs.
He averaged 20.5 points per game, 5 rebounds per game, 2.5 assists per game on 36% from the field and 21% from three. Certainly not his best efforts, however, he showed several flashes of the Flagg that won National Player of the Year. Flagg also was tasked with being the primary ball-handler which took him out of his comfort zone.
All things considered, the Mavs saw plenty of flashes that will have them excited for Flagg to start the year. He will have much better floor spacing surrounding him during the regular season which will allow him to get to his spots easily. Ultimately, he still dropped 30 despite playing subpar for his lofty standards.
Kon Knueppel – Charlotte Hornets
Kon Knueppel was very quiet to open Summer League. Summer League is tough as teammates are brand new and everyone is trying to prove they belong in the NBA. There may never be another game he shoots 0/5 from deep. However, he responded as he normally does with a few monster performances. Knueppel averaged 15.6 points per game, 4.8 rebounds per game, and 3.8 assists per game while shooting 41% from the field and 34% from three. All of this was in route to winning the Summer League championship and Finals MVP.
The Hornets mentioned numerous times that his moxy and winning ability were key factors in making him the fourth overall pick. He still fits seamlessly amongst the other Hornet scorers and floor spacers and will attract a ton of defensive attention. Knueppel also was one of the main reasons the Hornets can finally celebrate a title.
Khaman Maluach – Phoenix Suns
Khaman Maluach started his first Summer League game with a left post hook and all of Phoenix collectively fell out of their chair. He also showed quite a willingness to stretch the floor which was likely a key focus by him and the coaching staff. Maluach appeared to show some improved agility and quickness on his feet as well. The one other bright spot was the desire to rebound which was missing in his last Duke game against Houston. Ultimately, he averaged 10 points per game and 5.7 rebounds per game in very limited action. He ended up shooting 36% from the field and 23% from deep. While the percentages were not great, the way he attempted to work on his offensive game is reassuring and the whole point of NBA Summer League.
Maluach truly has limitless potential and it is great to see the small jumps he has already made since leaving Durham. No one should be surprised when Maluach finds himself amongst the ten best centers in the NBA in the next decade. He is so young and so raw but the talent really pops off the screen. Suns fans have to be cautiously optimistic.
Sion James – Charlotte Hornets
Sion James getting drafted at the top of the 2nd round was a pleasant surprise. The Hornets are looking for tough winners with good attitudes and James fits that to a T. He did not get a ton of time in Summer League due to a hip injury but his size and defensive ability were clear. He struggled with his jumper and missed several open threes but nerves are always high. James made winning plays and filled the stat sheet like always. He clearly has a role as a rotational guard who will likely find himself in games late when the Hornets need an impact play to be made.
Ultimately, James averaged 5.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3 assists per game while shooting 36% from the field but going 0/5 from three across two games. It is a very small sample size but the only way James can earn rotational minutes is if he makes jump shots.
Tyrese Proctor – Cleveland Cavaliers
Very few people would have projected Tyrese Proctor to be the last Duke player drafted this year. However, that is what happened and it appears to have worked out great. Proctor signed a guaranteed deal with the Cavs and likely has a role as a backup guard on the number one team in the East. He had a strong Summer League showing despite not hitting a ton of jumpers. His frame and athleticism will go a long way in the NBA towards hitting that Derrick White comparison. Certainly has plenty to improve on but Cavs fans have to be intrigued with what they have seen.
Proctor averaged 17.25 points, 3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game including a 35 point outburst. He shot 36% from the field and 29% from deep which is not great. However, he was in attack mode and stuffing the stat sheet.
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