When discussing the Duke prospects within the 2025 NBA Draft, Cooper Flagg’s identify mechanically involves thoughts.
Flagg will almost definitely be the primary decide and find yourself in Dallas. This isn’t shocking, provided that he has not solely proven nice efficiency, but additionally damaged many information throughout his faculty profession.
Nonetheless, Duke might place one other prospect within the high 10. NBA Evaluation Mock Draft 2025 suggests the Blue Devils have a number of lottery abilities past their headline star.
And Khaman Maluach, who has been in comparison with Joel Embiid, isn’t the second Duke prospect producing buzz. Kon Knueppel, arguably the draft’s premier shooter, instructions consideration from NBA scouts.
The sharpshooter lately appeared on Invoice Simmons’ podcast to debate his skilled aspirations. Knueppel set an formidable goal for his NBA profession.
“That might be superior [to have Klay type of career]. I’ve all the time tried to play, like all people desires to play, like Klay in case you’re a shooter,” Knueppel defined.
“He additionally was a terrific defensive participant, earlier than the accidents and earlier than he’s gotten older.”
Klay Thompson carved out legendary standing throughout his Golden State Warriors tenure. His partnership with Stephen Curry created the long-lasting ‘Splash Brothers‘ duo that captured 4 championships.
Thompson’s precision capturing and defensive versatility made him invaluable. The Warriors’ success blueprint centered round his skill to excel with out dominating possession.
Knueppel acknowledges the parallels between his Duke function and Thompson’s Warriors impression. Each gamers thrived whereas working behind their staff’s main star.
Duke’s system that centered round Cooper Flagg taught Knueppel essential classes about maximizing effectiveness. The sophomore guard centered on growing abilities past his pure capturing skill.
“Studying easy methods to have an effect on the sport when the ball will not be in your arms or whenever you’re not the primary man and studying about myself that I can nonetheless be an efficient participant,” Knueppel shared.
His versatility extends past perimeter capturing. Knueppel can provoke offense and adapt to numerous staff techniques.
“I are likely to have a little bit bit a flexible talent set past simply the capturing, like you may get on the courtroom capturing wherever, you can play for any staff in case you can shoot the ball,” he famous.
NBA Evaluation tasks Knueppel touchdown with Brooklyn Nets at eighth general. Nonetheless, his draft vary might prolong from third to eighth relying on staff wants.
Philadelphia 76ers, Charlotte Hornets, Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards, and New Orleans Pelicans characterize potential locations. Every franchise may benefit from Knueppel’s capturing prowess and basketball IQ.
The following Klay Thompson would possibly emerge from Duke’s program, able to make his mark throughout the league.
