Duke Blue Devils Celebrate One of Their Own: Chip “The Machine Gun” Engelland Becomes 2025 NBA Champion with Oklahoma City Thunder

The Duke Blue Devils family is once again swelling with pride as one of their most respected basketball alumni, Chip “The Machine Gun” Engelland, secures yet another NBA title—this time as part of the coaching staff for the 2025 NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder. Widely hailed as the best shooting coach in the NBA today, Engelland has now added a third championship ring to his legendary résumé, capping off decades of influence on the global basketball stage.

For Duke fans and basketball purists alike, Engelland’s journey is a masterclass in dedication, technical mastery, and quiet but lasting impact on the sport. Known for his meticulous approach to shooting mechanics and his ability to elevate players’ offensive skills, Engelland’s fingerprints are all over some of the NBA’s most successful modern teams, culminating with the Thunder’s historic 2025 championship run.

From Durham to Global Basketball Ambassador

Before he was revolutionizing jump shots in the NBA, Chip Engelland was lighting it up for the Duke Blue Devils. From 1979 to 1983, Engelland proudly wore Duke blue, establishing himself as one of the purest shooters in program history. His calm demeanor, high basketball IQ, and relentless work ethic made him a staple for Mike Krzyzewski during the formative years of Coach K’s iconic tenure.

Nicknamed “The Machine Gun” for his quick release and accuracy, Engelland’s shooting stroke became a thing of legend on campus. But his legacy didn’t end in Durham. After graduating from Duke, he embarked on a professional journey that spanned continents and leagues, enriching his knowledge of the game and honing the skills that would later make him a sought-after coach.

A Unique Playing Career Across the Globe

After his time at Duke, Engelland took his talents overseas, playing for Northern Cement (RPNT) as a naturalized player in the Philippines from 1984 to 1986. His stint in the Philippines wasn’t just a brief international detour—it was a significant chapter that included championship success and solidified his reputation as a premier shooter.

During his time with Northern Cement, Engelland helped lead the squad to victory at the 1984 ABC Interclub Championships in Malaysia and the 1985 Jones Cup in Taipei, playing under the San Miguel banner. The highlight of his time in Asia was the team’s triumph in the 1985 PBA Reinforced Conference as a guest team, a feat still celebrated among Filipino basketball fans.

His global tour continued in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) with the Topeka Sizzlers, Columbus Horizon, and San Jose Jammers, followed by a stint with the Calgary 88’s in the World Basketball League (WBL). Though Engelland’s professional playing career never included an NBA roster spot, his exposure to diverse playing styles and coaching philosophies worldwide laid the foundation for his future coaching brilliance.

Becoming the NBA’s Premier Shooting Guru

In 1999, Engelland officially transitioned to coaching, landing his first NBA job as a shooting consultant with the Detroit Pistons. It was there that his gift for refining players’ shooting mechanics gained attention, eventually earning him a role as Director of Player Development with the Denver Nuggets from 2003 to 2005.

However, it was with the San Antonio Spurs where Engelland’s coaching legend truly blossomed. Joining Gregg Popovich’s staff in 2005, Engelland became instrumental in shaping the Spurs’ dynasty era, playing a crucial role in the development of players like Tony Parker and Kawhi Leonard. His work with Leonard is particularly noteworthy, as Leonard transformed from a defensive-minded forward with a shaky jumper into one of the league’s most efficient two-way superstars—a testament to Engelland’s coaching acumen.

During his 17-year run with the Spurs, Engelland contributed to two NBA championships in 2007 and 2014, both campaigns marked by the Spurs’ emphasis on precision shooting and team-oriented offense.

Thunder’s Title and Engelland’s Latest Triumph

In 2022, Engelland joined the Oklahoma City Thunder as an assistant coach, tasked with overseeing the development of a young, promising roster. His reputation as the best shooting coach in the business preceded him, and the Thunder’s front office viewed his arrival as a key ingredient in their rebuilding blueprint.

Fast forward to 2025, and that blueprint has been realized. The Thunder, led by a dynamic core of emerging stars, captured the franchise’s first NBA title since their relocation to Oklahoma City. While headlines celebrated the explosive performances of their young stars, insiders and players alike acknowledged the behind-the-scenes impact of Engelland’s work.

Players like Josh Giddey, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams credited Engelland for improving their shooting efficiency, decision-making, and overall offensive skill sets. The Thunder’s championship was not only a triumph of athletic talent but a validation of the meticulous skill development philosophy championed by Engelland.

A Lifetime of Basketball Impact

With the 2025 NBA title in hand, Chip Engelland’s basketball legacy is undeniable. From his days as “The Machine Gun” at Duke to his global playing career, to becoming the NBA’s most respected shooting coach, Engelland has left an indelible mark on every corner of the basketball world.

His career achievements span continents and championships:

• 1984 ABC Interclub Championships (Malaysia) Champion

• 1985 FIBA World Clubs Championships (Spain) Competitor

• 1985 Jones Cup (Taipei) Champion with San Miguel

• 1985 PBA Reinforced Conference Champion (Guest team)

• 3x NBA Champion as Assistant Coach (2007, 2014 with Spurs; 2025 with Thunder)

What sets Engelland apart is not just his résumé but his ability to impact the game beyond statistics. He embodies the philosophy that basketball excellence comes from relentless attention to detail, technical mastery, and empowering players to unlock their full potential.

Duke Pride and a Lasting Influence

Duke University has produced countless stars who have gone on to achieve greatness in the NBA, coaching, and beyond. Chip Engelland’s success story is a unique one—proof that basketball legacies aren’t only built on dunks and buzzer-beaters but also through teaching, mentorship, and quiet dedication to perfecting the fundamentals.

As the Blue Devils community celebrates Engelland’s latest championship, they also recognize the ripple effect his work has had across generations of players and teams. With his third NBA ring secured and his reputation as the league’s foremost shooting coach firmly cemented, Engelland remains a source of immense pride for Duke fans worldwide.

Congratulations to Chip “The Machine Gun” Engelland—2025 NBA Champion, basketball visionary, and forever a Duke Blue Devil.