Duke’s 2025 NBA Draft Class Shows Immediate Impact Across Summer League Proving Why Blue Devils Remain Top NBA Talent Factory
The Duke Blue Devils sent a loaded class into the 2025 NBA Draft, and if Summer League was any indication, the hype was real. From lottery picks to second-round selections, every former Duke player in this draft class showed up in Las Vegas with something to prove—and they delivered. Their performances not only validated their draft positions but also underscored why Duke remains one of the most consistent and respected pipelines to the NBA.
The 2025 class brought a mix of skill sets: size, shooting, defense, leadership, and NBA-level polish. These were not just prospects with theoretical upside. They were players ready to make an immediate impact. Across multiple teams, Duke’s rookies stepped into starring or stabilizing roles, flashing the kind of versatility and maturity rarely seen in first-year pros. Their collective presence dominated the conversation in gyms full of scouts, coaches, and fans eager to glimpse the league’s next generation of stars.
Arguably the headliner of the group, Kyle Filipowski entered the league as a highly touted big man with the size, touch, and feel to thrive in today’s NBA. Though drafted in the second round by Portland, many considered Filipowski a first-round talent, and he wasted no time justifying that belief.
In five Summer League appearances, Filipowski averaged 15.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. He shot over 46% from the field and knocked down threes at a 36% clip. What stood out was his poise under pressure. Filipowski operated with confidence from the elbows and extended the floor with his shooting. He consistently made smart decisions out of double-teams and rarely forced shots. Defensively, while not a rim protector by trade, he held his own in switches and battled on the boards. By the end of the Vegas slate, the Blazers coaching staff made it clear: Filipowski is ready for NBA rotation minutes this season.
Tyrese Proctor declared after his sophomore season and joined the Boston Celtics as a late first-round pick. Though not as hyped as some of his Duke classmates, Proctor arrived with something equally important—polish. Known for his smooth handle, elite passing, and defensive commitment, Proctor’s role as a Summer League floor general was critical for Boston’s young group.
He averaged 12.5 points, 6.2 assists, and 1.7 steals per game while shooting 49% overall and 40% from deep. Proctor’s court awareness and leadership made him the Celtics’ most reliable guard in Las Vegas. He picked apart defenses in the pick-and-roll, constantly found shooters in rhythm, and took command in late-game situations. It wasn’t just about the stats—it was about how in control he looked. Boston’s front office left Vegas convinced they may have landed a long-term backup, or even future starter, in Proctor.
Mark Mitchell wasn’t a lottery pick or even a first-rounder. In fact, he went undrafted—but that didn’t stop him from being one of the breakout stars of Summer League. The Miami Heat brought Mitchell in on a two-way deal, and his performance quickly turned heads.
Mitchell averaged 11.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 51% from the floor. What made his contribution so impactful was the way he embraced the Heat’s identity. He defended relentlessly, ran the floor with energy, and made timely plays on both ends. His improved shooting mechanics translated into real results, and he showed comfort attacking from the wing or operating out of the short corner. Miami, known for turning overlooked players into contributors, may have struck gold with Mitchell—whose NBA path now looks increasingly legitimate.
Jeremy Roach, the senior leader of Duke’s 2024-25 squad, was drafted late but came into Summer League with a chip on his shoulder. He had the maturity, game management skills, and defensive intensity that NBA teams crave from reserve guards. Roach didn’t disappoint.
In four games with the Suns, Roach averaged 10.7 points and 4.0 assists while maintaining a near 3:1 assist-to-turnover ratio. He played within himself, stayed under control, and ran the offense with precision. His three-point shot—one of the major question marks coming into the draft—looked more fluid, and his ability to change pace kept defenders guessing. He’s unlikely to start right away, but Roach did everything a rookie guard should do to earn a training camp roster spot and make himself impossible to ignore in the preseason.
A physically imposing center with elite defensive potential, Elijah Rutherford was taken early in the second round by Indiana, a team in search of depth and rim protection. Rutherford immediately demonstrated why Duke coaches raved about his upside throughout his freshman year.
In five Summer League games, Rutherford averaged 9.6 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per contest. He was a force in the paint, altering shots at the rim and finishing lobs in transition. Offensively, he didn’t try to do too much—he ran the floor, dunked everything near the rim, and set solid screens. But defensively, he was spectacular. Whether closing out on shooters or patrolling the lane, Rutherford provided a foundation for Indiana’s entire Summer League defense. His motor never stopped running, and his postgame interviews revealed a player obsessed with getting better. Expect him to see real NBA minutes sooner rather than later.
One of the more under-the-radar prospects in Duke’s class, Taj Jackson was a second-round pick who used Summer League to announce himself to NBA fans. A confident, attacking guard with a scorer’s mentality, Jackson thrived in a system that gave him the green light.
He averaged 13.8 points, 3.9 assists, and 2.2 rebounds per game for Sacramento while hitting 44% from the field and 39% from deep. His quick first step and ability to create space off the dribble made him one of the toughest covers in Las Vegas. Jackson still needs to tighten his shot selection and improve defensively, but his raw offensive ability is impossible to ignore. For a Kings team that needed bench scoring, Jackson may be a perfect fit.
Clarkson, a stretch-four forward who transferred to Duke for his final season, brought mature, team-first basketball to Summer League. Drafted late by the Bulls, Clarkson made the most of his opportunity, showing the kind of quiet, glue-guy impact that teams crave.
In five games, Clarkson posted 8.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, and shot 38% from beyond the arc. He moved the ball, spaced the floor, and defended with intelligence. His ability to play both forward spots added lineup flexibility, and his basketball IQ earned praise from coaches and media alike. Clarkson isn’t flashy, but he’s the type of rookie who can stick on a roster and quietly contribute for years.
Taken as a whole, Duke’s 2025 draft class dominated the Summer League narrative not just through scoring but by how prepared they were. These weren’t raw projects—they were ready-made pros. Each brought something unique to the table, and collectively they reminded the basketball world of Duke’s unrivaled ability to prepare players for the next level.
Whether it was Filipowski’s floor-spacing and passing, Proctor’s leadership, Mitchell’s two-way energy, Roach’s steady command, Rutherford’s rim defense, Jackson’s shot creation, or Clarkson’s quiet efficiency, the Blue Devils showed they are built for NBA success. Coaches love their professionalism. Scouts love their fundamentals. Teammates love how they communicate. It’s no accident.
Jon Scheyer deserves credit for this group’s readiness. Under his guidance, Duke has remained not just a top recruiting destination but also an environment where players grow. Summer League proved that the 2025 class was not just talented but coached, tested, and refined in a way that made their NBA transition smoother than most.
For Duke fans, it was a Summer League to savor—a chance to watch the future of the NBA wearing different jerseys but still playing the Duke way. And for the rest of the league, it was a not-so-subtle reminder that Durham continues to be the launchpad for stars in the making.
