A rookie second-round pick, James spent four seasons at Tulane before joining Duke for a fifth and final collegiate campaign in 2024-25. He was never a prolific producer, but he's a solid all-around player and shot 41.3 percent from deep as a Blue Devil. LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Kon Knueppel and Miles Bridges should start every game they are healthy, while the center position could be a revolving door. The top backups will likely be Collin Sexton, Grant Williams, Moussa Diabate (if he's not starting), Josh Green, Spencer Dinwiddie, Nick Smith and Tidjane Salaun. That doesn't leave much room for James or fellow rookie Liam McNeeley, who was taken No. 29 overall.