The top five Duke players in the NBA for the 2025-26 season include standout performances from both rookies and veterans. Notable mentions are Kon Knueppel and Zion Williamson, showcasing Duke's continued influence in the league.
The Duke Blue Devils are known to produce high-level NBA talent out of college, including greats like Grant Hill and JJ Redick. That said, which Duke alum performed the best throughout the 2025-26 NBA season?
One of Duke's stellar rookies had to be left off of this list. Although Knueppel's scoring numbers took a hit during the final weeks of the season, averaging 18 points on near 50/40/90 efficiency is an incredible feat. Not to mention, Knueppel played in 11 more games than Flagg.
Williamson played in the fewest games (62) of anyone featured on this list; however, his skill set is undeniable. Williamson had a solid year, averaging 21 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists and one steal on 60% shooting from the field.
Although Ingram's numbers were similar to the No. 2 player on this list, the disparity in rebounds and assists was ultimately the deciding factor. That said, Ingram posted another impressive season, averaging 21.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 76 games. Ingram was also named an All-Star for the second time in his career.
Despite another solid showing from Banchero during the 2025-26 season, he didn't come particularly close to taking the No. 1 spot. The fourth-year forward did post another season scoring 22 points or more (a third consecutive season). During the year, he averaged 22.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and 5.1 assists in 71 games.
Johnson was one of the league's most underrated stars during the 2025-26 season, quietly posting the most impressive campaign of his early career. In comparison to Banchero, the Atlanta forward led him in every statistical category except for one (blocks per game). Not to mention, Johnson and the Hawks were 4-0 against Banchero and the Magic throughout the season.
On the year, he finished with 22.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, 7.9 assists and 1.2 steals per game.
Cooper Flagg is the first player off this list; however, I won't argue with those who have him ranked fifth. RJ Barrett is next to follow as the only other Duke player I considered when making this list. Lastly, Jayson Tatum could have very well ranked first had he not missed over 65 games due to an Achilles injury. With fewer than 20 games played, his inclusion on this list couldn't have been justified.
This article originally appeared on Duke Wire: Ranking the top-five Duke players in the NBA during the 2025-26 season
The top Duke players included Kon Knueppel and Zion Williamson, among others, highlighting their strong performances.
Kon Knueppel averaged 18 points per game with impressive shooting efficiency near 50/40/90.
Zion Williamson played for the New Orleans Pelicans during the 2025-26 NBA season.
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