ACC Basketball: Projecting each team’s key player production for 2021-22

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 19: Buddy Boeheim #35 of the Syracuse Orange reacts during the second half against the San Diego State Aztecs in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

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ACC Basketball Joey Baker Duke Blue Devils (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

Duke: Theo John and Joey Baker

Decrease in production: Theo John

With the Blue Devils’ three top scorers from last season moving on and two of those players being 6’9 Jalen Johnson and 6’9 Matthew Hurt, it seemed the transfer of 6’9 Theo John who averaged eight points and five rebounds with Marquette was a natural fit. John fits well with the Blue Devils, he just does not fit into the starting lineup.

With Malik Williams returning and No. 2 recruit Paolo Banchero arriving, the frontcourt spots are occupied leaving no room for the 26 game starter from last season. John will still hover around the 26 minutes he averaged last season, but his 16 Usage Percentage is sure to decrease with Duke’s talented roster.

Related Story. AJ Griffin injury impact. light

Increase in production: Joey Baker

One of two things will happen while the No. 18 ranked freshman AJ Griffin recovers from a dislocated knee he suffered on Oct. 9, 2021. The injury itself may keep Griffin out just two weeks once the season starts, but the four to six weeks he missed will limit his playing time until he gets back into game shape.

During that time either Wendell Moore Jr will shift to the small forward position that he played last season, in order for No. 19 freshman Trevor Keels to start in the backcourt, or Joey Baker will start at small forward. In either scenario, the playing time for Baker has opened up. Baker averaged fewer than three points and twelve minutes last season, but with his improved form from beyond the arc, however many weeks Griffin is out, Baker will make his mark that will last the length of the season.