Throughout the NBA Draft process, there were some “givens” that were expected. One of them was Duke Basketball superstar Cooper Flagg being the eventual No. 1 pick. Another involved the Blue Devils as a team, having three players likely selected in the lottery (top 14 picks).
The other two star freshmen were Kon Knueppel, a 6’7 sharpshooting wing and Khaman Maluach, a 7’0 center who was one of the better rim runners and protectors in all of college basketball.
There weren’t surprises about Duke’s top players going early, but in the end, all three were taken in the top 10 overall. Here’s a look at where they each landed.
No. 1 - Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks)
This was a foregone conclusion months in the making, as the AP Player of the Year was taken No. 1 overall. The Mavericks, who were at the bottom of the lottery before winning it in a surprise, are a projected playoff team when healthy after adding Flagg. It could be a rare situation where we see the No. 1 overall pick make his playoff debut in the same season.
No. 4 - Kon Knueppel (Charlotte Hornets)
The Hornets already have a trio of 20+ ppg scorers, led by guard LaMelo Ball. While Knueppel may not have the highest ceiling of the top picks, his shooting and defense should be an asset for a franchise trying to win more games. He very well could start or be a 6th Man next year.
No. - Khaman Maluach - (Phoenix Suns)
This is technically the Houston Rockets' pick, but they’ve agreed to a trade involving superstar Kevin Durant to send Maluach to the Suns. They desperately needed some interior help, so there’s a chance the former Blue Devil can start for them next year.
Overall, all three were good landing spots for the former Blue Devils, with the program once again showing they can develop top high school prospects into eventual pros.