After transferring from Tulane to Duke, six-foot-five guard Sion James played a significant part in Duke’s success this past season. As a player, James has a versatile skill set on both ends of the floor. Offensively, James is a capable ball-handler, a great playmaker, and an improved shooter. Defensively, James uses his size and athleticism to be a versatile defender capable of guarding multiple positions. Most impressively, James has shown that he can scale down his game when playing next to stars like Cooper Flagg or Kon Knueppel. Duke this year will produce many talented draft prospects in James, Flagg, Knueppel, Khaman Maluach, and Tyrese Proctor, with many second round teams giving James strong consideration. Let’s dive into the best fits for Sion James in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Best Fits For Sion James In The 2025 NBA Draft
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers would make a perfect fit for James and what he brings to the table. Specifically, the Lakers need another ball-handler off the bench who can be a secondary initiator in bench lineups. While the Lakers have multiple primary initiators in Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves, they can be pressured by defenses when playing with bench lineups. Given James’ abilities as a ball-handler and playmaker, he can certainly step in and be a secondary creator next to them. Additionally, the improvement that James made as a shooter allows him to play off of them on offense. Concurrently, James can provide the Lakers with another strong defender who can guard multiple positions. Overall, his complementary skill set would fit amazingly well with the Lakers.
James himself will get several benefits from playing for the Lakers. For one thing, James will get a shot at playing time given his status as one of the older players in the draft. Additionally, James will have many opportunities for open looks when playing next to the stars. He won’t have to take on a primary initiator role and can just play off of Doncic, James, and Reaves. Not only that, but he will get to learn from some of the best players in NBA history. James is a clear fit for Los Angeles and would do well with their roster.
Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns are another team that can use someone like James. The Suns need another ball-handler who can take some of the playmaking burden away from Phoenix’s point guards and Devin Booker. Not only that, but the Suns can also use another defensive guard who can handle the bigger guard matchups. His size and defensive abilities can be a big help in shoring up Phoenix’s putrid perimeter defense. Additionally, he can work well off the ball offensively, providing timely cuts and screens around Booker. For James, given the state of Phoenix’s roster, his skills will give him the chance for immediate playing time on the Suns.
Orlando Magic
James would fit well on the Orlando Magic given the skills he provides. The Magic have struggled offensively throughout the season and can certainly use someone who can organize offense off the bench. James can fill that role as he has been an excellent playmaker for Duke. Plus, his defensive abilities fit well into Orlando’s defensive-minded identity. He can fit seamlessly as a versatile defender at the guard position for the Magic. His two-way potential can give James a chance to be a part of the Magic’s rotation immediately, where he can contribute off the bench.
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