Duke Star Guard Isaiah Evans Selected No. 33 in NBA Draft

The Minnesota Timberwolves have selected Duke Blue Devils star Isaiah Evans with the 33rd overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Evans played two seasons for Duke and developed into a quality 3&D wing. In his freshman season, Evans averaged 6.8 points and 1.1 rebounds, shooting 43.2 percent from the field and 41.6 percent from three.

In the 2025-26 season, Evans had a breakout campaign, averaging 15 points per game, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists. The 20-year-old shot 43.3 percent from the floor and 36.1 percent from behind the arc.

It was a significant jump for Evans, as he found his role and contributed on both ends of the floor.

He played at a high level for Duke and earned NCAA All-Region Honors while being a key piece in their rotation as they finished with a 35-3 record.

While the Blue Devils didn't have a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, Evans proved he is a valuable player and will now look to make his mark with the Timberwolves.

Evans will play a pivotal role for Minnesota as they need to add more shooting and defense around Anthony Edwards. The Timberwolves lost guard Donte DiVincenzo in the postseason as he went down with a torn Achilles tendon.

Minnesota also made a major trade, sending Julius Randle to the Brooklyn Nets in a three-team deal to free up more cap space. 

With two key rotational players from the 2025-26 roster, the Timberwolves will lean on Evans to be a rotational piece in his rookie season.

He projects to be an NBA-ready prospect due to his 3&D ability and could be a connector in lineups alongside Edwards.

Evans is the second Blue Devil off the board in the NBA Draft as the Memphis Grizzlies selected Cam Boozer with the third overall pick. Although Duke will miss Boozer and Evans, they have consistently brought in talented players and been contenders every season.

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