Charlotte Hornets select Sion James in 2025 NBA Draft

The Charlotte Hornets have selected Duke guard Sion James with the No. 33 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. James transferred to Duke last offseason after spending four years at Tulane.

In his lone campaign with the Blue Devils, James made 39 appearances and 32 starts. The 6-foot-6 standout averaged 8.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game while shooting 51.6% from the field and 41.3% from beyond the arc.

James was pivotal to Duke’s run to the Final Four in the NCAA Tournament. He was particularly spectacular in the Blue Devils’ 100-93 win over Arizona in the Sweet Sixteen. In the victory, James tallied 16 points on 5-6 shooting from the floor.

James put up even better numbers in his final season at Tulane. In the 2023-24 campaign, James averaged a career-high 14.0 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. For his efforts, he was awarded the 2024 AAC Sportsmanship Award.

Sion James played high school basketball at Lanier (GA), where he was an unranked prospect in the 2020 recruiting cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. James led Lanier to consecutive regional titles and a trip to the state championship as a senior.

What NBA Draft experts are saying about Sion James

Although James wasn’t necessarily a star at Duke, he showed more than enough skill for NBA teams to see a future for him at the next level. Ahead of the draft, On3’s James Fletcher III explained how Sion James’ lone year at Duke boosted his draft stock.

“Sion James saw his draft status shoot up last season, even after taking a step back from his previous role,” Fletcher wrote. “The ability to simplify his game and fill in behind star players – a task he will be asked to do throughout his NBA career – helped teams see exactly what he provides. Solid floor-spacing and wing defense make him a high-floor second-round prospect.”

Fletcher isn’t the only one who was impressed by James’ flexibility at Duke. RotoWire.com spoke highly of Sion James ahead of the draft.

“James’ improved shooting over his final two seasons offers scouts much to think about, as the rest of his game is developed,” the analysis read. “He’s an elite, multi-positional defender who can dribble and find his teammates for open looks.

“James doesn’t project as a primary playmaker, but he’s a high-IQ offensive player who makes things happen when the ball is swung to him. Physically, he has NBA size and won’t get bullied.”