Duke's Isaiah Evans has made a remarkable transformation in his sophomore year, evolving from a bench sharpshooter to a key starter for the Blue Devils. With his minutes doubled, Evans has more than doubled his scoring average, jumping from 6.8 to 15 points per game. While his three-point shooting dipped slightly from 41% to 36%, it's worth noting that he took nearly three more shots from beyond the arc per game.
Standing at 6-foot-6, Evans has established himself as a desirable 3-and-D prospect, a profile that NBA teams consistently seek. His strong season has firmly placed him on the NBA Draft radar.
Currently projected as a late first-round pick, Evans sits at No. 26 on Tankathon's Big Board, potentially landing with the Los Angeles Lakers. The financial implications are significant, with the 26th pick valued at approximately $14.8 million over four years. While Duke might offer more in NIL money for another year, the allure of a guaranteed NBA contract and the opportunity to progress towards a lucrative second deal is compelling.
However, there's a strategic angle to consider. Returning for another season could elevate Evans into the lottery conversation for the 2027 draft, which is anticipated to be less competitive. The financial leap from the 26th pick to the 14th is nearly $10 million, a substantial difference.
Evans can draw inspiration from Michigan's Yaxel Lendeborg, who opted to return to college instead of entering the draft as a late first-rounder. Lendeborg's decision paid off, as he became the Big Ten's Player of the Year and led Michigan to the Final Four, positioning himself firmly in the lottery.
For Evans, the decision isn't straightforward. He has the advantage of declaring for the draft by May 1st, participating in the NBA Combine, and gathering valuable feedback. He then has until May 26th to decide whether to stay in the draft or return to Duke.
This approach offers Evans the best of both worlds, allowing him to make an informed decision about his future.