While Coach K’s Duke team faces an uncertain future, his former protégés are succeeding in the NBA like never before. Three former Blue Devils were recently announced as 2021 NBA All-Stars.
In his 10th pro season, Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving was selected as a starter representing the Eastern Conference after receiving nearly three million fan votes. Having arguably his best season as a pro and averaging 27.7 points and 5.7 assists per game, Irving is taking part in the All-Star Game for the seventh time, tying Grant Hill for the most appearances all-time by a former Blue Devil. He is joined by new teammate James Harden and fellow Net Kevin Durant.
Joining Irving from the Eastern Conference as a reserve is the Celtics’ Jayson Tatum, participating in his second straight All-Star Game. In his fourth season, the former Duke forward is 11th in the league in scoring—averaging what would be a career-high 26 points per game if the season ended today. Tatum scored six points in 13 minutes in last year’s matchup while playing for Team LeBron.
Arguably the most notable former Blue Devil taking his talents to the All-Star Game is 20-year-old Zion Williamson. After representing Team USA in the 2020 NBA Rising Stars Game, the New Orleans Pelican is headed to the main event of the midseason break for the first time after being selected as a reserve by the coaches. Williamson is averaging 25.1 points and 6.8 rebounds this season, impressive numbers for someone who could still be a junior in college. As the only member of his draft class to be selected as an All-Star so far, he is excited to put on a show in front of a national audience—the burgeoning star broke the rim after a ferocious dunk in the Rising Stars Game last February. Many viewers and fans will have their eyes on Williamson whenever he is on the floor, as the All-Star Game is typically filled with flashy plays against minimal defense.
If any of the three players are selected by the Lakers’ Lebron James, they will also have an opportunity to play for former Duke basketball player and current Utah Jazz head coach Quin Snyder.
The All-Star Game rosters will be selected by James and Durant on Thursday, March 4 ahead of the March 7 game in Atlanta.
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Micah Hurewitz is a Trinity senior and was previously a sports managing editor of The Chronicle's 118th volume.