How Duke’s Isaiah Evans Can Prove NBA Front Offices Wrong

Isaiah Evans had to wait a little longer than he originally expected to hear his name called in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Mar 29, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; UConn Huskies guard Braylon Mullins (24) shoots the ball past Duke Blue Devils guard Isaiah Evans (3) in the second half during an Elite Eight game of the East Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images | Amber Searls-Imagn Images

Isaiah Evans’ Shocking Draft Fall

The former Duke basketball sharpshooter bypassed his remaining collegiate eligibility after his sophomore year to enter the 2026 NBA Draft. Evans had a very interesting decision to make: given his projection as a mid-first-round pick, he almost definitely would earn more money in college basketball in 2026-27 than at the NBA level. However, his draft fall was likely more than anyone thought was going to happen.

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Evans was a late invite to the NBA Draft Green Room, which more or less reveals that the prospect is expected to be selected in the first round of the draft. Evans had been mocked anywhere from picks 20 to 30, but was widely expected to be selected in the first 30 picks.

Mar 29, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; UConn Huskies guard Braylon Mullins (24) passes the ball between Duke Blue Devils forward Maliq Brown (6) and Blue Devils guard Isaiah Evans (3) in the second half during an Elite Eight game of the East Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images | Amber Searls-Imagn Images

Well, the first 30 picks came and went, and Evans did not hear his name, revealing the obvious reality that he left potentially millions of dollars on the table by heading to the NBA instead of returning to college. Now, all credit goes to Evans for following his dreams to the NBA, but there’s no doubt he left some money on the table.

Evans didn’t have to wait too long to hear his name called on day two, as the 6’6″ wing was selected with the No. 33 overall pick…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/dukes-isaiah-evans-prove-nba-005117499.html

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Publish date : 2026-06-25 00:51:00

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