The 2026 NBA Draft will open on June 23 with the first round and conclude on June 24 with the second round. Among the prospects generating buzz are several players who spent their college years at Duke University, a program that continues to produce top talent.
Green’s high praise for a future star
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green recently evaluated former Blue Devils standout Cameron Boozer, drawing a direct comparison between the young big man and Hall of Famer Tim Duncan. Green’s comment underscores the high expectations placed on Boozer as he prepares for the draft.
Analysts are already mapping out potential landing spots, and there is speculation that either Washington or Utah could select Boozer before Darryn Peterson, a fellow draft‑eligible prospect whose availability has been clouded by health concerns.
Health questions linger over Peterson
ESPN analyst Farnham on First Take highlighted worries about Darryn Peterson’s medical condition, quoting a line often attributed to Jerry West: “If you can’t play 30, how can you play 82?” The remark reflects the broader anxiety that a player who cannot sustain a 30‑minute workload may struggle with the 82‑game NBA schedule.
If Peterson were fully healthy, many would view him as an elite‑level prospect, but the current uncertainty adds a layer of unpredictability to the second round.
Beyond Boozer and Peterson, other Duke alumni such as Isaiah Evans and Maliq Brown are also expected to be in the conversation, further enriching a draft class that could reshape the league’s frontcourt.