Blue Devil Country

Duke Basketball: Several NBA Blue Devils on Tap for Opening Night

The Duke basketball presence should be strong in each of the two games tipping off the 2024-25 NBA regular season.
Matt Giles|
Former Duke basketball guard JJ Redick
Former Duke basketball guard JJ Redick | Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

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As first reported by The Athletic's Shams Charania this week, the 2024-25 NBA regular season gets under way on Oct. 22 with two primetime matchups: New York Knicks at Boston Celtics and Minnesota Timberwolves at Los Angeles Clippers. So, it looks as though a handful of former Duke basketball players will be part of the action in some capacity that night.

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Of course, the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics boast a 2016-17 Duke basketball one-and-done in three-time All-NBA First Team selection and now-two-time Olympic gold medalist Jayson Tatum. And the Boston coaching staff includes Tatum's college teammate in former five-year Blue Devil forward and 2015 national champion Amile Jefferson.

According to Charania, their opener will serve as yet another "ring night" for the 18-time NBA champion franchise.

The other clash on opening night will mark the regular season head coaching debut — at any level, for that matter, and in the form of a home outing — of all-time Duke basketball scorer JJ Redick. Plus, not only does his Los Angeles Lakers roster include 2018-19 Blue Devil forward Cam Reddish, but Redick also added a fellow 40-year-old Blue Devil legend to his staff in reigning G League Coach of the Year Lindsey Harding.

At the moment, neither the New York Knicks nor the Minnesota Timberwolves have a Duke pro on contract for next season.

There's no word yet on tipoff times for the Celtics-Knicks or Lakers-Timberwolves showdown.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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