Blue Devil Country

List of Duke Basketball Program's All-Time NBA Champs

Jayson Tatum is the eighth Duke basketball product to win a title in the league.

Matt Giles

Former Duke basketball forward Jayson Tatum
Former Duke basketball forward Jayson Tatum / Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
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The count would've been at nine had Kyrie Irving, Dereck Lively II, and the Dallas Mavericks prevailed in the NBA Finals. But 26-year-old superstar Jayson Tatum, the eighth Duke basketball pro in history to become an NBA champion, and the Boston Celtics took care of business on Monday night, capturing the Larry O'Brien Trophy with a 106-88 Game 5 home victory.

Tatum did not take home MVP hardware, as that honor went to Boston co-star Jaylen Brown. The 2016-17 Duke basketball one-and-done, now a five-time All-Star and reigning All-NBA First Team selection, did earn several MVP votes, though. After all, the 26-year-old posted 31 points, eight boards, and 11 assists in the title-clincher, bumping his Finals averages to 22.2 points, 7.8 boards, and 7.2 dimes.

He and Irving, a clutch performer alongside LeBron James for the champion Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016, are the only two of the Blue Devils' eight NBA champions who were stars on their respective teams.

However, they aren't the only two big-time NBA Finals bucket-getters in that bunch. No, two-time NBA champion Shane Battier famously went 6-for-8 beyond the arc to help ensure James and the Miami Heat came out on top in Game 7 against the San Antonio Spurs in 2013.

Here's the complete list of NBA Blue Devil champs:

  • Jeff Mullins with the Golden State Warriors in 1975
  • Danny Ferry with the San Antonio Spurs in 2003
  • Shane Battier with the Miami Heat in 2012 and 2013
  • Kyrie Irving with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016
  • Dahntay Jones with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016
  • Quinn Cook with the Golden State Warriors in 2018 and Los Angeles Lakers in 2020
  • Jack White with the Denver Nuggets in 2023
  • Jayson Tatum with the Boston Celtics in 2024

RELATED: Only Magic Johnson Matches Duke Pro's Finals Feat

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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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