Ranking all 25 Duke basketball players in the NBA this season

• Games played this season: 50
• Games started this season: 50
• Minutes per game: 34.1
• Points per game: 22.4
• Rebounds per game: 6.9
• Assists per game: 2.9
• Blocks per game: 0.9
• Steals per game: 1.4
• FG percentage: 44.3
• 3-point percentage: 38.2
• FT percentage: 81.3

All four of the top four on the list could make a case to be No. 1.

The case for Jayson Tatum would include the fact that the former Duke basketball one-and-done is No. 1 on a legit title contender in average points and minutes per game. Add to that the fact the 6-foot-8, 205-pound St. Louis native ranks No. 2 on the 38-16 Boston Celtics in average made 3-pointers per game at 2.6, No. 2 in average rebounds, No. 2 in average steals, and No. 3 in average blocks.

Here’s how he looked last time out before the All-Star break:

Yes, Tatum is the real deal. He’s only 21 yet already has a relatively large supply of playoff experience and is now an All-Star veteran. His length, poise, and smooth overall game are quickly putting him in the conversation of the best players from his rising-to-power generation.

Next on this list is a former teammate of Tatum in Boston who is a generation older; yes, this next player has missed time this season, but he has also put up lofty totals in the time he has played that justify this lofty spot (remember, this ranking does not ding guys for missed time as it is a snapshot of what these former Blue Devils are in this general period)…