Duke basketball: Rundown of where all 27 NBA Blue Devils now reside

Duke basketball’s Western Conference NBA players

Dallas Mavericks (23-19): Unfortunately for 3-point specialist JJ Redick this week, he did not wind up with a team close to his family in New York; instead, the New Orleans Pelicans shipped the 36-year-old Duke legend to the Mavericks in a trade on Thursday.

Los Angeles Clippers (30-16): Playing for one of the league’s premier squads, Luke Kennard’s 7.9 points per game represent a marked dropoff from his 15.8 points per game last year, in what was his third season with the Detroit Pistons; nevertheless, the 2017 lottery pick is knocking down a career-high 47.8 percent of his 3-point attempts as a valued member of the Clipper bench.

Memphis Grizzlies (21-20): In light of JJ Redick’s aforementioned move from New Orleans to Dallas, Memphis is now the only Western Conference franchise boasting three former Blue Devils; plus, it’s worth noting that 2015 Duke basketball champs Grayson Allen, Justise Winslow, and Tyus Jones have each been part of the Grizzlies’ regular rotation in recent weeks.

New Orleans Pelicans (19-24): Yes, despite the Thursday trade involving JJ Redick, the Pelicans still enjoy two of the four best current NBA Blue Devils in 2021 All-Star Zion Williamson and 2020 All-Star Brandon Ingram, who are the team’s top two scorers at 25.7 points and 24.9 points per game, respectively.

Oklahoma City Thunder (19-25): After being stuck on the bench for the New York Knicks since mid-February, former Tar Heel killer Austin Rivers now has a fresh start with the Thunder due to a three-team trade on Thursday.

Portland Trail Blazers (26-18): Because of the trade involving Gary Trent Jr. and Rodney Hood, 2016-17 Duke basketball one-and-done Harry Giles is now the only Blue Devil in Portland; after missing a month between late February and early March while dealing with a calf injury, Giles fell out of the regular rotation and has come off the bench only once in the past five games.

Sacramento Kings (20-25): Marvin Bagley III was one of many former Dukies who found themselves on the trading block, but the third-year pro isn’t going anywhere for now; meanwhile, the Kings waived Jabari Parker on Thursday, and the 26-year-old has yet to find a new home in the league.

San Antonio Spurs (22-20): Tre Jones, who went No. 41 overall at the 2020 NBA Draft, wound up collecting All-NBA G League Third Team honors earlier this week and now occasionally comes off the bench for the Spurs.

Whew, that is a ton of NBA Blue Devils to keep up with.