Sion James is generating buzz as a potential standout in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft. Standing at 6’6″ and weighing 218 pounds, the Duke University product has showcased a blend of skills that make him an intriguing option for NBA teams looking to bolster their rosters. With a solid college career behind him, including averages of 8.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game in the 2024-25 season, he has proven to be a versatile player with a lot to offer.
Strengths
James is a physically imposing wing player with a former point guard’s skill set. His strong, college-ready frame allows him to carve out space effectively, defend multiple positions, and contribute on the boards. His defensive prowess is particularly noteworthy; he is a premier on-ball defender who excels in staying low and moving laterally, allowing him to guard positions 1 through 3, and even some 4s, with toughness and versatility.
One of his standout qualities is his disruptive presence at the point of attack. He fights through screens, communicates effectively with teammates, and plays with a consistent motor, making him a valuable asset on the defensive end. His high defensive IQ is evident in his ability to rotate early, tag rollers, and contest shots without gambling, consistently making the right reads on the court.
Offensively, James has demonstrated his ability as a reliable floor spacer. He shot an impressive 49.1% on spot-up threes and 46.9% off the catch during the season, making him a threat from beyond the arc. His off-ball movement is intelligent; he competes hard, cuts smartly, and is a willing screener, knowing how to exploit ball-watching defenders.
James also serves as an excellent connector on the court. With a career assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.9 to 1.2, he showcases high-level processing skills in a supporting role. He keeps plays alive with his patience and passing reads, ensuring the offense flows smoothly without stalling. His high-effort mentality translates into strong rebounding for his size, as he brings energy and sets a competitive tone for his team.
Weaknesses
While Sion James has many strengths, he also has areas that need improvement. One of the more significant concerns is his lack of blow-by speed; he often relies on angles or contact to create space off the dribble and struggles to separate cleanly from defenders. His pull-up game is nearly nonexistent, as evidenced by his 1-of-11 shooting on pull-up threes this season and just 12-of-44 over his two years at Duke.
James’s shooting mechanics present another challenge. He has a low release with a deep dip, which can slow him down when trying to get off clean looks against defenders closing out. Additionally, he is a limited threat off the move, having made only four threes off screens in three years and showing discomfort when flying off handoffs.
As a shot creator, James lacks the necessary shake, downhill burst, or isolation skills to consistently create his own shot. This limitation is particularly evident in pick-and-roll situations, where defenders often go under screens, not feeling threatened by his pull-up jumper. Furthermore, his hip flexibility raises concerns; he can become upright or stiff when closing out or chasing quicker guards, leading to potential blow-bys.
Conclusion
Sion James is an exciting prospect for the 2025 NBA Draft, combining physicality, defensive tenacity, and a developing offensive game. While he has areas to improve, particularly in shot creation and shooting consistency, his strengths make him a valuable asset for any NBA team. As the draft approaches, James’s performance in workouts and evaluations will be closely watched, as teams assess his potential to contribute at the professional level. NBA fans should keep an eye on this rising star as he looks to make his mark in the league.