The landscape of the 2026 NBA Draft class is already taking shape, with fresh faces often dominating the conversation. However, the potential of returning collegiate athletes, particularly those poised for a significant leap, cannot be understated. Among this intriguing group, Duke Blue Devils sharpshooter Isaiah Evans stands out, preparing to enter his pivotal sophomore season with the program.
During his freshman campaign, Evans showcased glimpses of his elite offensive skill set, averaging 6.8 points per game while demonstrating remarkable efficiency from beyond the arc, hitting 41.6 percent of his three-point attempts in a mere 13.7 minutes per game. His role was understandably limited, given the abundance of NBA-level talent on the roster, positioning Isaiah Evans primarily as a critical spot-up shooter and invaluable floor-spacer for Duke.
Evans excelled within these confines, emerging as one of only six players nationally to connect on at least 40 percent of his deep shots with a minimum of 15 three-point attempts per 100 possessions. Despite this specialized proficiency in shooting, his broader offensive profile revealed certain limitations, as evidenced by his below-average performance in other key offensive metrics, underscoring his initial role as a true specialist among NBA Draft prospects.
Despite garnering some early draft buzz as a prospective candidate for the 2025 NBA Draft, the former five-star prospect made the strategic decision to remain at Duke. This choice was driven by the clear opportunity for an expanded role in the upcoming season, a path significantly less crowded than it might have been, even with the addition of promising newcomers like Dame Sarr and Caden Boozer competing for minutes for the Duke Blue Devils.
A notable aspect of Evans’ development is his physical transformation. Listed at a slender 6-foot-6, 175 pounds during his freshman year, his frame was considered light even for a young player entering the professional ranks. Recent reports suggest he has already gained five pounds, reaching 180, yet a substantial improvement in physicality remains crucial for his long-term NBA prospects, particularly for a wing player of his size and his basketball analysis.
While Isaiah Evans may not need to evolve into a primary ball-handler or point forward, any progression as a capable offensive creator would significantly elevate his draft stock. Last season, playing alongside talents such as Kon Knueppel and Tyrese Proctor, Evans primarily made simple reads, swinging the ball to the extra man or occasionally delivering a dump-off pass in transition. To truly become a dream NBA wing, he must grow as a connector in the half-court, refining his driving ability and occasionally initiating pick-and-rolls.
A useful benchmark for Evans’ overall development could be a scaled-down version of Vanderbilt’s Aaron Nesmith, who became a lottery pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. Nesmith, at 6-foot-6, 215 pounds with a 6-foot-10 wingspan, demonstrates the physical and versatile profile that could inspire Evans. While reaching 215 pounds might be unrealistic, targeting the 190-pound range would profoundly enhance Evans’ physicality on both ends of the court, enabling him to contribute across multiple facets of the game and solidify his case as a lottery-level prospect and one of the best shooting wings in the 2026 class.
