Duke’s Tyrese Proctor is easily the steal of the draft at No 49. Absolute sniper with excellent footwork behind the arc to get off his quick release. Shotmaker from everywhere. Potential to become a quality NBA defender. Averaged 12.5 ppg on 45% FG and 41% 3FG alongside 2 Top 4 picks. Immediate impact..

Duke guard Tyrese Proctor being selected at No. 49 in the NBA Draft could go down as one of the biggest steals in recent memory. A highly skilled combo guard with international pedigree and a strong collegiate résumé, Proctor brings a blend of shooting, feel, and defensive potential that many teams will regret passing on. He averaged 12.5 points per game while shooting an impressive 45% from the field and 41% from three — all while playing alongside two projected top-4 picks in Kyle Filipowski and Jared McCain. That efficiency and productivity on a stacked roster speaks volumes.

Proctor’s biggest strength is his shooting. He’s an absolute sniper with deep range and a lightning-quick release, especially dangerous off the catch. What sets him apart is his footwork behind the arc — clean, precise, and NBA-ready. Whether he’s relocating to the corner or stepping into a three in transition, Proctor consistently creates the separation he needs with subtle movements and sharp timing. His off-ball movement and spatial awareness suggest he could thrive in a modern NBA offense that values floor spacing and quick decision-making.

But he’s not just a shooter. Proctor is a skilled shotmaker from all areas of the court, with a soft touch on floaters and mid-range pull-ups. He’s shown the ability to score at all three levels and has improved his ability to get to his spots under pressure. His court vision and decision-making also flashed more consistently in his sophomore season, giving him real potential as a secondary playmaker.

Defensively, Proctor projects as a quality perimeter defender. At 6’5″ with a solid frame and good lateral quickness, he can guard both backcourt positions and has the tools to stay in front of quicker guards. He’s smart, communicates well, and doesn’t shy away from contact, making him a good fit for switch-heavy defensive schemes.

At just 20 years old, Proctor still has plenty of room to grow, but he’s already shown the polish, poise, and versatility to contribute right away. For a team looking for a low-risk, high-reward guard who can shoot, defend, and adapt to various roles, Proctor offers incredible value at No. 49. Expect him to make an immediate impact as a rotation player — and potentially much more.