Charlotte Hornets Select Sion James With No. 33 Pick in 2025 NBA Draft originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Charlotte Hornets used the first of their early picks in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft on Duke forward Sion James.
At 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds, James was named an All-ACC defender, averaging 8.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game last year. He’s reunited with Kon Knueppel and the duo will stay in the Tar Heel State to start their respective NBA careers.
The native Sugar Hill, Georgia started his collegiate career at Tulane, where he has 17 starts as a freshman during the peak of the Covid pandemic in 2020-21. James averaged 14.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.6 steals in 37 minutes over the course of four years in NOLA.
James’ game has improved over the years as a balanced scorer and defender. Like Charlotte’s previous picks in this year’s draft, he’s a high-IQ offensive player who is able to be a contributor around the court.
Related: Charlotte Hornets Select Kon Knueppel with No. 4 Pick in 2025 NBA Draft
Charlotte is acquiring solid talent and taking zero risks. But it’s exactly the right approach towards the current situation.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 27, 2025, where it first appeared.