“He really knows how to play”, said about himat the end of last season, Gregg Popovich. However, David Duke Jr. has only played four games – the last of the regular season – under the Spurs colors during the 2023/24 season, for an average of 6.4 points.
The former Nets player has therefore shone especially in the G-League, with Austin, turning at 19.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game. Nevertheless, San Antonio offered the rear a second “two-way contract” for next season.
“I had value in their eyes, they wanted me back. It's nice to be wanted by a team, especially at this level. I see it as an opportunity to progress and show parts of my game that they haven't seen yet.”announces David Duke Jr.
Which ones? How can he make his place in Texas? “Defense is my priority,” he answers. “That's what keeps me on the field and staying there. I use my defensive qualities.”
Chris Paul, a new star at his side
Plus, playing an extra season in San Antonio also means having the chance to meet Chris Paul. Which is no small feat. “He's a legend, a Hall of Famer in my opinion, so I'm excited and eager to learn from him.”he explains.
This will be one more star to cross paths with and question for the guard, who began his NBA career in Brooklyn between 2021 and 2023, alongside Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden.
“Despite their status, we can't help but ask them questions,” he specifies. “Basically, they're players who love basketball, so it's a way to connect with them. It becomes easier to go to them and ask them certain things. It gives confidence. You have to imagine players like that giving you advice.”
Two-way contract : Designed to create a new bridge between the NBA and the G-League, this type of contract allows each team to secure the services of two or three additional players, to have them play mainly in their affiliated development league franchise but also up to 50 matches in the NBA.
| David Duke | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | LF | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2021-22 | BRK | 22 | 16 | 36.1 | 24.3 | 81.0 | 1.4 | 1.7 | 3.1 | 0.8 | 1.6 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 4.7 |
| 2022-23 | BRK | 23 | 10 | 46.2 | 8.3 | 70.6 | 0.5 | 0.8 | 1.3 | 0.9 | 1.4 | 0.4 | 0.8 | 0.0 | 3.7 |
| 2023-24 | SAN | 4 | 13 | 55.6 | 50.0 | 100.0 | 0.5 | 2.0 | 2.5 | 1.3 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 0.8 | 0.0 | 6.5 |
| Total | 49 | 13 | 41.7 | 23.6 | 78.0 | 0.9 | 1.3 | 2.2 | 0.9 | 1.5 | 0.5 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 4.4 | |
How to read the stats? GM = Games Played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots Made / Shots Attempted; 3pts = 3-pointers / 3-pointers Attempted; LF = Free Throws Made / Free Throws Attempted; Off = Offensive Rebound; Def = Defensive Rebound; Tot = Total Rebounds; Pd = Assists; Fte: Personal Fouls; Int = Steals; Bp = Loose Balls; Ct: Blocks; Pts = Points.
