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Chris Duarte has an NBA home. The former Oregon Ducks star is headed to Indiana after the Pacers selected him with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft Thursday night at Barclays Center.
Duarte, who was in attendance, was projected to go in the first round by mock drafts heading into the night. As one of the older prospects in the draft at 24, Duarte is one of the most pro-ready players in the class.
For the Ducks this past season, Duarte averaged 17.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.9 steals in 29 games as a senior for the Ducks. He was also named first-team all-Pac-12, as well as to the league’s all-defensive team.
In Indiana, Duarte joins Portland-born Domantas Sabonis, Myles Turner, and Malcolm Brogdon under new coach Rick Carlisle.
So how are fans, media members, and reporters feeling about the Duarte selection for the Pacers? Let’s take a look:
Get Chris Duarte’s table ready at St. Elmo’s. Indianapolis is going to LOVE this guy. Ready to help the Pacers RIGHT NOW. Elite two-way guard.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) July 30, 2021
Chris Duarte is a bucket. Watched him light up Arizona on numerous occasions last season.
— C.J. Holmes 🦹🏾♂️ (@CjHolmes22) July 30, 2021
Love what I’m seeing from Chris Duarte after he gets picked. Pacers just drafted a mature, grown man. And they think they can win soon, so … who cares if he’s 24?
— Gregg Doyel (@GreggDoyelStar) July 30, 2021
#Pacers first round pick Chris Duarte is only 14 1/2 months younger than Myles Turner. He is a grown man.
— Kent Sterling (@KentSterling) July 30, 2021
Great pick up for the Pacers snagging Chris Duarte at 12. He’s a ready now player with an unselfish attitude and Swiss army like skill set. #GoDucks
— Jordan Kent (@jordanrkent) July 30, 2021
Love Chris Duarte, excellent pick by the Pacers. He is on the older side but should produce ASAP.
— Antwan V. Staley (@antwanstaley) July 30, 2021
Pacers selecting 6-6 guard Chris Duarte from Oregon. Pac-12 Player of the Year and an All-Defensive Team selection. He shot 42.4% from range last season.
He’s 24 and a ready-made player for Rick Carlisle.
— Scott Agness (@ScottAgness) July 30, 2021
The Pacers choose Chris Duarte from Oregon with the 13th pick of the first round of this year’s NBA Draft, he was ’21 Pac-12 media player of the year 17 ppg.
— Jim Coyle ISB Radio 🎙️ (@jimcoyleISB) July 30, 2021
Former Duck Chris Duarte just got drafted to the @Pacers at #13 overall. @PacersKev getting some love with that pick.
— Adam Bjaranson (@AdamKOIN6) July 30, 2021
Number 13th pick will forever be special. You all know why. Chris Duarte is an underated pick and a fit in the Pacers.
— Migz. (@BigGameMigz) July 30, 2021
Duarte, from what I’ve seen, fits Carlisle’s offense. Whether he can contribute right away is never guaranteed, but movement shooting/relocation/positional defense is going to be a need if McDermott walks.
Upside aside, at least he’ll have a chance for playing time. https://t.co/yTTT72CTbJ
— Caitlin Cooper (@C2_Cooper) July 30, 2021
— Aron Yohannes
ayohannes@oregonian.com; @aronyohannes
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