The man never lacks confidence.
Duane Washington Jr. walked into the G League Elite Camp and put together a pair of quality offensive showings against fellow NBA draft hopefuls, scoring a combined 31 points across two games – both of which were streamed on Twitch.
The Ohio State guard – despite a shaky first half, which included an air-balled 3 and losing his defensive assignment on a cut – put up 13 points in Sunday's game, hitting 5-of-12 shots while going 2-for-8 from 3-point range and 1-for-3 from the foul line. Playing on a team that included Michigan-bound Devante Jones and former Wolverine Chaundee Brown, he added two assists, two rebounds, one steal and three turnovers with a game-best plus-minus of +20.
His squad secured an 80-74 victory against a team that included fellow Ohio State draft prospect E.J. Liddell, who had five points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal and two turnovers.
The next day Washington upped his output once more, dropping 18 points.
He went 7-for-13 from the field, including 2-for-7 from 3 and 2-for-4 from the free-throw line. Again, he had a game-best plus-minus of +7, adding two steals, one assist and one turnover in a four-point victory.
Duane Washington Jr. displayed his 3 level scoring ability very well during the G League Elite Camp. pic.twitter.com/wyR91edewE
— Poliseli (Ex-Basketball Scouting Brasil) (@BasketScoutBR) June 21, 2021
Washington's pair of performances, especially his shot-making, caught the eyes of some evaluators and draft experts watching his games. ESPN's Jonathan Givony tweeted that Washington "showed his shot-making and bucket-getting prowess en route to 18 points" on Monday.
Strong performances by AJ Lawson and Duane Washington in first game of G League Elite Camp today. Lawson in particular seems worthy of promotion to the main Combine this week.
— John Hollinger (@johnhollinger) June 21, 2021
In terms of flashes throughout the game: Thought Haowen Guo put together 3 creative moves that popped to score or get FTs
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) June 20, 2021
Scotty Pippen Jr.s start of the 4th quarter was probably the best stretch for any of the leads.
Duane Washington Jr. made some translatable movement shots
Few more notes - Think Jalen Wilson was able to show more offensive versatility than expected. Duane Washingtons energy and shot-making stood out. Chaundee Brown continues to leave a good impression defensively. Carlik Jones stood out among PGs again. AJ Lawson has been active.
— Jeremy Woo (@JeremyWoo) June 21, 2021
The Jose Alvarado/Duane Washington Jr. backcourt has been the most fun part of this event. Between the shot-making and constant talking communication, they willed their team to two victories. Alvarados on-ball defense is arguably the most translatable skill here.
— Brandon Simberg (@BrandonSimberg) June 21, 2021
Washington, up to this point, has yet to finalize his decision about whether he's staying in the NBA draft pool or going pro. His Ohio State teammate, Liddell, is in the same spot. Both of them must make final decisions by July 7.
The drawn-out waiting game continues – both for those two players and the Buckeyes. Washington and Liddell are hoping to have shown enough to earn invitations to the NBA Draft Combine, which also began on Monday. Several players at the G League event will be brought in for another few days of workouts in front of scouts.
Whether Washington or Liddell get the opportunity to stay in Chicago for the NBA's combine should be known shortly.
