The Minnesota Timberwolves selected Duke guard Isaiah Evans with the No. 33 overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft on Wednesday, completing a trade with the Brooklyn Nets involving Julius Randle. Evans, a standout sophomore, joins the Timberwolves’ rotation after averaging 15.0 points per game during his final collegiate season.
Draft Night Outcome and Trade Context
The selection of Isaiah Evans served as the final move in a transaction between Minnesota and Brooklyn that had been finalized earlier in the week. As Canis Hoopus reports, the Nets utilized the No. 28 overall pick acquired in the deal to select Iowa State forward Joshua Jefferson, while the Timberwolves used the No. 33 pick to secure Evans. The move comes at a critical time for the Timberwolves’ backcourt depth, as the team prepares for the upcoming season with veteran Donte DiVincenzo expected to miss significant time due to a torn Achilles injury.
For Evans, the draft process concluded after a tense wait. According to AP News, the guard spent Tuesday night in the green room—a space reserved for projected first-round selections—but did not hear his name called until the second round began on Wednesday. He was noted for his fashion choice on the ESPN broadcast, wearing a double-breasted suit accented with millions of dollars in diamonds.
Statistical Profile and Collegiate Progression
Evans’ path to the NBA was marked by a steady rise during his two seasons at Duke. After a freshman campaign where he struggled with his slender frame, he emerged as a primary scoring option during his sophomore year. Bleacher Report notes that Evans played and started in all 38 games for the Blue Devils, averaging 15.0 points and 3.2 rebounds while shooting 43.3 percent from the field and 36.1 percent from three-point range.
His shooting ability remains his most touted asset. During his final collegiate season, he averaged 7.4 three-point attempts per game, leading analysts to draw comparisons to established NBA shooters like New Orleans Pelicans guard Jordan Hawkins. Beyond his perimeter efficiency, Evans demonstrated a capacity for high-leverage performance, including a 25-point outing against St. John’s in the Sweet 16 and a 32-point showing against Florida State during the ACC tournament.
Scouting Reports and Coaching Perspectives
Evaluators emphasize that Evans’ immediate value lies in his floor spacing, though his physical development remains a focus for his transition to the professional level. Standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 186 pounds, Evans is widely viewed as a prospect who must add strength to handle the physical demands of the NBA. Despite these concerns, his offensive versatility has drawn praise from his coaching staff.
“There have been signs of Isaiah Evans’ improved burst for slashing to the rim. Regardless, he’ll be eyed by teams for his off-ball shooting, which has looked similar to last year, only with double the minutes and shots.”
Jonathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer highlighted Evans’ ability to ignite offensive runs, noting that his shooting can shift the atmosphere of a game quickly. “He can get hot as fast as anybody I’ve coached. When he sees one go in, you can feel the whole building react,” Scheyer said of the guard’s scoring potential.
Background and Recruiting History
Before his time in Durham, Evans was a highly decorated prospect in North Carolina. As detailed by The New York Times, Evans grew up in Fayetteville and later Charlotte, eventually attending North Mecklenburg High School. His high school career reached a peak when he became the first player to repeat as North Carolina’s Mr. Basketball award winner. He was ranked as a top-15 recruit in the 2024 class before committing to Duke, where he was part of a recruiting group that included Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, Khaman Maluach, and Patrick Ngongba II.
His collegiate career culminated in a run to the Elite Eight, where Duke was eventually eliminated by UConn. Following that tournament appearance, Evans declared for the draft, ending his collegiate tenure as a key component of one of Duke’s most successful recent teams. As he joins the Timberwolves, the organization is banking on his ability to translate that clutch scoring pedigree into a consistent role within their bench rotation.
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