NBA Mock Draft: Jaren Jackson Jr. could help end the Magic’s never-ending rebuild

This may be the last version in which Duvall gets selected in the first round, if he cannot show major strides during conference play. After losses to Boston College and North Carolina State (in which Duval looked quite good creating offense driving to the rim) in the past three games, Duke stares down a big ACC matchup in Miami next Tuesday.

Duvall will spend time on freshman scoring dynamo Lonnie Walker in that contest, which will be an important test. But most importantly, I’m watching how much of the play-making responsibility he soaks up as the season moves along and he earns coach Mike Krzyzewski’s trust. As of now, Duval has actually played off the ball quite a bit, scoring and assisting mostly in transition or as a background element of the half-court offense.

That’s why games against Miami’s Walker and Virginia’s Kyle Guy will be tremendous opportunities for Duval to rise above the reputation he’s earned during his first two months as a Blue Devil. If he grows toward his potential defensively and takes above-average playmaking and transition scoring to the next level, the Cavaliers can pair him with their next selection to add more athleticism to their ancient team.