During his post-draft media availability, James was asked about charity work he's already done in the Charlotte community. His game and his mindset put him on the fast track to becoming a fan favorite in the Queen City, no matter the local's preferred college.

Duke’s Sion James (14) celebrates after hitting a three-pointer during the first half of Duke’s game against Arizona in the Sweet 16 round of the 2025 Men’s NCAA Basketball Championship at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., Thursday, March 27, 2025. Ethan Hyman [email protected]

The Charlotte Hornets used the first of their early picks in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft on Duke forward Sion James. At 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds, James was named an All-ACC defender, averaging 8.