DJ Steward arrives on campus after being the 26th ranked recruit in the country. While ranked 26th overall, when it comes to pure scoring, few in the class can rival DJ Steward. He can score from all three levels and can beat the opponent in so many ways.
Steward has a chance to come in and have a Freshman season similar to what Duke saw from Luke Kennard. For reference, Kennard averaged 11.8 ppg/3.6 rpg/1.5 apg on 42/32/89% shooting splits as a Freshman. This type of season is well within the range of outcomes for Steward this season. His advanced scoring ability and sweet outside shot provide reason to believe he can match or even exceed the production Kennard provided in his Freshman season.
It would not be a surprise if Steward earned a starting position, but it is most likely that Steward starts the season as a backup. He will play the role of being instant offense off the bench.
He is going to spend the vast majority of the time playing shooting guard. However, depending on who else he is sharing the floor with, this could change. He could be asked to take on more of a small forward role if Duke opts to go with a three guard lineup of Roach-Goldwire-Steward at any point in the season. While playing small forward is not his natural position, it could work in small spurts.
While Steward has the ability to play point guard if asked, Duke is so strong at the point guard position that it is unlikely he will ever be asked to play point guard. The good news for Duke is that he is a versatile guard with a vast skillset.
It often goes unnoticed because of his stellar scoring ability, but Steward is skilled in creating for others as well. His ball handling allows for him to get anywhere on the floor and he can pick and choose his spots on whether he wants to drive to score or drive to set up a teammate. He will consistently be able to drive and find teammates open beyond the arc.
He does not have a reputation of being a lock down defender but he has the ability to defend at a competent level. He is capable of holding his own while defending any backcourt player. At 6’2 and 163 pounds, he does not have the frame to defend larger players at this stage of his career. Fortunately, that will not be necessary as Duke has a plethora of other options to defend these larger front court players. Steward will be successful in defending who he is asked to defend which will be guards only.
Perhaps the most important role he brings to the team is that he is the guy most suited to break the team out of dry spells. In situations where the offense is bogged down, this is where the fact that he is the best pure scorer on the team will shine through. He is a guy that Duke will be able to give the ball to and get out of the way and trust that he will make something happen.
Having a scorer of his caliber on the bench presents a massive advantage for Duke. Coach K will know that he has a guy who can open up the entire offense in his back pocket to employ at any given time. If he is consistent enough on the offensive end, he may in fact demand more playing time and perhaps even earn a spot in the starting lineup.
DJ Steward is an exciting piece to the puzzle for Duke this season. He adds to the tremendous backcourt depth on the roster will be a weapon on the offensive side of the ball all season long.
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