Christopher Theoret Duarte, born June 13, 1997, is a highly talented Dominican professional basketball player making waves with the Sacramento Kings in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Impressive achievements and outstanding college and professional league performances mark his journey to NBA stardom.

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Quick Facts

Full Name	Christopher Theoret Duarte
Nick Name	Chris
Date of Birth	June 13, 1997
Age	26 Years Old
Birth Place	Montreal, Canada
Nationality	Dominican-Canadian
Ethnicity	Mixed
Religion	Christianity
Father’s Name	Leonardo Duarte (step-father)
Mother’s Name	Ana Luisa
Siblings	Jean Michel
Zodiac Sign	Gemini
Chinese zodiac	Ox
Height	6 feet 6 inches /1.98 m/ 198 cm
Weight	86 kg/ 190 lbs
High School	Redemption Christian Academy
University	Northwest Florida State College, University of Oregon
Girlfriend	Sylvia Velazquez
Children	Two
Profession	Basketball player
League	NBA
Position	Shooting Guard
Current Team	Indiana Pacers
Jersey Number	3
NBA draft	Round: 1, Pick: 13th Overall, 2021 (Selected by the Indiana Pacers)
Playing Career	2021-present
Net Worth	$3-5 Million
Social Media	Instagram, Twitter
Merch	Signed Jersey, Signed Card

Chris Duarte  Early Life and High School Career

Born in Montreal, Canada, and raised in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, Duarte’s connection with basketball began at a young age, bonding over the sport with his older brother Jean Michel. Tragically, his father, a Canadian, passed away when Duarte was just six months old. Seeking opportunities to hone his skills, Duarte moved to New York for his final two years of high school, showcasing his talent at Redemption Christian Academy in Troy. Despite initially committing to play college basketball for Western Kentucky, he eventually chose to kickstart his career at Northwest Florida State College.

College Career

Duarte’s freshman season at Northwest Florida State College saw him earn first-team All-Panhandle Conference honors, averaging 12.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and two steals per game. In his sophomore year, he further solidified his status, averaging 19 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game, earning him the prestigious title of NABC NJCAA Player of the Year.

Duarte’s journey continued with the Oregon Ducks at the NCAA Division I level. Debuting in 2019, he quickly made an impact, contributing 16 points in a victorious debut against Fresno State. During his junior season, he included standout performances, such as a 31-point game against Alabama State. Duarte’s all-around skills were on full display when he recorded 30 points, 11 rebounds, and eight steals in a victory over USC. He concluded his college career with various accolades, including the 2021 Jerry West Award and being named the AP Pac-12 Player of the Year.

Professional Career

Indiana Pacers

Selected by the Indiana Pacers as the 13th overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft, Duarte could have done better at making an impact. His rookie season saw a stellar debut, setting the franchise record for the most points in a rookie debut with 27 points, including 6-of-9 three-point shooting. Despite facing a toe injury that cut his second season short, Duarte’s performance earned him a spot on the 2022 NBA All-Rookie Second Team.

Sacramento Kings 

In a significant move, Duarte was traded to the Sacramento Kings on July 6, 2023, in exchange for two future second-round picks. This trade marked a new chapter in Duarte’s professional journey as he continued to showcase his skills and contribute to the success of the Sacramento Kings.

Family Experience

Christopher Theoret Duarte was born in Montreal, Canada, on June 13, 1997. His family relocated to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, where he spent his formative years with his older brother, Jean Michel. Later, they moved to New York, United States.

Duarte’s mother, Ana Luisa Sarante, played a significant role in shaping his character, instilling a solid work ethic and fostering high self-esteem. Unfortunately, Chris Duarte’s biological father, a Canadian, passed away when he was just six months old. Leonardo Duarte, his stepfather, stepped in to raise Chris and his older brother.

Belonging to a mixed ethnic background, Duarte holds dual nationality—Canadian-Dominican. On August 31, 2022, he expressed birthday wishes to his mother, Ana, on his Instagram.

Age, Height & Body Measurements

As of 2024, Chris Duarte is 26 years old. Standing at an impressive height of 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 m) with an athletic build, he weighs 86 kg (196 lbs) and boasts a wingspan of 6 feet 7 inches (2 m). With brown eyes and natural black hair, Duarte is known for occasionally dyeing his hair. He also has a penchant for tattoos, including a notable face tattoo of his son, Christopher Jr., on his left hand.

Highlights & Awards

Throughout his career, Chris Duarte has accumulated impressive awards, including being named to the 2022 NBA All-Rookie Second Team and receiving Third-team All-American honors from AP and USBWA in 2021. He was also recognized as the Pac-12 Player of the Year (AP), earned First-team All-Pac-12 distinction in 2021, and secured a spot on the Pac-12 All-Defensive Team. Additionally, he received the prestigious Jerry West Award in 2021.

Family Life & Fatherhood

In a relationship with his long-time girlfriend-turned-fiancée, Sylvia Velazquez, Chris Duarte is a proud father of two children: a son named Christopher Jr. and a daughter named Sofi Duarte. The couple announced their first pregnancy in June 2019 and welcomed their son, Christopher Jr., on February 26, 2020. They later became parents for the second time, with the arrival of daughter Sofi on January 11, 2022.

The Duarte family of four currently resides in Indianapolis, Indiana, and often shares glimpses of their family moments on Instagram.

Engagement & Marriage Plans

After years of being together and welcoming two children, Chris Duarte and Sylvia Velazquez took their relationship to the next level by getting engaged on December 4, 2022. The engagement was a heartfelt moment shared on their respective Instagram accounts. As per Sylvia’s Instagram post, the couple is set to tie the knot in 2023.

Net Worth, Salary & Endorsements

As of January 2024, Chris Duarte’s net worth is estimated to be between $3 and $5 million. Most of his income comes from NBA contracts, including a four-year deal worth $17.7 million with the Indiana Pacers, signed on August 4, 2021. His annual salary averages $4,426,132.

Duarte’s earnings include a $4.12 million option for the 2023-24 season, exercised by the Pacers on October 12, 2022. In addition to his NBA salary, Duarte boosts his income through endorsement deals. He signed a multi-year contract with Nike on September 8, 2021, reportedly in the seven-to-eight-digit figures. Furthermore, he partnered with Zicoconut as a ZICO Athlete on January 20, 2022.

Chris Duarte Girlfriend Sylvia Velasquez: Personal Life and Career

Sylvia Velazquez, born in Puerto Rico and currently residing in Jacksonville, Florida, is not just a supportive partner to NBA star Chris Duarte but also a successful businesswoman. Her journey into the limelight began when her relationship with Chris became public, and since then, she has been an integral part of his life, both on and off the basketball court.

Early Life and Family

At 24, Sylvia found out she was pregnant in May 2019, just around when Chris was making waves in college basketball. Her family, who resides in Jacksonville, Florida, plays a significant role in her life. Sylvia’s brother, Victor Joel Velazquez, serves as a United States Air Force staff sergeant.

Relationship with Chris Duarte

Sylvia and Chris have been in a relationship for around three years, but they made their romance public in May 2019. Despite the challenges of a high-profile athlete’s life, Sylvia has been a pillar of support for Chris. She is often seen at the basketball games, cheering for him from the stands.

The couple announced that they were expecting their first child in September 2019. Their son, Christopher Jr., was born on February 26, 2020. During this significant time, Chris, who had just undergone surgery on his right pinky, made every effort to be by Sylvia’s side, showcasing his dedication as a partner and father.

Sylvia shared the joyous moment on Instagram, expressing her gratitude for Chris’s unwavering support during the challenging period. Despite having a broken pinky, Chris actively participated in caring for their newborn son, earning praise from Sylvia for being an excellent father.

Entrepreneurial Ventures

Sylvia Velazquez is a supportive partner and mother and a thriving entrepreneur. She is the owner and designer behind Color Waves Clothing, a venture that showcases her creativity and fashion sense. Those interested in trendy and stylish clothing should explore her collection, which features a wide range of apparel.

Sylvia Velazquez has proven to be more than just the girlfriend of an NBA player. Her resilience, support, and entrepreneurial spirit make her a noteworthy figure in her own right. As Chris Duarte continues to shine on the basketball court, Sylvia stands proudly by his side, demonstrating that their love story goes beyond the glamorous world of professional sports.