11 days out from the 2025 NBA draft...Who is your guy?

[TheJordanRule]

Every time I get invested in the scouting process, Draft Night ends up being frustrating. Here I go again!

[boozapalooza]

If I'm the clock right now - I'm taking Nique Clifford.

Great rebounder

High IQ jack of all trades

Has made tremendous strides and improvements over his college career. To me this is a sign of a hard worker. People often associate a high floor with a lower cieling, I don't see it that way. I see a guy who shows good positive growth every year for the past four years - why should we expect for that to stop now?

6'6" with a 6'8" wingspan

19, 9 and 4 in college and shot 38% on 5 three's a game. Shot 5 FTA a game, love his ability to get to the line.

Watch on YouTube

These playoffs are certainly helping Nique’s case. He also seems to fit the mold of guys that AKME like. As he bulks up in the pros, he could be a problem at the next level. Also really don’t mind him being a bit older. Hes a classic late bloomer who was under recruited. Could be a hidden gem.

[ghostinthepost1]

Every time I get invested in the scouting process, Draft Night ends up being frustrating. Here I go again!

The key is to ignore the draft till after it's over and then only read/watch stuff that has a positive bias for whoever the Bulls drafted.

It's how I convinced myself Dalen Terry was going to be a useful NBA player.

[TheJordanRule]

Every time I get invested in the scouting process, Draft Night ends up being frustrating. Here I go again!

The key is to ignore the draft till after it's over and then only read/watch stuff that has a positive bias for whoever the Bulls drafted.

It's how I convinced myself Dalen Terry was going to be a useful NBA player.

FR, I WILL do that!

[DuckIII]

Every time I get invested in the scouting process, Draft Night ends up being frustrating. Here I go again!

The key is to ignore the draft till after it's over and then only read/watch stuff that has a positive bias for whoever the Bulls drafted.

It's how I convinced myself Dalen Terry was going to be a useful NBA player.

FR, I WILL do that!

It’s like my grandpa always said. Kids, you can’t be disappointed by what you don’t know. Don’t learn.

It’s served me well in life.

[Ice Man]

It’s like my grandpa always said. Kids, you can’t be disappointed by what you don’t know. Don’t learn.

It’s served me well in life.

That has always been my approach to the draft, although since I watched a few Duke games I do have some views on Flagg, Malauch, and Knueppel. But I am otherwise blessedly innocent.

Therefore, every Bulls draft pick is the next Giannis or SGA to me -- until proven otherwise.

[rosenthall]

CMB has some similarities with another PF with low 3P shooting drafted in the 8-12 range recently:

• Listed at 6’9 with a 230-pound frame and a 7’0 wingspan, ___ has good dimensions for a power forward to go along with solid athleticism and a terrific motor.

• Doing a little bit of everything offensively for a guard-oriented team with several well-established scorers, ____ spent time looking for angles inside and crashing the glass as a small-ball center, running the wings like a wing, and even pushing the ball himself in transition.

• Guarding multiple positions throughout the season and regularly sliding up to the center spot out of necessity late in the year, ______ displayed a promising blend of versatility and intensity on the defensive end at ____. He is not overly long to be an imposing rim protector or quick to stay in front of small guards, but has excellent instincts, mixes it up pursuing loose balls, and shows a lot of tenacity making multiple efforts.

• Finishing opportunistically inside, ____ averaged 1.42 points per shot around the rim in the half court [92nd percentile]. Rebounding the ball very effectively for his size, cutting with great timing from the perimeter, and finishing with good body control when he couldn’t play above the rim, he did a nice job capitalizing on his opportunities around the basket all season.

• An engaged, energetic defender who showed some ability to switch on the perimeter, protect the rim, hold his ground in the post, and make crisp rotations to closeout shooters...

• Despite giving up quickness and size on some crossmatches, he allowed just 0.63 points per isolation possession [69th percentile] and 0.58 points per post up possession [89th percentile] bringing steady intensity and consistently working to get back in plays when he was beat.

Spoiler:

Jeremy Sochan

I agree that Sochan is a good defensive comp for CMB. And that the median projection for CMB at the pro level is about what Sochan is now: a 25 MPG defensive glue guy.

However, on offense, CMB is just way better than Sochan in basically every way. Sochan's 3P% was slightly higher, but given that both of them shot it at low volume I don't think that tells you much.

I think everyone knew Sochan sucked on offense coming into the draft and no one really expected him to break out on that side of the ball. CMB at least has a clear path to being a useful offensive player.

[Chi town]

I think CMB is better than Sochan on D coming out. Both play with similar energy and motor though.

[MGB8]

Didn’t realize CMB is already 20 years old. I think that explains why, despite being a sophomore, he was just bigger and stronger than a lot of opponents. I’m not sure he is that much better a prospect than EJ Liddell, who is already on the team.

Very similar stats and size, though CMB has an inch in wingspan and a notable 2.5 inch standing reach advantage. Liddell has similar athletic testing - notable advantage as a jumper, mixed in everything else, and shot quite a bit better. Granted, comparing a junior and a sophomore, a year in age apart, but….

[CROBulls]

I have favorites, but dont have a guy. We will see who gets available. Dont expect same luck as last year when legit top prospect fall into our lap.

[Red Larrivee]

Didn’t realize CMB is already 20 years old. I think that explains why, despite being a sophomore, he was just bigger and stronger than a lot of opponents.

He turned 20 a mere 11 days ago. He played his true freshman season as an 18 year old and his sophomore season as a 19 year old.

Can we please dead this narrative that CMB thrived on bully ball for two years. It disregards so much of what he's shown in terms of feel, timing and BBIQ that makes him really freaking good.

[MGB8]

Didn’t realize CMB is already 20 years old. I think that explains why, despite being a sophomore, he was just bigger and stronger than a lot of opponents.

He turned 20 a mere 11 days ago. He played his true freshman season as an 18 year old and his sophomore season as a 19 year old.

Can we please dead this narrative that CMB thrived on bully ball for two years. It disregards so much of what he's shown in terms of feel, timing and BBIQ that makes him really freaking good.

I’m willing to be convinced - post a YouTube link or two. But all I have seen so far is a guy who, yes, has high bball IQ on both ends, but who lacks any sort of elite traits and basically leveraged his size advantage against smaller players pretty well. His defense in space mainly consists of him not moving too much and just leveraging size while not defending too close far out - haven’t seen much of any chasing around the perimeter. He makes some nice assists, but the numbers are “fine,” not even unusually good much less elite. So are the blocks, though he gets a good number of steals. Pretty good but not elite in transition.

Nothing that screams: this guy’s offense will translate into the NBA and his defense will be elite, too. On the contrary, the guy’s strengths and weaknesses are ones that have yellow flags “this may not translate in the NBA when guys are bigger and there is more space, forcing defending further out.

With the caveat that he has good size, high bball IQ, and excellent physicality. So he may well develop. I just don’t see superstar potential. And I see a minimum salary type rotation player as the floor.

[Red Larrivee]

I’m willing to be convinced - post a YouTube link or two. But all I have seen so far is a guy who, yes, has high bball IQ on both ends, but who lacks any sort of elite traits and basically leveraged his size advantage against smaller players pretty well. His defense in space mainly consists of him not moving too much and just leveraging size while not defending too close far out - haven’t seen much of any chasing around the perimeter. He makes some nice assists, but the numbers are “fine,” not even unusually good much less elite. So are the blocks, though he gets a good number of steals. Pretty good but not elite in transition.

Nothing that screams: this guy’s offense will translate into the NBA and his defense will be elite, too. On the contrary, the guy’s strengths and weaknesses are ones that have yellow flags “this may not translate in the NBA when guys are bigger and there is more space, forcing defending further out.

With the caveat that he has good size, high bball IQ, and excellent physicality. So he may well develop. I just don’t see superstar potential. And I see a minimum salary type rotation player as the floor.

Unfortunately as an alum, I've probably watched 90%+ of his actual games. So, it's fun reading comps to Javonte Green, narratives about him basically bullying people all game in the post for 20 possessions and having cement for feet. I don't blame anyone for not wanting to watch South Carolina basketball games. You're better off for it.

Read on Twitter

In the clip above, he's moving all over the half-court and is anchoring the defense. He's rotating, defending P&R, closing out, contesting, guarding in space, and is ultimately responsible for the turnover to close the possession. It's a masterclass in basketball IQ, elite defensive instincts, motor, and just overall feel for the game. That is the norm for CMB and movement is not a concern for him.

The selling point of CMB is not that he has superstar potential. I don't think anyone at 12 has a clear, undisputed "superstar potential" as a selling point. Otherwise, they would probably not be at 12.

[MGB8]

The clip shows off the defensive bball IQ, for sure, as well as the effort, but he isn’t especially fast in it. He is always making the right decision on the rotation, with great instinct and anticipation. That is great “team” D by CMB. But if he had to step an extra step out due to the longer line, he’s late / exploitable. Mind you, still good D, it would just be less effective.

No one is questioning his bball IQ. It’s whether or not his offense translates at all (or he is a liability) and whether his defense translates enough to be worthy of being a high pick, especially when the Bulls are set at the (defensive) 3 and 4, so if he played with Matas and Giddey either he, Mayas (who blocks shots better) or Giddey need to defend the perimeter against most matchups.

[Red Larrivee]

The clip shows off the defensive bball IQ, for sure, as well as the effort, but he isn’t especially fast in it. He is always making the right decision on the rotation, with great instinct and anticipation. That is great team D. But if he had to step an extra step out due to the longer line, and he’s late / exploitable. Mind you, still good D, it would just be less effective.

Being a great defender is not about being faster than everyone with your athletic ability.

Read on Twitter

About 40 seconds in. He defends the P&R way past the three point line, and still recovers to force a turnover on the next pass.

I just don't get any concern about mobility with him at all. He routinely seems to be playing at a different speed defensively than everyone else without being faster athletically. That's a great sign for translating everything to the next level.

That clip above is full of those types of plays. He's a tremendous defender with good mobility that's enhanced by elite anticipation and recognition. South Carolina was 8.2 points better with him on the floor because of it. I think the longer three point line is going to be the least of his concerns.

[Chi town]

The clip shows off the defensive bball IQ, for sure, as well as the effort, but he isn’t especially fast in it. He is always making the right decision on the rotation, with great instinct and anticipation. That is great team D. But if he had to step an extra step out due to the longer line, and he’s late / exploitable. Mind you, still good D, it would just be less effective.

Being a great defender is not about being faster than everyone with your athletic ability.

Read on Twitter

About 40 seconds in. He defends the P&R way past the three point line, and still recovers to force a turnover on the next pass.

I just don't get any concern about mobility with him at all. He routinely seems to be playing at a different speed defensively than everyone else without being faster athletically. That's a great sign for translating everything to the next level.

That clip above is full of those types of plays. He's a tremendous defender with good mobility that's enhanced by elite anticipation and recognition. South Carolina was 8.2 points better with him on the floor because of it. I think the longer three point line is going to be the least of his concerns.

Is CMB your #1 guy at 12?

[Red Larrivee]

Is CMB your #1 guy at 12?

Yes. There are definitely other players I'd be happy with too though. CMB just has one of the most complete games in the draft. He impacts a team in so many different ways. A lot of those ways are things the Bulls desperately need.

Superstar? No; but I see someone who could be a top-tier two-way player.

[bledredwine]

I’m willing to be convinced - post a YouTube link or two. But all I have seen so far is a guy who, yes, has high bball IQ on both ends, but who lacks any sort of elite traits and basically leveraged his size advantage against smaller players pretty well. His defense in space mainly consists of him not moving too much and just leveraging size while not defending too close far out - haven’t seen much of any chasing around the perimeter. He makes some nice assists, but the numbers are “fine,” not even unusually good much less elite. So are the blocks, though he gets a good number of steals. Pretty good but not elite in transition.

Nothing that screams: this guy’s offense will translate into the NBA and his defense will be elite, too. On the contrary, the guy’s strengths and weaknesses are ones that have yellow flags “this may not translate in the NBA when guys are bigger and there is more space, forcing defending further out.

With the caveat that he has good size, high bball IQ, and excellent physicality. So he may well develop. I just don’t see superstar potential. And I see a minimum salary type rotation player as the floor.

Unfortunately as an alum, I've probably watched 90%+ of his actual games. So, it's fun reading comps to Javonte Green, narratives about him basically bullying people all game in the post for 20 possessions and having cement for feet. I don't blame anyone for not wanting to watch South Carolina basketball games. You're better off for it.

Read on Twitter

In the clip above, he's moving all over the half-court and is anchoring the defense. He's rotating, defending P&R, closing out, contesting, guarding in space, and is ultimately responsible for the turnover to close the possession. It's a masterclass in basketball IQ, elite defensive instincts, motor, and just overall feel for the game. That is the norm for CMB and movement is not a concern for him.

The selling point of CMB is not that he has superstar potential. I don't think anyone at 12 has a clear, undisputed "superstar potential" as a selling point. Otherwise, they would probably not be at 12.

That clip was awesome. It’s sums up elite modern single player defense.

[GoBlue72391]

I wish I still had the enthusiasm to research all potential draft picks like I used to, knowing exactly what each player's game is like and how they fit with the Bulls. But eventually it started seeming like a waste of time, researching all these players when we only end up with one, so the past few years I've just been waiting until we make our pick, then doing a deep dive on the player.

I guess I'm just getting old lol

[Dresden]

If I'm the clock right now - I'm taking Nique Clifford.

Great rebounder

High IQ jack of all trades

Has made tremendous strides and improvements over his college career. To me this is a sign of a hard worker. People often associate a high floor with a lower cieling, I don't see it that way. I see a guy who shows good positive growth every year for the past four years - why should we expect for that to stop now?

6'6" with a 6'8" wingspan

19, 9 and 4 in college and shot 38% on 5 three's a game. Shot 5 FTA a game, love his ability to get to the line.

Watch on YouTube

These playoffs are certainly helping Nique’s case. He also seems to fit the mold of guys that AKME like. As he bulks up in the pros, he could be a problem at the next level. Also really don’t mind him being a bit older. Hes a classic late bloomer who was under recruited. Could be a hidden gem.

I've been watching some video on Clifford lately, and I think he'd be a decent pick, even at 12. From what I can see, he looks like he'll at least be a useful NBA player. Maybe not a star, but possibly a 3rd scorer as a starter, or one of your better bench scorers. A guy who knows how to put the ball in the hole is always useful. And aside from scoring, he's got an nba body already, and is a very solid rebounder. He's a good defender and a decent passer. There's a lot to like about him. The only downside is that he's not super athletic, and might have trouble scoring against some nba defenders, or defending. But overall, he seems very solid, with a high floor and a decently high ceiling. I think he's a safe pick, while still having some upside.