2025 Draft prospects - thread 2

[drosestruts]

I'm just still so hung up on Jase Ricardson it's hard for me to look at a guy that in college, in the Big10 was able to accomplish all of the following:

62.4% TS%
41% 3P%
83% FT%
49% FG%

63% FG% on half-court shots at the rim

93rd %ile Spot Up shooting
95th %ile Catch and Shoot

42% FTA Rate
2.27 Ast/TO

20.7 PER

132 ORTG
100 DRTG

11.6 BPM


It's just too much good for me to write off because - short and over-reliant on his dominant hand.

These are dominant impact numbers and scoring effeciency

3rd highest BPM of all project 1st round picks

Highest TS% of all projected 1st round guards

[kulaz3000]

I'm going to randomly share some thoughts on a few prospects as we get closer to the draft, starting with Thomas Sorber who I've been watching a ton of lately.

A week or so ago, I put him on my "do not draft" list. Since then, I've removed him from that list. There's a lot to like about him. He's an analytics darling. As a freshman he scores and rebounds well, but beyond that he averages 2.4 apg, 2bpg, and 1.5 spg. You really get the sense that he's going to find ways to impact the game even when he's not scoring. He's a really smart and skilled passer. Averaging 2.4 apg as a freshmen center is pretty impressive, and given the type of passes he makes, it's easy to envision him developing into a hub center.

I think the most intriguing part of Sorber's game is his defensive potential. His 7'6" wingspan and bulk allow him to clog the paint really well, but beyond that, he's mobile and does a great job of switching on defense. He challenges everything, but in a smart way. I don't think he's an impact defender in the way Mutombo or Mourning were, but I think he'd positively raise our defensive potential from day one.

Sorber really plays within his strengths. He takes the shots he can make, and makes them at a high rate. The dude has great hands. He catches everything, is patient, and gets good shots. This guy knows how and when to pump fake. His offensive game isn't elitely polished, but he gets the job done. He currently doesn't have a three-point shot, but he shot fairly well at the free-throw line (72%) which maybe gives you some hope there.

There's two things that give me pause on him. The first is that he had season-ending foot surgery (turf toe if I'm not mistaken). It's not the worst foot injury to have and he's expected to make a full recovery, but big men with foot issues really worry me. Those guys always seem to break down fast. The other thing that I don't love is his athleticism. He's not a great leaper, isn't a fast twitch leaper, etc. WIth Giddey, I really would love an athletic lob threat here, but his soft hands and touch around the the rim offset some of the athleticism issues.

I'm not really sure where I'd put him on the draft list. Between the big-name centers (Queen, Maluach, and Sorber) in this draft, I think it's easiest for me to envision him being a 10 year+ starter in the league. Queen has more star potential, Maluach has more defensive potential, but Sorber has the least bust factor of the three. I don't think I see a star in him, but it's not hard to see him being Al Horford with less range. That's still a really valuable piece to add to the puzzle.

In our situation, I think you have to take a swing for a star which is why he's not high on my list. That said, if we were to acquire a 2nd pick and/or trade down, I'd be more open to him.

Agreed, Sober has gotten some flack, because he isn't bouncy, nor is he a 7 footer or overly athletic. I see a lot of WCJ in him, but I think he is slightly more nibble on his feet and a smarter player considering his age. Gripe about WCJ all you want, but if we were to nab a player like WCJ at 12, at a position of need, I'd consider that a big win.

I'd be ecstatic if we drafted him, with the acknowledgement that he may not be a prospect with a massive ceiling like some of the other prospects, but I think his floor is a lot higher than the likes of Bryant, or Powell, though I wouldn't hate if the Bulls took a chance on a high ceiling players on those two, though they could bust completely, which I'm confident that Sober won't.

I have 4 players in my realistic availability range who I'd be very happy with, 2 being solid prospects with relatively moderate ceilings, but high floors, and two with high ceilings and bust potential and they are, Sober, Newell, along with Bryant and Powell. I think all 4 will be available, though there may be a team that takes a swing on Bryant earlier.

[Muzbar]

I'm going to randomly share some thoughts on a few prospects as we get closer to the draft, starting with Thomas Sorber who I've been watching a ton of lately.

A week or so ago, I put him on my "do not draft" list. Since then, I've removed him from that list. There's a lot to like about him. He's an analytics darling. As a freshman he scores and rebounds well, but beyond that he averages 2.4 apg, 2bpg, and 1.5 spg. You really get the sense that he's going to find ways to impact the game even when he's not scoring. He's a really smart and skilled passer. Averaging 2.4 apg as a freshmen center is pretty impressive, and given the type of passes he makes, it's easy to envision him developing into a hub center.

I think the most intriguing part of Sorber's game is his defensive potential. His 7'6" wingspan and bulk allow him to clog the paint really well, but beyond that, he's mobile and does a great job of switching on defense. He challenges everything, but in a smart way. I don't think he's an impact defender in the way Mutombo or Mourning were, but I think he'd positively raise our defensive potential from day one.

Sorber really plays within his strengths. He takes the shots he can make, and makes them at a high rate. The dude has great hands. He catches everything, is patient, and gets good shots. This guy knows how and when to pump fake. His offensive game isn't elitely polished, but he gets the job done. He currently doesn't have a three-point shot, but he shot fairly well at the free-throw line (72%) which maybe gives you some hope there.

There's two things that give me pause on him. The first is that he had season-ending foot surgery (turf toe if I'm not mistaken). It's not the worst foot injury to have and he's expected to make a full recovery, but big men with foot issues really worry me. Those guys always seem to break down fast. The other thing that I don't love is his athleticism. He's not a great leaper, isn't a fast twitch leaper, etc. WIth Giddey, I really would love an athletic lob threat here, but his soft hands and touch around the the rim offset some of the athleticism issues.

I'm not really sure where I'd put him on the draft list. Between the big-name centers (Queen, Maluach, and Sorber) in this draft, I think it's easiest for me to envision him being a 10 year+ starter in the league. Queen has more star potential, Maluach has more defensive potential, but Sorber has the least bust factor of the three. I don't think I see a star in him, but it's not hard to see him being Al Horford with less range. That's still a really valuable piece to add to the puzzle.

In our situation, I think you have to take a swing for a star which is why he's not high on my list. That said, if we were to acquire a 2nd pick and/or trade down, I'd be more open to him.

Agreed, Sober has gotten some flack, because he isn't bouncy, nor is he a 7 footer or overly athletic. I see a lot of WCJ in him, but I think he is slightly more nibble on his feet and a smarter player considering his age. Gripe about WCJ all you want, but if we were to nab a player like WCJ at 12, at a position of need, I'd consider that a big win.

I'd be ecstatic if we drafted him, with the acknowledgement that he may not be a prospect with a massive ceiling like some of the other prospects, but I think his floor is a lot higher than the likes of Bryant, or Powell, though I wouldn't hate if the Bulls took a chance on a high ceiling players on those two, though they could bust completely, which I'm confident that Sober won't.

I have 4 players in my realistic availability range who I'd be very happy with, 2 being solid prospects with relatively moderate ceilings, but high floors, and two with high ceilings and bust potential and they are, Sober, Newell, along with Bryant and Powell. I think all 4 will be available, though there may be a team that takes a swing on Bryant earlier.

I don't see Wendell Carter at all in Sorber, Asa Newell reminds me of WC, just very unimpressive.

I'm probably bias as I'm very high on Sorber, I have him 2nd in centers after Maluach and I think he can be a defensive anchor for a long long time.

People are worried about not having a rim running big with Giddey, well Vuc has worked fine (offensively) with Giddey, Sorber will be fine too.

[_txchilibowl_]

I want CMB. This team needs some dog in it.

[League Circles]

Yeah I'm relatively high on Sorber. 3rd best C prospect for the Bulls after Zikarsky and Maluach IMO, though all 3 are in my top 12 overall list. I won't be thrilled with him at 12 but definitely satisfied. Has strong two way potential, though I agree he doesn't really have star potential.

[League Circles]

I want CMB. This team needs some dog in it.

IMO probably the most star potential of anyone that might be available at 12.

[DuckIII]

Not a Sorber fan. The only non-mobile guy I’m interested in is Maluach who won’t be there.

I want runners.

[Chi town]

Not a Sorber fan. The only non-mobile guy I’m interested in is Maluach who won’t be there.

I want runners.

Exactly.

This is why I’m so high on Noa and Beringer. They fly up and down the court. I can see Drake being that way too even though I’d never take him at 12.

[Rose2Boozer]

The Bulls don't need another athletic corner boy who can't create his own offense. We need a guy who can be impactful on the court, and not in a gym where nobody is guarding him. Sorber was the best all around center prospect in college basketball. He's better than Queen on defense, and better than Maluach on offense. Sorber is fun to watch, he's nasty and a little petty. A Sorber/Buzelis tandem is probably the best we can hope for with the 12th pick.

The 2026 draft is stacked with better wing prospects. AK shouldn't waste the 2025 pick on the magical wizardry of upside. The Bulls could simply play Julian Phillips if they want to see a high jumping athlete who can't create off the bounce.

[Guru]

Finally watched Thiero. He is very high on my list. Great athlete and defender. destroys the rim.

[rosenthall]

The comp that really jumps out to me for Sorber is Jalen Smith, for better or worse. Their measurables and stats in college were similar, and after watching both play their styles share a lot in common as well I think Wendell was more mobile than either of them and ended up being more of a 4 than people thought.

Sorber is on my "ehhh" list. I won't hate it if we take him because he's got a solid floor, but he projects to be a role player IMO.

[JohnnyTapwater]

I love Adou Thiero so much, I wouldn't be mad if he were the selection at 12. It's the energy and aggression for me. You can't teach that.

[MGB8]

I don’t really love any of the bigs. They all seem riskier to me than the wings.

Maluach is obviously an amazing athletic talent, but the tourney play worries me (and I cant help but think of James Wiseman, who was a smiler freak specimen that was more developed offensively and a huge bust - though there were even pre draft some work ethic questions raised about him, so…).

The rest all have warts. Queen has great natural offensive talent, and he has enough size to play the 5 (9’ 1.5” reach) and I also think that he is quicker than he tested - but you worry about the testing, role, and basketball character.

Kalkbrenner is really interesting to me - watched a few YouTubes and think he looks more nimble than reported and could be really good. Gives me some Hartenstein vibes (though need to see more how well he can defend in space). But he is older and apparently had a down year (though his stats look fine to me).

Sorber is “fine” and could be a WCJ type player - but not a huge fan of WCJ (though better at 12 than 7). Less reach than Queen. Good stats, especially for a frosh, but meh competition.

Not interested in Wolf though he may well be an nba rotation big (and he kinda reminds me of Vuc). Beringer has tons of talent but is raw.

The taller 4s - Newell, Fleming I have mixed feelings about. Saw some YouTubes, but the highlights focus on things I don’t care as much about - scoring aptitudes - seem like raw talent, boom / bust. Newell’s reach is 8’11.5 compared to Fleming’s (and Sorber’s) 9’1”.

Very hard to evaluate them, for me anyway.

[Jcool0]

Maluach is obviously an amazing athletic talent, but the tourney play worries me (and I cant help but think of James Wiseman, who was a smiler freak specimen that was more developed offensively and a huge bust - though there were even pre draft some work ethic questions raised about him, so…).

Maluach averaged 23 MPG with 11.5 ppg on 87% shooting, 6.3 rebounds and 2 blocks in the first 4 tournament games.

[Rose2Boozer]

Maluach is obviously an amazing athletic talent, but the tourney play worries me (and I cant help but think of James Wiseman, who was a smiler freak specimen that was more developed offensively and a huge bust - though there were even pre draft some work ethic questions raised about him, so…).

Maluach averaged 23 MPG with 11.5 ppg on 87% shooting, 6.3 rebounds and 2 blocks in the first 4 tournament games.

In his last game he grabbed 0 rebounds in 21 Final Four minutes.

[HomoSapien]

I don’t really love any of the bigs. They all seem riskier to me than the wings.

Maluach is obviously an amazing athletic talent, but the tourney play worries me (and I cant help but think of James Wiseman, who was a smiler freak specimen that was more developed offensively and a huge bust - though there were even pre draft some work ethic questions raised about him, so…).

The rest all have warts. Queen has great natural offensive talent, and he has enough size to play the 5 (9’ 1.5” reach) and I also think that he is quicker than he tested - but you worry about the testing, role, and basketball character.

Kalkbrenner is really interesting to me - watched a few YouTubes and think he looks more nimble than reported and could be really good. Gives me some Hartenstein vibes (though need to see more how well he can defend in space). But he is older and apparently had a down year (though his stats look fine to me).

Sorber is “fine” and could be a WCJ type player - but not a huge fan of WCJ (though better at 12 than 7). Less reach than Queen. Good stats, especially for a frosh, but meh competition.

Not interested in Wolf though he may well be an nba rotation big (and he kinda reminds me of Vuc). Beringer has tons of talent but is raw.

The taller 4s - Newell, Fleming I have mixed feelings about. Saw some YouTubes, but the highlights focus on things I don’t care as much about - scoring aptitudes - seem like raw talent, boom / bust. Newell’s reach is 8’11.5 compared to Fleming’s (and Sorber’s) 9’1”.

Very hard to evaluate them, for me anyway.

Watch film on Raynaud. To me he is clearly the most offensively skilled big in the draft.

[kodo]

The comp that really jumps out to me for Sorber is Jalen Smith, for better or worse. Their measurables and stats in college were similar, and after watching both play their styles share a lot in common as well I think Wendell was more mobile than either of them and ended up being more of a 4 than people thought.

Sorber is on my "ehhh" list. I won't hate it if we take him because he's got a solid floor, but he projects to be a role player IMO.

Sorber is more of a true center & defender, they have similar heights but that's about it. Sorber's has a 7' 6" wingspan and weights 265, he's a lot more massive despite the similar head height. Smith is 6' 10" but weighed 220 at the draft, he was more of a tall PF and he went high due to his 37% 3P shooting while Sorber is 16%?

Sorber could be worse than Jalen Smith due to the lack of 3P shooting ability, and we don't know if his rim protection will translate like every college center prospect. Jalen Smith was 2.4 bpg in college, he isn't a shotblocker in the NBA. College centers are just a huge gamble, bigger bust factor that any other type of position.

[boozapalooza]

Maluach is obviously an amazing athletic talent, but the tourney play worries me (and I cant help but think of James Wiseman, who was a smiler freak specimen that was more developed offensively and a huge bust - though there were even pre draft some work ethic questions raised about him, so…).

Maluach averaged 23 MPG with 11.5 ppg on 87% shooting, 6.3 rebounds and 2 blocks in the first 4 tournament games.

In his last game he grabbed 0 rebounds in 21 Final Four minutes.

One game doesnt define a player. Yes 0 boards is sad but if you watched that game, Houston made a point in their gameplan to take Maluach as far away from the rim as possible. They made it a point to effectively take him out of the game with a small ball lineup. I chalk it up to just a bad game and bad matchup for him.

[Andi Obst]

The comp that really jumps out to me for Sorber is Jalen Smith, for better or worse. Their measurables and stats in college were similar, and after watching both play their styles share a lot in common as well I think Wendell was more mobile than either of them and ended up being more of a 4 than people thought.

Sorber is on my "ehhh" list. I won't hate it if we take him because he's got a solid floor, but he projects to be a role player IMO.

Sorber is ten times the defensive prospect Smith was. I can see what you mean on offense (that's a good thing!), but that's the reason I like Sorber so much more. I think he has a realistic path to be a good starting center, which would be great value at 12.

[Jvaughn]

Still towards the top of my list

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