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2025 NBA Draft Prospects

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Re: 2025 NBA Draft Prospects 

Post#1721 » by jordanwilliams6 » Tue Mar 25, 2025 3:36 am

If the assumption is that Matas, Giddey & Coby are our core. Are we drafting based on who fits with them? It appears we need a low usage guard/wing that can play POA defense and shoot at a high level. A center would need to be a positive defender.

PG: Coby
SG:
SF: Giddey
PF: Matas
C:
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Re: 2025 NBA Draft Prospects 

Post#1722 » by League Circles » Tue Mar 25, 2025 3:44 am

jordanwilliams6 wrote:If the assumption is that Matas, Giddey & Coby are our core. Are we drafting based on who fits with them? It appears we need a low usage guard/wing that can play POA defense and shoot at a high level. A center would need to be a positive defender.

PG: Coby
SG:
SF: Giddey
PF: Matas
C:

Yeah, absolutely defense first. Semi-ideal fits that we almost certainly won't be able to draft are Edgecomb and Maluach. I'd say go for the guy that looks like he has the best chance to be better than Smith, Ayo or Ball. Because those 3 will fill the roles you describe if we don't find someone better.
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Re: 2025 NBA Draft Prospects 

Post#1723 » by jordanwilliams6 » Tue Mar 25, 2025 3:48 am

League Circles wrote:
jordanwilliams6 wrote:If the assumption is that Matas, Giddey & Coby are our core. Are we drafting based on who fits with them? It appears we need a low usage guard/wing that can play POA defense and shoot at a high level. A center would need to be a positive defender.

PG: Coby
SG:
SF: Giddey
PF: Matas
C:

Yeah, absolutely defense first. Semi-ideal fits that we almost certainly won't be able to draft are Edgecomb and Maluach. I'd say go for the guy that looks like he has the best chance to be better than Smith, Ayo or Ball. Because those 3 will fill the roles you describe if we don't find someone better.

I agree that VJ is probably the best fit but it's clear we won't get him without some luck. It's also interesting that our roster is actually built really well at the moment in terms of fit and chemistry. Ball & Ayo are solid fall back options for that vacant guard defender spot with Smith & Collins also working really well with the three main guys.
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Re: 2025 NBA Draft Prospects 

Post#1724 » by nomorezorro » Tue Mar 25, 2025 4:04 am

jordanwilliams6 wrote:If the assumption is that Matas, Giddey & Coby are our core. Are we drafting based on who fits with them? It appears we need a low usage guard/wing that can play POA defense and shoot at a high level. A center would need to be a positive defender.

PG: Coby
SG:
SF: Giddey
PF: Matas
C:


you can't decide who to draft based on a completely unproven core of three guys who have failed to ever put together a full season of high-impact basketball.

you take the best player available. if you have prospects ranked on the same tier, then you can start to factor in fit with this group, but it really shouldn't weigh too heavy. even if your best prospect is another on-ball guard, there are plenty of minutes to go around behind and next to coby/giddey, and there's no guarantee either guy is here 2 years from now
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Re: 2025 NBA Draft Prospects 

Post#1725 » by RastaBull » Tue Mar 25, 2025 4:43 am

jordanwilliams6 wrote:If the assumption is that Matas, Giddey & Coby are our core. Are we drafting based on who fits with them? It appears we need a low usage guard/wing that can play POA defense and shoot at a high level. A center would need to be a positive defender.

PG: Coby
SG:
SF: Giddey
PF: Matas
C:


I still think Giddey is the PG through and through ... no reason to put him at SF because he is taller. Coby is the SG. Matas, I hope is more PF than SF.

So to me the needs are (1) SF/F in much the same vein as Matas; athletic, good defense, preferably with more dominate catch and shoot ability right away. (2) Center ... hard to pick those in the draft, but someone that can grown into an anchor in the defensive post (and potentially rim runner or offensive anchor under basket).

Ace Bailey is the best fit overall in my opinion. Maybe if we get lotto lucky even with the 4th?

Even before tourny I'd been looking at Derik Queen from Maryland. Then his Big Ten and NCAA Tourny games have been really solid.

Also intrigued by Will Riley ... but a reach around 8-10.
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Re: 2025 NBA Draft Prospects 

Post#1726 » by jordanwilliams6 » Tue Mar 25, 2025 5:14 am

RastaBull wrote:
jordanwilliams6 wrote:If the assumption is that Matas, Giddey & Coby are our core. Are we drafting based on who fits with them? It appears we need a low usage guard/wing that can play POA defense and shoot at a high level. A center would need to be a positive defender.

PG: Coby
SG:
SF: Giddey
PF: Matas
C:


I still think Giddey is the PG through and through ... no reason to put him at SF because he is taller. Coby is the SG. Matas, I hope is more PF than SF.

So to me the needs are (1) SF/F in much the same vein as Matas; athletic, good defense, preferably with more dominate catch and shoot ability right away. (2) Center ... hard to pick those in the draft, but someone that can grown into an anchor in the defensive post (and potentially rim runner or offensive anchor under basket).

Ace Bailey is the best fit overall in my opinion. Maybe if we get lotto lucky even with the 4th?

Even before tourny I'd been looking at Derik Queen from Maryland. Then his Big Ten and NCAA Tourny games have been really solid.

Also intrigued by Will Riley ... but a reach around 8-10.

Oh for sure Giddey is the PG, it was more of a placeholder because he isn't the PG on defense. We need a bigger wing to slot next to Coby & Giddey that can guard the opponents best offensive player 1-3.

Basically a healthy version of Lonzo.
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Re: 2025 NBA Draft Prospects 

Post#1727 » by WesPeace » Tue Mar 25, 2025 7:57 am

jordanwilliams6 wrote:If the assumption is that Matas, Giddey & Coby are our core. Are we drafting based on who fits with them? It appears we need a low usage guard/wing that can play POA defense and shoot at a high level. A center would need to be a positive defender.

PG: Coby
SG:
SF: Giddey
PF: Matas
C:


Coby isnt a PG, he is pure SG at this stage..also Giddey is pure PG even tho he has size.. so basically ideal great fit picks would be SF and C, with Matas at PF
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Re: 2025 NBA Draft Prospects 

Post#1728 » by WesPeace » Tue Mar 25, 2025 8:00 am

Guru wrote:
Chi town wrote:
Guru wrote:
In my watching of Newell I saw a guy who didn't have the dog. Low motor, tall and athletic but not really interested in trying to dominate. I see him as just another big who gets lost when everyone is tall and athletic. '

My favorite is by far Rasheer Flemming. A Legit 6-9 with a 7-4 wing span. A very good shooter, can handle a bit. ALWAYS moving. This is why Huerter and Collins and Jones have been great. They don't stop moving. When a shot goes up they try to rebound it. He would do that. His length makes him a great help defender and his athleticism makes him great on ball. He will run very well with Ball and White and Giddey and Buz. He fits that crew perfectly. Honestly he reminds me of exactly what we want Patrick Williams to be. He has that skillset with a winner mentality.


How do you see him playing? C? 4 and backup 5?

Billy normally plays very small. I don’t believe he will ever play a real PF at PF.


I think he's a 3/4 just like Buz and Williams


I feel he is already big enough to be legit PF, but with Billy and Bulls he would be smaller C mostly.
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Re: 2025 NBA Draft Prospects 

Post#1729 » by eierluke » Tue Mar 25, 2025 8:50 am

League Circles wrote:
jordanwilliams6 wrote:If the assumption is that Matas, Giddey & Coby are our core. Are we drafting based on who fits with them? It appears we need a low usage guard/wing that can play POA defense and shoot at a high level. A center would need to be a positive defender.

PG: Coby
SG:
SF: Giddey
PF: Matas
C:

Yeah, absolutely defense first. Semi-ideal fits that we almost certainly won't be able to draft are Edgecomb and Maluach. I'd say go for the guy that looks like he has the best chance to be better than Smith, Ayo or Ball. Because those 3 will fill the roles you describe if we don't find someone better.


Smith, Ayo and Ball have been mentioned and could held the "core above".
What about the guys we got from the LaVine trade?
Jones, Huerter and Collins all fit very well because they are
A) very motivated guys and
B) are all good passers with good BBall IQ
That to me means they aren't part of the machine that carries the heavy load, but are "capable to serve as the oil that makes the machine running effectively"
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Re: 2025 NBA Draft Prospects 

Post#1730 » by League Circles » Tue Mar 25, 2025 11:29 am

eierluke wrote:
League Circles wrote:
jordanwilliams6 wrote:If the assumption is that Matas, Giddey & Coby are our core. Are we drafting based on who fits with them? It appears we need a low usage guard/wing that can play POA defense and shoot at a high level. A center would need to be a positive defender.

PG: Coby
SG:
SF: Giddey
PF: Matas
C:

Yeah, absolutely defense first. Semi-ideal fits that we almost certainly won't be able to draft are Edgecomb and Maluach. I'd say go for the guy that looks like he has the best chance to be better than Smith, Ayo or Ball. Because those 3 will fill the roles you describe if we don't find someone better.


Smith, Ayo and Ball have been mentioned and could held the "core above".
What about the guys we got from the LaVine trade?
Jones, Huerter and Collins all fit very well because they are
A) very motivated guys and
B) are all good passers with good BBall IQ
That to me means they aren't part of the machine that carries the heavy load, but are "capable to serve as the oil that makes the machine running effectively"

Personally, while all three have been solid, only Jones really impresses me, and he'd be much more helpful running the 2nd team offense than being a starter with that group, cause we'd be a poor defensive team then. I also don't think Collins is a good enough defender with that group. Huerter I don't think is good enough
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Re: 2025 NBA Draft Prospects 

Post#1731 » by Jcool0 » Tue Mar 25, 2025 11:59 am

League Circles wrote:
eierluke wrote:
League Circles wrote:Yeah, absolutely defense first. Semi-ideal fits that we almost certainly won't be able to draft are Edgecomb and Maluach. I'd say go for the guy that looks like he has the best chance to be better than Smith, Ayo or Ball. Because those 3 will fill the roles you describe if we don't find someone better.


Smith, Ayo and Ball have been mentioned and could held the "core above".
What about the guys we got from the LaVine trade?
Jones, Huerter and Collins all fit very well because they are
A) very motivated guys and
B) are all good passers with good BBall IQ
That to me means they aren't part of the machine that carries the heavy load, but are "capable to serve as the oil that makes the machine running effectively"

Personally, while all three have been solid, only Jones really impresses me, and he'd be much more helpful running the 2nd team offense than being a starter with that group, cause we'd be a poor defensive team then. I also don't think Collins is a good enough defender with that group. Huerter I don't think is good enough


FWIW while It is a small sample size Bulls are a +10.3 when Huerter is on the court & that is with him shooting 34% from 3. Bulls players with 500+ total minutes he is #1 on the Bulls, Lonzo is 2nd at +6.5 & Coby is overall for the year -3.6 (though i am sure that is better during the streak).
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Re: 2025 NBA Draft Prospects 

Post#1732 » by Jcool0 » Tue Mar 25, 2025 12:31 pm

Just saw the B/R Mock on NBA.com. Jonathan Wasserman is a pretty good draft guy. Had some interesting picks at spots the Bulls could draft.

7. Toronto Raptors: Khaman Maluach (Duke, C)

Previous Mock Position: No. 7
Size: 7’2″, 250 lbs
Age: 18
Nationality: South Sudan
Pro Comparison: Mark Williams

Regardless of how productive or quiet Khaman Maluach can be in Duke’s loaded offense, he’ll still remain highly enticing, particularly after workouts. And the idea of 7’6″ length, defensive mobility, elite finishing, physical screening and potentially some shooting range figures to look extra attractive next to Scottie Barnes.

Scouts don’t sound concerned by Maluach’s rawness or pedestrian shot-blocking numbers. At his size with the way he moves, they see a surefire finishing weapon and defensive disruptor whose pre-Duke flashes of shotmaking hint at another route to offensive upside.

Given Maluach’s limited role with the Blue Devils, he’s a candidate to sell more teams during workouts with some masked shooting range for a prospect who’s likely to measure similarly to Rudy Gobert.

8. Chicago Bulls: Jase Richardson (Michigan State, SG)

Previous Mock Position: No. 8
Size: 6’3″, 185 lbs
Age: 19
Nationality: USA
Pro comparison: Reed Sheppard

Jase Richardson enters March Madness after combining for 38 points and seven threes in two Big Ten tournament games.

It’s become clearer by the month that he offers more creativity than the early numbers suggest. While he’s been incredibly efficient off the ball, he’s also been one of the nation’s most efficient ball-screen scorers thanks to his feel on drives, elite finishing and 49.1 percent pull-up shooting.

Some teams may have difficultly seeing upside in a 6’3″ guard who’s not known for playmaking.

10. Portland Trail Blazers: Kon Knueppel (Duke, SF)

Previous Mock Position: No. 10
Size: 6’6″, 217 lbs
Age: 19
Nationality: USA
Pro Comparisons: Kevin Huerter, Corey Kispert, Saddiq Bey

Watching Kon Knueppel drain quick-release threes, attack closeouts and finish plays in transition in recent weeks makes it easy to picture his fit and value at the next level.

The Portland Trail Blazers could eye him for a complementary role that calls for scoring out of spot-ups and off movement. But he can also get downhill in ball-screen situations.

His shotmaking has been easy to buy, based on his balance and accuracy in every shooting situation.

Teams may have a tough time buying a shot-creator, which limits possibilities when it comes to upside. He figures to wind up with a team that’s looking to fill a need or hole with shooting, high-IQ play and instant results.

15. Orlando Magic: Noa Essengue (Ratiopharm Ulm, PF)

Previous Mock Position: No. 16
Size: 6’9″, 198 lbs
Age: 18
Nationality: France
Pro Comparisons: Jabari Walker, Precious Achiuwa

Noa Essengue delivered his fourth 20-point game of the season, mostly by playing to his strengths as a rim runner, finisher and driver in space.

The narrative around Noa Essengue has been the same all year, with the 18-year-old consistently finding ways to earn easy baskets and trips to the line by running the floor, crashing the glass, attacking closeouts, timing cuts and making a three-pointer every other game.

Though it seems unlikely he’ll ever be a creator or prolific shotmaker, he gets the most out of every inch of size and length.


https://www.nba.com/news/2025-nba-mock-draft-latest-2-round-predictions-as-ncaa-tournament-begins
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Re: 2025 NBA Draft Prospects 

Post#1733 » by League Circles » Tue Mar 25, 2025 12:35 pm

Jcool0 wrote:
League Circles wrote:
eierluke wrote:
Smith, Ayo and Ball have been mentioned and could held the "core above".
What about the guys we got from the LaVine trade?
Jones, Huerter and Collins all fit very well because they are
A) very motivated guys and
B) are all good passers with good BBall IQ
That to me means they aren't part of the machine that carries the heavy load, but are "capable to serve as the oil that makes the machine running effectively"

Personally, while all three have been solid, only Jones really impresses me, and he'd be much more helpful running the 2nd team offense than being a starter with that group, cause we'd be a poor defensive team then. I also don't think Collins is a good enough defender with that group. Huerter I don't think is good enough


FWIW while It is a small sample size Bulls are a +10.3 when Huerter is on the court & that is with him shooting 34% from 3. Bulls players with 500+ total minutes he is #1 on the Bulls, Lonzo is 2nd at +6.5 & Coby is overall for the year -3.6 (though i am sure that is better during the streak).


I'm trying to not draw too many conclusions based on statistics during this good stretch we've had against bad teams. Huerter is competent at everything but doesn't seem good at anything. Hasn't been a good enough shooter or defender in his career to be a long term starter complementing Coby, Giddey, Matas and a C IMO. Fine player to have in the rotation for next year though.
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Re: 2025 NBA Draft Prospects 

Post#1734 » by Jcool0 » Tue Mar 25, 2025 12:46 pm

League Circles wrote:
Jcool0 wrote:
League Circles wrote:Personally, while all three have been solid, only Jones really impresses me, and he'd be much more helpful running the 2nd team offense than being a starter with that group, cause we'd be a poor defensive team then. I also don't think Collins is a good enough defender with that group. Huerter I don't think is good enough


FWIW while It is a small sample size Bulls are a +10.3 when Huerter is on the court & that is with him shooting 34% from 3. Bulls players with 500+ total minutes he is #1 on the Bulls, Lonzo is 2nd at +6.5 & Coby is overall for the year -3.6 (though i am sure that is better during the streak).


I'm trying to not draw too many conclusions based on statistics during this good stretch we've had against bad teams. Huerter is competent at everything but doesn't seem good at anything. Hasn't been a good enough shooter or defender in his career to be a long term starter complementing Coby, Giddey, Matas and a C IMO. Fine player to have in the rotation for next year though.


If it helps from 2021-2024 he had a +2.7 on court rating. So while the 10.3 probably unsustainable for a full season. The 2.7 shows he has been a positive player for multiple seasons. Which the Bulls need more of.
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Re: 2025 NBA Draft Prospects 

Post#1735 » by League Circles » Tue Mar 25, 2025 12:51 pm

Jcool0 wrote:
League Circles wrote:
Jcool0 wrote:
FWIW while It is a small sample size Bulls are a +10.3 when Huerter is on the court & that is with him shooting 34% from 3. Bulls players with 500+ total minutes he is #1 on the Bulls, Lonzo is 2nd at +6.5 & Coby is overall for the year -3.6 (though i am sure that is better during the streak).


I'm trying to not draw too many conclusions based on statistics during this good stretch we've had against bad teams. Huerter is competent at everything but doesn't seem good at anything. Hasn't been a good enough shooter or defender in his career to be a long term starter complementing Coby, Giddey, Matas and a C IMO. Fine player to have in the rotation for next year though.


If it helps from 2021-2024 he had a +2.7 on court rating. So while the 10.3 probably unsustainable for a full season. The 2.7 shows he has been a positive player for multiple seasons. Which the Bulls need more of.

Yes, but not as much as they need someone who is a significantly better defender and/or shooter than him long term to fit with Coby and Giddey on the perimeter. I'm looking for a player archetype, not solid past performance. I wouldn't necessarily be opposed to re-signing Huerter after next season on a cheaper deal though.
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Re: 2025 NBA Draft Prospects 

Post#1736 » by Jcool0 » Tue Mar 25, 2025 12:55 pm

League Circles wrote:
Jcool0 wrote:
League Circles wrote:
I'm trying to not draw too many conclusions based on statistics during this good stretch we've had against bad teams. Huerter is competent at everything but doesn't seem good at anything. Hasn't been a good enough shooter or defender in his career to be a long term starter complementing Coby, Giddey, Matas and a C IMO. Fine player to have in the rotation for next year though.


If it helps from 2021-2024 he had a +2.7 on court rating. So while the 10.3 probably unsustainable for a full season. The 2.7 shows he has been a positive player for multiple seasons. Which the Bulls need more of.

Yes, but not as much as they need someone who is a significantly better defender and/or shooter than him long term to fit with Coby and Giddey on the perimeter. I'm looking for a player archetype, not solid past performance. I wouldn't necessarily be opposed to re-signing Huerter after next season on a cheaper deal though.


Huerter will be 27 next year and has 1 year left on his contract. I dont think he is a long term play. But i dont see the Bulls just dumping him. I could see the Bulls taking Knueppel as his replacement.
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Re: 2025 NBA Draft Prospects 

Post#1737 » by waffle » Tue Mar 25, 2025 1:14 pm

Small point but a point. Terry has looked pretty good for much of this season, particularly lately. Not sure he impacts on our draft but that is one more bench piece that is probably going to be here.

we have A LOT of bodies
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Re: 2025 NBA Draft Prospects 

Post#1738 » by Jcool0 » Tue Mar 25, 2025 1:23 pm

waffle wrote:Small point but a point. Terry has looked pretty good for much of this season, particularly lately. Not sure he impacts on our draft but that is one more bench piece that is probably going to be here.

we have A LOT of bodies


Terry? The guy who just came off a 12 games run of 4.5 points (43/38/63), 1.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists? Why would that impact our draft? Because he scored 13 & 14 points the last two games?
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Re: 2025 NBA Draft Prospects 

Post#1739 » by Guru » Tue Mar 25, 2025 1:25 pm

waffle wrote:Small point but a point. Terry has looked pretty good for much of this season, particularly lately. Not sure he impacts on our draft but that is one more bench piece that is probably going to be here.

we have A LOT of bodies


When do we have to pay him next?
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Re: 2025 NBA Draft Prospects 

Post#1740 » by drosestruts » Tue Mar 25, 2025 3:08 pm

Perhaps my expectations are too high but I can't help but shake the feeling that every draft is just always overhyped.

Cooper Flagg has to me lived up to the hype.

I do like Dylan Harper.


After that...... I have a hard time distinguishing players 3 - 20's. To me, they're all the same.


I think no players is over-hyped more than Ace Bailey.

Like I'm old enough to have seen Carmelo Anthony take a pre-season unranked Syracuse to the tournament and a national championship as a freshman.

Winning matters.

Rutgers having two top-5 picks and not even making the tournament just doesn't sit well with me.

If Carmelo can do it with Hakim Warrick and Gary McNamara - Harper and Bailey should be able to at least make the tournament

The fact that they can't, earns them a lot of side-eye and skepticism from me.



On the other hand of it - I have not been a Queen fan for much of this season. But his performance in the tournament has to catch your eye. He can't shoot, can't block shots - certainly not ideal for a center in 2025. But he's winning.

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