2025 NBA Draft Prospects

[Chi town]

I am curious for those who want to keep the pick......we are most likely to pick maybe 6-10? Who would you want there? I just don't see a player that excites me.

I have no problem trying to get a late first for a flyer though

This draft is loaded with potential lead handler offensive engine players. This is what the Bulls lack.

Harper JK Saraf Demin Traore

Shooters in Tre Kon McNeeley

Saraf would be my pick outside top 5. He’s PG version if Ginobili. Tough 2 way player. Off the charts IQ. Competitor. Winning player.

What do you see JK having that Giddey doesn't? Just the shooting?

Sorry. KJ. Not JK.

KJ is everything we hope Giddey to become.

KJ makes everyone better. Elite and fierce competitor and IQ. He can get his own shot at all 3 levels. He can create 3 off the bounce with wide step and step backs.

Defensively he is tough and smart.

If we had Lavine and KJ next season with a strong defensive C replacing Vuc we would be a top 5 team in the east and make it to the 2nd round. He’s that good.

Giddey can’t shoot. Left wide open. Can’t get his own shot. Can’t post up. Can only score on the secondary fast break down hill. He SUCKS in the halfcourt as he can’t get momentum down hill to get to the basket. He has NO midrange game. He creates NO 3pt shots for himself.

Sadly Giddey has no trade value anymore either. He has had a dozen truly embarrassing games this season.

[Repeat 3-peat]

Giddey got played off the court in the playoffs because of his lack of scoring/shooting ability. It's 2025. You have to be able to score, or be an above average 3pt shooter to stick on the court for 20+ mins in the playoffs.

This team needs to wake tf and tank so they can acquire talented young players they can build with/around as they currently lack those players. How in the hell do they expect to improve if they don't? they are in NBA hell.

[Guru]

This draft is loaded with potential lead handler offensive engine players. This is what the Bulls lack.

Harper JK Saraf Demin Traore

Shooters in Tre Kon McNeeley

Saraf would be my pick outside top 5. He’s PG version if Ginobili. Tough 2 way player. Off the charts IQ. Competitor. Winning player.

What do you see JK having that Giddey doesn't? Just the shooting?

Sorry. KJ. Not JK.

KJ is everything we hope Giddey to become.

KJ makes everyone better. Elite and fierce competitor and IQ. He can get his own shot at all 3 levels. He can create 3 off the bounce with wide step and step backs.

Defensively he is tough and smart.

If we had Lavine and KJ next season with a strong defensive C replacing Vuc we would be a top 5 team in the east and make it to the 2nd round. He’s that good.

Giddey can’t shoot. Left wide open. Can’t get his own shot. Can’t post up. Can only score on the secondary fast break down hill. He SUCKS in the halfcourt as he can’t get momentum down hill to get to the basket. He has NO midrange game. He creates NO 3pt shots for himself.

Sadly Giddey has no trade value anymore either. He has had a dozen truly embarrassing games this season.

Im not going to buy into the negativity on Giddey, he can absolutely get to the basket and get his own shot. He is an elite passer and rebounder for the position. KJ defense and athleticism seem comparable. I can agree with the shooting, but I think that will come onbecause he can see his form is off and he pops his elbow. An offseason with this staff and that might be fixed.

I think they are comparable players....limited athletes with very good offensive games...who will always be negatives on defense. If Giddey fixes his shooting he's the better player IMO

I am open to having my mind changed here when it comes to JK and if his defense is actually good he'd play well next to Giddey.

IT might be moot because I think this draft is week and he will go top 5.

[Chi town]

G,

Hope you’re right. Guddey needs way more than a 3 ball. He has no midrange game or go to moves. No pull up. He needs a good set shot 3 just to be a decent starter. His D has improved a lot past 10 games but it needs to improve.

KJ is light years ahead of Giddey on D. He competes on every possession. Both are limited athletes laterally. Guddey has more size but KJ way more quickness and ability on ball.

[Jstock12]

KJ makes everyone better. Elite and fierce competitor and IQ. He can get his own shot at all 3 levels. He can create 3 off the bounce with wide step and step backs.

Some Lithuanian journalists took an interview with him right after loss to USC. KJ mentioned he's more comfortable shooting threes off the bounce - something about feeling the ball better that way, as opposed to catch-and-shoot situations. He also mentioned that the injury he's having is a tendon inflammation and he decided to play it safe. I tried posting it on Illini forum but it was deleted, maybe KJ spoke too openly in that interview and the admins thought it needed some censorship haha.

[DuckIII]

What do you see JK having that Giddey doesn't? Just the shooting?

Sorry. KJ. Not JK.

KJ is everything we hope Giddey to become.

KJ makes everyone better. Elite and fierce competitor and IQ. He can get his own shot at all 3 levels. He can create 3 off the bounce with wide step and step backs.

Defensively he is tough and smart.

If we had Lavine and KJ next season with a strong defensive C replacing Vuc we would be a top 5 team in the east and make it to the 2nd round. He’s that good.

Giddey can’t shoot. Left wide open. Can’t get his own shot. Can’t post up. Can only score on the secondary fast break down hill. He SUCKS in the halfcourt as he can’t get momentum down hill to get to the basket. He has NO midrange game. He creates NO 3pt shots for himself.

Sadly Giddey has no trade value anymore either. He has had a dozen truly embarrassing games this season.

Im not going to buy into the negativity on Giddey, he can absolutely get to the basket and get his own shot. He is an elite passer and rebounder for the position. KJ defense and athleticism seem comparable. I can agree with the shooting, but I think that will come onbecause he can see his form is off and he pops his elbow. An offseason with this staff and that might be fixed.

I think they are comparable players....limited athletes with very good offensive games...who will always be negatives on defense. If Giddey fixes his shooting he's the better player IMO

I am open to having my mind changed here when it comes to JK and if his defense is actually good he'd play well next to Giddey.

IT might be moot because I think this draft is week and he will go top 5.

Frankly this is like a political debate where people appear to be arguing a specific issue, but actually they are just taking a position consistent with their preferred party. Everyone who doesn't want the Bulls to rebuild downplays the quality of this draft not because the draft should be downplayed, but because downplaying helps support a different issue more important to them - not losing. And those who want to rebuild simply agree with the rest of the basketball world that its a very strong looking draft. And maybe they are quick to agree because they want the pick. So no point trying to convince anyone because in my opinion the discrete views are being polluted by a completely different motivation.

Ignoring all that, and isolating this discussion to purely whether KJ or Giddey appears to be the better prospect with the higher ceiling, it is clearly KJ in my view. That's not a knock on Giddey and I agree Giddey is a good young player with some excellent and unique skills. But KJ has a vastly more diverse game on both sides of the court and offensively in particular because its not just that he's got a great 3 ball and Giddey's stinks. Its because as much of a wizard as Giddey is in the full court playing with pace, when the game slows down he's pretty much JAG in the half court. Whereas KJ is also strong running and gunning (not as strong as Giddey) but is positively brilliant in the half court against a set defense.

Take it or leave it, but I don't consider it a close question at all. KJ will be special in the NBA. And scouts agree. He's showing up around 5-6 pretty regularly in mocks ahead of some impressive prospects.

[Guru]

Sorry. KJ. Not JK.

KJ is everything we hope Giddey to become.

KJ makes everyone better. Elite and fierce competitor and IQ. He can get his own shot at all 3 levels. He can create 3 off the bounce with wide step and step backs.

Defensively he is tough and smart.

If we had Lavine and KJ next season with a strong defensive C replacing Vuc we would be a top 5 team in the east and make it to the 2nd round. He’s that good.

Giddey can’t shoot. Left wide open. Can’t get his own shot. Can’t post up. Can only score on the secondary fast break down hill. He SUCKS in the halfcourt as he can’t get momentum down hill to get to the basket. He has NO midrange game. He creates NO 3pt shots for himself.

Sadly Giddey has no trade value anymore either. He has had a dozen truly embarrassing games this season.

Im not going to buy into the negativity on Giddey, he can absolutely get to the basket and get his own shot. He is an elite passer and rebounder for the position. KJ defense and athleticism seem comparable. I can agree with the shooting, but I think that will come onbecause he can see his form is off and he pops his elbow. An offseason with this staff and that might be fixed.

I think they are comparable players....limited athletes with very good offensive games...who will always be negatives on defense. If Giddey fixes his shooting he's the better player IMO

I am open to having my mind changed here when it comes to JK and if his defense is actually good he'd play well next to Giddey.

IT might be moot because I think this draft is week and he will go top 5.

Frankly this is like a political debate where people appear to be arguing a specific issue, but actually they are just taking a position consistent with their preferred party. Everyone who doesn't want the Bulls to rebuild downplays the quality of this draft not because the draft should be downplayed, but because downplaying helps support a different issue more important to them - not losing. And those who want to rebuild simply agree with the rest of the basketball world that its a very strong looking draft. And maybe they are quick to agree because they want the pick. So no point trying to convince anyone because in my opinion the discrete views are being polluted by a completely different motivation.

Ignoring all that, and isolating this discussion to purely whether KJ or Giddey appears to be the better prospect with the higher ceiling, it is clearly KJ in my view. That's not a knock on Giddey and I agree Giddey is a good young player with some excellent and unique skills. But KJ has a vastly more diverse game on both sides of the court and offensively in particular because its not just that he's got a great 3 ball and Giddey's stinks. Its because as much of a wizard as Giddey is in the full court playing with pace, when the game slows down he's pretty much JAG in the half court. Whereas KJ is also strong running and gunning (not as strong as Giddey) but is positively brilliant in the half court against a set defense.

Take it or leave it, but I don't consider it a close question at all. KJ will be special in the NBA. And scouts agree. He's showing up around 5-6 pretty regularly in mocks ahead of some impressive prospects.

FWIW I am fine tanking.

Just reading through the athletic mock, which is very thoughtful, there aren't many guys I was excited about in the 6-13 range that we would take around 6-10 That is our most likely landing spot.

Losing pick 13 isn't meaningful to me. I like Dalen Terry but I don't feel bad not adding another one.

[drosestruts]

Well Flagg finally had a big time game that's worthy of his hype. Would be cool to see some more big games from him.

[DuckIII]

Well Flagg finally had a big time game that's worthy of his hype. Would be cool to see some more big games from him.

Eh, big games and big numbers don’t matter so much in college. Scouting greats is more about attributes. Derrick Rose scored 14.9 ppg in college.

Regardless, Flagg has been remarkably productive for a freshman anyway. 19/8/4/1.5/1.5 with a solid .583 ts and his main attribute is defense. From a productivity standpoint, if that is your preferred approach and I’d argue it should not be, you can’t expect a whole lot more. Those numbers are pretty crazy actually in the modern college game.

[Jcool0]

Well Flagg finally had a big time game that's worthy of his hype. Would be cool to see some more big games from him.

Eh, big games and big numbers don’t matter so much in college. Scouting greats is more about attributes. Derrick Rose scored 14.9 ppg in college.

Regardless, Flagg has been remarkably productive for a freshman anyway. 19/8/4/1.5/1.5 with a solid .583 ts and his main attribute is defense. From a productivity standpoint, if that is your preferred approach and I’d argue it should not be, you can’t expect a whole lot more. Those numbers are pretty crazy actually in the modern college game.

Stats aren't the most important thing but Rose wasn't the #1 guy before the tournament where he averaged 20 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists and got to the finals. Then it was between him and Beasley for #1.

[othawhitemeat]

Sorry. KJ. Not JK.

KJ is everything we hope Giddey to become.

KJ makes everyone better. Elite and fierce competitor and IQ. He can get his own shot at all 3 levels. He can create 3 off the bounce with wide step and step backs.

Defensively he is tough and smart.

If we had Lavine and KJ next season with a strong defensive C replacing Vuc we would be a top 5 team in the east and make it to the 2nd round. He’s that good.

Giddey can’t shoot. Left wide open. Can’t get his own shot. Can’t post up. Can only score on the secondary fast break down hill. He SUCKS in the halfcourt as he can’t get momentum down hill to get to the basket. He has NO midrange game. He creates NO 3pt shots for himself.

Sadly Giddey has no trade value anymore either. He has had a dozen truly embarrassing games this season.

Im not going to buy into the negativity on Giddey, he can absolutely get to the basket and get his own shot. He is an elite passer and rebounder for the position. KJ defense and athleticism seem comparable. I can agree with the shooting, but I think that will come onbecause he can see his form is off and he pops his elbow. An offseason with this staff and that might be fixed.

I think they are comparable players....limited athletes with very good offensive games...who will always be negatives on defense. If Giddey fixes his shooting he's the better player IMO

I am open to having my mind changed here when it comes to JK and if his defense is actually good he'd play well next to Giddey.

IT might be moot because I think this draft is week and he will go top 5.

Frankly this is like a political debate where people appear to be arguing a specific issue, but actually they are just taking a position consistent with their preferred party. Everyone who doesn't want the Bulls to rebuild downplays the quality of this draft not because the draft should be downplayed, but because downplaying helps support a different issue more important to them - not losing. And those who want to rebuild simply agree with the rest of the basketball world that its a very strong looking draft. And maybe they are quick to agree because they want the pick. So no point trying to convince anyone because in my opinion the discrete views are being polluted by a completely different motivation.

Ignoring all that, and isolating this discussion to purely whether KJ or Giddey appears to be the better prospect with the higher ceiling, it is clearly KJ in my view. That's not a knock on Giddey and I agree Giddey is a good young player with some excellent and unique skills. But KJ has a vastly more diverse game on both sides of the court and offensively in particular because its not just that he's got a great 3 ball and Giddey's stinks. Its because as much of a wizard as Giddey is in the full court playing with pace, when the game slows down he's pretty much JAG in the half court. Whereas KJ is also strong running and gunning (not as strong as Giddey) but is positively brilliant in the half court against a set defense.

Take it or leave it, but I don't consider it a close question at all. KJ will be special in the NBA. And scouts agree. He's showing up around 5-6 pretty regularly in mocks ahead of some impressive prospects.

KJ is a freaking maestro out there in pick-and-roll. I'm not saying he will be as good at all, but I can see some tendencies of a Steve Nash (not as good) and some Goran Dragic type flare. He is strong as heck, a determined dude, and not a slouch defensively either. I think if his health checks out, the dude is going to be a perennial all-star.

[othawhitemeat]

Sorry. KJ. Not JK.

KJ is everything we hope Giddey to become.

KJ makes everyone better. Elite and fierce competitor and IQ. He can get his own shot at all 3 levels. He can create 3 off the bounce with wide step and step backs.

Defensively he is tough and smart.

If we had Lavine and KJ next season with a strong defensive C replacing Vuc we would be a top 5 team in the east and make it to the 2nd round. He’s that good.

Giddey can’t shoot. Left wide open. Can’t get his own shot. Can’t post up. Can only score on the secondary fast break down hill. He SUCKS in the halfcourt as he can’t get momentum down hill to get to the basket. He has NO midrange game. He creates NO 3pt shots for himself.

Sadly Giddey has no trade value anymore either. He has had a dozen truly embarrassing games this season.

Im not going to buy into the negativity on Giddey, he can absolutely get to the basket and get his own shot. He is an elite passer and rebounder for the position. KJ defense and athleticism seem comparable. I can agree with the shooting, but I think that will come onbecause he can see his form is off and he pops his elbow. An offseason with this staff and that might be fixed.

I think they are comparable players....limited athletes with very good offensive games...who will always be negatives on defense. If Giddey fixes his shooting he's the better player IMO

I am open to having my mind changed here when it comes to JK and if his defense is actually good he'd play well next to Giddey.

IT might be moot because I think this draft is week and he will go top 5.

Frankly this is like a political debate where people appear to be arguing a specific issue, but actually they are just taking a position consistent with their preferred party. Everyone who doesn't want the Bulls to rebuild downplays the quality of this draft not because the draft should be downplayed, but because downplaying helps support a different issue more important to them - not losing. And those who want to rebuild simply agree with the rest of the basketball world that its a very strong looking draft. And maybe they are quick to agree because they want the pick. So no point trying to convince anyone because in my opinion the discrete views are being polluted by a completely different motivation.

Ignoring all that, and isolating this discussion to purely whether KJ or Giddey appears to be the better prospect with the higher ceiling, it is clearly KJ in my view. That's not a knock on Giddey and I agree Giddey is a good young player with some excellent and unique skills. But KJ has a vastly more diverse game on both sides of the court and offensively in particular because its not just that he's got a great 3 ball and Giddey's stinks. Its because as much of a wizard as Giddey is in the full court playing with pace, when the game slows down he's pretty much JAG in the half court. Whereas KJ is also strong running and gunning (not as strong as Giddey) but is positively brilliant in the half court against a set defense.

Take it or leave it, but I don't consider it a close question at all. KJ will be special in the NBA. And scouts agree. He's showing up around 5-6 pretty regularly in mocks ahead of some impressive prospects.

KJ is a freaking maestro out there in pick-and-roll. I'm not saying he will be as good at all, but I can see some tendencies of a Steve Nash (not as good) and some Goran Dragic type flare. He is strong as heck, a determined dude, and not a slouch defensively either. I think if his health checks out, the dude is going to be a perennial all-star.

[drosestruts]

Well Flagg finally had a big time game that's worthy of his hype. Would be cool to see some more big games from him.

Eh, big games and big numbers don’t matter so much in college. Scouting greats is more about attributes. Derrick Rose scored 14.9 ppg in college.

Regardless, Flagg has been remarkably productive for a freshman anyway. 19/8/4/1.5/1.5 with a solid .583 ts and his main attribute is defense. From a productivity standpoint, if that is your preferred approach and I’d argue it should not be, you can’t expect a whole lot more. Those numbers are pretty crazy actually in the modern college game.

I ideally want to see a balance between attributes and stats. If you're telling me someone in a generational prospect who can be a 1A guy on a team, I want to see that.

His 58% TS% would be league average for his position in the NBA. I'd ideally like to see that higher in his college stats, and by the end of the year, it may be.

Perhaps it's not a good comparison, but I tend to think of Anthony Davis who as also a very hyped defensive first prospect.

Ad had better rebounding numbers, Stocks, DRTG, DBPM.

Compared to his own class - 19/8/4 is great. You're looking at like only Johni Broome with similar production, with Broome being far older and not having anywhere near the athleticism of Flagg.

Flagg is certainly who I would still draft first overall in this draft.

I'm just not on board (yet - opinions can change) with him being some sort of can't miss, must have, generational talent.

People wanted to tank for Wemby, and 1.5 years in it's clear to see why.

I don't see Flagg as being special. Yet.

[DuckIII]

Flagg is certainly who I would still draft first overall in this draft.

Same, but I don't consider it some sort of unthinkable proposition that by draft day he would not be. There are several unique talents in this draft.

I'm just not on board (yet - opinions can change) with him being some sort of can't miss, must have, generational talent.

I think he is both can't miss and not a generational, must have talent. I think he's like Shane Battier if Shane Battier had a lot of talent. He really does play all out like a freaking animal all game long and he's like, what, 17 years old or something still? He's supposed to be in his sr. year in HS. The dude is a winner and has enough skill and physical talent to make it matter. His floor is high and virtually certainly will be achieved in my book.

I'm just not convinced his skills and physical talents are so special as to be able to ever have a "generational" impact at his position. Franchise player? Sure. That's absolutely possible. But "generational" is reserved for the extraordinarily unique. To me, that does not describe Flagg. Which is by no means a slight.

People wanted to tank for Wemby, and 1.5 years in it's clear to see why.

It was clear to see why before he was ever drafted. He's the greatest basketball prospect of all time and it was plain as day 2 years ago. But he shouldn't be used as a reference point for any prospect. He's not even generational. He's something above that reserved for guys like him or Wilt who were just flat out not fair and almost above the game. He's one of the greatest major sport prospects ever. He's a true blue freak of nature. Forget about Wemby. He's Gretzky, Ruth, Ohtani, Woods, Phelps.

[Rose2Boozer]

Who's the better prospect?

Danny Wolf

Watch on YouTube

Maxime Raynaud

Watch on YouTube

[GuardianEnzo]

He might be gone by 10, but people are sleeping on Nolan Traore. A work in progress but a chance to be a true elite PG.

[Donkedave]

[quote="Rose2Boozer"]Who's the better prospect?

Danny Wolf


Maxime Raynaud


Geez, think I like Wolf at this moment. Still long ways to go but.

[Guru]

I guess with how many guards we have I have foreclosed on the need for another middling guard type. If you can't play some PF or have all star upside I am not sure I am interested. I am reading up about a lot of flawed guards.

[Chi town]

He might be gone by 10, but people are sleeping on Nolan Traore. A work in progress but a chance to be a true elite PG.

Yep. Lots of high ceiling guys are going to drop outside top 10. Some will bust but a few will boom.

[Chi town]

I agree that Flagg won’t be generational. He will be franchise and help winning day one though. I think he will be generational at elevating a team for winning but without that on ball generational production. He’s that fierce of a competitor.

26 Draft has two generational talents in Dybantsa and Peterson. Both are ridiculous on ball, relentless attackers on both ends and absolute alpha dogs.