2025 NBA Draft Thread: Detroit Pick Edition

[Domejandro]

Has Hansen Yang enough stamina to stay on the floor in high paced NBA games?

Played 33 minutes a game over the past two seasons in the (frankly terrible) Chinese Basketball Association. Played 96/108 games.

Last season his splits were...
16.6 PPG
10.5 RPG
3.0 APG (3 turnovers per game, though)
2.6 BPG
1.0 SPG
58.6/33.3/67.1 Shooting Splits, 1.1 3PA
Won DPOY in 2024.

Sounds great, but there are a few issues.
1. He is very stiff laterally and runs upright.
2. Basketball in the CBA is low quality, but it is also GLACIALLY slow with no defense. Projecting prospects from stats there is completely useless.
3. Pretty turnover prone, even though the natural touch is there.
4. Vertically, he grades out as one of the worst prospects in the NBA Draft.

Here are athletic measurements between Hansen Yang, Rudy Gobert, and Steven Adams for context.
Hansen Yang vs. Rudy Gobert vs. Steven Adams
Lane Agility (Seconds): 11.79 vs. 12.85 vs. 11.85
Shuttle Run (Seconds): 3.01 vs. 3.19 vs. 3.02
3/4 Sprint (Seconds: 3.38 vs. 3.57 vs. 3.40
Standing Vertical Leap: 26.0 vs. 25.0 vs. 28.5
Running Vertical Leap: 30.0 vs. 29.0 vs. 33.0

While all of this looks somewhat optimistic, the physical measurements are part of what makes Rudy Gobert so freakish.
Hansen Yang vs. Rudy Gobert vs. Steven Adams
Hand LengthxWidth: 10.00x11.25 vs. 9.75x10.00 vs. 9.50x11.00 (inches)
Height Without Shoes: 7'1" vs. 7'0.5" vs. 6'10.75"
Standing Reach: 9'3" vs. 9'7" vs. 9'1.5"
Wingpsan: 7'2.75" vs. 7'8.5" vs. 7'4.5"
Weight (lbs): 252.6 vs. 237.6 vs. 254.5

So Hansen Yang is a bit quicker than Rudy Gobert at the same age, I think a lot of that is attributable to Rudy being so tall and lanky, whereas Hansen Yang already has a strong body coming into the NBA (15 pound difference). Rudy is just a freak with his measurements, though.

For what it is worth, Hansen Yang's measurements are more-so similar to Steven Adams' coming into the NBA. Similar oven mitt sized hands (Hansen Yang's are slightly bigger), Steven Adams was less than two pounds heavier (but two inches shorter!), and the athletic measurements are noticeably similar. That said, Steven Adams was definitely a better functional athlete coming into the NBA, and once again, he has that lankier wingspan which helps defensively.

Trying to find another athletic one-to-one for NBA caliber players is a bit tough. Meyers Leonard was laterally more quick as a college player, Frank Kaminsky had alligator arms and baby hands, Brook Lopez was slower but had tarantula arms, Nikola Jokic has similar measurements but is one of the worst vertical athletes in NBA history (he reportedly scored a 17 inch vertical with P3), etc.

That said, at pick 31, I am pretty comfortable with taking a chance on him because of his flashes as a passer. Worst case scenario, he busts, but the Chinese market pays for his entire contract.

[BlacJacMac]

Sorber weight gain might be blessing in disguise, just like Reid injury before draft was. Personally I am willing to take a risk

Naz missed one game in college. And played 36 minutes in the next one.

He dropped because he was fat and had a poor attitude as a freshman. I don't think anyone expected him to work sop hard on his body (lost 40+ pounds) and on his game after joining an NBA team.

I get what you are saying. But I am still willing to risk. I am sure TC has no problem with drafting Sorber (see Vando example in DEN) IF he sees the reason.

Maybe in the 2nd round (see Vando example in DEN), but I'd hope he wouldn't spend the #17 pick on him.

[Norseman79]

Has Hansen Yang enough stamina to stay on the floor in high paced NBA games?

Played 33 minutes a game over the past two seasons in the (frankly terrible) Chinese Basketball Association. Played 96/108 games.

Last season his splits were...
16.6 PPG
10.5 RPG
3.0 APG (3 turnovers per game, though)
2.6 BPG
1.0 SPG
58.6/33.3/67.1 Shooting Splits, 1.1 3PA
Won DPOY in 2024.

Sounds great, but there are a few issues.
1. He is very stiff laterally and runs upright.
2. Basketball in the CBA is low quality, but it is also GLACIALLY slow with no defense. Projecting prospects from stats there is completely useless.
3. Pretty turnover prone, even though the natural touch is there.
4. Vertically, he grades out as one of the worst prospects in the NBA Draft.

Here are athletic measurements between Hansen Yang, Rudy Gobert, and Steven Adams for context.
Hansen Yang vs. Rudy Gobert vs. Steven Adams
Lane Agility (Seconds): 11.79 vs. 12.85 vs. 11.85
Shuttle Run (Seconds): 3.01 vs. 3.19 vs. 3.02
3/4 Sprint (Seconds: 3.38 vs. 3.57 vs. 3.40
Standing Vertical Leap: 26.0 vs. 25.0 vs. 28.5
Running Vertical Leap: 30.0 vs. 29.0 vs. 33.0

While all of this looks somewhat optimistic, the physical measurements are part of what makes Rudy Gobert so freakish.
Hansen Yang vs. Rudy Gobert vs. Steven Adams
Hand LengthxWidth: 10.00x11.25 vs. 9.75x10.00 vs. 9.50x11.00 (inches)
Height Without Shoes: 7'1" vs. 7'0.5" vs. 6'10.75"
Standing Reach: 9'3" vs. 9'7" vs. 9'1.5"
Wingpsan: 7'2.75" vs. 7'8.5" vs. 7'4.5"
Weight (lbs): 252.6 vs. 237.6 vs. 254.5

So Hansen Yang is a bit quicker than Rudy Gobert at the same age, I think a lot of that is attributable to Rudy being so tall and lanky, whereas Hansen Yang already has a strong body coming into the NBA (15 pound difference). Rudy is just a freak with his measurements, though.

For what it is worth, Hansen Yang's measurements are more-so similar to Steven Adams' coming into the NBA. Similar oven mitt sized hands (Hansen Yang's are slightly bigger), Steven Adams was less than two pounds heavier (but two inches shorter!), and the athletic measurements are noticeably similar. That said, Steven Adams was definitely a better functional athlete coming into the NBA, and once again, he has that lankier wingspan which helps defensively.

Trying to find another athletic one-to-one for NBA caliber players is a bit tough. Meyers Leonard was laterally more quick as a college player, Frank Kaminsky had alligator arms and baby hands, Brook Lopez was slower but had tarantula arms, Nikola Jokic has similar measurements but is one of the worst vertical athletes in NBA history (he reportedly scored a 17 inch vertical with P3), etc.

That said, at pick 31, I am pretty comfortable with taking a chance on him because of his flashes as a passer. Worst case scenario, he busts, but the Chinese market pays for his entire contract.

So, why him over Kalkbrenner at 31? Unless you don't think he will be there?

[Domejandro]

So, why him over Kalkbrenner at 31? Unless you don't think he will be there?

I am very intrigued about his flashes as a passer. Also Kalkbrenner is three and a half years older. I think that there is higher upside with Hansen Yang as an offensive hub because of the passing potential. That said, I would have no problem with Minnesota going for Kalkbrenner.

Hansen Yang fits the mold for being a standard bust, but I think that there is something there. I don’t see superstar potential, but I really like the passing upside.

[shangrila]

Has Hansen Yang enough stamina to stay on the floor in high paced NBA games?

Right now? No.

[Norseman79]

So, why him over Kalkbrenner at 31? Unless you don't think he will be there?

I am very intrigued about his flashes as a passer. Also Kalkbrenner is three and a half years older. I think that there is higher upside with Hansen Yang as an offensive hub because of the passing potential. That said, I would have no problem with Minnesota going for Kalkbrenner.

Hansen Yang fits the mold for being a standard bust, but I think that there is something there. I don’t see superstar potential, but I really like the passing upside.

I get that, I can just see the wolves going for someone who is more ready to play and back up Rudy. Would be really nice if Finch went with a deep bench more next year. Especially for the regular season to keep people fresh and healthy

[KGdaBom]

I think Miller, Dilly, Minott and Garza are all playable. I could be wrong. Draft the player with the highest upside as long as it's not too risky of a pick.

[moss_is_1]

I have seen enough of Hansen Yang to be really interested in selecting him at #31. I could see a team reaching on him in the late first.

Seems to have natural touch as a passer, solid footwork and decision making defensively (even though he’s pretty slow), and is developing as a three-point shooter. There is enough there that intrigues me into wanting to give him a shot.

He looks nice, I would definitely be ok taking him at 31. Can really see this draft having a lot of big man prospects for us, both at 17 and 31, along with another PG, or we could make a swing for a shooter. Lots of options on the table for both picks.

[moss_is_1]

I think Miller, Dilly, Minott and Garza are all playable. I could be wrong. Draft the player with the highest upside as long as it's not too risky of a pick.

Playable against who? Minott and Dilly have shown promise when they've gotten a chance and might be able to play on a team that isn't battling in the playoffs. Problem with all 4 guys is the defense. Dilly is so small, Garza is too slow, Minott still gets lost despite having some highlight plays. Miller is a total unknown but obviously hasn't impressed at all in practice since he's not seen the floor for any worthwhile minutes in his 2 seasons.

I still trust TC to hit on picks whoever he will take. I have faith Rob is going to be good, TSJ, Clark seem like they will be worth rotational spots at the minimum as well.

[KGdaBom]

I think Miller, Dilly, Minott and Garza are all playable. I could be wrong. Draft the player with the highest upside as long as it's not too risky of a pick.

Playable against who? Minott and Dilly have shown promise when they've gotten a chance and might be able to play on a team that isn't battling in the playoffs. Problem with all 4 guys is the defense. Dilly is so small, Garza is too slow, Minott still gets lost despite having some highlight plays. Miller is a total unknown but obviously hasn't impressed at all in practice since he's not seen the floor for any worthwhile minutes in his 2 seasons.

I still trust TC to hit on picks whoever he will take. I have faith Rob is going to be good, TSJ, Clark seem like they will be worth rotational spots at the minimum as well.

I was forgetting TSJ and Clark. Also playable.

[Mattya]

Walter Clayton Jr. is the perfect fit in this offense. Watch how he used his bigs at Florida to run dibble hand offs. Now imagine him running off of screens and how defenses will have to chase him and what Randle and Naz could do with that space or how they could punish the switches.

I’d love to trade back and get another late first but I would take him at 17 if I had too.

[minimus]

Walter Clayton Jr. is the perfect fit in this offense. Watch how he used his bigs at Florida to run dibble hand offs. Now imagine him running off of screens and how defenses will have to chase him and what Randle and Naz could do with that space or how they could punish the switches.

Another comboguard?

[Slim Tubby]

Walter Clayton Jr. is the perfect fit in this offense. Watch how he used his bigs at Florida to run dibble hand offs. Now imagine him running off of screens and how defenses will have to chase him and what Randle and Naz could do with that space or how they could punish the switches.

Another comboguard?

NAW replacement?

Clayton Jr doesn't have his size or defense but he's a better ball handler, distributor and shooter. The kid is also a winner. He could also make DDV a very viable and valuable trade asset that many teams would covet and could absorb his cap friendly contract.

I like Sorber but a foot injury at his size makes him too much of a risk at 17 for my liking. However, I completely understand why so many here like him with his size, measurements, defense and our desperate need for a legitimate Gobert backup.

Wolf is the wildcard. He's got good size, versatility and reminds me of a less athletic Gugliotta. Quickness and defense would be the obvious concerns.

17. Walter Clayton Jr.

Trade 31 and Shannon Jr to move up far enough to grab either Sorber or Wolf. Pipedream for sure.

C Gobert/Sorber
PF Randle/Reid
SF McDaniels/Clark
SG Ant/DDV/Clayton Jr.
PG Conley/Dilly

That's still pretty ugly at PG, though.

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[Mattya]

Walter Clayton Jr. is the perfect fit in this offense. Watch how he used his bigs at Florida to run dibble hand offs. Now imagine him running off of screens and how defenses will have to chase him and what Randle and Naz could do with that space or how they could punish the switches.

Another comboguard?

As long as he can make pocket passes, lob passes and drop offs to bigs we don’t need a ball dominant passing guard. He can do those things.

[jpatrick]

Walter Clayton Jr. is the perfect fit in this offense. Watch how he used his bigs at Florida to run dibble hand offs. Now imagine him running off of screens and how defenses will have to chase him and what Randle and Naz could do with that space or how they could punish the switches.

Another comboguard?

As long as he can make pocket passes, lob passes and drop offs to bigs we don’t need a ball dominant passing guard. He can do those things.

I like Clayton but in a lot of ways he’s an older Dilly. Neither is a true PG. Neither can guard anything but PGs. I’m actually okay with drafting a PG, but I’d rather it be more of a true PG and hopefully someone bigger that can play minutes with Dilly.

[TheProdigy]

Walter Clayton Jr. is the perfect fit in this offense. Watch how he used his bigs at Florida to run dibble hand offs. Now imagine him running off of screens and how defenses will have to chase him and what Randle and Naz could do with that space or how they could punish the switches.

Another comboguard?

NAW replacement?

Clayton Jr doesn't have his size or defense but he's a better ball handler, distributor and shooter. The kid is also a winner. He could also make DDV a very viable and valuable trade asset that many teams would covet and could absorb his cap friendly contract.

I like Sorber but a foot injury at his size makes him too much of a risk at 17 for my liking. However, I completely understand why so many here like him with his size, measurements, defense and our desperate need for a legitimate Gobert backup.

Wolf is the wildcard. He's got good size, versatility and reminds me of a less athletic Gugliotta. Quickness and defense would be the obvious concerns.

17. Walter Clayton Jr.

Trade 31 and Shannon Jr to move up far enough to grab either Sorber or Wolf. Pipedream for sure.

C Gobert/Sorber
PF Randle/Reid
SF McDaniels/Clark
SG Ant/DDV/Clayton Jr.
PG Conley/Dilly

That's still pretty ugly at PG, though.

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Maybe I’m a homer, but there’s no way I’m trading TSJ straight up for Sorber or Wolf.

[Mattya]

Another comboguard?

As long as he can make pocket passes, lob passes and drop offs to bigs we don’t need a ball dominant passing guard. He can do those things.

I like Clayton but in a lot of ways he’s an older Dilly. Neither is a true PG. Neither can guard anything but PGs. I’m actually okay with drafting a PG, but I’d rather it be more of a true PG and hopefully someone bigger that can play minutes with Dilly.

You can’t run dilly as a movement shooter, and Clayton looks far superior dealing with contact at the rim.

[Slim Tubby]

Another comboguard?

NAW replacement?

Clayton Jr doesn't have his size or defense but he's a better ball handler, distributor and shooter. The kid is also a winner. He could also make DDV a very viable and valuable trade asset that many teams would covet and could absorb his cap friendly contract.

I like Sorber but a foot injury at his size makes him too much of a risk at 17 for my liking. However, I completely understand why so many here like him with his size, measurements, defense and our desperate need for a legitimate Gobert backup.

Wolf is the wildcard. He's got good size, versatility and reminds me of a less athletic Gugliotta. Quickness and defense would be the obvious concerns.

17. Walter Clayton Jr.

Trade 31 and Shannon Jr to move up far enough to grab either Sorber or Wolf. Pipedream for sure.

C Gobert/Sorber
PF Randle/Reid
SF McDaniels/Clark
SG Ant/DDV/Clayton Jr.
PG Conley/Dilly

That's still pretty ugly at PG, though.

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Maybe I’m a homer, but there’s no way I’m trading TSJ straight up for Sorber or Wolf.

You're not a homer at all. TSJ may have more talent than both of those guys. It was just my attempt to fill another positional need after drafting WCJ at 17. I'm a huge fan of what TSJ can do if given regular minutes every game.

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[Rookie-Mistake]

I haven't seen any of these prospects, but from a financial point of view, does it make sense to trade our first round pick for a future 1st and stick with our #31?

Everything TC has done is to build around ANT for current success.. I can't see us picking a centre where we probably need a vet for the role they will play in future playoff series..

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[Neeva]

I haven't seen any of these prospects, but from a financial point of view, does it make sense to trade our first round pick for a future 1st and stick with our #31?

Everything TC has done is to build around ANT for current success.. I can't see us picking a centre where we probably need a vet for the role they will play in future playoff series..

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I wouldn’t , maybe the other way around. I like the players that might be available at 17 and not really a fan of all the players being talked about here at 31.. then again someone I like could slip.

Btw do people not like Proctor and Sallis? They were talked about in previous years as possible targets.