2025 NBA Draft

[Idiosyncratic]

Kneuppel is going to be a high volume and good percentage 3-pt shooter. He's averaged like 7 and 8 3 pointers a game in EYBL, at a high percentage. He's like Payton Pritchard if he was 5 inches taller.

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I like Kon, I just worry that he is mostly just a shooter in the NBA (does have some passing chops). Those guys aren't usually all that hard to find for cheap. Hield, Kennard and Beasley last offseason for example. Guys I listed have more wiggle and handle to be guys you can run some offense through (potential lead guards if lucky) and create iso looks on top of having pretty good shooting potential so I would rank them above him personally.

Would not be mad with Kon though, don't get me wrong. Also not sure he can guard NBA guards and would be more of a longterm backup for us, though Franz can guard the 2 I suppose.

Kon seems to have wiggle and a handle to me. He was a prolific scorer in EYBL and was leading them at scoring at one point.

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I mean we all see different things, that is why this is so hard right? Experts get it wrong 70% of the time it seems. To me personally he looks slow footed. Shot is pure and I think he is a very smart player. If we pick where we are likely to pick like 13-16 or something I would give him strong consideration.

But like if the Bulls leapfrog us by making the playoffs and/or we get a little lottery luck to the back of the top 10 or so I would prefer taking a shot on a guy who can be a lead guard and I think there are potentially a few in this draft. I will continue watching these guys and my opinions will change though I'm sure, right now that is where I am at.

I would definitely consider guys like Maluach and Newell too in the scenario we get lucky and one falls to us. Queen is a big I have rated highly, but feel weirdest about if he falls to us because I don't love a Paolo/Queen defensive pairing.

[basketballRob]

I like Kon, I just worry that he is mostly just a shooter in the NBA (does have some passing chops). Those guys aren't usually all that hard to find for cheap. Hield, Kennard and Beasley last offseason for example. Guys I listed have more wiggle and handle to be guys you can run some offense through (potential lead guards if lucky) and create iso looks on top of having pretty good shooting potential so I would rank them above him personally.

Would not be mad with Kon though, don't get me wrong. Also not sure he can guard NBA guards and would be more of a longterm backup for us, though Franz can guard the 2 I suppose.

Kon seems to have wiggle and a handle to me. He was a prolific scorer in EYBL and was leading them at scoring at one point.

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I mean we all see different things, that is why this is so hard right? Experts get it wrong 70% of the time it seems. To me personally he looks slow footed. Shot is pure and I think he is a very smart player. If we pick where we are likely to pick like 13-16 or something I would give him strong consideration.

But like if the Bulls leapfrog us by making the playoffs and/or we get a little lottery luck to the back of the top 10 or so I would prefer taking a shot on a guy who can be a lead guard and I think there are potentially a few in this draft. I will continue watching these guys and my opinions will change though I'm sure, right now that is where I am at.

I would definitely consider guys like Maluach and Newell too in the scenario we get lucky and one falls to us. Queen is a big I have rated highly, but feel weirdest about if he falls to us because I don't love a Paolo/Queen defensive pairing.

Malauch and Newell seem way more risky to me. Kneuppel looks like a can't miss but likely won't make it out if the top 10.

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[cedric76]

The guy I like in our range is Kon Knueppel

[KillMonger]

thoughts on fears? he doesn't solve the shooting problem but i look at him more in the vein of a Fox....when was the last time we had a twitchy shifty guard that can penetrate at will with speed and quickness?

[yoyojw17]

No, Jase Richardson, please. I'm over player's sons.

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Kobe Bryant
Jaren Jackson Jr
Klay Thompson
Steph Curry
Devin Booker
Jalen Brunson
Nic Claxton
Trayce Jackson-Davis
Darius Garland
Jerami Grant
Tim Hardaway jr
Gary Payton jr
Scottie Pippen jr
Domas Sabonis
Gary Trent jr
Jalen Rose
Andrew Wiggins

...and you sure don't want to draft Dylan Harper

(maybe not the best basis for drafting )

hahah.... decent points.

just looked more into Jase.... Not sure what people don't like about him. under 19.... growing as a star on his team which is still ranked #8. Playing along a junior and senior guard backcourt of 6'2 and 6'3".... Their shooting is horrible while he's doing pretty darn well for himself 52% FG and 39% from 3 as a freshman? Not too shabby. ANNNNNNNND..... let's look at his Advanced stats.... 133.8 ORtg 100.3 DRtg

Yeah.... i'll call that the steal of the draft. If you liked jared Mccain... eh.... jase should be liked too. haha

[Idiosyncratic]

thoughts on fears? he doesn't solve the shooting problem but i look at him more in the vein of a Fox....when was the last time we had a twitchy shifty guard that can penetrate at will with speed and quickness?

One of my favorites and not that worried about his shooting. Maybe he won't be elite, but he is shooting 85% from the line so there is something there. He is doing amazing for how young he is and how much Oklahoma expects of him. Because of the age there may be serious growing pains, which I am sure will make some not want him. Personally I think the upside and fit would be too much to pass up if he gets to us. Fits what we need longterm, a guard that can score the ball and if we are lucky maybe even be an offensive engine.

[yoyojw17]

thoughts on fears? he doesn't solve the shooting problem but i look at him more in the vein of a Fox....when was the last time we had a twitchy shifty guard that can penetrate at will with speed and quickness?

One of my favorites and not that worried about his shooting. Maybe he won't be elite, but he is shooting 85% from the line so there is something there. He is doing amazing for how young he is and how much Oklahoma expects of him. Because of the age there may be serious growing pains, which I am sure will make some not want him. Personally I think the upside and fit would be too much to pass up if he gets to us. Fits what we need longterm, a guard that can score the ball and if we are lucky maybe even be an offensive engine.

Watch on YouTube

Listening to it.... just finishing the fears part and on to the Richardson. lol


Edit... they aren't the biggest fan of Jase in the first round.

[Idiosyncratic]

thoughts on fears? he doesn't solve the shooting problem but i look at him more in the vein of a Fox....when was the last time we had a twitchy shifty guard that can penetrate at will with speed and quickness?

One of my favorites and not that worried about his shooting. Maybe he won't be elite, but he is shooting 85% from the line so there is something there. He is doing amazing for how young he is and how much Oklahoma expects of him. Because of the age there may be serious growing pains, which I am sure will make some not want him. Personally I think the upside and fit would be too much to pass up if he gets to us. Fits what we need longterm, a guard that can score the ball and if we are lucky maybe even be an offensive engine.

Watch on YouTube

Listening to it.... just finishing the fears part and on to the Richardson. lol


Edit... they aren't the biggest fan of Jase in the first round.

Big fan of the No Ceilings guys. It is also worth noting both have strung some good games together since this released. Jase had 22 on 13 shots last night and Fears has had two huge games against ranked teams.

They make good points on Jase. His size is an issue and the fact that he is somewhat of an unknown due to being in a role player role on his team. You have to believe he can play some PG and really believe in the shooting efficiency to take him in the lotto. I just watch him and see the footwork, movement and instincts coupled with the shooting and I personally do believe. I know of people who have him late 1st and I know of people who 's opinions I really trust that have him top 10. I personally lean closer to the top 10 people right now.

The reality with these guys is they are big boom and bust picks and they could take more time than the average prospect. But if they hit they kind of are exactly what we need long term and maybe (hopefully) one of our last chances at a talent like that in the top of the draft. I would completely understand a "safer" pick at their spot like Kon, Newell or even a Sorber. Because let's be real safe IS a myth, but some guys definitely have lower bust rates.

I would take Tre Johnson instantly btw if we for whatever reason are in a spot to take him. I think Jakucionis would be a fine swing as well, I think I am starting to like Fears and Jase more, but need to watch more tape on him.

[cedric76]

I like Kon, I just worry that he is mostly just a shooter in the NBA (does have some passing chops). Those guys aren't usually all that hard to find for cheap. Hield, Kennard and Beasley last offseason for example. Guys I listed have more wiggle and handle to be guys you can run some offense through (potential lead guards if lucky) and create iso looks on top of having pretty good shooting potential so I would rank them above him personally.

Would not be mad with Kon though, don't get me wrong. Also not sure he can guard NBA guards and would be more of a longterm backup for us, though Franz can guard the 2 I suppose.

Kon seems to have wiggle and a handle to me. He was a prolific scorer in EYBL and was leading them at scoring at one point.

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I mean we all see different things, that is why this is so hard right? Experts get it wrong 70% of the time it seems. To me personally he looks slow footed. Shot is pure and I think he is a very smart player. If we pick where we are likely to pick like 13-16 or something I would give him strong consideration.

But like if the Bulls leapfrog us by making the playoffs and/or we get a little lottery luck to the back of the top 10 or so I would prefer taking a shot on a guy who can be a lead guard and I think there are potentially a few in this draft. I will continue watching these guys and my opinions will change though I'm sure, right now that is where I am at.

I would definitely consider guys like Maluach and Newell too in the scenario we get lucky and one falls to us. Queen is a big I have rated highly, but feel weirdest about if he falls to us because I don't love a Paolo/Queen defensive pairing.

Kon reminds me of Kevin Huerter

[Skybox]

Kon seems to have wiggle and a handle to me. He was a prolific scorer in EYBL and was leading them at scoring at one point.

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I mean we all see different things, that is why this is so hard right? Experts get it wrong 70% of the time it seems. To me personally he looks slow footed. Shot is pure and I think he is a very smart player. If we pick where we are likely to pick like 13-16 or something I would give him strong consideration.

But like if the Bulls leapfrog us by making the playoffs and/or we get a little lottery luck to the back of the top 10 or so I would prefer taking a shot on a guy who can be a lead guard and I think there are potentially a few in this draft. I will continue watching these guys and my opinions will change though I'm sure, right now that is where I am at.

I would definitely consider guys like Maluach and Newell too in the scenario we get lucky and one falls to us. Queen is a big I have rated highly, but feel weirdest about if he falls to us because I don't love a Paolo/Queen defensive pairing.

Kon reminds me of Kevin Huerter

Could probably get Huerter for srps

[cedric76]

I mean we all see different things, that is why this is so hard right? Experts get it wrong 70% of the time it seems. To me personally he looks slow footed. Shot is pure and I think he is a very smart player. If we pick where we are likely to pick like 13-16 or something I would give him strong consideration.

But like if the Bulls leapfrog us by making the playoffs and/or we get a little lottery luck to the back of the top 10 or so I would prefer taking a shot on a guy who can be a lead guard and I think there are potentially a few in this draft. I will continue watching these guys and my opinions will change though I'm sure, right now that is where I am at.

I would definitely consider guys like Maluach and Newell too in the scenario we get lucky and one falls to us. Queen is a big I have rated highly, but feel weirdest about if he falls to us because I don't love a Paolo/Queen defensive pairing.

Kon reminds me of Kevin Huerter

Could probably get Huerter for srps

I hope so

I d do cole + 2SRP for Huerter in a heartbeat

[basketballRob]

I mean we all see different things, that is why this is so hard right? Experts get it wrong 70% of the time it seems. To me personally he looks slow footed. Shot is pure and I think he is a very smart player. If we pick where we are likely to pick like 13-16 or something I would give him strong consideration.

But like if the Bulls leapfrog us by making the playoffs and/or we get a little lottery luck to the back of the top 10 or so I would prefer taking a shot on a guy who can be a lead guard and I think there are potentially a few in this draft. I will continue watching these guys and my opinions will change though I'm sure, right now that is where I am at.

I would definitely consider guys like Maluach and Newell too in the scenario we get lucky and one falls to us. Queen is a big I have rated highly, but feel weirdest about if he falls to us because I don't love a Paolo/Queen defensive pairing.

Kon reminds me of Kevin Huerter

Could probably get Huerter for srps

Kon looks way better than Huerter. He's having an off shooting season as a freshman at Duke, and he's still 46/40/91. In eybl as a junior, he average 23 ppg and shot 48% from 3 on high volume. Kon is more like prime Klay.

https://www.maxpreps.com/m/news/gsHSPHVWjUeGbzmBjlpxsA/high-school-basketball-four-star-wisconsin-native-kon-knueppel-leads-nike-eybl-in-scoring-after-regular-season-play.htm

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[basketballRob]

https://youtu.be/R6sZRLxLwaw?feature=shared

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[Skybox]

Kon reminds me of Kevin Huerter

Could probably get Huerter for srps

Kon looks way better than Huerter. He's having an off shooting season as a freshman at Duke, and he's still 46/40/91. In eybl as a junior, he average 23 ppg and shot 48% from 3 on high volume. Kon is more like prime Klay.

https://www.maxpreps.com/m/news/gsHSPHVWjUeGbzmBjlpxsA/high-school-basketball-four-star-wisconsin-native-kon-knueppel-leads-nike-eybl-in-scoring-after-regular-season-play.htm

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Huerter makes $18m next year too...Kon could be a nice add...and God knows, ORL is trying for that high pick.

[Skybox]

Flagg is, of course, phenomenal and Dylan Harper is extremely attractive for ORL...but, honestly, this draft class doesn't really excite me too much. Unless we have an insanely lucky day at the lottery, I hope we trade our high pick...there's probably some interesting prospect with the DEN pick like Jase Richardson that might have a similar upside to a guy we grab as high as 11. Tyrese Proctor from Duke is a 6'5 PG from Australia looks like he might be worth a look with one of our srps. Maybe the big Australian C with the other one? Honestly, I'm not Brian Schmitz, but many of the first rounders don't look any more certain than the second round prospects to me-at least at this point. I don't why we don't ALWAYS take a wild upside swing with our srps - instead of just throwing them around. There's no shame in missing on a srp and you don't have to guarantee them an NBA deal.

None of the PG prospects can shoot. None of the Centers are super-exciting. Even the huge kid from Duke is lacking in shot-blocking and rebounding.

I just wonder what a pick that high could get us in a trade for a young player who still has at least another year on a rookie deal - that, we could maybe extend for a reasonable multi-year deal.

Maybe at least a significant piece of a package for Kessler? I know that OKC has a billion picks, but maybe they're piling them up for a big fish like KD...I'd like their injured rookie, Nikola Topic or Isaiah Joe...neither of whom they couldn't live without, given their depth...They might even take a look at WCJ, who -if he plays the way he can, is a nice fit in a versatile ensemble of bigs.

[pepe1991]

Kon reminds me of Kevin Huerter

Could probably get Huerter for srps

Kon looks way better than Huerter. He's having an off shooting season as a freshman at Duke, and he's still 46/40/91. In eybl as a junior, he average 23 ppg and shot 48% from 3 on high volume. Kon is more like prime Klay.

https://www.maxpreps.com/m/news/gsHSPHVWjUeGbzmBjlpxsA/high-school-basketball-four-star-wisconsin-native-kon-knueppel-leads-nike-eybl-in-scoring-after-regular-season-play.htm

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Prime Klay?

Every year few "New Klays " enter nba and most of them are average shooters at best.

Klay entered nba as elite shooter (290 threes made, 39% accuracy) AND improved in nba as shooter.
Guy has one of best mechanics in catch & shoot nba has ever seen + he is one of best off ball players to ever exist.

Drafting pure shooters is massive gamble. If they shot doesn't translate they are busts. If shot transles but they don't move well, they bust out, if their shot translates but they suck on defense, they end up being deep rotation players and nothing else.

Your buddy Jabari Smith shot 42% for 3 at college on 5,5 attempts, you compared him with Klay i believe?
But neither his defense is as elite as people thought, nor his jumpshot translated. And one of key reasons is because his off ball movement simply isn't good enough. in 3rd year, 3rd overall pick lost starting job to Tari Eason.

I remember saying to you that Tari could end up being better than him and one of best players from a draft, well he might not be best players from a draft, but he is better than Jabari ( who is probably gone after this year via trade for Durant or any other star )

*checks data* - well, Tari actually is one of best players from that draft

[MagicFan101]

I asked ChatGPT to compare the 2024 and 2025 classes purely based on their pre-draft scouting reports. (My prompt was quite a bit more detailed). Here is the response:

1. Star Power & Franchise-Changing Talent
• 2024 Draft Class:
• Generally considered weaker in top-tier talent compared to past drafts.
• No clear-cut generational or franchise-changing player.
• While Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr were taken at the top, neither was viewed as an undisputed No. 1 pick.
• Most top prospects were seen as high-level contributors rather than future MVP-caliber players.
• 2025 Draft Class:
• Cooper Flagg has been universally regarded as a potential No. 1 franchise cornerstone. His combination of size, skill, and defensive dominance has led to comparisons with past elite prospects like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Anthony Davis.
• The top three prospects (Flagg, Harper, Bailey) have a higher perceived upside than their 2024 counterparts.
• This class is seen as having multiple All-Star-level players.

Verdict: The 2025 draft class is viewed as far superior in star potential, with Flagg leading the way as a possible generational talent.

⸻

2. Depth & Quality of Role Players
• 2024 Draft Class:
• A deep draft with solid NBA-ready talent in the mid-to-late first round.
• Lacked elite upside at the top but featured several safe picks with strong roles in the league (e.g., Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle).
• The class was team-needs dependent—many players were picked based on fit rather than best available.
• 2025 Draft Class:
• Deeper at the top with more future stars.
• While it may not have as many immediate-impact players outside the lottery, the talent pool is strong through the first round.
• Scouts believe that the second tier of prospects (V.J. Edgecombe, Jakucionis, etc.) will develop into NBA starters, though they may take more time than 2024 prospects.

Verdict: 2024 had more NBA-ready contributors, but 2025 offers a higher ceiling and more potential stars.

⸻

3. Positional Strengths
• 2024 Draft Class:
• Heavy on versatile wings and defensive-minded forwards (Risacher, Sarr, Holland).
• Strong shooters and combo guards (Sheppard, Castle).
• Weaker at center and true playmaking point guards.
• 2025 Draft Class:
• Elite two-way wings and forwards (Flagg, Bailey).
• Scoring combo guards (Harper, Edgecombe).
• More well-rounded prospects with star potential compared to 2024.

Verdict: Both drafts have strong wings, but 2025 has better two-way talent and stronger top-end guards.

⸻

4. International vs. Domestic Talent
• 2024 Draft Class:
• Strong international presence at the top with Risacher and Sarr.
• Scouts were uncertain about how some of these international prospects would transition to the NBA.
• 2025 Draft Class:
• Mostly American-based talent, led by Flagg, Harper, and Bailey.
• The best international prospect (Jakucionis) is projected as a mid-first-rounder.
• Overall, the class has fewer question marks regarding level of competition.

Verdict: 2024 had more international talent at the top, while 2025 is stronger in American-based college stars.

⸻

5. Defensive Potential
• 2024 Draft Class:
• Several strong defensive prospects (Sarr, Risacher, Castle), but few two-way stars.
• Defense was a selling point for many top picks, but their offensive ceilings were lower.
• 2025 Draft Class:
• Cooper Flagg is an elite defensive prospect and could be one of the best defenders in the NBA within a few years.
• More versatile defenders who can guard multiple positions.
• A better blend of offense and defense compared to 2024.

Verdict: 2025 has superior defensive talent led by Flagg, with more two-way potential.

⸻

6. Overall Class Outlook
• 2024 Draft Class:
• Solid, but unspectacular in terms of high-end talent.
• Good depth but lacks a surefire superstar.
• Best suited for teams looking for NBA-ready contributors rather than long-term franchise players.
• 2025 Draft Class:
• Considered a much stronger draft overall.
• Higher upside with multiple potential All-Stars.
• More appealing for teams rebuilding and looking for future superstars.

⸻

Final Verdict: Which Class is Better?

✔ For Teams Seeking Immediate Help → 2024 Draft Class
✔ For Teams Seeking Star Talent & Franchise Players → 2025 Draft Class

The 2025 NBA Draft Class is widely seen as superior, with stronger top-end talent and better long-term potential, led by Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, and Ace Bailey. The 2024 class had more immediate contributors, but its overall talent level is lower than the 2025 class.

[Def Swami]

Hello darkness my old friend

[Blue_and_Whte]

Hello darkness my old friend

Apparently The answer to our obvious lack of a real PG is to draft a rookie PG….
I’d love for them to Try and use both of these picks along with anyone not named Paolo, Franz, or Suggs to get ACTUAL consistent players in here and not have to listen to Hollinger talk about “potential” yet again and what player X may become in 5 years I’d be a happy man.

[basketballRob]

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