2025 NBA Draft (2)

[Iverson Armband]

Do you say anything else other than "Ace is the pick" or some iteration of that sentiment?

[Negrodamus]

Who’s a better prospect between Fultz and Harper?

Harper because of size and physicality but it’s close. Draws fouls naturally and is uneffected by defenders. FT% being 10% better also helps. Fultz was a better passer and decision maker when in the lane. Always thought he was a pass first guard who just happened to have a good scoring year. Never trusted that he’d be a bomber from three. Even his 3PAr was pretty low for a guy everyone expected to be a bomber.

[Mik317]

that no ceilings VJ vid has me shook no gonna lie lol

[Negrodamus]

that no ceilings VJ vid has me shook no gonna lie lol

Yea, mixed feelings on him. Banking on a lot of development, but he did produce at a high level. I think his finishing at the rim will improve as he puts on weight and expands on his moves to the rim (eurostep, pro hop, etc). I don't know if he'll have the feel for the game to put it all together though. He feels mechanical, similar to how Malik Monk felt when he was driving with the ball at Kentucky. Not a dealbreaker but at 3, it's not my favorite.

There are only three guys who looks completely in control self creating and driving to the rim after Flagg and Harper, and it's Jeremiah Fears (too small), Kasparas Jakucionis (turns it over quite a bit; verticality issues), and Derik Queen. As much as I've kept an open mind about moving on from Queen, I'm going down with the ship. He's the third best pick in this draft to me.

[ProcessDoctor]

Stein claims that despite the ongoing rumors, the 76ers are not likely to trade the No. 3 pick for a veteran star. He does claim that Philly could opt to trade back, albeit it won't be very far. Overall, the organization's goal is to acquire a young talent to add to the core of the roster. So, sticking and picking may be the favorable outcome.

https://clutchpoints.com/nba/philadelphia-76ers/76ers-rumors-philly-draft-trade-strategy-reiterated-marc-stein

[Arsenal]

that no ceilings VJ vid has me shook no gonna lie lol

Yea, mixed feelings on him. Banking on a lot of development, but he did produce at a high level. I think his finishing at the rim will improve as he puts on weight and expands on his moves to the rim (eurostep, pro hop, etc). I don't know if he'll have the feel for the game to put it all together though. He feels mechanical, similar to how Malik Monk felt when he was driving with the ball at Kentucky. Not a dealbreaker but at 3, it's not my favorite.

There are only three guys who looks completely in control self creating and driving to the rim after Flagg and Harper, and it's Jeremiah Fears (too small), Kasparas Jakucionis (turns it over quite a bit; verticality issues), and Derik Queen. As much as I've kept an open mind about moving on from Queen, I'm going down with the ship. He's the third best pick in this draft to me.

How can you say KJ turns it over too much then not even mention how much Queen turns it over? Under 1 A/TO.

[MVP1992]

Stein claims that despite the ongoing rumors, the 76ers are not likely to trade the No. 3 pick for a veteran star. He does claim that Philly could opt to trade back, albeit it won't be very far. Overall, the organization's goal is to acquire a young talent to add to the core of the roster. So, sticking and picking may be the favorable outcome.

https://clutchpoints.com/nba/philadelphia-76ers/76ers-rumors-philly-draft-trade-strategy-reiterated-marc-stein

So, he's covering two of the obvious bases...

Stick and pick at #3, or
Trade back slightly (assuming to gain additional draft capital).

Genius, why didn't every single Sixers fan think of that?

[ProcessDoctor]

Stein claims that despite the ongoing rumors, the 76ers are not likely to trade the No. 3 pick for a veteran star. He does claim that Philly could opt to trade back, albeit it won't be very far. Overall, the organization's goal is to acquire a young talent to add to the core of the roster. So, sticking and picking may be the favorable outcome.

https://clutchpoints.com/nba/philadelphia-76ers/76ers-rumors-philly-draft-trade-strategy-reiterated-marc-stein

So, he's covering two of the obvious bases...

Stick and pick at #3, or
Trade back slightly (assuming to gain additional draft capital).

Genius, why didn't every single Sixers fan think of that?

Except Stein's a reputable insider and not a fan? Lol

[Black Mage]

that no ceilings VJ vid has me shook no gonna lie lol

Yea, mixed feelings on him. Banking on a lot of development, but he did produce at a high level. I think his finishing at the rim will improve as he puts on weight and expands on his moves to the rim (eurostep, pro hop, etc). I don't know if he'll have the feel for the game to put it all together though. He feels mechanical, similar to how Malik Monk felt when he was driving with the ball at Kentucky. Not a dealbreaker but at 3, it's not my favorite.

There are only three guys who looks completely in control self creating and driving to the rim after Flagg and Harper, and it's Jeremiah Fears (too small), Kasparas Jakucionis (turns it over quite a bit; verticality issues), and Derik Queen. As much as I've kept an open mind about moving on from Queen, I'm going down with the ship. He's the third best pick in this draft to me.

How can you say KJ turns it over too much then not even mention how much Queen turns it over? Under 1 A/TO.

B/c KJ has a 23% turnover rate and Queen is 15%.

[Black Mage]

https://clutchpoints.com/nba/philadelphia-76ers/76ers-rumors-philly-draft-trade-strategy-reiterated-marc-stein

So, he's covering two of the obvious bases...

Stick and pick at #3, or
Trade back slightly (assuming to gain additional draft capital).

Genius, why didn't every single Sixers fan think of that?

Except Stein's a reputable insider and not a fan? Lol

He was also speaking on a Suns show and addressing Sixers as a possible Philly spot.

At this point, I don't see Morey trading down unless 1 of 2 things happens. He gets a godfather offer; or he knows the guy he wants will be at the spot he drops down to.

Picking Top 3 is a chance for Morey to cement his legacy if he nails the pick.

[Arsenal]

Yea, mixed feelings on him. Banking on a lot of development, but he did produce at a high level. I think his finishing at the rim will improve as he puts on weight and expands on his moves to the rim (eurostep, pro hop, etc). I don't know if he'll have the feel for the game to put it all together though. He feels mechanical, similar to how Malik Monk felt when he was driving with the ball at Kentucky. Not a dealbreaker but at 3, it's not my favorite.

There are only three guys who looks completely in control self creating and driving to the rim after Flagg and Harper, and it's Jeremiah Fears (too small), Kasparas Jakucionis (turns it over quite a bit; verticality issues), and Derik Queen. As much as I've kept an open mind about moving on from Queen, I'm going down with the ship. He's the third best pick in this draft to me.

How can you say KJ turns it over too much then not even mention how much Queen turns it over? Under 1 A/TO.

B/c KJ has a 23% turnover rate and Queen is 15%.

Queen 0.79 A/TO
KJ 1.27 A/TO

Obviously Queen is much worse.

[Sixersftw]

I think it comes down to if you trust VJ's handle and rim finishing to improve vs Ace's decision making. I'm at the point where I don't trust either player to get there but I'm completely wrapped around the axle from watching prospects. Glad I ain't making the choice.

Tre was my initial pick but, man, the defense is bad bad.

[76ciology]

I think it comes down to if you trust VJ's handle and rim finishing to improve vs Ace's decision making. I'm at the point where I don't trust either player to get there but I'm completely wrapped around the axle from watching prospects. Glad I ain't making the choice.

Tre was my initial pick but, man, the defense is bad bad.

In your comparison between VJ’s handle and finishing versus Ace’s decision-making, I’m taking VJ.

VJ already has a solid foundation in his handle and finishing. On the other hand, Ace’s decision making is downright poor right now. It’s like VJ is starting halfway down the track, while Ace is still at the starting line.

Ace’s shot creation mostly comes from the midrange, and even then, it’s usually just a couple of simple dribbles before pulling up over defenders. VJ, meanwhile, shows much more variety, he has solid volume in pick-and-roll actions, unassisted threes, and midrange attempts. As a shot creator, VJ is clearly ahead, both has almost the same number in volume of unassisted shots in halfcourt, VJ is just more diverse in shot diet and has diverse set of shot creation talent.

In terms of halfcourt rim frequency, VJ is getting to the rim on 30% of his possessions, while Ace is only at about 16%, and he’s finishing poorly when he gets there.

I’m higher on Ace than I used to be, I think he can become a solid 3&D player. But VJ has the tools to be more than that. He processes the game better, can handle the ball, shoot, pass, and score from the midrange. His profile reminds me of Derrick White. Both are around the same size (6’4” without shoes, 8’5.5” standing reach).

I also find it a red-flag on Ace’s performance in his last 10 games. A Ben Simmons’ personality?

And lastly, between the two, Edgecombe’s numbers is clearly nearer to past top 3 picks.

[the_process]

Bro, you get out there at times. This is one of those times. We aren't showcasing Embiid and George. This isn't going to be any different next season. Both are going to continue missing significant amounts of time. There is no "switch" to flip with this team. The future starts over on draft night.

I believe he was being facetious.

Daryl Morey doesn’t sell low. He got Kevin Martin for a washed-up T-Mac. He turned a disgruntled, on-his-way-out James Harden into multiple first-round picks and cap space that eventually helped land Paul George.

There’s no way Morey’s just going to fold, admit he’s not competing, that’s already like announcing George and Embiid are done. That’s negotiating from a position of weakness. He’ll push the illusion of contention to keep leverage, then strike when the return is at its peak.

Like it or not, the Sixers would be foolish not to go all-in next season, because the East is wide open. No one’s taking this Pacers team seriously as a real contender. If anything, their deep run just highlights how soft the conference is right now.

If they get three more hot shooting games, that “fake contender” is going to be holding the Larry O’Brien.

[76ciology]

I believe he was being facetious.

Daryl Morey doesn’t sell low. He got Kevin Martin for a washed-up T-Mac. He turned a disgruntled, on-his-way-out James Harden into multiple first-round picks and cap space that eventually helped land Paul George.

There’s no way Morey’s just going to fold, admit he’s not competing, that’s already like announcing George and Embiid are done. That’s negotiating from a position of weakness. He’ll push the illusion of contention to keep leverage, then strike when the return is at its peak.

Like it or not, the Sixers would be foolish not to go all-in next season, because the East is wide open. No one’s taking this Pacers team seriously as a real contender. If anything, their deep run just highlights how soft the conference is right now.

If they get three more hot shooting games, that “fake contender” is going to be holding the Larry O’Brien.

This just reinforces the “fake contender” label, if they need outlier shooting just to win the finals.

[the_process]

Daryl Morey doesn’t sell low. He got Kevin Martin for a washed-up T-Mac. He turned a disgruntled, on-his-way-out James Harden into multiple first-round picks and cap space that eventually helped land Paul George.

There’s no way Morey’s just going to fold, admit he’s not competing, that’s already like announcing George and Embiid are done. That’s negotiating from a position of weakness. He’ll push the illusion of contention to keep leverage, then strike when the return is at its peak.

Like it or not, the Sixers would be foolish not to go all-in next season, because the East is wide open. No one’s taking this Pacers team seriously as a real contender. If anything, their deep run just highlights how soft the conference is right now.

If they get three more hot shooting games, that “fake contender” is going to be holding the Larry O’Brien.

This just reinforces the “fake contender” label, if they need outlier shooting just to win the finals.

Think DEN or LAL care that everyone thinks their titles are fraudulent?

Banners are forever.

[76ciology]

If they get three more hot shooting games, that “fake contender” is going to be holding the Larry O’Brien.

This just reinforces the “fake contender” label, if they need outlier shooting just to win the finals.

Think DEN or LAL care that everyone thinks their titles are fraudulent?

Banners are forever.

Yes, I’m not saying titles don’t count just because a team isn’t a serious contender. But those Denver and Lakers teams were far more legitimate contenders than this Pacers squad.

[Negrodamus]

How can you say KJ turns it over too much then not even mention how much Queen turns it over? Under 1 A/TO.

B/c KJ has a 23% turnover rate and Queen is 15%.

Queen 0.79 A/TO
KJ 1.27 A/TO

Obviously Queen is much worse.

Why are assists being taken into account here on a purely TO conversation?

That’s like comparing Jamal Murray, a non-PG pure scoring guard at Kentucky with a sub 1.0 AST/TO, to Kris Dunn, a heavily on ball PG with a > 1.0 AST/TO but had obvious major turnover issues at Providence.

[Mik317]

is it fluke shooting if you do it like 5 times a series lol

[76ciology]

I’d say 80–90% of #3 picks fit a secondary to tertiary archetype, players like VJ Edgecombe. These are the high-level complementary pieces on championship teams. They typically average 15–20 PPG, provide strong defense, space the floor, generate extra possessions, and can score efficiently when playing off a primary star. They’re capable of being a second or third option, can pass to open teammates, and contribute within the flow of an offense rather than driving it. Another option in the running here is Kon Kneuppel.

Then there’s the much rarer primary archetype, players who can be the engine of your offense. These are usually top-2 picks, but occasionally they fall to #3 because of some baggage like the Lamelo’s personality or Embiid’s injury. These guys average near 30 PPG scorers who can give you 5–7 assists per game, rebound at a solid rate (5+ per game), shoot near 60TS%, and be an above average defender. In short, you can build your offense around them.

For primary archetype:

Ace Bailey
I don’t see him as a primary initiator. He lacks the playmaking (5-7 assists benchmark) to consistently run an offense or run heavy PnR like elite wings such as KD, Tatum, or Kawhi. He feels more like a tertiary option, a good C&S player and some shooting over defenders at mid range, but not someone you give the ball to and let create at will.

Tre Johnson
He has a clearer path to being a primary, but there are gaps. He’ll need to become a better playmaker, rebounder and defender. Offensively, he has the potential to score 25–30 efficiently and hit the 5-assist mark. But if you’re drafting him as a primary, you’re betting that his length and athleticism will translate into at least average defense and solid rebounding.

Jeremiah Fears
He’s undersized and lacks efficiency. That combo makes it hard to project him as anything more than a spark plug guard unless he makes a serious leap.


It a tough pill to swallow but both archetypes, primary and secondary/tertiary, can justify a top-3 pick. You don’t pass on a Chet Holmgren just because he might only average 15 PPG, or a Jalen Williams because he’s a 20 PPG secondary guy.

If you’re swinging for a primary, then the bar needs to be high. If it’s Tre Johnson, then he has to take a leap in his rebounding and defense, and you’re betting on his physical tools and athleticism giving him the upside to do that.