2024-2025 College Basketball / NBA Draft

[okboomer]

First 5 minutes of the game and Omier is bullying Maluach who is like half a foot taller than him.

Maluach with ZERO boards against Houston in the Final Four. Absolutely not.

He would fit in right in with Joel.

[76ciology]

I also think Kasparas had a more serious injury to his arm in January than we know and that's why his stats, particularly outside shooting, went to hell. If he even shot in the high 30s from 3 for the final three months, we'd be talking about him instead of VJ and Tre.

Exactly, that’s why I have him third in my mock. He also shot 85% from the FT line. He checks every box for a go-to playoff scorer, strong finishing at the rim, FTr, solid midrange and 3pt% percentages, a reliable stepback 3, high basketball IQ, defensive effort, and a 6’8” wingspan. I just don’t bring him up much in this thread because there’s no one here to debate or agree with me about him, lol.

There’s 4 guys who I see have the traits to be Alphas in these play-offs, Flagg, Harper, Kasparas and Tre. Then after that you have a high number of high impact two way role players like VJ, CMB, Rasheer, Yaxel, Sorber, Maluach, Newell and Cedric.

[Negrodamus]

I also think Kasparas had a more serious injury to his arm in January than we know and that's why his stats, particularly outside shooting, went to hell. If he even shot in the high 30s from 3 for the final three months, we'd be talking about him instead of VJ and Tre.

Exactly, that’s why I have him third in my mock. He also shot 85% from the FT line. He checks every box for a go-to playoff scorer, strong finishing at the rim, FTr, solid midrange and 3pt% percentages, a reliable stepback 3, high basketball IQ, defensive effort, and a 6’8” wingspan. I just don’t bring him up much in this thread because there’s no one here to debate or agree with me about him, lol.

There’s 4 guys who I see have the traits to be Alphas in these play-offs, Flagg, Harper, Kasparas and Tre. Then after that you have a high number of high impact two way role players like VJ, CMB, Rasheer, Yaxel, Sorber, Maluach, Newell and Cedric.

Having 1 dunk all year is pretty rough, but also he's 65% at the rim in half court situations which is Brunson level elite for a guard.

He actually seems very much like a Morey pick in that he has aspects of Maxey: questionably low 3FG for being such a willing 3pt shooter and a high FT%, slightly below what you want from STL%, great ball handler, gunner. If we took him, he's the best true PG on the team, which works well with Maxey, McCain, PG, Embiid (ask Ivisic if he liked KJ this year).

He doesn't look like a complete dead in the water defender like Tre from what I've seen so far.

He's basically the same height as SGA (obviously much shorter W/S). I think he could work well off the bench his rookie year with McCain and eventually move into the starting PG role next year as he gets bigger. If we took him 3 (which we won't), I'll have zero gripes tbh. I get the pick.

[76ciology]

I also think Kasparas had a more serious injury to his arm in January than we know and that's why his stats, particularly outside shooting, went to hell. If he even shot in the high 30s from 3 for the final three months, we'd be talking about him instead of VJ and Tre.

Exactly, that’s why I have him third in my mock. He also shot 85% from the FT line. He checks every box for a go-to playoff scorer, strong finishing at the rim, FTr, solid midrange and 3pt% percentages, a reliable stepback 3, high basketball IQ, defensive effort, and a 6’8” wingspan. I just don’t bring him up much in this thread because there’s no one here to debate or agree with me about him, lol.

There’s 4 guys who I see have the traits to be Alphas in these play-offs, Flagg, Harper, Kasparas and Tre. Then after that you have a high number of high impact two way role players like VJ, CMB, Rasheer, Yaxel, Sorber, Maluach, Newell and Cedric.

Having 1 dunk all year is pretty rough, but also he's 65% at the rim in half court situations which is Brunson level elite for a guard.

He actually seems very much like a Morey pick in that he has aspects of Maxey: questionably low 3FG for being such a willing 3pt shooter and a high FT%, slightly below what you want from STL%, great ball handler, gunner. If we took him, he's the best true PG on the team, which works well with Maxey, McCain, PG, Embiid (ask Ivisic if he liked KJ this year).

He doesn't look like a complete dead in the water defender like Tre from what I've seen so far.

He's basically the same height as SGA (obviously much shorter W/S). I think he could work well off the bench his rookie year with McCain and eventually move into the starting PG role next year as he gets bigger. If we took him 3 (which we won't), I'll have zero gripes tbh. I get the pick.

At the 3 spot, I see VJ, KK, and CMB as potential Morey picks. Maybe my perspective is a bit different, but since most of Morey’s selections have been outside the top 3, it’s tough to guess who would be his favorite this time around.

I’m basing my evaluation on end of season numbers. For Kasparas, I’d guess his stats were significantly better before the injury, I read he was shooting 40% from three at one point. Even with the injury, he still finished with solid percentages at the rim, midrange, and from 3. I think it was his TOs and late season shooting slump that dragged his numbers down, which I factored in when I ranked him as high as I did.

Personally, I don’t put too much weight on trying to guess who Morey will actually pick. It’s just something worth considering from a psychological standpoint, so we can find some closure and stop second guessing ourselves every day on who the best pick might be, lol.

[76ciology]

With Kasparas, when Im watching him, I’ve always doubt on how does he beat his man in the NBA with that speed? How does he get his shot off without elite athleticism? But like Brunson, he’s crafty enough to make it work. And when he can’t, he knows how to draw contact and get to the line.

Defensively, he reminds me of guys like Podziemski or McCain, tough, physical, always locked in, and smart enough to read the game and stay in the right spots.

[mjkvol]

I also think Kasparas had a more serious injury to his arm in January than we know and that's why his stats, particularly outside shooting, went to hell. If he even shot in the high 30s from 3 for the final three months, we'd be talking about him instead of VJ and Tre.

I won't be the least bit surprised when he becomes one of the steals of this draft with the "experts" wondering why he dropped.

[M2J]

Regarding insider questions on Ace and his personality. And their season. Not a lot, but.... The boy loves basketball. Works hard, infectious personality and good in locker room. He's a Leo, like myself and Anthony Edwards. There's a sense of arrogance, but it's just playful and comes from positivity and staying positive to lift yourself and keeping those you lead confident.

Watch on YouTube

It's Ace guys... Gotta be Ace

MPJ could be an all star now if he weren't drafted into a 4th option situation for a contender and his severe injuries. If MPJ were on the Warriors in that system to replace Klay.... whole new career. These things matter, and I need a refresher on how Dylan thrived and Ace didn't. I've made it a point to not bash any of these players to argue for one but they both had different roles and both overall individually performed well enough to be top 3 picks, and both lost more than people thought as a team.... And Dylan was the point guard and according to some the best player, but Ace gets the backlash for that disappointment.

Back to MPJ comp... to be clear... Besides the length and ability rise up over defenders without much ball handling.... They're not the same players. MPJ today doesn't even come close to Ace's footwork to get shots off. Those difficult shots he takes are counters to defensive coverage and extra help. I agree that you don't want a steady diet of that on this team, but it's also next level stuff. Like Durant said... Ace has a better mid range game than he did coming into the league.

Learn handles and defense from George, learn mid post game and foul baiting from Joel. Maxey work ethic and you got Durant

[sodmoraes]

Regarding insider questions on Ace and his personality. And their season. Not a lot, but.... The boy loves basketball. Works hard, infectious personality and good in locker room. He's a Leo, like myself and Anthony Edwards. There's a sense of arrogance, but it's just playful and comes from positivity and staying positive to lift yourself and keeping those you lead confident.

Watch on YouTube

It's Ace guys... Gotta be Ace

MPJ could be an all star now if he weren't drafted into a 4th option situation for a contender and his severe injuries. If MPJ were on the Warriors in that system to replace Klay.... whole new career. These things matter, and I need a refresher on how Dylan thrived and Ace didn't. I've made it a point to not bash any of these players to argue for one but they both had different roles and both overall individually performed well enough to be top 3 picks, and both lost more than people thought as a team.... And Dylan was the point guard and according to some the best player, but Ace gets the backlash for that disappointment.

Back to MPJ comp... to be clear... Besides the length and ability rise up over defenders without much ball handling.... There not the same players. MPJ today doesn't even come close to Ace's footwork to get shots off. Those difficult shots he takes are counters to defensive coverage and extra help. I agree that you don't want a steady diet of that on this team, but it's also next level stuff. Like Durant said... Ace has a better mid range game than he did coming into the league.

Learn handles and defense from George, learn mid post game and foul baiting from Joel. Maxey work ethic and you got Durant

I agree with you. Besides that, i know MPJ before back injury was a diferent animal, but, even so, i think he didnt have Ace´s athletic abilities? Bailey is a pretty good athlete, and that will make a diference on his game in the NBA.

[Black Mage]

Regarding insider questions on Ace and his personality. And their season. Not a lot, but.... The boy loves basketball. Works hard, infectious personality and good in locker room. He's a Leo, like myself and Anthony Edwards. There's a sense of arrogance, but it's just playful and comes from positivity and staying positive to lift yourself and keeping those you lead confident.

Watch on YouTube

It's Ace guys... Gotta be Ace

MPJ could be an all star now if he weren't drafted into a 4th option situation for a contender and his severe injuries. If MPJ were on the Warriors in that system to replace Klay.... whole new career. These things matter, and I need a refresher on how Dylan thrived and Ace didn't. I've made it a point to not bash any of these players to argue for one but they both had different roles and both overall individually performed well enough to be top 3 picks, and both lost more than people thought as a team.... And Dylan was the point guard and according to some the best player, but Ace gets the backlash for that disappointment.

Back to MPJ comp... to be clear... Besides the length and ability rise up over defenders without much ball handling.... There not the same players. MPJ today doesn't even come close to Ace's footwork to get shots off. Those difficult shots he takes are counters to defensive coverage and extra help. I agree that you don't want a steady diet of that on this team, but it's also next level stuff. Like Durant said... Ace has a better mid range game than he did coming into the league.

Learn handles and defense from George, learn mid post game and foul baiting from Joel. Maxey work ethic and you got Durant

Can't read into this too much; I question his bias as a guy who wants to keep his job.

[youngcrev]

Oh wait, he's a Leo? I'm in! [He said, like a sarcastic prick]

[Iscull]

I'm team trade down. The allure for other teams to get Ace Bailey has to be pretty high, so I'd try to leverage a trade down top 7-10 and try to get future picks. This year just ain't to me.

Agreed - if it wasn’t for Flagg I think it would be a pretty bad draft class

[Stanford]

How many times did Ace dunk this year? I can't recall a single dunking highlight.

[ProcessDoctor]

Not because of recent posts, but I've changed my vote from VJ to Ace if we stay at #3. His non-traditional high school path and decision to attend Rutgers are confounding enough for me to take a chance on him. I.e., I think he's been in some of the worst situations possible and still shone through in many ways. I'm not expecting him to be the next Durant or even T-Mac/George, but I think he'll reach All-Star or borderline All-Star level in the NBA.

On the contrary, I just don't know what VJ's elite skill or fit is at the next level. He's not a primary ball-handler and might just be a great connecting piece on a championship team, but I can't settle for that with the #3 pick. Even if Ace Bailey turns into Michael Beasley, I still take that risk over what I think VJ's average outcome might be.

[ivysixer2000]

This is an issue I haven't seen brought up. When you are drafting this high, is it best player available or need?

I think its both, and we clearly don't need guards. If Jojo and PG can get out of their wheelchairs, then there are 2 other positions. I would like to not draft a guy that I have to trade another guy (McCain) to make it fit, as trades need a trading partner.

I don't understand the Ace is 6'7" thing, cause he's not, but we poke holes in top draft picks. I didn't trust a GM for the Sixers in decades, Billy King was terrible, but I do trust Morey to make the pick. Need AND BPA are very important this high, its important in football and also basketball.

[Stanford]

Not because of recent posts, but I've changed my vote from VJ to Ace if we stay at #3. His non-traditional high school path and decision to attend Rutgers were enough for me to take a chance on him. I.e., I think he's been in some of the worst situations possible and still shone in many ways. I'm not expecting him to be the next Durant or even T-Mac/George, but I think he'll reach All-Star or borderline All-Star level in the NBA.

On the contrary, I just don't know what VJ's elite skill or fit is at the next level. He's not a primary ball-handler and might just be a great connecting piece on a championship team, but I just can't settle for that with the #3 pick. Even if Ace Bailey turns into Michael Beasley, I still take that risk over what I think VJ's average outcome might be.

He looked invisible on offense for most of that Duke game that was posted earlier. Tough choice!

[Negrodamus]

Ace Bailey is also 2 inches shorter, standing reach is an 1.5 lower and is 10lbs lighter (at time of combine) than MPJ. I feel like Porter is a natural size for PF while Ace will get abused and should only be defending wings at least early on.

[ProcessDoctor]

Ace Bailey is also 2 inches shorter, standing reach is an 1.5 lower and is 10lbs lighter (at time of combine) than MPJ. I feel like Porter is a natural size for PF while Ace will get abused and should only be defending wings at least early on.

Yea I mean, he's 18 and you'd project to him to be your future starting SF after sitting behind George for 1-2 years. Porter was also 1 year older when drafted than Ace is now.

I also think it's kinda silly we're getting caught up in Ace's height when: A) he'll be wearing shoes when he plays, like everyone else and B) his wingspan is 7'0.5"

[Snotbubbles]

Give me a good defensive player with below 1 defensive box plus minus.

Scotty Pippen Jr. was as a Freshman at Vanderbilt was -0.8, as a Sophomore was 0.7.

He finished 10th in BPM in the NBA this season at 1.8.

[Da Doctor]

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45179882/2025-nba-mock-draft-projecting-all-59-picks-post-combine-cooper-flagg-dallas-mavericks

Intel and fit: This is where the draft gets really interesting, as the 76ers are unsurprisingly signaling they are looking at a wide group of prospects, consisting of Bailey, VJ Edgecombe, Tre Johnson, Khaman Maluach, and Kon Knueppel. Bailey -- widely considered this draft's third-most-talented prospect -- is the natural fit here, as he could seamlessly slide into the Sixers' lineup at shooting guard, small forward or power forward, operating alongside any of their current players.

The feedback coming out of Chicago suggests Bailey is somewhat polarizing in internal front-office conversations because of questions about his feel for the game and "unpolished" team interviews, which one NBA general manager compared to Anthony Edwards' during the predraft process (Minnesota drafted him No. 1 in 2020). Bailey hasn't come off as "buttoned up" as some of his lottery peers but drew strong marks from a handful of executives who appreciated his candor and willingness to display his big personality.

Some teams expect the Sixers to be active in trade conversations, with names such as Kevin Durant (Phoenix) and Lauri Markkanen (Utah) as potential targets in packages that could include Paul George and the No. 3 pick. Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey has made a career of being active and aggressive on the trade front, but historically, it's rare to see a top-three pick being traded.

Adding a young, talented prospect could be appealing as a reset to the team's timeline, offering long-term hope among Joel Embiid's injury concerns and George's significant contract, which might not age well. -- Givony

[ivysixer2000]

Ace Bailey is also 2 inches shorter, standing reach is an 1.5 lower and is 10lbs lighter (at time of combine) than MPJ. I feel like Porter is a natural size for PF while Ace will get abused and should only be defending wings at least early on.

Yea I mean, he's 18 and you'd project to him to be your future starting SF after sitting behind George for 1-2 years. Porter was also 1 year older when drafted than Ace is now.

I also think it's kinda silly we're getting caught up in Ace's height when: A) he'll be wearing shoes when he plays, like everyone else and B) his wingspan is 7'0.5"

If Ace is picked, which I figure he could be, he is plus on rebounds, steals, and blocks. All 3 we need cause Jojo can't even chase me quickly as Ace could be OG on the Knicks. Or Bridges, who we were too stupid to keep.

At #3, I look for all-star material, and I hope he can get there. We should be glad we are at least in the top 4, but now we are just looking for our pet cat. I'm so glad BC isn't sitting in that GM seat.