2025 Blazer Draft Prospects

[Walton1one]

Carter Bryant
Top 100: No. 20
Stats: No. 18
Consensus: 2.2 WARP

Would kind of fit right in on this team, no?

I don't follow college ball, but I like the sound of this. Is he projected to be drafted in the top 10 or later?

Yes, I think he would kind of interchangeable at 2/3, good defender, developing scorer, could be a Grant replacement (if they deal him)

As for where he is projected to go, Bryant is one of those players who has been slowly rising up the draft boards & mocks. I have seen a few with him in the lottery, but most have him as inside the Top 20. I saw one mock with him @ #9 to HOU (ugh).

Guessing today, I would be surprised if he does not go lottery (top 14), so in\around POR range, but there are a number of players rising right now:

Fears - Looking like top 10, maybe even Top 5 (BR mock had him @ #5, most mocks have him inside top 10)
Essengue - Late Lottery
Richardson - Late Lottery
Clifford - Right outside lottery to early 20's range

Top 4 seems pretty set: Flagg, Harper and then either Bailey or Edgecombe

Other, likely Top 10 picks, certainly lottery: Tre Johnson, Khaman Maluach, Kon Knueppel (almost all have him going before #10), Derik Queen, Kasparas Jakucionis, Colin Murray Boyles

Not including Clifford, that is 13 players, so 1? spot for a wide group of players (possibly including Clifford), of guys like Asa Newell, Egor Demin, Carter Bryant, Nolan Traore (been moving back up boards) & Liam McNeeley

BTW, the latest BR mock draft has POR selecting Carter Bryant @ #10. Comp: Trevor Ariza

If the Blazers aren't worried about team fit—and since they're still in their post-Damian Lillard rebuild, they might not be—they could spend this pick on one of the centers typically mocked ahead of Bryant.

But given their glut of bigs just limited last year's No. 7 pick to only 19.8 minutes per game, they might prefer to avoid spending another top-10 pick on a center.

Instead, they could fortify their wings with Bryant, a defensive playmaker who can capitalize on the offensive chances created for him behind the arc or at the rim. He is more of a budding role player than a future star, but impact three-and-D wings might be the most coveted role players around.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25190988-2025-nba-mock-draft-lottery-simulation-sending-cooper-flagg-eastern-conference

[dckingsfan]

Would kind of fit right in on this team, no?

I don't follow college ball, but I like the sound of this. Is he projected to be drafted in the top 10 or later?

Yes, I think he would kind of interchangeable at 2/3, good defender, developing scorer, could be a Grant replacement (if they deal him)

As for where he is projected to go, Bryant is one of those players who has been slowly rising up the draft boards & mocks. I have seen a few with him in the lottery, but most have him as inside the Top 20. I saw one mock with him @ #9 to HOU (ugh).

Guessing today, I would be surprised if he does not go lottery (top 14), so in\around POR range, but there are a number of players rising right now:

Fears - Looking like top 10, maybe even Top 5 (BR mock had him @ #5, most mocks have him inside top 10)
Essengue - Late Lottery
Richardson - Late Lottery
Clifford - Right outside lottery to early 20's range

Top 4 seems pretty set: Flagg, Harper and then either Bailey or Edgecombe

Other, likely Top 10 picks, certainly lottery: Tre Johnson, Khaman Maluach, Kon Knueppel (almost all have him going before #10), Derik Queen, Kasparas Jakucionis, Colin Murray Boyles

Not including Clifford, that is 13 players, so 1? spot for a wide group of players (possibly including Clifford), of guys like Asa Newell, Egor Demin, Carter Bryant, Nolan Traore (been moving back up boards) & Liam McNeeley

BTW, the latest BR mock draft has POR selecting Carter Bryant @ #10. Comp: Trevor Ariza

If the Blazers aren't worried about team fit—and since they're still in their post-Damian Lillard rebuild, they might not be—they could spend this pick on one of the centers typically mocked ahead of Bryant.

But given their glut of bigs just limited last year's No. 7 pick to only 19.8 minutes per game, they might prefer to avoid spending another top-10 pick on a center.

Instead, they could fortify their wings with Bryant, a defensive playmaker who can capitalize on the offensive chances created for him behind the arc or at the rim. He is more of a budding role player than a future star, but impact three-and-D wings might be the most coveted role players around.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25190988-2025-nba-mock-draft-lottery-simulation-sending-cooper-flagg-eastern-conference

I like all the ideas, don't think any will come to fruition but it does tell you that there are potential deals out there...

This is always what my biggest frustration with Cronin is. Deals can always be made, but you have to be proactive. He seems so content to just let the deals come to him vs actually go out and make them happen.

Kind of pulls the two things together no? We move Ayton and draft another C to go behind Clingan and there you have it.

The only question is what do you get back for Ayton? Bad contract and more draft assets?

Or do you just draft that C (if you think he is the BPA) and let Ayton walk?

[Walton1one]

BTW, Hoopshype released an aggregate mock draft to get an idea of players' ranges:

They have some Scouts' notes, which I listed below for certain players, particularly ones that POR could be looking at (some rough assessments)

NOTE: These rankings reflect the composite score of 10 mock drafts (ESPN, CBS Sports, The Athletic, Bleacher Report, Babcock Hoops, USA Today, NBAdraft.net, SB Nation and FTW) to get a feel for the overall consensus. It’s not our opinion.

For this mock draft, we talked to coaches, executives, and scouts to get their take on this year’s prospects. The draft class is deep with bigs and forwards, but unlike in past years, there aren’t as many pure guards or elite ball handlers. That could actually benefit player development, giving teams more flexibility to mold versatile talent.

“Flagg and Harper are the only sure things,” a pro scout told HoopsHype. “After that, it’s a crapshoot.”

“Yep. Ace, VJ, maybe Kasparas,” an executive told HoopsHype. “But nobody else screams future All-Star.”

1-2-3-4
Flagg - Harper - Bailey - Edgecombe

5 - TRE JOHNSON
Best rank: 5 / Worst rank: 9

A coach told HoopsHype on Johnson: “Modern-day Alec Burks – bucket-getter, tough shot-maker, but probably a sixth man ceiling. Not the most explosive, but he can fill it up. I’ve heard the Cam Thomas comps. It makes sense, but the upside might be capped.”

He is bigger than Cam Thomas though? A 6'5\6'6 Cam Thomas does not seem bad to me? and the shooting\scoring, has been really good. Most questions about him are what can he do when not scoring, not uncommon for players like him

6 - JEREMIAH FEARS
Best rank: 5 / Worst rank: 13

A scout told HoopsHype on Fears: “Fears is shifty, but 29% from three? Oof. More Monta [Ellis] than Jamal Murray –volume scorer without the efficiency. And not the same burst. Monta was elite at getting to the rim. Fears is crafty but… is he quick enough?”

I have seen the Monta Ellis comp a few times and I don't think that is a positive

7 - KON KNUEPPEL
Best rank: 6 / Worst rank: 13

An executive told HoopsHype on Knueppel: “Kon Knueppel could also go Top 5 if it’s a team that does need to win right away. He’s an offense-first version. Like a better shooting De’Andre Hunter, but with a little less defense. Hunter’s much longer than Knueppel. But the whole point is the role versatility. You’re betting on IQ, shooting, and fit.”

At this point, I would be surprised if he is there when POR picks @ #10

8 - DERIK QUEEN
Best rank: 4 / Worst rank: 16

A coach told HoopsHype on Queen: “I don’t think that Derik Queen is the best big in the draft. That’s basically the argument, he is also going to be 21 during his rookie season. He’s a grown man out there. Yeah, he’s the safe pick –polished, strong in the post, but doesn’t have a ton of upside.”

So it is looking like there will be a good chance that one of Queen\Maluach (maybe both) could be there at #10. I just don't see why POR would go there though, basically doubling down on DC profile (Maluach) or putting another worse defense\better offense (Queen) in the rotation that doesn't address a weakness when DC is on the floor vs smaller\quicker teams. IMO, it would make sense to have a more mobile big behind Clingan, a guy who could defend more out of the paint? Will be interesting if POR chooses one of these guys (already crowded C position aside).

9 - KHAMAN MALUACH
Best rank: 5 / Worst rank: 16

A scout told HoopsHype: “Maluach is raw but huge and super athletic. Hands aren’t great, though. One guy I know called him a lankier DeAndre Jordan. But maybe Rudy Gobert’s hands? Yeah, and not the same instincts as Gobert. DJ was also underrated in terms of feel. And Maluach isn’t some elite rim protector. I see the appeal, but he has a ways to go. Starting center? Probably. Star? I’m not sold.”

10 - KASPARAS JAKUCIONIS
Best rank: 4 / Worst rank: 12

A pro scout told HoopsHype on Jakucionis: “Kasparas has the vision, but the assist-to-turnover ratio’s rough. Secondary creator at best – not a franchise PG. I don’t love that comp to Tyrese Haliburton. Tyrese’s assist-to-turnover ratio was elite. Jakucionis has issues there. He’s more of a secondary creator. Tyrese was 9.3 assists to 1.6 TOs after his first 25 games that rookie year. Jakucionis is nowhere near that.”

Yeah, all star starting PG seems less likely than just a good 3rd\interchangeable guard off the bench, those have great value too though, look at Ty Jerome this year (not saying he plays exactly like that)

11 - COLLIN MURRAY-BOYLES
Best rank: 5 / Worst rank: 29

An Eastern Conference scout told HoopsHype on Murray-Boyles: “I don’t like his game at all. The fact that people even think he’s going to be a lottery pick is crazy. He can’t even play the three – he moves slowly. And sure, he’s a great defender, but honestly, Grant Williams had more offensive talent coming out of college than this guy.”

woof, rough, but I agree somewhat, I don't see\understand the appeal. Better defender than Walker, but worse shooter, both undersized?

12 - JASE RICHARDSON
Best rank: 8 / Worst rank: 22

An assistant coach told HoopsHype on Richardson: “Because of his dad he is a coach’s kid who plays with that veteran savvy. Not the biggest or most athletic but always in the right spot defensively. Developing into a reliable catch-and-shoot threat. Floor is high as a rotation piece – think a smaller Donte DiVincenzo with better playmaking.”

So, like a 3rd guard off the bench? I think it would be better to have a bigger player like Jakucionis, or take a swing on Demin? Lots of favorable scouting reports though.

13 - ASA NEWELL
Best rank: 6 / Worst rank: 24

A pro scout told HoopsHype on Newell: “Solid athlete at 6-10ish who plays inside and out. Defensive versatility is his calling card – can switch 2-5 in spurts. Offense is still developing but the jumper isn’t broken. Medium-risk, high-reward pick – if the shot comes around, we’re talking [Nic] Claxton with a jump shot potential.”

This is why I like Newell, would be a great tandem\rotation piece with Clingan, when the team needs a more mobile big to go against smaller teams, and he has a pretty solid floor if the shooting does not pan out

14 - NOA ESSENGUE
Best rank: 11 / Worst rank: 20

An international scout told HoopsHype on Essengue: “Insane physical tools – 7-foot-plus wingspan and explosive off two feet. Raw offensively and everything defensively. His hands have improved and he’s starting to show touch around the rim. A year away from being a year year away, but the ceiling is a uber athletic tweener combo foward.”

Seems like a high upside swing like POR has done w\Rupert and their rumored interest in Salaun LY, but may take 2-3 years to get there (if he does). Curious if Cronin goes there again or goes with a player more ready to contribute right away (but still has some upside)

15 - LIAM MCNEELEY
Best rank: 11 / Worst rank: 27

An assistant coach told HoopsHype on McNeeley: “Sniper. This kid might end up being the best shooter in the class – textbook form, deep range, and he doesn’t need plays called for him. What I love is he’s not just a spot-up guy; he’s got that sneaky off-ball movement and can attack closeouts. Needs to get stronger defensively, but his offensive IQ is already pro-level. Worst case he’s a better Joe Harris.”

If POR really wants to address their shortcomings (shooting) & Knueppel is gone then McNeeley could be a decent pick, he could be that shooter coming off the bench that this team is sorely lacking. Some of the other players with higher ceilings appeal more to me, but I would not be hugely disappointed if POR drafted him

16 - EGOR DEMIN
Best rank: 9 / Worst rank: 21

A pro scout told HoopsHype on Demin: “Kid’s got unicorn potential with that 6-foot-9 playmaking package – sees the game like he’s watching in slow motion. The passing vision is elite for his size, and he can really handle in space. But here’s the million-dollar question: how does he score at the next level? The shot comes and goes, and right now he doesn’t have a reliable go-to move.”

I keep going back to what if the shooting never comes around? and that even if it doesn't players with his unique size\skillset seem to always have a home in the NBA, could he contribute right away in a b\u role?

17 - NOLAN TRAORE
Best rank: 10 / Worst rank: 19
Best rank: 10 / Worst rank: 19

An international scout told HoopsHype on Traore: “French guard with an NBA-ready playmaking and potential to be a floor-spacer. Shooting is behind the ballhandling, playmaking and fluid athleticism is what intrigues people. If he develops even an average three, he’s a rotation player at least. I find him less intriguing than Killian Hayes was.”

Ouch, Hayes is barely trying to hang on in the NBA

18 - THOMAS SORBER
Best rank: 12 / Worst rank: NR

An Eastern Conference scout told HoopsHype on Sorber: “He’s another guy we have been following since high school. He is just so dominant, he plays bigger than he is. Sorber just has the intangibles and motor you want out of a big. His passing too is underrated. Xavier Tillman is the comp I’ve heard but that’s not a bad thing, I think he’s better.”

foot injury, no workouts, pretty positive scouting profiles, smells like a promise coming. Curious if he pulls ut the draft

19 - CARTER BRYANT
Best rank: 15 / Worst rank: NR

An assistant coach told HoopsHype on Bryant: “This kid came out of nowhere this season – total surprise package. Mostly coming off the bench but he’s been absolutely lights out as a floor spacer, knocking down threes at a crazy clip. What I love is that Tommy Lloyd trusts him defensively too. At 6-foot-8 with that wingspan, he’s got perfect modern wing size – can guard multiple positions and stretch the floor. Sneaky good find.”

I have read\watched a fair amount of scouting reports on Bryant (and plan to watch more), but there sure isn't a whole lot of concerning negatives that I have seen. He is going lottery.

20 - NIQUE CLIFFORD
Best rank: 14 / Worst rank: 32

A pro scout told HoopsHype on Clifford: “Clifford’s a classic ‘do-stuff’ wing – defends, rebounds, makes the right cuts. The shot’s still a question, but he plays with energy and IQ. Reminds me of Aaron Wiggins with a better jumper. You’re betting on the athleticism and motor, but he’s got to prove he’s not just a hustle guy at the next level.”

Clifford seems like he should be a higher draft pick, but the the old "age" issue is suppressing his value, which you think teams would know better

22 - RASHEER FLEMING
Best rank: 18 / Worst rank: NR

An Eastern Conference scout told HoopsHype on Fleming: “That’s my guy, I love his game. Just perfect for what we need. A 6-foot-9 forward that’ll stretch the floor and be able to guard in space as a day one role player is a steal for any team. I just don’t think he will fall to us, he’s on a lot of people’s boards.”

Curious, most reports list his ceiling as a bench\role player and mocks have him in\around the 20's (who had him UR, seriously?). I just think there are better options for POR @ #10, players whose floor match Fleming, but have higher ceilings. Interesting to see if he rises up boards as the draft gets closer

https://hoopshype.com/lists/aggregate-2025-nba-mock-draft-5-0-top-5-solidifies-walter-clayton-jr-rises/

[Walton1one]

Bonus from Hoopshype\Scouts on Edgecombe, Bailey & Harper

EDGECOMBE

A pro scout told HoospHype on Edgecombe: “VJ’s measurements worry me, though. 6-foot-3.5 barefoot, 6-foot-6 wingspan – undersized for a combo guard. Reminds me of Malik Monk but with better defense. Yeah, he’s left-hand dominant, not a pure playmaker. But that first step… explosive as hell. If he develops a reliable jumper, he’s a problem.”

BAILEY

A Eastern Conference exectuive told HoospHype on Bailey: “MPJ-style bucket getter that’s less polished with more bounce. The shot-making is there, but the shooting and measurements are concerns, he is not that big in-person, maybe 6-foot-8 tops. Ceiling’s isn’t close to Harper or Flagg, but is he clearly better than [VJ] Edgecombe or Tre [Johnson]? Not sure yet.”

HARPER

A pro scout told HoospHype: “Gives me lefty Cade Cunningham vibes –plays at his own pace, lulling defenders to sleep before turning it on. Might have the highest creation ceiling in this class, even over Flagg. Not a freak athlete but so crafty finishing through contact. That jumper’s the big question – if it comes around, we’re talking All-NBA potential.”

[Walton1one]

Early entry list

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Notable players not on the list

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Interesting about NIL

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[tblazrdude]

Guys I like:
- Carter Bryant
- Kon Knueppel
- Nique Clifford
- Rasheer Fleming*
- Egor Demin*
- CMB*

(would select if we end up with a second first round pick via an Ant trade)

[oldfishermen]

Sasser is healthy and so far has received 4 DNP-CD's through the teams 4 playoff games. He has never played over 20mpg and failed to snag many minutes even w/ Ivey out. The Pistons went out and got Dennis because they didnt want to lean on Sasser as the primary backup PG.

No team is trading a 10 pick for Marcus Sasser.

FWIW - I like Sasser. I would move Kris and a few SRP for him.

Now, for the rest of the story.

Last off season, the Pistons loaded up on vets. They brought in, and started the season with these new to roster vets.

Beasley
T Hardaway jr
Waters
Harper
T Harris
R Reed

Dennis makes 7 vets added. At least 3 that play rotation guard minutes.

[Tim Lehrbach]

One of the players I'm looking into right now is Dame Sarr. And I'm so torn. His low, slow shot mechanics fail my "triple threat" test. The numbers say he's accurate from deep, but it's a low sample size deception, IMO. I don't buy him getting good looks against NBA defenses.

The flip side: there are highlight packages that have him looking like Kawhi 2.0. He is stronger than the scouting report on the last page gives him credit for. He is crafty moving with and without the ball. Can finish inside with clean footwork and soft touch. Quick hands and good instincts defensively.

I need to study more, but I am interested in others' opinions. If there is hope he can fix his shot, he's somebody to watch.

[Tim Lehrbach]

Because I'm a Dylan Harper fanboy, I watched some Rutgers this year. I haven't seen it with Ace Bailey yet. It's not even the lack of polish that others focus on... for me, I don't see where he fits as a productive player in the NBA. He's not a Durant or even Rashard Lewis type giant perimeter demon, he's not an on-ball creator, he's neither a stopper nor a rim protector. What does everybody believe he will unlock at the next level? Or, looking backwards instead of forwards, what had him so high in the high school rankings?

I'm not a complete skeptic -- on size and fluidity alone, I think he'd be a fine pick in the late lottery, like where the Blazers pick, but nothing screams elite prospect to me, just a guy with some tools that may or may not assemble into a successful pro. I've been holding back my thoughts because I hesitate to go against the crowd when my knowledge is decidedly imperfect, but yeah... just not seeing it (yet?).

[Tim Lehrbach]

Unlike Bailey, Edgecombe is the guy whose unreal gifts seem very likely to be sharpened into an excellent NBA player. I worry he'll be overwhelmed right out of the gate, which may cause some to turn on him, but to me his floor is Shaedon Sharpe plus defense, and that's a prospect you roll the dice on. The handles and shot both need work, so that's concerning, right? Maybe, but I see a guy who operates on feel and quickness, a guy who will adapt and solve the problem of NBA defenders as long as he puts in the work, which, as far as I know, there are no questions about with him. In the open court and defensively, he's going to get by, at a minimum, on hustle and speed. And again, I think he's got elite feel -- whether or not he's close to a finished product (or ever gets there), he's a quick thinker as well as a quick leaper.

I'm still early in scouting Edgecombe, but I am pretty close to sold. I think he's one of those rare prospects who, despite having a long way to go, leaves the unmistakable impression that being an elite athlete with a knack for making plays will get him there.

[zzaj]

One of the players I'm looking into right now is Dame Sarr. And I'm so torn. His low, slow shot mechanics fail my "triple threat" test. The numbers say he's accurate from deep, but it's a low sample size deception, IMO. I don't buy him getting good looks against NBA defenses.

The flip side: there are highlight packages that have him looking like Kawhi 2.0. He is stronger than the scouting report on the last page gives him credit for. He is crafty moving with and without the ball. Can finish inside with clean footwork and soft touch. Quick hands and good instincts defensively.

I need to study more, but I am interested in others' opinions. If there is hope he can fix his shot, he's somebody to watch.

I only watched that shooting video, and thought exact the same. The shot is too slow and waaaay too much dip to get it off in the NBA…

[Tim Lehrbach]

One of the players I'm looking into right now is Dame Sarr. And I'm so torn. His low, slow shot mechanics fail my "triple threat" test. The numbers say he's accurate from deep, but it's a low sample size deception, IMO. I don't buy him getting good looks against NBA defenses.

The flip side: there are highlight packages that have him looking like Kawhi 2.0. He is stronger than the scouting report on the last page gives him credit for. He is crafty moving with and without the ball. Can finish inside with clean footwork and soft touch. Quick hands and good instincts defensively.

I need to study more, but I am interested in others' opinions. If there is hope he can fix his shot, he's somebody to watch.

I only watched that shooting video, and thought exact the same. The shot is too slow and waaaay too much dip to get it off in the NBA…

Yeah, if I believe in my "method," it's an automatic disqualifier. He's teasing me with his other apparent abilities, but if he can't score a lick those aren't going to carry him to becoming an effective NBA player. So I'm especially curious whether anybody is all-in on this guy. Is he Kawhi-lite, hiding in plain sight, or an unplayable non-shooter? I will keep watching to make up my mind. I lean pessimistic, but I could very well see him tantalizing teams who see the upside.

[zzaj]

Unlike Bailey, Edgecombe is the guy whose unreal gifts seem very likely to be sharpened into an excellent NBA player. I worry he'll be overwhelmed right out of the gate, which may cause some to turn on him, but to me his floor is Shaedon Sharpe plus defense, and that's a prospect you roll the dice on. The handles and shot both need work, so that's concerning, right? Maybe, but I see a guy who operates on feel and quickness, a guy who will adapt and solve the problem of NBA defenders as long as he puts in the work, which, as far as I know, there are no questions about with him. In the open court and defensively, he's going to get by, at a minimum, on hustle and speed. And again, I think he's got elite feel -- whether or not he's close to a finished product (or ever gets there), he's a quick thinker as well as a quick leaper.

I'm still early in scouting Edgecombe, but I am pretty close to sold. I think he's one of those rare prospects who, despite having a long way to go, leaves the unmistakable impression that being an elite athlete with a knack for making plays will get him there.

Yeah, Bailey just has so many factors going against him—if his shot doesn’t ever fall consistently, what is he bringing? I would be seriously sweating if I had the 3rd pick. Then again, he could hit the NBA and totally flourish…I was not a fan of Brandon Miller, and he’s turning out okay.

I’m much higher on Edgecombe, and agree with you he totally has that “it” factor. He has some size limitations, but he plays way bigger than his small wingspan.
I’d trade Sharpe for Edgecombe tomorrow…

[Case2012]

I hate where we’re picking this year. The fact that the Rockets and Spurs — both of whom are clearly ahead of us in their rebuilds — are picking before us is just brutal. San Antonio’s about to have back-to-back Rookie of the Year winners and two lottery picks on top of that. Meanwhile, we’re stuck in no man’s land again.

Unless we somehow luck into a top-3 pick, I’m fully onboard with trading back. I’d much rather walk away with two of Clifford, WCJ, and Lendeborg than take anyone in our current range. According to Tankathon, Clifford is slotted to OKC at 24, WCJ to Orlando at 25, and Lendeborg to Brooklyn at 27 — and I’d take any of them over reaching at 10.

Here’s my full draft/trade plan:

Trade pick 10 to OKC or Brooklyn for 15 and 24

Flip 15 for 26 and a future first

Trade Anfernee Simons to Orlando for pick 16 and Jonathan Isaac

Trade Jerami Grant for literally anything — even if it’s just a salary dump

Trade Robert Williams for a TPE and two seconds

Trade Ayton + two seconds to Chicago for Vucevic and our pick back

Draft results:

16 – Clifford

24 – Walter Clayton Jr.

26 – Lendeborg

2025–26 Rotation:

PG: Scoot / WCJ

SG: Sharpe / Clifford / Rupert

SF: Camara / Thybulle

PF: Deni / Isaac / Lendeborg

C: Clingan / Vucevic

This rotation finally lets Scoot take over as a full-time starter — and he’s backed up by a proven college winner in WCJ, arguably one of the best shooters in the draft, whose game mirrors a young Dame in some ways. Sharpe slides into his natural position at the two and gets backed up by Clifford — a two-way hustle guy in the Josh Hart mold, but with more shooting touch.

Camara and Thybulle give us elite defense and 3&D versatility. Deni keeps doing his thing as a point forward — if we had a better record this year, he probably gets All-Star buzz — and now gets backed up by Isaac (elite defender if healthy) and Lendeborg, a Draymond-style forward who can pass, defend, and score a little. At center, Clingan steps into a starting role and gets to learn the offensive side of the game from a vet like Vucevic on an expiring deal.

We’re not going to have a star unless someone makes a huge leap — but what we do have is a young, unselfish, versatile team with real length, defense, and improved shooting. This team plays smart, plays together, and wins the right way.

They probably finish somewhere in the 6–10 range next season — playing hard, building an identity, but still giving us another shot at a high pick. And now, we:

Control all our future picks

Own Milwaukee’s future picks/swaps (which could be huge if Giannis leaves)

Have a pick from Brooklyn’s war chest in our back pocket if a star hits the market

Have solid cap flexibility, depending on what we do with Sharpe’s extension

Is this what Cronin will do? Absolutely not. But it’s what should happen. And the crazy part? It’s actually realistic — outside of figuring out how to unload Grant. If we can pull that off, this becomes one of the smartest, most forward-thinking builds we’ve done in decades.

[Tim Lehrbach]

Yeah, Bailey just has so many factors going against him—if his shot doesn’t ever fall consistently, what is he bringing? I would be seriously sweating if I had the 3rd pick. Then again, he could hit the NBA and totally flourish…I was not a fan of Brandon Miller, and he’s turning out okay.

You're probably right that Miller is the comp for Bailey! And that's just it: Miller is an "okay" pro, but he's already looking like the ceiling is limited because there is neither a fearsome deep ball nor enough playmaking to keep defenses honest. Bailey still has time, but I can't help thinking that if there was more there we'd have seen hints of it by now. Like I said, worth drafting, but not before several names come off the board IMO.

[Tim Lehrbach]

2025–26 Rotation:

PG: Scoot / WCJ

SG: Sharpe / Clifford / Rupert

SF: Camara / Thybulle

PF: Deni / Isaac / Lendeborg

C: Clingan / Vucevic

I think this is the starting lineup most want to see. Everybody knows I still have my reservations about Scoot and Sharpe, but I'm not against handing them the keys.

What I don't like here is that you've made a bunch of moves -- including some I highly doubt other teams would accept -- and still left the team with neither a new, high-profile prospect to bolster the backcourt hopes, nor veteran help to improve the team now. It strikes me that we'd be getting more of the same next year and possibly beyond. I do understand you like your guard draftees; I would need to scout them more to judge.

You're aiming for the 2026 lottery, and I can appreciate that, but I also agree with you that this is not the Cronin way. You're leaning farther into developing youth than just about any GM is willing to do, let alone one taking a victory lap for his 36-win season.

[Case2012]

2025–26 Rotation:

PG: Scoot / WCJ

SG: Sharpe / Clifford / Rupert

SF: Camara / Thybulle

PF: Deni / Isaac / Lendeborg

C: Clingan / Vucevic

I think this is the starting lineup most want to see. Everybody knows I still have my reservations about Scoot and Sharpe, but I'm not against handing them the keys.

What I don't like here is that you've made a bunch of moves -- including some I highly doubt other teams would accept -- and still left the team with neither a new, high-profile prospect to bolster the backcourt hopes, nor veteran help to improve the team now. It strikes me that we'd be getting more of the same next year and possibly beyond. I do understand you like your guard draftees; I would need to scout them more to judge.

You're aiming for the 2026 lottery, and I can appreciate that, but I also agree with you that this is not the Cronin way. You're leaning farther into developing youth than just about any GM is willing to do, let alone one taking a victory lap for his 36-win season.

This is exactly how you build a winner in today’s NBA — by acquiring young, cost-effective talent that’s versatile, plays defense, has length, and actually fits together. And yeah, it involves developing our own players — something Olshey and Cronin outright failed to do during an entire decade of that failed “two timelines” experiment.

This isn’t about tanking. It’s about seeing what we actually have while putting ourselves in position to draft high without intentionally losing. The guys I’m drafting here aren’t future All-Stars — and that’s the point. They’re high-floor, NBA-ready role players. The kind of guys you put around a star once you find one, either by drafting him or swinging a trade because you actually have the picks, cap space, and roster flexibility to do it.

All I’ve done here is replace guys who clearly aren’t part of our long-term future — bloated contracts, poor fits, or injury risks — with smart, team-first players who actually move the ball, defend, and raise your floor. And I’m getting assets back in the process. That’s exactly what any smart GM should do when building from the ground up.

If Cronin won’t, then it’s just more of the same mediocrity. This plan gives us a foundation. The next move — that star player — becomes a real possibility because we’ve finally built something worth plugging him into.

Since you haven't done any scouting let me help you.

Watch on YouTube

;t=130s&ab_channel=NoCeilingsNBA

Watch on YouTube

;ab_channel=NoCeilingsNBA

Watch on YouTube

;t=979s&ab_channel=NoCeilingsNBA

I don’t really appreciate the suggestion that these moves aren’t realistic.

Turning pick 10 into two late firsts and a future first is actually standard draft-day maneuvering. Teams like Brooklyn, OKC, and Orlando have extra picks and reason to consolidate. These deals happen every year — it’s not a reach, it’s smart asset management.

Trading Simons for 16 and Jonathan Isaac isn’t “crazy” at all. Orlando desperately needs perimeter scoring and spacing. Ant gives them exactly that, and they move on from a player who’s been in and out of the lineup for years. It works for both sides.

Sending Ayton to Chicago for Vucevic and our pick back is a win-win. Ayton fits better with their young core of Giddey, Buzelis, and White. Meanwhile, we clear salary, reset the clock, and finally get out from under the obligation that’s tied our hands in every draft scenario. If we don’t get that pick back, it becomes two seconds anyway — so including them in the deal is a logical move.

Williams for a couple of seconds is well within reason once he proves he’s healthy. That’s the kind of upside gamble playoff teams make all the time. It's certainly more realistic than the 2 FIRSTS Cronin was rumored to want for him.

I’ll be honest, Grant is the tough one, and I admitted that. But outside of that? These are calculated, clean moves. They offload vets who don’t fit the timeline and bring in NBA-ready youth plus future flexibility. It’s not about fantasy — it’s about building a roster that makes sense.

Just because Cronin wouldn’t do it doesn’t mean it’s unrealistic. It means I’m trying to fix what he won’t.

[tester551]

One of the players I'm looking into right now is Dame Sarr. And I'm so torn. His low, slow shot mechanics fail my "triple threat" test. The numbers say he's accurate from deep, but it's a low sample size deception, IMO. I don't buy him getting good looks against NBA defenses.

The flip side: there are highlight packages that have him looking like Kawhi 2.0. He is stronger than the scouting report on the last page gives him credit for. He is crafty moving with and without the ball. Can finish inside with clean footwork and soft touch. Quick hands and good instincts defensively.

I need to study more, but I am interested in others' opinions. If there is hope he can fix his shot, he's somebody to watch.

He didn't enter the draft

[tester551]

Because I'm a Dylan Harper fanboy, I watched some Rutgers this year. I haven't seen it with Ace Bailey yet. It's not even the lack of polish that others focus on... for me, I don't see where he fits as a productive player in the NBA. He's not a Durant or even Rashard Lewis type giant perimeter demon, he's not an on-ball creator, he's neither a stopper nor a rim protector. What does everybody believe he will unlock at the next level? Or, looking backwards instead of forwards, what had him so high in the high school rankings?

I'm not a complete skeptic -- on size and fluidity alone, I think he'd be a fine pick in the late lottery, like where the Blazers pick, but nothing screams elite prospect to me, just a guy with some tools that may or may not assemble into a successful pro. I've been holding back my thoughts because I hesitate to go against the crowd when my knowledge is decidedly imperfect, but yeah... just not seeing it (yet?).

Yeah. He takes an incredible number of difficult shots & makes some. People point to that and claim he's a 'shot maker'.

I look at that and see an inefficient player that is either a low IQ or lazy.

My closest comparison for him is late career Melo. Nice for highlights, but not a difference maker.

I could also see a Jabari Smith Jr comp. Playable player, but not really impactful

[Tim Lehrbach]

I don’t really appreciate the suggestion that these moves aren’t realistic.

Turning pick 10 into two late firsts and a future first is actually standard draft-day maneuvering. Teams like Brooklyn, OKC, and Orlando have extra picks and reason to consolidate. These deals happen every year — it’s not a reach, it’s smart asset management.

Trading Simons for 16 and Jonathan Isaac isn’t “crazy” at all. Orlando desperately needs perimeter scoring and spacing. Ant gives them exactly that, and they move on from a player who’s been in and out of the lineup for years. It works for both sides.

Sending Ayton to Chicago for Vucevic and our pick back is a win-win. Ayton fits better with their young core of Giddey, Buzelis, and White. Meanwhile, we clear salary, reset the clock, and finally get out from under the obligation that’s tied our hands in every draft scenario. If we don’t get that pick back, it becomes two seconds anyway — so including them in the deal is a logical move.

Williams for a couple of seconds is well within reason once he proves he’s healthy. That’s the kind of upside gamble playoff teams make all the time. It's certainly more realistic than the 2 FIRSTS Cronin was rumored to want for him.

I’ll be honest, Grant is the tough one, and I admitted that. But outside of that? These are calculated, clean moves. They offload vets who don’t fit the timeline and bring in NBA-ready youth plus future flexibility. It’s not about fantasy — it’s about building a roster that makes sense.

Just because Cronin wouldn’t do it doesn’t mean it’s unrealistic. It means I’m trying to fix what he won’t.

I am wholly open to moves that aren't bounded by the Cronin box. I just won't believe that, for example, Simons can pull a better player and a first, or Timelord can pull cap space and seconds, until I see it. You might be right.

Thanks for the links. I will watch them.