2025 Blazer Draft Prospects

[dckingsfan]

ESPN has us taking Queen.

Uhg. I had briefly been thinking about Queen because we could use a big man with some offensive skills but it did not take long watching him play to be utterly disgusted by his effort on defense and want that no where near this team.

A team might be able to hide him as a drop center, they wouldn't be good at rim protection but he wouldn't be as individually exposed. But if he had to ever play on the perimeter against NBA players like most modern 4's he would get hunted and cooked so badly.

Agreed, we do not need anymore players with selective motivation, aka slacker. Ayton, Grant and Simons take up all of the slacker position minutes

I am going to play the devil's advocate. I think his D was not nearly as bad as it was made out to be... and I think he could very well be that good on offense where it doesn't matter - I see him as another point forward (and rarely as a point C).

I think he has one of the highest ceilings in this year's draft.

[zzaj]

Uhg. I had briefly been thinking about Queen because we could use a big man with some offensive skills but it did not take long watching him play to be utterly disgusted by his effort on defense and want that no where near this team.

A team might be able to hide him as a drop center, they wouldn't be good at rim protection but he wouldn't be as individually exposed. But if he had to ever play on the perimeter against NBA players like most modern 4's he would get hunted and cooked so badly.

Agreed, we do not need anymore players with selective motivation, aka slacker. Ayton, Grant and Simons take up all of the slacker position minutes

I am going to play the devil's advocate. I think his D was not nearly as bad as it was made out to be... and I think he could very well be that good on offense where it doesn't matter - I see him as another point forward (and rarely as a point C).

I think he has one of the highest ceilings in this year's draft.

I mostly agree with this...I'm higher on Queen than most, and think his lack of motor and defensive shortcomings are mostly overblown...I think he'll be just fine switching and defending in space, for example. However, I do think he's going to need to be fed a very specific role in order to reach his ceiling and play to his strengths in the NBA. I'm not sure many teams are going to give that to him.

[Walton1one]

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[Walton1one]

Floor & Ceiling Mock Draft - Note the comments from Mike Scmitz in 2021

https://floorandceiling.substack.com/p/nba-draft-mock-cooper-flagg-dallas-mavericks-lottery?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=108382&post_id=163481626&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=1f5gb9&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email

EGOR DEMIN

I’m still high on Demin because he’s a 6-foot-9 ballhandler who is arguably the best passer of the 2025 draft.

He definitely has significant limitations as a ballhandler when it comes to creating space and finishing in the half-court — plus, the shot is a question — but I’m actually a believer in the latter. My comparison for the Russian prospect is Josh Giddey with a better three-pointer.

I think Demin’s shooting history isn’t focused on enough, and I like his volume and willingness. That said, his conversion will have to improve compared to his only season at BYU in order to get the most out of his passing.

More than anything, I’m interested in seeing how Demin is used in the NBA. I don’t think he’s strictly a point guard, or at least not until some improvements to his handle and shake, but I expect him to remain on the ball a lot and still make plenty of decisions.

About his shooting history, here is what he is referring to which is interesting to note

More optimistic on his three-point shooting than consensus. Numbers this season were lacking, but encouraging volume and willingness at BYU and historically.

BYU:
29.9 3P% (26/87) on catch-and-shoots

23.9 3P% (16/67) on off-dribble threes

27.3 2P% (6/22) on off-dribble twos

69.5 FT% (57/82)

4.7 threes per game (vs. 4.6 2PA) … 9.9 threes per 100 possessions

Previous:
In 23 Liga EBA (2023-24) games: 36.3 3P% (49/135), 78 FT% (32/41)

In 7 Spanish Championship (2023-24) games: 36.1 3P% (13/36), 100 FT% (12/12)

In 23 Liga EBA (2022-23) games: 36.3 3P% (49/135), 72.6 FT% (45/62)

In 7 Spanish Championship (2022-23) games: 23.1 3P% (9/39), 69.2 FT% (9/13)

In 4 ANGT Podgorica games: 22.7 3P% (5/22), 55.6 FT% (5/9)

In 4 ANGT Berlin games: 14.3 3P% (3/21), 81 FT% (17/21)

In 6 2021-22 games with the Community of Madrid team: 36.7 3P% (11/30), 73.3 FT% (11/14)

In 5 Russia U-16 games: 30.2 3P% (13/43), 66.7 FT% (4/6)

Putting all of this together puts Demin at 31.5 3P% (194/615) and 73.8 FT% (192/260) in my tracked numbers, which is nowhere near catastrophic. It’s fine to wonder how and when he’ll shoot, but he is not a non-shooter.

Here is Mike Schmitz talking about Egor Demin

Here is what Blazers assistant GM Mike Schmitz said about Demin in 2021: “Despite playing up a year at age 15, Demin shined as one of the top long-term prospects we saw abroad. Standing 6-foot-7 with long arms, big feet and clear growth potential, the Russian guard has ideal size for a modern playmaker and the type of focus, intensity and poise you look for in an international prospect. […] He might not have the burst or vertical explosion of a traditional lead guard, but his size allows him to see over the top of the defense to make most of the necessary reads, and his overall court sense helps him control the game when the ball is in his hands. Even if he doesn't ultimately play the point guard position, he'll have more than ample size to operate as a floor-spacing, shot-creating wing. […] Although a bit on the streaky side (30% from 3), Demin has all the makings of a big-time shotmaker. He has excellent balance and touch -- both off the catch and off the bounce -- and has no shortage of confidence, knocking down 13 triples in just 116 minutes with several coming from beyond the NBA line.”

Here is Demin shooting the 3pt drill at the combine:

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[Walton1one]

CMB - COMBINE SHOOTING 3's

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Here is Cedric Cowrad, I don't think he is going to Duke, might go lottery - went 17/25 (best)

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Jakucionis - Think he went16/25, near top of the board

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[dckingsfan]

Agreed, we do not need anymore players with selective motivation, aka slacker. Ayton, Grant and Simons take up all of the slacker position minutes

I am going to play the devil's advocate. I think his D was not nearly as bad as it was made out to be... and I think he could very well be that good on offense where it doesn't matter - I see him as another point forward (and rarely as a point C).

I think he has one of the highest ceilings in this year's draft.

I mostly agree with this...I'm higher on Queen than most, and think his lack of motor and defensive shortcomings are mostly overblown...I think he'll be just fine switching and defending in space, for example. However, I do think he's going to need to be fed a very specific role in order to reach his ceiling and play to his strengths in the NBA. I'm not sure many teams are going to give that to him.

True. Could the Blazers be that team. I mean a 3-forward rotation (in time) of Camara, Deni and Queen would be REALLY interesting, IMO. Toss Clingan in there and that could be a really solid two-way team. Now, if Scoot could just make that jump...

[Walton1one]

Here is Floor & Ceiling on Queen, they had him going to CHI @ #12

The 20-year-old freshman is so highly skilled off the dribble that some teams might overlook his below-average physical tools. Queen also monopolizes the ball in a somewhat risky way, doesn’t really take threes, and needs to cut down on turnovers.

Queen has also been mocked to Portland recently. I think that he’d be fine for the Blazers and his dribble hand-off/passing game could be a lot of fun around Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, Toumani Camara, Kris Murray, etc.

My concern is that he'd really hamper Portland's spacing if he can't/doesn't shoot (which is easier said than done), and he kinda goes against the athletic profiles the Blazers have looked at lately.

Look at their roster with Robert Williams, Anfernee Simons, Sharpe, Rayan Rupert, Scoot, Bryce McGowens, Sidy Cissoko, Camara, Dalano Banton, Deni Avdija...

If they stick to this profile, I think this rules out Queen, probably Jakucionis, more likely to see guys like: Bryant, Demin, Essengue

Not sure if CMB fits into this profile as he is basically a undersized non shooting PF. F&C had CMB going #5 to UTA, which is higher than I have seen anywhere

[zzaj]

Walton1, thanks for posting those shooting vids...I see a WHOLE lot of unnecessary dip in those shots that team shooting coaches are going to want to fix. CMB looks like Aminu when he shoots (lol)...not a good thing.

I see Bryant high up on that 3pt shooting board (well, top 20). Certainly going to be a riser if he continues to show out in his shooting...

Fears and Harper probably opened some eyes as well, judging by that board.

[Walton1one]

Alex Toohey could be a possible 2nd round pick:

Played in the NBL LY, averaged 10.6 - 4 - 1.3 - w/1.4 STL - Shot 44.9 FG% & 31% 3ptFG%

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/history

Floor & Ceiling Scouting report

https://floorandceiling.substack.com/p/2025-nba-draft-alex-toohey-scouting

DRAFT EVALUATION: Early-mid second round (30-45)

NBA ROLE: Off-ball, defensive wing with open court ballhandling

REMINDS ME OF: Jae Crowder, MarJon Beauchamp, Joe Ingles

At his best, he’ll be an off-ball 3 or 4-man who will be asked to space the floor, make connective decisions off the catch (drive, pass or shoot), and defend the other team’s wings while sometimes switching

[Walton1one]

Walton1, thanks for posting those shooting vids...I see a WHOLE lot of unnecessary dip in those shots that team shooting coaches are going to want to fix. CMB looks like Aminu when he shoots (lol)...not a good thing.

I see Bryant high up on that 3pt shooting board. Certainly going to be a riser if he continues to show out in his shooting...

Noticed a few things, Clifford shot 44%, which is ok, I mean a drill is not the be all\end all, but it does bring me back to what Vecenie stated about his erratic 3pt shooting, gets really hot for a stretch, then really cold, so what does he hang his hat on skill wise in the NBA if he can't consistently shoot? Is that like an Evan Turner type role? I don't think I would take him at #11

I am curious if POR brings Cedric Coward in for a workout, very intriguing, played only like 6 games before injury, but his athletic measurements (+8" WS\height) & shooting are very appealing. He is a fast rising player right now, seeing him mid teens 1st in mocks now, would not be surprised if he climbs into lottery, if he stays in the draft instead of going to Duke, but if he is in\around lottery, my guess is he stays? Not sure POR would take him though, do they draft him and see if he can supplant Sharpe?

Demin, for being known for shooting concerns, not that bad, just 2 makes under a host of good shooters like: Brea, McNeeley, Johnson & Jakucionis and matched Tyrese Proctor

Clayton still shooting hot. Leading 3pt shooter (star) was Ryan Nembhard\Gonzaga (76%), another 2nd round guy worth a look, though I watched a fair amount of Gonzaga games this year and he did not look like that level of shooter to me, but a solid b\u PG is very possible for him IMO

[Walton1one]

Good Wasserman video on Sleepers, FR to watch at combine, International players to watch

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[BlazersBroncos]

I really hope we find a SRP to take one of the many developmental bigs in this draft. Not sure I have ever seen so many developmental legit sized centers in a draft -

Ryan Kalkbrenner
Alex Condon
Maxime Raynaud
Hansen Yang
Rocco Zikarsky
Amari Williams
Vladislav Goldin
Mouhamed Faye

All guys projected in R2 for the most part.

I am curious if POR brings Cedric Coward in for a workout, very intriguing, played only like 6 games before injury, but his athletic measurements (+8" WS\height) & shooting are very appealing. He is a fast rising player right now, seeing him mid teens 1st in mocks now, would not be surprised if he climbs into lottery, if he stays in the draft instead of going to Duke, but if he is in\around lottery, my guess is he stays? Not sure POR would take him though, do they draft him and see if he can supplant Sharpe?

He is really interesting. He only played 6 games at Washington State but he also put up pretty great numbers for 2 years at Eastern Washington so its not like your looking under a 10 game sample size. He is built very similarly to Jalen Williams and likely could get by playing some SF due to his length. The kids shot is butter - keeps the ball high and super quick release. Reminds me of Anthony Morrows shot. There are some cutups of his length really being used on the defensive end. Not sure if we have the balls to take him 11 but he would be a pretty sneaky pick with some nice upside. I could see SAS being the team to really gamble and take him 14 since they can be a bit more risk taking due to securing #2.

[dckingsfan]

I really hope we find a SRP to take one of the many developmental bigs in this draft. Not sure I have ever seen so many developmental legit sized centers in a draft -

Ryan Kalkbrenner
Alex Condon
Maxime Raynaud
Hansen Yang
Rocco Zikarsky
Amari Williams
Vladislav Goldin
Mouhamed Faye

All guys projected in R2 for the most part.

I am curious if POR brings Cedric Coward in for a workout, very intriguing, played only like 6 games before injury, but his athletic measurements (+8" WS\height) & shooting are very appealing. He is a fast rising player right now, seeing him mid teens 1st in mocks now, would not be surprised if he climbs into lottery, if he stays in the draft instead of going to Duke, but if he is in\around lottery, my guess is he stays? Not sure POR would take him though, do they draft him and see if he can supplant Sharpe?

He is really interesting. He only played 6 games at Washington State but he also put up pretty great numbers for 2 years at Eastern Washington so its not like your looking under a 10 game sample size. He is built very similarly to Jalen Williams and likely could get by playing some SF due to his length. The kids shot is butter - keeps the ball high and super quick release. Reminds me of Anthony Morrows shot. There are some cutups of his length really being used on the defensive end. Not sure if we have the balls to take him 11 but he would be a pretty sneaky pick with some nice upside. I could see SAS being the team to really gamble and take him 14 since they can be a bit more risk taking due to securing #2.

Do you think the transition in management will hurt the prospect of purchasing a SRP? Or is there a player we could move for a SRP (or two)?

[dckingsfan]

Here is Floor & Ceiling on Queen, they had him going to CHI @ #12

The 20-year-old freshman is so highly skilled off the dribble that some teams might overlook his below-average physical tools. Queen also monopolizes the ball in a somewhat risky way, doesn’t really take threes, and needs to cut down on turnovers.

Queen has also been mocked to Portland recently. I think that he’d be fine for the Blazers and his dribble hand-off/passing game could be a lot of fun around Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, Toumani Camara, Kris Murray, etc.

My concern is that he'd really hamper Portland's spacing if he can't/doesn't shoot (which is easier said than done), and he kinda goes against the athletic profiles the Blazers have looked at lately.

Look at their roster with Robert Williams, Anfernee Simons, Sharpe, Rayan Rupert, Scoot, Bryce McGowens, Sidy Cissoko, Camara, Dalano Banton, Deni Avdija...

If they stick to this profile, I think this rules out Queen, probably Jakucionis, more likely to see guys like: Bryant, Demin, Essengue

Not sure if CMB fits into this profile as he is basically a undersized non shooting PF. F&C had CMB going #5 to UTA, which is higher than I have seen anywhere

yeah, after the combine the answer is no....

[Walton1one]

More combine info:

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Fleming's measurements are known, the concerns about him are his feel and tendency to disappear in big games. Seen some comments about his athleticism as well, which is perplexing given his measurements

Coward though at a +8", Sorber @ +8.75", Lendeborgh @ +7.5" - Drake Powell, also had good athletic measurements, but shooting needs work, looks like he is staying in the draft

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Asa Newell video, shooting looks good, dunks everything (DC needs to do that)

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6'9, so he plays @ 6'10+, 6'1125 WS - NOT Lively like, who was around 7'0 with a 7'8" WS, but probably big enough to play some small ball center. Still think he is underrated

More on Cedric Howard

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[Walton1one]

Looke like Bryant - Sorber & Philon are staying in the draft....

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Pettiford put up 23 & 8 in the scrimmage today, may end up staying in the draft

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Lendborg played well today also, 50/50 on whether he stays or goes

[Walton1one]

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Lendeborg 13-9-2 6-11/0-3
Mgbako 14-8-0 4-10/3-7 (worked out for POR)
Oweh 10-3-3 4-8 (worked out for POR)
Toohey 15-3-2 5-7/3-5
Byrd 11-1-4 4-7/3-6

[Walton1one]

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Raynaud 20-9-3 7-12/2-5
Nembhard 13-1-8 5-9/0-1
Haggerty 18-7-3 7-13/1-2
Peavy 12-8-1 6-13/0-3 (+/- of +20)

Brea went 1-7 from 3pt, Shulga 1-5

[Walton1one]

NIce interview with Demin

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[Sinobas]

Fleming seems like a really mediocre player. He has nice percentages on a low volume of shooting, like Sheppard Reed and Cody Williams last year, both of which had abysmal rookie seasons.

I think this draft is really over-rated honestly. Flagg reminds me of a 6-9 Brent Barry. That's not an insult, that's still a good player, I just don't see a superstar. Harper and Baily played together and couldn't even muster a winning record in college.

The most intriging player to me, where we'd be picking is Egor Demin, just having a 6-9 player with those ball handling skills. It's possible he doesn't end up being better than Banton, but he's only 19 and has a lot of potential.