2025 Blazer Draft Prospects

[dckingsfan]

I need to watch Noa Essengue, Carter Bryant, and Cedric Coward. These three names seem likely to be in the mix, given the volume of mentions here and in the greater draftosphere. Also drawing my attention are Will Riley, Nolan Traore, and Yaxel Lendeborg, but I've not formed opinions yet.

Most of the guys I've been watching lately haven't merited deep dives or detailed posts (just IMO!): Murray-Boyles, Fleming, Queen, Demin... I don't see an effective NBA player in that mix.

The chatter around this draft has been interesting: from a couple years back it was "ZOMG THE FLAGG-BAILEY-HARPER DRAFT" ... which gave way during the past college season to most folks thinking that's a pretty ordinary top three, followed by not a whole lot else ... now most are talking up the depth of this draft beyond some overhyped likely lottery swings. I'm not sold on this latest trend. I think we get excited about a larger pool of prospects in nearly every draft (a couple years are exceptions, when everybody thinks the draft will suck), but not all years are equal. I just haven't seen enough to like in most of the guys who are rising up draft boards these days. I do need to study harder, but as I've discussed here, my instincts to dismiss a prospect generally serve me well. I am more likely to overrate a prospect who will do nothing in the league than I am to undersell a future star. So, it is in that light that I share my general opinion, so far, that this draft is gathering more steam than I believe it merits. I just don't think I'm missing a bunch of studly prospects here. I did name six above whom I have not ruled out yet, but we'll see...

Most of the guys I've been watching lately haven't merited deep dives or detailed posts (just IMO!): Murray-Boyles, Fleming, Queen, Demin... I don't see an effective NBA player in that mix.

I am close to being with you here.

CMB and Queen are not on my board - for the Blazers at least. I see CMB as a late R1 / early R2 swing who might be a nice hustle player (In RHJ / Vandy mold). Queen is a C who doesnt shoot the 3, doesnt protect the rim and has a physical archetype that just hasnt worked in the modern NBA really. I REALLY dislike both as prospects. I see Rhondae-Hollis Jefferson and Jarred Sullinger.

I think Fleming is more of a Jalen Smith than some super long SF. He has the metrics and measurables but on the floor he is very stiff and really doesnt have a great feel for the game. I see a small ball C who can space the floor but is never going to amount to the sum of his parts. I think he can be a rotation player like Jalen Smith but dont see a starter due to his really slow processing and meh feel.

Demin is getting these comps to Giddey but Josh is pretty phenominal at creating room for himself using his large frame, start/stop motions and just little things to get his man off balance. I see none of this in Demin. I can see a guy like Marko Jaric - nice tall secondary PG who is passable on defense and has big swings in terms of shooting year over year (IE 37% 3PT on season, 30% the next). I would take him late teens if we got a second pick because I like the idea of running a huge team but I dont see much chance he is a upper tier starter - and think he is a considerably worse prospect than Giddey.

Noa to me has Shawn Marion potential. Elite at cutting, monster in the open court, passable J (I actually really like his form - reminds me of Batum). I see alot of Jim Jackson in Coward. Well built, able to play SG or SF, above average at basically everything across the board.

I think turning Simons into a second FRP and finding a way to get Noa and Coward would be incredible - but think end of the day Noa is gone before we pick at 11 - and likely Coward is gone before any reasonable FRP we could get for Simons is up.

I am with both of you here - although I did buy into the Queen hype for quite some time. I still think he could be good going to the right team - and that isn't Portland given this current coach's desire to put a defensive team on the floor.

I would be happy with any of Noa Essengue, Carter Bryant, Cedric Coward, Nolan Traore or Yaxel Lendeborg. And if you could trade Simons to Orlando for their 16th pick - you could actually get two of the above. That would be shocking and amazing at the same time.

[Village Idiot]

Essengue doesn't interest me at all. By the time his body and game come around he'll likely be on his second contract and the way these things go it will in all likelihood be with a different team than the one who drafts him. Rayan Rupert was a lot closer to being NBA ready that Essengue at the same stage and that says a lot. As a late first he might make sense if you can convince him to stay in Europe for another couple of years to work on his body and game but at 11 he would be a wasted opportunity. I don't see him capable of becoming more than a high-level role-player.

[BlazersBroncos]

Essengue doesn't interest me at all. By the time his body and game come around he'll likely be on his second contract and the way these things go it will in all likelihood be with a different team than the one who drafts him. Rayan Rupert was a lot closer to being NBA ready that Essengue at the same stage and that says a lot. As a late first he might make sense if you can convince him to stay in Europe for another couple of years to work on his body and game but at 11 he would be a wasted opportunity. I don't see him capable of becoming more than a high-level role-player.

Rayan was 100% not as NBA ready or anywhere near the same level of prospect. He tested unbelievably poor at the combine and was putting up worse stats against worse competition while also being slightly older.

Rayan in 22/23 playing in NZ (Much worse comp than Noa is facing) posted -

18mpg / 6.8ppg / 2.4rpg / 37% FG / 31% 3PT / 73% FT

In fact Rayan as a young player from ages 15-18 never surpassed 39% FG shooting.

Noa is getting huge minutes in a league w/ numerous former NBA players.

I do get the argument that Noa at this time doesnt really have a standout go-to skill (Albeit that is arguable - I would say his FTr is pretty unique). I simply think the guy has unique physical gifts and a team like PDX that needs high end talent might as well roll the dice on him (His finishing above the rim off 2 feet is wild, moves like a guard in transition, cuts very well for his age/size, shooting motion passes eye test, etc).

I think its moot as I would wager Noa goes before 11.

Also, it appears Yaxel is going to Michigan unfortunately.

[Walton1one]

Some notable names withdrawing: Lendeborg, Condon, Uzan, Mgbako, Knox, Haggerty

[DeBlazerRiddem]

Lendeborg looks like a plug and play forward for pretty much any team, but I guess the NIL money is better than the late 1st round / early second round money he was looking at. He was someone worth picking up a late 1st to target but with him out I guess that shrinks my list to Beringer/Fleming/Gonzalez of targets likely to go in the 20's.

[Walton1one]

The Euroleague (18 teams) is made up of the best teams in Europe.

Essengue\Saraf\Ulm do not play in the Euroleague.

Nolan Traore for instance plays in the French Pro league (Saint-Quentin, LNB elite), which has (3) teams in the Euroleague: Monaco (4th in euroleague), Paris (8th) & LDLC (15th)

Rariopharm Ulm plays in the Bundesliga (german league). They just swept Alba-Berlin (18th, last in Euroleague @ 5-29) in the BBL playoffs, which was one of 2 teams from the German league in the Euroleague this year, the other is Bayern Munich (9th in euroleague).

Ulm finished 2nd in the Bundesliga & competed in a 2nd tier division down from Euroleague, known as Euro Cup, where they finished 9-9 and did not qualify for the playoffs. The top (2) teams from Eurocup playoffs earn a spot in the Euroleague next year. So Essengue does not play in the best European basketball league, but they did play some Euroleague teams (Bayern Munich & Alba Berlin) and competed against (2) other teams that will be in the Euroleague next year (Hapoel Tel Aviv & Gran Canaria, they went a combined 1-3 vs those 2 teams)

[Walton1one]

I agree with this analysis regarding Coward.

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[Walton1one]

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Don't see a player there that should be of interest...

Hicks, 4yr player, 6'8 forward, LY averaged 11.6 - 4.9 - 2.0 - shot 41.3% from 3pt (6 att\g)

Austin,4yr player, 6'7 forward, LY averaged 9.2 - 4.7 - .7, shot 38.1% from 3pt (4.6 att\g)

Taylor, 4yr player, 6'0 guard, LY averaged 15.7 - 3 - 4.3, shot 31.8% from 3pt (7.4 att/g) 35% FG

Manon, 4yr player, 6'5 guard, LY averaged 6.6 - 3.7 - 1.3, shot 23.5% from 3pt, 53.3% FG

Williams, 2yr player, 6'4 guard, LY averaged 13.2 - 3.5 - 3.1, shot 34.1% from 3pt (4.7 att/g) 39.9% FG (yuck)

The most well known would be Caleb Love, kind of an ISO player IMO, 5yr player, LY averaged 17.2 - 4.4 - 3.4, shot 34% from 3pt (7.8 att/g) 39.8% FG (yuck again)

Scouting Report:

Caleb Love is an athletic scoring guard with evident talent, but his path to the NBA may require a shift in play style. While he has the tools to be a reliable scorer, focusing on off-ball play, improving shot selection, and refining his late-game decision-making will be essential. If Love can embrace a more efficient role and reduce his dependency on isolation plays, he has the potential to carve out a spot in the NBA as a scorer off the bench.

https://www.babcockhoops.com/post/2025-nba-draft-caleb-love-scouting-report

Money Williams attended the same HS as Lillard FYI

He’s a volume 3-point shooter and while his efficiency could be better, has a projectable jumper. The smooth lefty has quality mechanics and can is consistent on a multitude of shot types. Whether it’s a triple or a midrange attempt, Williams is capable of taking his defender off the bounce and get to his spots...Williams doesn’t yet appear to have the lead guard skills to run an NBA offense at the highest level, but he can certainly play in either backcourt spot as a combo guard who is a good passer when he needs to be. Overall, he’s an offensive engine who can generate points in a hurry in a variety of ways.

https://www.si.com/nba/draft/prospect-profiles/nba-draft-scouting-report-montana-money-williams#:~:text=He's%20a%20volume%203%2Dpoint,and%20get%20to%20his%20spots.

Manon, looks like he was brought in to offer some defense against Love\Williams

Chris Manon is one of the best defensive playmakers in college hoops. Despite carrying a 26.6 usage rate, Manon was still a high-energy, active defender. He posted a 5.5 STL%, 2.8 BLK%, and 4.1 DBPM, which are elite indicators for a guard prospect...He’s an absolute terror in passing lanes. Manon is a willing gambler who processes the game quickly and has the north-south burst to intercept looping passes on the perimeter. He has lightning-fast hands, enabling him to swipe the ball with well-timed digs and swipes. His nose for the rim stands out—he’s always willing to help at the basket and fly for a big rejection. Manon’s motor runs hot in transition, where his physical tools and keen instincts allow him to outmaneuver opponents and take away possessions. When he’s on the court, the opposing offense has to account for him at all times. If they don’t, he will make them pay...He’s an older prospect who is sitting at a career 32% from deep, gambles a lot on defense, and makes some frustrating turnovers.

https://www.noceilingsnba.com/p/no-stone-unturned-2024-the-guards

Zach Hicks, looks like a very raw 3& D archetype

For the most part, Hicks has proven to primarily be an off-ball shooter whose shots are either created by others, his own off-ball movement or closeout attacks. Last season, 76.8% of his shots came from beyond the arc and 95% of them were assisted...If his jumper isn't falling, what can Hicks hang his hat on? Can he find other ways to impact the game? Noticeable realistic ancillary skill development from connective passing, rebounding and on ball screen operation are all ceiling raiser skills to monitor...Because of his NBA wing size and translatable 3-point shooting, Hicks will be identified as someone that can slot into a 3-and-D role. The defensive end still requires work, but the hope is that his size and length can eventually yield serviceable defensive results that can keep him on the floor to thrive as a shooter.

https://www.si.com/nba/draft/prospect-profiles/nba-draft-scouting-report-penn-states-zach-hicks

Zack Austin has a similar profile

NBA franchises won’t ask Austin to showcase his scoring, as his role as a versatile defender and catch-and-shoot fits seamlessly with the role he’ll play in the NBA...He can effectively play as a two and a three while strong enough to be a four in shooting-heavy lineups...looks like he has a wingspan around 6’10”. His length has more value, considering how quick his hands are, allowing him to impact passing lanes and deflect passes...Austin’s combination of great defensive awareness, twitchiness, and footwork makes him one of the better closeout defenders in college basketball. He’s barely caught overhelping and doesn’t ball-watch while making timely and consistent rotations. These good habits add comfort to an NBA scout’s assessment, as it’s feasible his presence will support a team’s defensive rating...Austin’s pick-and-roll defense is the differentiator in his profile. His screen navigation and good defensive reads help him to defend against ball handlers while using his strength decently when he’s switched against roll men...NBA scouts will feel comfortable seeing how consistent his form is...His shot is consistent, and the release is decent in height, but his shots have a high arcing point, making it more likely he can adjust to playing against quicker and taller NBA defenders and thus lessen the odds of his shots getting blocked...his shooting-heavy profile is a result of his right-shot selection. He doesn’t force shots and is comfortable making the extra pass as a ball mover. But as the shot chart above shows, he’s best used as a shooter. When Austin drives inside the lane, his handles are decent but still a bit loose to consistently make plays in crowded areas...

Every NBA team seeks a low-usage shooting-heavy wing with the defensive habits and awareness he has. Versatility with his pick-and-roll defense while using his athleticism to effectively block shots away from the rim adds value to a team’s defensive rating. With over 130 collegiate games on his resumé when it’s all said and done, Austin is a plug-and-play low-usage option to support teammates who carry more usage.

I eventually expect Austin to be undrafted, but fight himself to a two-way contract with a winning franchise that seeks personnel on cheap contracts who improve their teammates while supporting a defensive rating and ensuring more opportunity to play NBA minutes.

https://edemirnba.substack.com/p/zack-austin-scouting-report

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[DeBlazerRiddem]

Not sure how accurate this player comparison is? but....

Cedric Coward reminds me of Wes Mathews.

Did a little bit deeper look at Coward, I don't see the individual dog-on-defense type of player that Matthews was. I think Coward will be better using his length to contain smaller players and clog passing lanes, maybe a good team defender who helps direct the other team where we want them to go. He definitely looks like he will have the best match-up potential at SG, he lacks some core strength necessary to fight through screens and body up heavier players making defending PG's and SF's a little less than ideal. But those go-go-gadget arms will do some work. And gaining core strength is something most players do when they make the leap to the big leagues which would help him on both ends.

I'm a little off by the way he moves. I dont know if its his super long limbs but he looks gangly, he looks to have a lot of wasted movement. However this also makes him a little more shifty and unpredictable so it might be fine, especially on offense. He isn't particularly explosive or strong so his game might involve a lot of pull up shots rather than finishing through contact. I do believe his shot though, it was streaky but he gets the ball high and has a fast trigger, when he is on it will be hard to stop him getting his shot off, its just a question of how consistently can he shoot at the next level.

It didn't really change where I have him, late lottery type pick. Just added some context and some details to what kind of player he is likely to be.

[zzaj]

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Don't see a player there that should be of interest...

Hicks, 4yr player, 6'8 forward, LY averaged 11.6 - 4.9 - 2.0 - shot 41.3% from 3pt (6 att\g)

Austin,4yr player, 6'7 forward, LY averaged 9.2 - 4.7 - .7, shot 38.1% from 3pt (4.6 att\g)

Taylor, 4yr player, 6'0 guard, LY averaged 15.7 - 3 - 4.3, shot 31.8% from 3pt (7.4 att/g) 35% FG

Manon, 4yr player, 6'5 guard, LY averaged 6.6 - 3.7 - 1.3, shot 23.5% from 3pt, 53.3% FG

Williams, 2yr player, 6'4 guard, LY averaged 13.2 - 3.5 - 3.1, shot 34.1% from 3pt (4.7 att/g) 39.9% FG (yuck)

The most well known would be Caleb Love, kind of an ISO player IMO, 5yr player, LY averaged 17.2 - 4.4 - 3.4, shot 34% from 3pt (7.8 att/g) 39.8% FG (yuck again)

Scouting Report:

Caleb Love is an athletic scoring guard with evident talent, but his path to the NBA may require a shift in play style. While he has the tools to be a reliable scorer, focusing on off-ball play, improving shot selection, and refining his late-game decision-making will be essential. If Love can embrace a more efficient role and reduce his dependency on isolation plays, he has the potential to carve out a spot in the NBA as a scorer off the bench.

https://www.babcockhoops.com/post/2025-nba-draft-caleb-love-scouting-report

It's still early, but I read or heard somewhere that the Blazers might actually have a tough time getting good players into their workouts, due to where they are picking and the fact that they have young players at every position. Late lotto picks are likely going to prioritize workouts to teams picking higher, and late first rounders will workout but it's unlikely they'll be drafted that high.

[tester551]

Essengue doesn't interest me at all. By the time his body and game come around he'll likely be on his second contract and the way these things go it will in all likelihood be with a different team than the one who drafts him. Rayan Rupert was a lot closer to being NBA ready that Essengue at the same stage and that says a lot. As a late first he might make sense if you can convince him to stay in Europe for another couple of years to work on his body and game but at 11 he would be a wasted opportunity. I don't see him capable of becoming more than a high-level role-player.

In what world do you live in where Rupert was more NBA ready?
Rupert was/is a fringe NBA prospect at best.

[Walton1one]

No Ceilings scout on Hugo Gonzalez, just had a good game playing for Real Madrid. He could be a real sleeper, not so long ago he was mentioned as a lottery pick

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In particular, league evaluators will probably remember his 16/4/3 game against Team USA in the 2022 U-19 World Cup. González looked the part against Cooper Flagg, Ron Holland, DJ Wagner, Asa Newell, and other top American prospects. For some executives who only tune in around draft time, that very strong first impression against tough competition might be their lasting memory of the Spanish wing.

But by the time the 2025 draft rolls around, almost three years will have passed since that game, and González remains extremely unproven as a pro.

This is largely due to a lack of minutes and continuity at Real Madrid. The difference in this draft cycle with Kasparas Jakucionis, Egor Demin, or Nolan Traoré — all of whom he’s shared the floor with — is striking. It’s also not shocking. The writing was on the wall for González to receive few minutes, as has been the case recently for Madrid’s top prospects. NBA teams either have to go watch González in practice or rely on his previous FIBA, NGT, and EBA tape. It’s unclear if he can get to the U.S. in time for pre-draft workouts.`

In an ideal outcome, González has the genuine positional size and athleticism to be a two-way NBA wing. He can zip around the floor using his motor and aggression to be disruptive on defense and then make spot-ups, attack closeouts, and offer some connective playmaking.

González’s reality is that he’s an inconsistent three-point shooter who needs to keep refining his ball skills and channeling his defensive tools more effectively. Hugo’s production at lower levels was impressive, but I’m ultimately unsure about the translation. His efficiency and process are too rough, too out of control, too often...On top of all of this, it’s also necessary to weigh up that Hugo will need the next-level reps that he’s lacked so far.

I think González’s likeliest short-term outcome if he gets rushed along is that he’ll shoot threes in the low 30s, which isn’t enough offensive production, while simultaneously facing the challenge of defending NBA wings and guards... If an organization is patient, a median scenario for González can be an 82-game rotation wing who thrives off defense and energy, but probably has offensive limitations in the playoffs

OFFENSE
- Needs to make his catch-and-shoot threes with better efficiency and on more volume
- 29.3 3P% (22/75 … 1.2 3PA) this season. Previous percentages from deep don’t inspire much confidence, although he’s a good free throw shooter:
- Has the means to attack closeouts if his three is falling.
- Needs to play more under control, Limited to straight line drives, Struggles in traffic, Doesn’t have counters
- Athletic tools and motor provide him with ancillary tools to be an effective off-ball wing.
- Runs the floor really hard in transition, Cuts assertively towards the rim, Motor and above-the-rim athleticism can result in offensive rebounds.
- On-ball upside surrounds his slashing, but this has only been seen at youth levels.
- Pull-up shooting is erratic, Ballhandling is very basic.
- Some intriguing flashes as a passer on low volume — but would need a lot of on-ball work to access this as a pro, and largely projects as an off-ball wing.
- Most worrying turnovers are with his handle. Basic and loose. Not crafty. Athleticism is about power, not flexibility. Can put his head down and lose control.

DEFENSE
- Plays extremely hard all the time, Outlier motor. Keeps running up and down the floor. Makes multiple efforts time and time again. Plays to exhaustion. Doesn’t quiet quit.
- Activity can create a lot of events. Able to get the stock and then the assist/score in the same play.
- Safe defensive floor, but doesn’t seem very high.

https://floorandceiling.substack.com/p/hugo-gonzalez-scouting-report?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=108382&post_id=164577422&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=1f5gb9&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email

[DusterBuster]

Money Williams might be the best NBA name in the history of the league.

[Village Idiot]

Essengue doesn't interest me at all. By the time his body and game come around he'll likely be on his second contract and the way these things go it will in all likelihood be with a different team than the one who drafts him. Rayan Rupert was a lot closer to being NBA ready that Essengue at the same stage and that says a lot. As a late first he might make sense if you can convince him to stay in Europe for another couple of years to work on his body and game but at 11 he would be a wasted opportunity. I don't see him capable of becoming more than a high-level role-player.

In what world do you live in where Rupert was more NBA ready?
Rupert was/is a fringe NBA prospect at best.

That was my entire point. Essengue, like Rupert, is a fringe NBA prospect and I completely don't get his hype.

[tester551]

Essengue doesn't interest me at all. By the time his body and game come around he'll likely be on his second contract and the way these things go it will in all likelihood be with a different team than the one who drafts him. Rayan Rupert was a lot closer to being NBA ready that Essengue at the same stage and that says a lot. As a late first he might make sense if you can convince him to stay in Europe for another couple of years to work on his body and game but at 11 he would be a wasted opportunity. I don't see him capable of becoming more than a high-level role-player.

In what world do you live in where Rupert was more NBA ready?
Rupert was/is a fringe NBA prospect at best.

That was my entire point. Essengue, like Rupert, is a fringe NBA prospect and I completely don't get his hype.

He's not a fringe prospect though. Noa is nothing like Rupert was as a prospect.

Admittedly, he's not refined at all.... and has a lot of development left in front of him. However despite that, he's found a way to be a major contributor in a professional league. Almost every game he does stuff that 'pops' off the screen.

[Butter]

Money Williams might be the best NBA name in the history of the league.

Fat Lever, ftw

It's funny because he started out 6'3 170

[Dame Lizard]

Most of the guys I've been watching lately haven't merited deep dives or detailed posts (just IMO!): Murray-Boyles, Fleming, Queen, Demin... I don't see an effective NBA player in that mix.

I am close to being with you here.

CMB and Queen are not on my board - for the Blazers at least. I see CMB as a late R1 / early R2 swing who might be a nice hustle player (In RHJ / Vandy mold). Queen is a C who doesnt shoot the 3, doesnt protect the rim and has a physical archetype that just hasnt worked in the modern NBA really. I REALLY dislike both as prospects. I see Rhondae-Hollis Jefferson and Jarred Sullinger.

I think Fleming is more of a Jalen Smith than some super long SF. He has the metrics and measurables but on the floor he is very stiff and really doesnt have a great feel for the game. I see a small ball C who can space the floor but is never going to amount to the sum of his parts. I think he can be a rotation player like Jalen Smith but dont see a starter due to his really slow processing and meh feel.

Demin is getting these comps to Giddey but Josh is pretty phenominal at creating room for himself using his large frame, start/stop motions and just little things to get his man off balance. I see none of this in Demin. I can see a guy like Marko Jaric - nice tall secondary PG who is passable on defense and has big swings in terms of shooting year over year (IE 37% 3PT on season, 30% the next). I would take him late teens if we got a second pick because I like the idea of running a huge team but I dont see much chance he is a upper tier starter - and think he is a considerably worse prospect than Giddey.

Noa to me has Shawn Marion potential. Elite at cutting, monster in the open court, passable J (I actually really like his form - reminds me of Batum). I see alot of Jim Jackson in Coward. Well built, able to play SG or SF, above average at basically everything across the board.

I think turning Simons into a second FRP and finding a way to get Noa and Coward would be incredible - but think end of the day Noa is gone before we pick at 11 - and likely Coward is gone before any reasonable FRP we could get for Simons is up.

Agree with this. Although I haven't really looked into Queen.

CMB would be a good addition a contender. But we want someone with more upside.

[BlazersBroncos]

Pretty interesting shot chart for Rasheer Fleming that really supports the idea that he is a Jalen Smith / Naz Reid type big man shooting specialist and not much more on offense -

3PT Shot - 62 / 159
3PT line to restricted area - 1 / 6
Restricted area - 124 / 188

So really Fleming has not flashed the ability to take a close out into a dribble jumper, like at all. Its pretty stark here. There is no mid ranged game at all and part of that is for sure his very poor handle. I think Jalen is his middle outcome w/ Reid as the high end. Regardless, I see a guy who is a 40-50% 3PTr, more of a big than a forward, no handle and likely more of a stretch specialist off the bench than a starter.

I like him still as a late teens pick who you take to compliment the downhill game of Deni at PF and the traditional big man game of DC but I dont think he is a jumbo forward really, more of a PF/C tweener.

A big man compliment of DC and Fleming at C is very nice, but I hope we aim higher with 11. Someone higher upside like Coward or Noa at 11 and Fleming as the compliment to DC w/ a pick we get from Simons would work for me.

I am still not 'in' on Carter Bryant due to overlap w/ Camara - I think this team needs to target guys who have shown a bit more on offense.

[Walton1one]

Pretty interesting shot chart for Rasheer Fleming that really supports the idea that he is a Jalen Smith / Naz Reid type big man shooting specialist and not much more on offense -

3PT Shot - 62 / 159
3PT line to restricted area - 1 / 6
Restricted area - 124 / 188

So really Fleming has not flashed the ability to take a close out into a dribble jumper, like at all. Its pretty stark here. There is no mid ranged game at all and part of that is for sure his very poor handle. I think Jalen is his middle outcome w/ Reid as the high end. Regardless, I see a guy who is a 40-50% 3PTr, more of a big than a forward, no handle and likely more of a stretch specialist off the bench than a starter.

I like him still as a late teens pick who you take to compliment the downhill game of Deni at PF and the traditional big man game of DC but I dont think he is a jumbo forward really, more of a PF/C tweener.

A big man compliment of DC and Fleming at C is very nice, but I hope we aim higher with 11. Someone higher upside like Coward or Noa at 11 and Fleming as the compliment to DC w/ a pick we get from Simons would work for me.

I am still not 'in' on Carter Bryant due to overlap w/ Camara - I think this team needs to target guys who have shown a bit more on offense.

Strictly a play finisher at this point, below from No Ceilings scout deep dive on Fleming

Per Synergy, Fleming ranks in the 96th percentile in overall points per possession (PPP), the 88th percentile in transition, the 93rd percentile as the roll man, the 100th percentile on cuts, the 92nd percentile on all jumpers, the 82nd percentile shooting off the catch, and the 90th percentile scoring at the rim. That is bonkers levels of efficiency. If you look closely, there’s a common theme among all of those numbers and play/shot types. All of them are in a play-finishing role.

If you’re hoping that Fleming could be a sneaky contender for a point forward offensive initiator, I’d throw those expectations out the window...Fleming hasn’t attempted a single jumper off the dribble, has run two total possessions as the pick-and-roll ball-handler that accounted for zero points, has run two total possessions in isolation that accounted for zero points, has a negative assist to turnover ratio, and is going on his third straight season with an assist rate under 10%.

From another scout on Fleming, similar feedback

Shot creation: He lacks any semblance of a midrange game, whether it’s pull-ups, floaters, or post-ups. His handle is loose, especially with his left hand. And he’s not much of a passer off the dribble either. As a junior he shot only 36.8% on drives to the basket, a porous number considering his mid-major competition.

Touch: How real is his 3-point shooting really? He struggles when more heavily contested, which showed up in the A-10 conference tournament when he missed 11 of his 14 attempts. He also doesn’t have great touch near the rim, and made only 67.8% of free throws.

A pretty thorough scout on him here:

https://edemirnba.substack.com/p/rasheer-fleming-scouting-report

The red\yellow? flag for me is slow processing, that is just a killer in the NBA and IMO very hard to overcome...

At the NBA level, Fleming will often be asked to guard the play-finisher inside the arc when he has to defend against cutters. What stood out is that despite his fluid hips and mobility, Fleming is often late to react to plays where he could have gotten the stop, but simply takes too much time to process the play.

For the next level, his activity as a mobile team defender is positive, but the above-mentioned areas make it hard for Fleming to guard on an NBA floor on day one due to the risk he’ll negatively influence a team’s defensive rating...However, when playing drop coverage, Fleming looks too passive at times in terms of deciding when he has to contest hard to driving ball handlers.

Everything I have read\watched projects him as a bench\role player, who provides some energy, defensive length and can be a finisher off the bench playing off Deni\Scoot & Sharpe. That IMO is not a #11 pick, a late 1st, sure.

[Case2012]

Bummed about Yaxel. kind of surprising given his age, but he'll be there next year.

It's down to Coward, Nique, Demin at 11 for me in that order.