2025 NBA Draft Discussion Part 9

[WuTang_CMB]

dq

Nice kid. Heavy emphasis on kid. We interviewed him, and he’s 19 going on 14. He can do one thing: he can score. But you don’t want to have to rely on a rookie scoring for you to contribute.

[Thaddy]

dq

Nice kid. Heavy emphasis on kid. We interviewed him, and he’s 19 going on 14. He can do one thing: he can score. But you don’t want to have to rely on a rookie scoring for you to contribute.

That's the problem with him. I'd opt for CMB instead, I have a feeling his shooting comes around rather than Queen's.

It'll be tough in the short term but we'll make trades and it'll open a role for him.

Poeltl
CMB
Ingram
Barnes
RJ

That would be a good big line up if we have shooting development.

[ArthurVandelay]

I’m hoping for Maluach at this point. I just think there is too much potential there given his reported work ethic and love to play.

But if not, please draft someone who can shoot the 3.

[Basketball_Jones]

I’m hoping for Maluach at this point. I just think there is too much potential there given his reported work ethic and love to play.

But if not, please draft someone who can shoot the 3.

Don’t worry bro, either Maluach or Coward will be available and we better pick one of them.

[Thaddy]

I’m hoping for Maluach at this point. I just think there is too much potential there given his reported work ethic and love to play.

But if not, please draft someone who can shoot the 3.

Don’t worry bro, either Maluach or Coward will be available and we better pick one of them.

Who's in your top 8 then? The regulars and Queen?

[Mark_83]

I don't know if it's been updated but the combine measurements for Essengue are up and they're slightly better than the ones that were previously reported.

6'10" without shoes.
204 lbs
7'1" wingspan
9'2" standing reach
10.62" hand width (5th)
10.70 lane agility (9th)
3.10 three-quarter sprint (10th)

[WuTang_CMB]

https://nbadraftroom.com/2025-nba-draft-big-board-9-0/

[TimeForChange]

I don’t care who the Raps pick but I really hope they pass on Kon, Maluach or Queen if they stay at 9.

[Godaddycurse]

I don't know if it's been updated but the combine measurements for Essengue are up and they're slightly better than the ones that were previously reported.

6'10" without shoes.
204 lbs
7'1" wingspan
9'2" standing reach
10.62" hand width (5th)
10.70 lane agility (9th)
3.10 three-quarter sprint (10th)

those are huge hands

[WuTang_CMB]

Duke’s Khaman Maluach anchored the interior for an elite defensive team that reached the Final Four. Maryland’s Derik Queen was the offensive focal point for a team that reached the NCAA Tournament’s second weekend.
Those freshmen are the headliners among big men in the upcoming NBA draft.
While there’s a deep well of high-end guard prospects, the bigs have a smaller list and could produce Maluach and Queen as the lone lottery picks.
Here’s a look at the position entering Wednesday’s first round:
Khaman Maluach, Duke
STRENGTHS: He has the length and size of an elite rim-runner who can impact games as a shot blocker and lob threat. The 7-foot-1, 253-pounder from South Sudan — he joined NBA Academy Africa in 2021 — showed ability to defend on the perimeter in Duke’s switch-heavy approach and had the combine’s biggest wingspan at 7-6 3/4.
Maluach runs the floor well for transition potential beyond finishing those pick-and-roll chances, where he ranked in the 99th percentile by shooting 89.4% (42 of 47), according to Synergy’s analytics rankings. He shot 76.6% from the foul line and made four 3s, indicators that he can develop his touch.
CONCERNS: Maluach, who turns 19 in September, is a relative newcomer to the game and is still developing a raw offensive skillset. His 71.2% shooting largely came on dunks and putbacks, and he got to the line just twice per game.
Taking away those in-close opportunities can blunt Maluach’s impact (for now, anyway). That was on display in Duke’s Final Four loss to Houston; he struggled against older and more physical players while managing six points on 1-for-2 shooting with zero rebounds in 21 minutes.
Derik Queen, Maryland
STRENGTHS: The 6-9, 248-pound Queen is a skilled big who averaged 16.5 points and 9.0 rebounds while ranking among Division I leaders with 15 double-doubles with his ability to score in postups or off the offensive glass. He was also a solid passer (1.9 assists) and shot 76.6% on free throws while getting to the line 6.1 times per game, indicating his willingness to attack defenders.
The 20-year-old claimed his place in March Madness lore by banking in a buzzer-beating runner to beat Colorado State and reach the NCAA Sweet 16.
CONCERNS: Queen isn’t the biggest of bigs nor an elite defender. There’s also uncertainty on how he might fare against a bigger or quicker defenders, while he must improve his range after making just 7 of 35 3-pointers (20%).
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
He also didn’t measure well at the combine; he tied for last among all players in standing vertical leap (23.5 inches) and tied for second-lowest in max vertical (28.0), as well as last or next to last in lane agility, shuttle run and three-quarter court sprint testing.
Asa Newell, Georgia
STRENGTHS: The five-star recruit and first-round prospect helped the Bulldogs return to the NCAAs for the first time in a decade, with the 19-year-old capable of playing as a small-ball center or power forward. His athleticism helped him thrive on the offensive glass (22nd in Division I at 3.33 rebounds per game) and as a rim finisher, along with showing potential as a versatile defender.
CONCERNS: Newell needs bulk on his 6-9, 224-pound frame to handle physical, stronger opponents. He also needs to enhance his outside shot after shooting 29.2% on 3-pointers (26 of 89).
Thomas Sorber, Georgetown
STRENGTHS: The freshman has the frame to tussle amid bumps in the post (6-9, 263) and in traffic. He averaged 14.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists while shooting 53.2% overall, including 57.1% in post-up chances, according to Synergy.
The first-round prospect has defensive potential with a 7-6 wingspan (tied for second-longest at the combine) that helped him average 2.0 blocks and 1.5 steals.
CONCERNS: The 19-year-old must improve his 3-point shot (6 of 37, 16.2%). There was a limited sample size of 24 games before a foot injury ended his season, though the Hoyas lost seven of 10 without him to illustrate his value.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
Others of note:
– RASHEER FLEMING: The 6-8, 232-pound junior from Saint Joseph’s is a first-round prospect who averaged 14.7 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks last year. He has a better than 7-5 wingspan, and went from shooting 31.3% on 3s in his first two seasons to 39% last year.
– DANNY WOLF: The 6-11, 252-pound junior thrived in moving from Yale in the Ivy League to the Big Ten’s Michigan. The first-round prospect averaged 13.2 points and 9.7 rebounds while also making 38 3s in 37 games to go with 15 double-doubles.
– MAXIME RAYNAUD: Stanford’s fourth-year senior from France is a skilled 7-footer who averaged 20.2 points and 10.6 rebounds while making 67 3-pointers in 35 games last year. His rangy skillset could land him late in the first round.
– JOAN BERINGER: The 6-11, 230-pound Frenchman turns 19 in November and could be a first-rounder as a mobile threat working in the pick-and-roll and as a lob threat.
– HANSEN YANG: The 7-1, 249-pound center from China is a potential late first-rounder with intriguing size (9-3 standing reach, nearly 7-3 wingspan, only combine player in top three in both hand length and width) to go with shooting and passing touch. He turns 20 on June 26, the day of the second round.
– RYAN KALKBRENNER: The 7-1, 257-pound senior from Creighton averaged 14.5 points and 2.4 blocks while shooting 65.8% over five college seasons. He has good touch in the paint and had 49 points in a game last year (second-most in Division I) as a possible late first-rounder.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
– YANIC KONAN NIEDERHAUSER: The 6-11, 243-pound junior from Penn State is a likely second-rounder who ranked 12th in Division I by averaging 2.31 blocks. He had a better than 7-3 wingspan with a 37-inch max vertical leap at the combine.
– JOHNI BROOME: The Associated Press All-American from Auburn is a likely second-round prospect. He averaged 10.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocks, but lacks elite athleticism (he tied Queen in max vertical leap) and plays below the rim with a 6-9, 249-pound frame.

[TimeForChange]

I don't know if it's been updated but the combine measurements for Essengue are up and they're slightly better than the ones that were previously reported.

6'10" without shoes.
204 lbs
7'1" wingspan
9'2" standing reach
10.62" hand width (5th)
10.70 lane agility (9th)
3.10 three-quarter sprint (10th)

those are huge hands

that's what she said

[TimeForChange]

Read on Twitter

[Altern8]

Georgetown freshman Thomas Sorber is drawing the interest of several teams in the lottery and also just outside the lottery ahead of Wednesday’s NBA Draft.
The 6-foot-10 Trenton, N.J. native has attracted interest from the Atlanta Hawks (which pick at Nos. 13 and 22) and San Antonio Spurs (No. 14) -- the last two picks in the lottery. Sorber is also drawing attention from the Minnesota Timberwolves (No. 17) and Brooklyn Nets (Nos. 19, 26 and 27), NJ Advance Media has learned.

https://www.nj.com/sports/2025/06/georgetown-star-drawing-interest-from-several-lottery-teams-ahead-of-nba-draft.html?outputType=amp

[deeps6x]

I don’t care who the Raps pick but I really hope they pass on Kon, Maluach or Queen if they stay at 9.

Kon's floor is higher then KM or Queen. I wouldn't hate Kon at #9. But trades would have to be made right after.

[Basketball_Jones]

I’m hoping for Maluach at this point. I just think there is too much potential there given his reported work ethic and love to play.

But if not, please draft someone who can shoot the 3.

Don’t worry bro, either Maluach or Coward will be available and we better pick one of them.

Who's in your top 8 then? The regulars and Queen?

Usuals minus Queen. I think we pass on him and would even take a project like Bryant or Noa first.

[Altern8]

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[Mark_83]

I don't know if it's been updated but the combine measurements for Essengue are up and they're slightly better than the ones that were previously reported.

6'10" without shoes.
204 lbs
7'1" wingspan
9'2" standing reach
10.62" hand width (5th)
10.70 lane agility (9th)
3.10 three-quarter sprint (10th)

those are huge hands

Strangely his hand length (8.97) is about average if not slightly below for his position. Which is more important for palming the basketball?

[Syd-TK3]

Yeah im hoping I hear Queen's name called before us so some things can shake up a bit

[BoyzNTheHood]

I don't know if it's been updated but the combine measurements for Essengue are up and they're slightly better than the ones that were previously reported.

6'10" without shoes.
204 lbs
7'1" wingspan
9'2" standing reach
10.62" hand width (5th)
10.70 lane agility (9th)
3.10 three-quarter sprint (10th)

those are huge hands

Strangely his hand length (8.97) is about average if not slightly below for his position. Which is more important for palming the basketball?

Not necessarily. The thumb and the pinky play a big part in palming. You really need that middle finger too though. I wonder if he can palm or if he struggles with it.

[TimeForChange]

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Toronto Raptors
2022 draft: SF Ochai Agbaji
2023 draft: SG Gradey Dick
2024 draft: SG Ja’Kobe Walter, C Jonathan Mogbo, PG Jamal Shead, C Ulrich Chomche (2W)
Undrafted since 2022: C Colin Castleton, SF Jamison Battle

Analysis: Dick got to be a starter at shooting guard, but he wasn’t efficient (41 percent field goals), and he’s likely headed to the bench with Toronto adding Brandon Ingram to a roster that already has Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley. Agbaji is more efficient, athletic, longer and stronger than Dick, but he is less likely to be a shot creator. Mogbo had two double-digit assist games in April, including a triple-double, though he is short for a big and not a reliable scorer. Walter can shoot, but he struggled to score efficiently as well (40.5 percent field goals) and might be in a rough spot with the logjam on the wing. Shead played more total minutes than Walter or Mogbo, but he struggled to put the ball in the basket, too, shooting 40.5 percent from the field. Only Dick and Barrett made more 3s than Battle, who was the most accurate shooter on the roster while making 40.5 percent from downtown after starting the season on a two-way contract. Castleton showed a little bit of everything down the stretch, especially on the offensive glass.

2025 draft picks: ninth, 39th

Draft need: Mogbo might be a better fit as a power forward, Chomche is a multi-year project, and Jakob Poeltl has a player option in 2026. Plus, there’s a glut of perimeter talent already. Toronto should be drafting a big, likely a center, with its lottery pick.