2025 NBA Draft Discussion Part 5

[Basketball_Jones]

Khaman at 7 is a bit of a reach imo but if Queen and Fears are off the board it’s cool with me. I think he’ll definitely be able to contribute and will surely improve throughout the year as a backup big. His offense is so limited though it’s hard to see star potential.

.736 TS% at 16.1 USG with 147.3 ORTG

What you mean is that the manner in which he is utilized on offense is somewhat limited. His efficiency within the context of that utilization was elite for 18 y/o college player.

Quite frankly as it pertains to the Raptors they already have multiple play drivers, getting someone w/ lb for lb elite play finishing is exactly what doctor ordered if Masai were to be right about quickley/ingram/barnes long term. The mold of 5 he can be could definitely make him an analytical star and help franchise win games.

I agree if Barnes and Quickley are offensive stars Khaman is an even better fit. I’m not really there with that though, I don’t think they are. I think we should still draft for offensive stars in the top ten. But only time will tell and Khaman is going to be a useful player, very likely starting C when all is said and done.

[Brinbe]

I think Maluach even if ultimately ends up in that Zubac/Lopez-tier that isn't a bad outcome. He may not ever have crazy shotblocking numbers, but he will be an effective defender at the next level. Also works in that he will be getting into the meat of his career right as Yak is beginning to fall off.

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

Khaman at 7 is a bit of a reach imo but if Queen and Fears are off the board it’s cool with me. I think he’ll definitely be able to contribute and will surely improve throughout the year as a backup big. His offense is so limited though it’s hard to see star potential.

.736 TS% at 16.1 USG with 147.3 ORTG

What you mean is that the manner in which he is utilized on offense is somewhat limited. His efficiency within the context of that utilization was elite for 18 y/o college player.

Quite frankly as it pertains to the Raptors they already have multiple play drivers, getting someone w/ lb for lb elite play finishing is exactly what doctor ordered if Masai were to be right about quickley/ingram/barnes long term. The mold of 5 he can be could definitely make him an analytical star and help franchise win games.

I agree if Barnes and Quickley are offensive stars Khaman is an even better fit. I’m not really there with that though, I don’t think they are. I think we should still draft for offensive stars in the top ten. But only time will tell and Khaman is going to be a useful player, very likely starting C when all is said and done.

Zubac 12th EPM, USG 19.9, TS% .634
Gobert 22nd EPM, USG 13.9, TS% .662
Allen 24th EPM, USG 16.5, TS% .683

If there are no strong bets this year when it comes to types that are mingled with these guys (true mid-high level stars and elite role players) then you take him before looking at weaker 3 level scorer bets.

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

I think Maluach even if ultimately ends up in that Zubac/Lopez-tier that isn't a bad outcome. He may not ever have crazy shotblocking numbers, but he will be an effective defender at the next level. Also works in that he will be getting into the meat of his career right as Yak is beginning to fall off.

Zubac is coming into his own as an elite player and right up there as a primary driver behind 50 win team (despite team's injury and roster issues).

[Brinbe]

I think Maluach even if ultimately ends up in that Zubac/Lopez-tier that isn't a bad outcome. He may not ever have crazy shotblocking numbers, but he will be an effective defender at the next level. Also works in that he will be getting into the meat of his career right as Yak is beginning to fall off.

Zubac is coming into his own as an elite player and right up there as a primary driver behind 50 win team (despite team's injury and roster issues).

Exactly. He's the type that'll be worth waiting on considering what he brings as a defensive anchor and there's enough there on the offensive end that he will contribute in terms of rim-running/offensive rebounding/good FT shooting and possible pick-and-pop, even if he's not a focal point.

If you also consider that Wemby and others like Chet/Mobley/Edey/etc will be future adversaries down the road (assuming they want to contend) they will need someone on the roster capable of stopping them.

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

I think Maluach even if ultimately ends up in that Zubac/Lopez-tier that isn't a bad outcome. He may not ever have crazy shotblocking numbers, but he will be an effective defender at the next level. Also works in that he will be getting into the meat of his career right as Yak is beginning to fall off.

Zubac is coming into his own as an elite player and right up there as a primary driver behind 50 win team (despite team's injury and roster issues).

Exactly. He's the type that'll be worth waiting on considering what he brings as a defensive anchor and there's enough there on the offensive end that he will contribute in terms of rim-running/offensive rebounding/good FT shooting and possible pick-and-pop, even if he's not a focal point.

If you also consider that Wemby and others like Chet/Mobley/Edey/etc will be future adversaries down the road (assuming they want to contend) they will need someone on the roster capable of stopping them.

that's where khaman's potential gets crazy bc nobody can contest his shot and his touch markers are excellent for 18 y/o trad 5. WCS that high 70s or beyond FT% will help his TS% but can be a floor spacing spot up shooter.

[S.W.A.N]

Khaman at 7 is a bit of a reach imo but if Queen and Fears are off the board it’s cool with me. I think he’ll definitely be able to contribute and will surely improve throughout the year as a backup big. His offense is so limited though it’s hard to see star potential.

Kaman is a reach in the top 3 outside of that.... fair game as a pick

[tecumseh18]

Khaman at 7 is a bit of a reach imo but if Queen and Fears are off the board it’s cool with me. I think he’ll definitely be able to contribute and will surely improve throughout the year as a backup big. His offense is so limited though it’s hard to see star potential.

Kaman is a reach in the top 3 outside of that.... fair game as a pick

But - as prospects - would you put Maluach ahead of KK? If K-Jak rises back into the top 6 and it comes down to Maluach, Kon, Queen or Frears, who is the choice? Who is BPA?

[Tripod]

Khaman at 7 is a bit of a reach imo but if Queen and Fears are off the board it’s cool with me. I think he’ll definitely be able to contribute and will surely improve throughout the year as a backup big. His offense is so limited though it’s hard to see star potential.

Kaman is a reach in the top 3 outside of that.... fair game as a pick

But - as prospects - would you put Maluach ahead of KK? If K-Jak rises back into the top 6 and it comes down to Maluach, Kon, Queen or Frears, who is the choice? Who is BPA?

Based on responses, BPA is all over the map...lol.

We also have to remember that BPA can often change year by year. Barnes is the perfect example. He wins ROTY and was the only All Star from his draft class in years 1-3. Now this year, some say he is like the 6th best guy from his draft year.

Maluach might be the slow starter of the bunch but end up a dominant C to replace Yak in 3-5 years if he reaches his potential. Adding 20-30 lbs on his frame plus being able to learn from Yak...and you could have the starting C position locked down for the next 10-15 years.

[WuTang_CMB]

Watch on YouTube

;ab_channel=benpfeifer

[treerollins]

we really need a separate draft thread for maluach believers so i don’t have to keep reading this trash. tacko fall would’ve put up maluach numbers starting beside rj and zion on duke, let’s see, now he pays for the Nanjing Monkey Kings.

[mademan]

If we stay at 8, im really zoning in on Carter Bryant. If we cant trade back and be certain he's still there, i would just take him with the 8th pick and then try and grab Broome (ideally) or Kalkbrenner in the 2nd round for FC depth.

I like Queen and Fears more than him, but im not sure the FO gets a 1 way player in Queen and Fears likely wont be available. If trade down is a possibility, i will take it if Bryant is still there, but i do think he's gonna be a riser in this draft. He's got too many great physical tools and his jumpshot really looks pretty

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

The amount of takes comparing Maluach to Bamba and Fall can only be chalked up to false biases driven by race and have nothing to do with the actual player.

Just take one look at Fall's college TOV% and close the browser.

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

Watch on YouTube

;ab_channel=benpfeifer

Hard not to overthink a guy who wants to be a lead guard with a flat shot who had 3 FTA in 52 mins against Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer guarding him.

And then these highlights against USC's 303rd ranked 2pt D whose starting lineup avg'd 1.3 blks a game.

[Spates]

Peeps, don't overthink it. CMB is the best player outside of top 3/4. He's a terrific basketball player. Maluach is an exceptional athlete. As the NBA becomes increasingly more skilled I don't see the old "he just started playing 4 years ago" cliche as appealing. Unless this kid has been demonstrating way more in practice than in actual games I cannot fathom selecting him. He's the antithesis of the Gasol and Jak.

This is what makes exceptional players:

Watch on YouTube

You build championship caliber teams with players capable of reading the game at the highest level. In that regard, CMB is brilliant. I don't care about fit with this kid. His processing is next level. Its the rare gene that you need.

CMB, Bailey, and Flagg are my favs. I think Flagg might be more of a Jimmy Butleresque talent than people expect. It threw me off for awhile but he's awesome nonetheless. Bailey has a super high motor. Plays with tenacity on both ends. I love that he can enter into the NBA with a simple role that he can organically grow from.

Weary of Harper although undeniably talented.
Cautiously optimistic about VJ.
Kon is solid.

[Brinbe]

lol I remember people saying all that intangibles crap with CMB about MKG too. How did that turn out?

NBA Comparison: Gerald Wallace/Andre Iguodala

Strengths: MKG is a strong, athletic small forward who possesses the intangibles that can’t be taught … He’s at his best in open space, whether it’s in the half court or transition … While most use separation to rise and fire, MKG uses it to build momentum and fearlessly attack the basket … Excellent finisher at the rim with explosive leaping ability, soft hands and the ability to adjust in mid-air … Tremendous length allows him to effortlessly finish plays with dunks … Also able to absorb and finish after contact … Moves well off the ball terms of angling his cuts as a slasher … Does not need the ball to be effective or impact a game … Though not known for his jumper, showed some promise spotting up when his feet are set … Strong, aggressive rebounder thanks to his relentless pursuit of the ball, non-stop motor and athleticism … Lockdown defensive potential with the versatility to guard to 3-4 different positions … Physical on-ball defender with a high awareness level off the ball … Has a desire, intensity and will to win that elevates his status into elite level despite not having elite skills or potential …

Weaknesses: Jack of all trades, master of none … MKG’s biggest weakness surrounds his inability to create his own shot in the half court … Sometimes too intent on getting to the rim when a short pullup is the better play, which he hasn’t consistently shown he has in his arsenal… Lacks range on his jump shot, and won’t be considered a stretch-threat by opposing defenses … Shooting motion has a hitch in it, which will be an issue as he looks to extend his shooting range … A bit undersized at the next level to get the same easy buckets he got in college … Could use some work as a ball-handler on the perimeter …

Overall: Though he doesn’t have the typical upside of a top 2-5 pick, he poses zero risk when you consider his intangibles and physical tools … Instead of saying he has a low ceiling, it’s more appropriate to say he has a high basement … There’s not a team in the league that doesn’t have a need for what MKG brings to the table … He’s a two-way player that can contribute in a number of a different ways, and while he’s not going to compete for any scoring titles, his strengths can inspire teammates and energize a fan base …


Obviously not a one-to-one comparison and not saying that he'll be a bust but undersized and no jumper is tough to overcome unless you have Thompson brothers level athleticism to compensate.

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

lol I remember people saying all that intangibles crap with CMB about MKG too. How did that turn out?

NBA Comparison: Gerald Wallace/Andre Iguodala

Strengths: MKG is a strong, athletic small forward who possesses the intangibles that can’t be taught … He’s at his best in open space, whether it’s in the half court or transition … While most use separation to rise and fire, MKG uses it to build momentum and fearlessly attack the basket … Excellent finisher at the rim with explosive leaping ability, soft hands and the ability to adjust in mid-air … Tremendous length allows him to effortlessly finish plays with dunks … Also able to absorb and finish after contact … Moves well off the ball terms of angling his cuts as a slasher … Does not need the ball to be effective or impact a game … Though not known for his jumper, showed some promise spotting up when his feet are set … Strong, aggressive rebounder thanks to his relentless pursuit of the ball, non-stop motor and athleticism … Lockdown defensive potential with the versatility to guard to 3-4 different positions … Physical on-ball defender with a high awareness level off the ball … Has a desire, intensity and will to win that elevates his status into elite level despite not having elite skills or potential …

Weaknesses: Jack of all trades, master of none … MKG’s biggest weakness surrounds his inability to create his own shot in the half court … Sometimes too intent on getting to the rim when a short pullup is the better play, which he hasn’t consistently shown he has in his arsenal… Lacks range on his jump shot, and won’t be considered a stretch-threat by opposing defenses … Shooting motion has a hitch in it, which will be an issue as he looks to extend his shooting range … A bit undersized at the next level to get the same easy buckets he got in college … Could use some work as a ball-handler on the perimeter …

Overall: Though he doesn’t have the typical upside of a top 2-5 pick, he poses zero risk when you consider his intangibles and physical tools … Instead of saying he has a low ceiling, it’s more appropriate to say he has a high basement … There’s not a team in the league that doesn’t have a need for what MKG brings to the table … He’s a two-way player that can contribute in a number of a different ways, and while he’s not going to compete for any scoring titles, his strengths can inspire teammates and energize a fan base …


Obviously not a one-to-one comparison and not saying that he'll be a bust but undersized and no jumper is tough to overcome unless you have Thompson brothers level athleticism to compensate.

This board is making the same mistake with Khaman as it did with Thompson twins. Just fundamentally misinterpreting who they are as players, endlessly comparing him to slew of trash African centers, blaming him for playing at Duke or being newer to game (if we omit this fact it still doesn't change how excellent his production is for 18 yo), blaming him for being a play finisher at center.

I'm not buying it.

[RealFaction]

I love CMB's skill set, but if you're confident in his upside, then take him and trade Barnes for a better fit. It's a similar redundancy with Flagg. If we lucked into Cooper, I'd trade Scottie for a better fit immediately.

[Brinbe]

lol I remember people saying all that intangibles crap with CMB about MKG too. How did that turn out?

NBA Comparison: Gerald Wallace/Andre Iguodala

Strengths: MKG is a strong, athletic small forward who possesses the intangibles that can’t be taught … He’s at his best in open space, whether it’s in the half court or transition … While most use separation to rise and fire, MKG uses it to build momentum and fearlessly attack the basket … Excellent finisher at the rim with explosive leaping ability, soft hands and the ability to adjust in mid-air … Tremendous length allows him to effortlessly finish plays with dunks … Also able to absorb and finish after contact … Moves well off the ball terms of angling his cuts as a slasher … Does not need the ball to be effective or impact a game … Though not known for his jumper, showed some promise spotting up when his feet are set … Strong, aggressive rebounder thanks to his relentless pursuit of the ball, non-stop motor and athleticism … Lockdown defensive potential with the versatility to guard to 3-4 different positions … Physical on-ball defender with a high awareness level off the ball … Has a desire, intensity and will to win that elevates his status into elite level despite not having elite skills or potential …

Weaknesses: Jack of all trades, master of none … MKG’s biggest weakness surrounds his inability to create his own shot in the half court … Sometimes too intent on getting to the rim when a short pullup is the better play, which he hasn’t consistently shown he has in his arsenal… Lacks range on his jump shot, and won’t be considered a stretch-threat by opposing defenses … Shooting motion has a hitch in it, which will be an issue as he looks to extend his shooting range … A bit undersized at the next level to get the same easy buckets he got in college … Could use some work as a ball-handler on the perimeter …

Overall: Though he doesn’t have the typical upside of a top 2-5 pick, he poses zero risk when you consider his intangibles and physical tools … Instead of saying he has a low ceiling, it’s more appropriate to say he has a high basement … There’s not a team in the league that doesn’t have a need for what MKG brings to the table … He’s a two-way player that can contribute in a number of a different ways, and while he’s not going to compete for any scoring titles, his strengths can inspire teammates and energize a fan base …


Obviously not a one-to-one comparison and not saying that he'll be a bust but undersized and no jumper is tough to overcome unless you have Thompson brothers level athleticism to compensate.

This board is making the same mistake with Khaman as it did with Thompson twins. Just fundamentally misinterpreting who they are as players, endlessly comparing him to slew of trash African centers, blaming him for playing at Duke or being newer to game (if we omit this fact it still doesn't change how excellent his production is for 18 yo), blaming him for being a play finisher at center.

I'm not buying it.

They see what he did against Houston or some of his other bad moments and think that's who directly he'll be in his mid-20s. The fact that he adapted so well as a frosh to the role that was given to him should be a plus in his favor while exhibiting some real positive traits, like his offensive rebounding rate, defending well without fouling plus good FT shooting for a big, will go ignored.

Meanwhile, just watching some of his BAL tape (yes, the comp isn't great but it's more about the versatility exhibited) will show there's much more to his game that wasn't tapped into at all. But he'll have more of a chance to develop these things at the next level.

Watch on YouTube

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

lol I remember people saying all that intangibles crap with CMB about MKG too. How did that turn out?

NBA Comparison: Gerald Wallace/Andre Iguodala

Strengths: MKG is a strong, athletic small forward who possesses the intangibles that can’t be taught … He’s at his best in open space, whether it’s in the half court or transition … While most use separation to rise and fire, MKG uses it to build momentum and fearlessly attack the basket … Excellent finisher at the rim with explosive leaping ability, soft hands and the ability to adjust in mid-air … Tremendous length allows him to effortlessly finish plays with dunks … Also able to absorb and finish after contact … Moves well off the ball terms of angling his cuts as a slasher … Does not need the ball to be effective or impact a game … Though not known for his jumper, showed some promise spotting up when his feet are set … Strong, aggressive rebounder thanks to his relentless pursuit of the ball, non-stop motor and athleticism … Lockdown defensive potential with the versatility to guard to 3-4 different positions … Physical on-ball defender with a high awareness level off the ball … Has a desire, intensity and will to win that elevates his status into elite level despite not having elite skills or potential …

Weaknesses: Jack of all trades, master of none … MKG’s biggest weakness surrounds his inability to create his own shot in the half court … Sometimes too intent on getting to the rim when a short pullup is the better play, which he hasn’t consistently shown he has in his arsenal… Lacks range on his jump shot, and won’t be considered a stretch-threat by opposing defenses … Shooting motion has a hitch in it, which will be an issue as he looks to extend his shooting range … A bit undersized at the next level to get the same easy buckets he got in college … Could use some work as a ball-handler on the perimeter …

Overall: Though he doesn’t have the typical upside of a top 2-5 pick, he poses zero risk when you consider his intangibles and physical tools … Instead of saying he has a low ceiling, it’s more appropriate to say he has a high basement … There’s not a team in the league that doesn’t have a need for what MKG brings to the table … He’s a two-way player that can contribute in a number of a different ways, and while he’s not going to compete for any scoring titles, his strengths can inspire teammates and energize a fan base …


Obviously not a one-to-one comparison and not saying that he'll be a bust but undersized and no jumper is tough to overcome unless you have Thompson brothers level athleticism to compensate.

This board is making the same mistake with Khaman as it did with Thompson twins. Just fundamentally misinterpreting who they are as players, endlessly comparing him to slew of trash African centers, blaming him for playing at Duke or being newer to game (if we omit this fact it still doesn't change how excellent his production is for 18 yo), blaming him for being a play finisher at center.

I'm not buying it.

They see what he did against Houston or some of his other bad moments and think that's who directly he'll be in his mid-20s. The fact that he adapted so well as a frosh to the role that was given to him should be a plus in his favor while exhibiting some real positive traits, like his offensive rebounding rate, defending well without fouling plus good FT shooting for a big, will go ignored.

Meanwhile, just watching some of his BAL tape (yes, the comp isn't great but it's more about the versatility exhibited) will show there's much more to his game that wasn't tapped into at all. But he'll have more of a chance to develop these things at the next level.

Watch on YouTube

You can complain about bigs he went up against in ACC play but he did exactly what he was supposed to against them, dominated them inside (orb% was ridiculous).