2025 NBA Draft Discussion Part 7

[S.W.A.N]

I'm not understanding the love for CMB in this thread.

A 6'6-6'7 wing that doesn't shoot is who people want to take with the #9 pick? Even with Barnes and Mogbo on the roster?

Am I in the twilight zone?

You don't look at Mogbo in this situation.

You look at CMB and say can he improve his shooting enough to be a 2-way beast.

If anything you use Mogbo as his draft comp. Physically very similar, and college production very similar.

They key factor would be tha CMB is 2.5 years younger draft age. So his room for development is theoretically vastly higher.

Right now CMB doesn't have the shooting, but everything he's good at. If he could shoot the corner three he'd be incredibly valuable.

I think he needs to be in the draft conversation the same way Queen, Demon and Yak should be talked about. Can you get their weakness upgraded enough to go with their unique skills.

[PhilBlackson]

if maluach is our guy, masai needs to tell him to stop all workouts immediately

why would he? its in his best interest to get drafted earlier

For the immediate financial pay off, agreed but I'm Masai, I'm selling him on a bigger vision and talking bigger long term dollars by selling him on trusting our development vs the other trash teams in our range because I think WHERE Khaman lands is going to make ALL the difference in what he does or does not become long term.

If he gets rushed into a starting spot with WAS, NOP or BKN, I think there's certainly a stronger possibility could turn out poorly and him not reaching the potential he may have which of course ultimately will determine how profitable his career will be. Not to mention the personal connection with Ulrich and the vision Masai could pitch to him as the face of his GOA movement.

[Yallbecrazy]

I'm not understanding the love for CMB in this thread.

A 6'6-6'7 wing that doesn't shoot is who people want to take with the #9 pick? Even with Barnes and Mogbo on the roster?

Am I in the twilight zone?

What if I told you he was a Kawhi/ Draymond clone coming out of college? A very mobile player, with an explosive first step and a playmaker who finishes at an elite level around the rim while drawing lots of fouls and grabbing tons of rebounds? 6'6.5 241 lb players should not be as agile and quick as he is.
Also, he's probably the best defender in the draft and has a + 6 wingspan. He can defend on the perimeter or inside, rotates really well and jumps passing lanes really well without ever being caught out.

He was also really good on offense this year as he carried a very high usage, was the entirety of every opposing team's gameplan, lead the toughest conference in the history of college basketball in fg% despite the high usage and his teammates being complete crap and providing no spacing for him to operate.

We're talking about a player where if he was a good shooter might be talked about as the #1 player in the draft ahead of Flagg. A poor man's Zion physically/ athletically, but with a very high end bbiq.

Numbers don't lie, one of the highest bpms in the draft and it would have been even higher if he played with some shooters.

edit: Also, while the roster fit isn't ideal, the scheme fit with Darko is. He can also play the 4 or 5 and this team needs a backup for those positions so he can be the lead guy off the bench as a 20yr old rookie. Team needs are rebounding and defense with Poeltl off the court which he provides.

[DreamTeam09]

Chicago and Atlanta have the PG(s) to make use of Maluach.
Which is an idea if Maluach is still available at #9, and Atlanta wants to trade up for him.
Otherwise, I think Maluach will be gone at #12

If Maluach is there at 9 he's retiring a Toronto Raptor

I said it awhile ago, I thought Maluach could be a riser (pause) once he gets into individual workouts and honestly idk how GMs are going to watch this 7'2 guy with a NBA body who projects to be one of the bigger, stronger Cs in the league continue to splash 3s AND showing a level of mobility with the ball in his hands....more and more I think he's taken 6 or 7th *sigh.

I think it might be too tough for the teams between 3-5 to pass on more "sure" things but once that's past, I can EASILY see a GM salivating I thinking the hell with it and roll the dice which obv f'ing sucks because I don't think Maluach has superstar potential or anything BUT he could still be a monster if developed right and his fit would be almost seamless. I'm not joking when I say they not only need to make him a promise (which was already rumored) but some sort of under the table stuff to get him to shut his workouts down and/or telling any non-top 5 team to pass on him because I really do think someone 6-8 takes him if that doesn't happen.

Washington has Sarr / I guess you could pair him with Khaman, but Queen is already a Maryland boy & could play at PF & keep sarr at the 5

Pelicans just drafted Missi but could take him,, but Kon will still probably be in the board and they could use another wing shooter around Zion

BK has Claxton n Sharpe & Clowney all at the bigs but I've seen multiple mocks with Khaman on BK, but in my scenario Fears is still on the board at 8 and I don't see BK skipping on a PG.

A lot of teams don't really need 5s, and usually 5s end up in that 9-14 range of the lottery like Edey and lively unless they get taken top 5 wemby / Duren / Sarr

[PhilBlackson]

I'm not understanding the love for CMB in this thread.

A 6'6-6'7 wing that doesn't shoot is who people want to take with the #9 pick? Even with Barnes and Mogbo on the roster?

Am I in the twilight zone?

What if I told you he was a Kawhi/ Draymond clone coming out of college? A very mobile player, with an explosive first step and a playmaker who finishes at an elite level around the rim while drawing lots of fouls and grabbing tons of rebounds? 6'6.5 241 lb players should not be as agile and quick as he is? Also, he's probably the best defender in the draft and has a + 6 wingspan. He can defend on the perimeter or inside, rotates really well and jumps passing lanes really well without ever being caught out.

He was also really good on offense this year as he carried a very high usage, was the entirety of every opposing team's gameplan, lead the toughest conference in the history of college basketball in fg% despite the high usage and his teammates being complete crap and providing no spacing for him to operate.

We're talking about a player where if he was a good shooter might be talked about as the #1 player in the draft ahead of Flagg. A poor man's Zion physically/ athletically, but with a very high end bbiq.

I don't buy the Kawhi comparison.

Especially because Kawhi's improvement as a shooter is almost unheard of, not to mention I don't see any of that mid-range game so idk why his name gets thrown in the comparison especially when that's pretty damn bold. Because obv a healthy, prime Kawhi was easily a top 3-5 player in the game at his best. There is no world where I see CMB becoming anything close to that.

You want to say he'll be a stud that is sort of a Randle/Draymond mix, I can buy that and that would actually be a damn good player. But like those guys I suspect he'll continue to be a poor 3pt shooter and that's just not gonna work with Scottie & Yak, sorry.

[Yallbecrazy]

I'm not understanding the love for CMB in this thread.

A 6'6-6'7 wing that doesn't shoot is who people want to take with the #9 pick? Even with Barnes and Mogbo on the roster?

Am I in the twilight zone?

What if I told you he was a Kawhi/ Draymond clone coming out of college? A very mobile player, with an explosive first step and a playmaker who finishes at an elite level around the rim while drawing lots of fouls and grabbing tons of rebounds? 6'6.5 241 lb players should not be as agile and quick as he is? Also, he's probably the best defender in the draft and has a + 6 wingspan. He can defend on the perimeter or inside, rotates really well and jumps passing lanes really well without ever being caught out.

He was also really good on offense this year as he carried a very high usage, was the entirety of every opposing team's gameplan, lead the toughest conference in the history of college basketball in fg% despite the high usage and his teammates being complete crap and providing no spacing for him to operate.

We're talking about a player where if he was a good shooter might be talked about as the #1 player in the draft ahead of Flagg. A poor man's Zion physically/ athletically, but with a very high end bbiq.

I don't buy the Kawhi comparison.

Especially because Kawhi's improvement as a shooter is almost unheard of, not to mention I don't see any of that mid-range game so idk why his name gets thrown in the comparison especially when that's pretty damn bold. Because obv a healthy, prime Kawhi was easily a top 3-5 player in the game at his best. There is no world where I see CMB becoming anything close to that.

You want to say he'll be a stud that is sort of a Randle/Draymond mix, I can buy that and that would actually be a damn good player. But like those guys I suspect he'll continue to be a poor 3pt shooter and that's just not gonna work with Scottie & Yak, sorry.

Kawhi couldn't shoot in college either, not saying he will be prime Kawhi, but if Kawhi was the same player without a jump shot that's still a very valuable player (although Kawhi was never much of a playmaker, which is why I added Draymond).

He had better athletic tests than Kawhi in terms of vertical and shuttle/sprint runs despite being over 10lbs heavier. That should show you how he's such an impressive athlete. If he gets a Kawhi like jumper I absolutely see the potential for him to be just as good, but the odds of that are very slim, still worth the gamble and why I have him top 3.

[PhilBlackson]

If Maluach is there at 9 he's retiring a Toronto Raptor

I said it awhile ago, I thought Maluach could be a riser (pause) once he gets into individual workouts and honestly idk how GMs are going to watch this 7'2 guy with a NBA body who projects to be one of the bigger, stronger Cs in the league continue to splash 3s AND showing a level of mobility with the ball in his hands....more and more I think he's taken 6 or 7th *sigh.

I think it might be too tough for the teams between 3-5 to pass on more "sure" things but once that's past, I can EASILY see a GM salivating I thinking the hell with it and roll the dice which obv f'ing sucks because I don't think Maluach has superstar potential or anything BUT he could still be a monster if developed right and his fit would be almost seamless. I'm not joking when I say they not only need to make him a promise (which was already rumored) but some sort of under the table stuff to get him to shut his workouts down and/or telling any non-top 5 team to pass on him because I really do think someone 6-8 takes him if that doesn't happen.

Washington has Sarr / I guess you could pair him with Khaman, but Queen is already a Maryland boy & could play at PF & keep sarr at the 5

Pelicans just drafted Missi but could take him,, but Kon will still probably be in the board and they could use another wing shooter around Zion

BK has Claxton n Sharpe & Clowney all at the bigs but I've seen multiple mocks with Khaman on BK, but in my scenario Fears is still on the board at 8 and I don't see BK skipping on a PG.

A lot of teams don't really need 5s, and usually 5s end up in that 9-14 range of the lottery like Edey and lively unless they get taken top 5 wemby / Duren / Sarr

All of those teams worry me for different reasons...

I mentioned a few posts ago but what worries me about/has me out on Queen, is that I heard KOC say that he's changed up his shooting form and as a result has been shooting the ball very poorly if that's the case -- I'm so out and my guess is so would WAS, I don't think they care about the hometown thing if he loses all semblance of a jumper AND I think they are genuinely trying to create a "style" of play and/or types of players they like ie/ Bilal, Sarr, George etc -- these longer defensive types with offensive upside which obv Khaman posses as well. I'm not saying it's a shoe in but I could at least see how he fits in with what they've been doing the past couple of drafts or so under a new GM if I'm not mistaken.

Pels did just draft Missi BUT he's not actually a good fit next to Zion because he can't shoot, same reason why Yak isn't locked in as our long term C. More importantly I heard a report that Dumars stressed that he'd like to add some depth in the post *ahem and that's THE biggest reason I'm really worried about those 2 teams. I'm really hoping though that they buy into Fears who I actually think could be a great fit for them.

BKN was shopping Claxton at the deadline lol I don't think he factors at all into their decision making. I think they're really approaching the draft with a clean slate and Marks has become an underrated GM that knows how to assemble & spot decent talent (when he doesn't have childish superstars). He might just think to roll the dice but especially if he likely has caught wind that Masai likes Khaman a lot too which I think is an underrated thing -- that if other GMs catch on to how much our FO likes him, in combination with the great workouts & interviews -- it's really not hard to imagine someone taking that flyer as much as I'll be praying they don't.

[mtcan]

What if I told you he was a Kawhi/ Draymond clone coming out of college? A very mobile player, with an explosive first step and a playmaker who finishes at an elite level around the rim while drawing lots of fouls and grabbing tons of rebounds? 6'6.5 241 lb players should not be as agile and quick as he is? Also, he's probably the best defender in the draft and has a + 6 wingspan. He can defend on the perimeter or inside, rotates really well and jumps passing lanes really well without ever being caught out.

He was also really good on offense this year as he carried a very high usage, was the entirety of every opposing team's gameplan, lead the toughest conference in the history of college basketball in fg% despite the high usage and his teammates being complete crap and providing no spacing for him to operate.

We're talking about a player where if he was a good shooter might be talked about as the #1 player in the draft ahead of Flagg. A poor man's Zion physically/ athletically, but with a very high end bbiq.

I don't buy the Kawhi comparison.

Especially because Kawhi's improvement as a shooter is almost unheard of, not to mention I don't see any of that mid-range game so idk why his name gets thrown in the comparison especially when that's pretty damn bold. Because obv a healthy, prime Kawhi was easily a top 3-5 player in the game at his best. There is no world where I see CMB becoming anything close to that.

You want to say he'll be a stud that is sort of a Randle/Draymond mix, I can buy that and that would actually be a damn good player. But like those guys I suspect he'll continue to be a poor 3pt shooter and that's just not gonna work with Scottie & Yak, sorry.

Kawhi couldn't shoot in college either, not saying he will be prime Kawhi, but if Kawhi was the same player without a jump shot that's still a very valuable player (although Kawhi was never much of a playmaker, which is why I added Draymond).

He had better athletic tests than Kawhi in terms of vertical and shuttle/sprint runs despite being over 10lbs heavier. That should show you how he's such an impressive athlete. If he gets a Kawhi like jumper I absolutely see the potential for him to be just as good, but the odds of that are very slim, still worth the gamble and why I have him top 3.

Sadly we don't have the guy who taught Kawhi how to shoot...he's in OKC turning guys like Lu Dort and Aaron Wiggins into knockdown shooters. We don't have that guy in Toronto. Can't expect the same results with CMB or anyone else who can't shoot.

[PhilBlackson]

What if I told you he was a Kawhi/ Draymond clone coming out of college? A very mobile player, with an explosive first step and a playmaker who finishes at an elite level around the rim while drawing lots of fouls and grabbing tons of rebounds? 6'6.5 241 lb players should not be as agile and quick as he is? Also, he's probably the best defender in the draft and has a + 6 wingspan. He can defend on the perimeter or inside, rotates really well and jumps passing lanes really well without ever being caught out.

He was also really good on offense this year as he carried a very high usage, was the entirety of every opposing team's gameplan, lead the toughest conference in the history of college basketball in fg% despite the high usage and his teammates being complete crap and providing no spacing for him to operate.

We're talking about a player where if he was a good shooter might be talked about as the #1 player in the draft ahead of Flagg. A poor man's Zion physically/ athletically, but with a very high end bbiq.

I don't buy the Kawhi comparison.

Especially because Kawhi's improvement as a shooter is almost unheard of, not to mention I don't see any of that mid-range game so idk why his name gets thrown in the comparison especially when that's pretty damn bold. Because obv a healthy, prime Kawhi was easily a top 3-5 player in the game at his best. There is no world where I see CMB becoming anything close to that.

You want to say he'll be a stud that is sort of a Randle/Draymond mix, I can buy that and that would actually be a damn good player. But like those guys I suspect he'll continue to be a poor 3pt shooter and that's just not gonna work with Scottie & Yak, sorry.

Kawhi couldn't shoot in college either, not saying he will be prime Kawhi, but if Kawhi was the same player without a jump shot that's still a very valuable player (although Kawhi was never much of a playmaker, which is why I added Draymond).

He had better athletic tests than Kawhi in terms of vertical and shuttle/sprint runs despite being over 10lbs heavier. That should show you how he's such an impressive athlete. If he gets a Kawhi like jumper I absolutely see the potential for him to be just as good, but the odds of that are very slim, still worth the gamble and why I have him top 3.

I'm not gonna talk trash on CMB, I've said it many times, I like him -- just not for our team because I don't buy that he's going to become a good shooter.

I won't go back & forth on the Kawhi comparison but I just don't think his name belongs in the convo. If you're comparing them as a college players then Kawhi still wasn't the same then because he was basically just a high level defender and rebounder. To CMB's credit he has more bully ball game like Randle on the blocks and passing/transition game like Draymond that Kawhi didn't as a college. But realistically when people mention names in comparisons it's typically not to the non-developed version of a player lol which means you're likening CMB to an all time level player that Kawhi was when healthy in his prime which is just an utterly ridiculous hope/belief that he's gonna take one of THE greatest developments/improvements EVER as Kawhi did and it wasn't just shooting, he added a f*ck ton to his offensive skillset overall that is way beyond the norm.

I genuinely don't mean it to be rude but I think that is such a ridiculously, unrealistic hope or expectation and Kawhi without all the shooting and scoring ability would essentially be a stronger Igoudala, another player who's game I don't think CMB's resembles. Both Kawhi & Iggy were more "SFs" in their skill and fluidity. CMB is far more a PF like Randle & Draymond, it actually sticks out like a sore thumb to me how much his game resembles those 2, not Kawhi. He's a power forward, not a small forward. But I'm leaving it at that because that's all I care to discuss about CMB and I've made my stance clear that I like him as a player but I don't like his fit or believe in his jumper and leaving it at that.

[Indeed]

I said it awhile ago, I thought Maluach could be a riser (pause) once he gets into individual workouts and honestly idk how GMs are going to watch this 7'2 guy with a NBA body who projects to be one of the bigger, stronger Cs in the league continue to splash 3s AND showing a level of mobility with the ball in his hands....more and more I think he's taken 6 or 7th *sigh.

I think it might be too tough for the teams between 3-5 to pass on more "sure" things but once that's past, I can EASILY see a GM salivating I thinking the hell with it and roll the dice which obv f'ing sucks because I don't think Maluach has superstar potential or anything BUT he could still be a monster if developed right and his fit would be almost seamless. I'm not joking when I say they not only need to make him a promise (which was already rumored) but some sort of under the table stuff to get him to shut his workouts down and/or telling any non-top 5 team to pass on him because I really do think someone 6-8 takes him if that doesn't happen.

Washington has Sarr / I guess you could pair him with Khaman, but Queen is already a Maryland boy & could play at PF & keep sarr at the 5

Pelicans just drafted Missi but could take him,, but Kon will still probably be in the board and they could use another wing shooter around Zion

BK has Claxton n Sharpe & Clowney all at the bigs but I've seen multiple mocks with Khaman on BK, but in my scenario Fears is still on the board at 8 and I don't see BK skipping on a PG.

A lot of teams don't really need 5s, and usually 5s end up in that 9-14 range of the lottery like Edey and lively unless they get taken top 5 wemby / Duren / Sarr

All of those teams worry me for different reasons...

I mentioned a few posts ago but what worries me about/has me out on Queen, is that I heard KOC say that he's changed up his shooting form and as a result has been shooting the ball very poorly if that's the case -- I'm so out and my guess is so would WAS, I don't think they care about the hometown thing if he loses all semblance of a jumper AND I think they are genuinely trying to create a "style" of play and/or types of players they like ie/ Bilal, Sarr, George etc -- these longer defensive types with offensive upside which obv Khaman posses as well. I'm not saying it's a shoe in but I could at least see how he fits in with what they've been doing the past couple of drafts or so under a new GM if I'm not mistaken.

Pels did just draft Missi BUT he's not actually a good fit next to Zion because he can't shoot, same reason why Yak isn't locked in as our long term C. More importantly I heard a report that Dumars stressed that he'd like to add some depth in the post *ahem and that's THE biggest reason I'm really worried about those 2 teams. I'm really hoping though that they buy into Fears who I actually think could be a great fit for them.

BKN was shopping Claxton at the deadline lol I don't think he factors at all into their decision making. I think they're really approaching the draft with a clean slate and Marks has become an underrated GM that knows how to assemble & spot decent talent (when he doesn't have childish superstars). He might just think to roll the dice but especially if he likely has caught wind that Masai likes Khaman a lot too which I think is an underrated thing -- that if other GMs catch on to how much our FO likes him, in combination with the great workouts & interviews -- it's really not hard to imagine someone taking that flyer as much as I'll be praying they don't.

I don't see Washington, both Sarr and Maluach basically offers the same thing. They are probably looking for someone who can create in the post and space the floor, which is why Queen is in the mix.

There isn't really much of a need for Maluach, and even the Raptors is more looking for a hub type of big. All the reason is Ujiri connection (*cough* no inside information *cough*). Also, there are some good C in the late 1st and early 2nd, where teams may find Kalkbrenner is a better 3&D prospect at C.

[Got Nuffin]

Read on Twitter

?s=46&t=0YpMScWXY2zRUqR8fH-usg

I know i know these are just work outs and let's take every thing with a grain of salt, but jeezus compare this with clips of CMB (who projects as a forward!) stinking the joint up in work outs like some dude at YMCA men's league and you can't seriously say you would not draft this guy at 9.

If he's there, I would be shocked if Masai does not draft Maluach.

[DreamTeam09]

I am now in on Noa being #2 on my draft board. If we aren't getting a 5 gimmie the long boi who we can mold into something more, but at least his baseline of a jumper is present. He's definitely raw and a project, but his measurements are probably crazy. Would do well to learn from Ingram for 3yrs

[Clutch0z24]

Why do people want an offensive guy with little defense at 9?

RJ is that type of guy and some can't wait to move him.

To me, obviously I hope MU and them find the next star who is available at 9, but if not, 2-way players are the way to go. Not only do they help you win at both ends but typically make less money on contract #2 due to lower PPG totals.

2 Way players.....Has the word 2 way in it....Which means they have to be good on both ends....Alot of the defensive guys in this draft...There is also no "Elite" level defenders....And if their defence is good their offensive games don't look all that great....Tbh id pick Jase Richardson over alot of names being thrown out if you want a good 2 way player....Jase will be developed as a PG and has great def but his offensive game could translate to be elite...

I don't think Noa/Braynt have elite offensive upsides...Prolly just meh at that end of the day....and how many meh level offensive guys can we have on this team? Literally all of our guys besides IQ/Ingram (Injury prone) are good offensive players....

[Rapsfan07]

I'm not understanding the love for CMB in this thread.

A 6'6-6'7 wing that doesn't shoot is who people want to take with the #9 pick? Even with Barnes and Mogbo on the roster?

Am I in the twilight zone?

You don't look at Mogbo in this situation.

You look at CMB and say can he improve his shooting enough to be a 2-way beast.

If anything you use Mogbo as his draft comp. Physically very similar, and college production very similar.

They key factor would be tha CMB is 2.5 years younger draft age. So his room for development is theoretically vastly higher.

Right now CMB doesn't have the shooting, but everything he's good at. If he could shoot the corner three he'd be incredibly valuable.

I think he needs to be in the draft conversation the same way Queen, Demon and Yak should be talked about. Can you get their weakness upgraded enough to go with their unique skills.

We're already working on a far better player with all the same strengths and weaknesses and is far more proven at the NBA level in Barnes, which is proving difficult enough in its own right.

So why would we do the same thing again?

CMB is a PF/C in a guard body. I wish him well but I think he's out of the league after his first deal. Undersized bigs who don't shoot don't have a role in this league anymore unless you're the 0.00001% like Zion.

[Indeed]

Read on Twitter

?s=46&t=0YpMScWXY2zRUqR8fH-usg

I know i know these are just work outs and let's take every thing with a grain of salt, but jeezus compare this with clips of CMB (who projects as a forward!) stinking the joint up in work outs like some dude at YMCA men's league and you can't seriously say you would not draft this guy at 9.

If he's there, I would be shocked if Masai does not draft Maluach.

I would be shocked if Ujiri draft Maluach, and I would be more shock if Maluach becomes a good 3 point shooter, as most people project him to be average in the low 30s. Kalkbrenner has been the better shooter with similar defense.

[Got Nuffin]

Read on Twitter

?s=46&t=0YpMScWXY2zRUqR8fH-usg

I know i know these are just work outs and let's take every thing with a grain of salt, but jeezus compare this with clips of CMB (who projects as a forward!) stinking the joint up in work outs like some dude at YMCA men's league and you can't seriously say you would not draft this guy at 9.

If he's there, I would be shocked if Masai does not draft Maluach.

I would be shocked if Ujiri draft Maluach, and I would be more shock if Maluach becomes a good 3 point shooter, as most people project him to be average in the low 30s. Kalkbrenner has been the better shooter with similar defense.

I very much doubt Kalkbrenner will be able to guard in space in the NBA, which is why he is projected much lower than Maluach. Another reason being that he's turning 24 (!) midway through his rookie season. He better be a better shooter than an 18 year old considering the age difference.

[S.W.A.N]

Why do people want an offensive guy with little defense at 9?

RJ is that type of guy and some can't wait to move him.

To me, obviously I hope MU and them find the next star who is available at 9, but if not, 2-way players are the way to go. Not only do they help you win at both ends but typically make less money on contract #2 due to lower PPG totals.

2 Way players.....Has the word 2 way in it....Which means they have to be good on both ends....Alot of the defensive guys in this draft...There is also no "Elite" level defenders....And if their defence is good their offensive games don't look all that great....Tbh id pick Jase Richardson over alot of names being thrown out if you want a good 2 way player....Jase will be developed as a PG and has great def but his offensive game could translate to be elite...

I don't think Noa/Braynt have elite offensive upsides...Prolly just meh at that end of the day....and how many meh level offensive guys can we have on this team? Literally all of our guys besides IQ/Ingram (Injury prone) are good offensive players....

Its the 9th pick. Either you're going for elite offense/defense at the cost of the other Queen/CMB/Tre or going for 2-way players that you hope are positive on both ends.

I think people underrate the value of these guys. We don't need a 20ppg scorer on this team. We need a 3rd to 4th option that can be a better than average defender.

Jace is interesting if you develop him as a pg. But I'd take Noa/Carter/Fleming/khaman/Kon above him. If we were looking at pg Jace, traore, fears, demin and Jak would be a really interesting conversation. If the pg skills are there Jace is arguably the most well-rounded despite his size issue.

[Clutch0z24]

Why do people want an offensive guy with little defense at 9?

RJ is that type of guy and some can't wait to move him.

To me, obviously I hope MU and them find the next star who is available at 9, but if not, 2-way players are the way to go. Not only do they help you win at both ends but typically make less money on contract #2 due to lower PPG totals.

2 Way players.....Has the word 2 way in it....Which means they have to be good on both ends....Alot of the defensive guys in this draft...There is also no "Elite" level defenders....And if their defence is good their offensive games don't look all that great....Tbh id pick Jase Richardson over alot of names being thrown out if you want a good 2 way player....Jase will be developed as a PG and has great def but his offensive game could translate to be elite...

I don't think Noa/Braynt have elite offensive upsides...Prolly just meh at that end of the day....and how many meh level offensive guys can we have on this team? Literally all of our guys besides IQ/Ingram (Injury prone) are good offensive players....

Its the 9th pick. Either you're going for elite offense/defense at the cost of the other Queen/CMB/Tre or going for 2-way players that you hope are positive on both ends.

I think people underrate the value of these guys. We don't need a 20ppg scorer on this team. We need a 3rd to 4th option that can be a better than average defender.

Jace is interesting if you develop him as a pg. But I'd take Noa/Carter/Fleming/khaman/Kon above him. If we were looking at pg Jace, traore, fears, demin and Jak would be a really interesting conversation. If the pg skills are there Jace is arguably the most well-rounded despite his size issue.

Id pick Jase over the other guys being thrown out like the Noa/Bryants/Flemings ...Id take Khaman/Kon > Jase....But i think Jase is more of the style of player we need > Noa/Bryant/Fleming....We have and had so many players like this during this era and none of them really lead us anywhere.....I don't see Noa/Bryant/Fleming having the offensive games to reach where you would want so you are basically okay with drafting a role player....

Jase at least looks like he could translate into an elite offensive player in the likes of Brunson.....The other guys i don't see them reaching the offensive upside to be nothing more than a way worse version of OG with worse defence than OG....Not very interesting to me personally...If any of these guys had an offensive bag and off the dribble shooting it would interest me alot more...

We had OG and didn't really end up leading us ...imagine drafting a worse version of him..

[Rapsfan07]

I keep saying it but I really don't think we need to be wasting a top 10 pick on a C. This year there's a very solid group of Cs that can be had in the second round that will do most, if not all, of what we can expect from the likliest outcome of Maluach.

As for #9 - this might sound crazy but the more I look into it, the more I'm thinking we should be taking Cedric Coward.

I know that seems high and he's only played 6 games this season but even his prior numbers are very, very good. He has amazing shooting numbers, very good rebounder, solid passer, good defender and phenomenal measurements at the combine.

Since I don't believe there are any stars available at #9 (barring someone falling to us), taking the next best thing seems to be the right thing to do. I think he has a chance to be a very, very good player and if we don't take him here, there won't be another chance to grab him later.

Can't seem him making it past #15.

[RoteSchroder]

https://www.reddit.com/r/NBA_Draft/comments/1kpook9/hansen_yang_2025_cba_highlights/

2025 Yang highlights..f*** it, take him with 9. Some Hawk fans want him with 13 and Joe Tsai is gonna draft him with one of the Net's picks.