2025 NBA Draft Discussion Part 8

[God Squad]

I was thinking the other day that Carter Bryant's game actually feels quite similar to Ace. Carter just didn't have someone press the ball into his hands and say do whatever you want with it.

Carters high school highlights are a lot of him knocking down smooth pull up jumpers, just like Ace. Neither has the handle to get to the rim by themselves, but they are good athletes who finish above the rim within the flow of the offense. Carter is an inch and a half shorter but his wingspan is better in relation to his height. Carter also has the more NBA ready body. Both these guys look smooth as can be, but they both need to figure out a handle to really become on ball players and hit their ceilings.

Carter just feels like that diamond in the rough, someone who is sort of like Ace on offense and maybe comparable to VJ on defense, while being in-between size wise. If he had been used in the way Ace and VJ were in college, I believe he has the skills to have solidified himself into being in the top 5 just like the other two. He doesn't have Ace's downside, if he never figures out how to create offense, then he's just going to be a prototypical 3+D wing. He doesn't have VJ's downside of being on the smaller side for a wing.

Could really be the steal of this draft, looks like a guy who will thrive in the NBA game.

I see that as well. Carter has the same or similar "tough shot-making" ability that Ace has from both mid range and distance, but he has more shot discipline where he'll only really do that late in the clock. Like Ace, he takes a lot of those shots because his handle isn't there yet to attack the rim. But his ability to be able to hit well-defended off-balance jump shots off two or three dribbles, tells me that he's going to be much more than a catch and shoot guy he currently is once he improves the handles. Some of his fadeaway jumpers look almost Kobe-esque, though that's more of an aesthetic comparison.

That's why I've been saying he's one of the rare prospects with a high floor, and potentially high ceiling. He already has a lot to work with, and given his age and work ethic, his development curve under pro coaching and training could be exponential.

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[BoyzNTheHood]

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[grant101]

I don’t understand how Bogoljub Markovic is being mocked so low. What am I missing? A sweet-shooting 6’11 forward with good feel and a decent handle being both productive and efficient in a good league (much better than the German league for example). The defence isn’t a strong suit, but he’s relatively athletic and I think puts on weight over time to hold up better in the post. He’s also got a ton of confidence and a non-chalance that reminds me of Jokic. I’m more intrigued by adding him and Yang than some of the names we keep bringing up on here.

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He's taller Nikola Jovic and should be drafted in the teens.

IMO he's better. A far better shooter with better feel.

[Psubs]

I don’t understand how Bogoljub Markovic is being mocked so low. What am I missing? A sweet-shooting 6’11 forward with good feel and a decent handle being both productive and efficient in a good league (much better than the German league for example). The defence isn’t a strong suit, but he’s relatively athletic and I think puts on weight over time to hold up better in the post. He’s also got a ton of confidence and a non-chalance that reminds me of Jokic. I’m more intrigued by adding him and Yang than some of the names we keep bringing up on here.

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He's taller Nikola Jovic and should be drafted in the teens.

IMO he's better. A far better shooter with better feel.

The last 2 years Jovic has shot over 37% from NBA 3. Maybe he just moves a little smoother but not sure about "far better" shooter.

I wanted Jovic so badly and would've taken Walker Kessler or him at #22 in 2022, had they not done that stupid trade.

[grant101]

He's taller Nikola Jovic and should be drafted in the teens.

IMO he's better. A far better shooter with better feel.

The last 2 years Jovic has shot over 37% from NBA 3. Maybe he just moves a little smoother but not sure about "far better" shooter.

I wanted Jovic so badly and would've taken Walker Kessler or him at #22 in 2022, had they not done that stupid trade.

Fair enough. I still think he’s a better prospect, but Jovic is not a bad outcome at all. Also, agreed - frustrating trade. I also hated the Koloko pick

[Dalek]

He's taller Nikola Jovic and should be drafted in the teens.

IMO he's better. A far better shooter with better feel.

The last 2 years Jovic has shot over 37% from NBA 3. Maybe he just moves a little smoother but not sure about "far better" shooter.

I wanted Jovic so badly and would've taken Walker Kessler or him at #22 in 2022, had they not done that stupid trade.

I really liked Jovic back then as well, but his career has been a bit spotty with Miami. To me he is a different player than Bogoljub Marković. Jovic is like a big wing with his handle and shot creation. Plus I think he is tougher.

Marković is an average size PF at 6'11 with neutral wingspan that is a lightweight at 213 lbs (I think Lu Dort is heavier). This guy is more of a finesse guy. His three point average is now down to 37% so I am not too hyped about his potential. I think he is ultimately another Filip Petrusev. Some have fallen for the allure of slick shooting euro bigs in the past and that Serbian league inflates stats like crazy.

[niQ]

https://www.nbadraft.net/nba-mock-drafts/?year-mock=2025 Updated.

[grant101]

IMO he's better. A far better shooter with better feel.

The last 2 years Jovic has shot over 37% from NBA 3. Maybe he just moves a little smoother but not sure about "far better" shooter.

I wanted Jovic so badly and would've taken Walker Kessler or him at #22 in 2022, had they not done that stupid trade.

I really liked Jovic back then as well, but his career has been a bit spotty with Miami. To me he is a different player than Bogoljub Marković. Jovic is like a big wing with his handle and shot creation. Plus I think he is tougher.

Marković is an average size PF at 6'11 with neutral wingspan that is a lightweight at 213 lbs (I think Lu Dort is heavier). This guy is more of a finesse guy. His three point average is now down to 37% so I am not too hyped about his potential. I think he is ultimately another Filip Petrusev. Some have fallen for the allure of slick shooting euro bigs in the past and that Serbian league inflates stats like crazy.

Bogi is a lot better on the ball than Filip, and more crafty getting to his shot than Jovic. Plus, his size is very good for a 4. He's basically 7ft with shoes. Granted, he's slighter than you'd like, but he put on quite a bit of weight from last year (190-210) and I think his frame will handle even more. I think the shooting is solid, but it's not the only thing he's good at. He grew up playing guard, and it's evident the way he reads the game. I think it's a little too easy to simply dismiss prospects because they happen to play in the same league (which again, is stronger than many of the other euro leagues). You can do the same for prospects from pretty much every league in Europe.

[nivisi9]

I've pretty much 100% on Coward as the pick.

I think there's about 5% chance he's not better then the 9th best prospect come 2 yrs from now.

He's also basically the most valuable asset archetype in the league.

-Elite Wing length and athleticism
- Elite shooting
-efficient everywhere
-plus defender, switchable can guard 1-4 if needed.
- Elite make-up and mindset

I also like Bryant but I don't quite understand why you would draft Bryant over Coward. (besides age which shouldn't be decided factor)

Bryant has WAY more offensive limitations and question marks.

the only other guy id consider over Coward is if your really high on Essengue star potential..

which is an argument im willing to consider

wish I could have all 3- Coward/ Bryant / Essengue

you'd be set on the wing for 10+ yrs.

[ill-Will03]

is there anywhere that shows who we have worked out so far?

[WuTang_OG]

is there anywhere that shows who we have worked out so far?

lots missing im gonna guess

https://hoopshype.com/lists/2025-nba-draft-workout-tracker-where-are-prospects-working-out/

[Yallbecrazy]

I've pretty much 100% on Coward as the pick.

I think there's about 5% chance he's not better then the 9th best prospect come 2 yrs from now.

He's also basically the most valuable asset archetype in the league.

-Elite Wing length and athleticism
- Elite shooting
-efficient everywhere
-plus defender, switchable can guard 1-4 if needed.
- Elite make-up and mindset

I also like Bryant but I don't quite understand why you would draft Bryant over Coward. (besides age which shouldn't be decided factor)

Bryant has WAY more offensive limitations and question marks.

the only other guy id consider over Coward is if your really high on Essengue star potential..

which is an argument im willing to consider

wish I could have all 3- Coward/ Bryant / Essengue

you'd be set on the wing for 10+ yrs.

ewwww, I don't think Coward is a 1st rounder.

I see a poor defender, terrible bbiq, very slow to react player that can shoot well, but is old.

[Dalek]

You look at the playoffs and the Finals and it is just littered with power wing types who defend at a high clip and don't need any sets run for them.
Alex Caruso, Aaron Nesmith, Lu Dort are all this functional archetype and to me these types usually fall into the second round.

I am buying all the stock in Sion James and Jamir Watkins. Those guys are ones you can drop into a game tomorrow and can really guard 1-3 easily, and they will work in an offense. James is more like a Lu Dort type with an already developed outside shot, while Watkins is like Naji Marshall that is a pseudo point guard type in a SF body. Not sure if they will like them over Rhoden and Lawson, but they are both going to be NBA rotation players.

For the 9 pick I am settled on the bigger upside gamble.

1. Maluach - functional need for a big man, and the value at 9 is just something you can't pass up.
2. Fears - true star with lead guard potential based on his SEC play and his on-ball chaos.
3. Essengue - fits a Raptor's successful archetype and his simple productivity makes me think he can play sooner as a bench player. Kid is only 18 so you think he can grow into his game like Coulibaly.

On the fence types:

4. Nolan Traore - Similar to Fears based on his on-ball speed, but he seems a little more predictable and struggles at times in all areas.
5a. Hansen Yang 5b. Derik Queen 5c. Danny Wolf - I can't imagine taking either of these guys at 9 but these guys are bigs with a Kelly Olynyk type of floor game that is built for our system. I would just be happy to see more investment in this weird vision.

[Dalek]

is there anywhere that shows who we have worked out so far?

https://hoopshype.com/lists/2025-nba-draft-workout-tracker-where-are-prospects-working-out/

[Mark_83]

You look at the playoffs and the Finals and it is just littered with power wing types who defend at a high clip and don't need any sets run for them.
Alex Caruso, Aaron Nesmith, Lu Dort are all this functional archetype and to me these types usually fall into the second round.

I am buying all the stock in Sion James and Jamir Watkins. Those guys are ones you can drop into a game tomorrow and can really guard 1-3 easily, and they will work in an offense. James is more like a Lu Dort type with an already developed outside shot, while Watkins is like Naji Marshall that is a pseudo point guard type in a SF body. Not sure if they will like them over Rhoden and Lawson, but they are both going to be NBA rotation players.

Great comp. Dort was the exact comp I had for Sion. Also agreed on Watkins. He needs consistency in his jumpshot but he'll get after it on defense. He had Tahaad Pettiford shook in the combine scrimmage they faced off in. Marshall isn't a bad comp for the reasons you stated, but I think Watkins is a better defender. Maybe a Naji/Herb Jones lite, hybrid.

[DreamTeam09]

You look at the playoffs and the Finals and it is just littered with power wing types who defend at a high clip and don't need any sets run for them.
Alex Caruso, Aaron Nesmith, Lu Dort are all this functional archetype and to me these types usually fall into the second round.

I am buying all the stock in Sion James and Jamir Watkins. Those guys are ones you can drop into a game tomorrow and can really guard 1-3 easily, and they will work in an offense. James is more like a Lu Dort type with an already developed outside shot, while Watkins is like Naji Marshall that is a pseudo point guard type in a SF body. Not sure if they will like them over Rhoden and Lawson, but they are both going to be NBA rotation players.

For the 9 pick I am settled on the bigger upside gamble.

1. Maluach - functional need for a big man, and the value at 9 is just something you can't pass up.
2. Fears - true star with lead guard potential based on his SEC play and his on-ball chaos.
3. Essengue - fits a Raptor's successful archetype and his simple productivity makes me think he can play sooner as a bench player. Kid is only 18 so you think he can grow into his game like Coulibaly.

On the fence types:

4. Nolan Traore - Similar to Fears based on his on-ball speed, but he seems a little more predictable and struggles at times in all areas.
5a. Hansen Yang 5b. Derik Queen 5c. Danny Wolf - I can't imagine taking either of these guys at 9 but these guys are bigs with a Kelly Olynyk type of floor game that is built for our system. I would just be happy to see more investment in this weird vision.

I'm with you for the most part. I want either Maluach or Noa - I see the appeal for Fears I just don't wanna another PG with IQ n Shead already here

[SpezNc]

Demin, Kasparas, Coward, and Essengue somehow all going in the top 10 would make for a lot of interesting prospects to choose from

If not mistaken I think the first 9 players were not listed. Therefore I think 1-2 players is probably the most likely scenario .
It would be shocking to see all 4 IMO.

If Demin, Kasparas, Coward and Essengue are all in top10 I think that would means that three players between Tre, Knueppel, Maluach, Fears, Queen are out of top10.

I can’t see Maluach going past 9.

As for our pick #9, we could go in so many directions.

If I was to bet two dollars it would be between Maluach, Knueppel, Bryant, Queen or Noa. But there is many more possibilities when we add Coward, CMB, Kasparas and Fleming etc. to the mix .

[Dalek]

You look at the playoffs and the Finals and it is just littered with power wing types who defend at a high clip and don't need any sets run for them.
Alex Caruso, Aaron Nesmith, Lu Dort are all this functional archetype and to me these types usually fall into the second round.

I am buying all the stock in Sion James and Jamir Watkins. Those guys are ones you can drop into a game tomorrow and can really guard 1-3 easily, and they will work in an offense. James is more like a Lu Dort type with an already developed outside shot, while Watkins is like Naji Marshall that is a pseudo point guard type in a SF body. Not sure if they will like them over Rhoden and Lawson, but they are both going to be NBA rotation players.

For the 9 pick I am settled on the bigger upside gamble.

1. Maluach - functional need for a big man, and the value at 9 is just something you can't pass up.
2. Fears - true star with lead guard potential based on his SEC play and his on-ball chaos.
3. Essengue - fits a Raptor's successful archetype and his simple productivity makes me think he can play sooner as a bench player. Kid is only 18 so you think he can grow into his game like Coulibaly.

On the fence types:

4. Nolan Traore - Similar to Fears based on his on-ball speed, but he seems a little more predictable and struggles at times in all areas.
5a. Hansen Yang 5b. Derik Queen 5c. Danny Wolf - I can't imagine taking either of these guys at 9 but these guys are bigs with a Kelly Olynyk type of floor game that is built for our system. I would just be happy to see more investment in this weird vision.

I'm with you for the most part. I want either Maluach or Noa - I see the appeal for Fears I just don't wanna another PG with IQ n Shead already here

Fair enough and FO might feel the same. We are seeing more teams run with multiple handlers and IQ is decent off ball so you never know. I just think track record wise this FO is never afraid to take risks even if it overlaps with other prospects.

[Dalek]

You look at the playoffs and the Finals and it is just littered with power wing types who defend at a high clip and don't need any sets run for them.
Alex Caruso, Aaron Nesmith, Lu Dort are all this functional archetype and to me these types usually fall into the second round.

I am buying all the stock in Sion James and Jamir Watkins. Those guys are ones you can drop into a game tomorrow and can really guard 1-3 easily, and they will work in an offense. James is more like a Lu Dort type with an already developed outside shot, while Watkins is like Naji Marshall that is a pseudo point guard type in a SF body. Not sure if they will like them over Rhoden and Lawson, but they are both going to be NBA rotation players.

Great comp. Dort was the exact comp I had for Sion. Also agreed on Watkins. He needs consistency in his jumpshot but he'll get after it on defense. He had Tahaad Pettiford shook in the combine scrimmage they faced off in. Marshall isn't a bad comp for the reasons you stated, but I think Watkins is a better defender. Maybe a Naji/Herb Jones lite, hybrid.

That's a good comp. Watkins is a full court press by himself. The scrimmage blew me away as well. Pettiford on day 2 was a shell of himself, same with Javon Small as Watkins locked them both down.

[DreamTeam09]

You look at the playoffs and the Finals and it is just littered with power wing types who defend at a high clip and don't need any sets run for them.
Alex Caruso, Aaron Nesmith, Lu Dort are all this functional archetype and to me these types usually fall into the second round.

I am buying all the stock in Sion James and Jamir Watkins. Those guys are ones you can drop into a game tomorrow and can really guard 1-3 easily, and they will work in an offense. James is more like a Lu Dort type with an already developed outside shot, while Watkins is like Naji Marshall that is a pseudo point guard type in a SF body. Not sure if they will like them over Rhoden and Lawson, but they are both going to be NBA rotation players.

Great comp. Dort was the exact comp I had for Sion. Also agreed on Watkins. He needs consistency in his jumpshot but he'll get after it on defense. He had Tahaad Pettiford shook in the combine scrimmage they faced off in. Marshall isn't a bad comp for the reasons you stated, but I think Watkins is a better defender. Maybe a Naji/Herb Jones lite, hybrid.

That's a good comp. Watkins is a full court press by himself. The scrimmage blew me away as well. Pettiford on day 2 was a shell of himself, same with Javon Small as Watkins locked them both down.

I'm also locked into Watkins at 39 if available. He would/could make Ochai expendable or redundant & maybe open up a trade for a big for roster balance