2025 NBA DRAFT PROSPECTS

[UnbelievablyRAW]

Kasparas is really impressive. I'd have a hard time taking Ace over him atm.

Big issue currently with Jakucionis are the turnovers. If you take the games against good teams who have guys to handle the point of attack, Jakucionis struggled with his ball security against that pressure, in those games averaging 4.7 apg BUT also 5.2 turnovers. Really needs to clean this area up...

If I'm envisioning him in our system I don't see it being a problem. I see a lot of his TOs being because he's having to be a 'pure' PG and create offense through pnr or iso. I think in a more free flowing offense coming off of screens his threat as a movement shooter will allow him to beat guys off the dribble and create easier passing opportunities. Pretty much imagine the type of looks Gradey/Walter get now but with KJ instead.

I think he'd be great next to Shead and could also slide in for IQ as the "pg" in the starting lineup to have a 6'6+ lineup of KJ/RJ/Dick/Barnes/Poeltl. A KJ/Dick/Ochai/Mogbo/Barnes lineup is also interesting if we go up against non-dominant bigs with all the spacing that would be available with 2 great big man passers

[bluerap23]

Kasparas is really impressive. I'd have a hard time taking Ace over him atm.

Big issue currently with Jakucionis are the turnovers. If you take the games against good teams who have guys to handle the point of attack, Jakucionis struggled with his ball security against that pressure, in those games averaging 4.7 apg BUT also 5.2 turnovers. Really needs to clean this area up...

An issue, no doubt. But I don't see him being a primary initiator on this team. He is an excellent shooter and would be in more of an off-ball roll.

[Psubs]

Kasparas is really impressive. I'd have a hard time taking Ace over him atm.

Big issue currently with Jakucionis are the turnovers. If you take the games against good teams who have guys to handle the point of attack, Jakucionis struggled with his ball security against that pressure, in those games averaging 4.7 apg BUT also 5.2 turnovers. Really needs to clean this area up...

If I'm envisioning him in our system I don't see it being a problem. I see a lot of his TOs being because he's having to be a 'pure' PG and create offense through pnr or iso. I think in a more free flowing offense coming off of screens his threat as a movement shooter will allow him to beat guys off the dribble and create easier passing opportunities. Pretty much imagine the type of looks Gradey/Walter get now but with KJ instead.

I think he'd be great next to Shead and could also slide in for IQ as the "pg" in the starting lineup to have a 6'6+ lineup of KJ/RJ/Dick/Barnes/Poeltl. A KJ/Dick/Ochai/Mogbo/Barnes lineup is also interesting if we go up against non-dominant bigs with all the spacing that would be available with 2 great big man passers

Jak / Ja'K backcourt The Jakcourt!

[TorontoBarneys]

Flagg/Harper are in a tier of their own, and after that my favorite prospects are Bailey/Kasparas/Johnson.

[LoveMyRaps]

Bailey has more upside than Harper, but Harper has the higher floor and is more NBA ready.

Doesn't matter who we draft out of those two, I'd be ecstatic either way!

[LoveMyRaps]

Referenced Harper and Traore as my favorite prospects in the OP.

One guy has significantly increased his stock, while the other guy has arguably been the biggest disappointment of the season.

FWIW I'm still very high on Traore and would draft him if we're picking out of the top 5.

[LoveMyRaps]

Big issue currently with Jakucionis are the turnovers. If you take the games against good teams who have guys to handle the point of attack, Jakucionis struggled with his ball security against that pressure, in those games averaging 4.7 apg BUT also 5.2 turnovers. Really needs to clean this area up...

If I'm envisioning him in our system I don't see it being a problem. I see a lot of his TOs being because he's having to be a 'pure' PG and create offense through pnr or iso. I think in a more free flowing offense coming off of screens his threat as a movement shooter will allow him to beat guys off the dribble and create easier passing opportunities. Pretty much imagine the type of looks Gradey/Walter get now but with KJ instead.

I think he'd be great next to Shead and could also slide in for IQ as the "pg" in the starting lineup to have a 6'6+ lineup of KJ/RJ/Dick/Barnes/Poeltl. A KJ/Dick/Ochai/Mogbo/Barnes lineup is also interesting if we go up against non-dominant bigs with all the spacing that would be available with 2 great big man passers

Jak / Ja'K backcourt The Jakcourt!

A backcourt of Jak and Davion off the bench....

JakOff-Night

[Jstock12]

Referenced Harper and Traore as my favorite prospects in the OP.

One guy has significantly increased his stock, while the other guy has arguably been the biggest disappointment of the season.

FWIW I'm still very high on Traore and would draft him if we're picking out of the top 5.

Feel like these top international prospects who choose to stay in Europe do themselves no favors when it comes to their draft stock. Especially now with all the NIL money available. Traore is facing really tough **** physical competition and its just so hard for any teenager to dominate at that level in Europe unless you're just a basketball prodigy named Luka. I'm also high on Traore and can't help but feel that he'd be one of the best freshmen in the NCAA this year and be making probably 4-5x times bigger salary with NIL.

[XTC]

I find myself liking a new guy everyday... what a draft... this freshman crop is very reminiscent of 2008 when we had Rose, Beasley, Gordon, Love, and Mayo coming in. So many good freshmen, I think some older guys might be overlooked.

Jakucionis was amazing last night. Strong shooter, playmaker who has size, handle the ball, and draw fouls. He could be the most complete offensive package in the draft.

[BoyzNTheHood]

I have no idea who to scout this year, but all I know is I love what I've seen so far. Masai might mess around and draft a superstar.

[Dalek]

This was reported earlier in December, but it could have draft implications. It seems that Ron Harper does want his son Dylan Harper in Utah. During his own career he didn't allow a trade to Utah.

Former Chicago Bulls star Ron Harper has no interest in seeing his son, Dylan Harper, play for the Utah Jazz.

Harper told a Jazz fan on X that "a trade would happen" should Utah select the Rutgers freshman in the 2025 NBA draft.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10145689-ron-harper-says-a-trade-would-happen-if-jazz-took-his-son-dylan-in-2025-nba-draft

Utah likely finishes worse than the Raptors in the standings. I wonder if they would want to avoid the bad PR and be open to trades for Dylan Harper should this come up. This could be a Jayson Tatum draft day trade for Toronto.

On a side note, I worry about any vocal parent like Ron Harper. Hopefully, he doesn't hold it against Masai/Bobby about not being loyal to his other son Ron Harper Jr.

[BoyzNTheHood]

This was reported earlier in December, but it could have draft implications. It seems that Ron Harper does want his son Dylan Harper in Utah. During his own career he didn't allow a trade to Utah.

Former Chicago Bulls star Ron Harper has no interest in seeing his son, Dylan Harper, play for the Utah Jazz.

Harper told a Jazz fan on X that "a trade would happen" should Utah select the Rutgers freshman in the 2025 NBA draft.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10145689-ron-harper-says-a-trade-would-happen-if-jazz-took-his-son-dylan-in-2025-nba-draft

Utah likely finishes worse than the Raptors in the standings. I wonder if they would want to avoid the bad PR and be open to trades for Dylan Harper should this come up. This could be a Jayson Tatum draft day trade for Toronto.

On a side note, I worry about any vocal parent like Ron Harper. Hopefully, he doesn't hold it against Masai/Bobby about not being loyal to his other son Ron Harper Jr.

How would he feel about how we dealt with Ron Harper Jr? I don't think we mishandled him, but a parent might feel differently.

[tdotrep2]

This was reported earlier in December, but it could have draft implications. It seems that Ron Harper does want his son Dylan Harper in Utah. During his own career he didn't allow a trade to Utah.

Former Chicago Bulls star Ron Harper has no interest in seeing his son, Dylan Harper, play for the Utah Jazz.

Harper told a Jazz fan on X that "a trade would happen" should Utah select the Rutgers freshman in the 2025 NBA draft.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10145689-ron-harper-says-a-trade-would-happen-if-jazz-took-his-son-dylan-in-2025-nba-draft

Utah likely finishes worse than the Raptors in the standings. I wonder if they would want to avoid the bad PR and be open to trades for Dylan Harper should this come up. This could be a Jayson Tatum draft day trade for Toronto.

On a side note, I worry about any vocal parent like Ron Harper. Hopefully, he doesn't hold it against Masai/Bobby about not being loyal to his other son Ron Harper Jr.

How would he feel about how we dealt with Ron Harper Jr? I don't think we mishandled him, but a parent might feel differently.

we held on to the kid even tho he shown next to nothing for a lot longer than needed

[BoyzNTheHood]

This was reported earlier in December, but it could have draft implications. It seems that Ron Harper does want his son Dylan Harper in Utah. During his own career he didn't allow a trade to Utah.


https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10145689-ron-harper-says-a-trade-would-happen-if-jazz-took-his-son-dylan-in-2025-nba-draft

Utah likely finishes worse than the Raptors in the standings. I wonder if they would want to avoid the bad PR and be open to trades for Dylan Harper should this come up. This could be a Jayson Tatum draft day trade for Toronto.

On a side note, I worry about any vocal parent like Ron Harper. Hopefully, he doesn't hold it against Masai/Bobby about not being loyal to his other son Ron Harper Jr.

How would he feel about how we dealt with Ron Harper Jr? I don't think we mishandled him, but a parent might feel differently.

we held on to the kid even tho he shown next to nothing for a lot longer than needed

I agree, but if that’s your child you might see it differently. Maybe he was never given a real opportunity, or some coach held him back, or we stunted his growth by holding onto him for so long. I’m just playing devils advocate because their father is already trying to pull strings.

[LoveMyRaps]

This was reported earlier in December, but it could have draft implications. It seems that Ron Harper does want his son Dylan Harper in Utah. During his own career he didn't allow a trade to Utah.

Former Chicago Bulls star Ron Harper has no interest in seeing his son, Dylan Harper, play for the Utah Jazz.

Harper told a Jazz fan on X that "a trade would happen" should Utah select the Rutgers freshman in the 2025 NBA draft.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10145689-ron-harper-says-a-trade-would-happen-if-jazz-took-his-son-dylan-in-2025-nba-draft

Utah likely finishes worse than the Raptors in the standings. I wonder if they would want to avoid the bad PR and be open to trades for Dylan Harper should this come up. This could be a Jayson Tatum draft day trade for Toronto.

On a side note, I worry about any vocal parent like Ron Harper. Hopefully, he doesn't hold it against Masai/Bobby about not being loyal to his other son Ron Harper Jr.

Ron Harper Jr. sucked. He had no business being in the league, yet the Raps still fulfilled his dream of making it to the NBA by signing him to a 2-way.

His dad is probably beyond grateful for the Raps giving his son a chance.

[Dalek]

This was reported earlier in December, but it could have draft implications. It seems that Ron Harper does want his son Dylan Harper in Utah. During his own career he didn't allow a trade to Utah.

Former Chicago Bulls star Ron Harper has no interest in seeing his son, Dylan Harper, play for the Utah Jazz.

Harper told a Jazz fan on X that "a trade would happen" should Utah select the Rutgers freshman in the 2025 NBA draft.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10145689-ron-harper-says-a-trade-would-happen-if-jazz-took-his-son-dylan-in-2025-nba-draft

Utah likely finishes worse than the Raptors in the standings. I wonder if they would want to avoid the bad PR and be open to trades for Dylan Harper should this come up. This could be a Jayson Tatum draft day trade for Toronto.

On a side note, I worry about any vocal parent like Ron Harper. Hopefully, he doesn't hold it against Masai/Bobby about not being loyal to his other son Ron Harper Jr.

How would he feel about how we dealt with Ron Harper Jr? I don't think we mishandled him, but a parent might feel differently.

Yes, we gave a two-way and didn't convert him to a regular deal. Ron Harper might not like that too much, but did give RHJ some run and he just never translated into a player. He still hasn't which isn't our fault.

I do think the dad will want his kid in a big market and he might actually like Toronto for that because the other places like Charlotte, NO, Utah, San Antonio aren't great options. Washington is probably the best fit for him because it is in the US and potential for Dylan as their centrepiece.

[Tha Cynic]

Just thinking randomly about players not working out for specific teams. The NBA should make it mandatory for players to have to work out for at least 5 or 6 of the teams they are slotted to be drafted around, and if they don't they can't enter the draft (obviously you also need something around injuries). It has been a bit ridiculous lately how many players refuse to work out with some teams.

[Altern8]

Sorber, the 6-foot-10 Georgetown freshman and Trenton, N.J. native, went for 19 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists with NBA scouts from the Hawks, Spurs, Warriors, Timberwolves and Jazz in attendance.

He showed his versatility by hitting several 15-foot face-up jumpers, backing Seton Hall big man Godswill Erherience down for a layup and throwing down a dunk. Sorber, who turns 19 on Christmas, said he had 27 family and friends in the building.

https://www.nj.com/setonhall/2024/12/seton-hall-falls-to-georgetown-for-4th-straight-loss-despite-career-night-from-isaiah-coleman.html

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[Spates]

Not gonna lie. I'd be upset with those draft results lol.

Y'all are crazy. Don't look at the box score, ignore the names on the back of the jersey, and just watch guys play.

Scoot Henderson, Cam Whitmore, Anthony Black, Jarace Walker, Jett Howard, Kobe Bufkin, Keyonte George. Every year this board pumps uncreative selections, players flop and everyone is surprised. Time and time again Rap's FO freaks everyone out with a surprise selection and it turns out they're right. I don't get the fixation on mock draft adherence.

Haven't looked too closely and I do like what I've seen from CMB, but the problem is if you yourself have been able to find diamonds in the rough or if your own accuracy is on the Scoot/Cam/Black/etc. level.

To me it seems like there are a ton of interesting prospects all the way to the early 2nd round. I would personally skip on a few players and have other teams draft them at their respective mock positions (Essengue, Ace, Demin, etc.), but there are a lot of players I wouldn't mind taking.

Does CMB particularly stand out against his competition? especially where we're gonna draft as a ~top 7 player?

I haven't looked into Karaban yet, but 2.9 3PM at 42% and 1.8 BLKs per game is definitely noteworthy. Considering the bottom end of the 1st round are made up of contenders, I feel like he wouldn't make it to the 2nd round.

Well that's the thing. Ever since I've been able to watch scouting tape rather than just highlights I think I've had a pretty strong eye for talent.

In 2021 I was high on Franz Wagner @ 4.

2022 I liked Sochan and Dyson Daniels. I was quite low on Jabari Smith. I also quite liked Tari Eason too.

In 2023, aside from Wemby, I was high on the Thompson Twins, Cason Wallace, Gradey Dick, Jaime Jaquez, Omax Prosper, and Ben Sheppard.

2024, the only standout as I recall was Jared McCain.

I'm almost exclusively identifying high impact play/compete level on both ends.

I'm not perfect. But I feel quite confident in Murray-Boyles and Karaban. I'd bet money on them being winning players.

[Psubs]

Sorber, the 6-foot-10 Georgetown freshman and Trenton, N.J. native, went for 19 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists with NBA scouts from the Hawks, Spurs, Warriors, Timberwolves and Jazz in attendance.

He showed his versatility by hitting several 15-foot face-up jumpers, backing Seton Hall big man Godswill Erherience down for a layup and throwing down a dunk. Sorber, who turns 19 on Christmas, said he had 27 family and friends in the building.

https://www.nj.com/setonhall/2024/12/seton-hall-falls-to-georgetown-for-4th-straight-loss-despite-career-night-from-isaiah-coleman.html

Read on Twitter

Read on Twitter

Where are the Raptor's scouts?

Outside of the top 5 or 6, I wouldn't mind drafting Sorber like Amare Stoudemire being drafted #10. I hope he measures out at over 6'10 without shoes at the combine.