2025 NBA Draft Discussion Part 5

[Jerry Lucas]

During the draft process, a lot of people were knocking Scottie's rebound and block totals, which were low when you just look at his overall numbers. As we've come to see with his NBA performance, most of that was due to how he was used at FSU. He was asked to defend a lot on the perimeter, which reduced his opportunities. I think we will see the same pattern with KM, whose been asked to defend away from the basket a lot more than your typical drop big.

Scottie actually produced like a Masai-type lottery pick in his draft year. Maluach didn't. If I had known about Barttorvik back in the 2021 draft cycle, Scottie would have been on the "Masai-type FRP" list (I wasn't made aware of Bart until the 2023 draft cycle, since then I'm 3/3 so far in identifying Gradey, Ja'Kobe, and Mogbo as Masai-type FRPs pre-draft).

[Dalek]

Said it before by KM’s labeled as a defensive prospect but his block and rebounding % rates are mediocre at best. I don’t see why you would take him top 10.

Not many 7'2" guys move this well. Just watch the defensive film. He can be out of position but he can recover well and make athletic contests. Derek Parker gave him a scorching grade on defense because you look at the frame and mobility and motor you have a guy that is waiting to dominate - he just needs coaching and reps He rated him 8.1 overall.

Watch on YouTube

I do see an uptick in his play overall and it comes at the right time. During ACC and NCAA Tournaments:
11.6 points
7.6 rebounds
2.3 blocks
81.8 fg%
76 ft%

He is one of the top offensive rebounders in the NCAA - fourth in the NCAA 17% off rebound percentage.

I do think positioning impacts him on defense and you have to allow him the fact he is 18 and only been playing basketball for a few years in Africa.

He is a capable switching defender and does not play in the severe college drop like most 7 footers. Sometimes that can get him in trouble with his positioning, but he does have great footspeed to track smaller guards at times.

[Basketball_Jones]

Mal is cool with me, I’ve been up and down on him but gotta remember he’s so young and has a good feel for all typical big man things already (defense, rebounding, setting screens and rolling, catch and finish). My only knocks are kind of minor. Nothing stands out skill wise if you want a star, especially offensively. And he’s not a freak athlete, but that’s extremely minor given his size/length and nimble coordination and really good hands. You pick him and run for the hills at 7/8 imo. We have a lot of scoring depth now and trying to find that knock out scorer in the draft is dicey in this range.

[BoyzNTheHood]

Has anyone done any scouting on Neoklis Avdalas? He looks like a solid second round option.

https://www.si.com/nba/draft/prospect-profiles/nba-draft-scouting-report-greece-neoklis-avdalas

[youtube]https://youtu.be/2HzDDPd-jbE?si=QIlu5T3wsfx2RsRs[/youtube]

[aminiaturebuddha]

I've been digging into Jase Richardson a bit more lately, because I think I only saw about 4 of his full games during the season and in the tournament.

I realize that there might be questions about his size, and I'm not sure how he'd fit into the Raptors roster, but...

Is there a chance he's basically Donovan Mitchell? I'll be honest, I think there's a chance he's the same level of prospect as VJ Edgecomb, and I could actually see an argument to take him over VJ because he's got way more of a bag on the offensive end.

All of this is projection of course, because Mitchell is an anomaly in that guards his size aren't often as dominant as SGs at the NBA level. So Jase has some things stacked against him. But if there's a chance he really is that kind of talent, you figure out the roster construction later.

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

i just saw this graphic and thought about whoever said kornet is a bum lol i don't remember who it was but it doesn't matter, enjoy

[Jerry Lucas]

I've been digging into Jase Richardson a bit more lately, because I think I only saw about 4 of his full games during the season and in the tournament.

I realize that there might be questions about his size, and I'm not sure how he'd fit into the Raptors roster, but...

Is there a chance he's basically Donovan Mitchell? I'll be honest, I think there's a chance he's the same level of prospect as VJ Edgecomb, and I could actually see an argument to take him over VJ because he's got way more of a bag on the offensive end.

All of this is projection of course, because Mitchell is an anomaly in that guards his size aren't often as dominant as SGs at the NBA level. So Jase has some things stacked against him. But if there's a chance he really is that kind of talent, you figure out the roster construction later.

This won't be confirmed until the combine, but it's rumoured that Jase has similar physical measurements to his dad. Jason is 6'6" with a 6'11" wingspan. If Jase also has a +5 wingspan to height ration, he might have a 6'8"+ wingspan at 6'3".

[PhilBlackson]

I've been digging into Jase Richardson a bit more lately, because I think I only saw about 4 of his full games during the season and in the tournament.

I realize that there might be questions about his size, and I'm not sure how he'd fit into the Raptors roster, but...

Is there a chance he's basically Donovan Mitchell? I'll be honest, I think there's a chance he's the same level of prospect as VJ Edgecomb, and I could actually see an argument to take him over VJ because he's got way more of a bag on the offensive end.

All of this is projection of course, because Mitchell is an anomaly in that guards his size aren't often as dominant as SGs at the NBA level. So Jase has some things stacked against him. But if there's a chance he really is that kind of talent, you figure out the roster construction later.

This won't be confirmed until the combine, but it's rumoured that Jase has similar physical measurements to his dad. Jason is 6'6" with a 6'11" wingspan. If Jase also has a +5 wingspan to height ration, he might have a 6'8"+ wingspan at 6'3".

So roughly the size of Beal, about an inch shorter.

[Dalek]

Has anyone done any scouting on Neoklis Avdalas? He looks like a solid second round option.

https://www.si.com/nba/draft/prospect-profiles/nba-draft-scouting-report-greece-neoklis-avdalas

[youtube]https://youtu.be/2HzDDPd-jbE?si=QIlu5T3wsfx2RsRs[/youtube]

I mentioned him before. He was at one point considered the Greek Luka and he even has a similar Luka lion/tiger tattoo on his arm. He can score from outside but is smaller than Luka and not nearly the playmaker, but he is basically a guard in a SF body. Overall, I trust the shot as he shoots it over 40% from three.

My only reservation with him is Greek players tend not to stick it out in the NBA. Overall, I think they find it hard to leave the language and culture behind. Giannis is the great success story, but there are many that just don't work out and you burn a pick to never see them play here.

[Psubs]

I just find it a bit funny to criticize Maluach as a shot blocker in college at 2.2 bpg per 36 minutes then reference/credit Jarrett Allen who actually averaged LESS lol at 1.9bpg per 40 minutes in college …just saying.

I guess Allen went for rebounds. Maluach is in between.

Will Chomche be close to as good as Maluach?

I’ve seen you draw the comparison a few times lol and no I don’t see the same level of upside with Chomche. There’s a reason one guy is a consensus top 10 in a good draft vs the other barely even being drafted at all in a bad one.

Ulrich’s skills are far more rudimentary in nearly every facet of the game other than maybe shot blocking.

I’m guessing the comparison is being made because they’re both considered “raw” and have semblance of a jumper but that’s a far too simplified way of looking at it. If you think they’re the same I’d suggest you’re not looking close enough.

For starters KM’s jumper is much better. Both mechanically and shot difficulty. Chomche can hit a wide open Ben Simmons-esque level of space 3 here or there but he NEEDS that in order to get his shot off. His jumper is very low and he shoots the ball from in front of his face. He’ll need to completely re-work his mechanics if he’s going to be any real threat from there.

Khaman is mechanically much more sound and has a high release that he’s shown in the past he can hit contested ie/ the jab step pull up he hit on Embiid, the corner 3 he hit over a run out by AD and even some fadeaways he made in BAL. Ulrich has shown none of that. Not to mention hasn’t shown any touch around the rim where Khaman has very soft touch to work with. Not to mention Chomche’s understanding of the game is so far behind he’s not even a lob threat yet despite being very fast and explosive.

Chomche’s upside is mostly as a defensive prospect since he has exceptionally quick feet for a player his size. Where he can become great is his upside to truly be able to switch 1-5 iiiiif he can learn how to navigate screens and understand offensive sets. Maluach still moves pretty well but not at Ulrich’s speed. Despite their small generalized “commonalities”, they’re actually different types of prospects.

I didn't mean playing style. I guess general level in say 4-5 year's time. I think Chomche would be more like Koloko, possibly more like a taller Boucher? Maluach would be like a Poeltl that can hit FT's and possibly an average outside shot?

[Grew]

I like Maluach, but the whole thing about how he has barely played basketball is mostly being viewed as a positive, when there is a good chance it's more of a negative.

When you're talking about being top 400 in the world at something, you're generally only going to get there if you start as a child and it's integrated into your being. Maluach is simply never going to be the most skilled or have a top end BBIQ. Him being a genetic freak is why he will be in the league.

As for the difference between him and Chomche. I was thinking earlier in the year, watching dukes backup big, that Chomche probably wouldn't even play on that team. He would be the third string.

Another thing about Chomche is, I didn't like his shot blocking instincts or timing when watching him in summer league. Yet somehow he was leading the gleague in blocks at some point. I have the same kind of feeling about Maluach as a shot blocker, maybe he will be more effective than expected like chomche has been.

[mademan]

Watching more CMB...man his defensive IQ is amazing (really just BBIQ in general). I really do think he's a top 5 prospect in this draft and i'd be tempted to draft him, fit issues and all.

[Psubs]

i just saw this graphic and thought about whoever said kornet is a bum lol i don't remember who it was but it doesn't matter, enjoy

I said to sign Luke for at least the Tax payer MLE so Boston can't retain him.

[Psubs]

Watching more CMB...man his defensive IQ is amazing (really just BBIQ in general). I really do think he's a top 5 prospect in this draft and i'd be tempted to draft him, fit issues and all.

I trust the scouting, who ever they draft now.

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

I'd be shocked if Jase has long WS visually looks more like ~6'6

[Dalek]

I've been digging into Jase Richardson a bit more lately, because I think I only saw about 4 of his full games during the season and in the tournament.

I realize that there might be questions about his size, and I'm not sure how he'd fit into the Raptors roster, but...

Is there a chance he's basically Donovan Mitchell? I'll be honest, I think there's a chance he's the same level of prospect as VJ Edgecomb, and I could actually see an argument to take him over VJ because he's got way more of a bag on the offensive end.

All of this is projection of course, because Mitchell is an anomaly in that guards his size aren't often as dominant as SGs at the NBA level. So Jase has some things stacked against him. But if there's a chance he really is that kind of talent, you figure out the roster construction later.

I don't think he is going to be Donovan Mitchell. To me Mitchell is a far superior athlete who is hard to control off the dribble. He also had a huge 6'10 wingspan to his 6'3 height.

Jase is slower and more like Jalen Brunson playing with craft rather than as a plus-athlete. His frame looks less bulky so I kind of see him as Gary Harris as a good outcome.

Overall, while I love Michigan State as its the main college team I follow, I kind of think their NBA draft guard prospects end up meh. Gary Harris, Bryn Forbes, Cassius Winston, Mateen Cleaves all were great college players that didn't translate well.

I worry that Jase isn't really a PG and is just a combo guard which limits his appeal.

[WuTang_CMB]

Said it before by KM’s labeled as a defensive prospect but his block and rebounding % rates are mediocre at best. I don’t see why you would take him top 10.

Not many 7'2" guys move this well. Just watch the defensive film. He can be out of position but he can recover well and make athletic contests. Derek Parker gave him a scorching grade on defense because you look at the frame and mobility and motor you have a guy that is waiting to dominate - he just needs coaching and reps He rated him 8.1 overall.

Watch on YouTube

I do see an uptick in his play overall and it comes at the right time. During ACC and NCAA Tournaments:
11.6 points
7.6 rebounds
2.3 blocks
81.8 fg%
76 ft%

He is one of the top offensive rebounders in the NCAA - fourth in the NCAA 17% off rebound percentage.

I do think positioning impacts him on defense and you have to allow him the fact he is 18 and only been playing basketball for a few years in Africa.

He is a capable switching defender and does not play in the severe college drop like most 7 footers. Sometimes that can get him in trouble with his positioning, but he does have great footspeed to track smaller guards at times.

I posted already in previous page. I understand the upside, I just have a hard time taking him so high even with the young age and limited experience. He's still an extremely raw player and both ends - this is a project selection in the top 10 which can go either way.

[raptor jesus]

I have my concerns about Maluach as well, but the more I watch some of the other guys who are projected top 10, the more I warm up to the idea of drafting Maluach. He has his flaws, but I think he's got a decently high floor as a lob threat with good mobility defensively, even if he doesn't develop offensively. There are other lottery-projected wings/guards, who, if they don't find their jumpshot at the NBA level, they will wind up as unexceptional depth guys. Those are the guys who scare me the most, because aside from the odd exception, you pretty much are who you are as a jump shooter the moment you enter the league.

[tdotrep2]

Defensively Maluach is super intriguing. Offensively, you pray for serge?

[Dalek]

I like Maluach, but the whole thing about how he has barely played basketball is mostly being viewed as a positive, when there is a good chance it's more of a negative.

When you're talking about being top 400 in the world at something, you're generally only going to get there if you start as a child and it's integrated into your being. Maluach is simply never going to be the most skilled or have a top end BBIQ. Him being a genetic freak is why he will be in the league.

As for the difference between him and Chomche. I was thinking earlier in the year, watching dukes backup big, that Chomche probably wouldn't even play on that team. He would be the third string.

Another thing about Chomche is, I didn't like his shot blocking instincts or timing when watching him in summer league. Yet somehow he was leading the gleague in blocks at some point. I have the same kind of feeling about Maluach as a shot blocker, maybe he will be more effective than expected like chomche has been.

I don't think that is fair to say someone won't develop BBIQ or skill. Pascal went from an energy big to a all-NBA type over the course of his career. He started out in seminary school in Africa. A lot of non-North Americans play soccer/football first and I see the benefit in the ability to run and have great footwork/coordination, which Maluach shows.

I think the guys who failed like James Wiseman, Hasheem Thabeet and Mo Bamba might have had motor or health issues and lacked the development support. If Maluach goes to the right program, and he already started well at Duke, then he has the make-up to succeed. By all accounts he is a hard worker, has a great family supporting him, and he looks focused on basketball.

I always felt that Chomche was the worse prospect because he seems much more raw and physically he isn't in the same class as Maluach. It would be pretty wild to have them both on Toronto after their BAL days.