2025 NBA Draft Prospect Part 3

[raptor jesus]

Edgecombe def gave me some Westbrook vibes last night with his first step, hang time, seeking out contact. At the next level, with the extra space, it'll be virtually impossible to keep him out of the paint.

[Psubs]

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?s=46&t=iDergfyDJveIq9pY2qCCBQ

I wanna see Duke play Arkansas so I can see 7'2 Malauch vs 7'2 Zvonimir.

[Mr.Raptorsingh]

2026 class in theory right now should be way better at the top. Peterson is an animal, has all the tools you want on offense, good rebounder and a stock machine. 6'5 w 6'10 WS. He does everything and had runs with like high 80s shooting from stripe. Ftr in high 400s. Recently has been dropping dimes all over. He's a stud.

VJ is nice but he's a role player. Peterson has the body, WS and skill to be two way 3 level threat and has the bag and more advanced dribble J. VJ is hopefully going to become something near a Derrick White level role player in 4-5 years. I also worry about injury stuff given how rim heavy he is and how he often ends up on the floor. But you can't let something like that factor in the evaluation, had the same thoughts about Topic last year.

So many guys this year are heavily flawed.

Agreed. VJ looks like he could be a taller Victor Oladipo. That could be a borderline allstar.

Peterson looks like he could be like Anthony Edwards level player. Dybansta could be TMac and Boozer like Banchero.

Yea Dybansta has franchise player upside

[raptor jesus]

Why does Maluach only block 2 shots Per 40? That seems very strange to me given his size/athleticism profile at the college level. Does he not challenge a lot of shots? Is he playing away from the basket a lot? Or poor timing/awareness?

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

To put it into perspective the top 8 players from 23 class are on pace to give back more VORP than top 8 from 22 class. Lively, Wallace, Thompsons, Podz, TJD are all studs and Wemby is legit generational. There are more guys from 23 lurking in the shadows.

You can't factor injuries into this because injuries are tied at the hip with career outcomes.

24 is gonna be total **** unless McCain becomes mid level all-star which could happen.

What kind of buffoonery is this?

VORP is affected by number of games played. Most of the guys you mentioned are role players or bench players. They’re not better than Banchero and Chet, even if their VORPs are higher.

Chet, Banchero, Jalen Williams are better than all the guys you mentioned outside of Wemby.

Kessler, Eason, Christian Braun, Mark Williams, Dyson Daniels, Duren have better VORP than half the guys you mentioned. These guys are all at or over 1 VORP whereas Podz, TJD, Ausar, Wallace are all under 1.

Other players from the 22 class like Ochai, Nikola match Podz at 0.5 VORP

IDK man pretty sure a ton of scouting reports had concerns about Holmgren's durability and these things factor into career outcomes. You're just flat out ignoring how the 2022 class has been greatly injury prone. You also completely ignored the fact that one class has 2 seasons under their belt and the other 3 and the larger expected jump between yr 2 - yr 3 progression than yr 3 - yr 4.

Then there's the fact that Wemby clears all these guys. The lumping of the 23 and 22 classes by Indeed didn't sit well with me and especially that 25 is better than either. People are going to be hella disappointed with the 'top' of the 25 class. Just a huge lack of athleticism, defense and shooting in so many of the highly touted guys.

[dballislife]

Why does Maluach only block 2 shots Per 40? That seems very strange to me given his size/athleticism profile at the college level. Does he not challenge a lot of shots? Is he playing away from the basket a lot? Or poor timing/awareness?

hes so big that players dont even try shots over him, dukes defense is so good because of this hes like affecting shots without blocking shots

[Psubs]

Why does Maluach only block 2 shots Per 40? That seems very strange to me given his size/athleticism profile at the college level. Does he not challenge a lot of shots? Is he playing away from the basket a lot? Or poor timing/awareness?

Sometimes bigs are better at rebounding than they are blocks and not both. Zvonimir has blocks but doesn't rebound well and Maluach rebounds but doesn't block that much. As long as his blocks/foul are decent that's fine.

[DreamTeam09]

SPORTS ILLUSTRATED UPDATED MOCK DRAFT:

Washington Wizards: Cooper Flagg (Duke)

New Orleans Pelicans: Dylan Harper (Rutgers)

Utah Jazz: VJ Edgecombe (Baylor)

Charlotte Hornets: Kasparas Jakucionis (Illinois)

Toronto Raptors: Ace Bailey (Rutgers)

Philadelphia 76ers: Tre Johnson (Texas)

Brooklyn Nets: Asa Newell (Georgia)

Chicago Bulls: Khaman Maluach (Duke)

Portland Trail Blazers: Collin Murray-Boyles (South Carolina)

San Antonio Spurs (via ATL): Kon Knueppel (Duke)

Miami Heat: Liam McNeeley (UConn)

Houston Rockets (via PHX): Noa Essengue (INTL)

Atlanta Hawks (via SAC): Thomas Sorber (Georgetown)

Miami Heat (via GSW): Nolan Traore (INTL)

San Antonio Spurs (via ATL): Jeremiah Fears (Oklahoma)

Orlando Magic: Derik Queen (Maryland)

Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET): Egor Demin (BYU)

Dallas Mavericks: Ben Saraf (INTL)

Brooklyn Nets (via MIL): Will Riley (Illinois)

Utah Jazz (via MIN): Hugo Gonzalez (INTL)

Indiana Pacers: Kanon Catchings (BYU)

OKC Thunder (via LAC): Carter Bryant (Arizona)

Atlanta Hawks (via LAL): Jase Richardson (Michigan State)

Brooklyn Nets (via HOU): Labaron Philon (Alabama)

Oelando Magic (via DEN): Nique Clifford (Colorado State)

Washington Wizards (via MEM): Donnie Freeman (Syracuse)

Brooklyn Nets (via NYK): Rasheer Fleming (St. Joseph's)

Boston Celtics: Alex Karaban (UConn)

LA Clippers (via OKC): Noah Penda (INTL)

Phoenix Suns (via CLE): Danny Wolf (Michigan)

Boston Celtics (via WAS): Ian Jackson (North Carolina)

Charlotte Hornets (via NOP): Dink Pate (G League)

Minnesota Timberwolves (via UTA): Adou Thiero (Arkansas)

Charlotte Hornets: Drake Powell (North Carolina)

Detroit Pistons (via TOR): Mackenzie Mgbako (Indiana)

Brooklyn Nets: JT Toppin (Texas Tech)

Philadelphia 76ers: Kam Jones (Marquette)

Sacramento Kings (via CHI): Johni Broome (Auburn)

Toronto Raptors (via POR): Jamir Watkins (Florida State)

San Antonio Spurs: Milan Momcilovic (Iowa State)

Golden State Warriors (via MIA): Hunter Sallis (Wake Forest)

OKC Thunder (via ATL): Isaiah Evans (Duke)

Washington Wizards (via PHX): Alex Toohey (INTL)

Orlando Magic: Ryan Kalkbrenner (Creighton)

Washington Wizards (via GSW): Boogie Fland (Arkansas)

Chicago Bulls (via SAC): Karter Knox (Arkansas)

Washington Wizards (via DET): Miles Byrd (San Diego State)

Utah Jazz (via DAL): Bogoljub Markovic (INTL)

Cleveland Cavaliers (via MIL): Rocco Zikarsky (INTL)

LA Clippers (via MIN): Joson Sanon (Arizona State)

Indiana Pacers: Johann Grunloh (INTL)

Utah Jazz (via LAC): Xaivian Lee (Princeton)

Los Angeles Lakers: Tomislav Ivisic (Illinois)

Memphis Grizzlies (via HOU): John Mobley Jr. (Ohio State)

Phoenix Suns (via DEN): KJ Lewis (Arizona)

---New York Knicks (FORFEITED)---

56. New York Knicks (via MEM): Sergio De Larrea (INTL)

57. Orlando Magic (via BOS): Payton Sandfort (Iowa)

58. Cleveland Cavaliers: Michael Ruzic (INTL)

59. Houston Rockets (via OKC): Zvonimir Ivisic (Arkansas)

I'd happily trade Ace for Khaman and Will Reilly from BK if possible

[LoveMyRaps]

SPORTS ILLUSTRATED UPDATED MOCK DRAFT:

Washington Wizards: Cooper Flagg (Duke)

New Orleans Pelicans: Dylan Harper (Rutgers)

Utah Jazz: VJ Edgecombe (Baylor)

Charlotte Hornets: Kasparas Jakucionis (Illinois)

Toronto Raptors: Ace Bailey (Rutgers)

Philadelphia 76ers: Tre Johnson (Texas)

Brooklyn Nets: Asa Newell (Georgia)

Chicago Bulls: Khaman Maluach (Duke)

Portland Trail Blazers: Collin Murray-Boyles (South Carolina)

San Antonio Spurs (via ATL): Kon Knueppel (Duke)

Miami Heat: Liam McNeeley (UConn)

Houston Rockets (via PHX): Noa Essengue (INTL)

Atlanta Hawks (via SAC): Thomas Sorber (Georgetown)

Miami Heat (via GSW): Nolan Traore (INTL)

San Antonio Spurs (via ATL): Jeremiah Fears (Oklahoma)

Orlando Magic: Derik Queen (Maryland)

Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET): Egor Demin (BYU)

Dallas Mavericks: Ben Saraf (INTL)

Brooklyn Nets (via MIL): Will Riley (Illinois)

Utah Jazz (via MIN): Hugo Gonzalez (INTL)

Indiana Pacers: Kanon Catchings (BYU)

OKC Thunder (via LAC): Carter Bryant (Arizona)

Atlanta Hawks (via LAL): Jase Richardson (Michigan State)

Brooklyn Nets (via HOU): Labaron Philon (Alabama)

Oelando Magic (via DEN): Nique Clifford (Colorado State)

Washington Wizards (via MEM): Donnie Freeman (Syracuse)

Brooklyn Nets (via NYK): Rasheer Fleming (St. Joseph's)

Boston Celtics: Alex Karaban (UConn)

LA Clippers (via OKC): Noah Penda (INTL)

Phoenix Suns (via CLE): Danny Wolf (Michigan)

Boston Celtics (via WAS): Ian Jackson (North Carolina)

Charlotte Hornets (via NOP): Dink Pate (G League)

Minnesota Timberwolves (via UTA): Adou Thiero (Arkansas)

Charlotte Hornets: Drake Powell (North Carolina)

Detroit Pistons (via TOR): Mackenzie Mgbako (Indiana)

Brooklyn Nets: JT Toppin (Texas Tech)

Philadelphia 76ers: Kam Jones (Marquette)

Sacramento Kings (via CHI): Johni Broome (Auburn)

Toronto Raptors (via POR): Jamir Watkins (Florida State)

San Antonio Spurs: Milan Momcilovic (Iowa State)

Golden State Warriors (via MIA): Hunter Sallis (Wake Forest)

OKC Thunder (via ATL): Isaiah Evans (Duke)

Washington Wizards (via PHX): Alex Toohey (INTL)

Orlando Magic: Ryan Kalkbrenner (Creighton)

Washington Wizards (via GSW): Boogie Fland (Arkansas)

Chicago Bulls (via SAC): Karter Knox (Arkansas)

Washington Wizards (via DET): Miles Byrd (San Diego State)

Utah Jazz (via DAL): Bogoljub Markovic (INTL)

Cleveland Cavaliers (via MIL): Rocco Zikarsky (INTL)

LA Clippers (via MIN): Joson Sanon (Arizona State)

Indiana Pacers: Johann Grunloh (INTL)

Utah Jazz (via LAC): Xaivian Lee (Princeton)

Los Angeles Lakers: Tomislav Ivisic (Illinois)

Memphis Grizzlies (via HOU): John Mobley Jr. (Ohio State)

Phoenix Suns (via DEN): KJ Lewis (Arizona)

---New York Knicks (FORFEITED)---

56. New York Knicks (via MEM): Sergio De Larrea (INTL)

57. Orlando Magic (via BOS): Payton Sandfort (Iowa)

58. Cleveland Cavaliers: Michael Ruzic (INTL)

59. Houston Rockets (via OKC): Zvonimir Ivisic (Arkansas)

I'd happily trade Ace for Khaman and Will Reilly from BK if possible

Would be a fireable move .

[BoyzNTheHood]

SPORTS ILLUSTRATED UPDATED MOCK DRAFT:

Washington Wizards: Cooper Flagg (Duke)

New Orleans Pelicans: Dylan Harper (Rutgers)

Utah Jazz: VJ Edgecombe (Baylor)

Charlotte Hornets: Kasparas Jakucionis (Illinois)

Toronto Raptors: Ace Bailey (Rutgers)

Philadelphia 76ers: Tre Johnson (Texas)

Brooklyn Nets: Asa Newell (Georgia)

Chicago Bulls: Khaman Maluach (Duke)

Portland Trail Blazers: Collin Murray-Boyles (South Carolina)

San Antonio Spurs (via ATL): Kon Knueppel (Duke)

Miami Heat: Liam McNeeley (UConn)

Houston Rockets (via PHX): Noa Essengue (INTL)

Atlanta Hawks (via SAC): Thomas Sorber (Georgetown)

Miami Heat (via GSW): Nolan Traore (INTL)

San Antonio Spurs (via ATL): Jeremiah Fears (Oklahoma)

Orlando Magic: Derik Queen (Maryland)

Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET): Egor Demin (BYU)

Dallas Mavericks: Ben Saraf (INTL)

Brooklyn Nets (via MIL): Will Riley (Illinois)

Utah Jazz (via MIN): Hugo Gonzalez (INTL)

Indiana Pacers: Kanon Catchings (BYU)

OKC Thunder (via LAC): Carter Bryant (Arizona)

Atlanta Hawks (via LAL): Jase Richardson (Michigan State)

Brooklyn Nets (via HOU): Labaron Philon (Alabama)

Oelando Magic (via DEN): Nique Clifford (Colorado State)

Washington Wizards (via MEM): Donnie Freeman (Syracuse)

Brooklyn Nets (via NYK): Rasheer Fleming (St. Joseph's)

Boston Celtics: Alex Karaban (UConn)

LA Clippers (via OKC): Noah Penda (INTL)

Phoenix Suns (via CLE): Danny Wolf (Michigan)

Boston Celtics (via WAS): Ian Jackson (North Carolina)

Charlotte Hornets (via NOP): Dink Pate (G League)

Minnesota Timberwolves (via UTA): Adou Thiero (Arkansas)

Charlotte Hornets: Drake Powell (North Carolina)

Detroit Pistons (via TOR): Mackenzie Mgbako (Indiana)

Brooklyn Nets: JT Toppin (Texas Tech)

Philadelphia 76ers: Kam Jones (Marquette)

Sacramento Kings (via CHI): Johni Broome (Auburn)

Toronto Raptors (via POR): Jamir Watkins (Florida State)

San Antonio Spurs: Milan Momcilovic (Iowa State)

Golden State Warriors (via MIA): Hunter Sallis (Wake Forest)

OKC Thunder (via ATL): Isaiah Evans (Duke)

Washington Wizards (via PHX): Alex Toohey (INTL)

Orlando Magic: Ryan Kalkbrenner (Creighton)

Washington Wizards (via GSW): Boogie Fland (Arkansas)

Chicago Bulls (via SAC): Karter Knox (Arkansas)

Washington Wizards (via DET): Miles Byrd (San Diego State)

Utah Jazz (via DAL): Bogoljub Markovic (INTL)

Cleveland Cavaliers (via MIL): Rocco Zikarsky (INTL)

LA Clippers (via MIN): Joson Sanon (Arizona State)

Indiana Pacers: Johann Grunloh (INTL)

Utah Jazz (via LAC): Xaivian Lee (Princeton)

Los Angeles Lakers: Tomislav Ivisic (Illinois)

Memphis Grizzlies (via HOU): John Mobley Jr. (Ohio State)

Phoenix Suns (via DEN): KJ Lewis (Arizona)

---New York Knicks (FORFEITED)---

56. New York Knicks (via MEM): Sergio De Larrea (INTL)

57. Orlando Magic (via BOS): Payton Sandfort (Iowa)

58. Cleveland Cavaliers: Michael Ruzic (INTL)

59. Houston Rockets (via OKC): Zvonimir Ivisic (Arkansas)

I'd happily trade Ace for Khaman and Will Reilly from BK if possible

Would be a fireable move .

That’s a Blue Jays management level move.

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

Will Riley easiest DND in years.

[Psubs]

Will Riley easiest DND in years.

Wil Riley should go back to school. Same for Fears and Philon. Really Demin should too but his physical profile might keep him a 1st round promise.

[Dalek]

Will Riley easiest DND in years.

This makes me sad. He hasn't had a great year and I was expecting so much more based on his pre-college play, but he can be pretty invisible out there. I think he will come back stronger next year.

[Dalek]

SPORTS ILLUSTRATED UPDATED MOCK DRAFT:

Washington Wizards: Cooper Flagg (Duke)

New Orleans Pelicans: Dylan Harper (Rutgers)

Utah Jazz: VJ Edgecombe (Baylor)

Charlotte Hornets: Kasparas Jakucionis (Illinois)

Toronto Raptors: Ace Bailey (Rutgers)

Philadelphia 76ers: Tre Johnson (Texas)

Brooklyn Nets: Asa Newell (Georgia)

Chicago Bulls: Khaman Maluach (Duke)

Portland Trail Blazers: Collin Murray-Boyles (South Carolina)

San Antonio Spurs (via ATL): Kon Knueppel (Duke)

Miami Heat: Liam McNeeley (UConn)

Houston Rockets (via PHX): Noa Essengue (INTL)

Atlanta Hawks (via SAC): Thomas Sorber (Georgetown)

Miami Heat (via GSW): Nolan Traore (INTL)

San Antonio Spurs (via ATL): Jeremiah Fears (Oklahoma)

Orlando Magic: Derik Queen (Maryland)

Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET): Egor Demin (BYU)

Dallas Mavericks: Ben Saraf (INTL)

Brooklyn Nets (via MIL): Will Riley (Illinois)

Utah Jazz (via MIN): Hugo Gonzalez (INTL)

Indiana Pacers: Kanon Catchings (BYU)

OKC Thunder (via LAC): Carter Bryant (Arizona)

Atlanta Hawks (via LAL): Jase Richardson (Michigan State)

Brooklyn Nets (via HOU): Labaron Philon (Alabama)

Oelando Magic (via DEN): Nique Clifford (Colorado State)

Washington Wizards (via MEM): Donnie Freeman (Syracuse)

Brooklyn Nets (via NYK): Rasheer Fleming (St. Joseph's)

Boston Celtics: Alex Karaban (UConn)

LA Clippers (via OKC): Noah Penda (INTL)

Phoenix Suns (via CLE): Danny Wolf (Michigan)

Boston Celtics (via WAS): Ian Jackson (North Carolina)

Charlotte Hornets (via NOP): Dink Pate (G League)

Minnesota Timberwolves (via UTA): Adou Thiero (Arkansas)

Charlotte Hornets: Drake Powell (North Carolina)

Detroit Pistons (via TOR): Mackenzie Mgbako (Indiana)

Brooklyn Nets: JT Toppin (Texas Tech)

Philadelphia 76ers: Kam Jones (Marquette)

Sacramento Kings (via CHI): Johni Broome (Auburn)

Toronto Raptors (via POR): Jamir Watkins (Florida State)

San Antonio Spurs: Milan Momcilovic (Iowa State)

Golden State Warriors (via MIA): Hunter Sallis (Wake Forest)

OKC Thunder (via ATL): Isaiah Evans (Duke)

Washington Wizards (via PHX): Alex Toohey (INTL)

Orlando Magic: Ryan Kalkbrenner (Creighton)

Washington Wizards (via GSW): Boogie Fland (Arkansas)

Chicago Bulls (via SAC): Karter Knox (Arkansas)

Washington Wizards (via DET): Miles Byrd (San Diego State)

Utah Jazz (via DAL): Bogoljub Markovic (INTL)

Cleveland Cavaliers (via MIL): Rocco Zikarsky (INTL)

LA Clippers (via MIN): Joson Sanon (Arizona State)

Indiana Pacers: Johann Grunloh (INTL)

Utah Jazz (via LAC): Xaivian Lee (Princeton)

Los Angeles Lakers: Tomislav Ivisic (Illinois)

Memphis Grizzlies (via HOU): John Mobley Jr. (Ohio State)

Phoenix Suns (via DEN): KJ Lewis (Arizona)

---New York Knicks (FORFEITED)---

56. New York Knicks (via MEM): Sergio De Larrea (INTL)

57. Orlando Magic (via BOS): Payton Sandfort (Iowa)

58. Cleveland Cavaliers: Michael Ruzic (INTL)

59. Houston Rockets (via OKC): Zvonimir Ivisic (Arkansas)

Interesting to see names like Essengue at 10, Nolan Traore at 14, and Ben Saraf in the first. Johann Grunloh is a guy I am catching up on, but he has nice touch and is a big body , maybe the next Hartenstein but with some range. Don't see Joan Beringer which seems crazy to me but maybe they have intel he is staying another year. Hugo Gonzales is way too low, but I find a lot of these mocks are US college biased.

[Spates]

This happens every year.

The year before people hype up in the incoming class and then when that class plays collegiate ball, we realize everyone is not what they seem. Then we say wait for the next class. Rinse, wash, repeat.

The truth is no one knows how good a class is going to be until its their draft year and we get to see them against top tier competition. I would say let's pray for a top 5 pick. Anyone of those guys would make us better than we are right now

It’s the opposite of what you’re saying. I wanna trade for more picks cause this draft is so good. I wouldn’t mind drafting 2-6 either, but I just want multiple shots in the first round.

I only knew Cooper and Ace (also heard of, but didn’t pay attention to Maluach, Tre and Essengue too) heading into this year and I didn’t even like Cooper. So this class has exceeded the hype for me.

Last year, I hated practically every player. There were only 6 players I liked (Castle, Edey, Clingan, McCain, Devin Carter, Mogbo@31). This year, there are around 20 players I want.

There's loads of offensive talent in this draft. Two-way talent seems scarce. I'm desperately hoping that we can nab one of them with few exceptions.

By the way, what do you think of Danny Wolf? I've yet to see enough to have an assured opinion. I've got a sneaky feeling he's my guy though. Dependent on defense, of course.

[mademan]

VJ has really impressed me. To the point where im not sure anymore that i'd take Harper over him

Flagg is still easily 1, but the 2nd pick is not so simple imo.

[Yallbecrazy]

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Still don't like Condon?

[LoveMyRaps]

Updated Mock:

1. Flagg
2. Bailey
3. Harper
4. Edgecombe
-----
5. Kasp
6. Maluach
7. Johnson
8. Traore


My top 8 is pretty much locked. 5-8 is interchangeable.

I'd be very disappointed and upset if Raptors don't draft in the top 8.

[DreamTeam09]

Will Riley easiest DND in years.

This makes me sad. He hasn't had a great year and I was expecting so much more based on his pre-college play, but he can be pretty invisible out there. I think he will come back stronger next year.

Which is why taking a flyer on a kid who could be lottery bound next year isn't a bad thing at all. They have him coming off the bench and he's one of the youngest players in college basketball if I'm not mistaken

[DreamTeam09]

I'd happily trade Ace for Khaman and Will Reilly from BK if possible

Would be a fireable move .

That’s a Blue Jays management level move.

Trading back 2 spots to get the potential best C in the draft class and a 6'8 Canadian SF who's already had multiple 20pt games isn't going to be some sort of disastrous move, but I'll let the draft prognosticators tell it. I'm an ACE fan, but I'd definitely sign off on that is the chips landed that way. I'm also high on Maluach