2025 NBA Draft Discussion Part 6

[WuTang_CMB]

saw on reddit loil

[God Squad]

saw on reddit loil

I love Inception

[Clutch0z24]

What is the ceiling assessment for Tre Johnson?

Just finished listening to Vecenie new Mock Draft Pod and talk about him having one of the best workouts he's ever seen both Focus/effort/shooting display.

Vecenie sharing that much of an impression on Tre after watching him work on his game could be hidden insight into how much his capable of improving long term. You don't hear that often "one of best workouts he's ever seen"

Combining that with the elite raw tools he already possess

-Ideal wings size + length

- Elite shooting ability (most valuable skill in the league)

- Highly efficient/high volume spot up 3pt potential

- NBA ready offensive game

- Vicenie suggests Should be at 7-8 3PA within first couple yrs he's that good of a shooter.

-played in terrible situation + too much responsibility at Texas as a freshman = likely contributed to shot selection concerns

- Raptors desperate for offense + shooting

- Vecenie mentioned he's driven and mature and to remember he's still a kid and really cares (they mentioned complaints about body language at times)

It sounds like a team like the Raptors would be perfect situation to get him at his higher ceiling outcomes..

How would a prime Rashard Lewis with more drive/killer instinct fit in with Scottie/BI/Quickley/Poeltl/RJ etc. core?

Fast forward to the two minute mark to see a draft expert talking about Tre Johnson. When people who have evaluated hundreds of prospects start saying a prospect have some of the best workouts they’ve ever seen, you should sit up and take notice.

https://youtu.be/OPML5Aik8mI?si=k7DLjO2f3C2Rrbo-

Yeah some people get impressed with Maluach shooting 3 poiners just imagine being in an open gym watching a 40 percent 3 point shooter taking contested and off dribble 3s over the year......He prolly looks insane in person in an open gym hardley missing at all....I heard someone say he is one of the best shooting prospects in the last decade.....That will translate amazing in this Era of NBA we are in and every team wants a Tre Johnson on it.

[raptor jesus]

I mostly see shades of Khris Middleton in Tre Johnson's game. Smooth operator with the ball in his hands, good size to get his shot off, not overly athletic. He's definitely in the mix for me.

[Landomar]

Tre Johnson is good. I have him pretty much locked in to my top 5 at this point. I think he's unlikely to become a Raptor, though, as I don't see him sliding to 7/8/9. I also think that if we move up, Flagg/Harper/Edgecombe are all ahead of him as prospects right now. If we got the 4th pick, though, now that could get interesting.

[Dalek]

Tre is very similar to Booker coming in. I do want to see his athleticism in testing. He seems to have hardly any vertical pop which makes me wonder if he can get by guys.

He has a very low ftr which makes me think he is more of a pure jump shooter at the next level.

Also if he is a plodder the defense may be an issue.

[Stromile12]

I still like fears where we're projected to be picking, I just think he has the highest upside.

[Dalek]

I am a late arrival to Labaron Philon's game because he was a bit buried on Alabama's older team. However, I see an underrated lotto sleeper pick given he looks the part of a 6'4 PG with slippery handle and tough defense.

Philon gets really low dribble with next level dynamic flexibility. People talk about his shin angle being almost parallel to the ground and you can see it in film. He might be a better handler than Fears, or at least I really like his composure on his attacks. He isn't a vertical athlete with only 5 dunks, but he was 58% at the rim in 136 attempts. Tre Johnson only had 97 attempts by comparison. He has some issues finishing and is over reliant on his floater, but he has really funky angles getting to the basket. Very SGA like in that way.

Excellent defense as he is really strong despite looking sub-200 lbs. I watched quite a bit of film with him being switched onto bigger players and he holds up decently. Overall, I think his defense is his best calling card.

Lastly, I think he is really underrated as a passer. 25 AST% and he has a positive ATO (2.2), but it is just watching his passing game that impress me. He throws left-handed darts cross court with ease despite being a righty. Always pitching ahead with great accuracy. He is a guard with his head up the entire possession, and he is always using his eyes to deceive the defense by doing lookaway passes. He is always looking at options and not predetermined in his decision-making. He is generally a very quick decision-maker both in transition and halfcourt.

Generally, I saw the kid really step up in big games. Initially, I liked Boogie Fland ahead of him, but Philon is gaining ground for me as one of the top PGs in the draft. He just looks and plays big on court and is similar to Traore with floor general skills, but I think will be a tougher defender. The outside shooting is his swing skill, but it can be developed.

Watch on YouTube

;ab_channel=Cashiggy

Watch on YouTube

;ab_channel=Cashiggy

[mademan]

Tre has some athleticism concerns, but he's a legit 6'6 and an absolutely elite shooter who will have some 40% form long range and 90% from FT seasons (dont think he gets to 50% from the field). I dont think he drops past 5

[DreamTeam09]

I am a late arrival to Labaron Philon's game because he was a bit buried on Alabama's older team. However, I see an underrated lotto sleeper pick given he looks the part of a 6'4 PG with slippery handle and tough defense.

Philon gets really low dribble with next level dynamic flexibility. People talk about his shin angle being almost parallel to the ground and you can see it in film. He might be a better handler than Fears, or at least I really like his composure on his attacks. He isn't a vertical athlete with only 5 dunks, but he was 58% at the rim in 136 attempts. Tre Johnson only had 97 attempts by comparison. He has some issues finishing and is over reliant on his floater, but he has really funky angles getting to the basket. Very SGA like in that way.

Excellent defense as he is really strong despite looking sub-200 lbs. I watched quite a bit of film with him being switched onto bigger players and he holds up decently. Overall, I think his defense is his best calling card.

Lastly, I think he is really underrated as a passer. 25 AST% and he has a positive ATO (2.2), but it is just watching his passing game that impress me. He throws left-handed darts cross court with ease despite being a righty. Always pitching ahead with great accuracy. He is a guard with his head up the entire possession, and he is always using his eyes to deceive the defense by doing lookaway passes. He is always looking at options and not predetermined in his decision-making. He is generally a very quick decision-maker both in transition and halfcourt.

Generally, I saw the kid really step up in big games. Initially, I liked Boogie Fland ahead of him, but Philon is gaining ground for me as one of the top PGs in the draft. He just looks and plays big on court and is similar to Traore with floor general skills, but I think will be a tougher defender. The outside shooting is his swing skill, but it can be developed.

Watch on YouTube

;ab_channel=Cashiggy

Watch on YouTube

;ab_channel=Cashiggy

What seperates him from fears ? I haven't looked into much of any of these pgs because that's not a position of need for us imo but I'm also not that high on fears without a jumper. Philon seems like he's worth the flyer rather than taking a 6'4 non shooting PG in the top 8

[CoinTossRoss31]

I still like fears where we're projected to be picking, I just think he has the highest upside.

I think one of Fears/Queen is there for us at 7. Watch us pass on both lol

[Raptors Realtor]

What is the ceiling assessment for Tre Johnson?

Just finished listening to Vecenie new Mock Draft Pod and talk about him having one of the best workouts he's ever seen both Focus/effort/shooting display.

Vecenie sharing that much of an impression on Tre after watching him work on his game could be hidden insight into how much his capable of improving long term. You don't hear that often "one of best workouts he's ever seen"

Combining that with the elite raw tools he already possess

-Ideal wings size + length

- Elite shooting ability (most valuable skill in the league)

- Highly efficient/high volume spot up 3pt potential

- NBA ready offensive game

- Vicenie suggests Should be at 7-8 3PA within first couple yrs he's that good of a shooter.

-played in terrible situation + too much responsibility at Texas as a freshman = likely contributed to shot selection concerns

- Raptors desperate for offense + shooting

- Vecenie mentioned he's driven and mature and to remember he's still a kid and really cares (they mentioned complaints about body language at times)

It sounds like a team like the Raptors would be perfect situation to get him at his higher ceiling outcomes..

How would a prime Rashard Lewis with more drive/killer instinct fit in with Scottie/BI/Quickley/Poeltl/RJ etc. core?

Fast forward to the two minute mark to see a draft expert talking about Tre Johnson. When people who have evaluated hundreds of prospects start saying a prospect have some of the best workouts they’ve ever seen, you should sit up and take notice.

https://youtu.be/OPML5Aik8mI?si=k7DLjO2f3C2Rrbo-

Yeah some people get impressed with Maluach shooting 3 poiners just imagine being in an open gym watching a 40 percent 3 point shooter taking contested and off dribble 3s over the year......He prolly looks insane in person in an open gym hardley missing at all....I heard someone say he is one of the best shooting prospects in the last decade.....That will translate amazing in this Era of NBA we are in and every team wants a Tre Johnson on it.

A 7'2" player with a 9'8" standing reach is obviously going to have way less contested shots in a game vs a 6'4" guard with a 8' ish standing reach, so the fact that his stroke looks decent and shows the ability of hitting the 3 fairly consistently, whether it's in an open gym or not, is a good sign.

[Dalek]

I am a late arrival to Labaron Philon's game because he was a bit buried on Alabama's older team. However, I see an underrated lotto sleeper pick given he looks the part of a 6'4 PG with slippery handle and tough defense.

Philon gets really low dribble with next level dynamic flexibility. People talk about his shin angle being almost parallel to the ground and you can see it in film. He might be a better handler than Fears, or at least I really like his composure on his attacks. He isn't a vertical athlete with only 5 dunks, but he was 58% at the rim in 136 attempts. Tre Johnson only had 97 attempts by comparison. He has some issues finishing and is over reliant on his floater, but he has really funky angles getting to the basket. Very SGA like in that way.

Excellent defense as he is really strong despite looking sub-200 lbs. I watched quite a bit of film with him being switched onto bigger players and he holds up decently. Overall, I think his defense is his best calling card.

Lastly, I think he is really underrated as a passer. 25 AST% and he has a positive ATO (2.2), but it is just watching his passing game that impress me. He throws left-handed darts cross court with ease despite being a righty. Always pitching ahead with great accuracy. He is a guard with his head up the entire possession, and he is always using his eyes to deceive the defense by doing lookaway passes. He is always looking at options and not predetermined in his decision-making. He is generally a very quick decision-maker both in transition and halfcourt.

Generally, I saw the kid really step up in big games. Initially, I liked Boogie Fland ahead of him, but Philon is gaining ground for me as one of the top PGs in the draft. He just looks and plays big on court and is similar to Traore with floor general skills, but I think will be a tougher defender. The outside shooting is his swing skill, but it can be developed.

Watch on YouTube

;ab_channel=Cashiggy

Watch on YouTube

;ab_channel=Cashiggy

What seperates him from fears ? I haven't looked into much of any of these pgs because that's not a position of need for us imo but I'm also not that high on fears without a jumper. Philon seems like he's worth the flyer rather than taking a 6'4 non shooting PG in the top 8

The two matched up last year and I think Philon outplayed him:

Philon
26 min
16 Pts, 4 Reb (2 OReb), 5 Ast, 2 Stl, 0 Blk, 0 TO
5/10 FG, 2/5 3PT, 4/6 FT

Fears
26 min
16 Pts, 5 Reb (0 OReb), 3 Ast, 2 Stl, 0 Blk, 3 TO
5/15 FG, 1/5 3PT, 5/8 FT

I think differentiator is that Philon plays a smart low turnover game in the halfcourt. He makes really good reads and attacks with poise, whereas I think Fears has some flaws because he isn't quite as crafty. Fears looks better in transition and semi-transition where he is moving at full speed. Fears also is a poor defender. Like it is hard to watch sometimes the low effort/awareness.

[Dalek]

Nate Oats on Philon - showing how he competes hard:

“He’s been great, he’s proven himself since he got here," Oats said of Philon during the postgame press conference. "He walked in the summer with an edge about him. He competed in practice. He wanted to guard [Preseason All-American Mark] Sears. Sears is one of the best guards and maybe THE best guard in the country, and Labaron did a great job on him in the summer.

"I think he’s got a mature side about him, and his preparation and his competitiveness on both sides of the floor. We knew he was a talented offensive player, but it’s hard to sometimes know how competitive they’re going to be on both ends of the floor. And I think he’s got that."

Although they rotated multiple players on him, Philon was heavily responsible for shutting down the aforementioned Jeremiah Fears in the first half, who came into the game leading the Sooners with 18.1 points per game. Philon was among those who prevented Fears from even converting a field goal in the opening period.

"I’m a huge fan of Labaron’s," Oats said. "I think the fact that Fears was so high up on some of these draft boards, I think that motivated Labaron a little bit, too.”

https://www.si.com/college/alabama/basketball/labaron-philon-named-sec-freshman-of-the-week-for-third-time-01jgyfyrnbvr

[mademan]

Fast forward to the two minute mark to see a draft expert talking about Tre Johnson. When people who have evaluated hundreds of prospects start saying a prospect have some of the best workouts they’ve ever seen, you should sit up and take notice.

https://youtu.be/OPML5Aik8mI?si=k7DLjO2f3C2Rrbo-

Yeah some people get impressed with Maluach shooting 3 poiners just imagine being in an open gym watching a 40 percent 3 point shooter taking contested and off dribble 3s over the year......He prolly looks insane in person in an open gym hardley missing at all....I heard someone say he is one of the best shooting prospects in the last decade.....That will translate amazing in this Era of NBA we are in and every team wants a Tre Johnson on it.

A 7'2" player with a 9'8" standing reach is obviously going to have way less contested shots in a game vs a 6'4" guard with a 8' ish standing reach, so the fact that his stroke looks decent and shows the ability of hitting the 3 fairly consistently, whether it's in an open gym or not, is a good sign.

You should watch an open gym of Ben Simmons.

everyone can shoot and dribble and look like a star in an open gym

[PhilBlackson]

Yeah some people get impressed with Maluach shooting 3 poiners just imagine being in an open gym watching a 40 percent 3 point shooter taking contested and off dribble 3s over the year......He prolly looks insane in person in an open gym hardley missing at all....I heard someone say he is one of the best shooting prospects in the last decade.....That will translate amazing in this Era of NBA we are in and every team wants a Tre Johnson on it.

A 7'2" player with a 9'8" standing reach is obviously going to have way less contested shots in a game vs a 6'4" guard with a 8' ish standing reach, so the fact that his stroke looks decent and shows the ability of hitting the 3 fairly consistently, whether it's in an open gym or not, is a good sign.

You should watch an open gym of Ben Simmons.

everyone can shoot and dribble and look like a star in an open gym

But it wasn't just an open gym, he hit them in the Olympics & BAL but haters will keep sweeping everything he did there under the rug.

[mademan]

A 7'2" player with a 9'8" standing reach is obviously going to have way less contested shots in a game vs a 6'4" guard with a 8' ish standing reach, so the fact that his stroke looks decent and shows the ability of hitting the 3 fairly consistently, whether it's in an open gym or not, is a good sign.

You should watch an open gym of Ben Simmons.

everyone can shoot and dribble and look like a star in an open gym

But it wasn't just an open gym, he hit them in the Olympics & BAL but haters will keep sweeping everything he did there under the rug.

But why wouldnt they? That's not a real competition. Against competent defenses at his own level, he hasnt been able to do anything but catch and finish plays

I remember a couple years ago there was a poster who kept putting up HS highlights of Suggs looking like an on ball star, doing step back three's and crossover finishes, but at his own level, he's a 3+D hustle player and a straight line driver with little wiggle to his game...which is what he continued to be in the NBA

[PhilBlackson]

You should watch an open gym of Ben Simmons.

everyone can shoot and dribble and look like a star in an open gym

But it wasn't just an open gym, he hit them in the Olympics & BAL but haters will keep sweeping everything he did there under the rug.

But why wouldnt they? That's not a real competition. Against competent defenses at his own level, he hasnt been able to do anything but catch and finish plays

Olympics isn't real competition?! ok.

[Godaddycurse]

You should watch an open gym of Ben Simmons.

everyone can shoot and dribble and look like a star in an open gym

But it wasn't just an open gym, he hit them in the Olympics & BAL but haters will keep sweeping everything he did there under the rug.

But why wouldnt they? That's not a real competition. Against competent defenses at his own level, he hasnt been able to do anything but catch and finish plays

I remember a couple years ago there was a poster who kept putting up HS highlights of Suggs looking like an on ball star, doing step back three's and crossover finishes, but at his own level, he's a 3+D hustle player and a straight line driver with little wiggle to his game...which is what he continued to be in the NBA

Feel like Simmons' problem is mostly mental as well lack of effort in getting better. No such concerns from Malauch that i'm aware of. Nobody thinks Malauch is a finished product but he has a very high ceiling that hopefully our development staff can unlock

[mademan]

But it wasn't just an open gym, he hit them in the Olympics & BAL but haters will keep sweeping everything he did there under the rug.

But why wouldnt they? That's not a real competition. Against competent defenses at his own level, he hasnt been able to do anything but catch and finish plays

Olympics isn't real competition?! ok.

umm, it isnt. Its a 1 off game against a team thats so much better than you theyre not scouting you (USA) or against non NBA level competition.

Again, at his own level, we've seen the things he can do.