2025 NBA Draft Discussion Part 5

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

Fears doesn't look like the special-type of athlete at the guard position ala Russ, Rose, Ja that makes it easier to overlook his flaws (poor shooting and eye-popping turnover numbers). I'd let another team try to make that work. Maluach is another guy I'd feel comfortable letting another team try to maximize. I must say, the more I look into this draft, the less I like it. At the moment, Tre, Kon and Queen are the guys I'm most interested in assuming the Raps stay at 7-8.

Yeah, he's definitely not an elite athlete by any stretch. He's probably closer to an IQ level athlete if anything. He's a horrid finisher at the rim and it seems pretty unlikely that his incredibly high FTR translates over to the NBA at least right away. The shooting will obviously need to improve a lot as well but the FT % gives some hope there. But even if it does, what's the likely result? Maybe a Jordan Poole type player?

Fears posted 28.6 AST% as 18 y/o full time starter vs. 11.22 SOS
Poole posted 9.2 AST% as 18 y/o bench player vs. 9.41 SOS

Fears did this while being .32 yrs younger

He's far more advanced of a prospect and got heavy on-ball reps earlier. Growth curve is another thing entirely.

It's fair to be skeptical though since there's a ton of projection and we don't have measurements either.

[PhilBlackson]

If the Raptors end up with Tre Johnson they would be swamped at guard. Could they get another pick for Gradey Dick to get Khamam as well


Gradey Dick
#40


For

#8

1. I don’t think Gradey can net a top 10 pick
2. They could just draft Kon who will be better than him

Realistically the best Gradey might be able to net is a mid 1st where teams start finding the draft to be a bit more murky and may elect for a more “known quantity”. And that’s what I really hope our FO plays on is people still believing in Gradey’s potential before that inevitably diminishes.

I’d trade him and try to add some depth at our forward positions and try to nab either Carter Bryant or Rasheer Fleming and we could turn out to have 2 great drafts back to back with this one somehow exceeding the last one.

[PushDaRock]

Fears doesn't look like the special-type of athlete at the guard position ala Russ, Rose, Ja that makes it easier to overlook his flaws (poor shooting and eye-popping turnover numbers). I'd let another team try to make that work. Maluach is another guy I'd feel comfortable letting another team try to maximize. I must say, the more I look into this draft, the less I like it. At the moment, Tre, Kon and Queen are the guys I'm most interested in assuming the Raps stay at 7-8.

Yeah, he's definitely not an elite athlete by any stretch. He's probably closer to an IQ level athlete if anything. He's a horrid finisher at the rim and it seems pretty unlikely that his incredibly high FTR translates over to the NBA at least right away. The shooting will obviously need to improve a lot as well but the FT % gives some hope there. But even if it does, what's the likely result? Maybe a Jordan Poole type player?

Fears posted 28.6 AST% as 18 y/o full time starter vs. 11.22 SOS
Poole posted 9.2 AST% as 18 y/o bench player vs. 9.41 SOS

Fears did this while being .32 yrs younger

He's far more advanced of a prospect and got heavy on-ball reps earlier. Growth curve is another thing entirely.

It's fair to be skeptical though since there's a ton of projection and we don't have measurements either.

Not sure why you are comparing their development curves when I only said the likely result is maybe a Jordan Poole "type" player assuming the shot does improve. I'm just not buying the elite FTR he's putting up translating over which drastically reduces his projection IMO.

I don't expect the measurements to help him much. Pretty sure he measures closer to 6"2 maybe 6"3 and likely has a wingspan equivalent to his height. His frame is very skinny so don't really expect too much functional weight to be put on. He's not guarding 2's at the next level at all IMO.

Some stuff I do like is the ball handling, it's at a very advanced level and that can get him to his spots for pull-ups and into the lane for floaters but it's pretty hard to be efficient off that alone. The rim finishing is not good at all and if he's not able to draw a ton of fouls, I'm having some trouble seeing how he gets efficient in the league.

[WuTang_CMB]

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[Psubs]

Yeah, he's definitely not an elite athlete by any stretch. He's probably closer to an IQ level athlete if anything. He's a horrid finisher at the rim and it seems pretty unlikely that his incredibly high FTR translates over to the NBA at least right away. The shooting will obviously need to improve a lot as well but the FT % gives some hope there. But even if it does, what's the likely result? Maybe a Jordan Poole type player?

Fears posted 28.6 AST% as 18 y/o full time starter vs. 11.22 SOS
Poole posted 9.2 AST% as 18 y/o bench player vs. 9.41 SOS

Fears did this while being .32 yrs younger

He's far more advanced of a prospect and got heavy on-ball reps earlier. Growth curve is another thing entirely.

It's fair to be skeptical though since there's a ton of projection and we don't have measurements either.

Not sure why you are comparing their development curves when I only said the likely result is maybe a Jordan Poole "type" player assuming the shot does improve. I'm just not buying the elite FTR he's putting up translating over which drastically reduces his projection IMO.

I don't expect the measurements to help him much. Pretty sure he measures closer to 6"2 maybe 6"3 and likely has a wingspan equivalent to his height. His frame is very skinny so don't really expect too much functional weight to be put on. He's not guarding 2's at the next level at all IMO.

Some stuff I do like is the ball handling, it's at a very advanced level and that can get him to his spots for pull-ups and into the lane for floaters but it's pretty hard to be efficient off that alone. The rim finishing is not good at all and if he's not able to draw a ton of fouls, I'm having some trouble seeing how he gets efficient in the league.

He could still be growing and could fill out his frame.

[dohboy_24]

Just wish he was a little bit taller.

At the Basketball Without Borders camp last year, Noa Essengue measured 6'10" in shoes with a 6'11" wingspan and 9'3" standing reach. While I'm hopeful the wingspan measurement is a couple of inches longer than stated, the height and standing reach are more than above average for a prospect at his position (SF/PF).

[BoyzNTheHood]

Just wish he was a little bit taller.

At the Basketball Without Borders camp last year, Noa Essengue measured 6'10" in shoes with a 6'11" wingspan and 9'3" standing reach. While I'm hopeful the wingspan measurement is a couple of inches longer than stated, the height and standing reach are more than above average for a prospect at his position (SF/PF).

The hope is to turn him into a wing. Right now he plays more like a big. If you take Essengue it’s a big time project pick. But, I can see Masai getting Giannis flashbacks with this kid. Giannis was longer though and had a much better frame.

[niQ]

Just wish he was a little bit taller.

At the Basketball Without Borders camp last year, Noa Essengue measured 6'10" in shoes with a 6'11" wingspan and 9'3" standing reach. While I'm hopeful the wingspan measurement is a couple of inches longer than stated, the height and standing reach are more than above average for a prospect at his position (SF/PF).

Oh for sure SF/PF. What I meant to say was if he was a bit taller, he'd be a pretty great center prospect.

[PushDaRock]

Fears posted 28.6 AST% as 18 y/o full time starter vs. 11.22 SOS
Poole posted 9.2 AST% as 18 y/o bench player vs. 9.41 SOS

Fears did this while being .32 yrs younger

He's far more advanced of a prospect and got heavy on-ball reps earlier. Growth curve is another thing entirely.

It's fair to be skeptical though since there's a ton of projection and we don't have measurements either.

Not sure why you are comparing their development curves when I only said the likely result is maybe a Jordan Poole "type" player assuming the shot does improve. I'm just not buying the elite FTR he's putting up translating over which drastically reduces his projection IMO.

I don't expect the measurements to help him much. Pretty sure he measures closer to 6"2 maybe 6"3 and likely has a wingspan equivalent to his height. His frame is very skinny so don't really expect too much functional weight to be put on. He's not guarding 2's at the next level at all IMO.

Some stuff I do like is the ball handling, it's at a very advanced level and that can get him to his spots for pull-ups and into the lane for floaters but it's pretty hard to be efficient off that alone. The rim finishing is not good at all and if he's not able to draw a ton of fouls, I'm having some trouble seeing how he gets efficient in the league.

He could still be growing and could fill out his frame.

Maybe, but are you drafting him with the expectation that it happens?

[Psubs]

Not sure why you are comparing their development curves when I only said the likely result is maybe a Jordan Poole "type" player assuming the shot does improve. I'm just not buying the elite FTR he's putting up translating over which drastically reduces his projection IMO.

I don't expect the measurements to help him much. Pretty sure he measures closer to 6"2 maybe 6"3 and likely has a wingspan equivalent to his height. His frame is very skinny so don't really expect too much functional weight to be put on. He's not guarding 2's at the next level at all IMO.

Some stuff I do like is the ball handling, it's at a very advanced level and that can get him to his spots for pull-ups and into the lane for floaters but it's pretty hard to be efficient off that alone. The rim finishing is not good at all and if he's not able to draw a ton of fouls, I'm having some trouble seeing how he gets efficient in the league.

He could still be growing and could fill out his frame.

Maybe, but are you drafting him with the expectation that it happens?

He's listed at 6'4 already so like even 6'3 without shoes is good combo guard size like Kyrie. Raptors have a jumbo creator in Scottie. Can he defend 1's and 2's? Maybe, likely he gets stronger with working out until his prime.

[BoyzNTheHood]

[youtube]https://youtu.be/w-O-CM4vg28?si=jb_9awNkDzOl_AAB[[/youtube]

[PushDaRock]

He could still be growing and could fill out his frame.

Maybe, but are you drafting him with the expectation that it happens?

He's listed at 6'4 already so like even 6'3 without shoes is good combo guard size like Kyrie. Raptors have a jumbo creator in Scottie. Can he defend 1's and 2's? Maybe, likely he gets stronger with working out until his prime.

So is Jordan Poole, do you want him guarding 2's? Kyrie isn't exactly known for his D either.

[Tha Cynic]

This feels like the type of draft the Raptors would trade RJ Barrett for a lottery pick if some team bites, but I doubt any would offer that. If they could get two lottery picks it feels like they could really round out this team and fix all weaknesses

[Psubs]

This feels like the type of draft the Raptors would trade RJ Barrett for a lottery pick if some team bites, but I doubt any would offer that. If they could get two lottery picks it feels like they could really round out this team and fix all weaknesses

Orlando close enough with #16?

#16, Cole Anthony, Goga Bitadze for RJ Barrett and #39?

[MessiahUjiri]

This feels like the type of draft the Raptors would trade RJ Barrett for a lottery pick if some team bites, but I doubt any would offer that. If they could get two lottery picks it feels like they could really round out this team and fix all weaknesses

Orlando close enough with #16?

#16, Cole Anthony, Goga Bitadze for RJ Barrett and #39?

Orlando is more interested in a point guard or a shooter than RJ.

They would more interested in a Gradey centric deal. They also spent a recent lotto pick on a Gradey like player that didn’t pan out.

[Clutch0z24]

Maybe, but are you drafting him with the expectation that it happens?

He's listed at 6'4 already so like even 6'3 without shoes is good combo guard size like Kyrie. Raptors have a jumbo creator in Scottie. Can he defend 1's and 2's? Maybe, likely he gets stronger with working out until his prime.

So is Jordan Poole, do you want him guarding 2's? Kyrie isn't exactly known for his D either.

Fears and Poole are 2 different players....Idk why you think Fears is destined to be Poole?.....Fears is one of the youngest players in the draft and also has one of the highest upsides where we are picking....Heck i won't be shocked if he goes before 7/8th....He has all the tools to be an elite guard it will be up to him and the work he puts in...

Hes got decent size, one of the best handles in the class, His shot while inconsistent right now you can tell by his form that he will be a really good shooter as he develops...NBA Coaches will get him consistent.....Poole is a lazy comp imo....

[Clutch0z24]

This feels like the type of draft the Raptors would trade RJ Barrett for a lottery pick if some team bites, but I doubt any would offer that. If they could get two lottery picks it feels like they could really round out this team and fix all weaknesses

My prediction is RJ gets traded this offseason....Barnes about to make 40mill, Ingram 40 mill, Quickley 32 mill....Barrett will soon come off the books and need to be extended....We prolly won't wanna give him a big bag especially if we are a meh team....With Ingram coming in RJ kinda falls out of place as well...

Can either package RJ with some of our young guys for an established big man or you trade him for a sum of good role players....We deff need another big man though....

[WuTang_CMB]

This feels like the type of draft the Raptors would trade RJ Barrett for a lottery pick if some team bites, but I doubt any would offer that. If they could get two lottery picks it feels like they could really round out this team and fix all weaknesses

My prediction is RJ gets traded this offseason....Barnes about to make 40mill, Ingram 40 mill, Quickley 32 mill....Barrett will soon come off the books and need to be extended....We prolly won't wanna give him a big bag especially if we are a meh team....With Ingram coming in RJ kinda falls out of place as well...

Can either package RJ with some of our young guys for an established big man or you trade him for a sum of good role players....We deff need another big man though....

I wonder which team would take him. Tough player to get behind - I never really liked his game and I'm sure a lot of teams think that way too.

[PushDaRock]

He's listed at 6'4 already so like even 6'3 without shoes is good combo guard size like Kyrie. Raptors have a jumbo creator in Scottie. Can he defend 1's and 2's? Maybe, likely he gets stronger with working out until his prime.

So is Jordan Poole, do you want him guarding 2's? Kyrie isn't exactly known for his D either.

Fears and Poole are 2 different players....Idk why you think Fears is destined to be Poole?.....Fears is one of the youngest players in the draft and also has one of the highest upsides where we are picking....Heck i won't be shocked if he goes before 7/8th....He has all the tools to be an elite guard it will be up to him and the work he puts in...

Hes got decent size, one of the best handles in the class, His shot while inconsistent right now you can tell by his form that he will be a really good shooter as he develops...NBA Coaches will get him consistent.....Poole is a lazy comp imo....

Ok, what's his ceiling then? Steph? Dame? Mitchell? Kyrie? Maxey? If you really squint and project out, maybe you come up with a Maxey comparison. But if I don't think he has that type of ceiling, the tier below for score first PG/combo guards is more like the Jordan Poole, Anfernee Simons, Malik Monk types.

[Clutch0z24]

So is Jordan Poole, do you want him guarding 2's? Kyrie isn't exactly known for his D either.

Fears and Poole are 2 different players....Idk why you think Fears is destined to be Poole?.....Fears is one of the youngest players in the draft and also has one of the highest upsides where we are picking....Heck i won't be shocked if he goes before 7/8th....He has all the tools to be an elite guard it will be up to him and the work he puts in...

Hes got decent size, one of the best handles in the class, His shot while inconsistent right now you can tell by his form that he will be a really good shooter as he develops...NBA Coaches will get him consistent.....Poole is a lazy comp imo....

Ok, what's his ceiling then? Steph? Dame? Mitchell? Kyrie? Maxey? If you really squint and project out, maybe you come up with a Maxey comparison. But if I don't think he has that type of ceiling, the tier below for score first PG/combo guards is more like the Jordan Poole, Anfernee Simons, Malik Monk types.

Idk ....He can just turn out to be his own player?....Its not out of realm of possibility hes a future All star because at his young age he already possesses off the dribble shooting and he does have the best handles in this class....Hes good at attacking the basket and he has some creative ball handling to get to the rim....His shot is smooth looking so as he develops that should increase as well....

But imo he could be a guy putting up 20-7-5 on good efficiency....Could be one of your important players on a winning team.....But just saying he will be Poole is lazy imo....I think he will have an impact wherever he goes.