2025 NBA Draft Discussion Part 6

[WuTang_OG]

Continued

viewtopic.php?f=32&t=2450680

[earthtone]

Gonna throw some Maluach love in here. Great piece from Swish Theory which will answer questions for anyone wondering why some people are high on him: https://theswishtheory.com/scouting-reports/khaman-maluach/

On his 3-point shooting potential:

The ball misses more than it makes in that video, but his percentages in the BAL were good for age and position, 32% on 57 attempts. Focus as well on the fluidity, where Maluach is able to keep his balance even when shooting off of some movement. The release is quick and high with a good follow-through. Draft analysts talk about energy transfer and the smoothness from set up to release jumps off the screen.

The key to whether his shot makes or misses is his right foot. The one inconsistency in his form, when he turns it inward too much he loses his distance accuracy. Every time the foot faces relatively direct to the basket, the form is sweet. It is unfortunate how little interest Duke has in developing this part of his game, but the instincts are there. Convincingly.

On his At-Rim finishing:

Khaman Maluach’s bread and butter, however, will be his rim finishing. Maluach is flat-out one of the best lob threats the NCAA has seen. He is 23 for 24 as the roll man finisher at the basket, with his 95% mark surpassing that of all recent big men prospects:

Four major components make Maluach possibly the best recent roll man prospect. First, his standing reach is 9’8”. That is an inch more than Wemby. No more need to contextualize that. Second, his screening is excellent. Maluach has already mastered the art of the moving screen which doesn’t get called. This opens up all the space needed.

Third, Maluach has excellent touch near the basket, able to force the ball in even when he can’t finish the lob. He is 21 for 27 (78%) on layups! Compare that again to our big man comparables: Chet was 71%, Mobley 66%, Lively only 52%. Khaman is always two inches away from the rim when he reaches up and can softly guide the ball in from there.

Last, Maluach is excellent at waiting until the last moment to leap. That is perhaps the most essential rim running trait of all. Much like his shooting technique, his footwork is precise and light, shuffling just as needed before taking off. He is a highly accurate leaper, more important than any max vertical when you are already that tall (though his max vertical is not bad, either)./

On his defense:

Even throughout the season, it is evident Maluach has refined his technique and begun to better anticipate offensive actions. He has always been one of the most vocal players on the defensive side of the court, now clearly locked in with his teammates. Duke’s defense has a ridiculous 86.7 defensive rating when Khaman is on the court, compared to a still elite 90.1 when off. However, their opponents’ rim shooting goes down a sharp 12 percentage points from 57% to 45% when Maluach is on the court, and on lower volume, too (numbers versus top 100 teams only). The supporting cast is elite, but the numbers are what they’re supposed to be for a primary rim-protecting prospect.

Overall Final Analysis

With his floor spacing potential, rim finishing superiority, and potential ball skill competency, Maluach’s ceiling as an offensive player is quite high. Due to the variety of ways he can improve, the floor is high, too. If Kristaps Porzingis is the reasonable upside comparison on offense, that puts Khaman as a +2-3 points per 100 offensive player in his peak, in the range of 25th to 50th best offensive player in the league. If the shot really hits and he is able to string together a couple dribbles consistently, we smash through that ceiling.

On defense, Maluach will likely take up primary rim protector duties, perhaps in bench units to begin his career, rather than as a helpside four. He is mobile enough, however, to play next to another big simultaneously (once again, think Porzingis next to Horford). This once again speaks to Maluach’s favorable combination of high ceiling and floor. If the instincts continue to improve at this pace, he will become a highly effective drop defender, even by NBA standards. He might be able to do that while not being taken advantage on switches, either. I don’t think a +1.5-2.0 points per 100 contribution on defense is out of the question, in the range of tenth to thirtieth best defender in the league.

Adding it all up, Maluach could range from a +2 to +6 points per 100 added in his prime. In simpler terms, I cannot rule out All NBA appearances and have a baseline of solid starter.

Have him #3 on my big board & I think he'll rise throughout the pre-draft process and end up as a Top 5 selection come draft day (depending on how the lotto shakes out)

[mtcan]

Gonna throw some Maluach love in here. Great piece from Swish Theory which will answer questions for anyone wondering why some people are high on him: https://theswishtheory.com/scouting-reports/khaman-maluach/

On his 3-point shooting potential:

The ball misses more than it makes in that video, but his percentages in the BAL were good for age and position, 32% on 57 attempts. Focus as well on the fluidity, where Maluach is able to keep his balance even when shooting off of some movement. The release is quick and high with a good follow-through. Draft analysts talk about energy transfer and the smoothness from set up to release jumps off the screen.

The key to whether his shot makes or misses is his right foot. The one inconsistency in his form, when he turns it inward too much he loses his distance accuracy. Every time the foot faces relatively direct to the basket, the form is sweet. It is unfortunate how little interest Duke has in developing this part of his game, but the instincts are there. Convincingly.

On his At-Rim finishing:

Khaman Maluach’s bread and butter, however, will be his rim finishing. Maluach is flat-out one of the best lob threats the NCAA has seen. He is 23 for 24 as the roll man finisher at the basket, with his 95% mark surpassing that of all recent big men prospects:

Four major components make Maluach possibly the best recent roll man prospect. First, his standing reach is 9’8”. That is an inch more than Wemby. No more need to contextualize that. Second, his screening is excellent. Maluach has already mastered the art of the moving screen which doesn’t get called. This opens up all the space needed.

Third, Maluach has excellent touch near the basket, able to force the ball in even when he can’t finish the lob. He is 21 for 27 (78%) on layups! Compare that again to our big man comparables: Chet was 71%, Mobley 66%, Lively only 52%. Khaman is always two inches away from the rim when he reaches up and can softly guide the ball in from there.

Last, Maluach is excellent at waiting until the last moment to leap. That is perhaps the most essential rim running trait of all. Much like his shooting technique, his footwork is precise and light, shuffling just as needed before taking off. He is a highly accurate leaper, more important than any max vertical when you are already that tall (though his max vertical is not bad, either)./

On his defense:

Even throughout the season, it is evident Maluach has refined his technique and begun to better anticipate offensive actions. He has always been one of the most vocal players on the defensive side of the court, now clearly locked in with his teammates. Duke’s defense has a ridiculous 86.7 defensive rating when Khaman is on the court, compared to a still elite 90.1 when off. However, their opponents’ rim shooting goes down a sharp 12 percentage points from 57% to 45% when Maluach is on the court, and on lower volume, too (numbers versus top 100 teams only). The supporting cast is elite, but the numbers are what they’re supposed to be for a primary rim-protecting prospect.

Overall Final Analysis

With his floor spacing potential, rim finishing superiority, and potential ball skill competency, Maluach’s ceiling as an offensive player is quite high. Due to the variety of ways he can improve, the floor is high, too. If Kristaps Porzingis is the reasonable upside comparison on offense, that puts Khaman as a +2-3 points per 100 offensive player in his peak, in the range of 25th to 50th best offensive player in the league. If the shot really hits and he is able to string together a couple dribbles consistently, we smash through that ceiling.

On defense, Maluach will likely take up primary rim protector duties, perhaps in bench units to begin his career, rather than as a helpside four. He is mobile enough, however, to play next to another big simultaneously (once again, think Porzingis next to Horford). This once again speaks to Maluach’s favorable combination of high ceiling and floor. If the instincts continue to improve at this pace, he will become a highly effective drop defender, even by NBA standards. He might be able to do that while not being taken advantage on switches, either. I don’t think a +1.5-2.0 points per 100 contribution on defense is out of the question, in the range of tenth to thirtieth best defender in the league.

Adding it all up, Maluach could range from a +2 to +6 points per 100 added in his prime. In simpler terms, I cannot rule out All NBA appearances and have a baseline of solid starter.

Have him #3 on my big board & I think he'll rise throughout the pre-draft process and end up as a Top 5 selection come draft day (depending on how the lotto shakes out)

and-1 on this.

Duke did not prioritize his development. He needed more space and reps to expand his game. He would have that opportunity on the Raptors.

A guy playing basketball for 5 years and is still 18 years old...that is a blank slate waiting to be molded and developed. I can't look at him and say that he is what he is. I'm encouraged that he is not afraid to shoot the 3 when it's available to him. The rest of what we saw at Duke is exactly what will allow him to play back up minutes while working on the other skills. Teach him shooting and ball handling. Develop him in the same mold as Chet and Wemby.

[NotMyKawhi]

Win the lottery or use the pick to trade for a star. Ja, giannis, jokic, sabonis, dame, tre. Gotta get a better #1

[DreamTeam09]

Still on the Maluach hype train, leaving this draft with potentially the best big man or at least the best big man defender would be a welcomed addition.
We haven't had a lob threat since like Lucas nogeria, or maybe rookie Koloko

Speaking of Koloko, he seems like someone who would take a vet min or rookie min deal & play some minutes for us next year. Not like the lake show r using him

[WuTang_OG]

Watch on YouTube

[Dalek]

I posted this video in the last thread, but Draft Junkies lays out a good case for Derik Queen as a lotto pick:

Watch on YouTube

Towards the end, Toronto is referenced as the ideal landing spot. I will say this type of move drives us more in an offensive direction that may reduce our ceiling, but if we are aiming to be like a Sacramento Kings East, this makes some sense. Queen is no doubt a talented player like Sabonis or Sengun, and it will be interesting what Toronto does if they end up at 7 or 8 and he is there.

As mentioned, Queen is with WME agency so likely under agent Bill Duffy who also reps:

Scottie Barnes
RJ Barrett
Gradey Dick

I have fought over this one for a while but I can see Queen for many reasons.

[mtcan]

Win the lottery or use the pick to trade for a star. Ja, giannis, jokic, sabonis, dame, tre. Gotta get a better #1

Ja...I don't trust him. His behaviour on and off court is just too erratic. Not worth the headache.

Giannis...yes

Jokic...yes

Sabonis...I don't love him as a center...too small. I think people that pick everyone apart because they aren't 2-way players will rip him to shreds.

Dame...he's old and makes too much money

Tre...see my comment above about the defence

Only 2 potentially available guys worth trading the mother load of picks/prospects/players for are Giannis and Jokic. Everyone else can go kick rocks.

[Dalek]

Win the lottery or use the pick to trade for a star. Ja, giannis, jokic, sabonis, dame, tre. Gotta get a better #1

Ja...I don't trust him. His behaviour on and off court is just too erratic. Not worth the headache.

Giannis...yes

Jokic...yes

Sabonis...I don't love him as a center...too small. I think people that pick everyone apart because they aren't 2-way players will rip him to shreds.

Dame...he's old and makes too much money

Tre...see my comment above about the defence

Only 2 potentially available guys worth trading the mother load of picks/prospects/players for are Giannis and Jokic. Everyone else can go kick rocks.

No KD? I know he is old but he really takes care of himself and still provides high level play.

[Godaddycurse]

Win the lottery or use the pick to trade for a star. Ja, giannis, jokic, sabonis, dame, tre. Gotta get a better #1

Ja...I don't trust him. His behaviour on and off court is just too erratic. Not worth the headache.

Giannis...yes

Jokic...yes

Sabonis...I don't love him as a center...too small. I think people that pick everyone apart because they aren't 2-way players will rip him to shreds.

Dame...he's old and makes too much money

Tre...see my comment above about the defence

Only 2 potentially available guys worth trading the mother load of picks/prospects/players for are Giannis and Jokic. Everyone else can go kick rocks.

No KD? I know he is old but he really takes care of himself and still provides high level play.

Kd is expiring and really old

[Syd-TK3]

Cooper
Dylan
Ace/ VJ
Tre/fears
Has always been the only guys I locked in on so its very ironic that we have the 7th odds

[bballsparkin]

Cooper
Dylan
Ace/ VJ
Tre/fears
Has always been the only guys I locked in on so its very ironic that we have the 7th odds

The mocks are all over the place so you have hope. Queen and Khaman have good chances to jump. Not to mention others. But I'm expecting 8th so it could be tense for you draft day hah.

[Dalek]

Ja...I don't trust him. His behaviour on and off court is just too erratic. Not worth the headache.

Giannis...yes

Jokic...yes

Sabonis...I don't love him as a center...too small. I think people that pick everyone apart because they aren't 2-way players will rip him to shreds.

Dame...he's old and makes too much money

Tre...see my comment above about the defence

Only 2 potentially available guys worth trading the mother load of picks/prospects/players for are Giannis and Jokic. Everyone else can go kick rocks.

No KD? I know he is old but he really takes care of himself and still provides high level play.

Kd is expiring and really old

Still, the man averaged 27 PPG on 53/43/84 playing 36.5 mins. He played 62 games but they rested him a fair bit at the end. He played 75 games the year before.

To me, even on an expiring, KD is a gamer and can lift your team to a high level. And if it doesn't work out we can swing a trade at the deadline.

My argument is, if Toronto finds themselves drafting the guard of the future (Dylan Harper) then IQ's salary is unnecessary and as well as RJ's future salary. A trade for KD consolidates two assets that we can move on from.

[Dalek]

Watch on YouTube

Ugh Egor Demin over Tre would kill me, but I could see the logic because of the theoretical versatility. This team would be taking a very slow road with that pick. No immediate returns, especially considering the guy is like 190 lbs and weak, and generally afraid of any pressure.

[NinjaBro]

Who we picking at 11, boys?

[Godaddycurse]

No KD? I know he is old but he really takes care of himself and still provides high level play.

Kd is expiring and really old

Still, the man averaged 27 PPG on 53/43/84 playing 36.5 mins. He played 62 games but they rested him a fair bit at the end. He played 75 games the year before.

To me, even on an expiring, KD is a gamer and can lift your team to a high level. And if it doesn't work out we can swing a trade at the deadline.

My argument is, if Toronto finds themselves drafting the guard of the future (Dylan Harper) then IQ's salary is unnecessary and as well as RJ's future salary. A trade for KD consolidates two assets that we can move on from.

You were replying to someone suggesting trading our lotto pick if we win. You want to trade harper tor kd?

[mtcan]

No KD? I know he is old but he really takes care of himself and still provides high level play.

Kd is expiring and really old

Still, the man averaged 27 PPG on 53/43/84 playing 36.5 mins. He played 62 games but they rested him a fair bit at the end. He played 75 games the year before.

To me, even on an expiring, KD is a gamer and can lift your team to a high level. And if it doesn't work out we can swing a trade at the deadline.

My argument is, if Toronto finds themselves drafting the guard of the future (Dylan Harper) then IQ's salary is unnecessary and as well as RJ's future salary. A trade for KD consolidates two assets that we can move on from.

Would not give up much for an expiring KD in his late 30s

I'm talking...what we gave up for Kawhi but less.

[TNRaps4life]

Cooper
Dylan
Ace/ VJ
Tre/fears
Has always been the only guys I locked in on so its very ironic that we have the 7th odds

Give Maluach.

[Indeed]

Gonna throw some Maluach love in here. Great piece from Swish Theory which will answer questions for anyone wondering why some people are high on him: https://theswishtheory.com/scouting-reports/khaman-maluach/

On his 3-point shooting potential:

The ball misses more than it makes in that video, but his percentages in the BAL were good for age and position, 32% on 57 attempts. Focus as well on the fluidity, where Maluach is able to keep his balance even when shooting off of some movement. The release is quick and high with a good follow-through. Draft analysts talk about energy transfer and the smoothness from set up to release jumps off the screen.

The key to whether his shot makes or misses is his right foot. The one inconsistency in his form, when he turns it inward too much he loses his distance accuracy. Every time the foot faces relatively direct to the basket, the form is sweet. It is unfortunate how little interest Duke has in developing this part of his game, but the instincts are there. Convincingly.

On his At-Rim finishing:

Khaman Maluach’s bread and butter, however, will be his rim finishing. Maluach is flat-out one of the best lob threats the NCAA has seen. He is 23 for 24 as the roll man finisher at the basket, with his 95% mark surpassing that of all recent big men prospects:

Four major components make Maluach possibly the best recent roll man prospect. First, his standing reach is 9’8”. That is an inch more than Wemby. No more need to contextualize that. Second, his screening is excellent. Maluach has already mastered the art of the moving screen which doesn’t get called. This opens up all the space needed.

Third, Maluach has excellent touch near the basket, able to force the ball in even when he can’t finish the lob. He is 21 for 27 (78%) on layups! Compare that again to our big man comparables: Chet was 71%, Mobley 66%, Lively only 52%. Khaman is always two inches away from the rim when he reaches up and can softly guide the ball in from there.

Last, Maluach is excellent at waiting until the last moment to leap. That is perhaps the most essential rim running trait of all. Much like his shooting technique, his footwork is precise and light, shuffling just as needed before taking off. He is a highly accurate leaper, more important than any max vertical when you are already that tall (though his max vertical is not bad, either)./

On his defense:

Even throughout the season, it is evident Maluach has refined his technique and begun to better anticipate offensive actions. He has always been one of the most vocal players on the defensive side of the court, now clearly locked in with his teammates. Duke’s defense has a ridiculous 86.7 defensive rating when Khaman is on the court, compared to a still elite 90.1 when off. However, their opponents’ rim shooting goes down a sharp 12 percentage points from 57% to 45% when Maluach is on the court, and on lower volume, too (numbers versus top 100 teams only). The supporting cast is elite, but the numbers are what they’re supposed to be for a primary rim-protecting prospect.

Overall Final Analysis

With his floor spacing potential, rim finishing superiority, and potential ball skill competency, Maluach’s ceiling as an offensive player is quite high. Due to the variety of ways he can improve, the floor is high, too. If Kristaps Porzingis is the reasonable upside comparison on offense, that puts Khaman as a +2-3 points per 100 offensive player in his peak, in the range of 25th to 50th best offensive player in the league. If the shot really hits and he is able to string together a couple dribbles consistently, we smash through that ceiling.

On defense, Maluach will likely take up primary rim protector duties, perhaps in bench units to begin his career, rather than as a helpside four. He is mobile enough, however, to play next to another big simultaneously (once again, think Porzingis next to Horford). This once again speaks to Maluach’s favorable combination of high ceiling and floor. If the instincts continue to improve at this pace, he will become a highly effective drop defender, even by NBA standards. He might be able to do that while not being taken advantage on switches, either. I don’t think a +1.5-2.0 points per 100 contribution on defense is out of the question, in the range of tenth to thirtieth best defender in the league.

Adding it all up, Maluach could range from a +2 to +6 points per 100 added in his prime. In simpler terms, I cannot rule out All NBA appearances and have a baseline of solid starter.

Have him #3 on my big board & I think he'll rise throughout the pre-draft process and end up as a Top 5 selection come draft day (depending on how the lotto shakes out)

Because those are potential and assumptions. Duke being good on defense is that his on-off stats? Would NBA with highly skilled players would make that big of a difference when his block rate is low? What about basketball IQ?

Not every prospects like him are bust, some maybe a starting C making double the MLE, but we might aim for higher with someone with actual skills

[bballsparkin]

Who we picking at 11, boys?

just did today's spin on tankathon and i like the results.

1- Charollette
2- Tdot
3- Utah
4- Nets

7- 76ers (to OKC)

NO and the Wizards drop. No Spurs jumping. Utah falls to 3rd so they can **** it up still. Damn near perfect.