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The Raptors need an offensive initiator and the 2025 Draft might be our last real shot at landing one for this core.

There seems to be a clear top tier forming around:

Flagg, Harper, Bailey, Edgecombe, Topic, Johnson, Fears, Queen, Maluach, Kon

And based on how the board may fall, it’s looking realistic that the player left at #9 could be the most polished offensive sleeper in the class: Kon Knueppel.

Kon is widely undervalued due to perceived limitations in foot speed and defense—but his total package is elite. Let’s break it down:

Why Kon Might Be a Sleeper Star

Do you believe in Kon’s upside if given a real opportunity? I do.

- Elite basketball IQ—arguably the highest of any freshman in recent drafts.
- Legit 6'6" frame with solid build (not skinny like Gradey).
- Not a top-tier athlete but consistently competes, reads the floor well, and stays in position.
- Surprisingly solid defender—strong base, quick feet, and high discipline.
- Per-possession defensive stats:
  • 27% FG allowed on drives (95 total)
  • 30% FG allowed on jumpers (26% off the dribble)
  • 33% FG at the rim
  • 27% FG in pick-and-roll (70 possessions)

- Offensive stats: 14.4 PPG, 63.8% TS, 2:1 AST:TO ratio over 38 games.

- Shooting splits: 40% from 3, 90% from FT line, with elite creation and passing flashes.

Mini Luka Doncic Comparison?

We watched Luka Doncic carry his team to the NBA finals one year ago. I believe Doncic is a great comp in understanding Kon’s sleeper potential.
why can't Kon be a comp for a mini Doncic? Here's some supporting factors:

- Doncic might be the worst NBA defender who plays heavy usage/mins, Kon is very likely already a better defender.

-Kon shows similar craft and manipulation as a creator, and he's a better shooter.

- He has high-level feel, footwork, poise, and passing flashes—very Luka-like in the half court.

How He Fits on the Raptors

If the pick is Kon, give him runway to develop as a semi-hub, or plug him in as an elite off-ball shooter. In either case, the fit works.

I think you immediately explore moving RJ and/or consolidation trades (which is already needed)

Hypothetical: RJ + 2025 2nd round pick + Gradey + Shead to net another 1st or help move up on our 2nd rounder.
Hypothetical: Draft some combination of intriguing well rounded prospects---ex. Fleming + Bryant

Hypothetical Roster moving forward:

2025-26

STARTERS
PG- Quickley
SG- Kon
SF- Ingram
PF - Barnes
C- Poeltl

BENCH
PG- Walter
SG- Obaji
SF- Bryant
PF-Mogbo
C-fleeming

How would we feel with this type of outcome moving forward? Could we transition to winning with hope? Do you believe in Kon?


Additional Elite Skill Indicators
Here are some standout metrics that support Kon’s offensive profile:

- 1.169 PPP off screens (50th percentile) — smooth, balanced, quick release.
- 1.226 PPP as a cutter and 1.119 PPP in transition (95th percentile).
- 2.6 APG with a low turnover rate as a secondary creator.
- 1.114 PPP in pick-and-rolls (91st percentile as a ball handler).
- Quick, compact release with advanced shot prep mechanics.
- Draws fouls and hits nearly 90% of FTs.
- Physical defender — boxes out, bumps cutters, contests shots inside the arc.
- Strong help defender — allows just 0.782 PPP on defense (80th percentile).

If this is the board at #9… do you believe in Kon?

Because there’s a very real chance he becomes one of the biggest steals of the draft—the most NBA-ready offensive initiator left standing for a team that needs offence +shooting.

I highly doubt he'll be available at 9.

If we do draft him I'd like us to package a couple of our guards for a bigger SF or back up center or even get a 2nd pick and grab Fleming.

I'm finding 5-15 very hard to rank, many of the players need improvement in an area of their game or need some serious development

so I'd be fine with pretty much anyone projected in this range at 9

definitely need to swap an SG for a big if we draft Kon (I think Goga's an easier and more sensible target than Lively). Not sure if I'm sold on Kon's on-ball defense against guards, in which case, things might get rough alongside IQ/BI

Cedric Cowards combine has thoroughly impressed me.

Flemmings measurements + athletic abilities are insane

Carter Bryant is super intriguing to me

I'm on board with Flemming/Carter/Coward at #9

RoteSchroder wrote:I'm finding 5-15 very hard to rank, many of the players need improvement in an area of their game or need some serious development

so I'd be fine with pretty much anyone projected in this range at 9

definitely need to swap an SG for a big if we draft Kon (I think Goga's an easier and more sensible target than Lively). Not sure if I'm sold on Kon's on-ball defense against guards, in which case, things might get rough alongside IQ/BI

Sounds like a typical NBA draft. Take the guy who has actual skill instead of some combine warrior with good measurements. That’s my opinion.

Rj+gradey+shead+2nd for another 1st round pick in this draft absolutely lost me. Im out.

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canada_dry wrote:Rj+gradey+shead+2nd for another 1st round pick in this draft absolutely lost me. Im out.

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No to Shead. And that's an overpay for a 1st.

I still think RJ or Dick to Orlando has legs.

I hope Knueppel goes before us and another team buys this over Fears, Queen or Maluach. Otherwise I see us taking Knueppel based on NCAA success and his numbers. I don't see how he succeeds against NBA sized defenses with his physical stats.

We would have to make a trade at that point for a big too. We're very guard heavy and don't have minutes for everyone. It's fairly concerning.

C_Money wrote:

RoteSchroder wrote:I'm finding 5-15 very hard to rank, many of the players need improvement in an area of their game or need some serious development

so I'd be fine with pretty much anyone projected in this range at 9

definitely need to swap an SG for a big if we draft Kon (I think Goga's an easier and more sensible target than Lively). Not sure if I'm sold on Kon's on-ball defense against guards, in which case, things might get rough alongside IQ/BI

Sounds like a typical NBA draft. Take the guy who has actual skill instead of some combine warrior with good measurements. That’s my opinion.

I think the players who are at risk of being combine warriors in our range are Essengue, Maluach, Carter Bryant

But I would say that Essengue and Maluach have some proven on-court production. I don't mind combine warriors that are exceptionally good at one aspect of the game and ok elsewhere (e.g. Giannis was already known for his slashing and coast-to-coast ability). All three may be good defensively, but haven't displayed anything special on O yet.

Sounds like a typical NBA draft.

Last year, I had some pretty clear cut "want" and "don't wants" in this range..but maybe it's because there were so many bad prospects

Duffman100 wrote:

canada_dry wrote:Rj+gradey+shead+2nd for another 1st round pick in this draft absolutely lost me. Im out.

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No to Shead. And that's an overpay for a 1st.

I still think RJ or Dick to Orlando has legs.

it was for multiple 1sts-- RJ and + for another pick, consolidating of dick and + someone to move our 2nd round pick up into 1st

All hypothetically but we have alot of guys who need mins and too many guys playing the same spots

Thaddy wrote:I hope Knueppel goes before us and another team buys this over Fears, Queen or Maluach. Otherwise I see us taking Knueppel based on NCAA success and his numbers. I don't see how he succeeds against NBA sized defenses with his physical stats.

We would have to make a trade at that point for a big too. We're very guard heavy and don't have minutes for everyone. It's fairly concerning.

Why? he's not small whatsoever, borderline wing size for a guard.

Super Elite IQ, shiftiness, plays physical and smart defensively, high defensive IQ

Luka makes it work and he's only 1-2 inches taller and a literal pylon, and Kon plays more physical and already a better shooter.

This is why he'll turn into a sleeper, the physical limitations and lack of bursts is being over valued.

XTC wrote:Cedric Cowards combine has thoroughly impressed me.

Flemmings measurements + athletic abilities are insane

Carter Bryant is super intriguing to me

I'm on board with Flemming/Carter/Coward at #9

I can envision Carter or Coward making an all-star team 4-5 years down the line. Flemming has the lowest chance, but can be a great role player.

Brother, just trade the pick and RJ for a vet and call it a day. You’re high thinking Kon is an initiator or could be a mini-Doncic

giving up shead.... uhh no. Giving up RJ and Gradey...we can talk.

Duffman100 wrote:

canada_dry wrote:Rj+gradey+shead+2nd for another 1st round pick in this draft absolutely lost me. Im out.

Sent from my SM-G960W using RealGM mobile app

No to Shead. And that's an overpay for a 1st.

I still think RJ or Dick to Orlando has legs.

Really? What would be the trade package?

anotherhomer wrote:

Duffman100 wrote:

canada_dry wrote:Rj+gradey+shead+2nd for another 1st round pick in this draft absolutely lost me. Im out.

Sent from my SM-G960W using RealGM mobile app

No to Shead. And that's an overpay for a 1st.

I still think RJ or Dick to Orlando has legs.

Really? What would be the trade package?

I don't know. But RJ, Dick, and Shead plus our 2nd seems steep for another 1st (assuming it was meant to be a mid rounder).

Shead was one of the best backup point guards last year. I don't want to let that go yet.

Duffman100 wrote:

anotherhomer wrote:

Duffman100 wrote:
No to Shead. And that's an overpay for a 1st.

I still think RJ or Dick to Orlando has legs.

Really? What would be the trade package?

I don't know. But RJ, Dick, and Shead plus our 2nd seems steep for another 1st (assuming it was meant to be a mid rounder).

Shead was one of the best backup point guards last year. I don't want to let that go yet.

we definitely not trading Shead

However, it really depends.
considering salary matching, is there a deal where magic gives up the FRP for RJ?

I can see a Gradey for Lively trade for sure though

I previously asked these questions:
1) Why is Bailey better than Bryant?
2) Why is Knueppell better than Jakucionis?

I don't see you contributed much on the draft thread, so how many games did you watch on those players?

I think Kon will be a solid pro, but his measurements came in a little underwhelming for me. 6'5 with a 6'6 wingspan isn't huge and it makes him primarily a guard defender. I think he might have some trouble defending quicker NBA guards because he isn't very athletic. He's also an older freshman, he's turning 20 in August. I wouldn't hate the pick, but I don't think he'd be a noticeable enough upgrade over the other young guards we have in Walter and Dick.

No thanks to Kon and he doesn’t create off the dribble the way Luka does, that’s a stretch.

The only thing I agree on is using Gradey in some sort of package to someone like ORL in the middle of the draft to get Fleming. I feel we gotta find a way to get him TOO.