2025 Draft Thread

[doclinkin]

And Juan Dixon inaugurated the "Amazingly Sucky" threads. Then apparently his cousin told him about it and he won us a playoff game, if I recall the story.

[Kanyewest]

He compromises the defense, but plenty of teams have players they have to hide defensively. The Cavs have Garland, the Nuggets have Jokic, the Knicks the Knicks have KAT, the Hawks of Trae. Queen's offensive potential is so high. I'm interested to hear about what people think about Sarr/Queen 4/5. I think you still would need a big 5 as part of the rotation but it's growing on me. If Maryland really gave him the ball instead of playing an equal opportunity offense, Queen could have averaged 30. I literally haven't seen him be stopped once all year long.

I'm against Queen at the top of the draft. You can't afford to have a big man who is a defensive liability. Let's take a good look at the 4 examples you just cited.

Garland: Hiding a PG is easier than hiding a bad defensive big. And frankly, we haven't yet seen if Garland is playable late in the playoffs. The Knicks took out Cleveland two years ago in Round 1. Last year they barely squeaked by Orlando 4-3 in Round 1, before being obliterated by Boston 4-1 (without Porzingis).

Jokic: He is the best offensive player of all time. Not a fair comparison.

KAT: Minnesota never went anywhere with KAT at center. They only did well when KAT was moved to PF where he was no longer a defensive liability. We will see about KAT at center with NY this year. I'm not optimistic.

Trae: Trae is Exhibit A in why having a poor defender in the rotation is nearly an insurmountable liability. What have the Hawks ever done in the Trae era?

When considering the 2018 draft, other than Luka Doncic, I believe Trae Young is the only player as a primary option to take his team to the Conference Finals, granted it was in the East but the Hawks also took 2 games from a team that went on to win the finals. And his team beat a team with two prototypical defenders in Embiid and Ben Simmons. Looks like SGA could join the club soon and maybe even Brunson.

But yeah the Hawks never had any sustained success afterwards. And it doesn't seem like Young would net much in a trade- someone like Bridges had more in the trade market (although the Nova connection with Brunson played a part)- although maybe Bridges contract and Nova status had a role in that.

Also it is worth pointing out that all the players you mention seem to do well in redrafts. I would say Towns goes #1 in his redraft over Booker, Garland may go as high #3, Trae Young could go #5 behind SGA, Luka, Brunson, and Jaren Jackson Jr.

I would say the key of course is you got hit back to back (ie like the Cavs did with Mobley).

[SUPERBALLMAN]

Ok so we have 3 picks in this years draft, our top pick, a later 1st acquired in a deadline deal from the Grizzles (currently sitting around 24), and we also have a mid 2nd rounder ((currently around 43).

Similar to last year where we had a pick at the top of the draft (Sarr), and a pick later in the 1st we acquired in a deadline deal with Dallas (Kyshawn).

Then during the draft, Dawkins made a tarde to acquire another mid 1st rounder (Bub) in a trade with Portland....

This course of action seems to have worked out we!l, regardless of what anyone might think about the trades themselves, the team seems to feel positive about their 3 rookies this season, and where the team is with its overall development.

That being said, it would not surprise me to see Dawkins flow the same course of action this draft, and acquire another pick on draft day in the 10-15 range, maybe expanding to 8-20 depending on the potential trade partners, which could include several teams that have multiple picks possibly looking to add ready now players in their prime instead of projects. Teams like Orlando or Miami, maybe the Spurs. Or possibly a team we've dealt with before in a positive way, like Dallas or Portland.

The main trade assets I'd be looking at are Poole, Kispert, and Bey if he comes back the last week and looks good and healthy. We can also obviously include our 2025 2nd rounder in any package.

I also would consider including our late 1st in 2026 if we can acquire a 1st in the top half of this draft or !ate lottery. That could be of interest, especially for a team with multiple picks in this draft but lacking picks next year. That pick is going to be at the end of the 1st, so if we add a pick say in the 8-10 range then essentially we are moving up. Basically, if we add 3 more rookies this year, on top of Sarr, Kyshawn, Bub, Bilal, AJ Johnson, Vukcevic, would we need to add another rookie picked at the end of the 1st round next year? Probably not.

The 2026 1st:

In the exchange with Philadelphia, Washington will gain the least favorable of three first-round picks — a selection owned by the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers or Oklahoma City Thunder, depending on next season’s standings.

So for example, if we take a player this year in the 8-15 range with high upside, someone who if they stayed in school and came out next year they'd be in the top 15 next year then essentially we're moving up in the draft to get them. For example, in that range of the draft, we could potentially have access to a group of prospects including Maluach, Queen, Asa Newell, Murray-Boyles, Sorber and Fleming.

As far as the players involved... When we traded for Poole, he was primarily acquired to be a flip able asset. Kispert was extended to be a flip-able asset. Bey was signed to be a flip-able asset. All 3 are mid 20s in their prime, dependable role players, who know how to step in and contribute. Especially to a team looking for offense and shooting.

So a package including any or all of Poole, Kispert, Bey, 2025 2nd rounder, 2026 1st rounder.

Can that get us a pick in the 8-15 range. Mayne take back a dead weight contract we can buy out?

If so, for context, here's my draft I'm dreaming of in that scenario...

#1 Flagg, #8-10 Asa Newell, #22-24 Carter Bryant


Cooper Flagg 6-9 SF/PF Age 18

Watch on YouTube

Asa Newell 6-10 PF/C Age 19

Watch on YouTube

Carter Bryant 6-8 SF Age 19

Watch on YouTube

With those additions to the frontcourt... Depending on match ups, we can go Sarr, Asa, Flagg, or we can go Sarr, Flagg, Bryant. Or we can go Asa, Flagg, Kyshawn, etc etc...

With the addition of Flagg this team moves out of deconstruction mode and into the CONSTRUCTION MODE! We shed the dead weight of Poole and Kispert, we add youth and upside now to develop in our system and develop chemistry in our team. We are ready to build and begin our PROGRESSION...

We would have a foundational roster of Sarr, Asa, Flagg, Bryant, Kyshawn, Champagnie, Bilal, AJ, Bub... Add to that Tristan, Thor, and Colby Jones all of which I have liked what I've seen from them of late, and that is 12 players to build on!

We have good support/mentor old head vets in Holmes, Gil, Middleton, Smart.

Then there is our 2026 1st that goes to NY if it falls out of the top 8. IMO that is another reason to acquire that extra pick this year. Adding a top 10 player this year would help lessen the blow of losing a top 8 pick next year, if we do. And we already would have a roster 8 deep in recent 1st rounders. And will continue adding more in 2027. But also worth considering is moving out Poole, Kispert and Bey for a rookie like Asa would probably help keep us in that top 8 range. But with that roster adding Flagg, IMO all bets are off on tanking for that pick, if they are good let them play, develop and win and turn them loose. If they struggle with youth and growing pains and we keep that top 8 pick so be it!

But this draft... adding a pick is THE WAY TO GO... IMO!!

With another pick in that 8-12 range, we could end up with Flagg, Maluach, and Proctor! Or maybe Flagg, CMB and Sorber... What about Harper, Maluach, and Wolf? Or Harper, Queen, Clifford... Or Flagg, Fears, Fleming?

Personally, even with all the losing, I really enjoyed watching the 3 rookies this season (4 with AJ!)... LETS DO IT AGAIN!! 3 rookies next season!!

[prime1time]

Ok so we have 3 picks in this years draft, our top pick, a later 1st acquired in a deadline deal from the Grizzles (currently sitting around 24), and we also have a mid 2nd rounder ((currently around 43).

Similar to last year where we had a pick at the top of the draft (Sarr), and a pick later in the 1st we acquired in a deadline deal with Dallas (Kyshawn).

Then during the draft, Dawkins made a tarde to acquire another mid 1st rounder (Bub) in a trade with Portland....

This course of action seems to have worked out we!l, regardless of what anyone might think about the trades themselves, the team seems to feel positive about their 3 rookies this season, and where the team is with its overall development.

That being said, it would not surprise me to see Dawkins flow the same course of action this draft, and acquire another pick on draft day in the 10-15 range, maybe expanding to 8-20 depending on the potential trade partners, which could include several teams that have multiple picks possibly looking to add ready now players in their prime instead of projects. Teams like Orlando or Miami, maybe the Spurs. Or possibly a team we've dealt with before in a positive way, like Dallas or Portland.

The main trade assets I'd be looking at are Poole, Kispert, and Bey if he comes back the last week and looks good and healthy. We can also obviously include our 2025 2nd rounder in any package.

I also would consider including our late 1st in 2026 if we can acquire a 1st in the top half of this draft or !ate lottery. That could be of interest, especially for a team with multiple picks in this draft but lacking picks next year. That pick is going to be at the end of the 1st, so if we add a pick say in the 8-10 range then essentially we are moving up. Basically, if we add 3 more rookies this year, on top of Sarr, Kyshawn, Bub, Bilal, AJ Johnson, Vukcevic, would we need to add another rookie picked at the end of the 1st round next year? Probably not.

The 2026 1st:

In the exchange with Philadelphia, Washington will gain the least favorable of three first-round picks — a selection owned by the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers or Oklahoma City Thunder, depending on next season’s standings.

So for example, if we take a player this year in the 8-15 range with high upside, someone who if they stayed in school and came out next year they'd be in the top 15 next year then essentially we're moving up in the draft to get them. For example, in that range of the draft, we could potentially have access to a group of prospects including Maluach, Queen, Asa Newell, Murray-Boyles, Sorber and Fleming.

As far as the players involved... When we traded for Poole, he was primarily acquired to be a flip able asset. Kispert was extended to be a flip-able asset. Bey was signed to be a flip-able asset. All 3 are mid 20s in their prime, dependable role players, who know how to step in and contribute. Especially to a team looking for offense and shooting.

So a package including any or all of Poole, Kispert, Bey, 2025 2nd rounder, 2026 1st rounder.

Can that get us a pick in the 8-15 range. Mayne take back a dead weight contract we can buy out?

If so, for context, here's my draft I'm dreaming of in that scenario...

#1 Flagg, #8-10 Asa Newell, #22-24 Carter Bryant


Cooper Flagg 6-9 SF/PF Age 18

Watch on YouTube

Asa Newell 6-10 PF/C Age 19

Watch on YouTube

Carter Bryant 6-8 SF Age 19

Watch on YouTube

With those additions to the frontcourt... Depending on match ups, we can go Sarr, Asa, Flagg, or we can go Sarr, Flagg, Bryant. Or we can go Asa, Flagg, Kyshawn, etc etc...

With the addition of Flagg this team moves out of reconstruction mode and into the CONSTRUCTION MODE! We shed the dead weight of Poole and Kispert, we add youth and upside now to develop in our system and develop chemistry in our team. We are ready to build and begin our PROGRESSION...

We would have a foundational roster of Sarr, Asa, Flagg, Bryant, Kyshawn, Champagnie, Bilal, AJ, Bub... Add to that Tristan, Thor, and Colby Jones all of which I have liked what I've seen from them of late, and that is 12 players to build on!

We have good support/mentor old head vets in Holmes, Gil, Middleton, Smart.

Then there is our 2026 1st that goes to NY if it falls out of the top 8. IMO that is another reason to acquire that extra pick this year. Adding a top 10 player this year would help lessen the blow of losing a top 8 pick next year, if we do. And we already would have a roster 8 deep in recent 1st rounders. And will continue adding more in 2027. But also worth considering is moving out Poole, Kispert and Bey for a rookie like Asa would probably help keep us in that top 8 range. But with that roster adding Flagg, IMO all bets are off on tanking for that pick, if they are good let them play, develop and win and turn them loose. If they struggle with youth and growing pains and we keep that top 8 pick so be it!

But this draft... adding a pick is THE WAY TO GO... IMO!!

With another pick in that 8-12 range, we could end up with Flagg, Maluach, and Proctor! Or maybe Flagg, CMB and Sorber... What about Harper, Maluach, and Wolf? Or Harper, Queen, Clifford... Or Flagg, Fears, Fleming?

Personally, even with all the losing, I really enjoyed watching the 3 rookies this season (4 with AJ!)... LETS DO IT AGAIN!! 3 rookies next season!!

Good stuff. I'll come back to this once we know where our first pick will be. I agree with trying to add an additional first round pick in the lottery. Once we know who's picking where it'll be interesting to see how the front office moves.

[prime1time]

Also, who had the Grizzlies imploding down the stretch. What great luck!

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

And Juan Dixon inaugurated the "Amazingly Sucky" threads. Then apparently his cousin told him about it and he won us a playoff game, if I recall the story.

31 points IIRC

[gambitx777]

If we some how get bumped to 5 and Johnson is gone? Do we have the balls to take queen at 5 or do some how trade back?

Sent from my SM-S926U1 using RealGM mobile app

[Hibachi_0]

If we some how get bumped to 5 and Johnson is gone? Do we have the balls to take queen at 5 or do some how trade back?

At 5 I'd take the available of Edgecombe, Bailey or Maluach

[nate33]

If we some how get bumped to 5 and Johnson is gone? Do we have the balls to take queen at 5 or do some how trade back?

Sent from my SM-S926U1 using RealGM mobile app

There is no chance this team drafts Queen anywhere in the top 6. He is not their style of player. These guys don't draft anyone that they can't envision as a reliable defender. They also have zero homer allegiance to the University of Maryland.

[dobrojim]

Ok so we have 3 picks in this years draft, our top pick, a later 1st acquired in a deadline deal from the Grizzles (currently sitting around 24), and we also have a mid 2nd rounder ((currently around 43).

Similar to last year where we had a pick at the top of the draft (Sarr), and a pick later in the 1st we acquired in a deadline deal with Dallas (Kyshawn).

Then during the draft, Dawkins made a tarde to acquire another mid 1st rounder (Bub) in a trade with Portland....

This course of action seems to have worked out we!l, regardless of what anyone might think about the trades themselves, the team seems to feel positive about their 3 rookies this season, and where the team is with its overall development.

That being said, it would not surprise me to see Dawkins flow the same course of action this draft, and acquire another pick on draft day in the 10-15 range, maybe expanding to 8-20 depending on the potential trade partners, which could include several teams that have multiple picks possibly looking to add ready now players in their prime instead of projects. Teams like Orlando or Miami, maybe the Spurs. Or possibly a team we've dealt with before in a positive way, like Dallas or Portland.

The main trade assets I'd be looking at are Poole, Kispert, and Bey if he comes back the last week and looks good and healthy. We can also obviously include our 2025 2nd rounder in any package.

I also would consider including our late 1st in 2026 if we can acquire a 1st in the top half of this draft or !ate lottery. That could be of interest, especially for a team with multiple picks in this draft but lacking picks next year. That pick is going to be at the end of the 1st, so if we add a pick say in the 8-10 range then essentially we are moving up. Basically, if we add 3 more rookies this year, on top of Sarr, Kyshawn, Bub, Bilal, AJ Johnson, Vukcevic, would we need to add another rookie picked at the end of the 1st round next year? Probably not.

The 2026 1st:

In the exchange with Philadelphia, Washington will gain the least favorable of three first-round picks — a selection owned by the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers or Oklahoma City Thunder, depending on next season’s standings.

So for example, if we take a player this year in the 8-15 range with high upside, someone who if they stayed in school and came out next year they'd be in the top 15 next year then essentially we're moving up in the draft to get them. For example, in that range of the draft, we could potentially have access to a group of prospects including Maluach, Queen, Asa Newell, Murray-Boyles, Sorber and Fleming.

As far as the players involved... When we traded for Poole, he was primarily acquired to be a flip able asset. Kispert was extended to be a flip-able asset. Bey was signed to be a flip-able asset. All 3 are mid 20s in their prime, dependable role players, who know how to step in and contribute. Especially to a team looking for offense and shooting.

So a package including any or all of Poole, Kispert, Bey, 2025 2nd rounder, 2026 1st rounder.

Can that get us a pick in the 8-15 range. Mayne take back a dead weight contract we can buy out?

If so, for context, here's my draft I'm dreaming of in that scenario...

#1 Flagg, #8-10 Asa Newell, #22-24 Carter Bryant


Cooper Flagg 6-9 SF/PF Age 18

Watch on YouTube

Asa Newell 6-10 PF/C Age 19

Watch on YouTube

Carter Bryant 6-8 SF Age 19

Watch on YouTube

With those additions to the frontcourt... Depending on match ups, we can go Sarr, Asa, Flagg, or we can go Sarr, Flagg, Bryant. Or we can go Asa, Flagg, Kyshawn, etc etc...

With the addition of Flagg this team moves out of deconstruction mode and into the CONSTRUCTION MODE! We shed the dead weight of Poole and Kispert, we add youth and upside now to develop in our system and develop chemistry in our team. We are ready to build and begin our PROGRESSION...

We would have a foundational roster of Sarr, Asa, Flagg, Bryant, Kyshawn, Champagnie, Bilal, AJ, Bub... Add to that Tristan, Thor, and Colby Jones all of which I have liked what I've seen from them of late, and that is 12 players to build on!

We have good support/mentor old head vets in Holmes, Gil, Middleton, Smart.

Then there is our 2026 1st that goes to NY if it falls out of the top 8. IMO that is another reason to acquire that extra pick this year. Adding a top 10 player this year would help lessen the blow of losing a top 8 pick next year, if we do. And we already would have a roster 8 deep in recent 1st rounders. And will continue adding more in 2027. But also worth considering is moving out Poole, Kispert and Bey for a rookie like Asa would probably help keep us in that top 8 range. But with that roster adding Flagg, IMO all bets are off on tanking for that pick, if they are good let them play, develop and win and turn them loose. If they struggle with youth and growing pains and we keep that top 8 pick so be it!

But this draft... adding a pick is THE WAY TO GO... IMO!!

With another pick in that 8-12 range, we could end up with Flagg, Maluach, and Proctor! Or maybe Flagg, CMB and Sorber... What about Harper, Maluach, and Wolf? Or Harper, Queen, Clifford... Or Flagg, Fears, Fleming?

Personally, even with all the losing, I really enjoyed watching the 3 rookies this season (4 with AJ!)... LETS DO IT AGAIN!! 3 rookies next season!!

While I can't say that I've watch Newall a lot, what I have seen from him hasn't impressed me favorably.

I'm certainly not opposed to another draft pick but I am more than a little sanguine about actually obtaining one,
especially in the first 10..

[prime1time]

If we some how get bumped to 5 and Johnson is gone? Do we have the balls to take queen at 5 or do some how trade back?

Sent from my SM-S926U1 using RealGM mobile app

There is no chance this team drafts Queen anywhere in the top 6. He is not their style of player. These guys don't draft anyone that they can't envision as a reliable defender. They also have zero homer allegiance to the University of Maryland.

What's our style of player?

[nate33]

That being said, it would not surprise me to see Dawkins flow the same course of action this draft, and acquire another pick on draft day in the 10-15 range, maybe expanding to 8-20 depending on the potential trade partners, which could include several teams that have multiple picks possibly looking to add ready now players in their prime instead of projects. Teams like Orlando or Miami, maybe the Spurs. Or possibly a team we've dealt with before in a positive way, like Dallas or Portland.

The main trade assets I'd be looking at are Poole, Kispert, and Bey if he comes back the last week and looks good and healthy. We can also obviously include our 2025 2nd rounder in any package.

I also would consider including our late 1st in 2026 if we can acquire a 1st in the top half of this draft or !ate lottery. That could be of interest, especially for a team with multiple picks in this draft but lacking picks next year. That pick is going to be at the end of the 1st, so if we add a pick say in the 8-10 range then essentially we are moving up. Basically, if we add 3 more rookies this year, on top of Sarr, Kyshawn, Bub, Bilal, AJ Johnson, Vukcevic, would we need to add another rookie picked at the end of the 1st round next year? Probably not.

They will surely shop our vets (Middleton, Smart, Bey, Kispert and probably Poole) for any good picks if they can arrange such a deal. I'm not sure if they can land anything in the middle of the first round unless they take on some bad salary, but they'll try. That's just Rebuilding 101. They'll probably even include guys like Champagne and Vukcevic if they're needed to sweeten the pot.

That being said, I don't think they have a burning desire to add a third FRP in this specific draft. Sure, they'll take one if that's what's offered, but they'll just as willingly add a good pick in the 2026 draft or 2027 draft. They'll take the best pick they can get in the next 2-3 years.

I think we have at least two SRP's in this draft. It's hard to keep track of them all and the RealGM pick tracker is definitely wrong (it doesn't even have the FRP Memphis owes us). Tankathon says we have three SRP's, the PHX one, the DET one (from the Bagley acquisition) and a Golden State pick. I know that PHX pick is definitely ours from the Beal trade. Tankathon says we have the DET pick AND the GSW pick but I don't think they're right on that. I'm pretty sure that we got the better of the DET or GSW pick from the Bagley acquisition, not both. So, at the moment, we are picking #1-6, #23, #42 and #48. I expect them to try and consolidate those picks so that we end up with only 2 or 3 rookies.

[nate33]

If we some how get bumped to 5 and Johnson is gone? Do we have the balls to take queen at 5 or do some how trade back?

Sent from my SM-S926U1 using RealGM mobile app

There is no chance this team drafts Queen anywhere in the top 6. He is not their style of player. These guys don't draft anyone that they can't envision as a reliable defender. They also have zero homer allegiance to the University of Maryland.

What's our style of player?

Long for their position, average or better athleticism, and a good work ethic. They want sound defenders and they're less concerned with polished offensive skills, figuring that can teach that over time. It's the OKC formula.

[doclinkin]

, I don't think they have a burning desire to add a third FRP in this specific draft

History suggests they will spend their 2nds to move their late 1st upwards though. If I were guessing I think they’d make a play for Thomas Sorber. Young, smart, enough upside to grow. He’s injured so he may slide a little down peoples lists and therefore cost a little less in trade and they can slow play him for tank purposes.

I think they were pleased with Valanciunas’ play: smart screen setting and playmaking out of their 2nd big, physical play, I can see them looking for a younger version of that. Bub and Kyshawn played well next to JV.

I think we have at least two SRP's in this draft.

We had 3. We moved two 2025 2RPs at the trade deadline according to the NBA.com press releases. David Aldridge said we still have the Phoenix pick.

I think we just have that one.

[nate33]

We had 3. We moved two 2025 2RPs at the trade deadline according to the NBA.com press releases. David Aldridge said we still have the Phoenix pick.

I think we just have that one.

I went through all the transactions at the Trade Deadline and I didn't see us giving up the DET 2025 SRP we acquired when we absorbed Bagley. The picks we attached to Jared Butler to acquire the Philly FRP were all much later down the road.

[payitforward]

How about this as a possible range of results:

R1:
Cooper Flagg or Dylan Harper
Thomas Sorber or Nique Clifford

R2:
Adou Thiero or Tyrese Proctor
Rocco Zikarsky

Not bad sez I....

[doclinkin]

We had 3. We moved two 2025 2RPs at the trade deadline according to the NBA.com press releases. David Aldridge said we still have the Phoenix pick.

I think we just have that one.

I went through all the transactions at the Trade Deadline and I didn't see us giving up the DET 2025 SRP we acquired when we absorbed Bagley. The picks we attached to Jared Butler to acquire the Philly FRP were all much later down the road.

Yeah it wasn't clear on trade day. Lol, this is the 5th time I've done this:

https://sports.yahoo.com/grading-the-khris-middleton-kyle-kuzma-trade-what-does-this-do-for-the-bucks-and-wizards-181412019.html

Here's the full 3-team deal:

Wizards receive: Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson and a 2028 first-round pick swap (from Bucks)

Bucks receive: Kyle Kuzma, Patrick Baldwin Jr., Jericho Sims and a 2025 second-round selection (from Wizards)

Knicks receive: Delon Wright, the draft rights to Hugo Besson, and cash considerations

https://www.nba.com/news/wizards-grizzlies-kings-smart-laravia-len-trade

Wizards get:

Colby Jones (via Kings)
Alex Len (via Kings)
Marcus Smart (via Grizzlies)
2025 first-round pick (via Grizzlies)

Grizzlies get:

Marvin Bagley III (from Wizards)
Johnny Davis (from Wizards)
2025 second-round pick (via Wizards)
2028 second-round pick (via Kings)

Kings get:

Jake LaRavia (via Grizzlies)

There was little info on which 2nd round pick was which, so RealGM and Tankathon etc did not update. But then Aldridge said this:

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6124444/2025/02/21/washington-wizards-nba-draft-lottery-2025/

And, the Wizards have 16 second-round picks between 2025 and 2030, including free and clear second-rounders from Phoenix (each draft between 2025 and 2027, and in 2030), Chicago (2026), Golden State (2027 and 2028), Sacramento (2028, via Denver) the Lakers and Sacramento (both in 2029) and Portland (2030). The Wizards will also get the more favorable of the 2027 second-round pick of the Mavericks or Nets. Given the current trajectory of many of those teams, at least a few of those picks are likely to be very high in the second round — and could potentially be used by Washington to try and move up into the back end of first rounds between 2025 and 2030.

I figure NBA HOF reporter and Wizards homeboy NYT/Athletic columnist is the authoritative source on the topic. So I'm going with his word.

[DCZards]

Several pages back SUPERBALLMAN posted videos of Darrion Williams of Texas Tech, suggesting that he’d be a potential second round target.

From what I saw of Williams in the tournament, he’s a physical, heady, highly competitive baller with a NBA-ready body.

Dat has Williams at 41 on his list. He’s not the prototypical athlete usually targeted by this Zards FO, but If he’s there I’d take a chance on him with the Zards second round pick.

[pcbothwel]

There is no chance this team drafts Queen anywhere in the top 6. He is not their style of player. These guys don't draft anyone that they can't envision as a reliable defender. They also have zero homer allegiance to the University of Maryland.

What's our style of player?

Long for their position, average or better athleticism, and a good work ethic. They want sound defenders and they're less concerned with polished offensive skills, figuring that can teach that over time. It's the OKC formula.

Exactly. The only guy outside the top 3 that truly fits the bill is Noa Essengue.
Young, athletic, high IQ(AST:TOV, off ball movement), high motor (physicality, transition, defender)…
I would happily trade out of 4/5 to the late lotto and take him or CMB. Only question is what would we get in return.
I would really need a top 12 pick in 2026

Spurs might be an interesting candidate.

[J-Ves]

If we some how get bumped to 5 and Johnson is gone? Do we have the balls to take queen at 5 or do some how trade back?

Sent from my SM-S926U1 using RealGM mobile app

There is no chance this team drafts Queen anywhere in the top 6. He is not their style of player. These guys don't draft anyone that they can't envision as a reliable defender. They also have zero homer allegiance to the University of Maryland.

What's our style of player?

Big wingspans and guys who can pass/dribble/shoot. This FO prefers generalists over specialists. Basically if you can’t put the ball on the floor they probably don’t have much interest