2025 Draft Thread - Part 3

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Why would we want to oubid them?

If they must must must must have Ace, trade our #6 & #18 to them for all 4 of their R1 picks (8, 19, 26 & 27).

And #25. They just got that one in the Porzingis deal that helped the Celts dodge the 2nd apron penalties.

The Nets are loading up for something. There’s going to be some crossfire of trades in the 2-5 zone.

I swear it’s not for Ace or Fears but Maluach. And possibly Harper. Like the Spurs want Khaman plus assets. The Jazz want a 3for1 deal. The Nets are trying to hop past us. And we are trying to get enough assets for Harper or may take Maluach ourselves to sell to the Spurs or keep.

Looks to me like there’s heavy shenanigans in play.

No kidding! I'm afraid to hit the hay tonight -- who knows what I'll miss!

Not to make y'all jealous, but Hawaii Standard time is 6 hours behind EST.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

It never fails. I'm always traveling on Draft Day. Hopefully, the WiFi will work on the airplane.

Safe travels, nate.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Givony updated to have Fears at 5 to Utah.

This is one "I have no idea what the hell will happen draft."

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Funny to think Ace and Queen are both suites in cards....


The Science Of Ace Queen

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

I am getting heart palpitations thinking about Ace-Queen.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

It never fails. I'm always traveling on Draft Day. Hopefully, the WiFi will work on the airplane.

I was traveling from Denver to Albany on draft night 2018. Layover in Wash (can’t remember if BWI or IAD), anyways, I spotted Mark Turgeon was waiting at the gate. The flight was delayed and I eventually got near him and sheepishly said hello and congrats that Heurter was about to get picked. Turg wasn’t an outright jerk, but he was far from warm, so I said congrats and walked away.

Buzz Williams is nice. Thank goodness. Bout time the Terps didn't have a butthole coach.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

I’m going to love this draft if we get:
@6 Ace
@18 Sorber/Beringer

Or happy to get:
@6 Maluach
@18 Essengue/Fleming

Heck I would be content to get:
@6 Tre/Fears
@18 Newell/Wolf

I think I have a good chance of enjoying this draft.

If Bailey is there at 6, and Dawkins & Co. draft him, I am fine with it.

I like the vets the Wiz have brought in, and I think they'd help immensely with his transition to the NBA.

Not the guys I want, but guys that I would be comfortable with.

I think regardless of who the Wizards draft, the table is set nicely for a pretty good feast. Vets, young core, and what the military calls green beans coming in.

My guess is Sorber at 18.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

It’s beginning to look like we will get the 4th best player at 6, which would be a win after what happened with our balls. We need a PG, so I am taking WCJR or Traore at 18, we will tank nicely with Sarr, Tristan, and Kelly at Center, we’ll have to draft a Center next-year.

Clayton Junior seems like a sure bet to be a decent floor general.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

The marketing potential is too strong

It’s definitely happening

I don't know, remember that Cleveland gave up on the Love Gay Sex(ton) campaign.

Must have been before all the Pride Month hoopla. Or, maybe that only appropriately hits during the WNBA season.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Today is like Christmas for me. Either going to be hyped as hell tonight or I’ll throw my glass at the TV hearing “the Washington Wizards select… KON KONNEUPEL!!!!”

Kon Knueppel to Kispert for three.

KKK, baby!

[NatP4]

Lord Broom aka TSW aka The Secret Weapon posts his YODA for the 2025 Draft:

https://www.bulletsforever.com/2025/6/25/24454659/the-2025-nba-draft-according-to-yoda

Has CMB 4th. Johnson 9th. Bailey 11th. Queen 29th.

Interesting. YODA has love for Kon, Asa Newell and Jace Richardson.

2 of the 3 I want zero part of, and Kon just isn't a fit for us at all. Nobody ever seems to post in fantasy, or in this forum, or say, PFF hit rates with their system for rankings, it's rather annoying. I have no idea if YODA is more reliable than "random with good rep for draft scouting on message board guy".

It’s not, all you have to do is go back and look at his final lists before each draft over the last few years.

I say this as someone who would rank the top 5 of this draft the exact same as YODA.

2021: Jalen Green over Cunningham, Kispert over Franz Wagner

2022: Keegan Murray at #1 over Chet Holmgren

2023: Scoot over the Thompson twins&Brandon Miller

2024: Risacher ranked as a 2nd rounder (YODA is really bad at evaluating international leagues).

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

We are going to end up turning 6+18+Kispert+filler into Bailey, Queen, and Paul George’s albatross contract.

Get ready to cue up the Edwin Hawkins Singers, "Oh Happy Day" if this happens.

[TGW]

Today is like Christmas for me. Either going to be hyped as hell tonight or I’ll throw my glass at the TV hearing “the Washington Wizards select… KON KONNEUPEL!!!!”

Kon Knueppel to Kispert for three.

KKK, baby!

[TGW]

Taking George's contract to move up three spots would be REALLY bad. Like seriously...don't do it. PG's contract is worst than Beal's.

[80sballboy]

Bailey probably won't fall to 6 if somebody other than Washington trades up to take him.

Read on Twitter

Read on Twitter

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Lord Broom aka TSW aka The Secret Weapon posts his YODA for the 2025 Draft:

https://www.bulletsforever.com/2025/6/25/24454659/the-2025-nba-draft-according-to-yoda

Has CMB 4th. Johnson 9th. Bailey 11th. Queen 29th.

I'm proud to say I've known Kevin for over 20 years. We had lunch when he passed through Georgia about 20 years ago. Montestewart and Fishercob and I visited his house the year my Pops died, 2014. I spoke with Kevin on the phone this May.

I trust his findings.

I said earlier that I wasn't overly thrilled with Fears or Johnson, and I think Richardson will be better than either one. However, the Wizards need a point and a defensive big.

Based on YODA, I would target both Asa Newell and Rasheer Fleming at 6 and 18.

Don't worry about PG with McCollum, Bud, and AJJ on the roster.

Newell and Fleming are diamonds in this draft.

[tontoz]

Listening to the Hoops Tonight podcast. Sam Vecenie is the guest talking about Tre. He watched Tre do a workout and he said it was the most impressive shooting workout he's seen from a teenager. Sounded like one of Curry's workouts, running around for an hour practicing when he's tired.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Newell and Fleming will have more NBA success than Ace Bailey.

Bailey will score and block shots, but he's at best, Dominique Wilkins.

Newell and Fleming with Sarr would be filthy defensively. All three have Siakim potential.

[TGW]

Newell and Fleming will have more NBA success than Ace Bailey.

Bailey will score and block shots, but he's at best, Dominique Wilkins.

Newell and Fleming with Sarr would be filthy defensively. All three have Siakim potential.

Dominique Wilkins was pretty good, CCJ. If that's Bailey's comp, I'll take that over Siakim all day everyday.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

We are going to end up turning 6+18+Kispert+filler into Bailey, Queen, and Paul George’s albatross contract.

Get ready to cue up the Edwin Hawkins Singers, "Oh Happy Day" if this happens.

In 20 minutes, I was totally redirected based on better intel.

[Dat2U]

My Final 2025 NBA Draft board.

Tier 1: None

Tier 2:
1 – SF/PF Cooper Flagg
Why I like him – Do it all 18-yr old with unusual maturity, motor & work ethic. Two-way high-level upside with playmaking potential, solid face up game & shooting.
Why I am concerned – Does not have a ‘bag’ – limited number of moves to shot create. Skill level says he is a more ‘fill in the gaps’ than ‘take over’ a game type of guy but he can still expand it more.

2 – PG/SG Dylan Harper
Why I like him – Walking paint touch – best since Ja Morant but has the size & frame to withstand the contact & consistently finish.
Why I am concerned – Must improve pull-up shooting to unlock 1st option upside.

Tier 3:
3 – SG V.J. Edgecombe
Why I like him – Elite functional athlete with high motor, improving skill & two-way superstar upside.
Why I am concerned – Handle is developing and still needs to improve to truly unlock slashing ability.

4 – SG Tre Johnson
Why I like him – Elite, versatile shooting prospect. We called Reed Sheppard elite last year, well this kid is 3 inches taller and just as good! Solid handle with decent court vision.
Why I am concerned – Needs to lock in on defense or he’ll become a huge drag on that end.

5 – SF/PF Ace Bailey
Why I like him – Shot prep/mechanics are special for 6-9. Makes tough shots look easy. Can be devastating off-the-ball in C&S role, coming off screens or pin-downs.
Why I am concerned – Handle is limited, and he relies on it too much. Needs to lean in to off the ball skills to excel. Must limit defensive lapses to unlock upside and impact on that end.

Tier 4:
6 – PG Jeremiah Fears
Why I like him – Walking paint touch with developed mid-range game. A gutsy tough competitor with an elite first step.
Why I am concerned – Struggles from deep & in the paint. Must get stronger and improve either 3 pt shooting, finishing or playmaking to unlock starting PG upside. Defensively he’ll have issues.

7 – PF/C Derik Queen
Why I like him – Elite skill & feel for a C. Looks like a low post C but really excels as a face up big who can leverage his handle, body control and micro movements to get to the rim despite limited athleticism. Hands are special on both sides of the ball.
Why I am concerned – Has shown disinterest in defense at stages which is non-starter for a C. Does not really have the footspeed to defend Fs. Elite hands masked a lot in college. Is it maturity or something else? Improving his jumper would potentially make him unstoppable offensively so it’s a double-edged sword. Interviews are everything with him.

8 – PG/SG Kasparas Jakucionis
Why I like him – P&R maestro with good size who sees the floor well, can create a shot and finish around the rim at a respectable level.
Why I am concerned – High IQ but makes to many ‘f-it passes’ where he forces something when nothing is there – needs to eliminate that. Needs reliable 3pt shot to provide enough spacing to leverage the rest of his game.

9 – PF/CE – Danny Wolf
Why I like him – He runs the P&R. slashes to rim, makes pinpoint passes & pulls off step back 3s at 7-0 260. Excellent rebounder too. Not Jokic but has Jokic sensibilities. Should be fun & excel in a scaled down role as an offensive hub operating from the top of the key.
Why I am concerned – TO Prone, seems handle related so that might not quite translate as it may not be tight enough. Ok defender but not a defensive stopper by any means.

10 – PF/CE – Collin Murray-Boyles
Why I like him – Switchable big that can comfortably guard multiple positions at a high level. Defensive playmaker. Offensively, is an improving slasher capable of navigating tight windows and tough angles.
Why I am concerned – Poor shooter & low volume. Must improve and become a passable shooter to unlock any offensive upside.

11 – SF/PF Noah Penda
Why I like him – Special at processing the floor and making plays everywhere defensively. Huge frame & massive defensive impact for his age in a solid foreign league. Elite hands. Has some play making skill on offense and can make the right reads. Massive defensive upside.
Why I am concerned – Must become a solid shooter to have real avenue to score. Limited athleticism makes it tough to be anything more than a shooter, connector on offense in a complimentary role.

12 – SF/PF Carter Bryant
Why I like him – Excellent IQ/feel for the game, knew his role at Arizona. Solid athlete, frame & toolsy defender. Excellent looking stroke and showed some Shaedon Sharpe level shot-creation in his HS tape.
Why I am concerned – Handle is limited, no explosion off the bounce. Good functional athlete but outside of the break or occasional lob, its not taken advantage of offensively.

13 – SG/SF Will Riley
Why I like him – Potential 3-level scorer with solid handle, shot creation ability & excellent length. High IQ player with good feel.
Why I am concerned – Weak, skinny frame, he must bulk up to handle the wing. Jumper was wildly inconsistent in terms of his release point but not totally broken.

14 – C Thomas Sorber
Why I like him – High IQ big who processes the floor extremely well on both ends. Massive wingspan. Will have a high-level defensive impact in the league.
Why I am concerned – Low post scorer whose offensive game may not translate. Will need to develop a jumper to open up offensive utility.

15 – C Khaman Maluach
Why I like him – Special athlete for his gigantic frame. Excellent dimensions. Smooth mover. Solid work ethic. Willing learner. Elite offensive rebounder & finisher at the rim, displaying great touch.
Why I am concerned – Extremely raw and modestly skilled. Shows flashes of 3pt range, turnarounds & off the ball shooting but its not really fleshed out yet. Slow reaction time hurts defensive impact as he’s a step late pretty often. This shows in the defensive impact & defensive rebounding statistics at Duke.

16 – PG Walter Clayton Jr
Why I like him – Elite and versatile shooter who knows how to create a shot. Polished and solid decision maker who can run an offense. Tries defensively.
Why I am concerned – Mature prospect who is undersized. Ceiling may be close to being maxed out. Defensively he may be a bit of negative.

17 – SG/SF Kon Knueppel
Why I like him – Excellent shooter off the catch or spot up. Solid decision maker who can be a connector offensively. Strong lower body allows him to finish, hold up on defense.
Why I am concerned – Poor athlete for 2 or 3. Not ideal size for wing. Handle is modest, limited to attacking closeouts. Shooting off the dribble is unproven. Defensively, he will be targeted.

18 – SG/SF Cedric Coward
Why I like him – Prototype measurements and shooting skill for a with solid athleticism. Can create and make his own shot. Displays solid defensive tools.
Why I am concerned – Older prospect who did not wow against lower-level competition. Handle is good enough to create a shot for himself, but I would not consider him a playmaker. Tested well athletically but doesn’t always translate on tape.

19 – PG Nolan Traore
Why I like him – Quick guard who displays solid IQ and playmaking instincts. Improving his reads & decision making in a short period of time. Gets into lane pretty consistently and can find open shooters.
Why I am concerned – Doesn’t really have a go to move to get a basket. Really shooting dependent. Below the rim so finishing is an issue.

20 – SG/SF Hugo Gonzalez
Why I like him – High level athlete and reckless slasher with solid wing size. Displays good motor and tries defensively.
Why I am concerned – Tools seem to be there but being buried on the bench for Real Madrid is probably stunting his development. Shooting consistency is a question that needs to be answered.

21 – PG/SG Ben Saraf
Why I like him – Wing sized guard who can defend 3 positions. Solid handle and can get into the paint consistently.
Why I am concerned – Decision making is headache inducing once he gets into the paint. Jumper needs work. May not have enough juice to play on the ball in the NBA but right now, he needs the ball in his hands to be effective.

Tier 5:
22 – C Hansen Yang
Note – Highly skilled offensive big that needs to get stronger and improve him mobility to handle the defensive rigors of the positions.

23 – PF Bogoljub Markovic
Note – Dead-eye shooter, rebounder with solid IQ. Defense is where the questions lie.

24 – C Maxime Raynaud
Note – Polished, face up big with 3-pt range who can attack closeouts. Will have issues defensively.

25 – C Johni Broome
Note – Skilled, high IQ big who can face up & provide enough defense to solid.

26 – SG/SF Nique Clifford
Note – Jack of all trades, master of none. Will need to make jump shots enough to hold real value in a lineup and unlock being a connective piece.

27 – PF/C Rasheer Fleming
Note – C&S & spot up 3 pt shooter & play finisher offensively while being a toolsy defender. Do not ask him to pass, dribble or make decisions. Struggles with rotations at times. I don’t love the feel.

28 – C Ryan Kalkbrenner
Note – Massive big with excellent touch and solid IQ to be effective in a drop coverage role. Slow feel

28 – PF/C Asa Newell
Note – Pure tweener. Not enough skill offensively but a 4, but not strong enough to defend 5s but will likely have too. Poor rebounder. 3 pt shot has potential, face up game may not due to limited handle, feel.

29 – SG/PG Jase Richardson
Note – Came out too early. Needed to add a right hand and work on his PG skill. Love the shot making, the flashes on ball creation and b-ball IQ but he’s in a tough position as an undersized 2.

30 – C Joan Beringer
Note – Pure rim runner. Raw and unpolished but a special athlete with the ability to switch onto smaller players. Will take time to develop.

31 – PF/C Noa Essengue
Note – Uniquely athletic big with special body control and C length. Skill is extremely limited to shot puts from 3 and meekly attacking a closeout. An absolute terror in transition and when running full speed in general (which lead to an incredible rate of generating fouls). If the game of basketball was solely about transition play, he’d go top 3 and not 3. Sadly its not and I question his hands. He is also left unguarded a bulk of the time.

32 – SF/PF Adou Thiero
Note – High tier athlete with enough handle to get to the rim. Problem is the broken jumper and overall lack of feel. Functional athleticism should allow him to carve out a role.

33 – SG/SF Egor Demin
Note – 6-9 wing masquerading as PG. High feel with excellent court vision and solid handle for a 6-9 guy but not a PG. Shot concerns me because he apparently is lights out in practice but the tougher the competition, the worse he shoots it.

Tier 6:
34 – C Amari Williams
35 – C Rocco Zikarsky
36 – PG Javon Small
37 – SG Koby Brea
38 – SG/SF Sion James
39 – SG Drake Powell
40 – SF Alex Toohey
41 – SF Liam McNeeley
42 – SG John Tonje
43 – PG Tyrese Proctor
44 – PG Mark Sears
45 – PG Kam Jones
46 – C Yanic Konan Niederhauser
47 – PF Grant Nelson
48 – SG Hunter Sallis
49 – SG Alijah Martin
50 – PF Eric Dixon
51 – SG/SF Jamir Watkins
51 – PG/SG Max Shugla
52 – SG Chaz Lanier
53 – PG Chucky Hepburn