2025 Draft Thread

[long suffrin' boulez fan]

gallows humor....

Check the news, it's (possibly) true.

Holy Shxt. He's not joking.

[AFM]

That is the most #soWizards outcome. Whoever we draft gets deported, setting back the rebuild a decade

[9 and 20]

Malauch shot 76% from the line so there is potential there for him to be more than just a pick and roll, rim running, defensive big. If you unlock his shooting, you probably have one of the best centers in the NBA. I'm completely fine with any of Flagg/Harper/Bailey/Malauch/VJ. Those are probably my top 5 in that order.

Someone I like in the 20s if he's still there is Carter Bryant. Just reading some stuff on him, projects well as a 3 and D guy.

Malauch suffers from basically being too big. He's very mobile for his size but frankly... it takes alot to get big fella moving in one direction or another. I read about his switchability but looking at the games I did not really see it. His best attribute thus far is he tries. With his length that's half the battle but I don't see him keeping up with most guards nor would you want him operating far away from the rim. He's definitely a drop coverage big and like Brendan Haywood, I think he's going to be the the guy that seals his man off to allow teammates to grab rebounds because he's not quick enough to corral it himself.

Malauch & Knueppel are solid lottery picks IMO but just based on roster construction, I'd look elsewhere.

That's what she said, anyone?

I like the idea of a Rudy Gobert type - that's a pretty significant tool in the toolkit. If we're picking at #6, I'm not sure who I'd rather have there. Maybe Queen who is basically the opposite - a mostly offense type that's limited in other ways.

On Queen though - if Sorber is going to be drafted at 20, is Queen really that much better than Sorber?

[doclinkin]

Malauch is much more of a project to me than I initially thought. I think the Brendan Haywood comparisons are legit though although Malauch has better mitts, but he may never be a big minute center or rebounder. The effort is there defensively and you can't teach his length so I can't drop him too far.

...

Malauch shot 76% from the line so there is potential there for him to be more than just a pick and roll, rim running, defensive big. If you unlock his shooting, you probably have one of the best centers in the NBA. I'm completely fine with any of Flagg/Harper/Bailey/Malauch/VJ. Those are probably my top 5 in that order.

Malauch suffers from basically being too big. He's very mobile for his size but frankly... it takes alot to get big fella moving in one direction or another. I read about his switchability but looking at the games I did not really see it. His best attribute thus far is he tries. With his length that's half the battle but I don't see him keeping up with most guards nor would you want him operating far away from the rim. He's definitely a drop coverage big and like Brendan Haywood, I think he's going to be the the guy that seals his man off to allow teammates to grab rebounds because he's not quick enough to corral it himself.

I agree he's a huge project. I just think the upside on that project is far higher than he's credited for. Part of that is age and how new he is to the game. Part of that is his role at Duke. If you are just watching recent games and footage you see Maluach in a simplified role in one of the highest pressure situations in American sports. His offense is limited to screen/pick & roll, offensive putbacks. I'm surprised that Scheyer does want him guarding outside, and as you say he does so with effort and remarkable mobility for his frame. Doesn't always keep up. At the next level you won't expect him to do so full time.

But if you watch him in footage in Africa or flashes of how he played in the Olympics you see more fluidity in his movements. You also see some high level instinctive reads from someone who is clearly processing quickly.

Watch on YouTube

He just doesn't know what he doesn't know. He's still learning some basic skills. That ^^^ is a 17 year old kid shooting over the top of Embiid and blocking Unibrow. In the pre-Duke footage you see a kid working by instinct. At Duke you see a kid learning the right way to fit into a scheme. Without much in the way of experience. He's trying hard, and looks it. In a pretty complex defense. Without some of the basic repetitions that most college kids already have. Recall though there's only 3 college freshmen younger than him in this draft. And he's only been playing team ball for 3 years, counting this year. There are some veteran skills that will accrue quickly based on how smart and instinctual he is, and some skills he can only build with minutes and repetition.

You mention defensive rebounding. That's not about quickness but about anticipation and smarts. Defensive rebounding starts before the ball is in the air. It's why even short stout slow players can be remarkable defensive boardsmen. Find your man, wall him off, box him out. This is a veteran skill set, one of the reasons why true bigs take longer to develop. High center of gravity types get shoved aside until they learn that Wiz'nasty 'kneebend' to set a solid base.

Offensive rebounding is the skill that requires either superior reaction speed or great length. You have to slip the box out, or get up over the opponent before they can react. This is a skill where Maluach excels. His offensive boardswork is stellar. When he learns on the defensive boards to hit first, he will have greater effect. Find your man first, then the ball.

Yes. at the next level Maluach will play close to the basket more. He can guard in space when you have guys like Embiid or Jokic pitching from catapult range. But his best attribute is how much space he can take up in the paint. On this team that's a good fit. We have length and mobility in our rangy wings and forwards. With Khaman's size and relative mobility he has a one-step defensive range that can choke off lane when he is floating the no-mans land inside the arc. That one-step is long. He only needs to get comfortable with the timing of the 2.9 second do-si-do to deter penetration. Force pull-ups and misses. I'm not worried if he can rebound. Everybody else can. Nobody else has the reach and muscle to stifle the giants who are taking over the league.

Yes a key question is whether Sarr and Maluach can play together, and I expect early on offense they will struggle. But Sarr bombing away from outside combined with Maluach's offensive rebounding will turn some bad shots into accidental passes. I'm okay with the struggle as they learn. It helps us earn our 2026 top-8 pick. The upside comes when both begin to add skill to their natural athleticism:

Watch on YouTube

That is not a slow kid. At Duke he is still thinking when he is on court. Deferring to the golden boy and trying to fit in. But given freedom to develop his game, freed from having to go to classes and earn that 4.0 grade, turned loose to be aggressive, given big league trainers to improve his core strength, conditioning, mobility. There's no telling how good this kid can be once the game begins to slow down for him.

The things he needs to get better at are mostly skills that can be taught. Shooting. Footwork. Fundamentals. The only question is whether he is smart enough to learn, and if he has that innate desire to compete. Reports say yes. He's damned smart. And if anything has had to be taught to not be too aggressive. Not jump and bang and foul. So he is still thinking out there.

I personally think his upside is: at the end of his career he's the bar none, no questions, best player from this draft. And at minimum: yeah, a rim protecting defensive center who is a high percentage scorer with a huge catch radius.

[dobrojim]

On the upside, he could have the impact of multiple-time DPOY Dikembe.

[Benjammin]

I'm still in on Maluach at like five or six but he'll need some good workouts. I expect his measurements will be very long of course. I guess the other guys in that range are Edgecombe and Tre Johnson. I just don't see DQ as a five or a particularly good fit with Sarr.

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[doclinkin]

Malauch shot 76% from the line so there is potential there for him to be more than just a pick and roll, rim running, defensive big. If you unlock his shooting, you probably have one of the best centers in the NBA. I'm completely fine with any of Flagg/Harper/Bailey/Malauch/VJ. Those are probably my top 5 in that order.

I think mine too. But when it comes to upside and potential, I wonder if the order isn't:

Maluach. Literally nobody in the league as big and athletic. Look at him in the footage making Embiid look short. Shooting a three over Unibrow. Plus he's smart? And wants to hit first?

Flagg. Too smart to be this young. Too much drive and BBIQ. Does that make him an early developing prodigy? Or is there constant upside in his rage to win. He will get better every year if his body holds up.

Ace. I get the tunnel focus questions. But few players have the length, athleticism, and natural grace, plus he loves the game. Loves playing 2-way ball. I think his body gets stronger. He's a baby out there, looks skinny but has room to build that predator strength. The Scottie Pippen sort of strength. Rangy muscle.

Edge. Instinctive athleticism and quick twitch reflexes that are matched or exceeded only by the Thompson twins, Shaedon Sharpe, Antman. He's smaller than the above, he's something like a bargain Russell Westbrook in his potential. With a skills coach and game reps he will only get better.

Harper. Born to the game. Strong. Instant veteran. Needs a jumpshot, but his wily game sense exceeds his pure athleticism which lets him get loose inside, has that James Harden thing where it doesn't matter that his footspeed won't blow past you. You just wonder if he will have to make some adjustments to do what he does at the next level.

[GatherStepGuru]

With the draft lottery coming up, we have a good shot at Cooper Flagg. But theres a chance we fall to 2 or 3.
Personally, I wouldnt mind Dylan Harper, but then we have a glut with Smart, AJ Johnson, Kispert, JPoole, and Bub.

Just wanted to see thoughts on reasonable Plan B's if we miss on Coop. Do we trade the pick? Take the best player available?
Make any other moves?

??!?!?!
There's like a 6 in 7 chance we do not get Flagg, and only a what 40% chance we land a top 3 pick.

The Flagg Pick: 14%
A top 2 pick (clearly there's a top 2 tier, then a 2-3 player 3rd tier): 27% (touch more than 1 in 4 chance)

A top 3 pick: About 40%

A top 4 pick: About 52%

A top 5 pick: About 80%

The nightmare 6th pick: 20%, there's a better chance of getting the horror show 6th pick than any other individual pick other than 5.

So, the reality is, it is highly, highly likely, we are not getting Flagg.

If you want to do prep and learn about the guys in our zone, take a look at the top 6 who include Flagg, Harper, Edgecombe, Bailey, and a wide difference of opinion on whom should go 5 or 6 (Maluach, Tre Johnson, Kon K, Jakucionsis, Queen etc). Wide aggregated agreement falls off around slot 5.

My bad, I meant to edit and add that I posted this in the wrong forum originally, and got forwarded back here…

I ask because, I am aware of the players in our zone, and after the top 2 honestly, I think we need a big, or a polished wing with potential to be a go-to scorer… I may be in a minority who isn’t sold on Sarr, as I think mentality he just doesn’t have the aggression to be a consistent defensive stopper at the 5. If not a top 2, I’d say we grab Maluach and let him battle w Sarr in practice, or see if we can move back and get more picks + players. For instance, if we drop, see if we can swap with CHA for someone like Mark Williams and their pick for Sarr and our pick.

[The Consiglieri]

THIRD?!?!?!?! Well, I'll give you this, it will be a genius, or homer take (sorry, I can never take local pick homerism on this board and other DC sports boards too seriously, and it does periodically bite me in the butt, when the guy actually turns out to be a star, superstar or at least pretty good). I think there's zero chance, as in, ZERO, he's a top 3 player in the draft when this draft is evaluated 10-20 years from now. I will gladly eat crow if I'm wrong, I have no issue doing so, I'm wrong all the time in evaluating stuff .

You do realize AFM is trolling, right?

No, lol.

[payitforward]

moving here...

...after the top 2 ... if we drop, see if we can swap with CHA for someone like Mark Williams and their pick for Sarr and our pick.

That's an original & interesting idea. But...

...you are trading Sarr (a #2 pick) & a higher pick in '25 for Mark Williams & a lower pick in '25 -- meaning that you are valuing Mark Williams well above Alex Sarr.

Is that accurate?

Any thoughts, anyone?

[doclinkin]

I ask because, I am aware of the players in our zone, and after the top 2 honestly, I think we need a big, or a polished wing with potential to be a go-to scorer… I may be in a minority who isn’t sold on Sarr, as I think mentality he just doesn’t have the aggression to be a consistent defensive stopper at the 5. If not a top 2, I’d say we grab Maluach and let him battle w Sarr in practice, or see if we can move back and get more picks + players. For instance, if we drop, see if we can swap with CHA for someone like Mark Williams and their pick for Sarr and our pick.

Long answer in the draft thread. But the short answer is: our biggest need is stars. We don't have one. We have no one to build around. So at #2 you take Harper and worry about roster balance later.

As for the rest. Yeah I'm the guy banging the drum for Maluach, but your trade idea is terrible, sorry Mark Williams is damaged goods. Couldn't pass the Lakers medical test, and they were desperate for a big. His own team didn't want him back. Apparently his medicals are a mess.

I'd take Maluach if we fell from the top 4, I'd consider him at 3 or 4 even. But I'd play him WITH Sarr who sees himself as a giant 3&D power forward. Okay, lets develop him as needed. See if it works. He can defend the perimeter well as a 7 footer. An anti-Chet or Wembanyama player. He plays well as a weakside shot blocker. The big question is offensive chemistry, but he likes to shoot from outside. I'm game to try. If it doesn't work in year one, that's good. We lose enough to earn back our 2026 pick, which ships to the Knicks if we are not top 8.

If someone came in with a massive offer for #2 I'd only consider it for a high lotto pick this year and unprotected 2026 picks. Harper lets us move on from Poole (among the 'leaders' in the league for worst fouls and turnovers per 36). As the cap increases and his deal grows short, Poole may actually become a desired asset. Just in time for our young players to break out and take over.

If we traded back I'd look at Collin Murray Boyles and Thomas Sorber. Though I'm looking at using our Memphis pick for Rasheer Fleming and Yaxel Lendeborg in the same role as front court defenders. Fingers crossed, we have a decent chance at a good player falling to us. Or trading some of our 16 2nd round picks to move up and take one.

That said, if current events interferes then Malauch may fall out of the lottery, and I would happily draft him with our Memphis pick if he fell that far, and figure I'd work out the politics of it later. If not, he'd play in Europe for a few years as a high level draft and stash.

[The Consiglieri]

We need a sixth guy. I would love to work from two different areas:
#1 Who do we think are the most likely players to join the top 4 in a top 6, and #2 what players do we think are FO would be most attracted to and in what order (and if that includes guys not in the consensus top 6, like say, Bilal in '23, who are they)?

Obviously I don't have the power to direct how you guys focus your energies, but for me I've always found obsessive posting on particular guys a waste of time, the FO typically has needs, and types they are most likely to target those needs with, in this case, we still need practically everything (in the sense that the current roster is not going to dictate who we take w/our own first) so how would we evaluate the guys they are most likely to target 1-6.

Secondarily, if we do get a first from Memphis (in that 18th-24th range), what guys fit what they like best? I'm really curious what you guys think are the answers to these questions, particularly:

1.03-1.06: How do they order Bailey and Edgecombe in that tier, and what guys join them?

1.18-1.24: In trying to figure out what they might target here, I'm equally confused, and this area in particular is a great free for all because it could encompass a good 10-20 prospects? I assume, long for the position, athletic, maybe even draft and stash (considering how many rookies, and second year players they could tolerate in the locker room, eventually, they'll say: "okay, we may need to stash a guy, or trade the pick for a future pick, or package the pick with seconds to move up etc).

[tontoz]

On the upside, he could have the impact of multiple-time DPOY Dikembe.

Deke averaged over twice as many stocks per 40 as Maluach in college.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

I've not actually seen him in a game but I like the sound of the type of player Rasheer Fleming
could turn out to be. Among that cluster of PF/Cs projected to go around 20-25, he sounds
intriguing.

Got my eye on Fleming as well. A physically gifted 20 yr old with 3 yrs of college experience.

He’s consistently improved his 3 pt shooting and his rebounding, shotblocking, and steals all look to be above average for a 6-9 PF.

He's a solid pick with the second FRP.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

I thought of a good comp for Derik Queen: Jahill Okafor.



Okafor was significantly more efficient as a shooter and pretty equivalent across the board in other metrics, only he was a year younger and an inch taller. So, objectively speaking, Okafor looked like a substantially better prospect. And yet, he amounted to nothing in the NBA because the NBA rejects centers who don't protect the rim.

Paul Harvey would say, "Now for the rest of the story:"

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jahlil_Okafor

[Quote]
On June 25, 2015, Okafor was selected with the third overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers.[131] After debuting with a 20-point NBA Summer League performance on July 6, Okafor signed a two-year contract with the 76ers on July 7, with team options for two additional seasons.[132][133] He debuted for the 76ers, logging 26 points, seven rebounds and two blocks, against the Boston Celtics on October 28.[134][135][136] On November 9, he posted his first career double-double with 21 points and 15 rebounds against his hometown Chicago Bulls.[137]

After the 76ers got off to an 0–16 start to the season, Okafor was involved in a street fight with taunting individuals on November 25 in Boston.[138] On November 30, with additional reports surfacing that Okafor had been involved in various controversial and dangerous off-the-court situations, the 76ers agreed to a request to assign a security guard to accompany Okafor in public.
[/Quote ]

Okafor had character and off-the-court issues.

JO began his career first-team All-Rookie and averaged 17 and 7 on over .500FG. Then he effed up off the court. Repeatedly.

He only signed a 2-year rookie deal. Boston got rid of a problematic player.

Queen won't have a similar negative career.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Malauch shot 76% from the line so there is potential there for him to be more than just a pick and roll, rim running, defensive big. If you unlock his shooting, you probably have one of the best centers in the NBA. I'm completely fine with any of Flagg/Harper/Bailey/Malauch/VJ. Those are probably my top 5 in that order.

Someone I like in the 20s if he's still there is Carter Bryant. Just reading some stuff on him, projects well as a 3 and D guy.

Malauch suffers from basically being too big. He's very mobile for his size but frankly... it takes alot to get big fella moving in one direction or another. I read about his switchability but looking at the games I did not really see it. His best attribute thus far is he tries. With his length that's half the battle but I don't see him keeping up with most guards nor would you want him operating far away from the rim. He's definitely a drop coverage big and like Brendan Haywood, I think he's going to be the the guy that seals his man off to allow teammates to grab rebounds because he's not quick enough to corral it himself.

Malauch & Knueppel are solid lottery picks IMO but just based on roster construction, I'd look elsewhere.

That's what she said, anyone?

I like the idea of a Rudy Gobert type - that's a pretty significant tool in the toolkit. If we're picking at #6, I'm not sure who I'd rather have there. Maybe Queen who is basically the opposite - a mostly offense type that's limited in other ways.

On Queen though - if Sorber is going to be drafted at 20, is Queen really that much better than Sorber?

Draft both.

Sorber must be desperate for money. He stands to make a lot more money returning and becoming a top 5-10 pick like Queen. He's definitely better defensively and he looks taller to me than DQ.

The Wizards would have a dominant front court with both on their team.

[TheBlackCzar]

Malauch suffers from basically being too big. He's very mobile for his size but frankly... it takes alot to get big fella moving in one direction or another. I read about his switchability but looking at the games I did not really see it. His best attribute thus far is he tries. With his length that's half the battle but I don't see him keeping up with most guards nor would you want him operating far away from the rim. He's definitely a drop coverage big and like Brendan Haywood, I think he's going to be the the guy that seals his man off to allow teammates to grab rebounds because he's not quick enough to corral it himself.

Malauch & Knueppel are solid lottery picks IMO but just based on roster construction, I'd look elsewhere.

That's what she said, anyone?

I like the idea of a Rudy Gobert type - that's a pretty significant tool in the toolkit. If we're picking at #6, I'm not sure who I'd rather have there. Maybe Queen who is basically the opposite - a mostly offense type that's limited in other ways.

On Queen though - if Sorber is going to be drafted at 20, is Queen really that much better than Sorber?

Draft both.

Sorber must be desperate for money. He stands to make a lot more money returning and becoming a top 5-10 pick like Queen. He's definitely better defensively and he looks taller to me than DQ.

The Wizards would have a dominant front court with both on their team.

I don't think that's the case CCJ.... By coming out this year vs next, he expedites his time to contract #2..... One year earlier wipes out any losses incurred from a rookie deal and puts you into surplus moving forward.....

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Malauch shot 76% from the line so there is potential there for him to be more than just a pick and roll, rim running, defensive big. If you unlock his shooting, you probably have one of the best centers in the NBA. I'm completely fine with any of Flagg/Harper/Bailey/Malauch/VJ. Those are probably my top 5 in that order.

I think mine too. But when it comes to upside and potential, I wonder if the order isn't:

Maluach. Literally nobody in the league as big and athletic. Look at him in the footage making Embiid look short. Shooting a three over Unibrow. Plus he's smart? And wants to hit first?

Flagg. Too smart to be this young. Too much drive and BBIQ. Does that make him an early developing prodigy? Or is there constant upside in his rage to win. He will get better every year if his body holds up.

Ace. I get the tunnel focus questions. But few players have the length, athleticism, and natural grace, plus he loves the game. Loves playing 2-way ball. I think his body gets stronger. He's a baby out there, looks skinny but has room to build that predator strength. The Scottie Pippen sort of strength. Rangy muscle.

Edge. Instinctive athleticism and quick twitch reflexes that are matched or exceeded only by the Thompson twins, Shaedon Sharpe, Antman. He's smaller than the above, he's something like a bargain Russell Westbrook in his potential. With a skills coach and game reps he will only get better.

Harper. Born to the game. Strong. Instant veteran. Needs a jumpshot, but his wily game sense exceeds his pure athleticism which lets him get loose inside, has that James Harden thing where it doesn't matter that his footspeed won't blow past you. You just wonder if he will have to make some adjustments to do what he does at the next level.

As much as I want Queen none of these players are "miss" picks. These are good, better, and best players.

I think AJ Johnson replicates a lot of what Edgecombe brings. OTOH Edgecombe isn't too small to become a Donovan Mitchell type explosive scoring SG.

Harper has a unique old man game. He will live on the free throw line as Harden has done. He is wily. He will be effective.

Ace is a supreme athlete. He didn't impress me at all when Maryland played Rutgers. I'll trust what I've read about him. The NBA is more about run and jump than playing sound defense. At his height he'd be welcomed on the Wizards.

Flagg. I guess he'd make the team.

Malauch. He's taller than Queen and he's not fat like DQ. On a serious note, Duke could have utilized him better.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

That's what she said, anyone?

I like the idea of a Rudy Gobert type - that's a pretty significant tool in the toolkit. If we're picking at #6, I'm not sure who I'd rather have there. Maybe Queen who is basically the opposite - a mostly offense type that's limited in other ways.

On Queen though - if Sorber is going to be drafted at 20, is Queen really that much better than Sorber?

Draft both.

Sorber must be desperate for money. He stands to make a lot more money returning and becoming a top 5-10 pick like Queen. He's definitely better defensively and he looks taller to me than DQ.

The Wizards would have a dominant front court with both on their team.

I don't think that's the case CCJ.... By coming out this year vs next, he expedites his time to contract #2..... One year earlier wipes out any losses incurred from a rookie deal and puts you into surplus moving forward.....

TBC, this is all very reasonable unless Sorber doesn't get drafted as high as he is projected.

[Benjammin]

There is no issue for Maluach and immigration (famous last words) given his status as an unusual worker.

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