The 2025 Rookie Class

[dckingsfan]

I would rather have another stretch PF/C that rebounds like a beast. I think that would run any of the above off the court in the playoffs...

How many stretch PF/C's can you name that rebound like beasts?

If he says Edey I would recommend a 6 month suspension.

Edey

I was thinking more of a "Nikola Vucevic like" player from the draft (in the future). He was drafted 16th.

In context... someone for the future (as nate mentioned). Yes, you could sign a big ol' bruiser instead. I would just rather try to find one in the draft that fits a slightly different profile.

Of course, here we are talking about our C rotation (nuts as Dat puts it) when we aren't close to any kind of guard rotation

[nate33]

How many stretch PF/C's can you name that rebound like beasts?

If he says Edey I would recommend a 6 month suspension.

Edey

I was thinking more of a "Nikola Vucevic like" player from the draft (in the future). He was drafted 16th.

In context... someone for the future (as nate mentioned). Yes, you could sign a big ol' bruiser instead. I would just rather try to find one in the draft that fits a slightly different profile.

Of course, here we are talking about our C rotation (nuts as Dat puts it) when we aren't close to any kind of guard rotation

I just don't think beastly rebounding stretch 5's really exist. I want a guy that can get 14-15 boards per 36. A rebounding monster like Stephen Adams, Jalen Duren, or Mitchell Robinson. A guy that can rebound, defend the rim, and stand up the strongest post players. Those guys are available if you accept that the guy isn't going to be very skilled offensively and will mostly only affect offense by rim-running or offensive boards.

If you find me that guy who also has the ability to shoot, then sure, I'd love him. But a monster rebounding 5 who can also shoot is an All-Star and surely won't be available. Either that or it will be an unathletic guy who is too slow and will compromise the defense (like Nikola Vucevic).

I'm just aiming a bit lower because I recognize that there are finite resource in a salary-capped league and we shouldn't spend too much for a guy who will likely only play 20-25 minutes a game. Sarr is our star at center. The goon is a Robin to Sarr's Batman. He'll be very much needed against certain matchups like Houston, but he may not play much at all against a team like Atlanta. Against Atlanta, I want Sarr playing 36 minutes to stop their pick-and-roll and to comfortably guard Porzingis on the perimeter as needed.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

I wholeheartedly agree with this.

But I think the type of big we need is a jumbo-sized defender/rebounder roll-man - a guy who can match up with the Steven Adams' and Ivaca Zubacs of the league and keep that would cost too much and we don't have starter's minutes available. Mitchell Robinson would be perfect, and he is an unrestricted free agent that NY almost surely can't resign due to being a 2nd Apron team. Other options include Isaiah Hartenstein (if OKC opts out on his team option to avoid the tax), and Walker Kessler (a RFA).

I would rather have another stretch PF/C that rebounds like a beast. I think that would run any of the above off the court in the playoffs...

How many stretch PF/C's can you name that rebound like beasts?

Anthony Davis
Karl Anthony Towns
Chet Holmgren

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

We all know CCJ loves him some thick fatties: Michael "sweets" Sweetney, Dajuan Butler (I actually liked his game, but no knees), probably back in the day Kevin Duckworth, Jahidi White, etc). Not sure about Ledell Eackles, "Hot Plate Williams," what a waste of talent.

Sent from my SM-S938U using Tapatalk

You just made me LAUGH OUT LOUD in a public library!

[nate33]

I would rather have another stretch PF/C that rebounds like a beast. I think that would run any of the above off the court in the playoffs...

How many stretch PF/C's can you name that rebound like beasts?

Anthony Davis
Karl Anthony Towns
Chet Holmgren

I'll give you AD and KAT. Holmgren averages 10.1 rebounds per 36 minutes. Less than Sarr.

And AD and KAT were both #1 overall picks currently making a max salary. Holmgren was a #2 overall pick. Kinda hard to acquire guys like that.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

How many stretch PF/C's can you name that rebound like beasts?

Anthony Davis
Karl Anthony Towns
Chet Holmgren

I'll give you AD and KAT. Holmgren averages 10.1 rebounds per 36 minutes. Less than Sarr.

And AD and KAT were both #1 overall picks currently making a max salary. Holmgren was a #2 overall pick. Kinda hard to acquire guys like that.

We got one, and I confess to calling him Alex Sorry last season.

[Hibachi_0]

Ace Bailey starting to figure it out with a couple of efficient 20+ games. Not doing much on ball yet, but already showing the potential to be at least an elite 3&D . Looking forward to see his development on ball, and if he's able to get to the basket by himself (he's already a good enough cutter).

[closg00]

Ace Bailey starting to figure it out with a couple of efficient 20+ games. Not doing much on ball yet, but already showing the potential to be at least an elite 3&D . Looking forward to see his development on ball, and if he's able to get to the basket by himself (he's already a good enough cutter).

Yup, just getting started, we tried hard to get him.

[Kanyewest]

Looking back at Cousins stats is interesting. He averaged more turnovers than assists in each of his season's in Sacramento. Would have been nice to see a healthy Cousins on a different/better team for longer. Small sample size but Queen is averaging more assists than turnovers.

[AI Overview]

While DeMarcus Cousins did not win an NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers, he was on the roster for their 2020 title and received a championship ring from Anthony Davis. Cousins was also considered a key part of the New Orleans Pelicans' potential championship hopes with Davis, though injuries prevented them from a deep playoff run.

2020 Lakers championship: DeMarcus Cousins was on the Los Angeles Lakers' roster when they won the NBA championship in 2020. Due to his time with the team earlier in the season, he was eligible for a championship ring, which he received from Anthony Davis.

New Orleans Pelicans: When Cousins and Davis played together in New Orleans, they were considered a strong duo with title potential. However, Cousins' ruptured Achilles tendon during the 2017-18 season sidelined him for the playoffs, and Davis has stated the team could have made a run for the Finals with both of them healthy.

Queen and Sarr in four or five years. Sarr is a better perimeter player than AD. He has better guard skills. Similarly, Queen has guard skills. With all the talk about how the game is played today, Queen can be as successful and Sengun and Sabonis. Neither are world beaters by themselves. Both are good with the right teammates.

When Cousins and Davis were both healthy, the Pelicans posted a .562 winning percentage in 48 games. And once Cousins got hurt, the Pelicans posted a .618 winning percentage in 34 games without him.

I wonder how much of it had to do with that Davis is just better as the only traditional big. After Cousins got injured, the Pelicans traded for Mirotic which allowed for a much better space and pace offense. Then the Pelicans replaced Cousins with Julius Randle (who turned out was an all star caliber player)- and the Pelicans finished 33-49 with Anthony Davis ultimately asking for a trade. Not even could MIrotic and Darius Bertans (Davis Bertans older brother) help this roster (not to mention that Rondo had left as well).

[nate33]

When Cousins and Davis were both healthy, the Pelicans posted a .562 winning percentage in 48 games. And once Cousins got hurt, the Pelicans posted a .618 winning percentage in 34 games without him.

I wonder how much of it had to do with that Davis is just better as the only traditional big. After Cousins got injured, the Pelicans traded for Mirotic which allowed for a much better space and pace offense. Then the Pelicans replaced Cousins with Julius Randle (who turned out was an all star caliber player)- and the Pelicans finished 33-49 with Anthony Davis ultimately asking for a trade. Not even could MIrotic and Darius Bertans (Davis Bertans older brother) help this roster (not to mention that Rondo had left as well).

I'm sure that's part of it. But this is precisely the problem with prototypes like Cousins and Queen. You need to find a rim protector to accompany them, but chances are, that is going to leave you with poor spacing. Teams are better off with just the spacing power forward and the rim-protecting big.

And it's even worse now than it was in the Cousins era because now, you can reliably assume that every team is capable of putting an effective 4-out lineup on the floor and force Queen defend the pick-and-roll without help.

I don't wish to be a hater regarding Queen. He is clearly a very talented player. He just happens to play in an era that will ruthlessly capitalize on his defensive deficiencies. He would have been awesome in 2002.

[dckingsfan]

When Cousins and Davis were both healthy, the Pelicans posted a .562 winning percentage in 48 games. And once Cousins got hurt, the Pelicans posted a .618 winning percentage in 34 games without him.

I wonder how much of it had to do with that Davis is just better as the only traditional big. After Cousins got injured, the Pelicans traded for Mirotic which allowed for a much better space and pace offense. Then the Pelicans replaced Cousins with Julius Randle (who turned out was an all star caliber player)- and the Pelicans finished 33-49 with Anthony Davis ultimately asking for a trade. Not even could MIrotic and Darius Bertans (Davis Bertans older brother) help this roster (not to mention that Rondo had left as well).

I'm sure that's part of it. But this is precisely the problem with prototypes like Cousins and Queen. You need to find a rim protector to accompany them, but chances are, that is going to leave you with poor spacing. Teams are better off with just the spacing power forward and the rim-protecting big.

And it's even worse now than it was in the Cousins era because now, you can reliably assume that every team is capable of putting an effective 4-out lineup on the floor and force Queen defend the pick-and-roll without help.

I don't wish to be a hater regarding Queen. He is clearly a very talented player. He just happens to play in an era that will ruthlessly capitalize on his defensive deficiencies. He would have been awesome in 2002.

Cousins and Queen are VERY different players. Queen operates and is a pass first big. Cousins is the "I take the shots big". Then again, maybe I am projecting what I think Queen will become.

I think we have a rim protector in Sarr that can space the floor. And Queen would complement (IMO) with his defensive rebounding.I just don't think there is one way to build a contender.

All that, and Queen isn't who I would have take

[nate33]

Cousins and Queen are VERY different players. Queen operates and is a pass first big. Cousins is the "I take the shots big". Then again, maybe I am projecting what I think Queen will become.

I think they are very similar defensively, only Queen lacks Cousin's wingspan. Neither can jump. Neither move well laterally, and both have an odd lack of motor on the defensive end.

My criticism of Queen is almost exclusively on defense. I agree that his offense is dynamic. He is a very talented offensive player.

[Frichuela]

Alex and Kyshawn looking grand. Bub…we know about it…

Read on Twitter

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[closg00]

When Cousins and Davis were both healthy, the Pelicans posted a .562 winning percentage in 48 games. And once Cousins got hurt, the Pelicans posted a .618 winning percentage in 34 games without him.

I wonder how much of it had to do with that Davis is just better as the only traditional big. After Cousins got injured, the Pelicans traded for Mirotic which allowed for a much better space and pace offense. Then the Pelicans replaced Cousins with Julius Randle (who turned out was an all star caliber player)- and the Pelicans finished 33-49 with Anthony Davis ultimately asking for a trade. Not even could MIrotic and Darius Bertans (Davis Bertans older brother) help this roster (not to mention that Rondo had left as well).

I'm sure that's part of it. But this is precisely the problem with prototypes like Cousins and Queen. You need to find a rim protector to accompany them, but chances are, that is going to leave you with poor spacing. Teams are better off with just the spacing power forward and the rim-protecting big.

And it's even worse now than it was in the Cousins era because now, you can reliably assume that every team is capable of putting an effective 4-out lineup on the floor and force Queen defend the pick-and-roll without help.

I don't wish to be a hater regarding Queen. He is clearly a very talented player. He just happens to play in an era that will ruthlessly capitalize on his defensive deficiencies. He would have been awesome in 2002.

Something to consider from a Pels fan regarding his D, 2nd tweet.

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[prime1time]

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People shouldn't sleep on Ace. His body will fill out. Projects as a future two way player. This draft class was really good.

[AFM]

While you all were writing love letters to Deni Avdija I asked ChatGPT some serious questions, like what are the odds that Derik Queen will have pockets fatter than Dairy Queen plus turn the low post to a scary scene:

Odds his pockets get fatter than Dairy Queen

Given he’s a first-round pick with real upside, a solid rookie contract, and every chance to earn that second big deal if he keeps trending upward…
I’d put this at roughly a 60–70% chance.
(That’s “pretty likely,” in scientific terms. Very scientific. Extremely.)

Odds he turns the low post into a scary scene

He’s got the body, the footwork foundation, and flashes of craft — the ingredients of a future matchup nightmare if he keeps polishing his game.
Let’s call that about a 50–60% chance.
He’s not a guaranteed terror yet… but the potential is humming like ominous horror-movie music.

Combined vibes-based forecast

Add those two together — not mathematically, but spiritually — and you’ve got something like an overall 70–80% chance that Derik Queen becomes both financially flourishing and physically fearsome.

If you want something more analytic (or more chaotic), just say the word — I can go full scout-mode or full clown-mode.

This is probably more accurate than anything EG or Tommy could have come up with.

Spoiler:

Ah, the classic “Is he unplayable?” vs. “He’s Baby Jokic!” debate — the two wolves inside every NBA fan.

Here’s the gentlest, warmest breakdown I can give you while still keeping it real:

1. The “unplayable in the playoffs” worry

This critique usually shows up for big men who:

Aren’t elite rim protectors

Aren’t switchable on defense

Don’t have vertical burst

Might get hunted in pick-and-roll

Queen does have some of those risk factors. He’s not a natural rim eraser, he’s not a pogo-stick, and he’s not going to be switching onto guards like a prime Bam Adebayo. So it’s fair for people to wonder how he holds up in a playoff environment, where teams zoom in on your weakest button and press it repeatedly.

But “unplayable” is way too strong. That label is reserved for guys who bring nothing else to the table.

Queen’s already flashing:

Super high feel

Strong passing instincts

Soft touch

Good positioning / anticipation

Patience on offense

A sturdy frame that actually wears on defenders

Those things age well.

Defense can improve with experience and better fitness; feel does not magically appear later in life.

2. The “Baby Jokic” comp

Okay. Let’s slow down before anyone starts sculpting a tiny Jokic statue.

BUT…
There is a reason people reach for that comparison:

Queens’s passing vision for a big is real

His decision-making under pressure is unusually mature

He manipulates defenders instead of just bulldozing them

He has soft touch around the rim

He plays with a slow, almost cheeky tempo — that “I already know what’s about to happen” vibe

He’s obviously not Jokic — nobody is — but stylistically, the archetype is similar:

A heavy, skilled interior big who uses brains more than bounce.

And that’s a very promising archetype to be in.

3. Realistic middle ground (the land of sensible optimism)

If I had to map his trajectory:

Floor: Productive rotation big with passing upside

Median: A smart, starting-caliber center who helps your offense hum

Ceiling: A slower, less omnipotent, but still impactful version of the “Jokic-style bruiser-playmaker”

And on defense?
He’ll never be a monster, but he can absolutely become:

A good positional defender

Solid on the glass

Respectable in drop

Hard to move

Good at using his weight and length

That’s completely playoff-viable if he hits even the middle outcome.

Calling him “unplayable” long-term feels like judging a seed before it’s seen sunlight.

Give this kid time — he’s got too much feel, too much touch, and too much passing for me to bet against him. Players with his brain usually figure stuff out.

[dckingsfan]

I would rather have another stretch PF/C that rebounds like a beast. I think that would run any of the above off the court in the playoffs...

How many stretch PF/C's can you name that rebound like beasts?

If he says Edey I would recommend a 6 month suspension.

Onyeka Okongwu would now like to introduce himself... last two seasons his defensive rebounding percentage has been really good - and now he is hitting the 3.

And no, I didn't see it coming...

[closg00]

How many stretch PF/C's can you name that rebound like beasts?

If he says Edey I would recommend a 6 month suspension.

Onyeka Okongwu would now like to introduce himself... last two seasons his defensive rebounding percentage has been really good - and now he is hitting the 3.

And no, I didn't see it coming...

Seriously, I had to look-up his Bio when checking Hawks box scores.

[nate33]

Charlotte won the draft.

(Kalkbrenner, James, McNeeley AND Knueppel. Good grief.)

Sion James is not chopped liver.

FTFY

But yeah, they did really well.

Maybe I have a minority opinion on this, but I'm just not getting all the praise around Kalkbrenner. He is a Goga Bitadze tier backup center starting because his team has no other options. And his per-36 numbers are really lackluster: 13.4 points, 9.2 boards and 0.6 assists. His FG% is excellent because all he is asked to do is finish on the roll. 40% of his shot attempts are dunks and 80% of his attempts are inside of 3 feet, and 98% are inside of 10 feet.

The guy turns 24 this January. For comparison, 3 years from now, Sarr will be in his 5th NBA season probably earning max money, and he will STILL be younger than Kalkbrenner is right now.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

When Cousins and Davis were both healthy, the Pelicans posted a .562 winning percentage in 48 games. And once Cousins got hurt, the Pelicans posted a .618 winning percentage in 34 games without him.

I wonder how much of it had to do with that Davis is just better as the only traditional big. After Cousins got injured, the Pelicans traded for Mirotic which allowed for a much better space and pace offense. Then the Pelicans replaced Cousins with Julius Randle (who turned out was an all star caliber player)- and the Pelicans finished 33-49 with Anthony Davis ultimately asking for a trade. Not even could MIrotic and Darius Bertans (Davis Bertans older brother) help this roster (not to mention that Rondo had left as well).

I'm sure that's part of it. But this is precisely the problem with prototypes like Cousins and Queen. You need to find a rim protector to accompany them, but chances are, that is going to leave you with poor spacing. Teams are better off with just the spacing power forward and the rim-protecting big.

And it's even worse now than it was in the Cousins era because now, you can reliably assume that every team is capable of putting an effective 4-out lineup on the floor and force Queen defend the pick-and-roll without help.

I don't wish to be a hater regarding Queen. He is clearly a very talented player. He just happens to play in an era that will ruthlessly capitalize on his defensive deficiencies. He would have been awesome in 2002.

He will be on a winning team. You don't like Sengun. There is no way to convince you, Dat, tontoz, and others that Queen will be highly effective.