2025 Draft Thread - Part 2

[DCZards]

An interesting bigman choice in Queen, Malauch, and Sorber. Queen is all offense, Maulauch is all defense, and Sorber is in between, but coming off an injury. With those measurements, I'd take Sorber out of the three, but I'm not sure if he's fully recovered.

Time for Dawkins to earn that paycheck.

If I were Dawkins, I'd secretly be looking to bolt. The Wizards are going to take three years to reach mediocrity.

Why is Dawkins trying to leave? Seems like he's got fairly complete control here over personnel.

Is the presumption that he already knows he's going to fail so he's going to leave ahead of time so he doesn't get blamed for it? I don't think I'd buy that.

Dawkins is in a sweet spot. He’s not going anywhere. He’s been given total control over a rebuild and knows he has at least 3-4 years to turn things around…and the Zards will be in a totally revamped arena in downtown DC in the same timeframe. He’s good.

[doclinkin]

My dream draft at this point is VJ or Ace & Danny Wolf.

I doubt Wolf makes it to 18.

I think one of Wolf or Sorber will. I would be good with either at 18. If we are patient with Sorber, he might actually be the better fit next to Sarr?

Queen may actually fall quite a bit given the combine results. I don't think all of Queen, Wolf or Sorber will be gone by 18.

My 1/2 cent.

And/or Collin Murray Boyles who I think will be special as well. I think there is a good chance somebody nice falls to us. The rise of players like Carter Bryant and maybe Drake Powell should displace players currently higher in the mocks.

[dckingsfan]

I doubt Wolf makes it to 18.

I think one of Wolf or Sorber will. I would be good with either at 18. If we are patient with Sorber, he might actually be the better fit next to Sarr?

Queen may actually fall quite a bit given the combine results. I don't think all of Queen, Wolf or Sorber will be gone by 18.

My 1/2 cent.

And/or Collin Murray Boyles who I think will be special as well. I think there is a good chance somebody nice falls to us. The rise of players like Carter Bryant and maybe Drake Powell should displace players players currently higher in the mocks.

Yep, what I am thinking as well. It "could be" that Ace falls to us... that and one of Wolf, Sorber or CMB would be fine although I would rather it be one of Wolf or Sorber.

And with any kind of dumb luck we get someone that falls into round 2.

This is a very weird draft.

[dckingsfan]

My dream draft at this point is VJ or Ace & Danny Wolf.

What would you be willing to give up to move up? #18?

We might luck out... there is an outside chance Ace falls to 6. Not sure about Wolf at 18 though, you might need to bundle that SRP to move up to get him. If not, Sorber - then you just need to be really patient until the foot heals completely.

[Dat2U]

I doubt Wolf makes it to 18.

I think one of Wolf or Sorber will. I would be good with either at 18. If we are patient with Sorber, he might actually be the better fit next to Sarr?

Queen may actually fall quite a bit given the combine results. I don't think all of Queen, Wolf or Sorber will be gone by 18.

My 1/2 cent.

And/or Collin Murray Boyles who I think will be special as well. I think there is a good chance somebody nice falls to us. The rise of players like Carter Bryant and maybe Drake Powell should displace players players currently higher in the mocks.

CMB = Montrezl Harrell with the added switchability on defense. I think he's a small ball C. That jumpshot isnt viable (14 on the year?). He can still be useful albeit situational.

[doclinkin]

I think one of Wolf or Sorber will. I would be good with either at 18. If we are patient with Sorber, he might actually be the better fit next to Sarr?

Queen may actually fall quite a bit given the combine results. I don't think all of Queen, Wolf or Sorber will be gone by 18.

My 1/2 cent.

And/or Collin Murray Boyles who I think will be special as well. I think there is a good chance somebody nice falls to us. The rise of players like Carter Bryant and maybe Drake Powell should displace players players currently higher in the mocks.

CMB = Montrezl Harrell with the added switchability on defense. I think he's a small ball C. That jumpshot isnt viable (14 on the year?). He can still be useful albeit situational.

I think he’s Draymond 2.0. Too smart to fail. I think he may develop a passable jumper but even if not on this team he can be a small ball C and still fit next to Sarr since he adds all the qualities that Sarr lacks. Let Alex develop his jumper while CMB runs the show from the middle of the floor. Like I envision with Sorber but less size more switchability and even more situational savvy.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

I dunno...I'm just not that high on Queen. Yeah, hes's a hometown favorite, a UMd kid, and its hard not to get a slanted view of him though my UMd colored bifocal lenses... He just does not scream pick 6 to me. He is further down the draft board...much further. He is undersized for a C, and although he has a respectable offensive game, he will get killed on D. He cant play PF because there too, he cant guard the opposing PF, although his offensive skills may be fine for PF. I am not sure his game will translate as well in the NBA as many here are thinking. Realistically, comparable players not named Queen are projected in the mid to low first round.

I think he can definitely play PF because of his advanced handle. He played PF in college. He's a perfect fit next to Sarr.

[dckingsfan]

I dunno...I'm just not that high on Queen. Yeah, hes's a hometown favorite, a UMd kid, and its hard not to get a slanted view of him though my UMd colored bifocal lenses... He just does not scream pick 6 to me. He is further down the draft board...much further. He is undersized for a C, and although he has a respectable offensive game, he will get killed on D. He cant play PF because there too, he cant guard the opposing PF, although his offensive skills may be fine for PF. I am not sure his game will translate as well in the NBA as many here are thinking. Realistically, comparable players not named Queen are projected in the mid to low first round.

I think he can definitely play PF because of his advanced handle. He played PF in college. He's a perfect fit next to Sarr.

I think he SHOULD be a PF. I think the Wizard's are the wrong team for him.Pairing him with Sarr would be a disaster (IMO).

Ideally, he would be on a team with a really good defensive C and other good defensive wings. Portland jumps to mind. Miami would be great (Bam and they seem to get the most out of developing their players bodies). The Clippers would work well (Zubak and Leonard) . San Antonio too with Wemby the eraser.

I think saying he can't/won't be able to defend PFs - smh, let's see if he puts in the work to improve his D. I do think his early success is going to be based upon the luck of who drafts him.

[dckingsfan]

The more I look at this, the weirder this draft seems.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

I dunno...I'm just not that high on Queen. Yeah, hes's a hometown favorite, a UMd kid, and its hard not to get a slanted view of him though my UMd colored bifocal lenses... He just does not scream pick 6 to me. He is further down the draft board...much further. He is undersized for a C, and although he has a respectable offensive game, he will get killed on D. He cant play PF because there too, he cant guard the opposing PF, although his offensive skills may be fine for PF. I am not sure his game will translate as well in the NBA as many here are thinking. Realistically, comparable players not named Queen are projected in the mid to low first round.

I think he can definitely play PF because of his advanced handle. He played PF in college. He's a perfect fit next to Sarr.

I think he SHOULD be a PF. I think the Wizard's are the wrong team for him.Pairing him with Sarr would be a disaster (IMO).

Ideally, he would be on a team with a really good defensive C and other good defensive wings. Portland jumps to mind. Miami would be great (Bam and they seem to get the most out of developing their players bodies). The Clippers would work well (Zubak and Leonard) . San Antonio too with Wemby the eraser.

I think saying he can't/won't be able to defend PFs - smh, let's see if he puts in the work to improve his D. I do think his early success is going to be based upon the luck of who drafts him.

No worries. I'm convinced the Wizards won't draft Derik Queen. He doesn't fit their archetype.

[dckingsfan]

I think he can definitely play PF because of his advanced handle. He played PF in college. He's a perfect fit next to Sarr.

I think he SHOULD be a PF. I think the Wizard's are the wrong team for him.Pairing him with Sarr would be a disaster (IMO).

Ideally, he would be on a team with a really good defensive C and other good defensive wings. Portland jumps to mind. Miami would be great (Bam and they seem to get the most out of developing their players bodies). The Clippers would work well (Zubak and Leonard) . San Antonio too with Wemby the eraser.

I think saying he can't/won't be able to defend PFs - smh, let's see if he puts in the work to improve his D. I do think his early success is going to be based upon the luck of who drafts him.

No worries. I'm convinced the Wizards won't draft Derik Queen. He doesn't fit their archetype.

yeah, I think you are right on both accounts. I also think you are right that he has talent. And after AFM's campaign, I am rooting for him.

I don't think Portland takes him, SA at 14 or Miami at 20?

[WallToWall]

I think he SHOULD be a PF. I think the Wizard's are the wrong team for him.Pairing him with Sarr would be a disaster (IMO).

Ideally, he would be on a team with a really good defensive C and other good defensive wings. Portland jumps to mind. Miami would be great (Bam and they seem to get the most out of developing their players bodies). The Clippers would work well (Zubak and Leonard) . San Antonio too with Wemby the eraser.

I think saying he can't/won't be able to defend PFs - smh, let's see if he puts in the work to improve his D. I do think his early success is going to be based upon the luck of who drafts him.

No worries. I'm convinced the Wizards won't draft Derik Queen. He doesn't fit their archetype.

yeah, I think you are right on both accounts. I also think you are right that he has talent. And after AFM's campaign, I am rooting for him.

I don't think Portland takes him, SA at 14 or Miami at 20?

14-24 is where I would put him. I do agree that the fit with the Wiz isnt there. I can see him spending time in the G-league while he figures things out.

[closg00]

FWIW, Fears is the first player the Wizards have worked-out.

[Dat2U]

Here is a picture of where I am at the moment so its eubject to change as always. Top 4 feels locked, everything else is a blur. Please concentrate on the tiers moreso than the rankings because these guys a really grpuped closely together and its impossible to make a perfect list.

In short, this draft is extremely weak in the mid-lottery area and loaded with what I consider to be mid-to-late round talent which makes up a huge portion of the draft giving it real good depth. Great for a pick in the late teens or early 30s. Not so much if your picking 6th.

Tier 1 - Generational talents
None

Tier 2 - Franchise builders - multiple time all-stars
1. Cooper Flagg 4/3
2. Dylan Harper 2/1

Tier 3 - High level starter - potential all-star
3. V.J. Edgecombe 2

Tier 4 - Solid starters
4. Ace Bailey 3/4
5. Tre Johnson 2

Tier 5 - Solid role players/potential starters
6. Danny Wolf 5/4
7. Noah Penda 3
8. Kasparas Jakucionis 1
9. Will Riley 3
10. Walter Clayton Jr 1
11. Jeremiah Fears 1
12. Thomas Sorber 5
13. Khaman Maluach 5
14. Carter Bryant 3
15. Kon Knueppel 2/3
16. Derik Queen 5
17. Jase Richardson 2
18. Yaxel Lendeborg 4
19. Maxime Raynaud 5
20. Asa Newell 4/5
21. Joan Beringer 5
22. Collin Murray-Boyles 5/4
23. Rasheer Fleming 4
24. Nique Clifford 2/3

Tier 6 - potential role players
25. Noa Essengue 4
26. Nolan Traore 1
27. Bogoljub Markovic 4
28. Hansen Yang 5
29. Liam McNeeley 3
30. Hugo Gonzalez 2/3
31. Alex Condon 5
32. Cedric Coward 2/3
33. Neoklis Avdalas 3
34. Adou Thiero 4/3
35. Tahaad Pettiford 1
36. Labaron Philon 1/2
37. Egor Demin 2/1
38. Alex Toohey 3/4
39. Ryan Kalkbrenner 5
40. Johni Broome 5
41. Kam Jones 1/2

Tier 7 - Projects, developmental types, Two-way guys
42. Hunter Sallis 2
43. Koby Brea 2
44. Sion James 3
45. Chaz Lanier 2
46. Ben Saraf 1/2
47. Tyrese Proctor 1
48. Drake Powell 2
49. Mark Sears 1
50. Grant Nelson 4
51. Amari Williams 5
52. Jamir Watkins 3
53. Eric Dixon 4
54. Darrion Williams 3
55. Javon Small 1/2
56. Alijah Martin 2
57. Ryan Nembhard 1
58. Miles Byrd 2
59. Vladislav Goldin 5
60. Milos Uzan 1
61. Rocco Zikarsky 5
62. John Tonje 2
63. R.J. Luis Jr 3

[SUPERBALLMAN]

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[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Wildly enough, Ace is starting to grow on me. I think he fits well with this core.

C Sarr / Vukcevic
F Coulibaly
F Bailey / Ju. Champagnie
G Ky. George / C. Jones
G Carrington / A. Johnson

The lineup definitely needs shot creation and shooting. Theoretically he provides that without sacrificing length & defensive focus. Get him working on his handle which will be the key to unlocking his offensive upside as a creator.

What I've been saying from early. I don't mind that he is not an offensive facilitator, so long as he is a finisher. He adds aggression, a go-to scorer, and length that replaces the inefficient Jordan Poole and puts the ball in the hands of the low-mistake floor general Bub Carrington. We have ball movers in other positions in George & Sarr. But nobody other than Poole that is willing to take it to the teeth of the defense. Ok Ace does that too often when there may be easier shots elsewhere, but that's why I'm comfortable with him off ball working to get open. On defense he puts in the work, beyond what he should given that he is a spindly kid. His reach is as a power forward but he should never have been asked to play a 4/5 all year.

The above lines lacks rebounding other than Champagnie. Bailey will put in some work there, but we would need an upgrade in the front court. I'd like to see:

Finesse Big. Sarr
Power Big. Sorber
Shooting Wing. Ace
Attack Wing. Bilal
1G. Bub

With Kyshawn as the super sub 1-4 as he grows into his frame and gets stronger. Rediscovers his 3pt shot. Add Champagnie for energy and boards work.

Yes Bilal needs to shoot better, keep improving his dribble drive game. Yes Ace could stand to work on his ballhandling. Yes Sorber needs to add a reliable jumper from the FT line and out. Yes Sarr needs to get bigger, and make his 3pt shot a reliable weapon.

Effectively in the above line-up Sorber plays as the Center, muscling up front and stalling penetration with positional defense. Sarr is the weakside shot blocker and stretch 5 on offense. Sorber is a sneaky point pivot, playing the hub on offense, working the screen game with Bub and Ace to get them open shots. Hitting Ace and Bilal on back door cuts. Effectively a bigger Draymond. But that is the core of a really solid team.

Side benefit is Sorber is out much of the year with rehab, which means we could play your above lines ^^^ and lose with the lack of muscle and rebounding. I do think he will be taken earlier than 18, but we have gobs of 2nd rounders we can use to move up. And if we can't get it done then we can take Yaxel or Wolf in a similar role. Or Rasheer as a long ranged option.

Potential round two players who will be better than most round one players:

Ryan Kalkbrenner, Johni Broome, Kam Jones, Eric Dixon

I think they're better than players starting for the Wizards at their respective positions.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

NBA Draft Combine Sleepers

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The Athletics' 2025 Post Lottery NBA Mock Draft

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[SUPERBALLMAN]

This draft is really hard to gauge.

I like Bryant at 6. Seems nobody is with me on that. The only response I've gotten is someone saying he's another Jan Vesely. There's no chance he makes it to 18.

I'd love Sorber at 18, and Drake Powell at 40. But would they still be there at those picks? Some mocks have Sorber going like 25, and some have him going like 12.

I think I would be happy with Sorber at 6 and Powell at 18. Maybe snag Niederhauser at 40.

We could go with Bryant 6, Asa Newell at 18, and Yang at 40. Yang could go 25 or 55. It seems like there are a lot of players that could go almost anywhere within a 20 pick range.

I could also see Tre Johnson, Jeremiah Fears, Maluach, or Knueppel at 6.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

NBA Draft Combine Scrimmages 1 & 2 | Full Highlights

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[doclinkin]

I'm convinced the Wizards won't draft Derik Queen. He doesn't fit their archetype.

Positional size. Length. Versatility. Smarts. Love of pthe game. Feel. If those are what the wiz brain trust look for then DQ checks a few of those boxes. If they think they can speed up his feet with weight work and conditioning, add range to his jumper, then he can play PF for them. If so there’s upside they can uncover. In that case he has positional size account versatility as a 4/5.

I think the character issue speaks highly for him too. Baltimore kid with chemistry and connection to Bub. I think Bub vouching for him carries some weight as another background check.

The thing he lacks is youth. But they took Keyshawn who was a bit older for his draft class.

Testing knocked him back a peg. I think it’s possible DQ slides to the top of the 2nd round. Or late 1st. If so I bet the Wiz would drop a handful of 2RPs to move up and take him.

They drafted Vukcevic despite slow feet and poor defense.

I just don’t think he’s their focus at 6 or 18. I think they will try to move up with either or both those picks. But if they can land an extra 1st I would not be shocked if they took DQ late.