2025 Draft Prospect Thread

[Braggins]

Tre Johnson is probably the hardest to buy for me of the highest ranked players. I like Kasparas Jakucionis more.

I would be happy with Cooper, Harper, Edgecombe, Bailey, or Fears. I would be fine with Kasparas after those players. Im not considering Knueppel at all at any of their possible picks, even though I do think he'll probably be a nice NBA player. I would still consider Tre Johnson and wouldn't think it was crazy if they took him after the top 5, but college players with his play style really worry me (do they really need another undersized chucker who doesn't pass, defend, or rebound?).

[KingCat]

The Hornets aren't landing the number one pick when a player as good as Flagg is available. IF the Hornets were going to get the number one pick it would have been in a draft like last year. The best we can hope for is landing at 2 (again) and being in position to draft Harper.

I'm with you there. Luck and fortune just doesn't happen to this franchise. Idk how other fans even have the heart to speculate offseason moves with the assumption we are getting Flagg.

I'm under the assumption we are picking 5 or 6.

[fatlever]

so based on the graphic from rich

Code: Select all

| Player              | HC Rim Frequency (%) | HC Rim FG% |
| ------------------- | -------------------- | ---------- |
| Dylan Harper        | 39.1                 | 65.3%      |
| Cooper Flagg        | 38.4                 | 55.2%      |
| Jeremiah Fears      | 37.0                 | 44.5%      |
| VJ Edgecombe        | 31.7                 | 48.9%      |
| Kon Knueppel        | 31.4                 | 62.1%      |
| Kasparas Jakucionis | 30.9                 | 61.8%      |
| Tre Johnson         | 16.7                 | 46.5%      |
| Ace Bailey          | 15.3                 | 56.6%      |


robot analysis incoming

Statistical Summary
Average Rim Frequency: 30.1% (among these players)

Average FG% at Rim: 55.1%

Top Rim Attackers: Dylan Harper and Cooper Flagg (highest frequency)

Top Finishers at Rim: Dylan Harper (65.3%), Kon Knueppel (62.1%), Jakucionis (61.8%)

Least Frequent Drivers: Tre Johnson and Ace Bailey

Least Efficient Finishers: Jeremiah Fears and VJ Edgecombe

Insights
Dylan Harper is elite in both volume and efficiency, showing strong potential as a slasher.

Cooper Flagg attacks often but has room to grow in finishing efficiency.

Tre Johnson and Ace Bailey rarely get to the rim—this could reflect playstyle (e.g., perimeter-oriented scorers) or a developmental area.

VJ Edgecombe has a decent drive rate but underwhelming efficiency, suggesting he may struggle finishing through traffic.

[SWedd523]

Tre Johnson is probably the hardest to buy for me of the highest ranked players. I like Kasparas Jakucionis more.

I would be happy with Cooper, Harper, Edgecombe, Bailey, or Fears. I would be fine with Kasparas after those players. Im not considering Knueppel at all at any of their possible picks, even though I do think he'll probably be a nice NBA player. I would still consider Tre Johnson and wouldn't think it was crazy if they took him after the top 5, but college players with his play style really worry me (do they really need another undersized chucker who doesn't pass, defend, or rebound?).

Agreed on Nipples.

He's not in the conversation at any of the possible pick locations for me. Not to say that he's not capable of being a good player, I'm just not spending the pick on a guy with 0% star potential

[HornetJail]

i'm finding it extremely hard to care about drafting anyone aside from Flagg or Harper. If we're trading 3 or lower, just find an established player to trade for

Not being able to trust Peterson to make the right pick is really bothering me this year, we can't afford to whiff on this offseason

[KingCat]

If we get 6 or 7 I'd support trading to pick, whether that means trading down for additional draft capital or using it for an established player.

Back to back years resulting in a mid level lottery is sign that thus relentless tank isn't working.

[fatlever]

If we get 6 or 7 I'd support trading to pick, whether that means trading down for additional draft capital or using it for an established player.

Back to back years resulting in a mid level lottery is sign that thus relentless tank isn't working.

If somehow we get screwed back to 6 or 7. A doubt trading back is going to really do much for us. Just draft whoever falls. Understand that maybe you're drafting a starter and not a potential star. kon, tre, fears or queen.. Probably two of those guys will still be available at 6 and 7. All four of those guys would help this team tremendously in a year or two once they get acclimated. To me there's the top two and then there's a chunk of about seven players that really are about what a team values or needs.

[JustBuzzin]

Bailey can score without getting speration. He's one of those players who you think takes bad shots, but in reality he just makes tough shots.

He's #4 on my board behind Flagg/Harper/Fears

[fatlever]

Bailey can score without getting speration. He's one of those players who you think takes bad shots, but in reality he just makes tough shots.

He's #4 on my board behind Flagg/Harper/Fears

Yes but is he smart enough player to realize that he can get easier shots by keeping the ball moving and trusting his teammates? How much better can he be if he actually doesn't have to take "tough" shots all the time because he's a little less selfish and a little more coachable? I mean sure it's nice to have a guy who can make tough contested shots when that's the best shot you can get, aka the end of a game or in a tough playoff series. But if that's the kind of shot your routinely taking on a Tuesday night in January against Orlando, that's not really winning basketball.

Aces upside is almost entirely linked to how coachable he can be at the next level. Because what he played like at Baylor is not winning basketball. I really hope he has some good interviews at the combine.

[JustBuzzin]

Bailey can score without getting speration. He's one of those players who you think takes bad shots, but in reality he just makes tough shots.

He's #4 on my board behind Flagg/Harper/Fears

Yes but is he smart enough player to realize that he can get easier shots by keeping the ball moving and trusting his teammates? How much better can he be if he actually doesn't have to take "tough" shots all the time because he's a little less selfish and a little more coachable? I mean sure it's nice to have a guy who can make tough contested shots when that's the best shot you can get, aka the end of a game or in a tough playoff series. But if that's the kind of shot your routinely taking on a Tuesday night in January against Orlando, that's not really winning basketball.

Aces upside is almost entirely linked to how coachable he can be at the next level. Because what he played like at Baylor is not winning basketball. I really hope he has some good interviews at the combine.

I think a big reason why he takes tough shots is because his handle isn't the best. If he had any kind of ball control you could argue he might be #1 in this draft.

I recognize his basketball IQ needs to improve, but that Rutgers team was just bad. The HC was bad and everyone outside of Harper/Bailey were bad. I definitely think he needs to develop and he has to go to the right team to maximize his development.

For that reason he's 4th on my board. Most people have him as the #3 prospect. I just think Fears is a bit more advanced as far as shot creation and basketball IQ.

The potential of a 6'10 scoring wing who is only 18 is something I just can't pass up if he's on the board at #4.

[Bassman]

If we get 6 or 7 I'd support trading to pick, whether that means trading down for additional draft capital or using it for an established player.

Back to back years resulting in a mid level lottery is sign that thus relentless tank isn't working.

If somehow we get screwed back to 6 or 7. A doubt trading back is going to really do much for us. Just draft whoever falls. Understand that maybe you're drafting a starter and not a potential star. kon, tre, fears or queen.. Probably two of those guys will still be available at 6 and 7. All four of those guys would help this team tremendously in a year or two once they get acclimated. To me there's the top two and then there's a chunk of about seven players that really are about what a team values or needs.

I think that’s a good strategy. As much as I like Rasheer Fleming, I have no clue where he will be drafted…and he shouldn’t be a reach at 6 or 7. From your group of players my ranking would be Fears, Kon, Tre and then whomever fell back from the top 5 predictions (do NOT want Queen, who I think won’t fit the modern NBA game).

My top 7 as of right now: Flagg, Harper, Ace, Fears, VJ, Kon, Tre.

Ace ahead of Fears, but that could change based on workouts. Bailey just has so much potential, size, gifts and tools. Fears does as well but some shooting stats concern me. VJ next because his defense and high motor could be transformative with this squad, even given his limitations (handle, size, focus, some shooting dynamics). I am higher on K-Nipple than some, as I don’t expect him to be a star. I’d see Kon as a great shooting glue guy, same as his role with Duke. Worried about his defense, not worried about effort or hustle. Then Tre Johnson because his size and shooting will always have value in the league. Major concerns with his defense, handle and IQ…so much so that I’d consider a trade back there. But I do believe by draft day, some players are going to shoot up team’s boards who were expected to be late lottery or mid-first.

[JMAC3]

Bailey can score without getting speration. He's one of those players who you think takes bad shots, but in reality he just makes tough shots.

He's #4 on my board behind Flagg/Harper/Fears

Yes but is he smart enough player to realize that he can get easier shots by keeping the ball moving and trusting his teammates? How much better can he be if he actually doesn't have to take "tough" shots all the time because he's a little less selfish and a little more coachable? I mean sure it's nice to have a guy who can make tough contested shots when that's the best shot you can get, aka the end of a game or in a tough playoff series. But if that's the kind of shot your routinely taking on a Tuesday night in January against Orlando, that's not really winning basketball.

Aces upside is almost entirely linked to how coachable he can be at the next level. Because what he played like at Baylor is not winning basketball. I really hope he has some good interviews at the combine.

I mean he was smart enough to get to the #2 ranked player in the nation. It is not like he plays basketball without a brain and he is 18 yrs old, so I think plenty of room for him develop as a decision maker. If Charles Lee is a good coach then you have to trust the skill set and assume you can actually coach guys to play the game of basketball.

I also think a lot of players would have struggled in his situation this year, Rutgers was a 2 man show and Harper is a mainly a driver. Not a lot of easy kick out assists for Bailey, he passed the ball a lot better the 2nd half of the season.

[JustBuzzin]

This might sound crazy, but Rasheer Flemming would probably be 5th on my board. I'm still top 4 or bust, but if we can't get Flagg/Harper/Fears/Bailey I think Flemming would be the best value pick.

There is no bust with that kid. He's instant 3&D wing/pf. Iike his fit with our starters assuming we keep this current starting unit together.

*Flemming reminds me of a bigger/better version of Dorian Finney-Smith

[MPM]

This might sound crazy, but Rasheer Flemming would probably be 5th on my board. I'm still top 4 or bust, but if we can't get Flagg/Harper/Fears/Bailey I think Flemming would be the best value pick.

There is no bust with that kid. He's instant 3&D wing/pf. Iike his fit with our starters assuming we keep this current starting unit together.

*Flemming reminds me of a bigger/better version of Dorian Finney-Smith

I have Fleming ranked relatively high as well. My personal board? Something like the following at the moment - Flagg, Harper, Bailey, Tre, VJ, Fears, Bryant/Fleming.

[Diop]

Knipples finishing surprised me, not bad for an unathletic white guy

[Bassman]

This might sound crazy, but Rasheer Flemming would probably be 5th on my board. I'm still top 4 or bust, but if we can't get Flagg/Harper/Fears/Bailey I think Flemming would be the best value pick.

There is no bust with that kid. He's instant 3&D wing/pf. Iike his fit with our starters assuming we keep this current starting unit together.

*Flemming reminds me of a bigger/better version of Dorian Finney-Smith

I have Fleming ranked relatively high as well. My personal board? Something like the following at the moment - Flagg, Harper, Bailey, Tre, VJ, Fears, Bryant/Fleming.

On the surface I nearly like Fleming that much also, BUT, I also believe his question marks have been be high enough to limit his rise. In most mocks he’s anywhere from 16th to late first. Sam V says a lot of clubs like him. If his workouts play well, I think he will rise into the lottery. Would I take him at 7? If he blew me away as a prospect why not? He’s already a ton better than Tiddy, and might slot right into the starting lineup as PF, sliding Miles back to 3, Miller at 2. Biggest concern with Fleming is his ceiling. Can he get much better or is this version what you get?

Hoopshype has him as high as 12th and as low as 28th. Here is a scout’s take on Rasheer:

An NBA scout on Rasheer Fleming: “I love his work on the offensive glass. In that George Mason loss, he was huge when shots weren’t falling. Great size for a stretch four. Blew up this year because his three-point shot jumped from 32-33 percent to 40 percent on more attempts. He’s basically the Kyle Kuzma of this draft. Same kind of prospect; could go late first to a bad team and [surprisingly] end up leading them in scoring as an old rookie.”

[Rich4114]

This was another interesting bit of info (the youtube clip of Zach Lowe and Katz: https://www.reddit.com/r/NBA_Draft/comments/1khyjug/zach_lowe_on_what_hes_hearing_from_nba_front/?share_id=c3ONdLc09KoP_tUlPymu2&utm_content=1&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_source=share&utm_term=1

As for Bailey, I think the fact that he played on such a bad program with Rutgers makes it more difficult to grade him. You have to somehow look at it in the context of the team around him. The same could be said for VJ as they really were not that good and didn't play with a PG much of the season.

The guy I have a hard time picturing being really good is Kon, but everything about his stats and play suggests I'm wrong. He seems small and unathletic with the eye test but he put up really good numbers. Now I'm sure some of his stats/analytics were inflated because he was on Duke playing next to guys like Flagg so it's kind of the reverse thought from Bailey.

I think the best way to look at this is overall talent. So who is the BPA (I'm not worried about fit, we won like 19 games). And if you have multiple guys ranked around the same as BPA then do any have an elite skillset to build off of. Tre Johnson for example comes to the NBA as an elite shooter. Ace Bailey is an elite shot maker. You can't ignore that stuff.

[Rich4114]

i'm finding it extremely hard to care about drafting anyone aside from Flagg or Harper. If we're trading 3 or lower, just find an established player to trade for

Not being able to trust Peterson to make the right pick is really bothering me this year, we can't afford to whiff on this offseason

I've been squarely on this train for a while. Especially if we drop below 4.

[Braggins]

so based on the graphic from rich

Code: Select all

| Player              | HC Rim Frequency (%) | HC Rim FG% |
| ------------------- | -------------------- | ---------- |
| Dylan Harper        | 39.1                 | 65.3%      |
| Cooper Flagg        | 38.4                 | 55.2%      |
| Jeremiah Fears      | 37.0                 | 44.5%      |
| VJ Edgecombe        | 31.7                 | 48.9%      |
| Kon Knueppel        | 31.4                 | 62.1%      |
| Kasparas Jakucionis | 30.9                 | 61.8%      |
| Tre Johnson         | 16.7                 | 46.5%      |
| Ace Bailey          | 15.3                 | 56.6%      |


This shows one reason Im not a fan of Tre Johnson. Like Ive been saying, all this dude does is chuck contested jumpers and he doesn't have the enticing traits of someone like Bailey.

[JMAC3]

"The big question with Fleming is consistency. The talent’s never been in doubt, but for much of his college career, the production didn’t always match. He’s made real strides as a shooter (29% from three as a freshman, 32% as a sophomore, 39% this year), but he still has stretches where he fades from games. In the final stretch of the season, he had three single-digit scoring games—including two where he played over 37 minutes."