2025 NBA Draft Thread, part 1 – Capture the Flagg

[Patsfan1081]

Mocks will prob look a lot different by years end, just so many international players. Surprised a lot of writers have soured on Toppin and have such wide opinions on Boone. Essengue has my favorite highlight vids for whatever that’s worth. I wonder how much more muscle the kid can put on.

[Hal14]

Heck yea, Fleming looks super interesting as a wing/bigman hybrid. Not great assist numbers but great frame (6-9, 240), physical, good shooter, records blocks + steals (stocks) and just an interesting early prospect as a guy who can play 3-4-5 in various lineups. Super interesting.

Watch on YouTube

Celts select Ian Jackson & Joson Sanon at #30 & #31 in new mock from Wasserman at Bleacher Report

Draft
1- Cooper Flagg (SF/PF)- Washington Wizards
2- Dylan Harper (PG/SG)- New Orleans Pelicans
3- Ace Bailey (SG/SF)- Utah Jazz
4- VJ Edgecombe (SG/SF)- Philadelphia 76ers
5- Tre Johnson (SG)- Charlotte Hornets
6- Kasparas Jakucionis (PG)- Toronto Raptors
7- Nolan Traore (PG)- Portland Trail Blazers
8- Khaman Malauch (C)- Detroit Pistons
9- Kon Knueppel (SG/SF)- Indiana Pacers
10- Egor Demin (PG/SG)- Chicago Bulls
11- Boogie Fland (PG)- Sacramento Kings
12- Ben Saraf (SG)- Utah Jazz via Minnesota Timberwolves
13- Liam McNeeley (SF)- San Antonio Spurs
14- Asa Newell (PF/C)- Atlanta Hawks (via Los Angeles Lakers
15- Noa Essengue (SF/PF)- Brooklyn Nets
16- Drake Powell (SG)- OKC Thunder via Bulls
17- Jeremiah Fears (PG)- San Antonio Spurs via Hawks
18- Thomas Sorber (C)- Brooklyn Nets (via Milwaukee Bucks)
19- Collin Murray-Boyles (PF)- Orlando Magic via Denver Nuggets
20- Miles Byrd (SF)- Golden State Warriors
21- Hugo Gonzalez (SG/SF)- Houston Rockets via Phoenix Suns
22- Will Riley (SG)- OKC Thunder via Los Angeles Clippers
23- Labaron Philon (PG)- Brooklyn Nets (via New York Knicks)
24- Nique Clifford (SF/PF)- Memphis Grizzlies
25- Adou Thiero (SF/PF)- Dallas Mavericks
26- Rocco Zikarsky (C)- Orlando Magic
27- Noah Penda (SF/PF)- Brooklyn Nets (via Houston Rockets)
28- Derik Queen (PF/C)- Los Angeles Clippers (via OKC Thunder)
29- Ian Jackson (SG)- Boston Celtics
30 - Rasheer Fleming (PF) - Utah Jazz
31 - Joson Sanon (SG) - Boston Celtics

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10145090-2025-nba-mock-draft-pro-comparisons-and-full-2-round-predictions

They don’t tend to go after pure 2-guards, but interesting nonetheless. Tempted to say I’m more interested in Kalkbrenner and Fleming (who I wasn’t familiar with) in that group of guys.

Yeah, Fleming is definitely interesting and worth keeping an eye on.

Not sure if the shooting is real..since he's shot great this season but didn't shoot at all during his freshman or sophomore season so is a 32% career shooter from 3. And the low assist % is concerning.

But as a 2nd rounder or possibly even late in the 1st there is certainly some things to like there..

[165bows]

Heck yea, Fleming looks super interesting as a wing/bigman hybrid. Not great assist numbers but great frame (6-9, 240), physical, good shooter, records blocks + steals (stocks) and just an interesting early prospect as a guy who can play 3-4-5 in various lineups. Super interesting.

Watch on YouTube

They don’t tend to go after pure 2-guards, but interesting nonetheless. Tempted to say I’m more interested in Kalkbrenner and Fleming (who I wasn’t familiar with) in that group of guys.

Yeah, Fleming is definitely interesting and worth keeping an eye on.

Not sure if the shooting is real..since he's shot great this season but didn't shoot at all during his freshman or sophomore season so is a 32% career shooter from 3. And the low assist % is concerning.

But as a 2nd rounder or possibly even late in the 1st there is certainly some things to like there..

He's a bit more basic archetype but I think Kalkbrenner translates as a Luke Kornet (+?) type, prob more so than Fleming.

The guy in that range I'm intrigued with is Adou Thiero. His shooting coming into some sort of form is obviously key but I want to see what happens there.

[shackles10]

Heck yea, Fleming looks super interesting as a wing/bigman hybrid. Not great assist numbers but great frame (6-9, 240), physical, good shooter, records blocks + steals (stocks) and just an interesting early prospect as a guy who can play 3-4-5 in various lineups. Super interesting.

Watch on YouTube

Yeah, Fleming is definitely interesting and worth keeping an eye on.

Not sure if the shooting is real..since he's shot great this season but didn't shoot at all during his freshman or sophomore season so is a 32% career shooter from 3. And the low assist % is concerning.

But as a 2nd rounder or possibly even late in the 1st there is certainly some things to like there..

He's a bit more basic archetype but I think Kalkbrenner translates as a Luke Kornet (+?) type, prob more so than Fleming.

The guy in that range I'm intrigued with is Adou Thiero. His shooting coming into some sort of form is obviously key but I want to see what happens there.

Thiero has a motor on him, which you gotta love. As a UK fan he was the one guy who stayed in college from Cal's group I was sad to see go (and big Z a little too). I'm not convinced on the shooting either and want to see what happens there as well, but he has the physical tools and mentality to be a solid defender/rebounder in the NBA. If the shooting is not real though he might end up being similar to Brissett. Similar size even.

[Hal14]

Yeah, Fleming is definitely interesting and worth keeping an eye on.

Not sure if the shooting is real..since he's shot great this season but didn't shoot at all during his freshman or sophomore season so is a 32% career shooter from 3. And the low assist % is concerning.

But as a 2nd rounder or possibly even late in the 1st there is certainly some things to like there..

He's a bit more basic archetype but I think Kalkbrenner translates as a Luke Kornet (+?) type, prob more so than Fleming.

The guy in that range I'm intrigued with is Adou Thiero. His shooting coming into some sort of form is obviously key but I want to see what happens there.

Thiero has a motor on him, which you gotta love. As a UK fan he was the one guy who stayed in college from Cal's group I was sad to see go (and big Z a little too). I'm not convinced on the shooting either and want to see what happens there as well, but he has the physical tools and mentality to be a solid defender/rebounder in the NBA. If the shooting is not real though he might end up being similar to Brissett. Similar size even.

Yeah, the issue there is Brissett was a decent 10th man for us but nothing more..we now have Walsh in that role..who lately has been getting less mins than a guy who is better at shooting, ball handling and passing - Peterson. And both of them are getting more mins than another guy who is high energy, good athleticism, good defense but lacking in dribble/pass/shoot skills - Springer.

Tillman has also been struggling to make impact and get consistent mins, partly due to his 3 ball not falling.

I wouldn't hate Thiero as a pick in like mid to late 2nd round. But I'd prefer someone with more shooting upside..you look at the guys who are getting mins off our bench under Mazzulla, most of them fall under 1 of 2 buckets

1)
Pritchard (dribble/pass/shoot)
Peterson (dribble, pass, shoot)
Hauser (elite shooter, solid defender, good size, high IQ, expanding his ability to drive the ball)
Brogdon (dribble/pass/shoot)
Grant Williams (good shooter, switchable defender, was starting to expand his ability to drive the ball)

2)
Kornet (lob threat, extremely high IQ, high processing, high feel, always in the right spots, can protect the rim, 7'2")
Queta (lob threat, can block shots, 7'0"..can switch a little bit out on perimeter)
Time Lord (lob threat, can protect the rim, 7'6" wingspan. High feel, really good passer..can switch out on perimeter a bit)

Seems like the highest probability for a draft pick/bench player to thrive here is if he fits into 1 of those 2 buckets..

[redslastlaugh]

Yeah, Fleming is definitely interesting and worth keeping an eye on.

Not sure if the shooting is real..since he's shot great this season but didn't shoot at all during his freshman or sophomore season so is a 32% career shooter from 3. And the low assist % is concerning.

But as a 2nd rounder or possibly even late in the 1st there is certainly some things to like there..

Little more on Fleming… from 2:16 to 3:55 on this YouTube. This creator saying wingspan on Rasheer Fleming has been estimated at 7-4 or maybe 7-5 which is Robwill level length accurate

starts at 2:16

Watch on YouTube

;t=132s

[165bows]

Thiero at 9 on this big board so maybe he's not lasting until the 20s lol.

https://edemirnba.substack.com/p/2025-nba-draft-big-board-20

[Hal14]

Thiero at 9 on this big board so maybe he's not lasting until the 20s lol.

https://edemirnba.substack.com/p/2025-nba-draft-big-board-20

Some folks have rankings that are way out there..doesn't mean that is where the prospect is actually projected to go. In this case, it's just the author's personal preference of the prospects.

Bleacher Report (which is more in line with where guys are actually projected to go) has Thiero going 25 in their latest mock, which I think is a bit high for an older wing who can't shoot..

We'll see. Long way to go until the draft so I wouldn't read too deeply into where guys are projected to go in December.

[djFan71]

Thiero at 9 on this big board so maybe he's not lasting until the 20s lol.

https://edemirnba.substack.com/p/2025-nba-draft-big-board-20

Dang, our dude put basically all my guys out of our range. Jerk.

Though, he did drop Newell down - which of course makes me leery...

I'm definitely in on team Fleming hype train overboard luxury cruiseliner (for the moment) like mostly everyone else here. Which is opposite of last year when I wanted Mogbo over Freeman.

If we can get one of those 2, I'd be very happy. As of now / other caveats.

[Hal14]

Screw it..give me Karaban and call it a day.

-Great fit
-Older prospect, which falls in line with Brad's strategy..at least in the 2024 draft
-Worked out for the Celtics prior to the 2024 draft so the team has shown some interest in him
-He's a celtics fan..went to HS in Mass..and college in CT

Makes almost too much sense. Only downside is:
a) fairly high chance he'll be off the board by our pick
b) It would be a little bit redundant with him, Sam, Peterson and Baylor

But if he's there late in the 1st, I would take him.

He's really freaking good. Can shoot the crap out of the ball. High feel, high IQ..can move the ball. Has won back to back NCAA titles - as a starter both times..

[165bows]

Screw it..give me Karaban and call it a day.

-Great fit
-Older prospect, which falls in line with Brad's strategy..at least in the 2024 draft
-Worked out for the Celtics prior to the 2024 draft so the team has shown some interest in him
-He's a celtics fan..went to HS in Mass..and college in CT

Makes almost too much sense. Only downside is:
a) fairly high chance he'll be off the board by our pick
b) It would be a little bit redundant with him, Sam, Peterson and Baylor

But if he's there late in the 1st, I would take him.

He's really freaking good. Can shoot the crap out of the ball. High feel, high IQ..can move the ball. Has won back to back NCAA titles - as a starter both times..

Kind of talking myself into that type of thought process about Kalkbrenner. If he can be a league average guy with a well rounded skill set and just not be a big net negative, that could be a nice fit for 2-3 down the road at the C position.

[winsomme2]

Screw it..give me Karaban and call it a day.

-Great fit
-Older prospect, which falls in line with Brad's strategy..at least in the 2024 draft
-Worked out for the Celtics prior to the 2024 draft so the team has shown some interest in him
-He's a celtics fan..went to HS in Mass..and college in CT

Makes almost too much sense. Only downside is:
a) fairly high chance he'll be off the board by our pick
b) It would be a little bit redundant with him, Sam, Peterson and Baylor

But if he's there late in the 1st, I would take him.

He's really freaking good. Can shoot the crap out of the ball. High feel, high IQ..can move the ball. Has won back to back NCAA titles - as a starter both times..

Kind of talking myself into that type of thought process about Kalkbrenner. If he can be a league average guy with a well rounded skill set and just not be a big net negative, that could be a nice fit for 2-3 down the road at the C position.

Would love Karaban. Might have to trade up to get him...which I would do.

Some overlap with Baylor and Peterson but is a much better shooter IMO. Not that I want to move on from Hauser but I think he would give you some ability to move his salary if needed. So hard to know what needs to happen with salaries at this point considering a potential sale balanced against the salary cap and tax..

I do like Kalkbrenner as a legit big (something that clearly helps in today's schemes). I also like Hunter Sallis as a big combo guard. I know his threes have been way down but his FT shooting makes me think he'll be okay from three eventually. I love his game and length otherwise...

[phincsfan]

Anybody catch the Tenn/Miami game? The kid Milicic is a nice player. Good size 6'10", can shoot and he's really fluid out there. Good pedigree. His dad played professionally and he coaches professionally now. Rick Barnes does a good job with his players also.

Highlights from last night.

Watch on YouTube

[165bows]

Also curious to follow this Thomas Sorbor from Georgetown.

[Hal14]

Anybody catch the Tenn/Miami game? The kid Milicic is a nice player. Good size 6'10", can shoot and he's really fluid out there. Good pedigree. His dad played professionally and he coaches professionally now. Rick Barnes does a good job with his players also.

Highlights from last night.

Watch on YouTube

Yeah, Milicic is interesting. There's a few of these bigs in this draft class who are in the Jokic/Sengun/Sabonis/Vucevic/Olynyk archetype. By that I mean, bigs who aren't great defenders, offer limited rim protection and may also be limited in terms of athleticism but make up for it with a high amount of skill on the offensive end (dribble/pass/shoot) and good instincts, IQ, feel for the game

Igor Milicic 6'10", 22 yrs old
Danny Wolf 6'11", 21 yrs old
Bogojulb Markovic 6'11", 19 yrs old

Also Derik Queen, but he's gonna be long gone by the time we pick. Looking like Queen will go in the top 10..

[phincsfan]

Anybody catch the Tenn/Miami game? The kid Milicic is a nice player. Good size 6'10", can shoot and he's really fluid out there. Good pedigree. His dad played professionally and he coaches professionally now. Rick Barnes does a good job with his players also.

Highlights from last night.

Watch on YouTube

Yeah, Milicic is interesting. There's a few of these bigs in this draft class who are in the Jokic/Sengun/Sabonis/Vucevic/Olynyk archetype. By that I mean, bigs who aren't great defenders, offer limited rim protection and may also be limited in terms of athleticism but make up for it with a high amount of skill on the offensive end (dribble/pass/shoot) and good instincts, IQ, feel for the game

Igor Milicic 6'10", 22 yrs old
Danny Wolf 6'11", 21 yrs old
Bogojulb Markovic 6'11", 19 yrs old

Also Derik Queen, but he's gonna be long gone by the time we pick. Looking like Queen will go in the top 10..

I'm a fan of Wolf. If they can scrap Slappy from Maine after the season and replace him with Wolf and Milicic to develop for a year or two I'd be very content. High IQ for sure

[djFan71]

Screw it..give me Karaban and call it a day.

-Great fit
-Older prospect, which falls in line with Brad's strategy..at least in the 2024 draft
-Worked out for the Celtics prior to the 2024 draft so the team has shown some interest in him
-He's a celtics fan..went to HS in Mass..and college in CT

Makes almost too much sense. Only downside is:
a) fairly high chance he'll be off the board by our pick
b) It would be a little bit redundant with him, Sam, Peterson and Baylor

But if he's there late in the 1st, I would take him.

He's really freaking good. Can shoot the crap out of the ball. High feel, high IQ..can move the ball. Has won back to back NCAA titles - as a starter both times..

Kind of talking myself into that type of thought process about Kalkbrenner. If he can be a league average guy with a well rounded skill set and just not be a big net negative, that could be a nice fit for 2-3 down the road at the C position.

I dunno. You don't draft for need, but at the same time, those are our 2 fullest positions. Assuming Kornet comes back, I'm pretty set at shooting wing and center for now. (Yes, I know you can't assume he'll be back).

A 4/5 with defense and range (or the prospect of developing it) has a clearer path to minutes. I also would like another playmaker and/or shotcreator in the pipeline. Not that they'd get minutes right away either, but it's a skillset we're a little scarcer on (outside our main 8).

If K/K are are a clear tier above guys at the positions I mentioned, then great, grab one/both of them. But, for tiebreaker scenarios, I think their positions would cause me to go a different direction.

[ThePigeon]

Give me Danny Wolf. Can be a beggar type Jokic, maybe can be trained up to be poor-man's Jokic
Second round pick big that is a triple double threat

Watch on YouTube

[playa-hater]

At 29 and 31 I would be all over the Killer Ks. Kalkbrenner and Karaban. A smooth somewhat Fluid Center with some size (7'1ish) and a Pure type of Shooter. Yes, it is a Bit of an overlap with Scheierman, but This league is all about shooters and Joe of course even more so.

[playa-hater]

Give me Danny Wolf. Can be a beggar type Jokic, maybe can be trained up to be poor-man's Jokic
Second round pick big that is a triple double threat

Watch on YouTube

definitely fills the High IQ type of player.