2025 NBA DRAFT PROSPECTS

[Psubs]

Ace Bailey is starting to solidify himself as a DND for me. There are just too many red flags in his production that aren't even beginning to correct themselves, and they are pretty glaring red flags not just minor ones.

Watching the tape, he just creates zero separation. He hits tough shots because he's forced into them, not because he settles and can get better ones. He just looks so awkward when he tries to drive, he lacks a handle and plays so upright. He's a good athlete for his height but not a freak one. If you view him as a potential superstar or even star level player, I think you're projecting a ton of improvement in all his weak areas that turn to strengths. A lot of us had MPJ comparisons but MPJ was definitely ahead of where he is now at the same stage.

Rashard Lewis is the best comp, but might be his new ceiling. Is Chris Boucher his floor now?

[Indeed]

How can these top guys be so flawed. I thought it was supposed to a a generational draft

This is not a generational draft, not even Cooper.

Furthermore, the current ranking is based on current production, some generational player (eg. Leonard) came out after the measurement (with biggest hands). Although, stats can reflect these, but some players may not developed and fully utilized them yet, which maybe ranked in the late lottery with some alright stats, but not fully displaying their dominance without the full development.

[PushDaRock]

Ace Bailey is starting to solidify himself as a DND for me. There are just too many red flags in his production that aren't even beginning to correct themselves, and they are pretty glaring red flags not just minor ones.

Watching the tape, he just creates zero separation. He hits tough shots because he's forced into them, not because he settles and can get better ones. He just looks so awkward when he tries to drive, he lacks a handle and plays so upright. He's a good athlete for his height but not a freak one. If you view him as a potential superstar or even star level player, I think you're projecting a ton of improvement in all his weak areas that turn to strengths. A lot of us had MPJ comparisons but MPJ was definitely ahead of where he is now at the same stage.

Rashard Lewis is the best comp, but might be his new ceiling. Is Chris Boucher his floor now?

That actually seems about right

[Psubs]

How can these top guys be so flawed. I thought it was supposed to a a generational draft

This is not a generational draft, not even Cooper.

Furthermore, the current ranking is based on current production, some generational player (eg. Leonard) came out after the measurement (with biggest hands). Although, stats can reflect these, but some players may not developed and fully utilized them yet, which maybe ranked in the late lottery with some alright stats, but not fully displaying their dominance without the full development.

Even the 2026 draft isn't Generational. Perhaps the same as this year?

Flagg and Harper = Dybansta and Boozer?

Darryn Peterson has emerged as the #2 player in the US behind Dybansta.

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[Raptorfan2012]

Ace Bailey is starting to solidify himself as a DND for me. There are just too many red flags in his production that aren't even beginning to correct themselves, and they are pretty glaring red flags not just minor ones.

I know he is very young but he comes off as a bit of a bone head. Has lots of maturing to do, but of course its just my perspective.

[PushDaRock]

How can these top guys be so flawed. I thought it was supposed to a a generational draft

There were about 5 really hyped guys and only one has fallen off in Ace which is actually really good comparatively. There have also been a bunch of guys emerge, moreso than usual so I don't really agree with your comment of these top guys being so flawed.

With the amount of hype it was getting for those top players, you kind of expected them to dominate. Only one putting up anything close to superstar production is Harper but he's doing it on a 4-4 team. There have been a lot more players emerge who have closed the gap on the top players though and that's a great thing for our likely draft position.

[Tripod]

How can these top guys be so flawed. I thought it was supposed to a a generational draft

There were about 5 really hyped guys and only one has fallen off in Ace which is actually really good comparatively. There have also been a bunch of guys emerge, moreso than usual so I don't really agree with your comment of these top guys being so flawed.

With the amount of hype it was getting for those top players, you kind of expected them to dominate. Only one putting up anything close to superstar production is Harper but he's doing it on a 4-4 team. There have been a lot more players emerge who have closed the gap on the top players though and that's a great thing for our likely draft position.

Yeah this summer it was all about how there is like 5 guys who would go #1 in a normal year(not a Wemby year). So it was a great year to tank because even at #5, it would be like getting a #1 overall pick.

But recent posts certainly don't share that same optimism.

And fwiw, just saying this from reading posts. I have not dug into the players at all. The "tone" certainly seems to have changed.

[Indeed]

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[Psubs]

How can these top guys be so flawed. I thought it was supposed to a a generational draft

There were about 5 really hyped guys and only one has fallen off in Ace which is actually really good comparatively. There have also been a bunch of guys emerge, moreso than usual so I don't really agree with your comment of these top guys being so flawed.

With the amount of hype it was getting for those top players, you kind of expected them to dominate. Only one putting up anything close to superstar production is Harper but he's doing it on a 4-4 team. There have been a lot more players emerge who have closed the gap on the top players though and that's a great thing for our likely draft position.

Is Jakucionus really 6'6 (even with shoes)?!?!? Could he be a stronger SG sized Steve Nash?

Harper is awesome getting to the hoop but is chubby strong like Lowry, while Jaku at age 18 appears to have been able to bulk up and get more ripped. The last 2 weeks he's been shooting over 50% from 3, perhaps the added overall strength has made him more consistent from deep. He might be a smaller/fitter Luka getting triple-doubles? I now don't see why he can't be the best player in this draft.

[Psubs]

There were about 5 really hyped guys and only one has fallen off in Ace which is actually really good comparatively. There have also been a bunch of guys emerge, moreso than usual so I don't really agree with your comment of these top guys being so flawed.

With the amount of hype it was getting for those top players, you kind of expected them to dominate. Only one putting up anything close to superstar production is Harper but he's doing it on a 4-4 team. There have been a lot more players emerge who have closed the gap on the top players though and that's a great thing for our likely draft position.

Yeah this summer it was all about how there is like 5 guys who would go #1 in a normal year(not a Wemby year). So it was a great year to tank because even at #5, it would be like getting a #1 overall pick.

But recent posts certainly don't share that same optimism.

And fwiw, just saying this from reading posts. I have not dug into the players at all. The "tone" certainly seems to have changed.

Flagg, Harper and Tre still would go #1 last year. VJ would be a a tough sell, maybe just behind Castle? Is the 5th guy Maluach? I think Maluach would go just after Edey at #9.

[Clutch0z24]

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His defense will be the reason he will be picked so high....The jumpshot is far from broken just needs to develop some iso game or midrange shot creation...Right now on my big board for us to draft depending on where we pick i have

Harper
Flagg
Tre Johnson
Edgecomb
Bailey

[Indeed]

With the amount of hype it was getting for those top players, you kind of expected them to dominate. Only one putting up anything close to superstar production is Harper but he's doing it on a 4-4 team. There have been a lot more players emerge who have closed the gap on the top players though and that's a great thing for our likely draft position.

Yeah this summer it was all about how there is like 5 guys who would go #1 in a normal year(not a Wemby year). So it was a great year to tank because even at #5, it would be like getting a #1 overall pick.

But recent posts certainly don't share that same optimism.

And fwiw, just saying this from reading posts. I have not dug into the players at all. The "tone" certainly seems to have changed.

Flagg, Harper and Tre still would go #1 last year. VJ would be a a tough sell, maybe just behind Castle? Is the 5th guy Maluach? I think Maluach would go just after Edey at #9.

Not high on Maluach due to lack of ball creation. He measured similar to Lively II, I believe, and Lively II was drafted #12.
In this strong draft, I think he might be in mid-1st. I think teams are more interested in shot creator than just a 3&D prospect in the lottery.

[ATLTimekeeper]

How can these top guys be so flawed. I thought it was supposed to a a generational draft

There were about 5 really hyped guys and only one has fallen off in Ace which is actually really good comparatively. There have also been a bunch of guys emerge, moreso than usual so I don't really agree with your comment of these top guys being so flawed.

I'm going off of Givony's 5 #1s prediction. Right now I would argue only Flagg and Harper have held up their end of the bargain, and Traore and Bailey have fallen far off course. Givony is still really reluctant to move off his guys in his rankings.

[mademan]

Watching the tape, im really liking Jak more and more, to the point that i might take him 2nd after Flagg. The size at pg (i think he's closer to 6'4 than 6'6), shooting and passing/IQ...he's just such a clear baller. I could be talked into Harper/Demin or even edgecombe (fit wise, a defensive wing with size is needed with this core), but Jak might be the 2nd best player in this draft and i would probably reach for him at 2.

[Jstock12]

The size at pg (i think he's closer to 6'4 than 6'6)

Reading he was measured 6'4.5 barefoot with a 6'7.5 wingspan. So probably closer to 6'5 or 6'5.5 in shoes with a 6'7.5 wingspan.

[Psubs]

Watching the tape, im really liking Jak more and more, to the point that i might take him 2nd after Flagg. The size at pg (i think he's closer to 6'4 than 6'6), shooting and passing/IQ...he's just such a clear baller. I could be talked into Harper/Demin or even edgecombe (fit wise, a defensive wing with size is needed with this core), but Jak might be the 2nd best player in this draft and i would probably reach for him at 2.

I would do a swap like Luka for Trae and 1st pick.

[Psubs]

Yeah this summer it was all about how there is like 5 guys who would go #1 in a normal year(not a Wemby year). So it was a great year to tank because even at #5, it would be like getting a #1 overall pick.

But recent posts certainly don't share that same optimism.

And fwiw, just saying this from reading posts. I have not dug into the players at all. The "tone" certainly seems to have changed.

Flagg, Harper and Tre still would go #1 last year. VJ would be a a tough sell, maybe just behind Castle? Is the 5th guy Maluach? I think Maluach would go just after Edey at #9.

Not high on Maluach due to lack of ball creation. He measured similar to Lively II, I believe, and Lively II was drafted #12.
In this strong draft, I think he might be in mid-1st. I think teams are more interested in shot creator than just a 3&D prospect in the lottery.

Ya, now, but I'm talking pre-season top 5. He's still almost 80/33/80.

[UnbelievablyRAW]

Watching the tape, im really liking Jak more and more, to the point that i might take him 2nd after Flagg. The size at pg (i think he's closer to 6'4 than 6'6), shooting and passing/IQ...he's just such a clear baller. I could be talked into Harper/Demin or even edgecombe (fit wise, a defensive wing with size is needed with this core), but Jak might be the 2nd best player in this draft and i would probably reach for him at 2.

Yeah the only thing stopping me from clearly having him ahead of Harper is his lack of athleticism and lower defensive ceiling. Harper probably won't ever shoot as well as Kasparas but the physicality and the first step is too elite. I also believe 5-6 years from now Harper is a better shooter. Look at Suggs now vs his first year as a scorer

[Ell Curry]

Flagg, Harper and Tre still would go #1 last year. VJ would be a a tough sell, maybe just behind Castle? Is the 5th guy Maluach? I think Maluach would go just after Edey at #9.

I think Edgecombe goes first. He's tripling Castle's steals and almost tripling his block rate. People would talk themselves into him being the next Anthony Edwards or Dwyane Wade. I think the same thing here will happen and he'll go #3.

[RoteSchroder]

Watching the tape, im really liking Jak more and more, to the point that i might take him 2nd after Flagg. The size at pg (i think he's closer to 6'4 than 6'6), shooting and passing/IQ...he's just such a clear baller. I could be talked into Harper/Demin or even edgecombe (fit wise, a defensive wing with size is needed with this core), but Jak might be the 2nd best player in this draft and i would probably reach for him at 2.

I'm having trouble finding a reason to put Flagg top 4. His athleticism isn't peak like Edgecombe. Shot is still in development. His offensive moves, passing, offensive IQ aren't elite. He's fairly well-rounded and good defensively, but nothing pops out. Not sold on Demin either.

Although I'm not high on Edgecombe, at least the dude has elite athleticism and defense. It may take a few years for him to get there in terms of perimeter shooting (see Suggs). Only caveat is if he's like 6'2 or 6'3, that could hurt his stock.

If Jakucionis, Harper, Tre, Edgecombe aren't available at our pick, but Ace/Cooper/Demin are and a team really wants them, I'd try to sell the pick for a boatload of assets and move down in the draft.