2025 Draft Prospect Thread

[MasterIchiro]

I just realized their 2nd round pick situation for the 2025 draft is looking a lot better than anyone probably expected. They own Philadelphia and New Orleans 2nd round picks with no protection.

If the season ended today and they didn't move in the lottery they would have picks 5, 32, and 37.

I thought the same but the Sixers pick is the worse of the Nuggets/Sixers.

However, Hornets control their own second rounder which is currently 35.

So Hornets have 5, 32, 35 plus the Nuggets 2nd rounder at 52.

I think we would all sign up for a consolidation move where we bundle 32 & 35 with a rotation player and double dip in the first round, one inside the lottery, one outside the lottery later in the first round.

More important than adding a first round pick is winning the lottery or moving to top-2.

I know it's early, but who is your top 5 from this upcoming draft so far?

I'm stuck on my top 2.

Harper - #1
Flagg - #2

Kind of similar to the Zion draft where I had Morant #1. I like players who can elevate the play of their teammates. Thus, I hated how Salaün arrived with zero playmaking ability (which requires handles and strong command of the basketball).

I'm feeling a little curious about Jackucionis as my #3.

Then Bailey #4.

Demin #5.

The order 3-5 is subject to change. I have not ruled out late risers.

But 1-2 is ironclad. It's etched in honeycomb.

[MasterIchiro]

It's funny because we agree on Harper and we agreed on Castle.

[JustBuzzin]

It's funny because we agree on Harper and we agreed on Castle.

We agree on a lot during the draft. I also had Ja ahead of Zion. Crazy how we seem to have the same opinions on the draft.

[MasterIchiro]

It's funny because we agree on Harper and we agreed on Castle.

We agree on a lot during the draft. I also had Ja ahead of Zion. Crazy how we seem to have the same opinions on the draft.

I did have Scoot ahead of Miller but liked both prospects. I had Tari Eason as the steal of his draft. I wanted him at 15. I think I had Duren ahead of Mark at 13. I did not think Duren would fall so far.

[Braggins]

Spoiler:

I just realized their 2nd round pick situation for the 2025 draft is looking a lot better than anyone probably expected. They own Philadelphia and New Orleans 2nd round picks with no protection.

If the season ended today and they didn't move in the lottery they would have picks 5, 32, and 37.

I thought the same but the Sixers pick is the worse of the Nuggets/Sixers.

However, Hornets control their own second rounder which is currently 35.

So Hornets have 5, 32, 35 plus the Nuggets 2nd rounder at 52.

I think we would all sign up for a consolidation move where we bundle 32 & 35 with a rotation player and double dip in the first round, one inside the lottery, one outside the lottery later in the first round.

More important than adding a first round pick is winning the lottery or moving to top-2.

Ah, I was going by what the trade machine I use said and they showed the Philly 2nd as unprotected and didn't have their own 2nd because it is technically owed to Indiana, but its top 55 protected so its effectively controlled by the team. So yeah, right now it would be 5, 32, 35, and 52, which is even better!

[MasterIchiro]

Spoiler:

I just realized their 2nd round pick situation for the 2025 draft is looking a lot better than anyone probably expected. They own Philadelphia and New Orleans 2nd round picks with no protection.

If the season ended today and they didn't move in the lottery they would have picks 5, 32, and 37.

I thought the same but the Sixers pick is the worse of the Nuggets/Sixers.

However, Hornets control their own second rounder which is currently 35.

So Hornets have 5, 32, 35 plus the Nuggets 2nd rounder at 52.

I think we would all sign up for a consolidation move where we bundle 32 & 35 with a rotation player and double dip in the first round, one inside the lottery, one outside the lottery later in the first round.

More important than adding a first round pick is winning the lottery or moving to top-2.

Ah, I was going by what the trade machine I use said and they showed the Philly 2nd as unprotected and didn't have their own 2nd because it is technically owed to Indiana, but its top 55 protected so its effectively controlled by the team. So yeah, right now it would be 5, 32, 35, and 52, which is even better!

I never could figure out why Fanspo doesn't list the 2025 Hornets 2nd rounder. But yes, it's pick 35 which is better than 37. And we get pick 52. That Nuggets pick could climb into the early 40's.

Seems the Hornets can make a consolidation move at the deadline because they can restock the roster through the draft.

[Braggins]

Spoiler:

I thought the same but the Sixers pick is the worse of the Nuggets/Sixers.

However, Hornets control their own second rounder which is currently 35.

So Hornets have 5, 32, 35 plus the Nuggets 2nd rounder at 52.

I think we would all sign up for a consolidation move where we bundle 32 & 35 with a rotation player and double dip in the first round, one inside the lottery, one outside the lottery later in the first round.

More important than adding a first round pick is winning the lottery or moving to top-2.

Ah, I was going by what the trade machine I use said and they showed the Philly 2nd as unprotected and didn't have their own 2nd because it is technically owed to Indiana, but its top 55 protected so its effectively controlled by the team. So yeah, right now it would be 5, 32, 35, and 52, which is even better!

I never could figure out why Fanspo doesn't list the 2025 Hornets 2nd rounder. But yes, it's pick 35 which is better than 37. And we get pick 52. That Nuggets pick could climb into the early 40's.

Seems the Hornets can make a consolidation move at the deadline because they can restock the roster through the draft.

Id like to see a consolidation trade in the offseason where they would package Miles + Grant/Green with a two or three 1sts for a star or borderline star. Those early 2nds could be nice sweeteners in a deal like that. I have no idea who would actually be available, but Lauri Markkanen would probably be my dream target.

LaMelo/Mann
Green/
Miller/Martin
Lauri/Salaun
Mark/Richards/Diabate

Have that as a starting point and add a player with pick #5 and one of the early 2nds plus add a free agent signing or two to fully flesh out the roster.

[MasterIchiro]

Spoiler:

Ah, I was going by what the trade machine I use said and they showed the Philly 2nd as unprotected and didn't have their own 2nd because it is technically owed to Indiana, but its top 55 protected so its effectively controlled by the team. So yeah, right now it would be 5, 32, 35, and 52, which is even better!

I never could figure out why Fanspo doesn't list the 2025 Hornets 2nd rounder. But yes, it's pick 35 which is better than 37. And we get pick 52. That Nuggets pick could climb into the early 40's.

Seems the Hornets can make a consolidation move at the deadline because they can restock the roster through the draft.

Id like to see a consolidation trade in the offseason where they would package Miles + Grant/Green with a two or three 1sts for a star or borderline star. Those early 2nds could be nice sweeteners in a deal like that. I have no idea who would actually be available, but Lauri Markkanen would probably be my dream target.

LaMelo/Mann
Green/
Miller/Martin
Lauri/Salaun
Mark/Richards/Diabate

Have that as a starting point and add a player with pick #5 and one of the early 2nds plus add a free agent signing or two to fully flesh out the roster.

Lauri is a good target. Not sure about Ainge's end, but Miles plus three firsts seems like a fair cost for the Hornets.

[JustBuzzin]

Spoiler:

Ah, I was going by what the trade machine I use said and they showed the Philly 2nd as unprotected and didn't have their own 2nd because it is technically owed to Indiana, but its top 55 protected so its effectively controlled by the team. So yeah, right now it would be 5, 32, 35, and 52, which is even better!

I never could figure out why Fanspo doesn't list the 2025 Hornets 2nd rounder. But yes, it's pick 35 which is better than 37. And we get pick 52. That Nuggets pick could climb into the early 40's.

Seems the Hornets can make a consolidation move at the deadline because they can restock the roster through the draft.

Id like to see a consolidation trade in the offseason where they would package Miles + Grant/Green with a two or three 1sts for a star or borderline star. Those early 2nds could be nice sweeteners in a deal like that. I have no idea who would actually be available, but Lauri Markkanen would probably be my dream target.

LaMelo/Mann
Green/
Miller/Martin
Lauri/Salaun
Mark/Richards/Diabate

Have that as a starting point and add a player with pick #5 and one of the early 2nds plus add a free agent signing or two to fully flesh out the roster.

Is Lauri even a true star?

Collins is putting up better numbers and he would be much cheaper. That seems like a lot for a guy who's already the #1 option and only putting up 18ppg 6rpg.

I would hold on those picks for a better talent imo

[GiggitySmalls]

How do we feel about vj edcombe. More athletic castle?

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[Pjax4Prez]

In case we fall out of the top of the lottery, any thoughts on Derik Queen? Haven’t watched a whole bunch of him but seems like if he’s able to work on his body, could be a pretty good player as a skilled big.

[GiggitySmalls]

In case we fall out of the top of the lottery, any thoughts on Derik Queen? Haven’t watched a whole bunch of him but seems like if he’s able to work on his body, could be a pretty good player as a skilled big.

If we pick 10 or 12 maybe

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[Braggins]

If the season ended today theyd have a 99.4% chance of picking top 8.

top 2 = 22.9%
top 4 = 45.1%
top 6 = 65.3%
pick 7 = 25.5%

[Braggins]

How do we feel about vj edcombe. More athletic castle?

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Gives me Victor Oladipo at IU vibes. I actually like his fit on this roster and could imagine him being their pick if they miss out on the really high potential guys.

[Braggins]

I won't be watching any of these guys much except Flagg, so its mostly just vibes for me. Right now I think Flagg and Harper are really solidifying themselves as the top 2, with a clear edge to Flagg at #1.

After that I don't have an order/ranking or anything and don't know much about most of the remaining players, but the ones that Ive noticed that seem intriguing to me so far are Kasparas Jakucionas, VJ Edgecombe, and Egor Demin. Ace Bailey gives me overrated vibes.

[GiggitySmalls]

How do we feel about vj edcombe. More athletic castle?

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Gives me Victor Oladipo at IU vibes. I actually like his fit on this roster and could imagine him being their pick if they miss out on the really high potential guys.

That's a good comparison. I would definitely think about taking him if we ended up with the 4th or 5th pick. He seems like a really good fit and the type of player we need. Can do it all on the court. he just needs to refine his shooting a bit.

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[JustBuzzin]

Tank for Dylan Harper

[KembaWalker]

LaMelo Ball/Dylan Harper/Brandon Miller/Zion Williamson/Mark Williams
LaMelo Ball/Brandon Miller/Cooper Flagg/Zion Williamson/Mark Williams

i would greatly enjoy the 12 healthy minutes of watching either of those lineups

[GiggitySmalls]

Tank for Dylan Harper

Yeah but our luck we don't get him or flagg. Who do you like more Bailey or Edgecombe?

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[GiggitySmalls]

LaMelo Ball/Dylan Harper/Brandon Miller/Zion Williamson/Mark Williams
LaMelo Ball/Brandon Miller/Cooper Flagg/Zion Williamson/Mark Williams

i would greatly enjoy the 12 healthy minutes of watching either of those lineups

The talent would be there the health though, well let's just say we haven't seen anything indicating that it would happen over a substantial period of time.

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