2025 NBA Draft Prospect Part 2

[ATLTimekeeper]

Who was the better prospect? Jalen Green or Ace Bailey? Personally, I’d say it’s about even. Talent through the roof for both guys, but questionable playing style doesn’t allow them to be the undeniable #1 guys in their class. Green had Cade who’s clearly better, and then Mobley and Scottie. Ace has Cooper, then Harper and Jak.

I dunno, I wasn't high on Green. People here were saying he reminded them of Michael Jordan He's another one of those prospects where the underlying numbers told the story, and that story is playing out as expected. Also his frame was really what you would call one that is made for defense, so it meant his offense would have to be in the upper echelon or NBA players to make him worth it.

Ace does play D, at times, and he looks like he'll be pretty strong in a few years, so he doesn't have to be one of the best offensive players in order to compensate. I see what everyone that loves him sees. I just don't feel confident that he can reach the potential that we all want with a top 5 pick.

[DG88]

Here's my big board for the Raptors based on them staying 3rd:

1. Cooper Flagg
2. Dylan Harper
3. Kasparas Jakucionis
4. Ace Bailey
5. Jeremiah Fears
6. VJ Edgecombe
7. Khaman Maluach

For me Cooper is still the prize in the draft and nothing I've seen has changed my opinion. Harper and Jakucionis to me are the best guard prospects in this draft, who would look great in our offense. Ace Bailey is a quagmire for me as I see the potential with his size and ability to make tough shots, yet he puts himself in those tough shot situations because of the limitations in his handle and lack of explosion in the half court. He's the ultimate potential pick of this draft. Jeremiah Fears is a walking paint touch and competitor with deep range on his jumper. Turnovers are an issue with him along with his decision making at this point. VJ is the most athletic player in this draft and competes on the defensive end. But it's his offense that has me a little worried. His shooting and handle need work and he's smaller than I first thought. Still he is a big competitor. The first C on the board Khaman Maluach is a 7'2 mobile big man with touch. He's not the most athletic but his size is enough to disrupt would be players attacking the rim. He's not going to be a prolific shot blocker but will hold his own in the paint.

Until another prospect comes along those are my top 7 right now. Subject to change as the college season progresses and we get into March Madness.

[DG88]

KJ not playing today for the Illi

[aminiaturebuddha]

Duke playing an early game right now against Notre Dame and already out to an 11-0 lead. Their defence is just suffocating ND right now.

Flagg has been great so far. He just keeps getting better and better. I'm not sure there's much of an argument for anyone else to be #1, even with how good Harper has been.

[Brinbe]

that duke defense is stiffling. good start for cooper

[DG88]

Flagg with three 3s made

[LoveMyRaps]

We need Flagg man.

He’s a special talent.

[MessiahUjiri]

Flagg and Harper are the clear top 2.

This draft doesn’t have clear superstars after that, IMO.

[DG88]

Illinois struggling without Kasparas. He has such a huge impact on them winning games.

[LoveMyRaps]

Flagg and Harper are the clear top 2.

This draft doesn’t have clear superstars after that, IMO.

I agree there's probably only 2-3 clear, surefire all-NBA level talents in this draft.

But there will be several all-stars that come out of this draft.

As I mentioned yesterday, on my mock draft, players projected to go between 4-10 are all interchangeable (i.e., not much separates them from a talent standpoint). Some of these guys will be all-stars, some won't - but this is where teams like the Raps typically succeed because of their ability to identify talent.

[BoyzNTheHood]

Illinois struggling without Kasparas. He has such a huge impact on them winning games.

Top 3 impact in the draft

[aminiaturebuddha]

I'm still not totally sold on Maluach, but he's been very good today. Much more aggressive than I've seen him in some previous games. He needs to play like this more often.

[DG88]

I'm still not totally sold on Maluach, but he's been very good today. Much more aggressive than I've seen him in some previous games. He needs to play like this more often.

The only reason they're still in the game is they're getting to the line and making their free throws. They should be better than USC.

[artsncrafts]

Watching Coop, he is good.

[ArthurVandelay]

I'm still not totally sold on Maluach, but he's been very good today. Much more aggressive than I've seen him in some previous games. He needs to play like this more often.

I’m not sold either but I’m warming up. His rebounding numbers are trending up

Many, including myself, talk about Ace’s age. Same applies to Malauch. He’s one month younger. Just turned 18 in September

[aminiaturebuddha]

I'm still not totally sold on Maluach, but he's been very good today. Much more aggressive than I've seen him in some previous games. He needs to play like this more often.

The only reason they're still in the game is they're getting to the line and making their free throws. They should be better than USC.

I think you meant to respond to someone else on this one.

[DG88]

I'm still not totally sold on Maluach, but he's been very good today. Much more aggressive than I've seen him in some previous games. He needs to play like this more often.

The only reason they're still in the game is they're getting to the line and making their free throws. They should be better than USC.

I think you meant to respond to someone else on this one.

Yup the post above yours

But speaking of Maluach, there are areas of his game that need refinement as a C. I think he's gotten more comfortable in the college game and that's why we're seeing this agression.

[DG88]

This Duke defense my goodness

[ItsDanger]

Maluach's defensive positioning is very much still a work in process. Makes mistakes.

[artsncrafts]

Watching Cooper, one thing I notice is that he almost exclusively does iso post ups, but come NBA I am not sure that move will be as successful.