2025 Blazer Draft Prospects

[Tim Lehrbach]

Flagg is lapping the field. Being a big Harper guy and having guessed that the Bailey hype would be full steam ahead, I'm honestly a little surprised. I still think Harper has shown enough to be a solid #2, but I admit I haven't seen more than highlights of Jakucionis. Blazers need to luck into the top 4.

[BlazersBroncos]

I think there is a real argument that Andrej Stojakovic is a better prospect than guys like Knueppel and McNeeley.

20.3ppg / 4.3rpg / 1.6apg / 1.1bpg / 0.6spg / 35% 3PT(1.6 - 4.6) / 84%FT (5.9 - 7.1) / 32mpg

He is a physical player who gets to the rime at a wild rate, and is near automatic there. His 3PT shot is developing and based on FT% it likely continues to improve. He is more athletic than his dad, as shown by the FTr and surprising STOCK numbers.

CAL sucks, but this kid is a late lotto talent IMO. Much more dynamic scorer from all 3 levels than guys like Knueppel and McNeeley who to me project more like a Kispert than a Klay.

[BlazersBroncos]

For PDX - this would be my top 10 right now -

1. Cooper Flagg F
2. Dylan Harper G
3. Ace Bailey SF
4. Kasparas Jakucionis G
5. Asa Newell PF
6. Egor Demin F
7. VJ Edgecombe GF
8. Tre Johnson SG
9. Jeremiah Fears PG
10. Noa Essengue SF

[zzaj]

For PDX - this would be my top 10 right now -

1. Cooper Flagg F
2. Dylan Harper G
3. Ace Bailey SF
4. Kasparas Jakucionis G
5. Asa Newell PF
6. Egor Demin F
7. VJ Edgecombe GF
8. Tre Johnson SG
9. Jeremiah Fears PG
10. Noa Essengue SF

That's mine too, except VJ and Fears are swapped. If the Blazers draft VJ, I'm going to be so disappointed...

[BlazersBroncos]

For PDX - this would be my top 10 right now -

1. Cooper Flagg F
2. Dylan Harper G
3. Ace Bailey SF
4. Kasparas Jakucionis G
5. Asa Newell PF
6. Egor Demin F
7. VJ Edgecombe GF
8. Tre Johnson SG
9. Jeremiah Fears PG
10. Noa Essengue SF

That's mine too, except VJ and Fears are swapped. If the Blazers draft VJ, I'm going to be so disappointed...

Someone said about VJ that, outside Flagg he is the guy most likely to be on the court from this draft in a deep playoff game. As in, while he may not hit as a top option offensively - his archetype even at his middle outcome is a guy that you have on the court when the games count. A type of supercharged Lou Dort in a way.

Granted, this is an arguable assumption and PDX isnt close to playing meaningful games but I do agree with it in a way. Like - I think its more likely that VJ is a 4th or 5th starter on a contending team in time than Sharpe is a 2nd or 3rd starter on the same caliber of team. And Sharpe as a 4th or 5th starter probably isnt as good as VJ as a 4th of 5th starter as you want more of what VJ brings (Elite motor, tenacious defense, toughness combined with elite twitch) than what Sharpe brings.

Sort of rambling here but there is a point in there somewhere. Regardless, we need swings for guys that can be elite creators on offense more than anything so, ya, VJ isnt ideal. I do think he would be BPA though.

[zzaj]

For PDX - this would be my top 10 right now -

1. Cooper Flagg F
2. Dylan Harper G
3. Ace Bailey SF
4. Kasparas Jakucionis G
5. Asa Newell PF
6. Egor Demin F
7. VJ Edgecombe GF
8. Tre Johnson SG
9. Jeremiah Fears PG
10. Noa Essengue SF

That's mine too, except VJ and Fears are swapped. If the Blazers draft VJ, I'm going to be so disappointed...

Someone said about VJ that, outside Flagg he is the guy most likely to be on the court from this draft in a deep playoff game. As in, while he may not hit as a top option offensively - his archetype even at his middle outcome is a guy that you have on the court when the games count. A type of supercharged Lou Dort in a way.

Granted, this is an arguable assumption and PDX isnt close to playing meaningful games but I do agree with it in a way. Like - I think its more likely that VJ is a 4th or 5th starter on a contending team in time than Sharpe is a 2nd or 3rd starter on the same caliber of team. And Sharpe as a 4th or 5th starter probably isnt as good as VJ as a 4th of 5th starter as you want more of what VJ brings (Elite motor, tenacious defense, toughness combined with elite twitch) than what Sharpe brings.

Sort of rambling here but there is a point in there somewhere. Regardless, we need swings for guys that can be elite creators on offense more than anything so, ya, VJ isnt ideal. I do think he would be BPA though.

BB, have you watched any of his games this year? I've only watched two (Tenn & AZ state)...he shot well in the Tennessee game, but was innefficient in the AZ game. He just looks like a slightly taller, better defending, less consistent but more athletic CJ to me. I'm pretty unimpressed with him. Or at least less impressed than when I saw him in the 2023 FIBA U18 and his Olympics run this summer.

If the plan is to move on from Simons, then I guess I get it. But Sharpe and VJ are both SGs, and both will deserve PT in order to be maximized. I think Fears has more upside, personally.

[Walton1one]

Really like to see POR get a 2nd pick towards the mid\end of the 1st round, there are a fair amount of intriguing big men that they could take there as a back up to DC

ESPN just posted some risers

Maxime Reynaud - 7'1 - Age: 20

... Some people in our organization wonder how much better he can get once he can focus on basketball full-time....
Every NBA team is looking for skilled big men....Teams picking late in the first round and throughout the second will study Raynaud's backstory, especially if they feel they can coach him into being a better defender in the pros.

Tomislav Ivisic - 7'1 - Age: 21

....He's more consistent, tougher, and a sneaky-good post passer and catch-and-shoot option. He has solid interior scoring touch and plays with physicality. ... I see early shades of Ivica Zubac in his rebounding, screening and consistent nightly impact.
The versatility Ivisic supplies at 7-1 sets him apart: he's an effective screener, capable floor-spacer and adequate positional defender, and he has flashed hints of crafty passing. Bigs who can do all those things and operate out of multiple spots on the floor offensively always earn long looks.

Alex Condon - 6'11 - Age: 20

....He still needs to get a lot stronger, but he's been much better this year. I love guys who are late bloomers who come from those types of backgrounds -- his mom swam in the Olympics and his dad played in the AFL....
Players such as Condon, a 6-11 20-year-old with a motor and skill as a passer, ball handler and shooter and the ability to guard inside are rare.

Danny Wolf - 7'0 - Age: 20

I can't remember the last time I saw a college big play that loose and free as a ball handler and passer. Some of the s--- he's doing; right hand, left hand. He's highly, highly skilled. ... He has a skill set that everyone is trying to find. My question is, when the lights get super super bright as the season moves on, can he maintain that swagger and confidence....
Wolf still has improvements to make on his outside shooting (35% 3-pointers, 59% free throws) and turnover rate (he lead all prospects with a 28% turnover percentage).

Add them to the already large list:
Ryan Kalkbrenner - 7'1 - Age: 22
Johni Broome - 6'10 - Age: 22
Thomas Sorber - 6'10 - Age: 18
Rocco Zikarsky - 7'2 - Age: 18
Michale Ruzic - 6'10 - Age: 18

Or guys who could unexpectedly drop a bit:
Khaman Maluach - 7'2 - Age: 18
Noa Essengue - 6'10 - Age: 18

If they go with Asa Newell, then guys like Noah Penda, Carter Bryant, Alex Karaban, Will Riley, Miles Byrd, Kam Jones, Hugo Gonzalez would be interesting to draft

[Walton1one]

I think there is a real argument that Andrej Stojakovic is a better prospect than guys like Knueppel and McNeeley.

20.3ppg / 4.3rpg / 1.6apg / 1.1bpg / 0.6spg / 35% 3PT(1.6 - 4.6) / 84%FT (5.9 - 7.1) / 32mpg

He is a physical player who gets to the rime at a wild rate, and is near automatic there. His 3PT shot is developing and based on FT% it likely continues to improve. He is more athletic than his dad, as shown by the FTr and surprising STOCK numbers.

CAL sucks, but this kid is a late lotto talent IMO. Much more dynamic scorer from all 3 levels than guys like Knueppel and McNeeley who to me project more like a Kispert than a Klay.

From Bleacher Report, they have him as a mid 2nd round pick

6'7 - Age:20

There should be interesting debate around Andrej Stojaković and 20.3-point-per-game breakout season. He's scoring in volume while California has lost seven of its last nine games. And despite his last name, he's been more effective attacking than shooting.

At 6'7", Stojaković has been very effective in ball-screen situations driving and using his body to shield defenders. A lack of athleticism will raise questions about the translatability of his rim pressure and whether he can defend NBA wings. But if he can sell scouts on his shotmaking becoming a surefire plus—he's made 31.4 percent of his total jumpers on relatively low volume—Stojaković could earn some support in the second round for his potential scoring versatility.

[Norm2953]

Going to need to find the right coach moving forward, no matter who Portland selects from
this draft.

[tester551]

Really like to see POR get a 2nd pick towards the mid\end of the 1st round, there are a fair amount of intriguing big men that they could take there as a back up to DC

ESPN just posted some risers

Maxime Reynaud - 7'1 - Age: 20

... Some people in our organization wonder how much better he can get once he can focus on basketball full-time....
Every NBA team is looking for skilled big men....Teams picking late in the first round and throughout the second will study Raynaud's backstory, especially if they feel they can coach him into being a better defender in the pros.

Tomislav Ivisic - 7'1 - Age: 21

....He's more consistent, tougher, and a sneaky-good post passer and catch-and-shoot option. He has solid interior scoring touch and plays with physicality. ... I see early shades of Ivica Zubac in his rebounding, screening and consistent nightly impact.
The versatility Ivisic supplies at 7-1 sets him apart: he's an effective screener, capable floor-spacer and adequate positional defender, and he has flashed hints of crafty passing. Bigs who can do all those things and operate out of multiple spots on the floor offensively always earn long looks.

Alex Condon - 6'11 - Age: 20

....He still needs to get a lot stronger, but he's been much better this year. I love guys who are late bloomers who come from those types of backgrounds -- his mom swam in the Olympics and his dad played in the AFL....
Players such as Condon, a 6-11 20-year-old with a motor and skill as a passer, ball handler and shooter and the ability to guard inside are rare.

Danny Wolf - 7'0 - Age: 20

I can't remember the last time I saw a college big play that loose and free as a ball handler and passer. Some of the s--- he's doing; right hand, left hand. He's highly, highly skilled. ... He has a skill set that everyone is trying to find. My question is, when the lights get super super bright as the season moves on, can he maintain that swagger and confidence....
Wolf still has improvements to make on his outside shooting (35% 3-pointers, 59% free throws) and turnover rate (he lead all prospects with a 28% turnover percentage).

Add them to the already large list:
Ryan Kalkbrenner - 7'1 - Age: 22
Johni Broome - 6'10 - Age: 22
Thomas Sorber - 6'10 - Age: 18
Rocco Zikarsky - 7'2 - Age: 18
Michale Ruzic - 6'10 - Age: 18

Or guys who could unexpectedly drop a bit:
Khaman Maluach - 7'2 - Age: 18
Noa Essengue - 6'10 - Age: 18

If they go with Asa Newell, then guys like Noah Penda, Carter Bryant, Alex Karaban, Will Riley, Miles Byrd, Kam Jones, Hugo Gonzalez would be interesting to draft

Broome will be a steal.

Maybe Sorber too.

[zzaj]

I just took a look at the league standings and it’s not as bad as it could be. With CHA and NOP winning some games the Blazers have a pretty clear path to getting down to the 4th worst record, and possibly beyond. Blazers are 4 games back from the 2nd worst record in the NBA.

Now, obviously hardcore tank shenanigans haven’t really started yet…so who really knows…but at this stage just about anything is possible.

[BlazersBroncos]

I am starting to come back around on Baba Miller as a high upside SRP prospect. 7 footer with elite movement and very good athleticism.

Slow developer but his passing, rebounding and 3pt shot have taken big steps this year. Planet theory here that just not many guys that size can move like this kid. Could see a less brittle Jonathan Isaac in time - and a healthy JI is a great player.

[Walton1one]

I think there are enough intriguing bigs in the draft that POR should feel comfortable dealing away RW3 & Reath and then let Ayton expire after next year if they can’t offload him first anything

Really interested in Ivisic from Illinois, he could be a real nice back up to DC

Pros:

Solid shooter for a big man, has stretch big potential
Decent low post scorer
Excels at scoring on the move
Adequate playmaker
Sets solid screens for his teammates on offense
Good rebounder
Above average athlete

Cons:

Inconsistent shooter
Can struggle to score in traffic
Can be careless on offense, which can lead to turnovers
Can tend to be undisciplined defensively
Not an elite athlete

Summary:

Tomislav Ivisic is an agile, skilled Croatian big man that can score the basketball in a variety of ways. While he’s flown under the radar as a draft prospect, he is a skilled scorer and passer has played well this season, and he currently projects to go in the late first to the second round range for the 2025 draft.

[tblazrdude]

Now, obviously hardcore tank shenanigans haven’t really started yet…so who really knows…but at this stage just about anything is possible.

With two tier one guys this year and a couple of tier two guys, and a couple new teams entering the fold (here comes Philly even with top 6 protections) it feels like it’s already underway. Miller is gonna need surgery on his wrist so the teams at the bottom are solidifying their positions: Utah and Washington are all-in for Flagg, the Pels might have the worst vibes in the league and a GM/coach potentially on the way out the door, and the Raptors are hardcore after pulling the ripchord too late last year to make up the right amount of ground.

Even if Joe were to pull the same stuff as previous years, it’s looking like there’s a large group of teams with precisely the same intentions and willpower.

[Butter]

In this guard heavy draft, should the Blazers consider trading Sharp, and then bringing in a rookie SG like Tre Johnson, or VJ?

[Walton1one]

VJ, yes. Tre Johnson is just another version of Simons IMO. Slightly bigger, worse passer, both ISO heavy offensive players that don't provide much outside of that

ESPN's latest big board has him @ #11, Vecenie was pretty critical\skeptical about him as well.

Johnson's story has been much the same: It's hard to deny how impressive he has been as a shooter (41% from 3, averaging more than six attempts), but his positive impact can be muted by his aggressive shot selection and inflexible style of play.

The 18-year-old has the skills to be an effective NBA scorer, making him a lottery candidate despite his recent inconsistency. Johnson's excellent perimeter shooting gives him a feasibly useful floor if he doesn't evolve into a scorer worthy of high-end usage. NBA teams rightfully have questions about how willingly he'll scale back his shot diet.

One point of concern is Johnson's struggles to get to the foul line, having attempted zero free throws in five of his past eight games, while often forced into or settling for difficult shots. NBA teams will want to learn more about Johnson and the likelihood he'll be able to make a smooth adjustment when he's no longer the best player on his team.

[Walton1one]

So, I think if POR ends up in\around the #7 spot, the more I watch\read draft analysis, the more likely I think the choice for POR will be between 3(4) players:

Asa Newell
VJ Edgecome
Liam McNeeley\Kon Kneuppel

I think the favorite in the clubhouse is probably Asa Newell? He fits the big, athletic profile that this team is obsessed with.

ESPN rating #21 (They are just an outlier compared to everyon else IMO)

His large role for a surprisingly good Georgia (14-3) team has given him the opportunity to develop. But figuring out where to draft him requires a more theoretical projection -- Newell isn't a consistent floor spacer yet, isn't skilled enough to operate much on the perimeter, nor does he boast high-end rim protection or elite length.

It's feasible he makes enough strides over time to earn minutes, but right now he's more of a blank-slate prospect without a defined skill set or immediate role to hang his hat on. Continuing to produce will build Newell's case as a prospect worth developing, but there's some divisiveness around his realistic upside and the likelihood he reaches it.

No Ceilings

Newell has a foundation of tools that makes him a fun player moving forward. At first glance, you might see Newell as a lengthy big man who looks like his frame is just waiting to fill out. Once you turn on the tape, you start to see flashes. Eventually, those flashes start to double down and the picture starts to get clearer.

The best basketball for Newell is still miles ahead. But the foundation is starting to look extremely fun. There’s always a player that continues to entice you with the more film you get your hands on—personally, that’s how I feel with Newell.
What has caught my attention with Newell is his ability around the basket. He’s a quick leaper who can attack the offensive glass with a relentless motor. While he’s battling on the offensive glass, Newell does a great job of keeping the ball high and shows touch around the basket. Too many times with young bigs, you’ll see them get an offensive board before wanting to bring it down and inviting sharks in the paint around a sinking ship. Instead, Newell keeps the ball up and goes up for quick attempts with his length and touch.

Newell will be an intriguing one to monitor for NBA teams. He’s been a consistent player for the Bulldogs throughout the year so far and still looks to have some untapped two-way potential. The outside shot is a massive swing skill for him. If teams are convinced it’s legit, he’s going to be a riser. Although the recent numbers look good (40% from 3 and 80% at the line in last eight games), the sample size has been small.

How would he fit with POR IMO?
The forward rotation with him in the mix is appealing, and his size (6'10) once his body fills out could make him an interesting small ball 5. he could play alongside (@ the 4) Deni @ the 3. Defensively\rebounding, a rotation of Clingan\Newell\Deni\Camara is very intriguing, I would feel good about that group, a lot of potential there.

The issues? Shooting, look POR has been amongst the worst shooting teams in the NBA the last 2 years (FG/3ptFG) - This year (#25/#28), 23/24 (#29/#30). You can have all the defense\rebounding in the world but if you cannot shoot you are not going to win enough games IMO, and this puts an enormous amount of pressure on he guards & both Scoot\Sharpe, who best case probably end up around league average shooters. Another concern, if POR ends up at #8 or below (a distinct possibility) he might not be there on draft day.

VJ Edecome (if he was even there) would likely be next on the list. He is consistently in the top 5 on most draft lists, ESPN has him at #4 (Vecenie at #5). Important to note, with where POR is trending (and likely to end up) draft pick wise, I don't think Edgecombe would be on the board at their pick

ESPN

Edgecombe's team context isn't doing him any favors with significant minutes off the ball surrounded by very little shooting and passing, leading to some real ups and downs in productivity.

His exceptional flashes of talent as a shot-creator, in the open court, combined with his unselfishness and nonstop intensity on defense should help NBA teams look past his ho-hum production and efficiency (12.5 points per game and 31.8% shooting from 3) to some extent, especially with what he has shown in other settings as a clear-cut top prospect.

He can solidify his standing as a top-five draft pick by continuing to make strides with his shooting, decision-making and ability to play mistake-free basketball, but it seems there will be plenty more fluctuation with his play considering No. 25 Baylor's upcoming schedule (for example, games against ranked conference rivals Kansas and Houston) and their flawed roster construction.

How would he fit with POR? For a team with the worst defensive backcourt rotation (Simons\Sharpe\Scoot) in the NBA, Edgecombe would be a breath of fresh air. The bet is on the shooting with him b\c everything else (athleticisim\defense\intensity) is there. If the new identity for this team is defense, you put him out there with Camara\Deni\Clingan and you have a tough defensive team, shooting is another issue, but defense\rebounding\hustle is well covered. It would be fun to watch both him & Camara lock down other team's players.

The Issues? Like with Newell, shooting, you are hoping that some combination Edgecombe\Sharpe\Scoot\Camara shooting improves by a fair margin, that Deni continues to improve, because if not, this team will struggle to win consitently.

Lastly, McNeeley\Kneuppel

Kneuppel

ESPN

Knueppel has taken well to his demanding role for the Blue Devils, operating with and without the ball effectively, and showing more versatility than some critics were expecting. He has also begun to live up to his billing as a top-flight shooter, breaking out with six 3s in a win against Miami this week, and having made multiple in each of his past six games (21-for-45, 46.7%) while shooting 89% from the free throw line. He'll move the ball and make teammates better but is also a player who opponents can't leave open.

There's certainly some difference of opinion among scouts, stemming from Knueppel's average physical profile, limited rebounding numbers, and slow start to the season. Though he is competitive and smart, it's hard to expect a ton out of him defensively. But in an NBA in which quality shooting can fast-track a player's pathway, there will be a demand for Knueppel's skill set. He'll have a big opportunity to help himself down the stretch, with Duke positioned for a tournament run in March.

McNeeley

ESPN

Despite a slow start, McNeeley was playing some of his best basketball before the injury, hitting 3s prolifically, improving defensively, and looking more comfortable finding his spots within UConn's offense. He has shown he is more than just a shooter but also a highly intelligent passer who can play through contact effectively.

Continuing to show he can hold his own defensively upon returning while scoring efficiently and affecting winning will be his ticket to the lottery and potentially even the top 10. With the Big East slightly down from previous seasons, the Huskies probably won't be as high a NCAA tournament seed as they were the past two seasons, and will need McNeeley to have big games come March.

NO CEILINGS

Liam McNeeley possesses many qualities you want out of a modern NBA wing, blending shooting versatility with a competitive edge that makes him a surefire contributor at the next level. Standing 6’7” with a picturesque shooting stroke, McNeeley has been trending toward 40% from three, thriving as both a catch-and-shoot threat and an off-ball mover in UConn’s offense. While his self-creation is limited by a functional but unspectacular handle, his size and strength allow him to spin off defenders and finish through contact. McNeeley’s playmaking flashes—manipulating defenses out of ball screens and finding weak-side shooters—add another dimension to his game, making him a potential secondary or tertiary creator.

Defensively, McNeeley is more of a positional defender than a disruptive one, relying on his size and sound fundamentals to stay solid on the perimeter rather than pile up stocks. While he certainly won’t be a lockdown defensive presence, McNeeley’s value lies in his offensive versatility and relentless competitiveness, earning comparisons to a Klay Thompson or a Quentin Grimes at the next level. With his blend of shooting, feel, and intensity, McNeeley is the kind of high-floor prospect who can fit seamlessly into Sacramento’s rotation and make winning plays when it matters most.

How would they fit with POR? IMO McNeeley is the better fit, his size 6'7 (many think Kneuppel is around 6'5 or so) and positional fit are ideal for POR. best case scenario, McNeeley (or Kneuppel) are guys who b\c of their shooting prowess defenses have to be aware of, the team could benefit more from Scoot or Deni's drives into the paint if they are capable of making teams pay if they are not on\aware of where they are, which is unlike the current forwards on this team Camara\Murray, and they both play well as connective pieces within the offense, which I think benefits a lot of the other young players (DScoot\Deni\Clingan) who have similar capabilities, and just creates a better offense in general than ISO heavy play.

Kneuppel is thought of as the better shooter overall by most scouts, but I don't think the gap is that large b\t the two, both are good playing out of ball screens as well, which again, fits well with this team. Kneuppel probably has more versatility coming off the bench as he could float b\t SG\SF, McNeeley is more of a straight SF.

Issues? I don't think either of these guys have the potential upside of Newell or Edgecombe, so adding them is more like adding to the supporting cast, still missing "the guy", now the same could likely be true even if they added an Edgecombe\Newell, I think the ceiling on both of those guys are higher. The other issue is defensively, while neither are bad defenders, they are both adequate, both players also are not likely to subplant Sharpe\Camara, so you are drafting a bench (6/7/8) piece in the top 10.

[dckingsfan]

It is interesting to see that Portland will now draft between 1-11. That is quite the range.

Wizards, Raptors, Jazz or Nets - they are just tanking too hard. Pelicans and Hornets are a shmaybe. I do worry that the 76ers give up and tank hard.

My point. It is possible that we end up with the 1st to 9th spot. Of the top 11 players ranked by Tankathon, 7 are guards that could really help (most of the mocks have ~ this ratio).

Now, how much do you trust this FO to pick the right player?

[Walton1one]

New mock from fansided:

https://fansided.com/2025-nba-mock-draft-cooper-flagg-victor-wembanyama-point-guard

They have POR (at #8) taking: Kon Kneuppel

Kon Knueppel just feels solid. He's a 6-foot-7 sharpshooter on the wing, which should yield immediate productivity at the next level. More than a shooting specialist, though, Knueppel shows tremendous timing and creativity working out of pick-and-rolls. While not a top-tier athlete, he has enough strength and craft to carve out driving lanes and finish around the basket. He's a nifty passer. There just aren't many more well-rounded, complementary offensive talents in this draft. Portland has guards galore and a long-term post anchor in Donovan Clingan. Knueppel can help bridge the gap on the wing.

Some other interesting picks:

Noah Penda @ #9 to OKC, I would not be surprised if Penda was taken in the lottery, he is riding an upward trajectory like Salaun did LY. He worked out for POR LY, and if he keeps rising *and POR keeps falling) then he could be a potential pick for them

OKC is positively loaded. Noah Penda has a chance to carve out a role, however, as a versatile 6-foot-8 wing. He's one of the top defensive playmakers in the draft, which fits the Thunder's M.O. He can also hit spot-up 3s, straight-line drive, and dish high-level passes in the flow of the offense. While not an offensive engine, Penda tends to check most of the boxes teams covet in a complementary talent.

Jase Richardson @ #11 - Another guy who is rising up draft boards, Vecenie had him moving up as well

The freshman has been extremely impressive on a per-touch basis this season, hitting 3s at a high rate, putting pressure on the rim with his drives, and consistently making the right play. His numbers have regressed across the board these last couple weeks, and he's still not a high-usage (or high-minute) asset for Tom Izzo's team, but another high-level shooter and decision-maker next to Cade Cunningham ought to benefit the Pistons.

Asa Newell @ #22 to OKC - Matches ESPN, however everywhere else I have read\watched on the draft has Newell in\around the Top 10. If OKC got both Penda & Newell, ugh...

[Butter]

So, I think if POR ends up in\around the #7 spot, the more I watch\read draft analysis, the more likely I think the choice for POR will be between 3(4) players:

Asa Newell
VJ Edgecome
Liam McNeeley\Kon Kneuppel

I think the favorite in the clubhouse is probably Asa Newell? He fits the big, athletic profile that this team is obsessed with.

ESPN rating #21 (They are just an outlier compared to everyon else IMO)

His large role for a surprisingly good Georgia (14-3) team has given him the opportunity to develop. But figuring out where to draft him requires a more theoretical projection -- Newell isn't a consistent floor spacer yet, isn't skilled enough to operate much on the perimeter, nor does he boast high-end rim protection or elite length.

It's feasible he makes enough strides over time to earn minutes, but right now he's more of a blank-slate prospect without a defined skill set or immediate role to hang his hat on. Continuing to produce will build Newell's case as a prospect worth developing, but there's some divisiveness around his realistic upside and the likelihood he reaches it.

No Ceilings

Newell has a foundation of tools that makes him a fun player moving forward. At first glance, you might see Newell as a lengthy big man who looks like his frame is just waiting to fill out. Once you turn on the tape, you start to see flashes. Eventually, those flashes start to double down and the picture starts to get clearer.

The best basketball for Newell is still miles ahead. But the foundation is starting to look extremely fun. There’s always a player that continues to entice you with the more film you get your hands on—personally, that’s how I feel with Newell.
What has caught my attention with Newell is his ability around the basket. He’s a quick leaper who can attack the offensive glass with a relentless motor. While he’s battling on the offensive glass, Newell does a great job of keeping the ball high and shows touch around the basket. Too many times with young bigs, you’ll see them get an offensive board before wanting to bring it down and inviting sharks in the paint around a sinking ship. Instead, Newell keeps the ball up and goes up for quick attempts with his length and touch.

Newell will be an intriguing one to monitor for NBA teams. He’s been a consistent player for the Bulldogs throughout the year so far and still looks to have some untapped two-way potential. The outside shot is a massive swing skill for him. If teams are convinced it’s legit, he’s going to be a riser. Although the recent numbers look good (40% from 3 and 80% at the line in last eight games), the sample size has been small.

How would he fit with POR IMO?
The forward rotation with him in the mix is appealing, and his size (6'10) once his body fills out could make him an interesting small ball 5. he could play alongside (@ the 4) Deni @ the 3. Defensively\rebounding, a rotation of Clingan\Newell\Deni\Camara is very intriguing, I would feel good about that group, a lot of potential there.

The issues? Shooting, look POR has been amongst the worst shooting teams in the NBA the last 2 years (FG/3ptFG) - This year (#25/#28), 23/24 (#29/#30). You can have all the defense\rebounding in the world but if you cannot shoot you are not going to win enough games IMO, and this puts an enormous amount of pressure on he guards & both Scoot\Sharpe, who best case probably end up around league average shooters. Another concern, if POR ends up at #8 or below (a distinct possibility) he might not be there on draft day.

VJ Edecome (if he was even there) would likely be next on the list. He is consistently in the top 5 on most draft lists, ESPN has him at #4 (Vecenie at #5). Important to note, with where POR is trending (and likely to end up) draft pick wise, I don't think Edgecombe would be on the board at their pick

ESPN

Edgecombe's team context isn't doing him any favors with significant minutes off the ball surrounded by very little shooting and passing, leading to some real ups and downs in productivity.

His exceptional flashes of talent as a shot-creator, in the open court, combined with his unselfishness and nonstop intensity on defense should help NBA teams look past his ho-hum production and efficiency (12.5 points per game and 31.8% shooting from 3) to some extent, especially with what he has shown in other settings as a clear-cut top prospect.

He can solidify his standing as a top-five draft pick by continuing to make strides with his shooting, decision-making and ability to play mistake-free basketball, but it seems there will be plenty more fluctuation with his play considering No. 25 Baylor's upcoming schedule (for example, games against ranked conference rivals Kansas and Houston) and their flawed roster construction.

How would he fit with POR? For a team with the worst defensive backcourt rotation (Simons\Sharpe\Scoot) in the NBA, Edgecombe would be a breath of fresh air. The bet is on the shooting with him b\c everything else (athleticisim\defense\intensity) is there. If the new identity for this team is defense, you put him out there with Camara\Deni\Clingan and you have a tough defensive team, shooting is another issue, but defense\rebounding\hustle is well covered. It would be fun to watch both him & Camara lock down other team's players.

The Issues? Like with Newell, shooting, you are hoping that some combination Edgecombe\Sharpe\Scoot\Camara shooting improves by a fair margin, that Deni continues to improve, because if not, this team will struggle to win consitently.

Lastly, McNeeley\Kneuppel

Kneuppel

ESPN

Knueppel has taken well to his demanding role for the Blue Devils, operating with and without the ball effectively, and showing more versatility than some critics were expecting. He has also begun to live up to his billing as a top-flight shooter, breaking out with six 3s in a win against Miami this week, and having made multiple in each of his past six games (21-for-45, 46.7%) while shooting 89% from the free throw line. He'll move the ball and make teammates better but is also a player who opponents can't leave open.

There's certainly some difference of opinion among scouts, stemming from Knueppel's average physical profile, limited rebounding numbers, and slow start to the season. Though he is competitive and smart, it's hard to expect a ton out of him defensively. But in an NBA in which quality shooting can fast-track a player's pathway, there will be a demand for Knueppel's skill set. He'll have a big opportunity to help himself down the stretch, with Duke positioned for a tournament run in March.

McNeeley

ESPN

Despite a slow start, McNeeley was playing some of his best basketball before the injury, hitting 3s prolifically, improving defensively, and looking more comfortable finding his spots within UConn's offense. He has shown he is more than just a shooter but also a highly intelligent passer who can play through contact effectively.

Continuing to show he can hold his own defensively upon returning while scoring efficiently and affecting winning will be his ticket to the lottery and potentially even the top 10. With the Big East slightly down from previous seasons, the Huskies probably won't be as high a NCAA tournament seed as they were the past two seasons, and will need McNeeley to have big games come March.

NO CEILINGS

Liam McNeeley possesses many qualities you want out of a modern NBA wing, blending shooting versatility with a competitive edge that makes him a surefire contributor at the next level. Standing 6’7” with a picturesque shooting stroke, McNeeley has been trending toward 40% from three, thriving as both a catch-and-shoot threat and an off-ball mover in UConn’s offense. While his self-creation is limited by a functional but unspectacular handle, his size and strength allow him to spin off defenders and finish through contact. McNeeley’s playmaking flashes—manipulating defenses out of ball screens and finding weak-side shooters—add another dimension to his game, making him a potential secondary or tertiary creator.

Defensively, McNeeley is more of a positional defender than a disruptive one, relying on his size and sound fundamentals to stay solid on the perimeter rather than pile up stocks. While he certainly won’t be a lockdown defensive presence, McNeeley’s value lies in his offensive versatility and relentless competitiveness, earning comparisons to a Klay Thompson or a Quentin Grimes at the next level. With his blend of shooting, feel, and intensity, McNeeley is the kind of high-floor prospect who can fit seamlessly into Sacramento’s rotation and make winning plays when it matters most.

How would they fit with POR? IMO McNeeley is the better fit, his size 6'7 (many think Kneuppel is around 6'5 or so) and positional fit are ideal for POR. best case scenario, McNeeley (or Kneuppel) are guys who b\c of their shooting prowess defenses have to be aware of, the team could benefit more from Scoot or Deni's drives into the paint if they are capable of making teams pay if they are not on\aware of where they are, which is unlike the current forwards on this team Camara\Murray, and they both play well as connective pieces within the offense, which I think benefits a lot of the other young players (DScoot\Deni\Clingan) who have similar capabilities, and just creates a better offense in general than ISO heavy play.

Kneuppel is thought of as the better shooter overall by most scouts, but I don't think the gap is that large b\t the two, both are good playing out of ball screens as well, which again, fits well with this team. Kneuppel probably has more versatility coming off the bench as he could float b\t SG\SF, McNeeley is more of a straight SF.

Issues? I don't think either of these guys have the potential upside of Newell or Edgecombe, so adding them is more like adding to the supporting cast, still missing "the guy", now the same could likely be true even if they added an Edgecombe\Newell, I think the ceiling on both of those guys are higher. The other issue is defensively, while neither are bad defenders, they are both adequate, both players also are not likely to subplant Sharpe\Camara, so you are drafting a bench (6/7/8) piece in the top 10.

W1, this is a marathon post, but it's a great one.

My #1 hope for their #1 pick this year is the best shooting (then defending) SF. Best case scenario is Ace Bailey, but it looks like the Blazers are going to need big time lottery luck for that to happen.

I am 100% with you on McNeeley. Originally I was thinking Newell, with Deni at the 3, but I have evolved my opinion/preference to Deni at the 4, and a pure shooter at the SF

I am big on complimentary roster pieces. Having a PF like Deni that is a legit threat from the perimeter....WITH a pure shooter at the SF and SG decreases the strain in Scoot and Clingan.