2025 NBA Draft Prospect Part 3

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

I’m not using BAL tape to scout anything besides the bare minimum. I’d rather use what he actually does at Duke, and that’s shoot 20% from 3.

My friend brought up the same concern and I countered it with Thompson OTE situation. It doesn't take away his movement skill on tape on a more spaced out floor . Like I said he has excellent shot prep on C&S and the entirety of his shooting history is very good given his age and dimensions. Duke isn't giving him the liberty to get into a groove shooting the ball, the NBA team that drafts him in part for possessing that skill in particular certainly will.

That's fair, but the Thompson twins may just be anomalies. Level of competition matters the majority of the time. I need to see Maluach on the big stage perform. He'll have an amazing shot to skyrocket during the tourney playing beside Flagg.

Idk because the BAL is such trash comp it still showcases Khaman as a 17 year old hanging with grown men who are solid athletes. So I did the same exercise and tried envisioning him pulling off some of the same moves and operating at the same pace and style in the NBA and IMO he seems quite projectable. I think he has proven to a sufficient degree that he can be an outstanding roll man, very good rebounder and has legitimate shooting potential given his history, shot prep and FT%. To me this gives him a real path forward as an elite roll man who can either get all the way to the rim and finish at an elite level (his TS% is crazy bc hes so good at rim) or receive the pass and pop for the elbow jumper or 3 ball.

Is he some kind of dynamic dribble jumper threat who is gonna be dropping dimes left and right, no.

But he could be a really solid lower USG center who spaces the floor very well and changes how defenses have to play you thereby openening up the floor for teammates, while also being good at traditional big man stuff.

I'm completely cognizant of his weaknesses but I think he has proven he can do enough well to make him a very legitimate prospect and one who offers rare skills that could make him a dynamic presence on the floor. Since I'm not exactly thrilled with this draft class he is starting to appeal to me more.

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

Dylan Harper has had a weird year. He's had an injury and illness which have messed him up, but his outside the paint numbers look bad. He is a big heavy guard who isn't a great pull-up shooter more a creator going to the basket. I feel like Raptors really like him and likely know him from his brother, but I don't see an easy fit in Toronto as the shooting here is shakey and I worry about his defense overall. I'd still draft him if Toronto has a shot, but it is a weird fit here.

I'd be pretty pissed off if they took him. We already have a power driver who can't shoot his name is RJ Barrett. While Harper has more guard skills the fit is horrible and he probably ends up the halfway point between Rodney Stuckey and De'Aaron Fox.

Best case could be James Harden that shoots below average.

Nothing similar between Harden and Harper, Harden's athletic production markers were so much better. A few franchises are going to buy into that comp and be really disappointed.

[Rapsfan07]

Hypothetical - Would you trade:

1st pick + IQ for the 2nd pick + Lamelo
1st pick + IQ for the 2nd pick + Zion
1st pick + Walter for 2nd pick + Sarr

We shouldn't be considering dealing the No. 1 pick for anybody not named Wembanyama.

Much less adding stuff to it.

[BoyzNTheHood]

My friend brought up the same concern and I countered it with Thompson OTE situation. It doesn't take away his movement skill on tape on a more spaced out floor . Like I said he has excellent shot prep on C&S and the entirety of his shooting history is very good given his age and dimensions. Duke isn't giving him the liberty to get into a groove shooting the ball, the NBA team that drafts him in part for possessing that skill in particular certainly will.

That's fair, but the Thompson twins may just be anomalies. Level of competition matters the majority of the time. I need to see Maluach on the big stage perform. He'll have an amazing shot to skyrocket during the tourney playing beside Flagg.

Idk because the BAL is such trash comp it still showcases Khaman as a 17 year old hanging with grown men who are solid athletes. So I did the same exercise and tried envisioning him pulling off some of the same moves and operating at the same pace and style in the NBA and IMO he seems quite projectable. I think he has proven to a sufficient degree that he can be an outstanding roll man, very good rebounder and has legitimate shooting potential given his history, shot prep and FT%. To me this gives him a real path forward as an elite roll man who can either get all the way to the rim and finish at an elite level (his TS% is crazy bc hes so good at rim) or receive the pass and pop for the elbow jumper or 3 ball.

Is he some kind of dynamic dribble jumper threat who is gonna be dropping dimes left and right, no.

But he could be a really solid lower USG center who spaces the floor very well and changes how defenses have to play you thereby openening up the floor for teammates, while also being good at traditional big man stuff.

I'm completely cognizant of his weaknesses but I think he has proven he can do enough well to make him a very legitimate prospect and one who offers rare skills that could make him a dynamic presence on the floor. Since I'm not exactly thrilled with this draft class he is starting to appeal to me more.

Are you taking him over a guy like Sorber? I don’t think I could justify that.

[Rapsfan07]

Sorber is shooting up my draft board.

Hes very long, strong, and be has a natural feel for the game.

Best defensive bigman in the draft IMO, he doesnt have a a 3 yet, but he's hitting pull up middies, and see the potential for a 3 ball. I also love his passing abilities, he makes quick reads and the ball never sticks to his hands. He also has pretty quick feet, and times his blocks very well.

I have him ahead of Maluach comfortably. I see a TON of Al Horford in his game. If we're not picking top 5, I'd feel very comfortable selecting him.

Sorber's growing on me as well.

I know this isn't the popular opinion here but I would really stay away from Maluach.

[Psubs]

That's fair, but the Thompson twins may just be anomalies. Level of competition matters the majority of the time. I need to see Maluach on the big stage perform. He'll have an amazing shot to skyrocket during the tourney playing beside Flagg.

I know that Sergio de Larrea only plays 12 mpg but had he been playing on on a team like Illinois like Jak would he also be a top 10 pick? He can shoot the international 3 at 45% and shoot from NBA range in highlights. Has at least an A/T of 1.5 so perhaps 6'6 combo-guard if not PG.

Ben Saraf and Hugo Gonzalez are ranked higher but if you're a Euro that can't shoot, I don't think there is a chance they will later on.
They seem more like Rudy Fernandez that couldn't stick.

Watch on YouTube

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

That's fair, but the Thompson twins may just be anomalies. Level of competition matters the majority of the time. I need to see Maluach on the big stage perform. He'll have an amazing shot to skyrocket during the tourney playing beside Flagg.

Idk because the BAL is such trash comp it still showcases Khaman as a 17 year old hanging with grown men who are solid athletes. So I did the same exercise and tried envisioning him pulling off some of the same moves and operating at the same pace and style in the NBA and IMO he seems quite projectable. I think he has proven to a sufficient degree that he can be an outstanding roll man, very good rebounder and has legitimate shooting potential given his history, shot prep and FT%. To me this gives him a real path forward as an elite roll man who can either get all the way to the rim and finish at an elite level (his TS% is crazy bc hes so good at rim) or receive the pass and pop for the elbow jumper or 3 ball.

Is he some kind of dynamic dribble jumper threat who is gonna be dropping dimes left and right, no.

But he could be a really solid lower USG center who spaces the floor very well and changes how defenses have to play you thereby openening up the floor for teammates, while also being good at traditional big man stuff.

I'm completely cognizant of his weaknesses but I think he has proven he can do enough well to make him a very legitimate prospect and one who offers rare skills that could make him a dynamic presence on the floor. Since I'm not exactly thrilled with this draft class he is starting to appeal to me more.

Are you taking him over a guy like Sorber? I don’t think I could justify that.

I haven't looked at Sorber as well enough as I'd like. Obviously he has a great WS which is reflected in his event creation, but his production has been a bit underwhelming vs good comp and a friend I have whose opinion I trust greatly says he's mid as hell but I haven't come to that conclusion myself yet.

[BoyzNTheHood]

Idk because the BAL is such trash comp it still showcases Khaman as a 17 year old hanging with grown men who are solid athletes. So I did the same exercise and tried envisioning him pulling off some of the same moves and operating at the same pace and style in the NBA and IMO he seems quite projectable. I think he has proven to a sufficient degree that he can be an outstanding roll man, very good rebounder and has legitimate shooting potential given his history, shot prep and FT%. To me this gives him a real path forward as an elite roll man who can either get all the way to the rim and finish at an elite level (his TS% is crazy bc hes so good at rim) or receive the pass and pop for the elbow jumper or 3 ball.

Is he some kind of dynamic dribble jumper threat who is gonna be dropping dimes left and right, no.

But he could be a really solid lower USG center who spaces the floor very well and changes how defenses have to play you thereby openening up the floor for teammates, while also being good at traditional big man stuff.

I'm completely cognizant of his weaknesses but I think he has proven he can do enough well to make him a very legitimate prospect and one who offers rare skills that could make him a dynamic presence on the floor. Since I'm not exactly thrilled with this draft class he is starting to appeal to me more.

Are you taking him over a guy like Sorber? I don’t think I could justify that.

I haven't looked at Sorber as well enough as I'd like. Obviously he has a great WS which is reflected in his event creation, but his production has been a bit underwhelming vs good comp and a friend I have whose opinion I trust greatly says he's mid as hell but I haven't come to that conclusion myself yet.

I wouldn’t call him mid at all. He might be the best big in the draft not named Flagg.

[Psubs]

Sorber is shooting up my draft board.

Hes very long, strong, and be has a natural feel for the game.

Best defensive bigman in the draft IMO, he doesnt have a a 3 yet, but he's hitting pull up middies, and see the potential for a 3 ball. I also love his passing abilities, he makes quick reads and the ball never sticks to his hands. He also has pretty quick feet, and times his blocks very well.

I have him ahead of Maluach comfortably. I see a TON of Al Horford in his game. If we're not picking top 5, I'd feel very comfortable selecting him.

Sorber's growing on me as well.

I know this isn't the popular opinion here but I would really stay away from Maluach.

I like Sorber but he needs to grow 1 inch because he's only a C right now. He's a bit mechanical like Alex Condon but slower with his moves. At only 6'10 maybe he's like an Elton Brand tweener. I'd rather take Rasheer Fleming at 6'9 but who is able to guard 3-5.

Shoulder Sorber cash in now and get 2 years guaranteed money? If he goes back, risks regression getting heavier than 255 lbs and maybe less agile? He's like bigger Ed Davis right now. I think a lot of people like me wanted Avery Bradley, but really not much missed after to be considered at #13. We obtain Patrick Patterson anyways later on.

[BoyzNTheHood]

MASSIVE news! The #1 team in the country gets a star next year when Broome leaves.

Edit: my bad I confused this guy for his brother Abdi

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[dballislife]

sorber is also a full year younger than queen and doing the same things and seems more athletic

Plus a reportedly 7-6 wingspan. He plays alot like Al Horford. He's just a solid fundamental player on offense and defense.

I'm a huge fan. I think come draft day, hes going to leap frog many prospects.

if queen is 6'10 and he doesnt look like he has long wingspan, might have trouble going over todays centers that are 7'0 with 7'6 wingspan at least...so does he show that much skills to make up for that size and plus his defense

[HumbleRen]

Seeing a lot of RJ/Harper comps on my timeline lol.

A RJ who is a more fluid athlete with better touch, superior ball handling, playmaking and can play defence would be a top 30 player in the league right now.

[Psubs]

sorber is also a full year younger than queen and doing the same things and seems more athletic

Plus a reportedly 7-6 wingspan. He plays alot like Al Horford. He's just a solid fundamental player on offense and defense.

I'm a huge fan. I think come draft day, hes going to leap frog many prospects.

if queen is 6'10 and he doesnt look like he has long wingspan, might have trouble going over todays centers that are 7'0 with 7'6 wingspan at least...so does he show that much skills to make up for that size and plus his defense

Queen looks quicker but more doughy. I think Queen needs to quickly get by guys and cram it. Rasheer can dunk over guys.

Queen vs Sorber is like a coin flip. Sorber seems better on defense and Queen much better on offense.

[BoyzNTheHood]

We need him! For the culture.

Read on Twitter

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[Indeed]

Plus a reportedly 7-6 wingspan. He plays alot like Al Horford. He's just a solid fundamental player on offense and defense.

I'm a huge fan. I think come draft day, hes going to leap frog many prospects.

if queen is 6'10 and he doesnt look like he has long wingspan, might have trouble going over todays centers that are 7'0 with 7'6 wingspan at least...so does he show that much skills to make up for that size and plus his defense

Queen looks quicker but more doughy. I think Queen needs to quickly get by guys and cram it. Rasheer can dunk over guys.

Queen vs Sorber is like a coin flip. Sorber seems better on defense and Queen much better on offense.

Queen has a good footwork to get by his defender. His question is on defense. I feel Queen will be a PF, and he will need to slim down for re-gaining his quickness. He slides pretty well left and right, it just moving backward.

I have Sorber over Maluach, because his stocks are better and at least he can make a pass.

[Yallbecrazy]

I'm honestly not high on Maluach at all.

In bright red letters I have do not draft stamped on him. Not impressed by his defense or rim protection at the next level. His shot blocking mechanics are really bad (swipes down). He's going to be a foul machine at the next level.

People are banking on that 3 point shot becoming a reality, but I don’t know if it will. And even if he gets it to 35-38%, he’s not guarding guys on the perimeter. He’s not even blocking shots in the paint (2 blks per 40). A lot of people who were bad mouthing Edey last year for no good reason are high on Maluach who’s shown far less even as a freshman

Maluach is a big time shooter for a guy with his dimensions and age. Go back to BAL tape and his shot preparation on C&S is really good. I think he has a ton of potential w C&S and pick and pop.

I also disagree with whoever said something about fouling I think he has shown increased discipline not leaving his feet and staying square while at Duke compared to previous film. His fundamentals are improving thanks to Scheyer.

I agree with this, the lack of blocks don't bother me as much as blocks to fouls is way more important than just blocks.

However, I've said it before and will say it again:
Steals and assists are the two most important predicitve stats for centres and he is dreadful at both.

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

if queen is 6'10 and he doesnt look like he has long wingspan, might have trouble going over todays centers that are 7'0 with 7'6 wingspan at least...so does he show that much skills to make up for that size and plus his defense

Queen looks quicker but more doughy. I think Queen needs to quickly get by guys and cram it. Rasheer can dunk over guys.

Queen vs Sorber is like a coin flip. Sorber seems better on defense and Queen much better on offense.

Queen has a good footwork to get by his defender. His question is on defense. I feel Queen will be a PF, and he will need to slim down for re-gaining his quickness. He slides pretty well left and right, it just moving backward.

I have Sorber over Maluach, because his stocks are better and at least he can make a pass.

Sorber's functional big man skills are a lot weaker. Low dunk rate, poor P&R roll man efficiency and while he mostly attempts post-ups isn't the most skilled hands/feet guy out there. That stock rate which is great mostly due to his WS might just show up in limited mins off the bench due to lack of great functional C skills.

[Indeed]

Sorber is shooting up my draft board.

Hes very long, strong, and be has a natural feel for the game.

Best defensive bigman in the draft IMO, he doesnt have a a 3 yet, but he's hitting pull up middies, and see the potential for a 3 ball. I also love his passing abilities, he makes quick reads and the ball never sticks to his hands. He also has pretty quick feet, and times his blocks very well.

I have him ahead of Maluach comfortably. I see a TON of Al Horford in his game. If we're not picking top 5, I'd feel very comfortable selecting him.

Sorber's growing on me as well.

I know this isn't the popular opinion here but I would really stay away from Maluach.

I like Sorber but he needs to grow 1 inch because he's only a C right now. He's a bit mechanical like Alex Condon but slower with his moves. At only 6'10 maybe he's like an Elton Brand tweener. I'd rather take Rasheer Fleming at 6'9 but who is able to guard 3-5.

Shoulder Sorber cash in now and get 2 years guaranteed money? If he goes back, risks regression getting heavier than 255 lbs and maybe less agile? He's like bigger Ed Davis right now. I think a lot of people like me wanted Avery Bradley, but really not much missed after to be considered at #13. We obtain Patrick Patterson anyways later on.

Sorber is a year younger (19.5) than Condon (20.9) and Fleming (20.9), and Fleming is low in assist. Sorber is also shooting better at free throw line. I would not worry too much about height if he has good wingspan above 7'4, that might be enough for blocking shots.

Queen looks quicker but more doughy. I think Queen needs to quickly get by guys and cram it. Rasheer can dunk over guys.

Queen vs Sorber is like a coin flip. Sorber seems better on defense and Queen much better on offense.

Queen has a good footwork to get by his defender. His question is on defense. I feel Queen will be a PF, and he will need to slim down for re-gaining his quickness. He slides pretty well left and right, it just moving backward.

I have Sorber over Maluach, because his stocks are better and at least he can make a pass.

Sorber's functional big man skills are a lot weaker. Low dunk rate, poor P&R roll man efficiency and while he mostly attempts post-ups isn't the most skilled hands/feet guy out there. That stock rate which is great mostly due to his WS might just show up in limited mins off the bench due to lack of great functional C skills.

Sorber has the same amount of dunk(22) as Condon (23), just hard to compare a stacked Duke Maluach (55), mainly from offensive rebound (17%) vs Sorber (9%) vs Condon (13%).

Reference: https://barttorvik.com/playerstat.php?year=2025&p=Thomas%20Sorber&t=Georgetown

[Tor_Raps]

Hypothetical - Would you trade:

1st pick + IQ for the 2nd pick + Lamelo
1st pick + IQ for the 2nd pick + Zion
1st pick + Walter for 2nd pick + Sarr

We shouldn't be considering dealing the No. 1 pick for anybody not named Wembanyama.

Much less adding stuff to it.

It's not like the players I included instead deal + getting Dylan Harper are nothing, I was just curious what people think the gap between Cooper and Harper is.

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

People are banking on that 3 point shot becoming a reality, but I don’t know if it will. And even if he gets it to 35-38%, he’s not guarding guys on the perimeter. He’s not even blocking shots in the paint (2 blks per 40). A lot of people who were bad mouthing Edey last year for no good reason are high on Maluach who’s shown far less even as a freshman

Maluach is a big time shooter for a guy with his dimensions and age. Go back to BAL tape and his shot preparation on C&S is really good. I think he has a ton of potential w C&S and pick and pop.

I also disagree with whoever said something about fouling I think he has shown increased discipline not leaving his feet and staying square while at Duke compared to previous film. His fundamentals are improving thanks to Scheyer.

I agree with this, the lack of blocks don't bother me as much as blocks to fouls is way more important than just blocks.

However, I've said it before and will say it again:
Steals and assists are the two most important predicitve stats for centres and he is dreadful at both.

I think anyone who is closely following Duke knows Khaman is being forced to operate within a certain framework as Scheyer is trying to win a national title and will not tolerate any kind of adventurism from him. On another team with more liberty I don't see why the assist rate wouldn't be similar to many current starting centers when they were that age such as Sabonis, Gobert, Capela, Valanciunas, etc..

I think your point highly excludes him from becoming a higher USG offensive hub which I agree with, not from being a functional NBA starting center.