2025 NBA Draft Prospect Part 3

[Thaddy]

Maluach is probably the least productive player you'll ever see. It looks like he just gets his cardio in and doesn't get many blocks, rebounds, and he isn't a threat to score. He really lacks assertiveness. I would rather have Newell, he gets boards, put backs, and he's showing he can get up three point volume and hit 3s. I don't see anyone loving Maluach and taking him top ten.

[Thaddy]

We've heard Masai many times talk about how difficult it is to find good big men. Hell, I remember him saying that after drafting Dewan Hernandez with the 59th pick. I'd imagine it's going to be very difficult to talk him out of drafting Maluach if he's there when the Raps pick.

He doesn't have any skills on Newell. What makes him better? He doesn't use his size effectively to rebound, block shots, or deter drives

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

For the 2nd time, Fears' dad put out a question on social media about where he should transfer to. To be made aware of that and still comment "there's no way he stays in school" ?????

There's a high probability he stays in school according to multiple sources including his own father. Whether you agree or disagree with the decision is another thing. Even Cooper Flagg floated the idea around of staying in school. Fears has had a horrible stretch against conference opp and developing in a good college system would be just as fine if not better than playing in the g-league.

Given his size, disappointing production and how the average nba team evaluates there's no guarantee as it stands that he would go lotto in 2025.

[S.W.A.N]

For the 2nd time, Fears' dad put out a question on social media about where he should transfer to. To be made aware of that and still comment "there's no way he stays in school" ?????

There's a high probability he stays in school according to multiple sources including his own father. Whether you agree or disagree with the decision is another thing. Even Cooper Flagg floated the idea around of staying in school. Fears has had a horrible stretch against conference opp and developing in a good college system would be just as fine if not better than playing in the g-league.

Given his size, disappointing production and how the average nba team evaluates there's no guarantee as it stands that he would go lotto in 2025.

not to mention he can probably make almost as much staying in school

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

We've heard Masai many times talk about how difficult it is to find good big men. Hell, I remember him saying that after drafting Dewan Hernandez with the 59th pick. I'd imagine it's going to be very difficult to talk him out of drafting Maluach if he's there when the Raps pick.

He doesn't have any skills on Newell. What makes him better? He doesn't use his size effectively to rebound, block shots, or deter drives

You're criticizing areas of his game that he's blatantly more productive at than Newell, what the hell are you talking about that he isn't a better rebounder or shot blocker? He's better than Newell at both despite being younger and having less basketball experience.

You want to make an argument that Khaman might stop developing great. To suggest Newell is better than him at stuff he's objectively better at with the data to back it up is ridiculous.

[Thaddy]

We've heard Masai many times talk about how difficult it is to find good big men. Hell, I remember him saying that after drafting Dewan Hernandez with the 59th pick. I'd imagine it's going to be very difficult to talk him out of drafting Maluach if he's there when the Raps pick.

He doesn't have any skills on Newell. What makes him better? He doesn't use his size effectively to rebound, block shots, or deter drives

You're criticizing areas of his game that he's blatantly more productive at than Newell, what the hell are you talking about that he isn't a better rebounder or shot blocker? He's better than Newell at both despite being younger and having less basketball experience.

You want to make an argument that Khaman might stop developing great. To suggest Newell is better than him at stuff he's objectively better at with the data to back it up is ridiculous.

And Newell will continue developing. Maluach hasn't improved anywhere noticeable since the Olympics. If anything he's looked worse. His productivity isn't as good as Newells what are you even looking at?

[DreamTeam09]

He doesn't have any skills on Newell. What makes him better? He doesn't use his size effectively to rebound, block shots, or deter drives

You're criticizing areas of his game that he's blatantly more productive at than Newell, what the hell are you talking about that he isn't a better rebounder or shot blocker? He's better than Newell at both despite being younger and having less basketball experience.

You want to make an argument that Khaman might stop developing great. To suggest Newell is better than him at stuff he's objectively better at with the data to back it up is ridiculous.

And Newell will continue developing. Maluach hasn't improved anywhere noticeable since the Olympics. If anything he's looked worse. His productivity isn't as good as Newells what are you even looking at?

Both Khaman and VJ looked better in the FIBA tournament where they both had more freedom, especially VJ. Duke is asking him to do the basics. He is a project, definitely worth the gamble tho. But rim protection isn't something I'm worried about with him

[Thaddy]

You're criticizing areas of his game that he's blatantly more productive at than Newell, what the hell are you talking about that he isn't a better rebounder or shot blocker? He's better than Newell at both despite being younger and having less basketball experience.

You want to make an argument that Khaman might stop developing great. To suggest Newell is better than him at stuff he's objectively better at with the data to back it up is ridiculous.

And Newell will continue developing. Maluach hasn't improved anywhere noticeable since the Olympics. If anything he's looked worse. His productivity isn't as good as Newells what are you even looking at?

Both Khaman and VJ looked better in the FIBA tournament where they both had more freedom, especially VJ. Duke is asking him to do the basics. He is a project, definitely worth the gamble tho. But rim protection isn't something I'm worried about with him

Duke wasn't the right choice for him then, they really limited his game and it stopped growth. I don't like that he isn't able to play the 4 either, it makes line ups less versatile.

He's a year younger than Newell but there isn't a guarantee he's as good of a shooter. Newell is showing a lot of growth too and taking advantage of being in college.

If we get a bad pick I would rather fortify the C/PF position for the next 5 years. A Poeltl, Barnes and Newell rotation at our big positions would be enough to turn us into a contender.

Poeltl can't be a good finisher for a game because he can't shoot FTs. Newell is a better guarantee than Maluach to be a good shooter. We need that next to Barnes and Ingram. It would open the lane for them similar to how KP does for Tatum and Brown.

Newell
Barnes
Ingram
Barrett
Quickley

I think that line up could make deep playoff runs within the next 3 years.

[DreamTeam09]

And Newell will continue developing. Maluach hasn't improved anywhere noticeable since the Olympics. If anything he's looked worse. His productivity isn't as good as Newells what are you even looking at?

Both Khaman and VJ looked better in the FIBA tournament where they both had more freedom, especially VJ. Duke is asking him to do the basics. He is a project, definitely worth the gamble tho. But rim protection isn't something I'm worried about with him

Duke wasn't the right choice for him then, they really limited his game and it stopped growth. I don't like that he isn't able to play the 4 either, it makes line ups less versatile.

He's a year younger than Newell but there isn't a guarantee he's as good of a shooter. Newell is showing a lot of growth too and taking advantage of being in college.

If we get a bad pick I would rather fortify the C/PF position for the next 5 years. A Poeltl, Barnes and Newell rotation at our big positions would be enough to turn us into a contender.

Poeltl can't be a good finisher for a game because he can't shoot FTs. Newell is a better guarantee than Maluach to be a good shooter. We need that next to Barnes and Ingram. It would open the lane for them similar to how KP does for Tatum and Brown.

Newell
Barnes
Ingram
Barrett
Quickley

I think that line up could make deep playoff runs within the next 3 years.

The flipside, Maluach is the better defender, can switch and protect the rim, set good screens and vertically space the floor and literally finish everything near the rim. 70+% FT shooter too. I like Newell so I'm not madd but the height & mobility of Maluach won't turn me away

[BoyzNTheHood]

For the 2nd time, Fears' dad put out a question on social media about where he should transfer to. To be made aware of that and still comment "there's no way he stays in school" ?????

There's a high probability he stays in school according to multiple sources including his own father. Whether you agree or disagree with the decision is another thing. Even Cooper Flagg floated the idea around of staying in school. Fears has had a horrible stretch against conference opp and developing in a good college system would be just as fine if not better than playing in the g-league.

Given his size, disappointing production and how the average nba team evaluates there's no guarantee as it stands that he would go lotto in 2025.

He’s not staying in school. You’re spreading misinformation. His dad put out the question, yes, and then confirmed he was joking literally moments later:

Read on Twitter

?s=46&t=iDergfyDJveIq9pY2qCCBQ

To be made aware of that and still claim he’s staying is wildly irresponsible to post. And if by some stretch of the imagination he stays it’ll be at OSU, which is nothing to worry about after a 2 minute google search either way…

Read on Twitter

?s=46&t=iDergfyDJveIq9pY2qCCBQ

Not to mention the fact that Jeremiah signed with an agent who posted a reel on IG starting off with the narrator saying “in the 2025 NBA Draft”

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGTn_sLyZxr/?igsh=cG8yd3I1bW52Y3Uy

But y’all keep believing he’s going back to school the kid is ready and anyone who knows ball can see it. He’s going in the lotto in 2025. So yes, “there’s no way he’s stays in school”.

[TorontoBarneys]

What's Maluach's ceiling?

More athletic Yak with shooting touch

That's an all-star.

[BoyzNTheHood]

What's Maluach's ceiling?

More athletic Yak with shooting touch

That's an all-star.

Athletic Jak with shooting touch is damn near a superstar.

[Rapsfan07]

almost zero reason to believe that cmb or demin will become good shooters. while asa projects decently as a shooter he's kinda bland.

paul mcneil and jeremiah fears are both going to transfer and end up at the top of the returners watchlist.

Fears had a huge game and would be drafted in the 1st round and shouldn't gamble on the deeper draft next year.

I don't want to draft him personally but he should go 15-25. Jase should get drafted before Fears and Philon.

Yep. I've been talking about Richardson for a while and I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up in the lottery come draft day, especially if he'd actually 6'3+.

If he doesn't get drafted in the lottery, he's on my short list of guys I'd trade Dick to draft in the 15-18 range along with Fleming, Sorber and maybe Wolf.

[Psubs]

almost zero reason to believe that cmb or demin will become good shooters. while asa projects decently as a shooter he's kinda bland.

paul mcneil and jeremiah fears are both going to transfer and end up at the top of the returners watchlist.

Fears had a huge game and would be drafted in the 1st round and shouldn't gamble on the deeper draft next year.

I don't want to draft him personally but he should go 15-25. Jase should get drafted before Fears and Philon.

Yep. I've been talking about Richardson for a while and I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up in the lottery come draft day, especially if he'd actually 6'3+.

If he doesn't get drafted in the lottery, he's on my short list of guys I'd trade Dick to draft in the 15-18 range along with Fleming, Sorber and maybe Wolf.

Would Dick fetch a better pick than Agbaji?

I want to trade for KD. Maybe get KD, Nik Richards and #30 for RJ, Agbaji and Poeltl?

PG IQ - Shead - Jakobe
SG Igram - Jakobe - 1st pick
SF KD - Mogbo - Battle
PF Scottie - Fleming - Mogbo
C Richards - Condon - Chomche

[raptor jesus]

We've heard Masai many times talk about how difficult it is to find good big men. Hell, I remember him saying that after drafting Dewan Hernandez with the 59th pick. I'd imagine it's going to be very difficult to talk him out of drafting Maluach if he's there when the Raps pick.

He doesn't have any skills on Newell. What makes him better? He doesn't use his size effectively to rebound, block shots, or deter drives

I'm skeptical about Maluach as well. I was just bringing up an anecdote about how many times I've heard Masai publicly gush about physically gifted bigs, which Malauach certainly is. On Newell: I liked what I saw in the small sample I watched. He was constantly seeking contact, making sure to be physical setting screens and hitting the boards. We see so many bigs now who don't seem to relish being a bully on the court; they seem to prefer to play more like a guard i.e. they are soft. Newell struck me as the opposite (again, small sample I watched); he seemed to enjoy pushing guys around, which is refreshing.

[UnbelievablyRAW]

If Masai took a C not projected to be All NBA in his career with the 4th pick in a top heavy draft I wouldn't renew his contract either

[Thaddy]

If Masai took a C not projected to be All NBA in his career with the 4th pick in a top heavy draft I wouldn't renew his contract either

It's more of an option if we drop in the draft or the standing change significantly. The board should be Flagg, Harper, Bailey, VJ, Johnson, Kasp, Fears, and then Maluach. I'm also low on Kasp, he doesn't have great physical tools and his last game was underwhelming. There's still a lot of basketball left for these guys to shuffle up or downward.

I think some posters pointed out obvious flaws in Newell (no stand out skills and age), McNeeley (lack of dunks), and Demin.

My favourite would probably be VJ. We will need to develop the pick we get and he's shown the most growth. I think he's come out of the DR which didn't have the development infrastructure that the other prospects had.

[BoyzNTheHood]

If Masai took a C not projected to be All NBA in his career with the 4th pick in a top heavy draft I wouldn't renew his contract either

It's more of an option if we drop in the draft or the standing change significantly. The board should be Flagg, Harper, Bailey, VJ, Johnson, Kasp, Fears, and then Maluach. I'm also low on Kasp, he doesn't have great physical tools and his last game was underwhelming. There's still a lot of basketball left for these guys to shuffle up or downward.

I think some posters pointed out obvious flaws in Newell (no stand out skills and age), McNeeley (lack of dunks), and Demin.

My favourite would probably be VJ. We will need to develop the pick we get and he's shown the most growth. I think he's come out of the DR which didn't have the development infrastructure that the other prospects had.

Demin might be the most disappointing prospect I’ve seen in a long time. He was my pre-season favourite for our pick, and now he shouldn’t even be declaring for the 2025 draft in my opinion.

[Dalek]

McNeeley with a terrible game not great in this big moment. St John's is tough. Those are grown men who play physical ball. Reed Jr. Is so bad and cannot protect the rim for UConn.

[Thaddy]

What does Edgecombe have on Fears other than athleticism? I don't think VJ's athletic tools will matter in the NBA with him being undersized as a wing and lacking a great wingspan.

I can see an obvious role for Fears here as the creator off the bench. Eventually he could be our starting two guard. He has underwhelming size, he's reportedly between 6-1 to 6-3 with a neutral wingspan. At that point doesn't Fland look like a better choice? As in many drafts after the top 3-5 there's a big drop off.