2025 NBA Draft Prospect Part 3

[PoundTown]

That was a great game from Harper I have zero concerns about the shooting that kids gonna be a star

I really like him, too. I could see him not being that efficient for a few years until he develops his shot, but I do think he'll be able to change speed and get buckets, pass the ball well, size makes him passable on defence from a team perspective (bit of switching, rebounding) and run an offence well.

If we got him, I think we're suddenly in really good shape. Harper and Quickley in the backcourt, Ingram-Barnes-Poeltl is good size in the frontcourt, definitely light on shooting, but Walter-Dick-RJ off the bench addresses that a bit.

Ideally we'd find a stretch 5 but those are tough. Would have all of our future 1sts if a Porzingis type ever becomes available. Scottie's shooting could also improve and then we're fine with one traditional big out there in Poeltl, who is efficient and gets his stuff in the flow of an offense.

I think we'd basically avoid bad possessions with Harper running things, 5 guys who are all probably slightly above average passers at their positions (maybe Harper takes 2 years to get there, I'm counting him as the PG on O and the SG on D with Quickley flipped) and bail out Ingram shots at the end of possessions is a good floor, he's over 50% from 10-16 feet the last 4 years. His issues are more the longer 2s and we can probably cut those out almost entirely with Harper getting the other teams in rotation and moving the ball well and the threat of Quickley outside and Barnes and Poeltl going to the rim.

Obviously, we take Flagg at 1 if we get him, but the best fits are Harper and VJ for our roster. Ace wouldn't be bad, because we'd definitely just let him gun off the bench for a year or two before figuring everything out and he could backup three and four and maybe even have a ridiculous 5 out small ball lineup. Watching OKC play, they really debunk that you need size to play really good defence. They were playing a large part of crunch time last night against the Wolves with Jalen Williams as their biggest player. If everyone is good and tenacious defensively, you can play it effectively undersized. I still want size options though haha.

[Spates]

Fleming is my guy, but Barkley that can shoot 3's is a generational prospect bro lol.

He pans out to be a Covington/OG Anunoby IMO.

CMB is a closer comparison to Barkley, I think. Similar post/ground-and-pound game. Fleming looks more like a slasher offensively.

Big CMB fan, his defensive instincts and IQ are next level. I could see Draymond 2.0 in the right situation (I can't see it with us).

If he lands on a team like the Spurs, their defense is going to be nasty.

I think he's fabulous but unfortunately he's not a plug and play. I picture his role as nearly identical to Scottie's. The fit isn't really there with this squad. Although that doesn't necessarily mean we should skip over him. I think CMB and Wolf are my faves.

[Yallbecrazy]

lively was an almost 1 year older rookie than maluach...he only put up 5 and 5 on 2 blocks, and at 7'1 215 pounds

maluach 7'2 250 with longer arms then lively is putting up just as good or better numbers at almost a year younger and a lot bigger

What?
Lively had 1.0 steal and 4.7 blocks per 40 and 5.3 fouls.
He also had 2.1 assists and 1.3 turnovers.

Malauch has 0.3 steals and 2.1 blocks per 40 and 3.9 fouls.
He has 0.9 assists and 1.3 turnovers.

malauch has him on pts and rebounds and efficiency...hes also 18 vs 19 as a rookie and is bigger...and we seeing lively play very well and showing potential and i think khaman can be even better

Malauch projects as a better shooter/ finisher. He also has much better players around him than Lively did. Lively projected as an elite rim protector and Malauch doesn't. Similar frames, but Lively has a higher vert and displayed much better instincts/bbiq in college as evidenced by the assists, steals, and blocks to foul ratio.

Malauch has better shooting touch which is important, but the bbiq projects much worse.

[ATLTimekeeper]

I’d be shocked if he does. Low motor, weak rebounding and his feel for the game is meh.

Maluach's 16.7 Orebound rate is really high for a freshman. Not sure I see low motor or a weak rebounder with this kid. Feel for the game is not that important for that type of player. He just has to stay big and stay at home. Does a nice job of contesting shots without fouling. I'm interested in seeing what the numbers look like challenging in the paint. Not a lot of players go at him.

He has awful blocking mechanics. He swipes down when he blocks. Players at the next level are going to bait him into fouls all day.

Also the bolded is just not true, he has 54 fouls to 29 blocks so far this season. He fouls more than he blocks (and almost double the PF to blocks). He also has a block percentage or 6.0%... you won't see any of the top shot blockers at the NBA level who didn't have a block percentage of atleast 10% at the college level.

3.9 PFs/40 is great for a freshman. He doesn't swipe down much, or he truly would be getting foul calls as lot. He has good body fluidity for a guy that huge, too. Brook Lopez posted back to back 4.9 BLK%. Either way, I care more about opponent FG% in the paint against him than how many blocks he gets. He's had good coaching so far and is a student of the game. I think he will make it.

[Psubs]

Maluach's 16.7 Orebound rate is really high for a freshman. Not sure I see low motor or a weak rebounder with this kid. Feel for the game is not that important for that type of player. He just has to stay big and stay at home. Does a nice job of contesting shots without fouling. I'm interested in seeing what the numbers look like challenging in the paint. Not a lot of players go at him.

He has awful blocking mechanics. He swipes down when he blocks. Players at the next level are going to bait him into fouls all day.

Also the bolded is just not true, he has 54 fouls to 29 blocks so far this season. He fouls more than he blocks (and almost double the PF to blocks). He also has a block percentage or 6.0%... you won't see any of the top shot blockers at the NBA level who didn't have a block percentage of atleast 10% at the college level.

3.9 PFs/40 is great for a freshman. He doesn't swipe down much, or he truly would be getting foul calls as lot. He has good body fluidity for a guy that huge, too. Brook Lopez posted back to back 4.9 BLK%. Either way, I care more about opponent FG% in the paint against him than how many blocks he gets. He's had good coaching so far and is a student of the game. I think he will make it.

Ah, Brook Lopez with better lateral quickness is pretty good.

[dballislife]

i really like carter bryant just as much as cmb and fleming...6'8 225 is a great frame, his steals blocks rate is amazing, he shows great defensive potential and hes shooting the 3 at 36%...i would consider him starting at 15-20

[Yallbecrazy]

Why is Carter Bryant averaging only 18 mpg?

I like his stocks, but his foul rate is pretty high. Similar stocks to CMB per 40, but much fewer minutes and much more fouls.
I like CMB quite a bit more as he's been more of a focal point, and carries a higher usage with much better rebounding, usage, free throw rates. Carter Bryant I think could be an impactful role player, or could just be a guy.
CMB may be a worse archetype, but is almost assuredly at least an impact sub and he does have star potential with his aggression.

[Dalek]

CMB is a closer comparison to Barkley, I think. Similar post/ground-and-pound game. Fleming looks more like a slasher offensively.

Big CMB fan, his defensive instincts and IQ are next level. I could see Draymond 2.0 in the right situation (I can't see it with us).

If he lands on a team like the Spurs, their defense is going to be nasty.

I think he's fabulous but unfortunately he's not a plug and play. I picture his role as nearly identical to Scottie's. The fit isn't really there with this squad. Although that doesn't necessarily mean we should skip over him. I think CMB and Wolf are my faves.

I think you guys are on point about CMB. He is probably my favorite 5-10 range prospect for Toronto.

To me, his strength and size and IQ are NBA ready. Is there some similarities with Scottie? Well, yes and that is a good thing. We notice in past 1.5 seasons, when Scottie is out the defense really falters and that's because we don't have big rugged defenders like him. CMB is going to take every defensive assignment and be complimentary on offence. Can he share the offense with Scottie? As an unselfish mostly at the basket scorer, I don't see why not. Poeltl has done well. CMB likely comes off the bench to begin with anyways.

I think prior to adding Ingram I was thinking this team doesn't have enough offense, but with the addition, the paradigm has changed. CMB is a high level defender, but I also want to say he does create a ton of his team's offense having to deal with a defensive gameplan and despite that still scores efficiently.

Nearly 50 FTR second straight year
24 dunks
68% at the rim with 42% self-created
Increased most of his key advanced numbers like AST% BLK% STL% 3P% REB% and Boxscore +/-

This game with Texas is great to scout how he has dealt with extra attention. See around the 32 min mark how he ahs 1-2 guys converging on him.

Watch on YouTube

[Dalek]

Why is Carter Bryant averaging only 18 mpg?

I like his stocks, but his foul rate is pretty high. Similar stocks to CMB per 40, but much fewer minutes and much more fouls.
I like CMB quite a bit more as he's been more of a focal point, and carries a higher usage with much better rebounding, usage, free throw rates. Carter Bryant I think could be an impactful role player, or could just be a guy.
CMB may be a worse archetype, but is almost assuredly at least an impact sub and he does have star potential with his aggression.

Personally, I think the lower minutes are related to his foul rates. He is a little too willing to contest everything and gambles for steals. Also, with his previous leg break I think he lost a combo of on-court time and training, that may set him back in some way.

I do think it would be fun if we drafted Carter Bryant after drafting Ja'Kobe Walter. It completes our (Ja)"Kobe (Carter) Bryant".

[Indeed]

Why is Carter Bryant averaging only 18 mpg?

I like his stocks, but his foul rate is pretty high. Similar stocks to CMB per 40, but much fewer minutes and much more fouls.
I like CMB quite a bit more as he's been more of a focal point, and carries a higher usage with much better rebounding, usage, free throw rates. Carter Bryant I think could be an impactful role player, or could just be a guy.
CMB may be a worse archetype, but is almost assuredly at least an impact sub and he does have star potential with his aggression.

Personally, I think the lower minutes are related to his foul rates. He is a little too willing to contest everything and gambles for steals. Also, with his previous leg break I think he lost a combo of on-court time and training, that may set him back in some way.

I do think it would be fun if we drafted Carter Bryant after drafting Ja'Kobe Walter. It completes our (Ja)"Kobe (Carter) Bryant".

He started off the bench as well, only played very little minutes.

[Dalek]

One workshop idea I have for Collin Murray-Boyles is him being similar to Al Horford. Both superior defenders with limited shooting coming out of college. Both have a knack for passing and reading the game.

Is CMB the classic 15 year PF and missing piece on a contender? He is a little smaller, but is more modern NBA friendly being positionless.

[Psubs]

One workshop idea I have for Collin Murray-Boyles is him being similar to Al Horford. Both superior defenders with limited shooting coming out of college. Both have a knack for passing and reading the game.

Is CMB the classic 15 year PF and missing piece on a contender? He is a little smaller, but is more modern NBA friendly being positionless.

Nice fit with Wemby but SA but they need 3pt shooting badly.

[Indeed]

lively was an almost 1 year older rookie than maluach...he only put up 5 and 5 on 2 blocks, and at 7'1 215 pounds

maluach 7'2 250 with longer arms then lively is putting up just as good or better numbers at almost a year younger and a lot bigger

Zvonimir is a year older than Lively and can hit the 3 at like 40% and gets as many blocks at 7'2.

I guess Lively is a good comp. But Lively had more blocks and a blocks / foul close to 1, while Maluach is close to .5. It might take Maluach a couple more years to get as impactful as Lively.

I like Zvonimir, but he couldn't turn his hip against ball penetration, so I feel he is at most undraft.
Maluach doesn't have the passing / adept to the game speed, which is very concerning, and hard to believe he is anywhere near Lively, more like a bigger Boucher.

[Spates]

Big CMB fan, his defensive instincts and IQ are next level. I could see Draymond 2.0 in the right situation (I can't see it with us).

If he lands on a team like the Spurs, their defense is going to be nasty.

I think he's fabulous but unfortunately he's not a plug and play. I picture his role as nearly identical to Scottie's. The fit isn't really there with this squad. Although that doesn't necessarily mean we should skip over him. I think CMB and Wolf are my faves.

I think you guys are on point about CMB. He is probably my favorite 5-10 range prospect for Toronto.

To me, his strength and size and IQ are NBA ready. Is there some similarities with Scottie? Well, yes and that is a good thing. We notice in past 1.5 seasons, when Scottie is out the defense really falters and that's because we don't have big rugged defenders like him. CMB is going to take every defensive assignment and be complimentary on offence. Can he share the offense with Scottie? As an unselfish mostly at the basket scorer, I don't see why not. Poeltl has done well. CMB likely comes off the bench to begin with anyways.

I think prior to adding Ingram I was thinking this team doesn't have enough offense, but with the addition, the paradigm has changed. CMB is a high level defender, but I also want to say he does create a ton of his team's offense having to deal with a defensive gameplan and despite that still scores efficiently.

Nearly 50 FTR second straight year
24 dunks
68% at the rim with 42% self-created
Increased most of his key advanced numbers like AST% BLK% STL% 3P% REB% and Boxscore +/-

This game with Texas is great to scout how he has dealt with extra attention. See around the 32 min mark how he ahs 1-2 guys converging on him.

Watch on YouTube

This is an exciting draft for sure. I know it's crazy but I'd swap a top 3 pick for 10 and 11 if it means I could get Wolf and CMB.

I think the consensus top 3 are fine players but I only see super high potential in Bailey. Needs tons of refinement on both ends. Uber talented, explosive, and raw.

I'd be concerned giving Harper the reigns of my team. Appears ball dominant but I'm unsure of his ability to be a floor general. He's creative and can get some buckets but he's not someone impactful on a play-by-play basis. That's an indictment for a lead guard.

Flagg. I'm whelmed by his athleticism. Similar to Scottie in that they both can't explode in tight spaces. I think he's a fine player but I fear he's more of a Jalen Brown type. Good all-around player.

I think adding a brilliant 7 footer who's a 3 level scorer, and a defensive stalwart is far more beneficial. From a team building perspective. Orlando won the 2021 draft with Suggs and Wagner. I think this draft is similar.

[Psubs]

This is an exciting draft for sure. I know it's crazy but I'd swap a top 3 pick for 10 and 11 if it means I could get Wolf and CMB.

I think the consensus top 3 are fine players but I only see super high potential in Bailey. Needs tons of refinement on both ends. Uber talented, explosive, and raw.

I'd be concerned giving Harper the reigns of my team. Appears ball dominant but I'm unsure of his ability to be a floor general. He's creative and can get some buckets but he's not someone impactful on a play-by-play basis. That's an indictment for a lead guard.

Flagg. I'm whelmed by his athleticism. Similar to Scottie in that they both can't explode in tight spaces. I think he's a fine player but I fear he's more of a Jalen Brown type. Good all-around player.

I think adding a brilliant 7 footer who's a 3 level scorer, and a defensive stalwart is far more beneficial. From a team building perspective. Orlando won the 2021 draft with Suggs and Wagner. I think this draft is similar.

Who's the 7 footer, 3 level scorer that's a defensive stalwart?

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

Cmb for sure is going to be an impact sub at least but as the season has gone on I have soured on any star potential. He's undersized and doesn't have legs under his jumper and solidly in 60s from line. I also am not that high on his passing ability. His defense is high level but probably not enough to compensate for being a non-shooting power forward with lackluster passing.

I think Danny Wolf has more similarities with Draymond Green than CMB does.

[Dalek]

One workshop idea I have for Collin Murray-Boyles is him being similar to Al Horford. Both superior defenders with limited shooting coming out of college. Both have a knack for passing and reading the game.

Is CMB the classic 15 year PF and missing piece on a contender? He is a little smaller, but is more modern NBA friendly being positionless.

Nice fit with Wemby but SA but they need 3pt shooting badly.

Castle was a very bad pick for them. I guess they hope for his POA defense to help, but he is not a great scorer and I don't know if he will be down the line. Harper Jr. would be interesting there but they would need a lotto miracle.

[Spates]

This is an exciting draft for sure. I know it's crazy but I'd swap a top 3 pick for 10 and 11 if it means I could get Wolf and CMB.

I think the consensus top 3 are fine players but I only see super high potential in Bailey. Needs tons of refinement on both ends. Uber talented, explosive, and raw.

I'd be concerned giving Harper the reigns of my team. Appears ball dominant but I'm unsure of his ability to be a floor general. He's creative and can get some buckets but he's not someone impactful on a play-by-play basis. That's an indictment for a lead guard.

Flagg. I'm whelmed by his athleticism. Similar to Scottie in that they both can't explode in tight spaces. I think he's a fine player but I fear he's more of a Jalen Brown type. Good all-around player.

I think adding a brilliant 7 footer who's a 3 level scorer, and a defensive stalwart is far more beneficial. From a team building perspective. Orlando won the 2021 draft with Suggs and Wagner. I think this draft is similar.

Who's the 7 footer, 3 level scorer that's a defensive stalwart?

Not Wolf. Poorly written. Referring to CMB

[UnbelievablyRAW]

Malauch is this years Cody Williams for me. All theoretical talent and measurements but when you watch the tape and squint at the numbers its mediocre.

Dude got taken top 10 and is a corpse on Utah

[XTC]

Cmb for sure is going to be an impact sub at least but as the season has gone on I have soured on any star potential. He's undersized and doesn't have legs under his jumper and solidly in 60s from line. I also am not that high on his passing ability. His defense is high level but probably not enough to compensate for being a non-shooting power forward with lackluster passing.

I think Danny Wolf has more similarities with Draymond Green than CMB does.

In my opinion CMB is either going to end up as Kyle Anderson or Draymond Green. There is no in between.

His career arch 100% depends on who drafts him. I could see him becoming Draymond on a team like OKC or SA.