2025 NBA Draft Thread, part 1 – Capture the Flagg

[redslastlaugh]

Whoa, just saw Swish Theory released a mock draft today too, so a big day for outlier outlets, lol

https://theswishtheory.com/2025-nba-draft-articles/2025/03/2025-nba-mock-draft-2-0/

They have some really interesting takes, including one of my favorite sleepers, Xavier swing Dailyn Swain in the top 20!

Quote the Celtics picks:

28. Boston Celtics: Rasheer Fleming, St. Joseph’s

Fleming is a bit of a divisive selection as a lower-usage upperclassman playing in the A10, but at pick #28 the positives are too hard to ignore. He has been massive for St. Joe’s this year, shooting over 70% at the rim and 41% from three. In an era of NBA basketball where efficient shots are valued more than ever, Fleming is an easy bet to score in the most valuable areas of the court. His block, steal and rebounding numbers are all positive and point towards a genuine contributor on the defensive side of the ball as a powerful forward with the ability to play some small-ball five. If Boston truly “needs” anything in the draft, it is cost-controlled production. Fleming should provide real value on his rookie deal as an older prospect with the frame and complementary skillet to produce immediately.

– Tyler Wilson

29. Los Angeles Clippers: Nique Clifford, Colorado State

Nique Clifford to the Los Angeles Clippers would be great because of his versatility as a 6-foot-6 guard with a 6-foot-11 wingspan bringing defensive flexibility and rebounding tenacity, addressing the team’s need for depth on the wing alongside stars like Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. His senior-year performance at Colorado State—averaging 15.6 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists on efficient shooting—shows he could provide immediate contributions as a role player for the Clips.

– Larry Golden

30. Phoenix Suns: Anthony Robinson II, Missouri

It is unclear in which direction the Suns want to go, and Ant gives them options. His POA defense is NBA-ready, a thief ready to pounce at any moment. The best player on a top-20 team in the nation as a sophomore, Robinson is able to do important things on the court. He is the team leader in assists who has also shown outside shooting potential with 42% from three, 49% from midrange and 77% from the line splits. Despite being only 6’3”, Ant’s reported 6’7” wingspan makes him more dangerous in passing lanes or snagging the errant offensive board. His 0.78 free throw rate reiterates his level of physicality, NBA ready despite the skinny frame.

– Matt Powers

31. Boston Celtics: Johni Broome, Auburn

Fleming & Broome would be a fine Cs draft to me.

[Smart2Nesmith43]

Read on Twitter

[djFan71]

Read on Twitter

I really wanted to accuse you of some Constable level cherry picked stats. But those are pretty basic ones, lol. Fairly impressive.

[phincsfan]

nbadraft.net strays far from consensus (reality?) on some of their takes, but they released a new mock update today. Here is picks 20-40:

20 LA Clippers Derik Queen
21 *Utah Thomas Sorber
22 Golden St. Will Riley
23 *Oklahoma Cty Baye Ndongo
24 Memphis Khaman Maluach
25 New York Jaland Lowe
26 *New Orleans Tahaad Pettiford
27 *Orlando Joson Sanon
28 Boston Labaron Philon
29 *Brooklyn Noah Penda
30 *Utah Collin Murray-Boyles
31 Washington Ben Saraf
32 *Minnesota Tyler Harris
33 *San Antonio Chaz Lanier
34 Charlotte Ryan Kalkbrenner
35 *Dallas Danny Wolf
36 *New York Joan Beringer
37 *Charlotte RJ Luis
38 San Antonio Amari Williams
39 *Sacramento Jaxson Robinson
40 *Washington Adou Thiero

Interesting that they have Baye Ndongo in the 20s and Kentucky center Amari Williams in the 30s. I’ve been wondering why Amari Williams isn’t in most top 60 big boards, this is the first time I’ve seen him top 40.

This draft, and a couple of other mock draft, have had Labaron Philon., a 177lb PG going to the Celtics. Philon does not seem like a Brad Stevens guard because Brad likes the Marcus/Jrue body types, but Philon on talent seems like an intriguing prospect.

https://www.nbadraft.net/nba-mock-drafts/?year-mock=2025

I'd be very very happy with Philon at 28

[djFan71]

nbadraft.net strays far from consensus (reality?) on some of their takes, but they released a new mock update today. Here is picks 20-40:

20 LA Clippers Derik Queen
21 *Utah Thomas Sorber
22 Golden St. Will Riley
23 *Oklahoma Cty Baye Ndongo
24 Memphis Khaman Maluach
25 New York Jaland Lowe
26 *New Orleans Tahaad Pettiford
27 *Orlando Joson Sanon
28 Boston Labaron Philon
29 *Brooklyn Noah Penda
30 *Utah Collin Murray-Boyles
31 Washington Ben Saraf
32 *Minnesota Tyler Harris
33 *San Antonio Chaz Lanier
34 Charlotte Ryan Kalkbrenner
35 *Dallas Danny Wolf
36 *New York Joan Beringer
37 *Charlotte RJ Luis
38 San Antonio Amari Williams
39 *Sacramento Jaxson Robinson
40 *Washington Adou Thiero

Interesting that they have Baye Ndongo in the 20s and Kentucky center Amari Williams in the 30s. I’ve been wondering why Amari Williams isn’t in most top 60 big boards, this is the first time I’ve seen him top 40.

This draft, and a couple of other mock draft, have had Labaron Philon., a 177lb PG going to the Celtics. Philon does not seem like a Brad Stevens guard because Brad likes the Marcus/Jrue body types, but Philon on talent seems like an intriguing prospect.

https://www.nbadraft.net/nba-mock-drafts/?year-mock=2025

I'd be very very happy with Philon at 28

For 165bows (and me, really...), Sion James is 45 on this one.

[winsomme2]

Whoa, just saw Swish Theory released a mock draft today too, so a big day for outlier outlets, lol

https://theswishtheory.com/2025-nba-draft-articles/2025/03/2025-nba-mock-draft-2-0/

They have some really interesting takes, including one of my favorite sleepers, Xavier swing Dailyn Swain in the top 20!

Quote the Celtics picks:

28. Boston Celtics: Rasheer Fleming, St. Joseph’s

Fleming is a bit of a divisive selection as a lower-usage upperclassman playing in the A10, but at pick #28 the positives are too hard to ignore. He has been massive for St. Joe’s this year, shooting over 70% at the rim and 41% from three. In an era of NBA basketball where efficient shots are valued more than ever, Fleming is an easy bet to score in the most valuable areas of the court. His block, steal and rebounding numbers are all positive and point towards a genuine contributor on the defensive side of the ball as a powerful forward with the ability to play some small-ball five. If Boston truly “needs” anything in the draft, it is cost-controlled production. Fleming should provide real value on his rookie deal as an older prospect with the frame and complementary skillet to produce immediately.

– Tyler Wilson

29. Los Angeles Clippers: Nique Clifford, Colorado State

Nique Clifford to the Los Angeles Clippers would be great because of his versatility as a 6-foot-6 guard with a 6-foot-11 wingspan bringing defensive flexibility and rebounding tenacity, addressing the team’s need for depth on the wing alongside stars like Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. His senior-year performance at Colorado State—averaging 15.6 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists on efficient shooting—shows he could provide immediate contributions as a role player for the Clips.

– Larry Golden

30. Phoenix Suns: Anthony Robinson II, Missouri

It is unclear in which direction the Suns want to go, and Ant gives them options. His POA defense is NBA-ready, a thief ready to pounce at any moment. The best player on a top-20 team in the nation as a sophomore, Robinson is able to do important things on the court. He is the team leader in assists who has also shown outside shooting potential with 42% from three, 49% from midrange and 77% from the line splits. Despite being only 6’3”, Ant’s reported 6’7” wingspan makes him more dangerous in passing lanes or snagging the errant offensive board. His 0.78 free throw rate reiterates his level of physicality, NBA ready despite the skinny frame.

– Matt Powers

31. Boston Celtics: Johni Broome, Auburn

Fleming & Broome would be a fine Cs draft to me.

Another Bennett Stirtz sighting.

Anybody know anything about this guy?

There actually are a few players in this mock draft that I'm not familiar with.

[winsomme2]

Whoa, just saw Swish Theory released a mock draft today too, so a big day for outlier outlets, lol

https://theswishtheory.com/2025-nba-draft-articles/2025/03/2025-nba-mock-draft-2-0/

They have some really interesting takes, including one of my favorite sleepers, Xavier swing Dailyn Swain in the top 20!

Quote the Celtics picks:

28. Boston Celtics: Rasheer Fleming, St. Joseph’s

Fleming is a bit of a divisive selection as a lower-usage upperclassman playing in the A10, but at pick #28 the positives are too hard to ignore. He has been massive for St. Joe’s this year, shooting over 70% at the rim and 41% from three. In an era of NBA basketball where efficient shots are valued more than ever, Fleming is an easy bet to score in the most valuable areas of the court. His block, steal and rebounding numbers are all positive and point towards a genuine contributor on the defensive side of the ball as a powerful forward with the ability to play some small-ball five. If Boston truly “needs” anything in the draft, it is cost-controlled production. Fleming should provide real value on his rookie deal as an older prospect with the frame and complementary skillet to produce immediately.

– Tyler Wilson

29. Los Angeles Clippers: Nique Clifford, Colorado State

Nique Clifford to the Los Angeles Clippers would be great because of his versatility as a 6-foot-6 guard with a 6-foot-11 wingspan bringing defensive flexibility and rebounding tenacity, addressing the team’s need for depth on the wing alongside stars like Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. His senior-year performance at Colorado State—averaging 15.6 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists on efficient shooting—shows he could provide immediate contributions as a role player for the Clips.

– Larry Golden

30. Phoenix Suns: Anthony Robinson II, Missouri

It is unclear in which direction the Suns want to go, and Ant gives them options. His POA defense is NBA-ready, a thief ready to pounce at any moment. The best player on a top-20 team in the nation as a sophomore, Robinson is able to do important things on the court. He is the team leader in assists who has also shown outside shooting potential with 42% from three, 49% from midrange and 77% from the line splits. Despite being only 6’3”, Ant’s reported 6’7” wingspan makes him more dangerous in passing lanes or snagging the errant offensive board. His 0.78 free throw rate reiterates his level of physicality, NBA ready despite the skinny frame.

– Matt Powers

31. Boston Celtics: Johni Broome, Auburn

Fleming & Broome would be a fine Cs draft to me.

Nique Clifford could be a great pick for us because he legit can score, defend, and rebound.

Is Colorado St going to make the Tournament? Would like to see him play there.

[Hal14]

Another Bennett Stirtz sighting.

Anybody know anything about this guy?

There actually are a few players in this mock draft that I'm not familiar with.

Read on Twitter

Shades of Pritchard and Reed Sheppard. But looks slightly taller, like around 6'3" or 6'4"..

[redslastlaugh]

Fleming went to Camden High School where his coach was Rick Brunson, obviously the father of Jalen Brunson, who is now working as an assistant under Thibs in NY. I didn’t know Brunson was Fleming’s coach but Vecenie slipped that tidbit into the mock Athletic released in January.

Plus Fleming is from Camden, NJ so you know he's a tough kid.
NBAdraft.net has the Celtics taking Jaxson Robinson, who is out for the year with an injury. Any takes on him?

[redslastlaugh]

Sportskeeda writer and draft Twitter/YouTube analyst Ben Pfiefer publish new 2 round mock.

Latest 2025 NBA Mock Draft

1. Washington Wizards - Cooper Flagg, F, Duke
2. Utah Jazz - Dylan Harper, G, Rutgers
3. Charlotte Hornets - Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
4. New Orleans Pelicans - Kasparas Jakucionis, G, Illinois
5. Toronto Raptors - VJ Edgecombe, G, Baylor
6. Brooklyn Nets - Ace Bailey, F, Rutgers
7. Oklahoma City Thunder (via PHI) - Collin Murray-Boyles, F/C, South Carolina
8. Chicago Bulls - Jeremiah Fears, G, Oklahoma
9. San Antonio Spurs - Tre Johnson, G, Texas
10. Portland Trail Blazers - Derik Queen, F/C, Maryland
11. Miami Heat - Noah Penda, F, Le Mans
12. Houston Rockets - Thomas Sorber, C, Georgetown
13. Dallas Mavericks - Labaron Philon, G, Alabama
14. Atlanta Hawks - Jase Richardson, G, Michigan State
15. Orlando Magic - Kam Jones, G, Marquette
16. San Antonio Spurs - Kon Knueppel, F, Duke
17. Oklahoma City Thunder - Miles Byrd, F, San Diego State
18. Minnesota Timberwolves - Ben Saraf, G, Ulm
19. Utah Jazz - Asa Newell, F/C, Georgia
20. Miami Heat - Nolan Traore, G, Saint Quentin
21. Indiana Pacers - Rasheer Fleming, F, Saint Joseph’s
22. Brooklyn Nets - Noa Essengue, F, Ulm
23. Brooklyn Nets - Bennett Stirtz, G, Drake
24. Washington Wizards - Nique Clifford, F, Colorado State
25. Brooklyn Nets - Flory Bidunga, F/C, Kansas
26. Atlanta Hawks - Alex Condon, C, Florida
27. Orlando Magic - Will Riley, F, Illinois

28. Boston Celtics - Alex Karaban, F, UConn
Previous Mock Placement: 34
Karaban projects as a sturdy role player option for teams needing to bolster their depth. The Celtics wouldn’t mind adding another useful rotation wing, and Karaban’s shooting, especially off of movement at his height, is a high-level trait. He’s an improved defender with a strong track record of decision-making and a basketball feel, making him an ideal fit in Boston’s read-and-react offense.

29. Los Angeles Clippers - Danny Wolf, C, Michigan
30. Phoenix Suns - Hugo Gonzalez, F, Real Madrid

31. Boston Celtics - Tahaad Pettiford, G, Auburn
Previous Mock Placement: 37
Despite standing around six feet tall, Pettiford deserves serious draft consideration for his talent alone. He’s an elite pull-up shooter, ambidextrous passer and crafty driver who competes and creates turnovers on defense. The Celtics could use some extra offensive juice, and Pettiford could add bench creation and off-ball shooting at the NBA level.

32. Charlotte Hornets - Darrion Williams, F, Texas Tech
33. Brooklyn Nets - Liam McNeeley, F, UConn
34. Charlotte Hornets - Egor Demin, G, BYU
35. Detroit Pistons - Boogie Fland, G, Pistons
36. Brooklyn Nets - Rocco Zikarsky, C, Brisbane
37. Philadelphia 76ers - Johni Broome, F/C, Auburn
38. Sacramento Kings - Carter Bryant, F, Arizona
39. San Antonio Spurs - Yaxel Lendeborg, F, UAB
40. Toronto Raptors - Joshua Jefferson, F, Iowa State
41. Washington Wizards - Anthony Robinson, G, Missouri
42. Golden State Warriors - Ian Jackson, G, North Carolina
43. Orlando Magic - Chaz Lanier, G, Tennessee
44. Oklahoma City Thunder - Ryan Kalkbrenner, C, Creighton
45. Utah Jazz - Adou Thiero, F, Arkansas
46. Chicago Bulls - Michael Ruzic, F, Joventut
47. Utah Jazz - Jamir Watkins, F, Florida State
48. Washington Wizards - Joseph Tugler, F/C, Houston
49. Los Angeles Clippers - Tomislav Ivisic, C, Illinois
50. Washington Wizards - Drake Powell, F, North Carolina
51. Indiana Pacers - Wesley Yates, G, USC
52. Cleveland Cavaliers - Isaiah Evans, F, Duke
53. Memphis Grizzlies - Xaivian Lee, G, Princeton
54. New York Knicks - Mark Sears, G, Alabama
55. Los Angeles Lakers - Bogoljub Markovic, C, Mega Basket
56. Phoenix Suns - Maxime Raynaud, C, Stanford
57. Orlando Magic - Joan Beringer, F/C, Cedevita Olimpija
58. Houston Rockets - Sergio De Larrea, G, Valencia
59. Cleveland Cavaliers - Javon Small, G, West Virginia

source: https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/2025-nba-mock-draft-cooper-flagg-remains-unchallenged-top-vj-edgecombe-breaks-top-5
(Brutal ad overlays and pop ups on tablet, be advised)

[djFan71]

Spoiler:

Read on Twitter

https://edemirnba.substack.com/p/maxime-raynaud-scouting-report

Maxime Raynaud is a lottery pick. The over-seven-foot senior has a clear role as a short-roll-passing pick-and-pop five with immense defensive versatility. Here's why NBA teams want him so badly:

[phincsfan]

Sportskeeda writer and draft Twitter/YouTube analyst Ben Pfiefer publish new 2 round mock.

Latest 2025 NBA Mock Draft

1. Washington Wizards - Cooper Flagg, F, Duke
2. Utah Jazz - Dylan Harper, G, Rutgers
3. Charlotte Hornets - Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
4. New Orleans Pelicans - Kasparas Jakucionis, G, Illinois
5. Toronto Raptors - VJ Edgecombe, G, Baylor
6. Brooklyn Nets - Ace Bailey, F, Rutgers
7. Oklahoma City Thunder (via PHI) - Collin Murray-Boyles, F/C, South Carolina
8. Chicago Bulls - Jeremiah Fears, G, Oklahoma
9. San Antonio Spurs - Tre Johnson, G, Texas
10. Portland Trail Blazers - Derik Queen, F/C, Maryland
11. Miami Heat - Noah Penda, F, Le Mans
12. Houston Rockets - Thomas Sorber, C, Georgetown
13. Dallas Mavericks - Labaron Philon, G, Alabama
14. Atlanta Hawks - Jase Richardson, G, Michigan State
15. Orlando Magic - Kam Jones, G, Marquette
16. San Antonio Spurs - Kon Knueppel, F, Duke
17. Oklahoma City Thunder - Miles Byrd, F, San Diego State
18. Minnesota Timberwolves - Ben Saraf, G, Ulm
19. Utah Jazz - Asa Newell, F/C, Georgia
20. Miami Heat - Nolan Traore, G, Saint Quentin
21. Indiana Pacers - Rasheer Fleming, F, Saint Joseph’s
22. Brooklyn Nets - Noa Essengue, F, Ulm
23. Brooklyn Nets - Bennett Stirtz, G, Drake
24. Washington Wizards - Nique Clifford, F, Colorado State
25. Brooklyn Nets - Flory Bidunga, F/C, Kansas
26. Atlanta Hawks - Alex Condon, C, Florida
27. Orlando Magic - Will Riley, F, Illinois

28. Boston Celtics - Alex Karaban, F, UConn
Previous Mock Placement: 34
Karaban projects as a sturdy role player option for teams needing to bolster their depth. The Celtics wouldn’t mind adding another useful rotation wing, and Karaban’s shooting, especially off of movement at his height, is a high-level trait. He’s an improved defender with a strong track record of decision-making and a basketball feel, making him an ideal fit in Boston’s read-and-react offense.

29. Los Angeles Clippers - Danny Wolf, C, Michigan
30. Phoenix Suns - Hugo Gonzalez, F, Real Madrid

31. Boston Celtics - Tahaad Pettiford, G, Auburn
Previous Mock Placement: 37
Despite standing around six feet tall, Pettiford deserves serious draft consideration for his talent alone. He’s an elite pull-up shooter, ambidextrous passer and crafty driver who competes and creates turnovers on defense. The Celtics could use some extra offensive juice, and Pettiford could add bench creation and off-ball shooting at the NBA level.

32. Charlotte Hornets - Darrion Williams, F, Texas Tech
33. Brooklyn Nets - Liam McNeeley, F, UConn
34. Charlotte Hornets - Egor Demin, G, BYU
35. Detroit Pistons - Boogie Fland, G, Pistons
36. Brooklyn Nets - Rocco Zikarsky, C, Brisbane
37. Philadelphia 76ers - Johni Broome, F/C, Auburn
38. Sacramento Kings - Carter Bryant, F, Arizona
39. San Antonio Spurs - Yaxel Lendeborg, F, UAB
40. Toronto Raptors - Joshua Jefferson, F, Iowa State
41. Washington Wizards - Anthony Robinson, G, Missouri
42. Golden State Warriors - Ian Jackson, G, North Carolina
43. Orlando Magic - Chaz Lanier, G, Tennessee
44. Oklahoma City Thunder - Ryan Kalkbrenner, C, Creighton
45. Utah Jazz - Adou Thiero, F, Arkansas
46. Chicago Bulls - Michael Ruzic, F, Joventut
47. Utah Jazz - Jamir Watkins, F, Florida State
48. Washington Wizards - Joseph Tugler, F/C, Houston
49. Los Angeles Clippers - Tomislav Ivisic, C, Illinois
50. Washington Wizards - Drake Powell, F, North Carolina
51. Indiana Pacers - Wesley Yates, G, USC
52. Cleveland Cavaliers - Isaiah Evans, F, Duke
53. Memphis Grizzlies - Xaivian Lee, G, Princeton
54. New York Knicks - Mark Sears, G, Alabama
55. Los Angeles Lakers - Bogoljub Markovic, C, Mega Basket
56. Phoenix Suns - Maxime Raynaud, C, Stanford
57. Orlando Magic - Joan Beringer, F/C, Cedevita Olimpija
58. Houston Rockets - Sergio De Larrea, G, Valencia
59. Cleveland Cavaliers - Javon Small, G, West Virginia

source: https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/2025-nba-mock-draft-cooper-flagg-remains-unchallenged-top-vj-edgecombe-breaks-top-5
(Brutal ad overlays and pop ups on tablet, be advised)

If that turned out to be the picks on draft day, I'd definitely look to trade back into the 2nd round.

[Kalela]

With how often the Celtics shoot, I think they can use a good rebounder. If they can contribute other ways too then even better.

[brackdan70]

After losses I tend to look at the draft more. Looking for that guy that can save the franchise lol.
Noah Penda seems alright.
I have him as a defense first Doncic / Tatum hybrid….is my ceiling too high?

[phincsfan]

After losses I tend to look at the draft more. Looking for that guy that can save the franchise lol.
Noah Penda seems alright.
I have him as a defense first Doncic / Tatum hybrid….is my ceiling too high?

This draft may have a Noa, Noah and Nolan all go in the 1st round.

[165bows]

Spoiler:

Read on Twitter

https://edemirnba.substack.com/p/maxime-raynaud-scouting-report

Maxime Raynaud is a lottery pick. The over-seven-foot senior has a clear role as a short-roll-passing pick-and-pop five with immense defensive versatility. Here's why NBA teams want him so badly:

Saw this last night, just hadn't got to post it yet lol.

On a more serious note I am all for grabbing a lotto talent big man at 28, especially one that fits the team's play style. Curious the defensive part of that write-up behind the pay wall. Also for a guy that is a senior big man that he says is a potential lotto talent, why is his shooting efficiency so low? For a guy like that to have an EFG/TS% of .529/.561 is concerning to me. I get that he is not going to be asked to shoot/score as much in the pros but still.

[redslastlaugh]

After losses I tend to look at the draft more. Looking for that guy that can save the franchise lol.
Noah Penda seems alright.
I have him as a defense first Doncic / Tatum hybrid….is my ceiling too high?

Same here. After watching Hauser, PP, Torrey Craig look limply relegated to the perimeter last night, I’m wanting an athletic 6-7, 225 DAWG who can drive into the teeth of physicality and dunk on guys heads.

Luckily today Givony releases new mock with Celtics taking… the most athletic wing maybe in the whole draft

28. Boston Celtics

Adou Thiero, PF, Arkansas
Junior | TS%: 62.0%
Scouting report: Thiero has sat out five games and counting because of a knee injury and might be done for the season, with his status still unclear at the SEC tournament. He remains one of the draft's biggest gambles on pure physical ability. A productive season still didn't quite address the concerns about his limited feel and shooting. He's one of this draft's best athletes, allowing him to make plays defensively and finish around the rim at a high level, and to some extent covering for other holes in his game. There's interesting role-player upside here if Thiero lands with a team that can maximize his strengths, helped by the fact he plays with a strong motor. That upside continues to make him a valid bet at the end of the first round, presuming his health checks out.
NBA intel and fit: The defending champion Celtics have assembled an enviable, if expensive roster, making this pick (as well as Washington's second-round pick, which Boston holds) a good opportunity to add cost-controlled talent. Thiero would benefit from a situation such as Boston's, where he'd be surrounded with experienced players to smooth his transition into a bench role. -- Woo

We took Nique Clifford at #31. Noah Penda, since you brought him up, went #29.

[ConstableGeneva]

Flagg with apparent leg injury during ACC quarterfinal game.

[djFan71]

After losses I tend to look at the draft more. Looking for that guy that can save the franchise lol.
Noah Penda seems alright.
I have him as a defense first Doncic / Tatum hybrid….is my ceiling too high?

Same here. After watching Hauser, PP, Torrey Craig look limply relegated to the perimeter last night, I’m wanting an athletic 6-7, 225 DAWG who can drive into the teeth of physicality and dunk on guys heads.

Luckily today Givony releases new mock with Celtics taking… the most athletic wing maybe in the whole draft

28. Boston Celtics

Adou Thiero, PF, Arkansas
Junior | TS%: 62.0%
Scouting report: Thiero has sat out five games and counting because of a knee injury and might be done for the season, with his status still unclear at the SEC tournament. He remains one of the draft's biggest gambles on pure physical ability. A productive season still didn't quite address the concerns about his limited feel and shooting. He's one of this draft's best athletes, allowing him to make plays defensively and finish around the rim at a high level, and to some extent covering for other holes in his game. There's interesting role-player upside here if Thiero lands with a team that can maximize his strengths, helped by the fact he plays with a strong motor. That upside continues to make him a valid bet at the end of the first round, presuming his health checks out.
NBA intel and fit: The defending champion Celtics have assembled an enviable, if expensive roster, making this pick (as well as Washington's second-round pick, which Boston holds) a good opportunity to add cost-controlled talent. Thiero would benefit from a situation such as Boston's, where he'd be surrounded with experienced players to smooth his transition into a bench role. -- Woo

We took Nique Clifford at #31. Noah Penda, since you brought him up, went #29.

I love the idea of Thiero and actually watched some videos / read some stuff on him last night. It's that feel / poor processing speed that could kind of doom him for us. Beyond that he has an OG / early JB hybrid type thing going on where he's a great athlete/defender, can drive, wants to murder people on dunks, but can't really shoot or process at a high level. Could be worth the investment, though.

[djFan71]

Watched a little Penda too. Seems effectively, but very stiff at the same time. Not calling that a final analysis or anything, lol, but it just stood out to me how upright he is all the time. At least in the clips I watched.