2025 NBA Draft Discussion Part 4

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

lendeborg just had a god tier game against east carolina

Their PF is 6'3, 210 lbs. Their other starting big is 6'8, 214 lbs.

At least he had 8 assists and 0 turnovers, with 5 steals and 4 blks.

Maybe he's a better prospect than JT Toppin?

jt toppin is sketchy, profiles as undersized C but has a low free throw rate. that's usually a sign of a lack of physical dominance - which would be required to make a dent in the NBA. last year i was thinking maybe there's a kevon looney type path but looney way better physical markers and length.

[RoteSchroder]

Half-watching Duke vs UNC.

Maluach - Enormous, looked comfortable hitting a 3. Not super fluid or co-ordinated, like you don't expect him to get rebounds that don't come to him, but he's also not looking to score and having a big impact on the game. I would like a Brook Lopez/Myles Turner kinda guy, if we can play 5 out and have a giant at center on D, that's a good recipe for the next decade to be competitive at least, and if Scottie Barnes is gonna thrive on O, it's gotta be with a 5 who can shoot. It's not for sure that Maluach can, but it seems more likely than not if he keeps working at it for the next few years. Don't really think he'll be able to attack closeouts, but it's nice at the end of the shot clock and it seems plausible he could drag opposing centers out of the lane if he finds a couple spots he can hit 3s from. I like how team-centric he seems. Happy to set actual picks, doesn't try to dribble or force anything, rolls hard. I don't think he's Embiid, but maybe a less athletic Patrick Ewing. That's still a good starting center.

I thought Maluach’s selling point was his mobility, seems a lot more mobile than Lopez

With Cooper out (a high impact defender), it’s a good time to evaluate Maluach though

He doesn't look as mobile to me as say Missi did last year, but he moves better than Brook Lopez, yeah. I meant more so in the sense of solid defensive anchor at center who can hit 3s, which has been a pre-requisite for most of the champions lately (Jokic - you can quibble with the D but the metrics aren't bad and obviously the spacing/3pt are elite - and then Draymond, Lopez, Horford/KP, AD, Marc Gasol/Ibaka).

Just went over a couple games..it likely won't be that hard for NBA guards/wings to beat him off the dribble if left on an island, even faster C's can get by him, but Duke switches a lot. He seems fine in hedges to me. When he gets beat, he's sometimes able to recover, especially when his teammates clog the lane. He can also sometimes stick to opposing ball-handlers that aren't that explosive and does better if he can body them while their driving. If opponents get him on their hip, it seems like an easy blow by. With an extended 3 point line, it'll likely be a bit tough for him on the perimeter. Probably should stick to drop coverage and hedging to start off in the NBA. Giving perimeter players more space and using his length instead would also help.

Another thing is it's possible his reaction time may be slightly slow at times, but not sure if that's common or a big deal, as his length deters a lot.

[Psubs]

lendeborg just had a god tier game against east carolina

Their PF is 6'3, 210 lbs. Their other starting big is 6'8, 214 lbs.

At least he had 8 assists and 0 turnovers, with 5 steals and 4 blks.

Maybe he's a better prospect than JT Toppin?

jt toppin is sketchy, profiles as undersized C but has a low free throw rate. that's usually a sign of a lack of physical dominance - which would be required to make a dent in the NBA. last year i was thinking maybe there's a kevon looney type path but looney way better physical markers and length.

Ya, I was thinking like a mix of Looney and Covington.

[Psubs]

I thought Maluach’s selling point was his mobility, seems a lot more mobile than Lopez

With Cooper out (a high impact defender), it’s a good time to evaluate Maluach though

He doesn't look as mobile to me as say Missi did last year, but he moves better than Brook Lopez, yeah. I meant more so in the sense of solid defensive anchor at center who can hit 3s, which has been a pre-requisite for most of the champions lately (Jokic - you can quibble with the D but the metrics aren't bad and obviously the spacing/3pt are elite - and then Draymond, Lopez, Horford/KP, AD, Marc Gasol/Ibaka).

Just went over a couple games..it likely won't be that hard for NBA guards/wings to beat him off the dribble if left on an island, even faster C's can get by him, but Duke switches a lot. He seems fine in hedges to me. When he gets beat, he's sometimes able to recover, especially when his teammates clog the lane. He can also sometimes stick to opposing ball-handlers that aren't that explosive and does better if he can body them while their driving. If opponents get him on their hip, it seems like an easy blow by. With an extended 3 point line, it'll likely be a bit tough for him on the perimeter. Probably should stick to drop coverage and hedging to start off in the NBA. Giving perimeter players more space and using his length instead would also help.

Another thing is it's possible his reaction time may be slightly slow at times, but not sure if that's common or a big deal, as his length deters a lot.

What about the other freshman C that did really well? He actually has a better offensive AND defensive RTG.

Patrick Ngongba. Looks like 6'11 Kevon Looney.

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

Their PF is 6'3, 210 lbs. Their other starting big is 6'8, 214 lbs.

At least he had 8 assists and 0 turnovers, with 5 steals and 4 blks.

Maybe he's a better prospect than JT Toppin?

jt toppin is sketchy, profiles as undersized C but has a low free throw rate. that's usually a sign of a lack of physical dominance - which would be required to make a dent in the NBA. last year i was thinking maybe there's a kevon looney type path but looney way better physical markers and length.

Ya, I was thinking like a mix of Looney and Covington.

nah looney 7'4 ws and way more physical

[DreamTeam09]

I thought Maluach’s selling point was his mobility, seems a lot more mobile than Lopez

With Cooper out (a high impact defender), it’s a good time to evaluate Maluach though

He doesn't look as mobile to me as say Missi did last year, but he moves better than Brook Lopez, yeah. I meant more so in the sense of solid defensive anchor at center who can hit 3s, which has been a pre-requisite for most of the champions lately (Jokic - you can quibble with the D but the metrics aren't bad and obviously the spacing/3pt are elite - and then Draymond, Lopez, Horford/KP, AD, Marc Gasol/Ibaka).

Just went over a couple games..it likely won't be that hard for NBA guards/wings to beat him off the dribble if left on an island, even faster C's can get by him, but Duke switches a lot. He seems fine in hedges to me. When he gets beat, he's sometimes able to recover, especially when his teammates clog the lane. He can also sometimes stick to opposing ball-handlers that aren't that explosive and does better if he can body them while their driving. If opponents get him on their hip, it seems like an easy blow by. With an extended 3 point line, it'll likely be a bit tough for him on the perimeter. Probably should stick to drop coverage and hedging to start off in the NBA. Giving perimeter players more space and using his length instead would also help.

Another thing is it's possible his reaction time may be slightly slow at times, but not sure if that's common or a big deal, as his length deters a lot.

https://youtu.be/hjQKUwSppfs?si=wZD0k_q6ZtfYx7k3

Khaman Maluach is very much so Mobile

[dballislife]

i think we're about to leave kasparas, tre, and khaman territory...and about to enter kon, asa, and fears range

[Pointgod]

i think we're about to leave kasparas, tre, and khaman territory...and about to enter kon, asa, and fears range

Yup

[MessiahUjiri]

i think we're about to leave kasparas, tre, and khaman territory...and about to enter kon, asa, and fears range

We are back to losing and drafting people in the Charlie Villanueva, T Ross and Joey Graham category.

YAY for Chris Bosh era.

[ArthurVandelay]

i think we're about to leave kasparas, tre, and khaman territory...and about to enter kon, asa, and fears range

Maluach is going to be a project. Not a lot of teams are going to have patience for that in a top 10 pick.

Mark Williams went 15.
Lively went 12.

Edey went 9 (in a weak draft) but Maluach doesn’t have near his accomplishments or physical development.

I think he actually might slip a bit leading to draft as workouts tend to favour the guards and wings.

OKC and Spurs would be threat to draft him prior to Raptors imo

[DreamTeam09]

i think we're about to leave kasparas, tre, and khaman territory...and about to enter kon, asa, and fears range

Maluach is going to be a project. Not a lot of teams are going to have patience for that in a top 10 pick.

Mark Williams went 15.
Lively went 12.

Edey went 9 (in a weak draft) but Maluach doesn’t have near his accomplishments or physical development.

I think he actually might slip a bit leading to draft as workouts tend to favour the guards and wings.

OKC and Spurs would be threat to draft him prior to Raptors imo

C prospects are drafted on team needs. Like Dallas would've taken Lively at 5 if need be, Edey went 9th cuz the Memphis needs a C, we probably would've taken him at 8 if we retained our pick.
I haven't checked what other teams are doing around us this year, but Khaman will be the first C off the board imo, hopefully we are in a position to make that selection

[Dalek]

i think we're about to leave kasparas, tre, and khaman territory...and about to enter kon, asa, and fears range

What probably have to adjust our concept of the team which is that we are a playoff team next season. Those teams get high floor rookies:

Kon is probably the safest bet for Toronto anyway. If we want to compete next season, he is a guy that can step in right away, hit shots, pass the ball and not be too bad on defense. 74 made threes is something this team needs to add.

CMB is going to fit onto any playoff team. He has OG level defense and he can pass and attack as a face-up threat. Not much shooting but positional versatility can make him a plug and play PF/C and maybe even a SF if the shot develops. He is a good player to fill in for Scottie when he sits.

Rasheer Fleming might be on par with CMB as I think he can play some small ball C, but the volume of threes is intriguing (61 made threes). As a three and d guy you know he will produce and have value.

Thomas Sorber really reminds me of Poeltl. What he does well he does without hesitation. He can screen, score inside and defend at a high level and the passing and shooting are showing positive signs. He just bring physicality and is a positive guy that a playoff team can use.

[Indeed]

jt toppin is sketchy, profiles as undersized C but has a low free throw rate. that's usually a sign of a lack of physical dominance - which would be required to make a dent in the NBA. last year i was thinking maybe there's a kevon looney type path but looney way better physical markers and length.

Ya, I was thinking like a mix of Looney and Covington.

nah looney 7'4 ws and way more physical

Toppin will probably play PF at the next level. His 70% free throw percentage may not be bad in terms of projecting his shootings, and he already has a face up game.

[Brinbe]

I don't think you really have to worry about other teams in the lotto taking Maluach. Most competing lotto teams in our range already have a young big or prominent players in that position and will probably opt for the guards/forwards or might opt for a Queen instead.

Why would the Nets take Maluach with Claxton/Sharpe there? Philly has Embiid and Bona and need more immediate help. Charlotte is the biggest threat but they also have Williams and other needs. I think they'd take Tre/Edgecombe/Kon/McNeeley/etc Utah has Kessler/Filip. The Pels just drafted Missi. The Wiz will be picking top 4/5 no matter what and I doubt they'd opt for Maluach over the other options there and they already have Sarr as their rim protecting big. Again, if anything they'd take Queen as the local guy.

And if a team unexpectedly moves up above us like the Bulls, who I think would take him, it'll be into the top 3/4 range where they'll probably take Flagg/Harper/Edgecombe/Bailey.

We also have a lot of road games coming up so I don't think we'll go on many more win streaks going forward

[Landomar]

Over the last month or so, the draft has really started to flatten out for me. Flagg is by far the best prospect, and Edgecombe is another guy who is looking very, very good. After that I don't really see much difference between the guys mocked at 3-5 and the guys mocked around the 10th pick. I loved Kasparas early in the season, but he's fallen off lately, and I've started to become less interested in Harper as well. I've also never been fully sold on Ace Bailey, and his advanced stats remain terrible. This is the kind of draft where the 9th pick could easily end up being the 2nd or 3rd best player, and we have a great scouting staff. While a higher pick is better to have than a lower pick, I'm really not that worried about where we end up picking this year.

[Indeed]

Is Fears really 6 foot 4. He doesn't look it to me in that game vs UK. His offence is impressive but will he be a sieve in the NBA defensively?

If we take a guard, I think you go Jase over Fears under any circumstance and just live with the consequences. EDIT: Also need to consider Jase's measurements. It's between Traore/Jase/Fears.

We clearly need a PF/C or pure C, but if Jase is the BPA at 7-10, you take him. If he's gone, we take a big over Fears..there are plenty available in that range.

At 7-10, we may be looking at something like:

Maluach
Derik Queen
CMB
Traore
Asa Newell
Fears

Sleepers:
Noa Essengue - don't think he has potential beyond an elite role player, but he has a good motor and Masai likes long players
Jase
Alex Condon

2nd round (based off the available players in a few mocks):
Bogoljub Markovic
Joan Beringer
Ryan Kalkbrenner
Sergio De Larrea

Fears might be 6'3 from what I heard on those scouting videos, and it is not undersize in any means, just his defense, indeed. Unsure if he is trying to avoid injury, being high on usage or just not putting focus. His quickness and size should not project to be an incapable defender (Suggs size).

I still have Fears slightly over Richardson, because Fears seems to adebt better against change defense.

However, I think after the measurement, more PF/C will raise. I am not high on Maluach with our limited guards, so I think Queen, CMB and Sorber are the bigs we would draft.

Then we fill our 2nd round with a 3&D forward. Thiero, Landeborg, Fleming, Bryant, Toppin, Byrd, Freeman, etc. Might have 2 of those at our 2nd pick.

[Indeed]

I don't think you really have to worry about other teams in the lotto taking Maluach. Most competing lotto teams in our range already have a young big or prominent players in that position and will probably opt for the guards/forwards or might opt for a Queen instead.

Why would the Nets take Maluach with Claxton/Sharpe there? Philly has Embiid and Bona and need more immediate help. Charlotte is the biggest threat but they also have Williams and other needs. I think they'd take Tre/Edgecombe/Kon/McNeeley/etc Utah has Kessler/Filip. The Pels just drafted Missi. The Wiz will be picking top 4/5 no matter what and I doubt they'd opt for Maluach over the other options there and they already have Sarr as their rim protecting big. Again, if anything they'd take Queen as the local guy.

And if a team unexpectedly moves up above us like the Bulls, who I think would take him, it'll be into the top 3/4 range where they'll probably take Flagg/Harper/Edgecombe/Bailey.

We also have a lot of road games coming up so I don't think we'll go on many more win streaks going forward

History says the opposite, they draft BPA even overlapping with anoher prospect. Also teams value high upside over those performing well with less upside, which often the reason why mock draft is not exactly reflecting how teams will draft them.

[Thaddy]

Maluach is pretty much a guarantee if he goes higher than expected it means one of Jakucionis, Johnson, or Edgecombe dropped. We're probably going to see Fears, Queen, Newell and others pick up steam with the tournament and combine later.

We need to invest in our bigs this draft. We need a stretch big even if it's a PF. I would take Newell and Condon. If Newell is 7 feet and has a good wingspan I think he's a good choice. He has good second jump ability and long term he could be a back up stretch 5 and have decent size for the position.

Condon hasn't played basketball for a long time, which adds to his ceiling. We need playable prospects for next year if we are doing this quick turnaround.

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

Ya, I was thinking like a mix of Looney and Covington.

nah looney 7'4 ws and way more physical

Toppin will probably play PF at the next level. His 70% free throw percentage may not be bad in terms of projecting his shootings, and he already has a face up game.

I'm not even sure that Toppin would be able to start in the CBA

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

queen so close to being 3/3 from deep today

closer to 80% ft shooter over larger sample

too much unassisted self-created goodness

with nba spacing this kid is gonna cook