2025 NBA Draft Discussion Part 5

[XTC]

XTC dropping some real truth bombs about Maluach, I love it.

These are honestly going to be my last posts about Maluach. I pray we dont draft him, so we never have to hear about him again. People are enamored by his size and what he can become vs what he rather is, and how limited and fundamentally flawed he is as a player. The dude has high hips, he's never going to be a great athlete, he has a high center of gravity so bigger centers are going to eat him alive in the post... no one talks about these things, but we have to hear about how he's going to be the next Brook Lopez, because Lopez learned how to shoot 10 years into his NBA career.

In reality he's a bigman with an imaginary jumpshot, poor athleticism, and a subpar shot blocker... but sure lets waste a top 10 pick on him because hes "agile" No more Maluach posts from me going forward.

[Jerry Lucas]

Masai loves to break barriers

No, Masai loves to draft his type, and I seriously doubt Maluach is it. If he were to select him, it would hands down be the highest bust potential draft selection he's made with a 1st round pick since Bruno back in 2014.

Who do you think he likes?

I'm just going to post the link to my most recent "Masai-type" list update as my reply. I've outlined my track record and methodology too many times at this point, so I don't want to be too repetitive. But I should clarify, my lists only significantly narrow the scope (of which prospects to look at), they don't zero in on 1 specific guy.

https://forums.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?p=117607081#p117607081

Final update to this list is going to come either after March Madness is done, or after draft combine measurements happen.

[Tripod]

No, Masai loves to draft his type, and I seriously doubt Maluach is it. If he were to select him, it would hands down be the highest bust potential draft selection he's made with a 1st round pick since Bruno back in 2014.

Who do you think he likes?

I'm just going to post the link to my most recent "Masai-type" list update as my reply. I've outlined my track record and methodology too many times at this point, so I don't want to be too repetitive. But I should clarify, my lists only significantly narrow the scope (of which prospects to look at), they don't zero in on 1 specific guy.

https://forums.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?p=117607081#p117607081

Final update to this list is going to come either after March Madness is done, or after draft combine measurements happen.

Appreciate the link and info...and why.

[Yallbecrazy]

you guys gotta watch the games instead of the blocks column, he deters shots, opponents drive inside and see maluach and quickly dribble back out or pass it back out cause they cant do nothing while hes in there...and he alters and affects so many shots that you also dont see in the block column

he was also last officially measured at 17 just turning 18, its rare but when hes 20 he could be a tiny bit bigger too, thats scary

I've watched him atleast 8 times this year, and I've come away unimpressed. He has poor blocking mechanics (he swipes down, he needs to wind up to get high aka poor jumper off two feet), he's going to be a foul machine at the next level. He barely gets off the floor when he jumps. He's good at recovering at the college level, but he's going to get absolutely eaten alive at the NBA level... the amount of times he gets burned, or he's out of place is alarmingly for a defensive big. He lacks the general feel and IQ to be a rim protector at the NBA level IMO.

I'm honestly asking... when was the last time a player with such poor blocking numbers, block percentage, and such high foul rate became a competent rim protector, because I can't think of a single player.

When he's in position he alters shots because of his size, but he's not in position often enough.

He does have some great unique strengths though in terms of his shooting touch, size, and ability to guard smaller guys on the perimeter. Unfortunately he reminds me of Achiuwa and I couldn't stand watching him play basketball because he was so frustrating as you'd see him switch on a guard and shut him down and then the next possession completely blow a rotation leading to a dunk. Also the ball stopping on offense was tough too.

Again not without hope because he's young and has multiple unique strengths. However his deficiencies are rarely corrected and they need to be for him to be successful in the NBA. (There just aren't many examples of poor bbiq players becoming good at it)

[XTC]

I'm honestly growing on CMB every single day... That defense, passing, strength, athleticism, and length is a game changer. He's going to be a guy who can guard 1-5 in the NBA. He honestly reminds me of Scottie Barnes. Run them both at the 3/4 and surround them with shooters. I have a feeling he's going to shoot up draft boards. Kid is just a pure hooper.

[mademan]

Being 7'2 and unable to block shots at the college level is a huge red flag.Ive said it before, but i have far more hope for his offense than defense. He's gonna be a foul machine on that end

[Psubs]

you guys gotta watch the games instead of the blocks column, he deters shots, opponents drive inside and see maluach and quickly dribble back out or pass it back out cause they cant do nothing while hes in there...and he alters and affects so many shots that you also dont see in the block column

he was also last officially measured at 17 just turning 18, its rare but when hes 20 he could be a tiny bit bigger too, thats scary

I've watched him atleast 8 times this year, and I've come away unimpressed. He has poor blocking mechanics (he swipes down, he needs to wind up to get high aka poor jumper off two feet), he's going to be a foul machine at the next level. He barely gets off the floor when he jumps. He's good at recovering at the college level, but he's going to get absolutely eaten alive at the NBA level... the amount of times he gets burned, or he's out of place is alarmingly for a defensive big. He lacks the general feel and IQ to be a rim protector at the NBA level IMO.

I'm honestly asking... when was the last time a player with such poor blocking numbers, block percentage, and such high foul rate became a competent rim protector, because I can't think of a single player.

I can see him like a taller Kel'el Ware.

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

I'm honestly growing on CMB every single day... That defense, passing, strength, athleticism, and length is a game changer. He's going to be a guy who can guard 1-5 in the NBA. He honestly reminds me of Scottie Barnes. Run them both at the 3/4 and surround them with shooters. I have a feeling he's going to shoot up draft boards. Kid is just a pure hooper.

I mean I know dozens of people who have him 2nd on their board. My issue is no, he doesn't appear to be that great of an athlete. Doesn't get a lot of lift off ground or legs into his jumper. Not a big dunker. Looks like YMCA open gym version of Barkley which could suck at NBA level. He needs to measure legit 6'6 no shoes with big vert to make me believe. Otherwise he's going into Xavier Tillman+ zone.

[dballislife]

I'm honestly growing on CMB every single day... That defense, passing, strength, athleticism, and length is a game changer. He's going to be a guy who can guard 1-5 in the NBA. He honestly reminds me of Scottie Barnes. Run them both at the 3/4 and surround them with shooters. I have a feeling he's going to shoot up draft boards. Kid is just a pure hooper.

I mean I know dozens of people who have him 2nd on their board. My issue is no, he doesn't appear to be that great of an athlete. Doesn't get a lot of lift off ground or legs into his jumper. Not a big dunker. Looks like YMCA open gym version of Barkley which could suck at NBA level. He needs to measure legit 6'6 no shoes with big vert to make me believe. Otherwise he's going into Xavier Tillman+ zone.

cmb depends on how our scouts see his perimeter defense and if he can develop his shooting,

poeltl
cmb
barnes

dam that shooting and spacing though

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

I'm honestly growing on CMB every single day... That defense, passing, strength, athleticism, and length is a game changer. He's going to be a guy who can guard 1-5 in the NBA. He honestly reminds me of Scottie Barnes. Run them both at the 3/4 and surround them with shooters. I have a feeling he's going to shoot up draft boards. Kid is just a pure hooper.

I mean I know dozens of people who have him 2nd on their board. My issue is no, he doesn't appear to be that great of an athlete. Doesn't get a lot of lift off ground or legs into his jumper. Not a big dunker. Looks like YMCA open gym version of Barkley which could suck at NBA level. He needs to measure legit 6'6 no shoes with big vert to make me believe. Otherwise he's going into Xavier Tillman+ zone.

cmb depends on how our scouts see his perimeter defense and if he can develop his shooting,

poeltl
cmb
barnes

dam that shooting and spacing though

I don't think he projects well as a shooter. On top of that I don't think he'll get away with what he did in college in the NBA if he's short and can't jump all that high. We'll see how he measures.

[Psubs]

Do they believe that CMB can guard Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Luka, Kawhi, etc?

I guess he's like Draymond without the playmaking but better scoring inside.

[Indeed]

Do they believe that CMB can guard Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Luka, Kawhi, etc?

I guess he's like Draymond without the playmaking but better scoring inside.

He can shoot the 3s

[mademan]

I like CMB, but i think he's strictly a PF. I dont think he fits besides Barnes, but a team will get him late lotto and get a steal. Great fit between Kyrie/AD in Dallas or beside Sengun in Houston

[Yallbecrazy]

I'm honestly growing on CMB every single day... That defense, passing, strength, athleticism, and length is a game changer. He's going to be a guy who can guard 1-5 in the NBA. He honestly reminds me of Scottie Barnes. Run them both at the 3/4 and surround them with shooters. I have a feeling he's going to shoot up draft boards. Kid is just a pure hooper.

#3 for me and probably easier to cheer for than #2.
Projects as a high level NBA defender with elite rim finishing for a wing/ PF along with elite rebounding. Think his rebounding numbers were down this year as a sophomore (still really damn good)as he was often the primary defender on the other team's #1 as well as carrying such a high usage on offense.

What also impresses me is he was a 1 man team in arguably the toughest conference in the history of college basketball. Yes, that team lost almost all of its games, but he still managed to have the highest fg% in the conference despite having very little help around him. To me he is a superior prospect to Queen in almost every way except being 3 inches shorter. He's also more versatile because he has the potential to be a wing, he can definitely defend as as a wing at a high level full time.

[Yallbecrazy]

I'm honestly growing on CMB every single day... That defense, passing, strength, athleticism, and length is a game changer. He's going to be a guy who can guard 1-5 in the NBA. He honestly reminds me of Scottie Barnes. Run them both at the 3/4 and surround them with shooters. I have a feeling he's going to shoot up draft boards. Kid is just a pure hooper.

I mean I know dozens of people who have him 2nd on their board. My issue is no, he doesn't appear to be that great of an athlete. Doesn't get a lot of lift off ground or legs into his jumper. Not a big dunker. Looks like YMCA open gym version of Barkley which could suck at NBA level. He needs to measure legit 6'6 no shoes with big vert to make me believe. Otherwise he's going into Xavier Tillman+ zone.

While not a leaper he seems to have an explosive first step. He just blows by guys with ease to create offense. Kind of like Bosh that way who also wasn't a big leaper, but had a face up game because of his first step.

[TNRaps4life]

you guys gotta watch the games instead of the blocks column, he deters shots, opponents drive inside and see maluach and quickly dribble back out or pass it back out cause they cant do nothing while hes in there...and he alters and affects so many shots that you also dont see in the block column

he was also last officially measured at 17 just turning 18, its rare but when hes 20 he could be a tiny bit bigger too, thats scary

I've watched him atleast 8 times this year, and I've come away unimpressed. He has poor blocking mechanics (he swipes down, he needs to wind up to get high aka poor jumper off two feet), he's going to be a foul machine at the next level. He barely gets off the floor when he jumps. He's good at recovering at the college level, but he's going to get absolutely eaten alive at the NBA level... the amount of times he gets burned, or he's out of place is alarmingly for a defensive big. He lacks the general feel and IQ to be a rim protector at the NBA level IMO.

I'm honestly asking... when was the last time a player with such poor blocking numbers, block percentage, and such high foul rate became a competent rim protector, because I can't think of a single player.

I have watched all their games and you can see the improvements . Eye test says very high potential .

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

I'm honestly growing on CMB every single day... That defense, passing, strength, athleticism, and length is a game changer. He's going to be a guy who can guard 1-5 in the NBA. He honestly reminds me of Scottie Barnes. Run them both at the 3/4 and surround them with shooters. I have a feeling he's going to shoot up draft boards. Kid is just a pure hooper.

I mean I know dozens of people who have him 2nd on their board. My issue is no, he doesn't appear to be that great of an athlete. Doesn't get a lot of lift off ground or legs into his jumper. Not a big dunker. Looks like YMCA open gym version of Barkley which could suck at NBA level. He needs to measure legit 6'6 no shoes with big vert to make me believe. Otherwise he's going into Xavier Tillman+ zone.

While not a leaper he seems to have an explosive first step. He just blows by guys with ease to create offense. Kind of like Bosh that way who also wasn't a big leaper, but had a face up game because of his first step.

We're talking about a munchkin PF here with zero counters when he can't get all the way to the hole.

[DreamTeam09]

I got Flemming over CMB any day of the week,

[PhilBlackson]

Do they believe that CMB can guard Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Luka, Kawhi, etc?

I guess he's like Draymond without the playmaking but better scoring inside.

He can shoot the 3s

26.5% from 3?! Lol not really.

[ImaBeatDatAzz]

Do they believe that CMB can guard Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Luka, Kawhi, etc?

I guess he's like Draymond without the playmaking but better scoring inside.

He can shoot the 3s

26.5% from 3?! Lol not really.

Wasn’t OG also garbage from 3 early on? Who knows haha. The defence is tasty enough for Masai to bite and trade down. Who knowsss