2025 NBA Draft Discussion Part 5

[mademan]

Top 10 as of Apr

1.Cooper
2.Harper
3.CMB
4.VJ
5.Queen
6.Fears
7.Jase/Kon
8.Kon/Jase
9.Ace
10.Maluach

HM to Noa

This is very similar to mine except I probably drop Fears, Queen, and Malauch down a few slots each.

Im a fan of Queen, and i admit, Fears im bumping more for what i think he could be in the NBA than what he has so far shown. Malauch is me being influenced by mocks as i really dont like him as a prospect.

[Grew]

I could see us as a board overrating Maluach because as a franchise we have needed a lob threat/Rim protecting big forever.

Hard to say if it's better to gamble on Maluach than a guy like Tre. Tre could end up being a Tim Hardaway Jr hired gun fringe starter type. Much more appealing to have the 7'2 lob catching paint protector, but does he have enough upside to warrant being picked in the top 10?

[Psubs]

Rank these bigs

Maluach
Queen
Sorber
Newell

Such an intriguing group of players IMO. They all have different archetypes which is funny. I guess it'll come down to advanced stats/archetype/projection.

Rankings with per 36 min stats:

Khaman Malauch - 14.7 pts, 11.5 reb, 0.8 ast, 2.2 blk, 0.4 stl
Thomas Sorber - 16.7 pts, 9.7 reb, 2.8 ast, 2.3 blk, 1.7 stl
Alex Condon - 15.6 pts, 11.1 reb, 3.3 ast, 2.0 blk, 1.2 stl
Derik Queen - 19.6 pts, 10.6 reb, 2.2 ast, 1.3 blk, 1.3 stl
Asa Newell - 19.1 pts, 8.5 reb, 1.1 ast, 1.2 blk, 1.2 stl

Nice. Take Condon late 1st vs the others in the lottery.

[Psubs]

i just saw this graphic and thought about whoever said kornet is a bum lol i don't remember who it was but it doesn't matter, enjoy

I said to sign Luke for at least the Tax payer MLE so Boston can't retain him.

Watch on YouTube

[Dalek]

I could see us as a board overrating Maluach because as a franchise we have needed a lob threat/Rim protecting big forever.

Hard to say if it's better to gamble on Maluach than a guy like Tre. Tre could end up being a Tim Hardaway Jr hired gun fringe starter type. Much more appealing to have the 7'2 lob catching paint protector, but does he have enough upside to warrant being picked in the top 10?

I think its rare to find a mobile 7 footer like Maluach that isn't rail thin and needs a ton of physical development. Toronto would consider him because he is a reasonably high floor just based on size and physicality he could play a bench role tomorrow.

You take him with a high lotto pick because he has another level with shooting where we see it already in the above average freethrow shooting (76%) and the high touch in the paint. I also think character-wise he is a guy who will succeed. He reminds me Giannis coming from a big family, growing up poor, and just bringing positive energy in what he does.

My own thought is that we drafted Chomche last year and many fans may have felt disappointed with how raw he looked. I think Maluach is a substantially better prospect, but I can see how Chomche would influence people's perceptions about African prospects.

[Got Nuffin]

I have my concerns about Maluach as well, but the more I watch some of the other guys who are projected top 10, the more I warm up to the idea of drafting Maluach. He has his flaws, but I think he's got a decently high floor as a lob threat with good mobility defensively, even if he doesn't develop offensively. There are other lottery-projected wings/guards, who, if they don't find their jumpshot at the NBA level, they will wind up as unexceptional depth guys. Those are the guys who scare me the most, because aside from the odd exception, you pretty much are who you are as a jump shooter the moment you enter the league.

It is the opposite, he has a high floor.
He is not going to create for you, unlikely to become Embiid / Gasol type of offensive hub. Therefore, his ceiling is at most high end role player like Ibaka with better defense.

He is high floor is that he will at least protect the paint, get you rebounds.

Who wouldn't want a 7'2 Ibaka? That would be an insanely good player. Maluach will certainly be a much bigger lob threat than Ibaka ever was and even more disruptive defensively, but probably a bit less of a face up game.

Note that I think Queen, Tre Johnson and Fears are all great prospects and I would welcome any of them - but I think people are underselling just how rare a player like Maluach is because his main skill is not necessarily getting buckets or running offence through him.

[MainEvent]

I could see us as a board overrating Maluach because as a franchise we have needed a lob threat/Rim protecting big forever.

Hard to say if it's better to gamble on Maluach than a guy like Tre. Tre could end up being a Tim Hardaway Jr hired gun fringe starter type. Much more appealing to have the 7'2 lob catching paint protector, but does he have enough upside to warrant being picked in the top 10?

I think its rare to find a mobile 7 footer like Maluach that isn't rail thin and needs a ton of physical development. Toronto would consider him because he is a reasonably high floor just based on size and physicality he could play a bench role tomorrow.

You take him with a high lotto pick because he has another level with shooting where we see it already in the above average freethrow shooting (76%) and the high touch in the paint. I also think character-wise he is a guy who will succeed. He reminds me Giannis coming from a big family, growing up poor, and just bringing positive energy in what he does.

My own thought is that we drafted Chomche last year and many fans may have felt disappointed with how raw he looked. I think Maluach is a substantially better prospect, but I can see how Chomche would influence people's perceptions about African prospects.

I don't think the Chomche situation is influencing anything.. maybe a handful of ppl. He was basically a free roll where we bet on his physical tools with a super late pick we got for cash and will see where he's at after next year. Sucks he got injured tho, id like to have seen him during these tank games

I forget who it was but some NBA/draft YouTube channel went to see a camp Maluach and Chomche were in last off season and called them raw and rawer. But Maluach is certainly further along and would be our backup C next year

[TimeForChange]

Top 10 as of Apr

1.Cooper
2.Harper
3.CMB
4.VJ
5.Queen
6.Fears
7.Jase/Kon
8.Kon/Jase
9.Ace
10.Maluach

HM to Noa

So many people sleeping on CMB. Love your top-10.

[Brinbe]

it will be easier to have more concrete discussions once the draft order is nailed down.

[dballislife]

Top 10 as of Apr

1.Cooper
2.Harper
3.CMB
4.VJ
5.Queen
6.Fears
7.Jase/Kon
8.Kon/Jase
9.Ace
10.Maluach

HM to Noa

So many people sleeping on CMB. Love your top-10.

i like what cmb is doing in college, but in the league where does he stand and i mean literally where does he stand on the court...he cant play the big man role like poeltl and if he stands outside all game hes useless with no shooting

[raptor jesus]

I need to watch more of CMB, but on the surface, boy does he remind me a ton of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson - lefty, dominates via physical advantages he won't have at the next level, can't shoot...

[Tripod]

I will say it again, it's crazy how all over the map these guys are after Flagg and Harper...and a bit with VJ. Seems 3 onward can go many ways.

[WuTang_CMB]

https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/nba-mock-draft-cooper-flagg-lands-with-jazz-with-his-duke-teammate-moving-into-top-5-185601345.html

3. Charlotte Hornets: Ace Bailey, F, Rutgers
Bailey is a ridiculous shot-making machine, capable of splashing contested jumpers from every spot on the floor with the swagger of a throwback bucket-getter. Placing him alongside LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller would create an absurd scoring trio. But would it lead to winning basketball?

Bailey’s raw edges as a shot creator and defender, plus his shooting inconsistency, need sanding down to turn him into a full-on star. The Hornets might have no choice to take the swing though, given how well he’d potentially fit next to a fully realized Ball and Miller.

4. New Orleans Pelicans: VJ Edgecombe, G, Baylor
Zion Williamson was looking more and more like his prime self before a low back bone contusion sidelined him for the remainder of the season. But no matter how much his injury history is lingering in the back of everyone’s minds, he still remains the cornerstone of the Pelicans. Pairing him with players who can space the floor is paramount, especially if those players also offer similar explosive talents like Edgecombe does as a high-motor wing who flies out of nowhere for poster dunks and chase-down blocks.

The Baylor freshman pairs his elite athleticism with a knockdown spot-up jumper and fearless slashing. Though he needs to improve his shot creation to become more of a primary creator, he’d be entering a ball-sharing offense in New Orleans.

5. Philadelphia 76ers: Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
Maluach is a towering rim protector with switchable mobility, erasing shots at the rim and shadowing quick guards on the perimeter. But beyond dunking lobs, he’s a work in progress on offense with a lack of seasoning as a screener, shooter and creator. Such a raw skill set should come as no surprise since the South Sudan native didn’t start playing basketball until he was 13. He’s making immense progress though this March for Duke and has played himself into the top-five conversation.

The Sixers selecting him would operate as both a hedge against the health of Joel Embiid, but also as a supporting piece alongside him since the Sixers need frontcourt depth and they could share the floor together.


Derik Queen saves the day for Maryland to beat Colorado StateScroll back up to restore default view.
6. Brooklyn Nets: Derik Queen, C, Maryland
Queen’s leaning buzzer-beating game-winner to send Maryland to the Sweet 16 is one of the highlights of March Madness, and it captured why he’s such a highly touted prospect as a burly big with guard-like handles who dazzles with spin moves and crafty finishes. The Nets need a little bit of everything on their roster, but what they need most is someone with star upside. If Queen translates his velvet touch to the perimeter, he very well could be that type of centerpiece. But his interior scoring, playmaking chops and magnetic rebounding alone give him tantalizing potential.

7. Toronto Raptors: Kasparas Jakučionis, G, Illinois
Jakučionis is a slick shot creator with a creative passing gene and a fearless scoring ability, carving up defenses with crafty finishes, step-back jumpers and jaw-dropping passes. And the Raptors need a point guard of the future who can thrive with and without the ball. That’s why KJ makes sense. But he’s not a sure thing. As a freshman, Jakučionis would follow up his highlights with turnover brain-farts that derailed the hype train. But he’s shown enough highs to warrant a top-10 selection.

8. San Antonio Spurs: Tre Johnson, G, Texas
The Spurs badly need to surround Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox with shooting. Johnson seems perfect as a clutch shot-maker who can catch fire from all over the floor, drilling step-backs and off-screen jumpers with ease. Developing his point guard skills are a bit less important for the Spurs, since he’d be paired with players who can run the show. But in time, perhaps those talents will manifest after he showed flashes during his freshman year at Texas.

9. Portland Trail Blazers: Kon Knueppel, G/F, Duke
Scoot Henderson has made some progress this season, but it’s still not clear if he’s capable of being the point guard of Portland’s future. Knueppel makes sense as a selection in this regard since he brings more than just a sharpshooter’s stroke thanks to his brainy pick-and-roll playmaking and crafty scoring feel. While he’s not a primary creator, he can be one of the team’s creators alongside Deni Avdija on the wing, Donovan Clingan from the high post, and Scoot in ball screens.

10. Chicago Bulls: Collin Murray-Boyles, F, South Carolina
The Nikola Vučević and Zach Collins era has to end soon when their contracts are off the books in 2026, right? Adding a frontcourt player is needed, so CMB makes a ton of sense. And Murray-Boyles operates like a defensive savant the way he locks down every position, uses his ninja-quick hands to swipe at the ball, and inhales rebounds. The offensive fit with Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis could be a little clunky since Murray-Boyles is an unproven shooter, but he’s a bulldozer finisher with a playmaking feel. If he fixes his jumper, there’s All-Star upside.

11. Miami Heat: Jeremiah Fears, Guard, Oklahoma
Tyler Herro became an All-Star this season, showing his ability as a combo guard. But he needs a backcourt partner. Fears is a dynamic guard with a twitchy attacking style and a knack for coming through as a clutch shooter. He was one of college basketball’s youngest freshmen, and it showed with his shaky decision-making as a shooter and passer. But he has a feel for shot creation and a handle that lets him get anywhere on the floor, so he may only need time to emerge as a star in Miami's system.

[Psubs]

Watching Clingan as a pro, I can see Maluach as a starter. I can see him getting 1 dunk per game and making people miss at the rim without getting blocks.

[Tripod]

Watching Clingan as a pro, I can see Maluach as a starter. I can see him getting 1 dunk per game and making people miss at the rim without getting blocks.

And the thing is, we are likely re-signing Yak so having Yak to learn from for 3-4years as a backup is great fir his development.

Then you hope Maluach and Chomche can be your duo onward. And just think, they would still only be 23 and 22 in 4 years.

[Son Goku 25]

Is Fears the Lillard/Steph of this draft?

[Dalek]

Is Fears the Lillard/Steph of this draft?

I think that's Walter Clayton Jr. Look at the volume of threes over his career verse their college careers. He also has the true clutch shooting gene.

[Indeed]

Is Fears the Lillard/Steph of this draft?

I think that's Walter Clayton Jr. Look at the volume of threes over his career verse their college careers. He also has the true clutch shooting gene.

Walter Clayton Jr. is more like VanVleet.
Fears is Fox

[PhilBlackson]

Is Fears the Lillard/Steph of this draft?

Obviously both of those guys are historic shooters lol so no that’s not who Fears is.

But I do think he has all-star upside, not sure superstar. Takes a truly special all time talent like Steph to be a superstar at 6’4 but again all-star level upside sure. I don’t think there’s a perfect comparison to his game but I do think there’s an element of SGA’s ability to get to the rim and anywhere he wants to on the court. Ofc like Shai, to take himself up a level his jumper has to get better and better but especially Fears because he’s not as tall or long as Shai so he won’t be able to get as many clean looks as SGA or handle some of the forwards that can guard on the perimeter that he’ll need to grow as a facilitator. Edit: I think Indeed’s call on being a Fox level prospect is more on par with the level of impact I could see him having but I still think his game is a bit more Shai with his handle vs Fox’s speed.

To be clear Shai still has more “slither” where he just seems to find ways to squeeze his lay ups & jumpers than I see from Fears. But if I were a franchise I’d develop him to be something like that and work on his passing as well. It’s really too bad in some ways that we already invested so much in IQ & Shead is ascending or I’d think there would be a more realistic chance of us drafting him. I just don’t see the franchise essentially throwing the season for a top 7-8 pick only for him to get 10-15 mpg and especially when they clearly want to win now AND have left an obvious hole at the backup C position.

But Fears would by my pick if we weren’t taking a C over Jak, Jase and maybe even over Tre etc.

[Yallbecrazy]

I could see us as a board overrating Maluach because as a franchise we have needed a lob threat/Rim protecting big forever.

Hard to say if it's better to gamble on Maluach than a guy like Tre. Tre could end up being a Tim Hardaway Jr hired gun fringe starter type. Much more appealing to have the 7'2 lob catching paint protector, but does he have enough upside to warrant being picked in the top 10?

I think its rare to find a mobile 7 footer like Maluach that isn't rail thin and needs a ton of physical development. Toronto would consider him because he is a reasonably high floor just based on size and physicality he could play a bench role tomorrow.

You take him with a high lotto pick because he has another level with shooting where we see it already in the above average freethrow shooting (76%) and the high touch in the paint. I also think character-wise he is a guy who will succeed. He reminds me Giannis coming from a big family, growing up poor, and just bringing positive energy in what he does.

My own thought is that we drafted Chomche last year and many fans may have felt disappointed with how raw he looked. I think Maluach is a substantially better prospect, but I can see how Chomche would influence people's perceptions about African prospects.

No he cannot in my opinion. He will be hopelessly lost in a bench role without at least moderate strides in his bbiq/feel.

No contender wanted Javale Mcgee despite his size and athleticism even as a guy off the bench and it took a while for him to develop to the point of him being a positive contributor and then he only was one for about three years when his athleticism couldn't outweigh his lack of bbiq any more.

Also, these types of players in a near best case scenario provide negative value during their rookie deal and only at the end start to provide something positive and then everyone points to their potential and they end up getting paid way too much on their second deal.

I'd much rather have a Condon where he will probably provide slight to moderate value at his 50% outcome and then be a guy no one is willing to sign for very much so he can be had for cheap on his second deal and still provide slight to moderate value.