2025 NBA Draft Thread

Noa Essengue | 6-9 forward | 18 years old | Ratiopharm Ulm

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Oklahoma City tends to have a model that it looks for in its players. They tend to have real positional size or strength, feel for the game, and the ability to dribble, pass and shoot. Essengue isn’t quite there yet in all of these respects, but he has potential to be that kind of player if it all goes right in his development over the next few years.

Essengue is in his first professional season, averaging nearly 11 points and five rebounds while shooting 51 percent from the field. He’s only made 22 percent of his 3s and has some substantial work to do on the jumper — particularly with his extremely narrow base — but he’s very comfortable and confident taking them. More than that, though, he looks quite long and has real athleticism to match. He needs to keep getting stronger and become more accountable with his overall team defense. In general, this is very much a project player. But the upside if he hits is quite high...

The Athletic

Post #287 » by **Jamaaliver** » Mon Apr 7, 2025 7:02 pm

Target with that Lakers pick?

Post #288 » by **Jamaaliver** » Tue Apr 8, 2025 12:18 pm

Spoiler:

Post #289 » by **Jamaaliver** » Tue Apr 8, 2025 2:56 pm

I'm not sure we have a realistic path to getting him, but KK should be a draft target for Atlanta should the opportunty arise.

Elite shooter off the catch.

Spoiler:

Post #290 » by **Jamaaliver** » Tue Apr 8, 2025 4:54 pm

ESPN post-NCAA Tourney Mock Draft:

Post #291 » by **Jamaaliver** » Tue Apr 8, 2025 5:08 pm

As a gunner off the bench who can hit big shots from all over the court, WCJ could be the perfect Trae Young backup/replacement.
He's projected to go in the late 1st Round.
Brad Beal-lite

Walter Clayton Jr., PG, Florida
Senior | TS%: 61.1%

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Clayton helped his standing significantly in the NCAA tournament, posting an efficient 30 and 34 points in the Elite Eight and national championship semifinals, before struggling in the final but still helping his team cut down the nets. The 6-4 guard earned first-team All-America honors with his tremendous shotmaking prowess and all-around scoring, making big plays in clutch moments all season while creating chaos for opposing defenses with his speed and unpredictable nature.

NBA teams have questions about Clayton's defense, passing and feel for the game, as he can be mistake-prone on both ends of the floor and isn't blessed with great physical tools with his average size, length and strength. Scouts are comparing his NCAA tournament performance with Shabazz Napier's a decade ago, which similarly earned him a spot in the late first round, though Clayton is taller and more explosive, but also a little more mercurial. -- Givony