2025 Blazer Draft Prospects

[dckingsfan]

From the Wizards board, © Dat2U

Your out-of-the-box, plug & play future all-star.
F Cooper Flagg

Your future all-star with minor tweaks and improvements.
G Dylan Harper

Your future all-star if he improves his skill level - likely.
G V.J. Edgecombe

Future all-stars if you can squint and they make significant improvements. Young and talented enough that you have real hope.
F Ace Bailey
G Jeremiah Fears

Guys with elite feel who either lack physical tools, a specific skill or need more polish but may overcome it to be a valuable core piece.
G Jase Richardson
G Tre Johnson
C Thomas Sorber
F Collin Murray-Boyles
C Derik Queen
F J.T. Toppin
G Boogie Fland

Guys who appear raw and unpolished and lack feel. True projects. I would probably not draft someone from this category.
F Asa Newell
F Carter Bryant
C Joan Beringer
G Dink Pate
F Michael Ruzic

These guys have some upside (not elite) but have key flaws and still need further development
F Noa Essengue
C Khaman Malauch
G Nolan Traore
G Kasparas Jakucionis
F Will Riley
F Liam McNeeley
F Hugo Gonzalez
G Egor Demin
G Ben Saraf
C Alex Condon
C Rocco Zikarsky
F Bogolijub Markovic
F Adou Thiero
G Ian Jackson
G Xavian Lee
G Chaz Lanier
G Cedric Coward
F Isaiah Evans
F Izan Almansa
C Maxime Raynaud
G Drake Powell

Future role players with a clearly defined role
F Kon Knueppel
G Walter Clayton Jr
F Noah Penda
F Yaxel Lendeborg
G Nique Clifford
G Labaron Philon
G Miles Byrd
C Johni Broome
C Hansen Yang
C Ryan Kalkbrenner
G Kam Jones
F Alex Karaban
G Tyrese Proctor
F Darrion Williams
C Tomislav Ivisic
F Jojo Tugler
G Koby Brea
F Alex Toohey
F Sion James
G Hunter Sallis
C Johann Grunloh
F Eric Dixon

[Walton1one]

15 - 20
Joan Beringer - Will Riley - Noa Essengue - Nolan Traore - Danny Wolf - Carter Bryant

A lot of high upside players here, and Wolf. Beringer is now a potential lottery pick, wonder if he keep rising like Salaun did LY?

Beringer continues to draw many NBA executives every time he steps on the floor...tremendous physical tools, combined with his ability to cover ground on the perimeter, switch onto smaller players, and protect the rim at 18 years old, give him significant upside, especially because he has been playing basketball for only three years.

After reclassifying...with limited high-level experience, Riley had a strong season, overcoming midseason struggles and playing his best basketball in February and March. Though it's likely to take some time for him to add strength and sharpen his efficiency as a scorer, Riley's mix of feel and projectable shooting at his size makes him an attractive prospect to develop...defensive struggles and lack of physicality are concerning, but he offers an offensive blueprint that will entice NBA teams.

Essengue has found another gear with his productivity...impressive efficiency...has started making 3-pointers again at a decent clip (35%) during that span...intrigued by Essengue's long-term upside, while also having the requisite depth and patience, considering he's the second-youngest player in this draft (he turns 19 in December).

Traore has been up and down all season and will need to find another gear with his productivity and efficiency...outstanding speed, shot creation and passing prowess...has taken some lumps this season in a bigger role, struggling with perimeter shooting, decision-making and physicality on both ends...

Wolf..unlike any other player in this draft class, with legitimate perimeter versatility and feel at his size at 7-foot, but there are questions about his athleticism, shooting and defensive translation to the NBA game...his unorthodox profile will make him a situational fit for certain NBA teams.

Bryant...strong frame, defensive versatility, passing and 3-point marksmanship (37.6%) make him an appealing developmental target for NBA teams, despite his limitations as a ball handler. Bryant will have an opportunity to help his case in predraft workouts, where his shooting and athleticism should stand out...not quite NBA-ready, but his profile could rise over the next couple of months.

21-22-23-24-25
Asa Newell - Hugo Gonzalez - ben Saraf - Thomas Sorber - Nique Clifford

I think any of these guys could go 5-10+ spots higher depending on the team selecting. Gonzalez will be one to monitor, if\whom he works out for, what the buzz is. Sorber probably won't be able to work out and if he stays in the draft, that would be a good bet he got a 1st round promise, he could go in\near the lottery as well. Clifford is similar to Sorber IMO, in that I could see him going higher than this. I think Newell will rise through the workout process, I would be surprised to see him go this low.

Newell... knack for playing hard, crashing the glass, and finishing plays in a large role...still a work in progress, needing to develop more consistency as a shooter (29% on 3-pointers) and defender to carve out an NBA role. He is caught between the 4 and 5 positionally. His production and motor remain appealing.

NBA teams have struggled to get a handle on Gonzalez, who hasn't made shots with any consistency (27% from 3) and has posted more turnovers than assists this season...has shown defensive intensity, aggressiveness and explosiveness. He can guard multiple positions, and has shown glimpses of passing prowess and winning qualities that made him a highly regarded prospect at a young age.

Saraf went through a rough patch...rediscovering his jumper and rekindling the playmaking creativity that made him a highly regarded prospect earlier in the season...A team such as Miami, which might want to add a shot creator, could be interested in Saraf's size, youth, creativity, feel for the game and toughness.

Sorber entered college relatively unheralded and made a strong impression in his 24 games before a foot injury ended his season. He turned NBA heads with his defensive production and mature understanding of his role, despite average athleticism and some turnover struggles. He faces a tricky decision, with a real opportunity to improve his standing if he returns for his sophomore season. The amount of on-court work during the predraft process might affect how high Sorber will rise before the NCAA withdrawal deadline May 28...It's possible that NBA teams with significant interest in the first round could get him to stay in the draft.

Sorber entered college relatively unheralded and made a strong impression in his 24 games before a foot injury ended his season. He turned NBA heads with his defensive production and mature understanding of his role, despite average athleticism and some turnover struggles. He faces a tricky decision, with a real opportunity to improve his standing if he returns for his sophomore season. The amount of on-court work during the predraft process might affect how high Sorber will rise before the NCAA withdrawal deadline May 28.

Clifford's...all-around production, solid shooting, and impact on both ends bode well for his chances at getting useful rookie minutes...versatility and effort as a rebounder and defender who can also knock down open shots and make plays for teammates. Clifford's age (23) might work against him, but the dearth of experienced college wings in this class makes him a valid target in this range.

26-27-28-29-30
Adou Thiero - Yaxel Lendeborg - Walter Clayton Jr - Alex Condon - Rasheer Fleming
Any of these guys with the exception of Clayton I think could opt to go back to school instead. Lendeborg just committed to Michigan, Thiero looks like he is staying in, Condon could go either way, not sure about Fleming as he has not declared yet

Thiero is one of the best athletes in the draft class and a consistent competitor, but he will be a project for his next team. He needs to improve his ball skills and shooting as well as defensive positioning and tendencies.

Lendeborg is testing the draft process, weighing a move to Michigan next season versus the potential for securing guaranteed money in the draft. With his ability to handle, pass, shoot and rebound, the 6-9 power forward has the two-way versatility and skill that NBA teams covet...He has more upside than a typical 22-year-old because he has been playing basketball seriously for only five years, including only 11 varsity games in high school.

Clayton helped his standing significantly in the NCAA tournament...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...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.

Condon didn't have the best NCAA tournament...struggled at times with his lack of offensive polish and the physicality of some of the bigger frontcourts he encountered... Still, his excellent feel for the game was evident with the way he passes and plugs gaps defensively off the ball, as well as his nonstop intensity...will need to weigh the option of returning for his junior season with a possible spot in the late first or early second round, depending on how he fares in the predraft process.

Fleming was efficient and productive this season, converting 65% of his 2-pointers and 39% of his 3s. He is a stretch big who has strong finishing prowess and can slide all over the court with his 7-foot-5 wingspan, even if his feel for the game and defensive awareness are still not fully developed.

31 Powell\FR
32 Penda\INTL
33 Kalkbrenner\SR
34 Karaban\JR
35 Raynaud\SR
36 Stirtz\JR
37 De Larrea\INTL
38 Broome\SR
39 Pettiford\FR
40 Toohey\INTL
41 Lanier\SR
42 Uzan\JR
43 Evans\FR
44 Williams\JR
45 Toppin\SO - already announced he is returning to school
46 Jones\SR
47 Tonje\SR
48 Ruzic\INTL
49 Dixon\SR
50 Byrd\SO
51 Markovic\INTL
52 Proctor\JR
53 James\SR
54 Brea\SR
55 Coward\SR
56 Pate\INTL
57 Zikarsky\INTL
58 B. Smith\JR
59 Grunnloh\INTL

(7) International players
(10) Seniors
(6) Juniors
(5) Freshman\Sophmores

I think Givony\Woo are already indicating something here, a lot of the younger players will be opting to go back to school for significant NIL deals and to hopefully improve their stock. Already Toppin announced he is staying & Stirtz announced he is following his coach to Iowa and not opting into the draft evaluation process

They don't even have some FR\SO like Philon, Fland, Jackson, Haugh, Tugler, Mgbako listed

I would be surprised if Powell, Evans & Byrd remain in the draft. Powell & Evans could certainly improve their stock & Byrd had a bad year, so it would make sense if he returned, he is testing the waters again

I think those spots will be filled by some other serniors\international players not yet on this mock, but I wonder how many will be as we get closer to the draft\after the withdrawl deadline, guys like:

Alijah Martin, Jamir Watkins, Hunter Sallis, Jaxson Robinson, Mark Sears, Sion James, Payton Sandfort, Izan Almansa

[zzaj]

The more I think about the Blazers' moves, including Cronin getting his contract, the more I think taking on big "development player" days are over for the time being. Cronin's next step is setting up a roster that will add Ws.

I think Cronin is going to prioritize winning...I think there is ZERO chance he's going to want to move backward in the W column for the betterment of the franchise...and hand in hand with that is not being averse to adding older college players to the roster with any draft picks.

At this stage I would say Cronin is prioritizing floor vs. ceiling in rookies. I don't think a player like Essengue is a likely target, as an example.

Anyway, my hunch...

[Walton1one]

The Ringer updated their big board, some surprising rankings IMO..

https://nbadraft.theringer.com/

Knueppel @ #5

Stout floor spacer with the potential to add more to his offensive bag.

Carter Bryant @ #6

Archetypal 3-and-D athlete with an ideal NBA frame and a ready-made complementary skill set.

It will be hard for teams to pass up Bryant’s baseline skill set. He offers the full vision of a versatile role player without major compromises in size, shooting ability, or defensive acumen. The lack of meaningful on-ball reps could cap Bryant’s ceiling at the next level, but honest-to-goodness 3-and-D starters are hard to come by. Carter has all the tools to be next in line.

Jakucionas @ #9

High-feel orchestrator and playmaker who’ll add rhythm and flow to whatever offense he joins.

Ultimately, Jakucionis’s success at the next level will live or die with his credibility as a scorer, and while I don’t think he is an “If it’s in the air, jog the other way” type of marksman, I’m optimistic he’ll be a consistent threat as a shooter.

Tre Johnson @ #10

A bona fide bucket getter whose scoring may be best utilized in doses.

Labaron Philon @ #11

Willowy, hypercompetitive guard who naturally fills gaps on both sides of the ball.

...players with this level of competitive fire have a decent track record of being better than the sum of their parts—and there is a clear outline of a two-way guard with dribble-pass-shoot capability. Such players rarely make it past the top half of the first round.

Thomas Sorber @ #12

Disciplined two-way big man who wins with physicality and processes the game at 1.25-time speed.

There’s a unique blend of skills, production, and youth here that adds up to a lottery-caliber talent. As a freshman, Sorber plays the game with the maturity of a four-year senior. It’s the greenest flag in his evaluation.

Murray-Boyles @ #21

Burly tweener whose elite defensive processing and nascent offensive playmaking will draw inevitable Draymond Green comparisons.

CMB’s trajectory could very well come down to his shooting. Draymond Green once had positional concerns despite outstanding defensive aptitude, but his gradual improvements from behind the arc (and a David Lee hamstring injury) ultimately helped him get his foot in the door at Golden State. It’ll be an uphill climb for Murray-Boyles, but teams have been looking for their own personal Draymonds for more than a decade, and CMB actually has the skill set, not just the chalk outline of one, to make it happen.

Tahaad Pettiford @ #30 - I have a suspicion that he either gets a promise and\or remains in the draft

Fearless and freewheeling creator off the dribble whose lack of size will provide consistent challenges.

There is a world where Pettiford returns to school for another year, but it’s difficult to know what kind of sophomore campaign would vault him into the lottery. Visible growth defending the ball? Proof that he can impact the game in the flow of a scheme and not just in the flow of his own dribble? A better feel for time and situation to balance out that fearlessness? It’s just as likely that an established team will forecast that growth and offer him a promise to keep him in this class so that they can snag him now.

[Walton1one]

The more I think about the Blazers' moves, including Cronin getting his contract, the more I think taking on big "development player" days are over for the time being. Cronin's next step is setting up a roster that will add Ws.

I think Cronin is going to prioritize winning...I think there is ZERO chance he's going to want to move backward in the W column for the betterment of the franchise...and hand in hand with that is not being averse to adding older college players to the roster with any draft picks.

At this stage I would say Cronin is prioritizing floor vs. ceiling in rookies. I don't think a player like Essengue is a likely target, as an example.

Anyway, my hunch...

Yeah, this is the unknown, he repeatedly indicates that Scoot\Sharpe are integral parts of the team moving forward and they want to build this the right way for sustainable success, whatever that truly means. Is he just full of crap and speaking out of both sides of his mouth as he has done before?

The roster cannot be sustainable the way it is now, not trying to keep everyone happy, continuing to bring Sharpe\Scoot\Clingan off the bench, maybe even Camara...keeping Simons\Grant\Ayton & Thybulle happy.

Cronin probably tries and appease both timelines again, looking to move off Grant, maybe another vet, he could use the MLE and still be under the luxury tax and still take a youngish player that may start to need rotation minutes 1-2 years from now when more vets are cleared away.

Trading the pick for a mid level player (Remember Deni cost (2) 1st's + (2) 2nd's, and I don't see any comparable players out there) when they have the space to acquire one w\o giving up anything would be an odd move, same with tying the pick to Grant to offload his contract when they are under no financial pressure to do so.

That leaves making a large move, but to do that he would have to part ways with a Scoot\Sharpe\Clingan\Deni\Camara, probably multiple of them, which doesn't really match what he has indicated these last few seasons.

[tester551]

Quick question for all the draft guru's... What's everyone's take on Adou Thiero?

He seems to remind me a lot of OG.
https://tankathon.com/players/compare?players=adou-thiero--o-g-anunoby

I'm trying to figure out why he is not higher on everyone's big boards.

[dckingsfan]

Quick question for all the draft guru's... What's everyone's take on Adou Thiero?

He seems to remind me a lot of OG.
https://tankathon.com/players/compare?players=adou-thiero--o-g-anunoby

I'm trying to figure out why he is not higher on everyone's big boards.

First, he is a bit older. Second he is a 3&D without the 3 (yet). He has upside if he can become a better shooter. But... he only had a FT% of .697.

He will go in the second round and could turn out really well - or not.

[Walton1one]

Read on Twitter

I expect we will be seeing a lot more of NIL deals like this for borderline 1st or 2nd round prospects...

[Case2012]

Bumping this thread since it's all we have to look forward to since no one is getting fired or selling the team.

I still think we trade for Zion or Trae. Especially with the news of Griffin being ousted and Trae's antics. That would be appropriate as a last game for a team, i suspect, quitting on them like that. Whatever, i dont care anymore. =(

[Tim Lehrbach]

Bumping this thread since it's all we have to look forward to since no one is getting fired or selling the team.

I still think we trade for Zion or Trae. Especially with the news of Griffin being ousted and Trae's antics. That would be appropriate as a last game for a team, i suspect, quitting on them like that. Whatever, i dont care anymore. =(

I've said enough times that I don't think acquiring a middling "star" gets this team anywhere, but I especially worry about these two. Zion is unreliable and, despite the youth and all that promise, a finished product IMO. You're getting partial seasons and just short of superstar impact. Hitching your wagon to Zion is a surefire way to sink any effort at building a consistent winner. Trae, I used to like quite a bit, but his shooting and his team's offenses have been trending in the wrong direction. I worry he's been solved to an extent. Still an awesome playmaker, but the results just aren't there.

I don't mean to derail the draft thread, but is there anybody else we suspect might shake loose who would be a legitimate difference-maker? Needs to be a guard, IMO, since our backcourt remains a mess. (Sorry folks, still not buying the Scoot 'n Shaedon path to glory.)

[BlazersBroncos]

I've said enough times that I don't think acquiring a middling "star" gets this team anywhere, but I especially worry about these two. Zion is unreliable and, despite the youth and all that promise, a finished product IMO. You're getting partial seasons and just short of superstar impact. Hitching your wagon to Zion is a surefire way to sink any effort at building a consistent winner. Trae, I used to like quite a bit, but his shooting and his team's offenses have been trending in the wrong direction. I worry he's been solved to an extent. Still an awesome playmaker, but the results just aren't there.

I generally agree re Zion but at the same time - we have very few avenues to add true needle movers. On paper Zion is a pretty ideal fit here (Especially if DC can continue to build out his 3). He is unreliable, lazy at times and misses a ton of games - but he also has a swingers chance to be guy that legit moves the needle for what this team has for a ceiling.

Do I trade a ton for Zion? No. Would I trade 1 of Sharpe / Scoot + Ayton + Murray + future protected FRP + SRP(s) for Zion + Olynyk? Yes.

Take Kasparas at #10. Trade Simons for KCP + 16. Take Flemming #16.

I would be interested in seeing what this team could do -

G - Scoot Henderson / Kasparas Jakucionis (10) / Dalano Banton
G - Toumani Camara / Kentavious Caldwell-Pope / Rayan Rupert
F - Deni Avdija / Matisse Thybulle / Rayan Rupert
F - Zion Williamson / Jerami Grant / Rasheer Flemming (16)
C - Donovan Clingan / Kelly Olynyk / Duop Reath

Thats a ton of defense, length and 3PT shooting around Zion. You probably have enough scoring w/ Zion (25+), Deni (20), Scoot (15-18 if he develops a bit) + DC and Camara getting 10-14 off open shots and garbage buckets. I love that bench w/ 3 + 3/D vets (KCP, MT, Grant) + 2 floor stretching bigs (Kelly + Reath) + Kasparas as a lead guard getting open looks for the shooters (And Camara, Deni, MT even KCP can guard PG if Kasparas has speed issues - letting him guard SG if needed)

[Walton1one]

Another scout on Kon Knueppel

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25184994-best-case-worst-case-pro-comps-after-dukes-kon-knueppel-declares-2025-nba-draft

Best Case: Desmond Bane

Shooting will always be Kon Knueppel's moneymaker, but his upside shined most at Duke when he was put in ball-screen situations. Though not an advanced one-on-one scorer, he created a lot of opportunity as a pick-and-roll ball-handler, a job that Desmond Bane has excelled at for the Memphis Grizzlies. Like Bane, Knueppel has the potential to provide shotmaking diversity and consistency while also being able to offer ball-screen offense with his driving, passing and pull-up game. Bane has now averaged over five assists in consecutive seasons, and Knueppel displayed obvious feel using pacing and feel to set up teammates, most notable Khaman Maluach above the rim.

Despite neither possessing any advantageous athletic traits, both have had success using their bodies and control to attack closeouts and defenders in space.Otherwise, Knueppel has the stroke and shooting versatility to execute around the perimeter with Bane-level accuracy.

Worst Case: Corey Kispert

Worst case, Kon Knueppel is valued mostly for his catch-and-shoot game and transition finishing. He'd resemble Corey Kispert if the ball-screen creation and playmaking aren't used or don't translate. He'll settle into more of a shotmaking specialist role like Kispert's if his lack of explosion and burst limit him as a driver. Though Kispert is a fine catch-and-shoot player, he grades poorly in spot-up situations because of struggles when forced to put the ball down. Knueppel could have trouble blowing by defenders or relying on strength. And both wings are also weaker pull-up shooters, with Kispert at 27.5 percent and Knueppel at 32.8 percent. There is world where Knueppel just isn't effective enough with the ball against a set defense. And that outcome would mean he'll wind up playing strictly complementary offense, stretching floor, running off screens and looking for dribble handoffs.

Realistic Pro Comp: Cameron Johnson

Cameron Johnson averaged career highs this year with 18.8 points and 3.4 assists. Like Johnson, Kon Knueppel also has the shotmaking skill, footwork and positional size to rank in the 80th percentile or better in spot-up, off-screen and transition situations. But Johnson also received more than two ball screens per game, something Knueppel could be deserving off given his driving strength, passing IQ and feel. Realistically, Knueppel isn't going to be a team's top-two option, given his lack of creativity, wiggle and burst at the point of attack. But both he and Johnson have the chance to be quality third or fourth options with their shooting versatility and improved ball-screen play.

[Walton1one]

Another one on Jase Richardson

https://jwscouting.com/2025/02/27/hidden-upside-with-jase-richardson/

Basic scouting history/laws would suggest there isn’t an obvious path to upside for a 6’3″ guard that’s not a primary ball-handler or playmaker. On paper, Jase Richardson lacks advantageous size to match up against NBA 2-guards and considerable playmaking tape/assists to buy a point guard...Richardson has actually looked more competent creating for himself than he’s given credit for. His role, which has him spotting up 31% of the time, masks some of his ball-handling and separation ability. A .398 free-throw rate is notably higher than projected top-10 scoring guards like Ace Bailey and Tre Johnson...there are so many other micro skills and different ways to earn good looks. Sometimes just finding space to step into a pull-up (in transition, attacking closeouts, off ball screens) is a form of self-creation, even if it’s not off any fancy dribbling moves. Richardson happens to be an excellent shooter off the dribble (48%) on decent volume. Part of that accuracy can be tied to how well he picks the right spots and finds that open space to stop and pop...He’s been arguably more impressive at finishing in the paint, making 74% of his layups (ranks #1 among guards among prospects I have getting drafted)...The finishing really does help compensate for any lack of creation. It reduces his need to create a large amount of space. On drives, he shows some unteachable stuff, like anticipating contact and using it to bounce off and separate. He’s got touch shots over shot blockers. He knows what’s the best route (both on the ground and in air) to take to the open space around the rim.

Most teams will probably slide Richardson into the high-floor, low-ceiling category. The high floor is propped up by easy-fit off-ball scoring efficiency, drilling catch-and-shoot 3s (he’s made 46% of them), picking the right spots to attack closeouts, being a mistake-free player who doesn’t force much or turn the ball over. 66% true shooting and 9.8 turnover percentage highlight ultra efficiency for a freshman. Since high school he was always the classic “he knows how to play” guy.

Even if he’s not the most prolific playmaker, he’s an excellent decision-making, and that will translate to good looks for teammates and more assists, especially if I’m right about Richardson possessing more creation than he’s able to currently show. I think he has enough shake/wiggle and off-the-dribble shotmaking for such an efficient off-ball shooter, play-finisher and opportunistic scorer to score at an NBA starter level.

[Walton1one]

Nique Clifford

https://jwscouting.com/2025/03/26/nique-clifford-value-pick/

He went from 68 combined PnR/Iso possessions to 191 this season. And he excelled in this No. 1 option role, which illuminated both functional ball-handling to get to spots, playmaking ability (we already knew about the passing IQ from last year from his 3 APG) and three-level shotmaking off self-created moves...I’m a believer in passing and rebounding translating with the right physical tools. Clifford is 6-6 with strong, broad shoulders and enough plus athletic traits. And last year he shot 60% inside the arc, a sign of finishing efficiency playing within an offense, more from off the ball. This whole package creates versatility that also points to a higher floor. It shows adaptability, maybe not upside, but a classic glue guy that can do little things without needing to be a focal point of an offensive possession.

...now he’s a point-forward who initiates offense, shot 57% on ISO attempts and graded in the 95th percentile in PnR PPP (per Synergy Sports). Realistically, Clifford will have to revert back to the jack-of-all-trades role he played in 2023-24 early in the NBA. But he’s still clearly become a far bigger threat to make a play with the ball...From a scoring standpoint, I love the fact that he took and made a lot of shots in the mid-range (47-of-89). A big part of the game is finding space to make a play, and Clifford identifies that space inside the arc, where he looks very comfortable making those shorter dribble jumpers and fallaways. He made 63 pullups on 43%, better numbers and more volume than a lot of first-round guards. He shot 40% on catch-and-shoot chances as well, arguably a more important number for a player who projects to see more off-ball possessions next year.

His ball-screen passing is another obvious strength. He uses his size well to see and pass over the defense. He’s got the feel to generate gravitational pull, suck defenders toward him and hit the roller. You can just tell that he can activate a point guard’s mentality when he needs to. Despite taking over as the top option, he maintained unselfishness and moved the ball with basic reads when necessary.

Being 23 years old suggests there isn’t many more development jumps left to make. But we’re not talking about using a top 10 pick on him. Clifford feels like automatic value anywhere once most of the younger, flashier names are off the board. His fit is too good, and the improvement he’s made this season should prepare him to pose more of a threat when the ball finds him with some space in the half court.

[Walton1one]

Derik Queen

https://jwscouting.com/2025/03/05/ive-changed-my-mind-on-derik-queen/

I couldn’t get past Queen’s body type, post-up heavy game and suspect defensive projection...A higher level of movement fluidity, craft/IQ and agility has turned me. The ways he’s able to make plays facing the basket separates him from Jahlil Okafor, or Jared Sullinger’s, or Vernon Carey Jr’s, or the previous “below-the-rim”, heavier-set, back-to-the-basket bigs who struggled to stick or take off in the NBA.

Queen may actually be closer to Alperen Sengun, who encountered similar skepticism due to his below-the-rim, interior-oriented game he produced with in Turkey. While Sengun remains mostly a post player and roll man, he’s reached a different level offensively because of how well he can face up his man and use his strength, control, dribble, vision and touch with the ball...over the years I’ve liked betting on 6’8″+ forwards/bigs that can handle and pass. Queen doesn’t just rely on backing defenders down. He can maneuver with the ball under some pressure, push a break, attack a closeout or capitalize on open space. It opens up more windows to score and play-make (Queen has been and remains a surefire passing asset, and passing IQ translates).

I don’t think he needs dangerous three-point shooting to hit offensive upside. He would benefit from having a midrange jumper around the elbows where he can flash to for some space. I’ve become somewhat optimistic Queen can be a regular threat in that 15-18 foot range. The 71 jump shot attempts reflects confidence, his 77 percent free-throw mark reflect touch, and the test sees mechanics that look relatively clean. He has a shot that actually looks like it has a chance every time, despite the ugly percentages.

The defense probably won’t be great. He’s neither a rim protector or ideal switch guy. If you’re projecting a high-level offensive player, which I suddenly am, Queen just has to be adequate and avoid being a total liability. Sometimes we can put too much stock into shot-blocking numbers or highlights of opponents blowing by. I don’t think it will be bad enough that coaches have to take him off the floor late unless he’s also really struggling offensively. Ideally he plays the 5 with a solid team defense around him. That does make fit more important for Queen than others.

Sengun is ultimately a best-case type outcome, but I can’t stop thinking about how his strengths translated, how the face-up game added an important complementary dimension of offense, and how his weaknesses have been masked by the fit in Houston.

[Walton1one]

Lendeborg vs Fleming & other notes

https://jwscouting.com/2025/03/18/ten-scouting-storylines-im-watching-in-the-ncaa-tournaments-opening-rounds/

Yaxel Lendeborg vs. Rasheer Fleming! Hell of a prospect matchup, that game should draw scouts. Lendeborg has been ridiculous, that 30-20-8-9 stock game was wild. He does so much with his finishing, passing, mid-range scoring, defensive playmaking that it’s worth overlooking the shooting range (which has gotten better). I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s drafted to a team in the 20s. Fleming has been in my first round all year, mainly because of fit. I don’t see a ton of upside but there’s a clear role for a big strong PF that shoots 40% 3PT, finishes and disrupts defensively.

Jase Richardson is #4 on my big board, that’s higher than any scout’s I’ve talked to. But he is gaining steam, becoming a more believable high-level NBA prospect lately

Demin’s playmaking is obviously the draw but hard to buy the shotmaking and his turnovers are beyond frustrating. Looks like he’s making decisions at half speed sometimes, barely putting thought into them.

Kasparas Jakucionis, been a tough stretch lately for him. FGA are down, 3s aren’t falling, lots of turnovers...Jakucionis scares me a little with how hard he has to work to separate. I moved him down my board into late lottery range few months ago, although over the years I’ve put less stock into athletic limitations when evaluating ball-handlers who are great at changing speeds and improvising. Plus he’s around 6’6″ and can hit tough shots.

Asa Newell...Something about Newell’s consistency that’s comforting, always seems to find ways to give opponents 12-15 points with his tools/timing, touch and some. But still that lack of creation and surefire shooting suggests his offensive archetype aligns more closely with a Jalen Smith type. Likable player but sometimes I find myself struggling to identify paths to upside, which probably would require him being a defensive difference-maker.

Jeremiah Fears...He puts up star highlights with how shifty and explosive he is, the improv scoring inside the arc, the midrange shotmaking. Obviously the 3-point shooting shooting and turnovers remind of someone like Scoot Henderson. But Fears is so young, still 18,

Milos Uzan...I love guards that that possess both pull-up shooting prowess and floater touch, and Uzan this year has made 42 pull-ups on 42% and an even more impressive 40 floaters on 46%. 147 assists to just 46 turnovers is also quite the ratio. He struggles around the basket but overall I like the way he moves and changes gears with the ball. Being a 44% catch-and-shoot guy is also key for versatility at next level.

[Walton1one]

Wasserman's Big Board

https://jwscouting.com/2025-big-board/

2025 NBA Draft Big Board

1 Cooper Flagg
2 Dylan Harper
3 VJ Edgecombe
4 Jase Richardson
5 Derik Queen
6 Tre Johnson
7 Ace Bailey
8 Collin Murray-Boyles
9 Jeremiah Fears
10 Asa Newell
11 Khaman Maluach
12 Kon Knueppel
13 Kasparas Jakucionis
14 Egor Demin
15 Ben Saraf
16 Liam McNeeley
17 Nique Clifford
18 Carter Bryant
19 Nolan Traore
20 Walter Clayton
21 Noa Essengue
22 Thomas Sorber
23 Noah Penda
24 Hugo Gonzalez
25 Danny Wolf
26 Yaxel Lendeborg
27 Bennett Stirtz
28 Will Riley
29 Alex Toohey
30 Rasheer Fleming

[Walton1one]

Hoop Intellect dropped a new Post-Tourney big board':

Watch on YouTube

Rather than focus on positives, I am just going to list concerns instead

1-2-3
Flagg - None, in a tier of his own
Harper - Shooting needs to keep progressing
Edgecombe - Ways to go on handle & pull up ability, not a lock for Top 3

4-5-6
Bailey - Playmaking concerns, how will he handle having less responsibility early on
Maluach - Not a perfect prospect\raw, but appealing
Murray Boyles - Shot is work in process that could hinder NBA success, size concerns (is he 6'5?)

7-8-9
Knueppel - Athleticism will hinder him, especially defensively, probably not 6'7
Johnson - Not a great athlete, still has things to iron out at the rim and on defense
Queen - Questions about defense and NBA position

10-11-12
Fears - Long way to go as a decision maker who has not shot it yet, does he need to have the ball to be effective? Will need patience
Jakucionis - Question his ability to separate and handle against NBA point of attack defenders w\o a ball screen & TO rate is concerning and only justified if he is excellent elsewhere, not sure he is
Essengue - What exactly\fit is he as a player in the NBA?

13-14-15
Richardson - 6'2 combo guard who is not a great defender and is not super physical & has not been much of a passer
Sorber - Undersized, athleticism\finishing concerns
Newell - Limited as a passer & playmaker, not an elite rim protector, not sure upside is super high

16-17-18
Bryant - Easy to like the idea of him more than his current output, not much of a threat with the ball in his hands, needs to work on some things before he makes an impact in the NBA
Clifford - Age (23) is concern, is he more of a role player?
Penda - Shooting

19-20-21
Fleming - Lack of ball skills & passing concerning given he is not an elite shooter
Demin - Concerns with physicality, getting to the rim consistently, maximizing his elite passing skill, oh and shooting, also struggled against good teams
Riley - Physical element is critical to every part of his game,

22-23-24
McNeeley - Defensive, athletic & finishing issues are alarming. Shooting is not elite enough to offset
Philon - Questions about his shot & aggressiveness as a scorer
Lendeborg - Older player

25-26-27
Traore - Struggle as a finisher, shooter & defender are concerning
Saraf - Questions about shot & ability to play off the ball
Jones - Did not shoot it well, an older player

28-29-30
Clayton Jr - Playmaking\Defense\size\age, will his playoff performance elevate him more than it should?
Wolf - Versatility, basically a giant wing, especially defensively. What are teams asking him to do and how often does he get the ball?
Gonzalez - Hard to gauge, played such limited minutes, question marks about his shot & decision making

31-32-33
Thiero - Needs to shoot it to stick in the NBA
Pettiford - Small guard, decision-making concerns. A lot to work left as finisher and defensive questions are obvious
Byrd - Finished the year bad at the rim & from 3pt, still physically behind, should return to school

34-35-36
Kalkbrenner - Older guy, not real physical
Haugh - None, could be 1st round\Top 20 pick
Broome - Age, viewed as more of a front court rotation piece. Measurables & lower tier athleticism are concerning

37-38-39
Beringer - Have not seen dimensions or elite skills to deserve lottery buzz. Some team will talk themselves into him
Markovic - Untraditional play style?
Karaban - Had a dissappointing year and on older side

40-41-42
Evans - Defense, intriguing but could use another year to develop in a bigger role
Raynaud - Not a defensive anchor or very physical, probably more of a role player big
Proctor - Inconsistency & underwhelming showings in games that matter

43-44-45
Toohey - Questions about his shot, not a great athlete which could be limiting
Condon - Did not deal with physicality well, timid looking for his own shot
Fland - Struggles at\getting to rim & size are big concerns, would be better to go back to school

[BlazersBroncos]

I have been wrong so many times but the Murray-Boyles hype is baffling to me.

Everyone wants to see Draymond but Green was just such a better passer, even at the same age, and had defensive instincts that were off the charts. But more than anything each year Green showed drastic improvement from 3. CMB had a chance to alleviate some 3pt worries this season but did nothing.

Shows me a shot I can’t trust at all to develop. RHJ and MKG level bad IMO.

[Walton1one]

I have been wrong so many times but the Murray-Boyles hype is baffling to me.

Everyone wants to see Draymond but Green was just such a better passer, even at the same age, and had defensive instincts that were off the charts. But more than anything each year Green showed drastic improvement from 3. CMB had a chance to alleviate some 3pt worries this season but did nothing.

Shows me a shot I can’t trust at all to develop. RHJ and MKG level bad IMO.

Yeah, my fear is that he fits the defensive archetype that POR seems to like, and they don’t seem to really care about shooting, which is his major flaw. Curious what his measurements will be because some are saying he could be closer to 6’5?