2025 NBA Draft Discussion Part 5

[Buff]

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Think this is what's happening on the board right now, many guys are overthinking this.

7'2 with a 7'8 wingspan, fluid on the perimeter and pretty decent on switches for being 7'2. only 18, has around 5 years of basketball experience. Soft hands, hyper-efficient with 74% TS. Willing to go out to the 3 and take shots there, but even if that doesn't develop he would at minimum be a dominant lob threat.

Khaman-Scottie-Ingram as an FC is massively long, it would give opposing offences fits driving into that. Not to mention, you have to look at where the league is going. Wembenyama, Jokic, Giannis, and after them are guys like AD, JJJ, Mobley, Gobert, Chet. Many are huge C's that can protect the paint and most of them can step out to the 3.

This guy is super raw, I take this bet every day, and I bet Masai does too. BAL's best product is coming home to TOR. I would go as far as saying I'd take him at #2.

This is where my analogy to Gasol comes from: the best defenders are simply not challenged if they are in position. Gasol would simply be there first and folks had to go somewhere else. Not saying Khaman is that good, just saying that is he is that is a piece of a championship team that is as hard to get as a #1.

[PhilBlackson]

Any time you watch Playoff bball you're reminded how important it is to have players who can reliably create for THEMSELVES...then others.

Ingram is a great player to have for that...and Queen would be a great backup plan/secondary option.

Look at this game with the Bucks. Giannis is the only dude who can generate his own offence so all even a weak defensive team like the Pacers have to do is key into Giannis and then the other players can't reliably create their own shots.Then the offence is painful to watch as those other guys pass the ball around like a hot potato, not for ball movement but now defences are tighter and guys aren't as confident with their shots unless it's wide open. Then it's just struggling to get your one self creator an area to find his own shot, teams recover easier and it's a bunch of stifled shots with no confidence.

Then of course you have to rest players throughout the game and you prevent possible droughts by always having one of those guys on the court. I think Queen's defensive "issues" are very overstated mostly based on appearance not statistical evidence. It's not that he can't defend, he can, he's actually excellent on ball, getting his hands on the basketball either to contest, deflect or steal the ball. The issue is he's not a great rim protector because of course he's not a good leaper. What he does is more positional and the other "issue" is some questions with his conditioning but he's continued to improve his body, obv here when can push him further AND most importantly guys like Scottie and Mogbo are great weak side defenders that can contest shots. But Queen is yes quick enough,strong enough and uses his hands to bother the dribble enough to keep most people in front of him which should allow guys to rotate and contest shots. And Queen would all but guarantee "Bench Mob 2.0" where our team is fairly relentless all game.

That's just my 2c...buuut to many people's chagrin (not mine), I really do think we're gonna draft Maluach unless jump into the top 3 (even at 4 it wouldn't shock me if they took him IF Ace were the player taken 3rd).

[Son Goku 25]

Watching those Embiid college highlights makes me want Queen even more tbh. Even if he's 20 he's so advanced on offense and his creative ability and IQ will get him by on defense too.

A 7 footer the size of Maluach is going to have more impact on winning basketball than a PF sized C. Queen can't shoot that well either, Maluach is going higher than him based on potential.

I would probably gear towards Bryant. He's got size, length, shows some off dribble fluidity, and he's someone we can develop. He remind me of Salaun and Masai will be interested for that reason when Maluach is off the board.

For sure, im a fan of Carter Bryant as well. Just a lot of options to choose from im almost thinking some of the clear cut top 5 after Flagg might not be as good as some of these hidden gem players which I think Masai and ppl like him will find. Would be nice if we can still pick high enough to find our own Kawhi, Giannis, Jokic or, Shai, Tatum etc.

[MessiahUjiri]

Watching those Embiid college highlights makes me want Queen even more tbh. Even if he's 20 he's so advanced on offense and his creative ability and IQ will get him by on defense too.

A 7 footer the size of Maluach is going to have more impact on winning basketball than a PF sized C. Queen can't shoot that well either, Maluach is going higher than him based on potential.

I would probably gear towards Bryant. He's got size, length, shows some off dribble fluidity, and he's someone we can develop. He remind me of Salaun and Masai will be interested for that reason when Maluach is off the board.

For sure, im a fan of Carter Bryant as well. Just a lot of options to choose from im almost thinking some of the clear cut top 5 after Flagg might not be as good as some of these hidden gem players which I think Masai and ppl like him will find. Would be nice if we can still pick high enough to find our own Kawhi, Giannis, Jokic or, Shai, Tatum etc.

Carter Bryant is gonna be good.

He’s basically that OG Anunoby type mold. Already 6’8 225lbs, and can easily add 10+lbs. Already shoots the 3, and averaged 1 block and steal.

If we had another pick in the 12-16 range, he’s the perfect guy.

[mademan]

A 7 footer the size of Maluach is going to have more impact on winning basketball than a PF sized C. Queen can't shoot that well either, Maluach is going higher than him based on potential.

I would probably gear towards Bryant. He's got size, length, shows some off dribble fluidity, and he's someone we can develop. He remind me of Salaun and Masai will be interested for that reason when Maluach is off the board.

For sure, im a fan of Carter Bryant as well. Just a lot of options to choose from im almost thinking some of the clear cut top 5 after Flagg might not be as good as some of these hidden gem players which I think Masai and ppl like him will find. Would be nice if we can still pick high enough to find our own Kawhi, Giannis, Jokic or, Shai, Tatum etc.

Carter Bryant is gonna be good.

He’s basically that OG Anunoby type mold. Already 6’8 225lbs, and can easily add 10+lbs. Already shoots the 3, and averaged 1 block and steal.

If we had another pick in the 12-16 range, he’s the perfect guy.

I'd just take him at 7 if the FO liked him. I dont see a big separation in this draft class after the top 2. I imagine Ace's size and shooting will be too tantalizing for a team to pass him up in the top 5 and ditto for VJ's combination of athleticism and advanced stats. After those 4, i can see a lot of risers and droppers

Would not surprise me to see someone like Fears or Malauch to drop to the teens

[Son Goku 25]

A 7 footer the size of Maluach is going to have more impact on winning basketball than a PF sized C. Queen can't shoot that well either, Maluach is going higher than him based on potential.

I would probably gear towards Bryant. He's got size, length, shows some off dribble fluidity, and he's someone we can develop. He remind me of Salaun and Masai will be interested for that reason when Maluach is off the board.

For sure, im a fan of Carter Bryant as well. Just a lot of options to choose from im almost thinking some of the clear cut top 5 after Flagg might not be as good as some of these hidden gem players which I think Masai and ppl like him will find. Would be nice if we can still pick high enough to find our own Kawhi, Giannis, Jokic or, Shai, Tatum etc.

Carter Bryant is gonna be good.

He’s basically that OG Anunoby type mold. Already 6’8 225lbs, and can easily add 10+lbs. Already shoots the 3, and averaged 1 block and steal.

If we had another pick in the 12-16 range, he’s the perfect guy.

He has that physicality and toughness and relentless about him but seems even more smooth than OG so id think he has maybe more potential. We'll see.

[DreamTeam09]

Jarrett Allen just became the first 70%FG 70%FT player for a season according to an IG post I just saw.
Maluach did that this year. 7'2 is just a different type of size that teams might not be able to match.
I'm hoping for one of Cooper Ace Harper VJ, but after that it's Khaman

[Clutch0z24]

Any time you watch Playoff bball you're reminded how important it is to have players who can reliably create for THEMSELVES...then others.

Ingram is a great player to have for that...and Queen would be a great backup plan/secondary option.

Look at this game with the Bucks. Giannis is the only dude who can generate his own offence so all even a weak defensive team like the Pacers have to do is key into Giannis and then the other players can't reliably create their own shots.Then the offence is painful to watch as those other guys pass the ball around like a hot potato, not for ball movement but now defences are tighter and guys aren't as confident with their shots unless it's wide open. Then it's just struggling to get your one self creator an area to find his own shot, teams recover easier and it's a bunch of stifled shots with no confidence.

Then of course you have to rest players throughout the game and you prevent possible droughts by always having one of those guys on the court. I think Queen's defensive "issues" are very overstated mostly based on appearance not statistical evidence. It's not that he can't defend, he can, he's actually excellent on ball, getting his hands on the basketball either to contest, deflect or steal the ball. The issue is he's not a great rim protector because of course he's not a good leaper. What he does is more positional and the other "issue" is some questions with his conditioning but he's continued to improve his body, obv here when can push him further AND most importantly guys like Scottie and Mogbo are great weak side defenders that can contest shots. But Queen is yes quick enough,strong enough and uses his hands to bother the dribble enough to keep most people in front of him which should allow guys to rotate and contest shots. And Queen would all but guarantee "Bench Mob 2.0" where our team is fairly relentless all game.

That's just my 2c...buuut to many people's chagrin (not mine), I really do think we're gonna draft Maluach unless jump into the top 3 (even at 4 it wouldn't shock me if they took him IF Ace were the player taken 3rd).

I think the same things....Queen just has the all around basketball Skills to be better day 1 and in the future than Maluach.....Can pass, Handle, Jumpshot looks to translate to the 3 better if we are comparing him to Khaman, Post up moves, Better hands/Timing, Footwork, Rebounder, Potential Rebound and go.... Just the overall better package....Which is why i think Queen will be picked before we pick anyways...

And me as well i think Maluach will be the pick but i actually think we draft Queen if hes OTB over Maluach....But i just think we won't have the chance too....Maluach will be the pick if we move down to 8th though if hes still OTB....Which for me won't be worth the tanking season and a high end lottery pick as i see him as the ultimate backup C....And yes in the NBA playoffs players like Maluach make an impact (DeAndre Jordan type) but its not the type of impact from a top lotto pick you want....If your going to be the 7th worst team in the league you better at least try and draft a player that can be at least an all star....

Maluach in the playoffs setting......What do people that like him predict his stats to be as well? Is 11-13 points, 8 Rebounds, 1.5 Blocks a game really worth a top pick?...Thats what i predict his averages are.

[MessiahUjiri]

Any time you watch Playoff bball you're reminded how important it is to have players who can reliably create for THEMSELVES...then others.

Ingram is a great player to have for that...and Queen would be a great backup plan/secondary option.

Look at this game with the Bucks. Giannis is the only dude who can generate his own offence so all even a weak defensive team like the Pacers have to do is key into Giannis and then the other players can't reliably create their own shots.Then the offence is painful to watch as those other guys pass the ball around like a hot potato, not for ball movement but now defences are tighter and guys aren't as confident with their shots unless it's wide open. Then it's just struggling to get your one self creator an area to find his own shot, teams recover easier and it's a bunch of stifled shots with no confidence.

Then of course you have to rest players throughout the game and you prevent possible droughts by always having one of those guys on the court. I think Queen's defensive "issues" are very overstated mostly based on appearance not statistical evidence. It's not that he can't defend, he can, he's actually excellent on ball, getting his hands on the basketball either to contest, deflect or steal the ball. The issue is he's not a great rim protector because of course he's not a good leaper. What he does is more positional and the other "issue" is some questions with his conditioning but he's continued to improve his body, obv here when can push him further AND most importantly guys like Scottie and Mogbo are great weak side defenders that can contest shots. But Queen is yes quick enough,strong enough and uses his hands to bother the dribble enough to keep most people in front of him which should allow guys to rotate and contest shots. And Queen would all but guarantee "Bench Mob 2.0" where our team is fairly relentless all game.

That's just my 2c...buuut to many people's chagrin (not mine), I really do think we're gonna draft Maluach unless jump into the top 3 (even at 4 it wouldn't shock me if they took him IF Ace were the player taken 3rd).

I think the same things....Queen just has the all around basketball Skills to be better day 1 and in the future than Maluach.....Can pass, Handle, Jumpshot looks to translate to the 3 better if we are comparing him to Khaman, Post up moves, Better hands/Timing, Footwork, Rebounder, Potential Rebound and go.... Just the overall better package....Which is why i think Queen will be picked before we pick anyways...

And me as well i think Maluach will be the pick but i actually think we draft Queen if hes OTB over Maluach....But i just think we won't have the chance too....Maluach will be the pick if we move down to 8th though if hes still OTB....Which for me won't be worth the tanking season and a high end lottery pick as i see him as the ultimate backup C....And yes in the NBA playoffs players like Maluach make an impact (DeAndre Jordan type) but its not the type of impact from a top lotto pick you want....If your going to be the 7th worst team in the league you better at least try and draft a player that can be at least an all star....

Maluach in the playoffs setting......What do people that like him predict his stats to be as well? Is 11-13 points, 8 Rebounds, 1.5 Blocks a game really worth a top pick?...Thats what i predict his averages are.

I can see Spurs getting Queen @ 9.

Can you imagine a Wemby and Queen front court?

And DeAaron Fox & Stephon Castle backcourt?

Championships guaranteed.

[NotMyKawhi]

New big board

Cooper
Harper
FEARS
ACE
Tre
VJ

Any of those 6 falls you win at 7

[Clutch0z24]

Any time you watch Playoff bball you're reminded how important it is to have players who can reliably create for THEMSELVES...then others.

Ingram is a great player to have for that...and Queen would be a great backup plan/secondary option.

Look at this game with the Bucks. Giannis is the only dude who can generate his own offence so all even a weak defensive team like the Pacers have to do is key into Giannis and then the other players can't reliably create their own shots.Then the offence is painful to watch as those other guys pass the ball around like a hot potato, not for ball movement but now defences are tighter and guys aren't as confident with their shots unless it's wide open. Then it's just struggling to get your one self creator an area to find his own shot, teams recover easier and it's a bunch of stifled shots with no confidence.

Then of course you have to rest players throughout the game and you prevent possible droughts by always having one of those guys on the court. I think Queen's defensive "issues" are very overstated mostly based on appearance not statistical evidence. It's not that he can't defend, he can, he's actually excellent on ball, getting his hands on the basketball either to contest, deflect or steal the ball. The issue is he's not a great rim protector because of course he's not a good leaper. What he does is more positional and the other "issue" is some questions with his conditioning but he's continued to improve his body, obv here when can push him further AND most importantly guys like Scottie and Mogbo are great weak side defenders that can contest shots. But Queen is yes quick enough,strong enough and uses his hands to bother the dribble enough to keep most people in front of him which should allow guys to rotate and contest shots. And Queen would all but guarantee "Bench Mob 2.0" where our team is fairly relentless all game.

That's just my 2c...buuut to many people's chagrin (not mine), I really do think we're gonna draft Maluach unless jump into the top 3 (even at 4 it wouldn't shock me if they took him IF Ace were the player taken 3rd).

I think the same things....Queen just has the all around basketball Skills to be better day 1 and in the future than Maluach.....Can pass, Handle, Jumpshot looks to translate to the 3 better if we are comparing him to Khaman, Post up moves, Better hands/Timing, Footwork, Rebounder, Potential Rebound and go.... Just the overall better package....Which is why i think Queen will be picked before we pick anyways...

And me as well i think Maluach will be the pick but i actually think we draft Queen if hes OTB over Maluach....But i just think we won't have the chance too....Maluach will be the pick if we move down to 8th though if hes still OTB....Which for me won't be worth the tanking season and a high end lottery pick as i see him as the ultimate backup C....And yes in the NBA playoffs players like Maluach make an impact (DeAndre Jordan type) but its not the type of impact from a top lotto pick you want....If your going to be the 7th worst team in the league you better at least try and draft a player that can be at least an all star....

Maluach in the playoffs setting......What do people that like him predict his stats to be as well? Is 11-13 points, 8 Rebounds, 1.5 Blocks a game really worth a top pick?...Thats what i predict his averages are.

I can see Spurs getting Queen @ 9.

Can you imagine a Wemby and Queen front court?

And DeAaron Fox & Stephon Castle backcourt?

Championships guaranteed.

Idk if that many teams will pass on Queen....If they do they are all making a mistake....Just for the fact that Queen is in that Jokic/Sabonis style of player he should be picked higher....People don't like him cause he don't have the leaping ability or flash....But in terms of skills hes one of the most skilled players in this class....But yeah if Spurs get him they are set up good..

[Tha Cynic]

Why are we comparing Malachi to Lively? Maluach has a developing jumper already. Also Lively was pretty much the same with and without Luka this season. So are we basing this all on one game? He has only been back for 6 games since Jan and barely played. The Mavs basically have no guards who can create after losing both Doncic and Kyrie. Most 5s will struggle in the offense with the type of playable guards the Mavs have right now and Lively was never drafted to create offense.

I agree with the concerns, but there are just as many concerns with the other players around that slot. Heck, what is Queen’s best case scenario - Sengun? So we would need to surround him with elite defensive players to make this work and he has to hit all star status for him to be playable as a starter. He could end up becoming a 6th man type off the bench and I’m not sure you want your 5 to be that.

I’m just going to close my mind to this and let Masai and company do their thing. It’s not as cut and dry as people are making it out to be. Other options are unathletic guards/forwards.

I’m hoping Fears is there because I’m not liking anyone else.

[MessiahUjiri]

New big board

Cooper
Harper
FEARS
ACE
Tre
VJ

Any of those 6 falls you win at 7

Fears is probably the most likely to be available at 7.

I’m surprised Jaku has fallen out of top 10. He is atleast a top 10 pick to me- his injury made people forget how good he was.

[Indeed]

I don't agree, I watched almost every Raptors game this season and that's not what I saw. A lot is made of Jak being this incredible passing big man, but the reality is the majority of his game is just playing pick and roll with a guard and finishing around the rim on high percentage layups. Throw in the fact that he's the rare 7ft big man who can credibly switch onto perimeter players without giving up too much and that is what makes him valuable. And that's exactly what Maluach does and will be projected to do at the next level. Top level switch defence for a player his size, high percentage scoring around the rim on passes, effective play in the pick and roll as a finisher. Guys who are 7'2", have insane wingspan and can do all of that don't grow on trees, plenty of NBA teams would love to have a player like that. As for the passing, was Jakob billed as an excellent passer coming into the NBA as a rookie? I certainly don't remember it being one of his advertised strengths at the time, there's every reason to believe an 18 year old can be taught that over the course of his rookie contract.

I’m not in the business of playing theoretical. A lot of what Khaman is simply theoretical whenever people discuss him.

I think he’s a good prospect for what it’s worth.

Every player in the draft is theoretical to some degree. Look at the other players in our range and ask what happens if they don't develop right. Queen is the next Jahlil Okafor, an extremely gifted offensive centre who couldn't make it in the NBA because he never figured out how to play defence or shoot. If Fears continues to turn the ball over they way he did in college and doesn't learn to shoot he's useless in the NBA, there is vanishingly little space remaining for point guards who shoot below 30% from 3. Kneuppel is potentially Gradey Dick 2.0, but with the fear that all his stats are just the result of getting to play with Cooper Flagg. I could go on, the point is that there are no guarantees, drafting 18-20 year olds involves a huge amount of guesswork. At least with Maluach even if he doesn't develop the shooting and passing bits we know he's a still looking like a functional NBA centre, I don't know that about some of these guards/wings who are out of the league in 5 years if their 3 point shooting or defense doesn't improve.

How do we know he is looking like a functional NBA centre with his low block rate and low passing rate?

[Indeed]

Why are we comparing Malachi to Lively? Maluach has a developing jumper already. Also Lively was pretty much the same with and without Luka this season. So are we basing this all on one game? He has only been back for 6 games since Jan and barely played. The Mavs basically have no guards who can create after losing both Doncic and Kyrie. Most 5s will struggle in the offense with the type of playable guards the Mavs have right now and Lively was never drafted to create offense.

I agree with the concerns, but there are just as many concerns with the other players around that slot. Heck, what is Queen’s best case scenario - Sengun? So we would need to surround him with elite defensive players to make this work and he has to hit all star status for him to be playable as a starter. He could end up becoming a 6th man type off the bench and I’m not sure you want your 5 to be that.

I’m just going to close my mind to this and let Masai and company do their thing. It’s not as cut and dry as people are making it out to be. Other options are unathletic guards/forwards.

I’m hoping Fears is there because I’m not liking anyone else.

Because Lively was better than Maluach at Duke. Lively can pass and block. 9.8% assist rate and 12.8% block rate for Lively, while 4.3% assist rate and 6.8% block rate for Maluach. Lively had a better BPM than Maluach to begin with.

Watch on YouTube

[LoveMyRaps]

[Indeed]

For sure, im a fan of Carter Bryant as well. Just a lot of options to choose from im almost thinking some of the clear cut top 5 after Flagg might not be as good as some of these hidden gem players which I think Masai and ppl like him will find. Would be nice if we can still pick high enough to find our own Kawhi, Giannis, Jokic or, Shai, Tatum etc.

Carter Bryant is gonna be good.

He’s basically that OG Anunoby type mold. Already 6’8 225lbs, and can easily add 10+lbs. Already shoots the 3, and averaged 1 block and steal.

If we had another pick in the 12-16 range, he’s the perfect guy.

He has that physicality and toughness and relentless about him but seems even more smooth than OG so id think he has maybe more potential. We'll see.

He has that movement shooting, seems to show pull up 3 as well. I am high on him.
Think Trent with very good defense at SF.

[Grew]

This guy is a huge darkhorse we are all forgetting about. He kind of laid a turd this season shooting so poorly, but I liked him more than Harper before the year played out. I wonder what he would have looked like on rutgers this year in Harpers place.

[Clutch0z24]

Why are we comparing Malachi to Lively? Maluach has a developing jumper already. Also Lively was pretty much the same with and without Luka this season. So are we basing this all on one game? He has only been back for 6 games since Jan and barely played. The Mavs basically have no guards who can create after losing both Doncic and Kyrie. Most 5s will struggle in the offense with the type of playable guards the Mavs have right now and Lively was never drafted to create offense.

I agree with the concerns, but there are just as many concerns with the other players around that slot. Heck, what is Queen’s best case scenario - Sengun? So we would need to surround him with elite defensive players to make this work and he has to hit all star status for him to be playable as a starter. He could end up becoming a 6th man type off the bench and I’m not sure you want your 5 to be that.

I’m just going to close my mind to this and let Masai and company do their thing. It’s not as cut and dry as people are making it out to be. Other options are unathletic guards/forwards.

I’m hoping Fears is there because I’m not liking anyone else.

By developing Jumper are we talking about in practice? Cause i have not seen it on the court....Its not like Queen who is a very high level mid range shooter and can score with using jump shots from areas all over the court.....I don't think i seen a mid range shot from Maluach in all the film i watched at Duke....I seen a jump hook from 2 feet away from the basket and lob dunks...

And reason i think You compare Maluach and Lively is because they are in the same style of player....Both are elevated by the players around them....Would you agree Lively is a way better player with a player like Luka setting him up?...Ofc he is...Maluach will never be a player who can be a good player by generating his own buckets, He will never be a guy you can give it to in the post who could attract double teams and make the right pass.....

Defensive lob threats are def valuable players and needed on teams but imo you could get a better player with a high end draft pick especially if more skilled players are OTB still...Id rather trade, or draft late firsts or 2nd rounders for that kinda big than pick one with a high end lottery pick ...With high picks i always shy away from a raw big man...Since in NBA history its high chance they are not as good as where they were picked...

[LoveMyRaps]

This guy is a huge darkhorse we are all forgetting about. He kind of laid a turd this season shooting so poorly, but I liked him more than Harper before the year played out. I wonder what he would have looked like on rutgers this year in Harpers place.

I have made sure no one forgets about him. Been posting his updates all season long.

With that being said, he would've been a top 10 lock, maybe even top 5, if he played college ball.

Darkhorse indeed.