2025 NBA Draft Discussion Part 5

[DreamTeam09]

https://www.nba.com/news/bleacher-report-latest-mock-draft-after-lottery-odds-announced-and-cooper-flagg-declares

7. Toronto Raptors: Khaman Maluach (Duke, C)
Odds to win lottery: 7.5 percent
Odds for top four: 31.9 percent
Size: 7’2″, 250 lbs
Age: 18
Nationality: South Sudan
Pro Comparison: Mark Williams
WIthout room for any young wings to play and develop, the Toronto Raptors could be higher on Khaman Maluach than most.

He was having a strong NCAA tournament before running into Houston. In 21 minutes, he converted one basket, grabbed zero rebounds and picked up four fouls.

It wasn’t the type of performance that’s going to help convince NBA teams that he’s going to be ready for regular minutes next season.

Rebuilding or patient teams won’t likely be bothered. There is still plenty of optimism out there in the long-term potential tied to his 7’2″ size and mobility for finishing, rim protection and shot-contesting.

And given the pre-Duke flashes of shooting range and this year’s 76.6 percent mark from the free-throw line, Maluach may be able to strengthen his case further during workouts.

https://www.noceilingsnba.com/p/2025-nba-mock-draft-v6

Profile: 6’9”, 190

Year: Freshman (19)

10.6 PTS | 3.9 REB | 5.5 AST | 1.2 STL | 0.4 BLK

41.2 FG% | 27.3 3P% | 69.5 FT%

33 Games | 27.5 MIN

Corey: With the #7 pick, the Toronto Raptors select Egor Demin out of BYU. True to form, the Raptors stay on-brand by targeting a big, versatile prospect with tantalizing upside, even if the jumper remains a work in progress. At 6’9”, the Russian-born guard/wing flashes mesmerizing passing ability, elite court vision, and a rare feel for the game that makes him one of the most creative playmakers in the class. While his shooting efficiency isn’t there yet, his high-volume willingness and non-broken mechanics give Toronto reason to believe in long-term growth. In Demin, the Raptors see a potential high-level offensive initiator—someone who can elevate teammates and shape the identity of their next era.

Khaman is definitely the guy to take for us, but after that I see the appeal for Demin to be a Raptors pick, jumbo creator is what Masai drools for, he has just as much upside as some of the other cats y'all mention like Tre and Fears

[WuTang_CMB]

https://www.nba.com/news/bleacher-report-latest-mock-draft-after-lottery-odds-announced-and-cooper-flagg-declares

7. Toronto Raptors: Khaman Maluach (Duke, C)
Odds to win lottery: 7.5 percent
Odds for top four: 31.9 percent
Size: 7’2″, 250 lbs
Age: 18
Nationality: South Sudan
Pro Comparison: Mark Williams
WIthout room for any young wings to play and develop, the Toronto Raptors could be higher on Khaman Maluach than most.

He was having a strong NCAA tournament before running into Houston. In 21 minutes, he converted one basket, grabbed zero rebounds and picked up four fouls.

It wasn’t the type of performance that’s going to help convince NBA teams that he’s going to be ready for regular minutes next season.

Rebuilding or patient teams won’t likely be bothered. There is still plenty of optimism out there in the long-term potential tied to his 7’2″ size and mobility for finishing, rim protection and shot-contesting.

And given the pre-Duke flashes of shooting range and this year’s 76.6 percent mark from the free-throw line, Maluach may be able to strengthen his case further during workouts.

https://www.noceilingsnba.com/p/2025-nba-mock-draft-v6

Profile: 6’9”, 190

Year: Freshman (19)

10.6 PTS | 3.9 REB | 5.5 AST | 1.2 STL | 0.4 BLK

41.2 FG% | 27.3 3P% | 69.5 FT%

33 Games | 27.5 MIN

Corey: With the #7 pick, the Toronto Raptors select Egor Demin out of BYU. True to form, the Raptors stay on-brand by targeting a big, versatile prospect with tantalizing upside, even if the jumper remains a work in progress. At 6’9”, the Russian-born guard/wing flashes mesmerizing passing ability, elite court vision, and a rare feel for the game that makes him one of the most creative playmakers in the class. While his shooting efficiency isn’t there yet, his high-volume willingness and non-broken mechanics give Toronto reason to believe in long-term growth. In Demin, the Raptors see a potential high-level offensive initiator—someone who can elevate teammates and shape the identity of their next era.

Khaman is definitely the guy to take for us, but after that I see the appeal for Demin to be a Raptors pick, jumbo creator is what Masai drools for, he has just as much upside as some of the other cats y'all mention like Tre and Fears

Would have been nice for Demin to go back to school with Dyb and showcase / and get better as a player and rock the big 12

The upside is fun but I don't think Masai is taking him at 7 due to the lack of production this season and poor shooting splits 41.2 FG% | 27.3 3P% | 69.5 FT%

[Clutch0z24]

Read on Twitter

Yeah i could see Scottie advocating for Queen as well....Scottie likes smart players and Queen has one of the highest basketball IQs in this draft class....Also Masai prolly intrigued in Queen since we have not had a smart big man like him since Marc Gasol....

Watch on YouTube

Good little video about Queen....Have my doubts hes even available at 7/8th but atm i think hes my pick...Seems like a good kid....Reminds me alot like Barnes....

[WuTang_CMB]

Read on Twitter

[BoyzNTheHood]

https://www.nba.com/news/bleacher-report-latest-mock-draft-after-lottery-odds-announced-and-cooper-flagg-declares



https://www.noceilingsnba.com/p/2025-nba-mock-draft-v6

Khaman is definitely the guy to take for us, but after that I see the appeal for Demin to be a Raptors pick, jumbo creator is what Masai drools for, he has just as much upside as some of the other cats y'all mention like Tre and Fears

Would have been nice for Demin to go back to school with Dyb and showcase / and get better as a player and rock the big 12

The upside is fun but I don't think Masai is taking him at 7 due to the lack of production this season and poor shooting splits 41.2 FG% | 27.3 3P% | 69.5 FT%

If Demin goes back his stock will skyrocket. AJ is a certified bucket and a bonafide beast!

[Dalek]

Read on Twitter

Yeah i could see Scottie advocating for Queen as well....Scottie likes smart players and Queen has one of the highest basketball IQs in this draft class....Also Masai prolly intrigued in Queen since we have not had a smart big man like him since Marc Gasol....

Watch on YouTube

Good little video about Queen....Have my doubts hes even available at 7/8th but atm i think hes my pick...Seems like a good kid....Reminds me alot like Barnes....

That's the issue for me. Scottie should be the one with the ball closer to elbows or low post and make reads. Queen is a ball-dominant player who is very skilled, but I just don't see how it works. Scottie/RJ/BI all need the ball and where does Queen fit? Is he going to be strictly a bench big and play a Kelly Olynyk role? That might be the only way it works.

Khaman is clearly ahead for me because he was already a decent role player on a stacked team. He just needs to be a threat around the rim on both ends and it changes the game. If he develops the shot, which looks positive given his mechanics, then you have a special player. If Toronto doesn't take him then there is something to his character because I do see a softness that worries me. I don't see a killer like Embiid.

If we go the wing route I am stuck on the upsides of Carter Bryant and Noa Essengue. Both are going to be good, but part of me thinks once Noa bulks up he could be scary. Carter is already looking ready for the NBA body-wise. Reminds me of Richard Jefferson a lot.

[Clutch0z24]

Read on Twitter

Yeah i could see Scottie advocating for Queen as well....Scottie likes smart players and Queen has one of the highest basketball IQs in this draft class....Also Masai prolly intrigued in Queen since we have not had a smart big man like him since Marc Gasol....

Watch on YouTube

Good little video about Queen....Have my doubts hes even available at 7/8th but atm i think hes my pick...Seems like a good kid....Reminds me alot like Barnes....

That's the issue for me. Scottie should be the one with the ball closer to elbows or low post and make reads. Queen is a ball-dominant player who is very skilled, but I just don't see how it works. Scottie/RJ/BI all need the ball and where does Queen fit? Is he going to be strictly a bench big and play a Kelly Olynyk role? That might be the only way it works.

Khaman is clearly ahead for me because he was already a decent role player on a stacked team. He just needs to be a threat around the rim on both ends and it changes the game. If he develops the shot, which looks positive given his mechanics, then you have a special player. If Toronto doesn't take him then there is something to his character because I do see a softness that worries me. I don't see a killer like Embiid.

If we go the wing route I am stuck on the upsides of Carter Bryant and Noa Essengue. Both are going to be good, but part of me thinks once Noa bulks up he could be scary. Carter is already looking ready for the NBA body-wise. Reminds me of Richard Jefferson a lot.

With a top pick for me you are taking the BPA regardless of position, Need, Roster fit....We are not good enough....Players like Barnes are not good enough....To draft purely off needs or who can "Fit" in this role....We need top end talent and to me Queen is the most talented if he even makes it to the 7/8th spot (Doubt hes available) ....If Tre/Fears are also off the board id be fine going Maluach....But would not be mad if its Bryant/Noa....But im picking the most talented player ....We do not have a number one option on this team and we should be drafting a player that has the highest probability in being that kind of player.

[Clutch0z24]

Read on Twitter

Im actually coming around to this pick more if we miss out on the top 7 that i perceive the players that i like....If its between Jase/Maluach/CMB/Bryant/Noa....Jase def has a strong argument at the 8th pick....Hes deff more skilled right now than alot of them players.

[nivisi9]

Tre Johnson is the most underrated guy in the draft seeing him in the 7-9 range in alot of mock drafts.

His negatives (defense/athleticism) are being over thought, he has 10x the athleticism of a Luca Doncic and elite Wing size.

He's the perfect long term RJ replacement in our starting 5 (we wont be paying RJ anyway).

He might be one of the only rookies who can immediately step in and make us better next year.

If we are sitting at 7 and it takes trading up to 5 to get him Masai should pull the trigger.

PG- Quickley
SG- Johnson
SF- Ingram
PF - Barnes
C - Poeltl

He's also a perfect fit for mainly spot-up shooting role next yr and we need the 3PT shooting.

Advanced stats still poorly rate out RJ in terms of overall impact/shooting/defense, if Johnson can hit 3's at high level could already be more valuable immediately.

He's a rich man's Harrison Barnes, more killer instinct/better passing/more creative version of Harrison Barnes.

One of the most sure things in the draft being undervalued because not elite athleticism.

Too often the elite athleticism perceived weakness is other thought with certain prospects, Tre is perfect example of this.

[Dalek]

Yeah i could see Scottie advocating for Queen as well....Scottie likes smart players and Queen has one of the highest basketball IQs in this draft class....Also Masai prolly intrigued in Queen since we have not had a smart big man like him since Marc Gasol....

Watch on YouTube

Good little video about Queen....Have my doubts hes even available at 7/8th but atm i think hes my pick...Seems like a good kid....Reminds me alot like Barnes....

That's the issue for me. Scottie should be the one with the ball closer to elbows or low post and make reads. Queen is a ball-dominant player who is very skilled, but I just don't see how it works. Scottie/RJ/BI all need the ball and where does Queen fit? Is he going to be strictly a bench big and play a Kelly Olynyk role? That might be the only way it works.

Khaman is clearly ahead for me because he was already a decent role player on a stacked team. He just needs to be a threat around the rim on both ends and it changes the game. If he develops the shot, which looks positive given his mechanics, then you have a special player. If Toronto doesn't take him then there is something to his character because I do see a softness that worries me. I don't see a killer like Embiid.

If we go the wing route I am stuck on the upsides of Carter Bryant and Noa Essengue. Both are going to be good, but part of me thinks once Noa bulks up he could be scary. Carter is already looking ready for the NBA body-wise. Reminds me of Richard Jefferson a lot.

With a top pick for me you are taking the BPA regardless of position, Need, Roster fit....We are not good enough....Players like Barnes are not good enough....To draft purely off needs or who can "Fit" in this role....We need top end talent and to me Queen is the most talented if he even makes it to the 7/8th spot (Doubt hes available) ....If Tre/Fears are also off the board id be fine going Maluach....But would not be mad if its Bryant/Noa....But im picking the most talented player ....We do not have a number one option on this team and we should be drafting a player that has the highest probability in being that kind of player.

That's fair to go with BPA if you believe Queen is clearly above other players and available. The other side of the coin is that Masai and Bobby may not think see the offense as valuable as defense.

Traditionally they like +defenders - drafted Poeltl over Sabonis or OG over Kuzma. They did shock me with Dick over Jaime Jaquez Jr., but they again went back to their typical MO in 2024 and went with Mogbo over Filipowski and Shead over Ajay Mitchell (could have been drafted with Mogbo pick). They also traded for redraft guys like Ochai and Precious Achuiwa which also tend to have more defense.

[CazOnReal]

Is Naz Reid a good comp for Queen?

Zach Randolph is the one I see floating around and it honestly makes a ton of sense.

That's fair to go with BPA if you believe Queen is clearly above other players and available. The other side of the coin is that Masai and Bobby may not think see the offense as valuable as defense.

Traditionally they like +defenders - drafted Poeltl over Sabonis or OG over Kuzma. They did shock me with Dick over Jaime Jaquez Jr., but they again went back to their typical MO in 2024 and went with Mogbo over Filipowski and Shead over Ajay Mitchell (could have been drafted with Mogbo pick). They also traded for redraft guys like Ochai and Precious Achuiwa which also tend to have more defense.

I feel like there's someone in 2024 that would go against your "defense first" argument...or at the least, someone who is a two-way player which is what Toronto has typically been in favor of, even if one side of the ball (Offense for Scottie, defense for Dick or in this case, Queen) tends to be seen as WIP.

I guess you could also bring up Koloko but I digress. Depending on where we land, I think Queen has a much better shot of being drafted by us than one may think given the current needs.

[PhilBlackson]

Read on Twitter

[Indeed]

Tre Johnson is the most underrated guy in the draft seeing him in the 7-9 range in alot of mock drafts.

His negatives (defense/athleticism) are being over thought, he has 10x the athleticism of a Luca Doncic and elite Wing size.

He's the perfect long term RJ replacement in our starting 5 (we wont be paying RJ anyway).

He might be one of the only rookies who can immediately step in and make us better next year.

If we are sitting at 7 and it takes trading up to 5 to get him Masai should pull the trigger.

PG- Quickley
SG- Johnson
SF- Ingram
PF - Barnes
C - Poeltl

He's also a perfect fit for mainly spot-up shooting role next yr and we need the 3PT shooting.

Advanced stats still poorly rate out RJ in terms of overall impact/shooting/defense, if Johnson can hit 3's at high level could already be more valuable immediately.

He's a rich man's Harrison Barnes, more killer instinct/better passing/more creative version of Harrison Barnes.

One of the most sure things in the draft being undervalued because not elite athleticism.

Too often the elite athleticism perceived weakness is other thought with certain prospects, Tre is perfect example of this.

Didnt we have a conversation where Barrett would be picked in the top 3 of this draft based on the time he played at Duke, and above Tre Johnson?

[Indeed]

That's the issue for me. Scottie should be the one with the ball closer to elbows or low post and make reads. Queen is a ball-dominant player who is very skilled, but I just don't see how it works. Scottie/RJ/BI all need the ball and where does Queen fit? Is he going to be strictly a bench big and play a Kelly Olynyk role? That might be the only way it works.

Khaman is clearly ahead for me because he was already a decent role player on a stacked team. He just needs to be a threat around the rim on both ends and it changes the game. If he develops the shot, which looks positive given his mechanics, then you have a special player. If Toronto doesn't take him then there is something to his character because I do see a softness that worries me. I don't see a killer like Embiid.

If we go the wing route I am stuck on the upsides of Carter Bryant and Noa Essengue. Both are going to be good, but part of me thinks once Noa bulks up he could be scary. Carter is already looking ready for the NBA body-wise. Reminds me of Richard Jefferson a lot.

With a top pick for me you are taking the BPA regardless of position, Need, Roster fit....We are not good enough....Players like Barnes are not good enough....To draft purely off needs or who can "Fit" in this role....We need top end talent and to me Queen is the most talented if he even makes it to the 7/8th spot (Doubt hes available) ....If Tre/Fears are also off the board id be fine going Maluach....But would not be mad if its Bryant/Noa....But im picking the most talented player ....We do not have a number one option on this team and we should be drafting a player that has the highest probability in being that kind of player.

That's fair to go with BPA if you believe Queen is clearly above other players and available. The other side of the coin is that Masai and Bobby may not think see the offense as valuable as defense.

Traditionally they like +defenders - drafted Poeltl over Sabonis or OG over Kuzma. They did shock me with Dick over Jaime Jaquez Jr., but they again went back to their typical MO in 2024 and went with Mogbo over Filipowski and Shead over Ajay Mitchell (could have been drafted with Mogbo pick). They also traded for redraft guys like Ochai and Precious Achuiwa which also tend to have more defense.

is the defense from Poeltl that good?

I think Queen already has the skill to play like Poeltl, he can come off the bench and play behind Poeltl for the same role.

Meanwhile, Maluach will probably playing in the g-league on his first year if not second, and the roster may change, so I am unsure we should discuss him fitting with anyone.

[DreamTeam09]

With a top pick for me you are taking the BPA regardless of position, Need, Roster fit....We are not good enough....Players like Barnes are not good enough....To draft purely off needs or who can "Fit" in this role....We need top end talent and to me Queen is the most talented if he even makes it to the 7/8th spot (Doubt hes available) ....If Tre/Fears are also off the board id be fine going Maluach....But would not be mad if its Bryant/Noa....But im picking the most talented player ....We do not have a number one option on this team and we should be drafting a player that has the highest probability in being that kind of player.

That's fair to go with BPA if you believe Queen is clearly above other players and available. The other side of the coin is that Masai and Bobby may not think see the offense as valuable as defense.

Traditionally they like +defenders - drafted Poeltl over Sabonis or OG over Kuzma. They did shock me with Dick over Jaime Jaquez Jr., but they again went back to their typical MO in 2024 and went with Mogbo over Filipowski and Shead over Ajay Mitchell (could have been drafted with Mogbo pick). They also traded for redraft guys like Ochai and Precious Achuiwa which also tend to have more defense.

is the defense from Poeltl that good?

I think Queen already has the skill to play like Poeltl, he can come off the bench and play behind Poeltl for the same role.

Meanwhile, Maluach will probably playing in the g-league on his first year if not second, and the roster may change, so I am unsure we should discuss him fitting with anyone.

You indeed would be mistaken, Khaman is playing right away for us, and it's not like we're asking him to do a lot for us yr 1. We are asking him to do things he already does well, set screens, roll hard, catch lobs, and be 7'2 and mobile

[Dalek]

With a top pick for me you are taking the BPA regardless of position, Need, Roster fit....We are not good enough....Players like Barnes are not good enough....To draft purely off needs or who can "Fit" in this role....We need top end talent and to me Queen is the most talented if he even makes it to the 7/8th spot (Doubt hes available) ....If Tre/Fears are also off the board id be fine going Maluach....But would not be mad if its Bryant/Noa....But im picking the most talented player ....We do not have a number one option on this team and we should be drafting a player that has the highest probability in being that kind of player.

That's fair to go with BPA if you believe Queen is clearly above other players and available. The other side of the coin is that Masai and Bobby may not think see the offense as valuable as defense.

Traditionally they like +defenders - drafted Poeltl over Sabonis or OG over Kuzma. They did shock me with Dick over Jaime Jaquez Jr., but they again went back to their typical MO in 2024 and went with Mogbo over Filipowski and Shead over Ajay Mitchell (could have been drafted with Mogbo pick). They also traded for redraft guys like Ochai and Precious Achuiwa which also tend to have more defense.

is the defense from Poeltl that good?

I think Queen already has the skill to play like Poeltl, he can come off the bench and play behind Poeltl for the same role.

Meanwhile, Maluach will probably playing in the g-league on his first year if not second, and the roster may change, so I am unsure we should discuss him fitting with anyone.

I do think Poeltl is a huge driver of the defensive success. You noticed it last December when we were likely the worst team in the league. He is mobile to track guards, organizes the backline, screens and makes plays with the ball.

Queen has some nice hands for deflections but it feels like he will be behind his man if small and quick or slightly too small to contest bigger players in the NBA. Watch a bit of this film against Michigan with players like Danny Wolfe and Vlad Goldin doing what they wanted because Queen either had late contests or didn't both contesting.

Watch on YouTube

;ab_channel=Swish

On offense, you notice how Queen has a bully ball game. Will it work in the NBA when guys are bigger? He has great footwork, but he tends to power through guys. I get Jahlil Okafor vibes at times.

[dohboy_24]

There are so many players in this draft who are comparable with each other who teams could have ranked 1a and 1b on their draft board.

Cooper Flagg vs Ace Bailey
Dylan Harper vs Kaspars Jakucionis
Kon Knueppel vs Liam McNeeley
VJ Edgecombe vs Tre Johnson
Jeremiah Fears vs Jase Richardson
Khaman Malauch vs Derik Queen
Egor Demin vs Nolan Traore
Ben Saraf vs Sergio de Larrea
Noa Essengue vs Noah Penda
Thomas Sorber vs Asa Newell
Carter Bryant vs Adou Thiero
Nique Clifford vs Cedric Coward
Miles Byrd vs Will Riley
Collin Murray-Boyles vs Rasheer Fleming
Labaron Philon vs Boogie Fland
Alex Condon vs Johni Broome
Walter Clayton Jr vs Kam Jones
Tahaad Pettiford vs Mark Sears
Drake Powell vs Isaiah Evans
Hugo Gonzalez vs Chaz Lanier

If you had to choose among each set of prospects, who do you think will ultimately be the better player when their careers are all said and done?

[CazOnReal]

That's fair to go with BPA if you believe Queen is clearly above other players and available. The other side of the coin is that Masai and Bobby may not think see the offense as valuable as defense.

Traditionally they like +defenders - drafted Poeltl over Sabonis or OG over Kuzma. They did shock me with Dick over Jaime Jaquez Jr., but they again went back to their typical MO in 2024 and went with Mogbo over Filipowski and Shead over Ajay Mitchell (could have been drafted with Mogbo pick). They also traded for redraft guys like Ochai and Precious Achuiwa which also tend to have more defense.

is the defense from Poeltl that good?

I think Queen already has the skill to play like Poeltl, he can come off the bench and play behind Poeltl for the same role.

Meanwhile, Maluach will probably playing in the g-league on his first year if not second, and the roster may change, so I am unsure we should discuss him fitting with anyone.

I do think Poeltl is a huge driver of the defensive success. You noticed it last December when we were likely the worst team in the league. He is mobile to track guards, organizes the backline, screens and makes plays with the ball.

Queen has some nice hands for deflections but it feels like he will be behind his man if small and quick or slightly too small to contest bigger players in the NBA. Watch a bit of this film against Michigan with players like Danny Wolfe and Vlad Goldin doing what they wanted because Queen either had late contests or didn't both contesting.

Watch on YouTube

;ab_channel=Swish

On offense, you notice how Queen has a bully ball game. Will it work in the NBA when guys are bigger? He has great footwork, but he tends to power through guys. I get Jahlil Okafor vibes at times.

For what little it's worth, Jahlil Okafor had a pretty solid rookie season, he was just never able to put it together, not helped by the changing tides of what's expected of a modern big man. Plus Embiid finally playing meant he was bumped down in the pecking order when his sophomore slump happened.

As an aside but I think Queen has more of an offensive bag than Okafor ever did. Pretty excellent at getting to the line for easy points and while people talk about Malauch's FT shooting suggesting a potential stretch big trajectory for his development, 76.6% isn't half bad considering the volume Derik has shot in comparison (It's 218 to 76 in FT attempts which is...a lot of free throws).

[ill-Will03]

What would it take for us to get Zion Williamson? If we stay at 7 I’d be open to give up that pick, Gradey and another young prospect/pick.

[OhCanada]

Heres another deep sleeper for you guys to look out for. I drop gems for you guys!

Thierry Darlan. 6’7 1/2, 7’2 wingspan and he can shoot .He finished the season strong and averaged like 17 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks in his last 6 games. He’s a pretty well known African prospect basketball without borders and was considered a PG at one point, he should be on scouts radar and is defenitely Masai's target at 39. Probably wont be available though.

He's born in Africa and would be the first African born guard in the NBA.

These are his highlights from last season, this seasons highlights arent up yet.

Watch on YouTube

;list=TLPQMjQwNDIwMjXqbFhdk4k2hQ&index=2