2025 Draft Prospect Thread

[JustBuzzin]

12 more days

The countdown for Flagg.

[UNCNYC]

Carter Bryant also averaged 6 ppg and only played 19 mpg. He is a project, and lets be honest most on here do not have any interest in drafting a project. They would rather take a 23 yr old who is going to average 12ppg during his peak than risk drafting another raw player.

He also shot 2/10 vs Duke in tourney in a game where Cooper Flagg dominated. So not sure he is nearly as impactful defender as some are making it out to be... Flagg had 30 points and 7 assists while Duke shot 60% from the field.

Not sure but I think Dave Cowens didn't want to draft a project in Kobe Bryant. I know I did.

That's not quite the Kobe Bryant draft story... that may be the **** story that Kobe was trying to sell as some kind of motivation thing for him or whatever.

lmao, I never been so upset on draft day before... I was obsessed with Kobe going to the Hornets. Only other time I really wanted a player that bad was Penny Hardaway, Brandon Roy and Grant Hill going to the Hornets but even they I didn't want NEARLY as bad as Kobe... Even tho he struggled his first few years I KNEW he was going to be an all time GOAT competitor

[UNCNYC]

Never understood how anyone could doubt I would want to draft Kobe. He is such a UNCNYC type of player if there was ever one!!!!!!

[fatlever]

That's not quite the Kobe Bryant draft story... that may be the **** story that Kobe was trying to sell as some kind of motivation thing for him or whatever.

ai with a really good summary of the kobe bryant draft. about as i remember

Okay, let's break down the complex and fascinating story of the 1996 NBA Draft and Kobe Bryant's journey to the Lakers. It's a mix of calculated maneuvering, risk assessment by teams, and a visionary move by the Lakers' front office.

The "Real Story" Surrounding the Draft:

The 1996 draft class was incredibly deep, featuring names like Allen Iverson, Marcus Camby, Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Stephon Marbury, Ray Allen, and Antoine Walker. Kobe Bryant, coming straight out of Lower Merion High School in Pennsylvania, was a unique prospect. Drafting high school players was still relatively rare and considered risky (Kevin Garnett had just done it successfully the year before, but the sample size was small).

Why Did He Fall to #13?

It wasn't purely about talent evaluation; several factors contributed to Kobe falling out of the top 10:

The High School Risk: This was the biggest factor. Most teams were hesitant to use a high lottery pick on a 17-year-old, regardless of talent. They worried about maturity, physical readiness for the 82-game grind, and the transition to the pro lifestyle. College players were seen as safer bets.

Agent Maneuvering (Arn Tellem & Kobe's Camp): This is crucial. Kobe's agent, Arn Tellem, and his family made it clear they had specific preferences for where Kobe would play. They wanted a situation conducive to his development and potentially a larger market. Tellem strategically limited workouts and access for teams drafting high that they didn't feel were a good fit or wouldn't trade him.

The "Lakers or Italy" Threat: Tellem actively discouraged certain teams from drafting Kobe. The threat wasn't necessarily explicit like "don't draft him," but strong suggestions were made that Kobe might not be happy or might even consider playing professionally in Italy (where he had spent part of his childhood and spoke the language) if drafted by a team he didn't want to play for. This significantly increased the perceived risk for teams like the New Jersey Nets (#8), who were seriously considering him. John Calipari, then the Nets coach/GM, later admitted the threat influenced their decision to draft Kerry Kittles instead.

Specific Team Needs: Teams drafting ahead of #13 had their own needs. The 76ers (#1) needed a dynamic guard and took the college superstar Allen Iverson. Others needed frontcourt help (Camby, Abdur-Rahim) or point guards (Marbury). Teams prioritized perceived safer picks or players filling immediate positional needs over the high-risk, high-reward high schooler.

Workout Impressions (Selectivity): While Kobe had legendary workouts (like the one for the Lakers against Michael Cooper), his camp controlled who saw those elite performances. Some teams may not have gotten a full, impressive look, or Tellem may have downplayed interest to steer him towards preferred destinations.

The Real Story Behind the Charlotte Hornets / Lakers Trade:

This wasn't a case of Charlotte drafting Kobe and then deciding they didn't want him. The deal was essentially agreed upon before the Hornets made the pick at #13.

Jerry West's Vision: Lakers GM Jerry West was absolutely captivated by Kobe after his pre-draft workout in Los Angeles. He saw superstar potential and became determined to acquire him.

Lakers' Cap Space Maneuver: Simultaneously, the Lakers were making a huge push to sign free agent Shaquille O'Neal. To clear the necessary salary cap space, they needed to trade a significant contract. Their starting center, Vlade Divac, was the primary candidate to be moved.

Identifying the Target Pick: West and the Lakers identified the middle of the first round as the likely range where Kobe might fall due to the factors mentioned above. They needed a team in that range willing to make a deal.

The Pre-Arranged Deal: The Lakers contacted the Charlotte Hornets (who held the #13 pick) before the draft. The offer was straightforward: "If Kobe Bryant is available at your pick, draft him for us, and we will trade you Vlade Divac."

Charlotte's Motivation: For the Hornets, this was appealing. They were reportedly not high on drafting a high school player themselves (coach Dave Cowens was skeptical). Getting a proven, starting-caliber center like Divac in exchange for a draft pick they were uncertain about, especially one whose camp was making noise about not wanting to play for certain teams, seemed like a good value proposition and a lower-risk move.

The Execution: The Hornets selected Kobe Bryant as instructed. The trade couldn't be finalized immediately due to NBA rules regarding salary cap timing and the Shaq signing. This led to the somewhat awkward photos of Kobe holding up a Hornets jersey and wearing a Hornets hat on draft night, even though everyone involved knew he was heading to Los Angeles. The trade was officially completed a couple of weeks later.

How Much Did the "Lakers or Europe" Fear Shape the Draft?

It shaped it significantly, particularly for teams drafting in the lottery range just outside the top 5 (like the Nets at #8).

Increased Risk Perception: It added a major red flag for general managers. Why spend a valuable lottery pick on a player who might refuse to sign or be a disgruntled presence from day one? The Italy threat, given Kobe's background, felt more credible than it might for other prospects.

Agent's Leverage: It gave Arn Tellem considerable leverage to steer Kobe away from undesirable situations and towards teams he felt were better fits or, crucially, teams willing to trade Kobe to the Lakers.

Pushed Him Down: While the high school factor was primary, Tellem's strategy and the associated threats were instrumental in ensuring Kobe slipped past teams like the Nets, allowing him to fall into the range where the Lakers could execute their pre-arranged trade with Charlotte.

In essence, Kobe Bryant didn't "fall" simply because teams misjudged his talent. He slid due to a confluence of factors: the inherent risk of drafting a high schooler in that era, specific team needs, and very calculated, effective maneuvering by his agent who used the threat of playing elsewhere (specifically Italy or implicitly demanding a trade to the Lakers) to guide him to a desired destination. The Lakers, led by Jerry West's foresight, capitalized on this situation masterfully by orchestrating the trade for Divac.

[UNCNYC]

That's not quite the Kobe Bryant draft story... that may be the **** story that Kobe was trying to sell as some kind of motivation thing for him or whatever.

ai with a really good summary of the kobe bryant draft. about as i remember

Okay, let's break down the complex and fascinating story of the 1996 NBA Draft and Kobe Bryant's journey to the Lakers. It's a mix of calculated maneuvering, risk assessment by teams, and a visionary move by the Lakers' front office.

The "Real Story" Surrounding the Draft:

The 1996 draft class was incredibly deep, featuring names like Allen Iverson, Marcus Camby, Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Stephon Marbury, Ray Allen, and Antoine Walker. Kobe Bryant, coming straight out of Lower Merion High School in Pennsylvania, was a unique prospect. Drafting high school players was still relatively rare and considered risky (Kevin Garnett had just done it successfully the year before, but the sample size was small).

Why Did He Fall to #13?

It wasn't purely about talent evaluation; several factors contributed to Kobe falling out of the top 10:

The High School Risk: This was the biggest factor. Most teams were hesitant to use a high lottery pick on a 17-year-old, regardless of talent. They worried about maturity, physical readiness for the 82-game grind, and the transition to the pro lifestyle. College players were seen as safer bets.

Agent Maneuvering (Arn Tellem & Kobe's Camp): This is crucial. Kobe's agent, Arn Tellem, and his family made it clear they had specific preferences for where Kobe would play. They wanted a situation conducive to his development and potentially a larger market. Tellem strategically limited workouts and access for teams drafting high that they didn't feel were a good fit or wouldn't trade him.

The "Lakers or Italy" Threat: Tellem actively discouraged certain teams from drafting Kobe. The threat wasn't necessarily explicit like "don't draft him," but strong suggestions were made that Kobe might not be happy or might even consider playing professionally in Italy (where he had spent part of his childhood and spoke the language) if drafted by a team he didn't want to play for. This significantly increased the perceived risk for teams like the New Jersey Nets (#8), who were seriously considering him. John Calipari, then the Nets coach/GM, later admitted the threat influenced their decision to draft Kerry Kittles instead.

Specific Team Needs: Teams drafting ahead of #13 had their own needs. The 76ers (#1) needed a dynamic guard and took the college superstar Allen Iverson. Others needed frontcourt help (Camby, Abdur-Rahim) or point guards (Marbury). Teams prioritized perceived safer picks or players filling immediate positional needs over the high-risk, high-reward high schooler.

Workout Impressions (Selectivity): While Kobe had legendary workouts (like the one for the Lakers against Michael Cooper), his camp controlled who saw those elite performances. Some teams may not have gotten a full, impressive look, or Tellem may have downplayed interest to steer him towards preferred destinations.

The Real Story Behind the Charlotte Hornets / Lakers Trade:

This wasn't a case of Charlotte drafting Kobe and then deciding they didn't want him. The deal was essentially agreed upon before the Hornets made the pick at #13.

Jerry West's Vision: Lakers GM Jerry West was absolutely captivated by Kobe after his pre-draft workout in Los Angeles. He saw superstar potential and became determined to acquire him.

Lakers' Cap Space Maneuver: Simultaneously, the Lakers were making a huge push to sign free agent Shaquille O'Neal. To clear the necessary salary cap space, they needed to trade a significant contract. Their starting center, Vlade Divac, was the primary candidate to be moved.

Identifying the Target Pick: West and the Lakers identified the middle of the first round as the likely range where Kobe might fall due to the factors mentioned above. They needed a team in that range willing to make a deal.

The Pre-Arranged Deal: The Lakers contacted the Charlotte Hornets (who held the #13 pick) before the draft. The offer was straightforward: "If Kobe Bryant is available at your pick, draft him for us, and we will trade you Vlade Divac."

Charlotte's Motivation: For the Hornets, this was appealing. They were reportedly not high on drafting a high school player themselves (coach Dave Cowens was skeptical). Getting a proven, starting-caliber center like Divac in exchange for a draft pick they were uncertain about, especially one whose camp was making noise about not wanting to play for certain teams, seemed like a good value proposition and a lower-risk move.

The Execution: The Hornets selected Kobe Bryant as instructed. The trade couldn't be finalized immediately due to NBA rules regarding salary cap timing and the Shaq signing. This led to the somewhat awkward photos of Kobe holding up a Hornets jersey and wearing a Hornets hat on draft night, even though everyone involved knew he was heading to Los Angeles. The trade was officially completed a couple of weeks later.

How Much Did the "Lakers or Europe" Fear Shape the Draft?

It shaped it significantly, particularly for teams drafting in the lottery range just outside the top 5 (like the Nets at #8).

Increased Risk Perception: It added a major red flag for general managers. Why spend a valuable lottery pick on a player who might refuse to sign or be a disgruntled presence from day one? The Italy threat, given Kobe's background, felt more credible than it might for other prospects.

Agent's Leverage: It gave Arn Tellem considerable leverage to steer Kobe away from undesirable situations and towards teams he felt were better fits or, crucially, teams willing to trade Kobe to the Lakers.

Pushed Him Down: While the high school factor was primary, Tellem's strategy and the associated threats were instrumental in ensuring Kobe slipped past teams like the Nets, allowing him to fall into the range where the Lakers could execute their pre-arranged trade with Charlotte.

In essence, Kobe Bryant didn't "fall" simply because teams misjudged his talent. He slid due to a confluence of factors: the inherent risk of drafting a high schooler in that era, specific team needs, and very calculated, effective maneuvering by his agent who used the threat of playing elsewhere (specifically Italy or implicitly demanding a trade to the Lakers) to guide him to a desired destination. The Lakers, led by Jerry West's foresight, capitalized on this situation masterfully by orchestrating the trade for Divac.

There has always been so much surrounding the Kobe draft... I am not sure what to believe, Some say Cowens wanted him, some say he didn't... I think I recall and interview with him saying KOBE WAS THE NEXT COMING or something like that...

Either way I would have NEVER traded him... He could have been upset all he wanted to be lmaoooo. I never been so sure a player was going to be good like I was with KOBE.

[UNCNYC]

For those curious if I were to stick to the FAVORITES. I would pick

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

[UNCNYC]

So proud of these guys... Some might think I just post ANYONE WITH STATS. Thats fuuurthest from the truth...
I NEVER been a stats only person as I think it tells little if ANYTHING about someone or something...
Many players who have good stats aint that good... I actually WATCHED these dudes before they transferred etc...
What happens is when you like SLEEPERS they often return to school and over the course of 4 years the list gets bigger
rather than 1 year when a player LEAVES for the draft... In some of their cases it took 5 years due to covid...

CG -
Myles Rice
Hunter Sallis - posted about him before he ever played a college game
Kadary Richmond - posted years ago

PG -
Kam Jones, -
Chase Hunter - posted years ago and called him CURRY look alike
Walter Clayton Jr - Posted about him when he was in IONA
Milos Uzan - POSTED ABOUT HIM YEARS AGO

SG -
John Tonje
Will Richard
Curtis Jones - POSTED ABOUT HIM WHEN HE PLAYED FOR BUFFALO

SF -
NiQue Clifford - watched him many times

PF -
Grant Nelson,
Brandon Huntley-Hatfield,

C -
Clifford Omoruyi -

-----

[UNCNYC]

I think HORNETS are in luck regardless... I think these are the three players they should look at without having to trade back

1. Cooper Flagg
2. VJ Edgecombe
3. Carter Bryant

so either way we should/could get a great pick

[UNCNYC]

Update. Wow friggin wow... When I first scouted these players the only one who impressed me was VJ.E but now I see the hype in all of them... This draft is beyond difficult to decide... I think whoever gets picked the GM shouldn't get too much flakk if they chose wrong, unlike other drafts where it was hella clear.

Flagg
VJ
Harper
Bailey
Carter B

Not to leave out players like Walter Clayton Jr

This draft is sick... I would hate to be GM here... The smart thing imo is to trade back when you have such a tough group. Or just draft by positional need. Just trade back 1 position and pick up a future pick.. So if you have pick 2 trade to pick 3 or 4... Or if you have pick 1 trade to pick 3 etc... but don't trade waay back.

[Snidely FC]

Drake Powell might be a helpful player to nab in the 2nd rd. Defensive versatility and offensive upside, from Pittsboro

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

[Snidely FC]

@Diop how is Alex Toohey looking these days? Any opinion on Malique Lewis?

[UNCNYC]

People bash us for taking adam morrison but the interesting thing is, that Rudy Gay and Brandon Roy pretty much turned out to be bust as well... Gay not sooo much but under performed... I think Morrison might have been a better pick cause he was no liability right off the bat.

[Diop]

@Diop how is Alex Toohey looking these days? Any opinion on Malique Lewis?

Toohey is ok at a few things but a below average shooter, I don't hold much hope on him developing into an NBA player. Solid all rounder in lesser leaguea

I'll admit knowing bugger all about Lewis

[Snidely FC]

@Diop how is Alex Toohey looking these days? Any opinion on Malique Lewis?

Toohey is ok at a few things but a below average shooter, I don't hold much hope on him developing into an NBA player. Solid all rounder in lesser leaguea

I'll admit knowing bugger all about Lewis

Cool, thanks

[UNCNYC]

I think I will draft on NEED for our team... We seem to have had a whole in the SG spot for a long time and a backcourt of Edgecombe and Melo could do wonders... The reason I am eliminating Bailey and Carter Bryant is because next year there are two PF's who I am HIGH on who should be there for us...

The reason I am eliminating flagg is because we have Brandon Miller...

Only other player I still have in the mix is Dylan Harper

Melo
Edgecombe - even better if we get the first pick we can get a future pick and trade back for him
Miller
Miles
Raynaud - consider packaging both 2nd's and grabbing him cause centers are hard to come by

Below are the two pf's I think we should target next year...

Michael Rataj

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

;t=167s

Yaxel Lendeborg

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

;t=60s

[JustBuzzin]

Dylan Harper makes so much sense on this team. We desperately need a guard who can attack the paint. Harper brings that ability and he also brings the playmaking factor which we desperately need.

[UNCNYC]

Dylan Harper makes so much sense on this team. We desperately need a guard who can attack the paint. Harper brings that ability and he also brings the playmaking factor which we desperately need.

Thats what I am thinking. I like and totally understand flagg a lot but when you look at our team Brandon Miller aint no slouch and either harper or VJ in my opinion could be what we NEED here...

[UNCNYC]

I hope we land the 1st pick and trade one spot back if possible for either VJ or Harper

[UNCNYC]

Edgecombe on the Honeycomb court would be a nice duo

[UNCNYC]

Yep imo the two things this team needs MOST is SG and CENTER help. *PF can be addressed next year*

Edgecombe, Harper and Richardson should be the choice... With Raynaud as the Center pick up...

There is no CLEAR CUT bpa in this draft so we might as well address the positions we need most...

Only two bright spots we have is PG - melo and SF - miller