2024-2025 College Basketball / NBA Draft

[Negrodamus]

I need to stop watching awesome Ace Bailey highlights.

Watch on YouTube

Here's 2 hours of propaganda-cleansing Ace Bailey play. You can see the good and the bad.

[Negrodamus]

Will Flagg/Bailey be another Simmons/Ingram situation?

I'd say Flagg is a better version of Simmons and Bailey is a worse version of Ingram. I have no question Flagg will be the better player imo whereas I questioned (loudly) whether Ingram would be better than Simmons.

[ProcessDoctor]

I need to stop watching awesome Ace Bailey highlights.

Watch on YouTube

Here's 2 hours of propaganda-cleansing Ace Bailey play. You can see the good and the bad.

It's starting to feel like it would be irresponsible to take anyone from #3-6. Trade down or trade out might be the move.

Just imagine having Kon or Edgecombe as your "big addition" this summer.

[Negrodamus]

It’s largely due to the role Duke asked him to play and the system they run.

His time at Duke highlighted his high floor as a mobile big who can step out, rebound, protect the paint, and rim run effectively on offense. In contrast, his pre Duke performances and workout showings revealed greater upside, suggesting he’s capable of more than what Duke’s scheme allowed.

His willingness to embrace a limited role for the sake of the team also reflects his maturity.

Dereck Lively had: 12.7 BLK%, 9.8 AST%, 1.5 STL%

Similar roles at Duke. I obviously wouldn't have taken him in the top 10, but the BLK% and AST% would both have to be >10 for me to even consider, especially on a guy playing limited minutes.

Lively wasn’t playing with Flagg and Kneuppel.

Rebounding:
Lively 12.8 OREB% 17.8DREB%
Maluach 16.5 OREB% 19.5DREB%

I’m also not evaluating him solely based on what he showed at Duke, but factoring in his performances outside the NCAA, where he flashed real upside with his ball handling and shooting. If he were just a rim runner, which is what I initially thought when Stormi brought him up months ago, I’d see him as more of a mid to late 1st round prospect.

I actually think he'd be going back to school if he didn't go to Duke. I'm watching all of his shots this season and I'm still waiting for a moment like this:

Watch on YouTube

There's no interest self creation on any of these highlights. It's a PnR alley oop/layup or he's getting an offensive rebound putback. Being 7'2 and being the beneficiary of passes from two 6'7+ massive gravity, top ten pick passing forwards really doesn't move the needle for me even if that is his "role". Kneuppel was able to put up some pretty gaudy numbers, particularly his advance stats, in a role he apparently hasn't play much (off ball shooter, secondary handler). If Maluach is an insta-bucket in the post, you'd think they would let him cook against a league of generally sub 7'ers. He looks like a Capela type big in what I'm seeing. There's value to that; but he's not Joel Embiid.

[Negrodamus]

You know Morey is looking at Harper thinking he's the next Harden.

[ProcessDoctor]

You know Morey is looking at Harper thinking he's the next Harden.

Was actually looking at that comp yesterday. Harden really has been a FTA monster his whole playing career.

https://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=dylan-harper--james-harden

[Negrodamus]

You know Morey is looking at Harper thinking he's the next Harden.

Was actually looking at that comp yesterday. Harden really has been a FTA monster his whole playing career.

https://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=dylan-harper--james-harden

I obviously like Harden's shot over the course of his career more so than what Harper's looks like, but Harper's form isn't a disaster or anything. It just doesn't look as effortless or high as Harden's. Harden also had winning teams in his two years at ASU with a bunch of no names back when the Pac-12 was actually good.

Not enough to drop Harper, but those concerns are real to me.

[ProcessDoctor]

You know Morey is looking at Harper thinking he's the next Harden.

Was actually looking at that comp yesterday. Harden really has been a FTA monster his whole playing career.

https://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=dylan-harper--james-harden

I obviously like Harden's shot over the course of his career more so than what Harper's looks like, but Harper's form isn't a disaster or anything. It just doesn't look as effortless or high as Harden's. Harden also had winning teams in his two years at ASU with a bunch of no names back when the Pac-12 was actually good.

Not enough to drop Harper, but those concerns are real to me.

He's been a floor raiser at every level on every team, which is why it's so sad he's labeled a loser by so many. Truly a generational talent.

Rutgers being under .500 is definitely a turn-off, especially considering that every other lotto prospect (sans CMB) was on a team with a winning record.

[ProcessDoctor]

Rasheer Fleming seems like he's really good at basketball.

[76thBearCub]

Dereck Lively had: 12.7 BLK%, 9.8 AST%, 1.5 STL%

Similar roles at Duke. I obviously wouldn't have taken him in the top 10, but the BLK% and AST% would both have to be >10 for me to even consider, especially on a guy playing limited minutes.

Lively wasn’t playing with Flagg and Kneuppel.

Rebounding:
Lively 12.8 OREB% 17.8DREB%
Maluach 16.5 OREB% 19.5DREB%

I’m also not evaluating him solely based on what he showed at Duke, but factoring in his performances outside the NCAA, where he flashed real upside with his ball handling and shooting. If he were just a rim runner, which is what I initially thought when Stormi brought him up months ago, I’d see him as more of a mid to late 1st round prospect.

I actually think he'd be going back to school if he didn't go to Duke. I'm watching all of his shots this season and I'm still waiting for a moment like this:

Watch on YouTube

There's no interest self creation on any of these highlights. It's a PnR alley oop/layup or he's getting an offensive rebound putback. Being 7'2 and being the beneficiary of passes from two 6'7+ massive gravity, top ten pick passing forwards really doesn't move the needle for me even if that is his "role". Kneuppel was able to put up some pretty gaudy numbers, particularly his advance stats, in a role he apparently hasn't play much (off ball shooter, secondary handler). If Maluach is an insta-bucket in the post, you'd think they would let him cook against a league of generally sub 7'ers. He looks like a Capela type big in what I'm seeing. There's value to that; but he's not Joel Embiid.

Good grief. I remember this. He was nimble and light on his feet

[Negrodamus]

I think I'm currently at:

1. Flagg
2. Harper
3. Queen
4. Fears
5. Jakucionis
6. Edgecombe
7. Tre Johnson
8.Yaxel Lendebourg
9. Ace
10. Nique Clifford

Need to see the measurements of everyone to feel confident. Ace and Fears are the only ones who don't hit my BPM prerequisite. Sorber and probably that aforementioned Mega kid I posted earlier would be just outside. The tape on some of these guys are a little disqualifying on defense, but I don't know, I keep getting cooked by being turned off by poor defensive effort in college. Jakucionis and Tre do not hit the STL% mark that I'm usually looking for. Of the freshmen that hit everything I'm looking for statistically, it's: Flagg, Harper, Queen, Fears, Edgecombe.

Kon moving up for me. I mean, he has an all time shooting profile and is an excellent PnR passer. The defense scares me and his lack of athleticism is the type of thing that burned me in the past, but whatever. Trust the stats.

Pre Combine Rank:
1. Flagg
2. Harper
3. Queen
4. Fears
5. Kneuppel
6. Jakucionis
7. Edgecombe
8. Yaxel
9. Nique
10. Bailey

Dropping Tre to 11. Not enough foul generation, poor 2FG% to close out the season, and being the worst defender in the top 10 by a decent margin is why I can't commit to him.

[mjkvol]

Morey is clearly going to be shopping any pick below #2 based on his comments, but if we are stuck picking at 5 or 6, I'm not going to be at all disappointed with any one of Kon, VJ, or Jaku.

The perfect scenario would be if the Spurs have a player targeted and will give up #8 and #14. We might still get one of those guys at #8.

[ProcessDoctor]

I'm really starting to think Essengue is gonna be that "LOL why did so many teams pass on him?" prospect.

[ProcessDoctor]

If we can't trade out, my Sixers top-6 in order are: Flagg, Harper, Edgecombe, Queen, Bailey, and CMB with Essengue as the wild card.

Less interested in 6'1" Fears or STOCKless/poor rebounders in Tre and Kon.

[PhillyFan11]

I see very little talk about Maluach. Is that because he’s not a top 6 prospect? Or because we have Embiid?

And I know he has a good bit of work to do to be a finished project, but Asa Newell has huge potential I wouldn’t hate gambling on in a scenario where we are stuck at pick 6

[Negrodamus]

I'm really starting to think Essengue is gonna be that "LOL why did so many teams pass on him?" prospect.

I was high early on with him but he seems like an assist converter which is somewhat concerning to me. Intriguing tools though. Hope he measures out well.

[76ciology]

Dereck Lively had: 12.7 BLK%, 9.8 AST%, 1.5 STL%

Similar roles at Duke. I obviously wouldn't have taken him in the top 10, but the BLK% and AST% would both have to be >10 for me to even consider, especially on a guy playing limited minutes.

Lively wasn’t playing with Flagg and Kneuppel.

Rebounding:
Lively 12.8 OREB% 17.8DREB%
Maluach 16.5 OREB% 19.5DREB%

I’m also not evaluating him solely based on what he showed at Duke, but factoring in his performances outside the NCAA, where he flashed real upside with his ball handling and shooting. If he were just a rim runner, which is what I initially thought when Stormi brought him up months ago, I’d see him as more of a mid to late 1st round prospect.

I actually think he'd be going back to school if he didn't go to Duke. I'm watching all of his shots this season and I'm still waiting for a moment like this:

Watch on YouTube

There's no interest self creation on any of these highlights. It's a PnR alley oop/layup or he's getting an offensive rebound putback. Being 7'2 and being the beneficiary of passes from two 6'7+ massive gravity, top ten pick passing forwards really doesn't move the needle for me even if that is his "role". Kneuppel was able to put up some pretty gaudy numbers, particularly his advance stats, in a role he apparently hasn't play much (off ball shooter, secondary handler). If Maluach is an insta-bucket in the post, you'd think they would let him cook against a league of generally sub 7'ers. He looks like a Capela type big in what I'm seeing. There's value to that; but he's not Joel Embiid.

Yes, because he’s playing alongside Cooper Flagg and Knueppel, which naturally limits his usage into just a rim roller and has some effect on his blk numbers (his rim protection is still elite). And if I were to guess, the stint he has on Duke was to show that he can have a high floor playing a limited role as the typical rim roll, rim protection and rebounding big.

Plus, Embiid was 1 year and 6 months older than Maluach in those clips and far more raw at the same stage. At Maluach’s age, Embiid was still shooting from behind the basket. To really understand the upside people see in Maluach, you’ve got to check out his pre-Duke highlights.

If you only focus on his Duke data, you’ll see a Mark Williams or Clint Capela type. But if you consider his entire body of work, his floor might still be Mark Williams or Capela, while his ceiling could be closer to Kristaps Porzingis.

Reference
https://theswishtheory.com/scouting-reports/khaman-maluach/

https://floorandceiling.substack.com/p/2025-nba-draft-khaman-maluach-no-2-dylan-harper

[76ciology]

I see very little talk about Maluach. Is that because he’s not a top 6 prospect? Or because we have Embiid?

If you only focus on his Duke data, you’ll see a Mark Williams or Clint Capela type. But if you consider his entire body of work, his floor might still be Mark Williams or Capela, while his ceiling could be closer to Kristaps Porzingis.

[Negrodamus]

Lively wasn’t playing with Flagg and Kneuppel.

Rebounding:
Lively 12.8 OREB% 17.8DREB%
Maluach 16.5 OREB% 19.5DREB%

I’m also not evaluating him solely based on what he showed at Duke, but factoring in his performances outside the NCAA, where he flashed real upside with his ball handling and shooting. If he were just a rim runner, which is what I initially thought when Stormi brought him up months ago, I’d see him as more of a mid to late 1st round prospect.

I actually think he'd be going back to school if he didn't go to Duke. I'm watching all of his shots this season and I'm still waiting for a moment like this:

Watch on YouTube

There's no interest self creation on any of these highlights. It's a PnR alley oop/layup or he's getting an offensive rebound putback. Being 7'2 and being the beneficiary of passes from two 6'7+ massive gravity, top ten pick passing forwards really doesn't move the needle for me even if that is his "role". Kneuppel was able to put up some pretty gaudy numbers, particularly his advance stats, in a role he apparently hasn't play much (off ball shooter, secondary handler). If Maluach is an insta-bucket in the post, you'd think they would let him cook against a league of generally sub 7'ers. He looks like a Capela type big in what I'm seeing. There's value to that; but he's not Joel Embiid.

Yes, because he’s playing alongside Cooper Flagg and Knueppel, which naturally limits his usage into just a rim roller and has some effect on his blk numbers (his rim protection is still elite). And if I were to guess, the stint he has on Duke was to show that he can have a high floor playing a limited role as the typical rim roll, rim protection and rebounding big.

Plus, Embiid was 1 year and 6 months older than Maluach in those clips and far more raw at the same stage. At Maluach’s age, Embiid was still shooting from behind the basket. To really understand the upside people see in Maluach, you’ve got to check out his pre-Duke highlights.

If you only focus on his Duke data, you’ll see a Mark Williams or Clint Capela type. But if you consider his entire body of work, his floor might still be Mark Williams or Capela, while his ceiling could be closer to Kristaps Porzingis.

Reference
https://theswishtheory.com/scouting-reports/khaman-maluach/

https://floorandceiling.substack.com/p/2025-nba-draft-khaman-maluach-no-2-dylan-harper

What’s your best video that reminds you of Porzingis when watching him? Not being facetious, I honestly want to see one video that inspires “top 10” for me while watching him.

[76ciology]

What’s your best video that reminds you of Porzingis when watching him? Not being facetious, I honestly want to see one video that inspires “top 10” for me while watching him.

I wouldn’t say there’s a single clip that got me hyped. I’ve tried to watch everything, his pre-Duke highlights, Twitter clips, even during that FIBA year when he played in my country.

I know you don’t have a lot of time, but this video gives a solid summary of his pre-Duke offensive highlights:

Watch on YouTube

This video is after his season with Duke

Watch on YouTube

This other clip shows his defensive upside at Duke. What impressed me is how he didn’t just play in a deep drop like most bigs his size, he showed versatility by playing at the level of the screen, and even switching out to shooters:

Watch on YouTube

He’s not going to come out and look like rookie Joel, Joel was about four years older than Maluach when he debuted. In the short term, Maluach will be more of a high-floor rim runner and defensive anchor. But over time, he’ll steadily expand his game through disciplined offseason work. He’s mature enough not to fall into the Christian Wood or Mo Bamba mold.

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