2025 Draft Thread - Part 2

[closg00]

Morning thoughts:

The implosion of Queen could have been great news for Sorber, but no one knows how the foot injury is going to work out.

A couple of videos mentioned that Fears is moving up the boards, one of: Fears, Johnson, Bailey, or Maluach may be available to us, dunno if that eases the kick in the gut somewhat.

[AFM]

Dude took my Dairy Queen jokes too literally.

[Godymas]

slowly getting over it, but there is one thing that, if the team does this, i will once again have to back out

please do not take Derik Queen 6th overall. It looks so tempting to take the local kid out of Maryland that you've watched all year, who over performed a little in the tournament. Yes him and Bub have a history and all of that, I do not care. He is not the answer. What we actually need is more guard play. The team is stacked as far as wings, Bub is serviceable as a secondary playmaker. I would have loved Dylan Harper, and I wonder if trading for #2 is in play right now (I doubt the assets are good enough).

However we do not need another young center to develop, apparently his combine results were terrible. Not only that, but what I saw from Queen in that tournament looked closer to "elite college player" than "NBA prospect" and maybe there are things that show up in practice that I'm not aware of, but I do think there is a high chance of him busting.

[closg00]

slowly getting over it, but there is one thing that, if the team does this, i will once again have to back out

please do not take Derik Queen 6th overall. It looks so tempting to take the local kid out of Maryland that you've watched all year, who over performed a little in the tournament. Yes him and Bub have a history and all of that, I do not care. He is not the answer. What we actually need is more guard play. The team is stacked as far as wings, Bub is serviceable as a secondary playmaker. I would have loved Dylan Harper, and I wonder if trading for #2 is in play right now (I doubt the assets are good enough).

However we do not need another young center to develop, apparently his combine results were terrible. Not only that, but what I saw from Queen in that tournament looked closer to "elite college player" than "NBA prospect" and maybe there are things that show up in practice that I'm not aware of, but I do think there is a high chance of him busting.

There is zero chance we take Queen, he may drop to the 20’s.

[AFM]

Would you trade 6 and 18 for 2? I'm assuming many of you will say 'no'.

[AFM]

Watch on YouTube

[JAR69]

Would you trade 6 and 18 for 2? I'm assuming many of you will say 'no'.

I would definitely say yes. Harper has real potential to be a star.

Another option -would you trade 6 and Bilal for 2? Reuniting the French kiddos could be intriguing to SA. Pretty steep price for 2, but I'd probably do it.

[DCZards]

Morning thoughts:

The implosion of Queen could have been great news for Sorber, but no one knows how the foot injury is going to work out.

A couple of videos mentioned that Fears is moving up the boards, one of: Fears, Johnson, Bailey, or Maluach will be available to us, dunno if that eases the kick in the gut somewhat.

I think Bailey goes top 4. But, you’re right, knowing that one of Fears, Johnson, Maluach (or Sorber) will be available does ease the pain…somewhat.

Sorber might be a stretch at 6. But I like the skill level and IQ that I saw at G’Town…and when you put that together with those impressive measurables from the combine he might just be worth the 6th pick.

A lot will depend on his individual workouts.

[closg00]

Morning thoughts:

The implosion of Queen could have been great news for Sorber, but no one knows how the foot injury is going to work out.

A couple of videos mentioned that Fears is moving up the boards, one of: Fears, Johnson, Bailey, or Maluach will be available to us, dunno if that eases the kick in the gut somewhat.

I think Bailey goes top 4. But, you’re right, knowing that one of Fears, Johnson, Maluach (or Sorber) will be available does ease the pain…somewhat.

Sorber might be a stretch at 6. But I like the skill level and IQ that I saw at G’Town…and when you put that together with those impressive measurables from the combine he might just be worth the 6th pick.

A lot will depend on his individual workouts.

What a difference one word makes, I edited my comment from will be available, to may be available.
Unfortunately for Sorber, he won’t be doing pre-draft workouts because his foot.

[NatP4]

I would look to trade down to 10 or so and take Jase Richardson still. Develop him as a lead guard. See no reason to rank Fears or Jakucionis over him. Would be fine with reaching at 6 if no trade down scenario exists. Reminds me so much of Mike Conley.

Look to trade up a few spots from 18 and take Collin Murray-Boyles. Maybe 18+40 to move up to 15/16ish. Good fit next to Sarr. Guy that can function as a small ball C/defensive anchor, still allows you to switch everything, good rebounding. Still think he turns into one of the 5 best players from this draft.

Would still consider Traore anywhere outside of the top 5. Not sure why he’s dropped so much. Playing in a really good league at 18 years old. Exploded over the last couple months of the year. He’s as talented as any player in the draft outside of Flagg/Harper.

Richardson/Coulibaly/CMB/Sarr is a really good defensive foundation to build around.

[Hibachi_0]

slowly getting over it, but there is one thing that, if the team does this, i will once again have to back out

please do not take Derik Queen 6th overall. It looks so tempting to take the local kid out of Maryland that you've watched all year, who over performed a little in the tournament. Yes him and Bub have a history and all of that, I do not care. He is not the answer. What we actually need is more guard play. The team is stacked as far as wings, Bub is serviceable as a secondary playmaker. I would have loved Dylan Harper, and I wonder if trading for #2 is in play right now (I doubt the assets are good enough).

However we do not need another young center to develop, apparently his combine results were terrible. Not only that, but what I saw from Queen in that tournament looked closer to "elite college player" than "NBA prospect" and maybe there are things that show up in practice that I'm not aware of, but I do think there is a high chance of him busting.

There is zero chance we take Queen, he may drop to the 20’s.

I'd take a chance at 18 tbh. Combine measurements are cool and show the physical limitations some players have. I always thought 6 was a reach for Queen, but he knows how to play and will get you a bucket when you need it.

It'd be funny to take Maluach & Queen. If possible I'd do it. And it would be fun to see the the combination of playstyles with Sarr.

[NatP4]

Nolan Traore last 10 games: 20.2 points 7.4 assists 4.0 turnovers 1.2 steals 57.2% TS 41% from 3.

In the Pro-A league in a high usage role on a bad team at 18 years old. As impressive a stretch of games as anyone in the class IMO.

[DCZards]

I would look to trade down to 10 or so and take Jase Richardson still. Develop him as a lead guard. See no reason to rank Fears or Jakucionis over him. Would be fine with reaching at 6 if no trade down scenario exists. Reminds me so much of Mike Conley.

Look to trade up a few spots from 18 and take Collin Murray-Boyles. Maybe 18+40 to move up to 15/16ish. Good fit next to Sarr. Guy that can function as a small ball C/defensive anchor, still allows you to switch everything, good rebounding. Still think he turns into one of the 5 best players from this draft.

Would still consider Traore anywhere outside of the top 5. Not sure why he’s dropped so much. Playing in a really good league at 18 years old. Exploded over the last couple months of the year. He’s as talented as any player in the draft outside of Flagg/Harper.

Richardson/Coulibaly/CMB/Sarr is a really good defensive foundation to build around.

If the Zards go with a big at 6 (and not Johnson or Fears) I’d be thrilled if Richardson is there at 18.

Don’t overlook or underestimate George when talking about the defensive foundation. (Are you sure Richardson is a good defender?)

Will check out Traore. Haven't paid much attention to him.

[Frichuela]

Nolan Traore last 10 games: 20.2 points 7.4 assists 4.0 turnovers 1.2 steals 57.2% TS 41% from 3.

In the Pro-A league in a high usage role on a bad team at 18 years old. As impressive a stretch of games as anyone in the class IMO.

Yes. He has been playing much better in a competitive professional league. Even despite his awful start of the season, his stats do not fare badly versus pre-NBA Goran Dragic and Ricky Rubio.
https://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=nolan-traore--ricky-rubio--goran-dragic

If we selected him, I'd focus hard on trading Poole to the highest bidder.

[Rafael122]

Is anyone surprised about the Queen numbers? He's offensively skilled, but BEST CASE he's a starter but would have to be surrounded by folks who are defensive demons. Worse case he's a Jalen Smith type, 18-20 minute backup big, offensive sparkplug off the bench.

Just based on the combine stuff, Tre Johnson has absolutely killed it. He's my pick and I'd go with Sorber or Wolf at 18.

[machu46]

Would you trade 6 and 18 for 2? I'm assuming many of you will say 'no'.

I would definitely say yes. Harper has real potential to be a star.

Another option -would you trade 6 and Bilal for 2? Reuniting the French kiddos could be intriguing to SA. Pretty steep price for 2, but I'd probably do it.

I was listening to The Ringer Draft podcast and one of the hosts was talking about Toronto trading up to 2 because of (1) the host is a Raptors fan, (2) the obvious need for Toronto and (3) their history of trading with San Antonio and it got me thinking about the Bilal-Wemby connection and how much sense it would make for Washington to try to get Harper.

My guess is Bilal does not carry enough value to justify that swap, but Washington could include other assets in addition to #6 and Bilal if they like Harper enough. I don't REALLY think the Spurs will go that direction but I could see where getting #6, Bilal, and a future Wizards pick or two would be enticing.

[machu46]

Nolan Traore last 10 games: 20.2 points 7.4 assists 4.0 turnovers 1.2 steals 57.2% TS 41% from 3.

In the Pro-A league in a high usage role on a bad team at 18 years old. As impressive a stretch of games as anyone in the class IMO.

He is absolutely my target at #18 and could be convinced to move up for him.

[machu46]

My current targets at #6 would probably be (assuming the obvious two + Ace and Edgecomb are off the board):

Kon Knueppel - Think his shooting and scrappiness would fit in beautifully on this team. Maybe you get lucky and he taps into some hidden upside and turns into a Desmond Bane type.

Derrik Queen - Totally get it if you'd rather not risk it. Part of my reasoning here is I simply like watching guys like him, Sengun, Sabonis, etc. try to make it work against NBA players; probably my favorite archetype to watch in the league from an aesthetic point of view. Best case scenario, he gives you a much needed offensive hub that helps open things up for everyone else with his combination of self-creation and passing ability, and uses his good hands/athleticism of his teammates to survive defensively. Downside is pretty obvious here.

Kasparas Jakucionis - Think he's a good combination of fairly high ceiling and fairly high floor. If everything clicks for him, I can see a world where you're running the offense through him a lot. Both the passing vision and the creative passing ability are there, comfortable with all those step back jumpers, and pretty good finishing around the rim once he gets there. Handle is too loose for me to be convinced he'll be able to get downhill on his own a lot, but hopefully he figures that out. If he ultimately isn't good enough to be a true offensive hub, I can see him settling into sort of a Bogdanovic/Ingles type of role where he develops a decent two-man game with someone and just kinda keeps the ball moving, makes winning plays, etc.

[NatP4]

Nolan Traore last 10 games: 20.2 points 7.4 assists 4.0 turnovers 1.2 steals 57.2% TS 41% from 3.

In the Pro-A league in a high usage role on a bad team at 18 years old. As impressive a stretch of games as anyone in the class IMO.

He is absolutely my target at #18 and could be convinced to move up for him.

Wouldn’t be surprised if the mocks are way off on Traore/haven’t adjusted to his late season surge.

Doubt he’ll be available outside of the lottery. Maybe goes in the Carrington/Topic range?? 10-14ish?

[trast66]

Would you trade 6 and 18 for 2? I'm assuming many of you will say 'no'.

I would definitely say yes. Harper has real potential to be a star.

Another option -would you trade 6 and Bilal for 2? Reuniting the French kiddos could be intriguing to SA. Pretty steep price for 2, but I'd probably do it.

Yes you make the 6 ad 18 for 2 but Spurs would never do that. Its perceived as a draft with two stars. Last year was a zero star draft.

If the Spurs trade 2 (which is a good possibility) the return will be far in excess of the 6 and Bilal.