The Official 2025 NBA Draft Prospects Thread

[Inigo Montoya]

Curious why you feel VJ has the least upside? I'm not arguing, just curious. I had VJ lower because I assumed he was really 6'2, the fact that he's a half inch shorter than I'm most afraid of Bailey, especially when he's just 2 inches taller than Tre and VJ. I think his floor is the lowest of the top 5 personally.

Because he's kind of a tweener with no clear position and no great size. He's not really a PG and he's not a great scorer either. He reminds me of Gary Harris.

I don't think he is a tweener. He measured 6-4 with a 6-7.5 wingspan. That size is okay for shooting guard, he's not particularly undersized.

Not particularly but his measurements are not great either. The main issue though, is that it's not clear what his calling card is. With Johnson, it's very clear that he's a walking bucket. That may translate in the NBA into a microwave scorer off the bench if he doesn't pan out but at least we know what he can be. With VJ, it's not clear other than his potential defensively. Again, I'm reminded of Gary Harris who is of the same size. If Johnson pans out I can see a star, If VJ pans out I can see a high level role player.

And besides, if we select VJ this board will be filled with vagina jokes every time he makes a jumper and I'm not mentally ready for that.

[bkohler]

I see the Harris comp for VJ but Harris is two inches shorter. And VJ and Tre are both 6’4 and despite Tre having a three inch longer wing span measured with a lower standing reach. Which means the set of his shoulders is lower so he can’t reach as high, or he was trained on not showing out at the standing reach because that’s what the vertical is based on. So if he really can reach 1-3 inches higher than VJ which would make sense because of his wingspan then his vertical would actually be 33 inches, which is replaceable not but nearly in the 37inch range he recorded. Also, I’m concerned Tre won’t be as much of a walking bucket as we think; his shot looks amazing and his highlights pop because those three look beautiful and his scoring counting stats add up. But his advanced stats aren’t great, his shooting percentages (especially advanced) are around the same level as VJ who’s viewed as a work in progress and a big part is that Tre couldn’t finish or get to the FT line. He was also targeted on D by other teams. It’s just really hard for a player with some of those flaws to get minutes to use the excellent 3pt shot.

Still the vagina comment has swayed me. Can’t have the Grady dick problem!

[Inigo Montoya]

I see the Harris comp for VJ but Harris is two inches shorter. And VJ and Tre are both 6’4 and despite Tre having a three inch longer wing span measured with a lower standing reach. Which means the set of his shoulders is lower so he can’t reach as high, or he was trained on not showing out at the standing reach because that’s what the vertical is based on. So if he really can reach 1-3 inches higher than VJ which would make sense because of his wingspan then his vertical would actually be 33 inches, which is replaceable not but nearly in the 37inch range he recorded. Also, I’m concerned Tre won’t be as much of a walking bucket as we think; his shot looks amazing and his highlights pop because those three look beautiful and his scoring counting stats add up. But his advanced stats aren’t great, his shooting percentages (especially advanced) are around the same level as VJ who’s viewed as a work in progress and a big part is that Tre couldn’t finish or get to the FT line. He was also targeted on D by other teams. It’s just really hard for a player with some of those flaws to get minutes to use the excellent 3pt shot.

Still the vagina comment has swayed me. Can’t have the Grady dick problem!

It's not that I think Tre is like a surefire thing, it's just that to me it looks like if he pans out, his ceiling is higher, and I know what role he'll play, and with VJ it's more nebulous. Like, if VJ reaches his ceiling, what kind of player is he? At what position does he play? What is his role? I can't see him be a #1 or #2 guy on the offensive side. With Tre, I can see him, however unlikely it is to happen, be a lead guard and a #2 option on a good team. All the concerns you listed of Tre are valid, and the Jazz also had bad lack drafting Treys. But they still haven't gone through all the spelling combinations so there is still hope.

[bkohler]

I see the Harris comp for VJ but Harris is two inches shorter. And VJ and Tre are both 6’4 and despite Tre having a three inch longer wing span measured with a lower standing reach. Which means the set of his shoulders is lower so he can’t reach as high, or he was trained on not showing out at the standing reach because that’s what the vertical is based on. So if he really can reach 1-3 inches higher than VJ which would make sense because of his wingspan then his vertical would actually be 33 inches, which is replaceable not but nearly in the 37inch range he recorded. Also, I’m concerned Tre won’t be as much of a walking bucket as we think; his shot looks amazing and his highlights pop because those three look beautiful and his scoring counting stats add up. But his advanced stats aren’t great, his shooting percentages (especially advanced) are around the same level as VJ who’s viewed as a work in progress and a big part is that Tre couldn’t finish or get to the FT line. He was also targeted on D by other teams. It’s just really hard for a player with some of those flaws to get minutes to use the excellent 3pt shot.

Still the vagina comment has swayed me. Can’t have the Grady dick problem!

It's not that I think Tre is like a surefire thing, it's just that to me it looks like if he pans out, his ceiling is higher, and I know what role he'll play, and with VJ it's more nebulous. Like, if VJ reaches his ceiling, what kind of player is he? At what position does he play? What is his role? I can't see him be a #1 or #2 guy on the offensive side. With Tre, I can see him, however unlikely it is to happen, be a lead guard and a #2 option on a good team. All the concerns you listed of Tre are valid, and the Jazz also had bad lack drafting Treys. But they still haven't gone through all the spelling combinations so there is still hope.

Very valid thoughts, I suppose I’m wondering if it’s better to get a strong base hit than swing for the home run, but then again maybe we’re in the place where we need to just swing for the fences over and over again.

I’m more enamored with some of the swings later in the draft which is why trading down is appealing g to me. I could see Tre being great but I can also see Carter Bryant or Cedric Coward being great and if you’re making home run swings maybe more swings is better?

[bkohler]

Watch after all of my nitpicking about these two both are going to become hall of famers and I’ll be eating crow for a lifetime.

[Hoops Addict]

After a few days thinking......#5 is not bad......we get whoevers left out of the 3 in our range. I like Tre Johnson. Edgecome and Baily.

[SoCalJazzFan]

I can understand the reservations, which I also share, but this is an upside play and of the top-5 VJ has the least star potential imho. So If the Jazz can't get Flagg or Harper, I'd much rather they go for Bailey or Johnson if one of them is still on the board at 5.

Curious why you feel VJ has the least upside? I'm not arguing, just curious. I had VJ lower because I assumed he was really 6'2, the fact that he's a half inch shorter than I'm most afraid of Bailey, especially when he's just 2 inches taller than Tre and VJ. I think his floor is the lowest of the top 5 personally.

Because he's kind of a tweener with no clear position and no great size. He's not really a PG and he's not a great scorer either. He reminds me of Gary Harris.

Anyone outside of Flagg could potentially not reach lofty expectations or even bust.

However, Gary Harris is smaller and doesn't have near the athleticism that VJ does. It's not even close. That first step, speed and vertical leaping ability just can't be taught. But, VJ learning to take an extra step before launching for a dunk, to use a floater or stop and pop, and getting a better handle and passing can all be taught and improved upon with film study, instruction and reps. IMO, he has a higher floor than Tre and Ace, and could have the highest ceiling at the end of the day.

[SoCalJazzFan]

After a few days thinking......#5 is not bad......we get whoevers left out of the 3 in our range. I like Tre Johnson. Edgecome and Baily.

If its Ace, honestly, I cross my fingers, hold my breath and clinch my butt cheeks hoping that he doesn't bust. I think that he has the greatest bust potential of all three, although his theoretical ceiling is very high.

[bkohler]

After a few days thinking......#5 is not bad......we get whoevers left out of the 3 in our range. I like Tre Johnson. Edgecome and Baily.

If its Ace, honestly, I cross my fingers, hold my breath and clinch my butt cheeks hoping that he doesn't bust. I think that he has the greatest bust potential of all three, although his theoretical ceiling is very high.

I think the idea of his ceiling being a ton higher took a big hit with combine measurements. There’s such a difference between the 6’7 reality and 6’10 reported height.

[Catchall]

It's early, but the chatter is fairly consistent in predicting that Edgecombe is going 3rd or 4th. Etiher Ace or Tre should be expected to make it to 5.

Tony Jones keeps insinuating that the guy he thinks will get to #5 is Ace Bailey.

[Catchall]

After a few days thinking......#5 is not bad......we get whoevers left out of the 3 in our range. I like Tre Johnson. Edgecome and Baily.

If its Ace, honestly, I cross my fingers, hold my breath and clinch my butt cheeks hoping that he doesn't bust. I think that he has the greatest bust potential of all three, although his theoretical ceiling is very high.

I think the idea of his ceiling being a ton higher took a big hit with combine measurements. There’s such a difference between the 6’7 reality and 6’10 reported height.

He's 6'7.5" w/o shoes. The expectation would then be that he's 6'9" in shoes. He's really the same size as Paul George. It shouldn't be a problem. If there's an issue with Ace, it's more related to his demeanor in interviews.

[bkohler]

I’m not saying he’s small, but there was people saying he’s 6’10-6’11 which means his comp would be more a KD/Lauri/Jabari Smith. It means he’s a 3 not a 4 which diminishes his uniqueness somewhat.

[Inigo Montoya]

If we end up taking Tre or Bailey with the #5 pick I'll be happy.

[Inigo Montoya]

Think of it this way: if the Jazz had the 3rd pick (getting the 1st pick was a still a long shot) they'd be selecting between Johnson, Bailey and VJ. At #5 they'll be picking whomever is left, but it may very well be the same player they would have picked at 3 anyway.

[Catchall]

If we end up taking Tre or Bailey with the #5 pick I'll be happy.

Choosing between Ace annd Tre is a 1st world problem.

[Catchall]

I’m already looking ahead to 2026. I like Boozer and Cenac in addition to AJ and Peterson.

The Jazz have hired Carlos Boozer in their scouting department, btw.

[Inigo Montoya]

I’m already looking ahead to 2026. I like Boozer and Cenac in addition to AJ and Peterson.

The Jazz have hired Carlos Boozer in their scouting department, btw.

Didn't know that. That's cool.

https://sports.yahoo.com/article/carlos-boozer-expected-join-utah-020543426.html

[AingesBurner]

If Cam Boozer is drafted by the Jazz then he needs to bring this style with him:

https://www.sltrib.com/sports/jazz/2017/12/19/as-carlos-boozer-retires-from-basketball-here-are-some-of-his-biggest-moments-with-the-jazz/

[Catchall]

If we end up taking Tre or Bailey with the #5 pick I'll be happy.

The general consensus is that one of them will be available at 5. Edgecombe is likely to go at 3 or 4.

[ForeverRDjazz]

I'd say stay at 5 unless you believe Harper is key and next level player? Not sure what that would cost to move up to 2? Or Move up and pick up BYU kid for point guard. Like the bigger PG and not sold on ours.