2025 NBA Draft Discussion Part 7

[Mark_83]

I have no idea how Demin shoots as poorly as he does. His shooting form looks good.

But I dont really see how it makes sense to add another ball dominant, non-shooter unless we have one on the way out.

[tsherkin]

If I'm not mistaken Essengue's measurements are from last year so let's wait and see if he's grown.

There's a near-0% chance that his wingspan has changed relative to his height, though. He isn't just going to suddenly become monkey-armed, even if he grows vertically a bit.

Fleming is exciting if you like 3 and D bigs. He's mobile and lengthy. Him and Scottie could be a dynamite defensive pairing.

Fleming is interesting in that he could be a capable roleplayer pretty fast. Not a sky-high ceiling, I realize, but at this point, I think we know we're not likely to get someone super bangin, you know?

I was probably thinking of his standing reach (9'3.25)

Maybe. Although I think that may speak to narrow shoulders and being 6'10 more than anything else. We'll see. I dunno. I could easily be wrong; I'm not particularly well-educated on the draft, and it's basically a crapshoot anyway, so we'll see what Masai thinks and who is available.

[Clutch0z24]

I have no idea how Demin shoots as poorly as he does. His shooting form looks good.

But I dont really see how it makes sense to add another ball dominant, non-shooter unless we have one on the way out.

Shooting in an open gym vs in game with defenders on you is night and day......Its like the 3pt contest.....You have guys able to almost go perfect in the 3pt contest or miss very few shots but in a game setting they can hit 3s don't get me wrong but you won't see 15+ 3s in a row being made....

Egor has a good looking shot but it does not translate to in game setting....As of yet....Could change over time though....Good passer but at 9 idk if we pick him that high....Especially if maybe Kon or Fears fall to us...

[koolguy]

Would Atlanta be interested in moving up and trading their 13th and 22nd pick for the 9th pick? Feels like this is the draft to snag a few good players in the mid the late first round to fill our backup 4/5 spots. One of Flemming/Lendeborg or Sorber/Kalkbrenner/Raynaud would be great additions.

[Mark_83]

I really want Mark Sears. I'm not sure I would take him at 39 given our roster, but he's one of the best shooters and scorers in this draft. For all intents and purposes he's Brunson-lite imo.

Watch on YouTube

;pp=ygUVbWFyayBzZWFycyBoaWdobGlnaHRz

[Buff]

Here you assume KM is a finished product. Would 2019 be better with the best possible version of KM? Absolutely!



I think some archtypes work on any team, like a 3+D OG type... that fits everywhere. A switchable 7'2 center that will dunk everything in sight? I think that works everywhere as well.

There are only a very few players who added new skills from college to professional. The arguement of someone who has potential yet not shown in college is basically close to zero. Maluach with his low passing rate is pretty difficult to project he will have that type of skill.

As for 3 and D, that is not true that every team needs one. It is only those teams who has no star player at that position. You drafting star players would be the higher priority than 3 and D. At 9, I think most teams would still gamble for a star player.

There are only a few players that added new skills in the pros? Thats a crazy statement lol.

Big man are what they are at 18, it is known,

[dkb964]

It really blows that the Raptors fell to 9th. It seems like there is a big drop-off after the top 8 prospects.

[Duffman100]

It really blows that the Raptors fell to 9th. It seems like there is a big drop-off after the top 8 prospects.

Is there?

[Clutch0z24]

I’ve heard that Masai went to Maryland to scout Queen a few times, but can’t for the life of me find a source (google sucks). Does anyone here know if that’s true?

Masai Went to about 5 Maryland games i think (Could be wrong because sources are so all over the place)

But the games Masai did go too Queen had big games...He was in attendence for Rutgers Vs Maryland where Queen had 29,15 Reb, 5 Asts, 1 Blk, 1 Stl, Michigan Game where he had 31 Pts...Idk the exact games he was at but reported 3-5 games....So for people on this board that hate Queen....There is obvious interest from Masai/Darko there....No way Masai goes personally to that many games if he does not like a player...

Fits Darkos system to a T as well....If he falls this board will have a meltdown because he is prolly the pick.

[WuTang_CMB]

It really blows that the Raptors fell to 9th. It seems like there is a big drop-off after the top 8 prospects.

I promise u masai will pick someone that should have went top 5. The tier after coop harp is all over the map

[Los_29]

It really blows that the Raptors fell to 9th. It seems like there is a big drop-off after the top 8 prospects.

Is there?

It’s funny how it just so happens to be right before our pick when the drop off begins.

From what I’ve read, it’s the first I’ve heard about there being a drop off after 8. Not a great draft for elite talent but quite a few good prospects.

[WuTang_CMB]

Demin is interesting but i think vecenie hit it on the head in his latest pod. Doesnt really have any moves to score and lacks paint touches. Had no counters in college to do something with the ball once teams clamped. Will be harder at nba level so he will need to really work on that plus obviously his shooting. I’d label him a project at this point. Fun prospect though. Wish he went back to college

[dkb964]

It really blows that the Raptors fell to 9th. It seems like there is a big drop-off after the top 8 prospects.

Is there?

It’s funny how it just so happens to be right before our pick when the drop off begins.

From what I’ve read, it’s the first I’ve heard about there being a drop off after 8. Not a great draft for elite talent but quite a few good prospects.

Just my opinon.

Flagg
Harper
Bailey
Edgecome
Fears
Johnson
Maluach
Knueppel

Are the top 8 guys then there is a drop off at #9.

[WuTang_CMB]

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45179882/2025-nba-mock-draft-projecting-all-59-picks-post-combine-cooper-flagg-dallas-mavericks

beringer making a leap.

3. Philadelphia 76ers
Airious "Ace" Bailey, SG/SF, Rutgers
Freshman | TS%: 54.0

Combine measurements:
Height without shoes: 6-7 ½ | Weight: 202
Standing reach: 8-11 | Wingspan: 7-0 ½

Intel and fit: This is where the draft gets really interesting, as the 76ers are unsurprisingly signaling they are looking at a wide group of prospects, consisting of Bailey, VJ Edgecombe, Tre Johnson, Khaman Maluach, and Kon Knueppel. Bailey -- widely considered this draft's third-most talented prospect -- is the natural fit here, as he could seamlessly slide into the Sixers lineup at shooting guard, small forward or power forward, operating alongside any of their current players.

The feedback coming out of Chicago suggests Bailey is somewhat polarizing in internal front-office conversations because of questions about his feel for the game and "unpolished" team interviews, which one NBA general manager compared to Anthony Edwards' during the predraft process (Minnesota drafted him No. 1 in 2020). Bailey hasn't come off as "buttoned up" as some of his lottery peers, but drew strong marks from a handful of executives who appreciated his candor and willingness to display his big personality.

Some teams expect the Sixers to be active in trade conversations, with names such as Kevin Durant (Phoenix) and Lauri Markkanen (Utah) as potential targets in packages that could include Paul George and the No. 3 pick. Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey has made a career of being active and aggressive on the trade front, but historically, it's rare to see a top-three pick being traded.

Adding a young, talented prospect could be appealing as a reset to the team's timeline, offering long-term hope among Joel Embiid's injury concerns and George's significant contract, which might not age well. -- Givony


4. Charlotte Hornets
VJ Edgecombe, SG, Baylor
Freshman | TS%: 56.1

Combine measurements:
Height without shoes: 6-4 | Weight: 193
Standing reach: 8-5 ½ | Wingspan: 6-7 ½

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Intel and fit: Though dropping one slot was disappointing for the Hornets, they were the only team with top-four lottery odds to remain there. The No. 4 pick is still advantageous with the way the board falls, as Charlotte will operate knowing that at least Edgecombe or Bailey will be available, both of whom would represent significant talent upgrades. Edgecombe is widely viewed as the safer of the two for Charlotte, but there's not a consensus for teams after Flagg and Harper come off the board, making this range of the draft interesting to discern. Considering the Hornets' needs, it wouldn't be surprising to see Tre Johnson receive a look here as well.

On paper, Edgecombe is a natural fit, sliding between LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, with his downhill explosiveness, slashing style and significant defensive potential complementing Ball's vision and creativity and Miller's shotmaking prowess. He also offers room to grow into a larger ballhandling role, which could make him more attractive to Charlotte, providing a long-term option in the backcourt.

The Hornets took a patient approach at the trade deadline, and opposing teams are curious about their level of urgency this offseason, having sold at the trade deadline but also having missed the playoffs nine straight seasons. -- Woo


5. Utah Jazz
Jeremiah Fears, PG, Oklahoma
Freshman | TS%: 57.0

Combine measurements:
Height without shoes: 6-2 ½ | Weight: 179
Standing reach: 8-2 ½ | Wingspan: 6-5 ¼

Intel and fit: Dropping from the projected No. 1 slot ahead of the lottery to the No. 5 pick was a setback for Utah's fanbase and front office, creating questions about the team's timeline and the value of undergoing another painful season hunting for a top pick in 2026.

With the roster in significant need of star power, it makes sense to take a long look at a prospect such as Fears, who had an outstanding season at Oklahoma despite -- at 18 years old -- being one of the youngest players in college basketball. His combination of size, speed, pace, shotmaking and shot creation gives him significant long-term upside, as he can get anywhere on the floor to create for teammates, finish skillfully in the lane or head to the free throw line.

Drafting Fears would likely have a roster trickle-down effect, as the Jazz selected point guards in each of the past two drafts -- Keyonte George and Isaiah Collier. The biggest questions revolve around the long-term status of Markkanen, a two-time All-Star who would have an active market if the Jazz were open to trading him. Going from the NBA's worst record (17-65) to the No. 5 pick was a stern reminder of the pitfalls of rebuilding, but it's unclear how else the Jazz can take the next step in building a championship-contending roster. -- Givony


6. Washington Wizards
Tre Johnson, SG, Texas
Freshman | TS%: 56.1

Combine measurements:
Height without shoes: 6-4 ¾ | Weight: 190
Standing reach: 8-5 | Wingspan: 6-10 ¼

Intel and fit: The Wizards are in a similar boat to the Jazz after dropping four slots in a worst-case lottery scenario, albeit in an earlier stage of their full-scale rebuild.

The Wizards continue to search for star talent in the draft and will take a swing on whichever player falls out of the top five. In this scenario, it's Johnson, who would fill an immediate need and also offer upside to grow as their potential long-term shooting guard. He's among the draft's better perimeter shooters, with solid positional size and an aggressive approach. He helped himself at Texas while showcased in a huge role.

Johnson has been another polarizing player for teams because of questions about his style of play, which has, at times, been characterized by scouts as selfish as he rose through the high school and college ranks. Coming out of the interview process in Chicago, those questions remain for some teams -- there are lingering concerns about his shot selection, and how he might adjust to varied usage long term -- but there aren't many players in the class with his caliber of scoring talent.

The Wizards can offer him an immediate offensive role and develop him as such, making them, on paper, one of the better fits for Johnson in the top 10. -- Woo

play
2:05
Texas' Tre Johnson declares for NBA draftTexas' Tre Johnson joins "NBA Today" to discuss his decision to declare for the draft.

7. New Orleans Pelicans
Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
Freshman | TS%: 74.7

Combine measurements:
Height without shoes: 7-0 ¾ | Weight: 252
Standing reach: 9-6 | Wingspan: 7-6 ¾

Intel and fit: Another team that took a big slip after a tough season -- the Pelicans have only the No. 7 pick to show for a 21-61 season, a tough way for new lead executives Joe Dumars and Troy Weaver to start their tenure.

Significantly needing star power, this pick is considered the floor for any of the prospects currently slated to be picked earlier in the draft, such as Bailey or Fears. Otherwise, selecting a high-upside big man such as Maluach makes sense.

Maluach is one of the draft's youngest prospects, turning 19 on Sept. 14, and has considerable room for growth physically and skill-wise. He plays with tremendous intensity and is beloved by coaches and teammates, thanks to his unique off-court intangibles.

His ability to anchor a defense with his wingspan and provide vertical spacing as a roller and cutter while sprinting the floor aggressively in transition will be attractive to any team looking for a center to build around long term, including potentially the Hornets or Wizards, picking at No. 4 and No. 6, respectively. -- Givony


8. Brooklyn Nets
Kon Knueppel, SG/SF, Duke
Freshman | TS%: 64.8

Combine measurements:
Height without shoes: 6-5 | Weight: 219
Standing reach: 8-5 ½ | Wingspan: 6-6 ¼

Intel and fit: Count the Nets among the many disappointed lottery teams, dropping two spots from No. 6 to No. 8 after San Antonio and Dallas jumped, missing out not only on a top-four spot but also not getting its first choice within the next group of players in the mid-lottery.

Brooklyn has veteran players, including Cameron Johnson, four first-round picks in this draft and future assets to dangle if it wants to move higher in the lottery. Teams expect the Nets, who are also operating in the interest of present and future cap space, to consolidate some of what they have.

Knueppel's reliable offensive play and high-level shooting would be a nice building block for the Nets, with his skill set augmenting most lineups no matter how they choose to build long term. League insiders see additional scoring and playmaking upside that weren't featured because of his role at Duke.

There's also an interesting case for selecting and developing a young ball handler such as Egor Demin or Kasparas Jakucionis if the Nets stay at this spot, as well as the offensive upside of Derik Queen. -- Woo


9. Toronto Raptors
Collin Murray-Boyles, PF/C, South Carolina
Sophomore | TS%: 64.0

Combine measurements:
Height without shoes: 6-6 ½ | Weight: 239
Standing reach: 8-10 | Wingspan: 7-0 ¾

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Intel and fit: The Raptors could go in many directions with this pick, with young, multipositional players scattered throughout the roster, and plenty of options with the many players they've assembled via the draft and trades in recent years.

Murray-Boyles would fit in from a culture and toughness standpoint, adding more defensive versatility and playmaking, even if his lack of perimeter shooting isn't ideal as a potential floor-spacer for Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram.

Picking ninth in what many NBA insiders consider an eight-player group composing the top tiers of the class, a best-player-available strategy makes sense for Toronto, a plan this front office has followed in the past. Murray-Boyles' unique blend of passing, foul drawing, finishing prowess and defensive playmaking has him rated as a potential top-5 pick in some NBA team analytic models, especially because he doesn't turn 20 until mid-June. -- Givony


10. Houston Rockets (via Phoenix)
Kasparas Jakucionis, PG, Illinois
Freshman | TS%: 59.8

Combine measurements:
Height without shoes: 6-4 ¾ | Weight: 205
Standing reach: 8-3 ½ | Wingspan: 6-7 ¾

Intel and fit: This pick is viewed around the league as a luxury asset for the Rockets, who are frequently mentioned by other teams as a big-trade candidate to build on what they accomplished this season. Houston has the draft assets and young talent to target whichever star becomes available next, as well as Reed Sheppard, who presumably is waiting to take on more minutes next season.

If Houston keeps the pick, this is likely a best-available situation, and Jakucionis holds a good case at No. 10. His playmaking vision, shooting ability and intangibles coupled with excellent positional size for a ball handler (he measured similarly to Terance Mann in 2019 and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in 2013) make him a versatile backcourt addition for nearly any team.

He will need to sharpen his decision-making and cut down on turnovers to see maximum time on the ball long term. Though some teams have speculated he could slip out of the top 10 because of how the board is falling, Jakucionis' range appears fairly solid in the Nos. 8-to-12 range at this stage. -- Woo


11. Portland Trail Blazers
Egor Demin, PG/SG, BYU
Freshman | TS%: 51.3

Combine measurements:
Height without shoes: 6-9 ¼ | Weight: 199
Standing reach: 8-9 ½ | Wingspan: 6-10 ¼

Intel and fit: Demin had a positive week at the combine in Chicago, measuring bigger than expected at 6-9½ in shoes and then putting on one of the most impressive pro day performances we've seen in some time, causing even the most skeptical of NBA evaluators to acknowledge his undeniable talent.

Demin has made significant gains with his body and will continue to fill out with his youthful appearance, while making a barrage of 3-pointers with picture-perfect mechanics and a lightning-quick release that offered significant room for optimism despite hitting 27% of his 3-pointers in his lone season at BYU. Also, NBA teams raved about his interviews in Chicago, where he came off as serious.

The Trail Blazers can go in several directions with this pick, and adding a big guard with a strong feel for the game who can slide into different roster configurations could be interesting long term. -- Givony


12. Chicago Bulls
Derik Queen, C, Maryland
Freshman | TS%: 60.0

Combine measurements:
Height without shoes: 6-9 ¼ | Weight: 247
Standing reach: 9-1 ½ | Wingspan: 7-0 ½

Intel and fit: The Bulls reacquired this once top-10 protected pick at the deadline in the Zach LaVine trade, guaranteeing they would add a prospect as they navigate out of the middle of the Eastern Conference standings. Chicago is in position to draft the best available talent, but is in greater need of frontcourt help, which will make Queen an interesting option if he slips to No. 12.

Queen had an excellent season at Maryland and is in the mix for teams as high as the mid-lottery, but looks to have a bit of a wider range. He came in at a legitimate 6-10 in shoes, but fared poorly in athletic testing at the combine and didn't shoot convincingly in drills. Though unsurprising, those are two key areas for his long-term development that teams will question as he hits the workout circuit.

He's a major offensive talent whose skill set separates him from the other bigs in this class -- ultimately, his film should speak louder than the combine data -- and whichever team selects him will believe it can get the most out of him. His proponents around the league see an intelligent player whose potential is high in the long run. -- Woo

play
1:42
Maryland's Derik Queen announces NBA decisionMaryland big man Derik Queen joins Scott Van Pelt to announce his intention to enter the NBA draft.

13. Atlanta Hawks (via Sacramento)
Joan Beringer, C, Cedevita Olimpija
Adriatic | TS%: 61.5

Intel and fit: It's difficult to speculate which direction the Hawks will go with this pick until we see what their front office looks like after the ouster of general manager Landry Fields last month. The Hawks have held discussions with some of the most prominent agents in the industry, as well as some big-name NBA executives. They might elect to hire more of a senior advisor figure to work alongside new GM Onsi Saleh.

With the first of two first-round picks, taking a swing on a high-upside prospect such as Beringer would make sense, especially with starting center Clint Capela entering free agency. Beringer, 18, has been surprisingly impactful for Cedevita this season, leading the Adriatic League in block percentage.

His tremendous physical tools, combined with his ability to cover ground on the perimeter, switch onto smaller players, and protect the rim, show he has significant potential, especially because he has been playing basketball for only three years. -- Givony


14. San Antonio Spurs (via Atlanta)
Carter Bryant, SF/PF, Arizona
Freshman | TS%: 59.9

Combine measurements:
Height without shoes: 6-6 ½ | Weight: 214
Standing reach: 8-10 | Wingspan: 6-11 ¾

Intel and fit: Even before the prospective addition of Harper at No. 2 became plausible, the Spurs needed maximal spacing around Victor Wembanyama and their guards. They should have an opportunity to address that with their second first-round pick. Bryant is a strong fit on paper if he's available at No. 14.

Although his box score production was modest in a supporting role at Arizona, NBA teams have been intrigued all season, drawn to his promising shooting stroke, passing feel, and a strong physical frame with similar measurements to Los Angeles Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith.

Bryant has room to pack on significant strength that would give him some defensive versatility, as well. As a two-way contributor who won't need on-ball usage to add value, Bryant can slide neatly into the long-term plans for most any team, which could put him in play for teams higher than this. -- Woo


15. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Miami)
Noa Essengue, PF, Ratiopharm Ulm
Germany | TS%: 61.1

Intel and fit: With three picks among the top 44 selections, but 14 players expected to be under contract next season, it's unclear how much room Oklahoma City has on its roster to add more rookies. Packaging picks to move up in the draft, trading nonrotation players to other destinations, or kicking the can down the road, swapping this year's picks for future first-rounders, might be options for the Thunder.

Oklahoma City wouldn't have a great deal of use for a player such as Essengue, but it has very few needs that this draft would help resolve. The team will likely go for a best-talent-available approach if it uses all of its picks. -- Givony

[Indeed]

There are only a very few players who added new skills from college to professional. The arguement of someone who has potential yet not shown in college is basically close to zero. Maluach with his low passing rate is pretty difficult to project he will have that type of skill.

As for 3 and D, that is not true that every team needs one. It is only those teams who has no star player at that position. You drafting star players would be the higher priority than 3 and D. At 9, I think most teams would still gamble for a star player.

There are only a few players that added new skills in the pros? Thats a crazy statement lol.

Big man are what they are at 18, it is known,

That is not true, they show flashes of things.
You may want to take a look at bigs, they at least showed some flashes on what they can do before they drafted.

[nowayguy]

It really blows that the Raptors fell to 9th. It seems like there is a big drop-off after the top 8 prospects.

Is there?

It’s funny how it just so happens to be right before our pick when the drop off begins.

From what I’ve read, it’s the first I’ve heard about there being a drop off after 8. Not a great draft for elite talent but quite a few good prospects.

Even if that's true and the draft plays out like that, the odds that those eight guys end up as the eight best players from the draft is extremely low. That's just how the draft has played out historically. There's a good chance that a couple of guys drafted between 9-15 end up as top eight players when we look back.

[Duffman100]

Is there?

It’s funny how it just so happens to be right before our pick when the drop off begins.

From what I’ve read, it’s the first I’ve heard about there being a drop off after 8. Not a great draft for elite talent but quite a few good prospects.

Just my opinon.

Flagg
Harper
Bailey
Edgecome
Fears
Johnson
Maluach
Knueppel

Are the top 8 guys then there is a drop off at #9.

Queen?

Jak as well has been scattered through out the top 10 in mocks. I don't see the big drop off when you add those two names in.

[dkb964]

Is there?

It’s funny how it just so happens to be right before our pick when the drop off begins.

From what I’ve read, it’s the first I’ve heard about there being a drop off after 8. Not a great draft for elite talent but quite a few good prospects.

Even if that's true and the draft plays out like that, the odds that those eight guys end up as the eight best players from the draft is extremely low. That's just how the draft has played out historically. There's a good chance that a couple of guys drafted between 9-15 end up as top eight players when we look back.

I agree with what you are syaing. I do hope that one of those eight players slips to the Raptors though. From what I am hearing listening to "insiders" they expect it to be a chalky draft.

[WuTang_CMB]

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