The Official 2025 NBA Draft Prospects Thread

[@ndrew]

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.

Like, another Russian in Utah Jazz uniform?!!?!? Have we learn nothing from last one ?

[Inigo Montoya]

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.

Like, another Russian in Utah Jazz uniform?!!?!? Have we learn nothing from last one ?

I don't know, AK47 was pretty damn good.

[Catchall]

ESPN is reporting that Philly is discussing the #3 pick and Paul George with the Jazz in a deal that involves Lauri (and likely the #5 pick). Not sure what the other specifics would be.

The most normal thing for the Jazz to do would be to sit patiently at #5, order a half-sweet caramel latte, and let Tre Johnson fall into their lap. Then put Tre Johnson next to Lauri. If the Jazz are antsy about Johnson getting to #5, they can offer their 2nd rounders to Charlotte to swap picks. I wouldn't be in a hurry to take on Philly's problems unless they pay us well to do so. Lauri is younger, healthier, and likes Utah more than Paul George. If the Jazz can flip Paul George and get a meaningful, positive return, then maybe that factors in, but he's very expensive and had a very mediocre season last year.

Unless the Jazz are just absolutely all-in on Ace Bailey, it's really up to Philly to sell the Jazz on doing a deal.

[Inigo Montoya]

Yeah, I don't see the need to move up to 3 unless Flagg or Harper drop. Maybe the Spurs plan on taking someone other than Harper with the #2 pick?

[babyjax13]

ESPN is reporting that Philly is discussing the #3 pick and Paul George with the Jazz in a deal that involves Lauri (and likely the #5 pick). Not sure what the other specifics would be.

The most normal thing for the Jazz to do would be to sit patiently at #5, order a half-sweet caramel latte, and let Tre Johnson fall into their lap. Then put Tre Johnson next to Lauri. If the Jazz are antsy about Johnson getting to #5, they can offer their 2nd rounders to Charlotte to swap picks. I wouldn't be in a hurry to take on Philly's problems unless they pay us well to do so. Lauri is younger, healthier, and likes Utah more than Paul George. If the Jazz can flip Paul George and get a meaningful, positive return, then maybe that factors in, but he's very expensive and had a very mediocre season last year.

Unless the Jazz are just absolutely all-in on Ace Bailey, it's really up to Philly to sell the Jazz on doing a deal.

I think the discussion is likely happening because Tre will be gone by the time we draft. The more I dig in the more I think he should be the consensus 3rd pick.

[Inigo Montoya]

I think the discussion is likely happening because Tre will be gone by the time we draft. The more I dig in the more I think he should be the consensus 3rd pick.

And if we end up with VJ or Bailey, will that be so bad? I'd much rather keep Markkanen for another trade than to use him to move up two spots and still not get Harper or Flagg.

[babyjax13]

I think the discussion is likely happening because Tre will be gone by the time we draft. The more I dig in the more I think he should be the consensus 3rd pick.

And if we end up with VJ or Bailey, will that be so bad? I'd much rather keep Markkanen for another trade than to use him to move up two spots and still not get Harper or Flagg.

If we evaluate that Johnson is clearly better than both, yes, I think that is bad. We dont know the ancillary pieces. I wouldn't want to do Lauri and 5 for George and 3, but if there are some future picks and/or prospects (Justin Edwards or Jared McCain) included I might feel different. We're it Lauri/21/future non-Jazz 1st for 3 I'd definitely be in.

[Inigo Montoya]

I think the discussion is likely happening because Tre will be gone by the time we draft. The more I dig in the more I think he should be the consensus 3rd pick.

And if we end up with VJ or Bailey, will that be so bad? I'd much rather keep Markkanen for another trade than to use him to move up two spots and still not get Harper or Flagg.

If we evaluate that Johnson is clearly better than both, yes, I think that is bad. We dont know the ancillary pieces. I wouldn't want to do Lauri and 5 for George and 3, but if there are some future picks and/or prospects (Justin Edwards or Jared McCain) included I might feel different. We're it Lauri/21/future non-Jazz 1st for 3 I'd definitely be in.

I won't. Markkanen is still a positive asset, unlike George who is a negative asset. I think the Jazz could build a separate trade around Markkanen for additional assets, if not on draft night, then during the season. I like Tre Johnson better than Bailey and VJ but I wouldn't mind if it's one of them who falls to 5. The Jazz shouldn't panic or overthink this and complicate something simple. If you can't move up to 1 or 2, stay at 5 and draft whomever is left. Then, if they want, they can trade Markkanen for additional assets instead of being stuck with George's contract.

[Catchall]

Ace, Tre, Fears or Kon. It'll be interesting to see which direction the Jazz go.

[SoCalJazzFan]

Ace, Tre, Fears or Kon. It'll be interesting to see which direction the Jazz go.

So, you think VJ is gone regardless?

[Catchall]

Ace, Tre, Fears or Kon. It'll be interesting to see which direction the Jazz go.

So, you think VJ is gone regardless?

VJ is generally expected to go at #3 or #4. I think the Jazz will probably take Tre Johnson at #5. If he’s already off the board, the Jazz will take Bailey or Fears, imo.

[Inigo Montoya]

I'd consider Kasparas before I'd consider Fears.

[Crunch 99]

That player that went off for 20 points in the Q4 Indiana comeback last night, Aaron Nesmith, is turning out to be a very good pick by Ainge at #14. He's averaging 16 ppg on 71.3 TS% so far these playoffs. I think he was considered more of a best player left on the board than positional need pick, because Boston already had two great wings in Tatum and Brown. He didn't get much playing time at Boston for two seasons, and then new GM Stevens traded him and pieces for Malcolm Brogdon.
https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2025/05/03/revisiting-aaron-nesmith-trade-celtics-to-pacers-trade-grades-malcolm-brogdon-robbery-brad-stevens/83421012007/

I hope Ainge gets somebody as good or better at #5.

[Catchall]

Watch Fears take over this SEC tournament game. There's some impressive shot making, heady defensive plays and poise. You can start to see where he has a chance to be special.

Watch on YouTube

[dr0welf]

Watch Fears take over this SEC tournament game. There's some impressive shot making, heady defensive plays and poise. You can start to see where he has a chance to be special.

Watch on YouTube

He's very comfortable with the ball in his hands even with contact. Also, initiates contact and uses it to create space and positioning which is a solid skill. Small sample size, but shows comfortable shooting the ball. I would like to see more on the defensive side to see if he uses contact for positioning there as well. How well he reads switches and how he plays instinctively. Thanks for sharing.

[bkohler]

I personally like the idea of fears if the Jazz landed a second lottery pick, say #7 from NOP as part of a Lauri trade. I’m not quite sold on him at 5, but if he’s the second swing I’m onboard. I actually really like some of the later lottery prospect: Carter Bryant, Maluach, Kon, etc.

My dream would be land Trey/VJ, snag a pick 8-12 range and grab one of that group and then snag Coward with the 21st pick.

Also I’m coming around to the idea of trading Walker for a pick++ to snag Maluach and not worry about his extension.

[Catchall]

I think the 5th prospect in this draft (after Flagg, Harper, Tre & Ace) is actually Noa Essengue, and he's being slept on at the moment. Noa is raw, but if things break well he could eventually become a 6'10", 225 lb PF who plays naturally from the perimeter. Defensively, he should be similar to Camara.

[Catchall]

I'd consider Kasparas before I'd consider Fears.

Fears' ability to beat and manipulate defenders off the dribble at least gives him an elite skill. I'm not sure I'm seeing one with Kasparas.

[SoCalJazzFan]

I think the 5th prospect in this draft (after Flagg, Harper, Tre & Ace) is actually Noa Essengue, and he's being slept on at the moment. Noa is raw, but if things break well he could eventually become a 6'10", 225 lb PF who plays naturally from the perimeter. Defensively, he should be similar to Camara.

I'm coming around on Essengue. He'll be long gone by 21, perhaps even a top 10 pick.

[bkohler]

I've been wondering lately about the merits of trading down. I think there's an argument to be made that there's not a ton of separation between 5 and 8ish. If you could grab another pick for next year I wonder if moving to 8 would make sense.