2025 NBA Draft (2)

[Sixersftw]

Dunc'd on Podcast was surprisingly low on VJ. See him as a top 10 - late lottery in an average draft.

[Stanford]

Dunc'd on Podcast was surprisingly low on VJ. See him as a top 10 - late lottery in an average draft.

Who do they like? Don't make me listen to that podcast.

[Sixersftw]

Dunc'd on Podcast was surprisingly low on VJ. See him as a top 10 - late lottery in an average draft.

Who do they like? Don't make me listen to that podcast.

I know, its terrible. I'm just in that draft mode where I'm willing to consume any content.

They haven't got to anyone else that is really in our range but they mentioned that Ace has an easier, more logical path, to being a good player. Also, given equal-ish outcomes, that Ace is just potentially more valuable because of his size and position.

The seemed to think the stats/advanced stats with VJ does not completely match the tape.

[Arsenal]

Speaking of the FIBA U18 games, the MVP was Ben Saraf and his numbers were insane:

28.1 ppg (2.4/6.7 36.2% 3FG, 48.6% 2FG, 6.3/8.3 75.9% FT), 5rpg, 5.3apg, 4 spg, 1 bpg

At 6'6, maybe he should be getting more buzz. I've watched a minute of his highlights from his 7 games there and he's already dunked twice which is two more times than I saw Kasparas dunk the ball.

I am very interested in Ben Saraf and his teammate Noa Essengue. With Saraf you could be getting a similar talent to the top PG's but in the late 1st round (if mocks are correct).

[76ciology]

Dunc'd on Podcast was surprisingly low on VJ. See him as a top 10 - late lottery in an average draft.

Who do they like? Don't make me listen to that podcast.

I know, its terrible.

Agree. One of the more boring ones out there

You can try “No Ceiling” for this draft coverage

[Negrodamus]

Personally, I’m only considering VJ, Tre, and Kasparas for the third pick. Ace isn’t really in the conversation for me, by doing that Im eliminating the noise to make me less overthink.

It's very difficult for me to pick between the three. Kasparas on paper looks the best but his 1 dunk on the season and the eye test of him looking smaller than he is out there concerns me. Even Tre dunked it 7 times on 11 attempts and he barely even see the basket that close up.

VJ's defense is very overblown, he's totally clueless off ball. Very frustrating to watch when he's ball watching for an entire possession and he gets cooked on a backdoor cut. Or when he overcommits on a close out and gets pump faked. He has all the tools but he uses them in chaotic ways. Even his shot is a little wonky. The handles are mechanic even though he does show flashes of legit navigation in traffic. Him being pretty bad at the rim in halfcourt situations is hard for me to reconcile too. If he had a 7'ft wingspan, I'd grit my teeth, shrug my shoulders, and say he's the pick.

Tre's shot diet is disqualifying in itself (much like A** Ba****). Shot 18% of his FG at the rim. His FTr is also a bit too low for my liking (but I can actually hold my nose and work with .265 FTr). Mix in that his defense is a complete dumpster fire and it's so hard for me to get on board with him.

It's the tale of elite production vs athleticism vs size. Not saying the others don't produce, but Kasparas hits all the markers of a superstar scorer at the next level. VJ on tape is obviously the superior athlete by what seems like a substantial margin of the three. And Tre has a 6'10 W/S and a decent frame to add weight which is usually what you'd see from the stars of the league.

It's really just taking a gamble on what traits you think have the best chance of translating into stardom at the next level.

[Negrodamus]

If were being honest with ourselves, Jeremiah Fears is the best pick we can make, but there is a level of "drafting for fit" at this spot.

[Arsenal]

My concerns with Tre and Kasparas are solely on defense. I'd love to compare KJ to Haliburton but Hali's defensive metrics were far superior.

I suppose if he can be Haliburton with weaker D, that's still a star player.

[Stanford]

You can try “No Ceiling” for this draft coverage

I've been enjoying this one!

[Sixersftw]

Is Kaparas' defense passable? I only watched 1/2 games and then its been youtube scouting. The offensive skills clearly go crazy.

[Arsenal]

Something to consider with Ace Bailey.. while his 4% block rate and 1.3 blocks per game look solid on paper, the film and numbers shows he’s essentially acting as Rutgers’ lone rim protector. I’m pretty sure he’s even the one jumping for the opening tip at center court.

The second best shot blocker on the team is Somerville, with just 18 blocks all season, that’s only one more than Dylan Harper, who’s 3rd in total blocks for Rutgers. Both Somerville and Harper averaged a combined 1.2 bpg. The numbers clearly show Bailey is carrying the rim protection burden.

Now, if you project him into a lineup with a rim protector, it’s reasonable to expect his block numbers to drop. And when you factor in his low steal rate, nearly identical to Tre Johnson’s, you start to see a more limited defensive profile.

What twisted "logic" to somehow turn shotblocking and weakside rim protection into a negative. Get a prescription for your ADS!

[Negrodamus]

Is Kaparas' defense passable? I only watched 1/2 games and then its been youtube scouting. The offensive skills clearly go crazy.

I'd say he's in a similar vein to Kon in that he tries harder and a more willing defender than Tre. I just think there will always be limitations on what he can do since he's not particularly long. Certainly needs to get stronger so he can go through screens at the next level. If he gets switched onto a big, it's basically an insta-bucket if he's within 15ft of the basket.

[Mik317]

The 3rd pick is the worst spot in the draft, it’s the only spot where there’s almost 0 chance at landing a steal, and there’s like 2 to 3 picks below that has a high chance of being better than the guy you’re picking at 3rd.

Michael Jordan was drafted with the 3rd pick

I rest my case

[Iverson Armband]

Tre getting Ray Allen comparisons. Interesting. His stroke is about as pure as you’ll see that’s undeniable.

[76ciology]

The 3rd pick is the worst spot in the draft, it’s the only spot where there’s almost 0 chance at landing a steal, and there’s like 2 to 3 picks below that has a high chance of being better than the guy you’re picking at 3rd.

Michael Jordan was drafted with the 3rd pick

I rest my case

Im referring to this draft

[76ciology]

Is Kaparas' defense passable? I only watched 1/2 games and then its been youtube scouting. The offensive skills clearly go crazy.

Check Cashiggy’s channel. He covers scoring, passing and defense for all players

[ProcessDoctor]

Is Kaparas' defense passable? I only watched 1/2 games and then its been youtube scouting. The offensive skills clearly go crazy.

No, unfortunately. If you build a team of defenders + shooters around him, he might really shine though.

Still, he's someone I'd definitely take over Tre and maybe over Kon.

[the_process]

I'm good with KJ, although I'd prefer him at somewhere 5-8.

[76ciology]

Is Kaparas' defense passable? I only watched 1/2 games and then its been youtube scouting. The offensive skills clearly go crazy.

I'd say he's in a similar vein to Kon in that he tries harder and a more willing defender than Tre. I just think there will always be limitations on what he can do since he's not particularly long. Certainly needs to get stronger so he can go through screens at the next level. If he gets switched onto a big, it's basically an insta-bucket if he's within 15ft of the basket.

He plays with a playoff-style intensity, similar to what you see in FIBA, high-effort, read-and-react basketball.

He processes plays quickly, fights through screens, and consistently gives effort. One downside is that his aggressiveness can lead to foul trouble.

In mismatch situations, he has enough strength to hold his own and buy time for help to arrive.

He wont make the all defensive team but I’d say he won’t be a liability either.

[Negrodamus]

Personally, I’m only considering VJ, Tre, and Kasparas for the third pick. Ace isn’t really in the conversation for me, by doing that Im eliminating the noise to make me less overthink.

It's very difficult for me to pick between the three. Kasparas on paper looks the best but his 1 dunk on the season and the eye test of him looking smaller than he is out there concerns me. Even Tre dunked it 7 times on 11 attempts and he barely even see the basket that close up.

VJ's defense is very overblown, he's totally clueless off ball. Very frustrating to watch when he's ball watching for an entire possession and he gets cooked on a backdoor cut. Or when he overcommits on a close out and gets pump faked. He has all the tools but he uses them in chaotic ways. Even his shot is a little wonky. The handles are mechanic even though he does show flashes of legit navigation in traffic. Him being pretty bad at the rim in halfcourt situations is hard for me to reconcile too. If he had a 7'ft wingspan, I'd grit my teeth, shrug my shoulders, and say he's the pick.

Tre's shot diet is disqualifying in itself (much like A** Ba****). Shot 18% of his FG at the rim. His FTr is also a bit too low for my liking (but I can actually hold my nose and work with .265 FTr). Mix in that his defense is a complete dumpster fire and it's so hard for me to get on board with him.

It's the tale of elite production vs athleticism vs size. Not saying the others don't produce, but Kasparas hits all the markers of a superstar scorer at the next level. VJ on tape is obviously the superior athlete by what seems like a substantial margin of the three. And Tre has a 6'10 W/S and a decent frame to add weight which is usually what you'd see from the stars of the league.

It's really just taking a gamble on what traits you think have the best chance of translating into stardom at the next level.

If only there was a player with two of these things: an offensive initiator who was 6'10+ with a 7'+ wingspan and had fairly elite offensive production (particularly at the end of the year).

Watch on YouTube

Also, just wanted to put this out there as far as athleticism goes:

Queen: 39 dunks

Flagg: 36 dunks
Harper: 11 dunks
Bailey: 24 dunks
Edgecombe: 33 dunks
Fears: 9 dunks
Tre: 7 dunks
Kon: 2 dunks
Kasparas: 1 dunk
Maluach: 81 dunks
CMB: 26 dunks

So the only guy outdunking him in this top 10 is the 7'2 guy with a 7'7 wingspan.