2025 Draft prospects - thread 2

[Chi town]

Seems everyone's draft crush for the Bulls at some point gets the "he will not be around at 12". If you are being looked at going out side of the top 10 you will have flaws that wont be overlooked by everyone. Some top 10 guy will fall to 12.

Hoping it’s KJ

41% from 3 pre injury. I think he goes before 12.

Think Fears KJ or Kon slips.

[Jcool0]

Isaiah Thomas at one point was a 28 ppg guy for Boston. Was out of the league by 30.

While you're right that short guards often have short NBA lifespans, in IT's case his career was abruptly ended by a hip injury -- a lesson in the danger of playing through pain.

He was healthy the last few season and you would see highlights of him putting up 50 in the G-League and i think he only has gotten 1 or 2 15 day contracts out of it.

[Jcool0]

Hoping it’s KJ

41% from 3 pre injury. I think he goes before 12.

Think Fears KJ or Kon slips.

If one slips its going to be Fears. He was seen in that 14-18 range and then seemingly out of no where he is a top 10 guy.

[Chi town]

After initial intrigue… I’m 100% against drafting Jase Richardson. He has a high bust risk imo. 6’1 with 6’6 wingspan, no special passing chops and average athleticism is just not cutting it in the NBA. You have to work extra hard. Quickley has a taller wingspan, and he had a more specialized skill (3P shot). I think you’re making your life hard by hoping he translates at #12. I’d be comfortable taking this gamble at 20-30.

The secret sauce to OKC’s guard heavy rotation, is all their 6’3-6’6 guys actually have 6’9+ wingspans (and good athleticism). We’ve seen this over and over again; Lavine, Coby, Jevon… these guys have to work extra hard on defense. All sub 6’6 wingspans.

Then lo and behold… Ayo, Lonzo… 6’9 wingspans… Ayo’s barely playable on the offensive end sometimes, yet the coach gives him minutes. Other guy was essentially medically retired and coming back rusty as hell. Still positive impact.

This isn’t rocket science. Wingspan translates to the defensive end; target 6’9+ in the lottery, unless the guy has extraordinary offensive skills (vision, 3P, handles).

Seems like some basic traits to look for would be a long wing player (or pf/center) with above average athleticism and a high motor. At least the floor would be impact on the defensive end, good in the open court, and a threat on lobs. if they also can shoot, that's a plus. If they also can handle the ball, another plus. Good passing instincts, another plus.

But I'd rather start with the foundation of length, athletic ability, and motor, and then build out from there, rather than going with a player who lacks length, athleticism, and is passive, and hoping whatever other skills they have can outweigh those negatives.

To that point, Noa seems like a good target. You just hope he can learn to shoot.

Exactly. That foundation is the must to build from especially two way players that play with pace.

Noa and Coward fit that well.
Don’t know KJ’s wingspan. Do know he’s strong and can move his feet and he has a motor and plays with a strong competitive edge.

Want nothing to do with passive. See Demin.

[Chi town]

41% from 3 pre injury. I think he goes before 12.

Think Fears KJ or Kon slips.

If one slips its going to be Fears. He was seen in that 14-18 range and then seemingly out of no where he is a top 10 guy.

Fears has top 5 ceiling. Would love him as our backup PG and bucket off the bench. Once his 3 ball is dialed he will be a tough cover. His FT% is elite. He’s also tough and loves contact and a challenge. He will be picked on D for a while though. He’s strong for his age and feisty.

[Jcool0]

Think Fears KJ or Kon slips.

If one slips its going to be Fears. He was seen in that 14-18 range and then seemingly out of no where he is a top 10 guy.

Fears has top 5 ceiling. Would love him as our backup PG and bucket off the bench. Once his 3 ball is dialed he will be a tough cover. His FT% is elite. He’s also tough and loves contact and a challenge. He will be picked on D for a while though. He’s strong for his age and feisty.

Any guy going in the top 15 can have a top 5 ceiling. He is essentially a shorter RJ Barrett... bad shot, doesn't play D and turnover problems.

[Chi town]

If one slips its going to be Fears. He was seen in that 14-18 range and then seemingly out of no where he is a top 10 guy.

Fears has top 5 ceiling. Would love him as our backup PG and bucket off the bench. Once his 3 ball is dialed he will be a tough cover. His FT% is elite. He’s also tough and loves contact and a challenge. He will be picked on D for a while though. He’s strong for his age and feisty.

Any guy going in the top 15 can have a top 5 ceiling. He is essentially a shorter RJ Barrett... bad shot, doesn't play D and turnover problems.

Hahhahaha.

Fears has the best handle in the draft. Plays nothing like Barrett.

[Jcool0]

Fears has top 5 ceiling. Would love him as our backup PG and bucket off the bench. Once his 3 ball is dialed he will be a tough cover. His FT% is elite. He’s also tough and loves contact and a challenge. He will be picked on D for a while though. He’s strong for his age and feisty.

Any guy going in the top 15 can have a top 5 ceiling. He is essentially a shorter RJ Barrett... bad shot, doesn't play D and turnover problems.

Hahhahaha.

Fears has the best handle in the draft. Plays nothing like Barrett.

Whatever you say.

[TheJordanRule]

Fears has top 5 ceiling. Would love him as our backup PG and bucket off the bench. Once his 3 ball is dialed he will be a tough cover. His FT% is elite. He’s also tough and loves contact and a challenge. He will be picked on D for a while though. He’s strong for his age and feisty.

Any guy going in the top 15 can have a top 5 ceiling. He is essentially a shorter RJ Barrett... bad shot, doesn't play D and turnover problems.

Hahhahaha.

Fears has the best handle in the draft. Plays nothing like Barrett.

Barrett doesn't have that lightning quick first step or overall straight line speed. He's big for a PG, and a freak athlete. I'm with Chitown. Barrett is not a good comparison IMO.

[Jcool0]

Any guy going in the top 15 can have a top 5 ceiling. He is essentially a shorter RJ Barrett... bad shot, doesn't play D and turnover problems.

Hahhahaha.

Fears has the best handle in the draft. Plays nothing like Barrett.

Barrett doesn't have that lightning quick first step or overall straight line speed. He's big for a PG, and a freak athlete. I'm with Chitown. Barrett is not a good comparison IMO.

180lbs is not big for a PG and he is not an athletic freak. You sure you have the right player? Maybe you are thinking of VJ?

[kodo]

Do we have any evidence of AK claiming they are following the Pacers build before this playoffs?

I think it's just people noticing the similarity of the team styles.
Last season the Pacers were
#1 on PPG
#2 on Pace
#1 on Assists
#11 on 3PM
#24 on Defense

The post trade Bulls were
#2 on PPG
#2 on Pace
#5 on Assists
#9 on 3PM
#19 on Defense

Also both teams are famously anti-tank. Their starters were drafted 11, 12, 31, 27, 14...and Indiana didn't even draft most of them. It's been mostly trades.

[TheJordanRule]

Hahhahaha.

Fears has the best handle in the draft. Plays nothing like Barrett.

Barrett doesn't have that lightning quick first step or overall straight line speed. He's big for a PG, and a freak athlete. I'm with Chitown. Barrett is not a good comparison IMO.

180lbs is not big for a PG and he is not an athletic freak. You sure you have the right player? Maybe you are thinking of VJ?

VJ is immense for a PG for sure but what I mean is Fears is 6 ft 4, and that quick first step is why he routinely dunks on people. 6 ft 4 is plenty big for a PG. If we bet on Fears, we'd be betting that he can increase his strength and turnover ratio. It wouldn't be anything like betting on RJ, who after his most statistically successful season ever (and seven seasons in) is still desperately on the trading block.

[BullsSD]

yeah i agree that draymond is a logical big-picture comp as shorthand, but if you're going to focus on offense specifically, i don't think it makes any sense to object to someone comparing his game to randle (who imo is very similar to him stylistically on that end, particularly as a prospect) and say he's more draymond instead

to me, you're missing an important part of cmb's appeal if you don't emphasize how strong he was as a scorer, even if it's not clear that ability will translate to the next level

I guess I see them almost identical defensively. That’s the main reason for the comp. Offensively I don’t think it’s far off though. They are undersized play making 4’s with limited shooting abilities. Both will receive wide open 3’s, and you pray to God they make it. Personally, I cringe every time Draymond shoots.

I think it’s much more of a stretch to think CMB could ever shoot remotely as good as Julius.

Respect your opinion tho!


Edit: CMB’s college appeal was that they ran offense through him. Zero NBA teams will run offense through a guy who can’t shoot outside of 7 feet.

[BullsSD]

Still hoping for Fleming and that we Naz Reid our core of Giddey/White/Buzelis. A good center will sign within 2-3 years to play with that team.

[drosestruts]

Barrett doesn't have that lightning quick first step or overall straight line speed. He's big for a PG, and a freak athlete. I'm with Chitown. Barrett is not a good comparison IMO.

180lbs is not big for a PG and he is not an athletic freak. You sure you have the right player? Maybe you are thinking of VJ?

VJ is immense for a PG for sure but what I mean is Fears is 6 ft 4, and that quick first step is why he routinely dunks on people. 6 ft 4 is plenty big for a PG. If we bet on Fears, we'd be betting that he can increase his strength and turnover ratio. It wouldn't be anything like betting on RJ, who after his most statistically successful season ever (and seven seasons in) is still desperately on the trading block.

Hold Up!

https://floorandceiling.substack.com/p/2025-nba-draft-jeremiah-fears-scouting

"Fears is 6'4" and that quick first step is why he routinely dunks on people" - this what you said

Fears had 5 dunks all season, none in the halfcourt. - this is the truth

Fears shot 46% at the rim in the halfcourt

[Repeat 3-peat]

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One of my top players for pick #45

[drosestruts]

I'll throw out another comparison for Jase Richardson...

Jared McCain.

McCain slipped in the draft due to his size and limited role at Duke. McCain looked pretty good this year in the NBA prior to his injury.

Like several other players we've compared Richardson to, Richardson's advanced stats and efficiency are better than McCain's college numbers.

[Red Larrivee]

yeah i agree that draymond is a logical big-picture comp as shorthand, but if you're going to focus on offense specifically, i don't think it makes any sense to object to someone comparing his game to randle (who imo is very similar to him stylistically on that end, particularly as a prospect) and say he's more draymond instead

to me, you're missing an important part of cmb's appeal if you don't emphasize how strong he was as a scorer, even if it's not clear that ability will translate to the next level

I guess I see them almost identical defensively. That’s the main reason for the comp. Offensively I don’t think it’s far off though. They are undersized play making 4’s with limited shooting abilities. Both will receive wide open 3’s, and you pray to God they make it. Personally, I cringe every time Draymond shoots.

I think it’s much more of a stretch to think CMB could ever shoot remotely as good as Julius.

Respect your opinion tho!


Edit: CMB’s college appeal was that they ran offense through him. Zero NBA teams will run offense through a guy who can’t shoot outside of 7 feet.

His college appeal was that as a freshman, he played the complimentary, two-way role on a tournament team and was the most valuable player there. Then as a sophomore, his efficiency and impact went up as the focal point despite having no credible talent around him.

Again, I really think people are making a disconnect by thinking that because CMB is a poor shooter, then he's a non-threat on offense and can't score. That's just not the reality statistically or what's obvious during games. The Green comp makes zero sense on offense.

[TheJordanRule]

180lbs is not big for a PG and he is not an athletic freak. You sure you have the right player? Maybe you are thinking of VJ?

VJ is immense for a PG for sure but what I mean is Fears is 6 ft 4, and that quick first step is why he routinely dunks on people. 6 ft 4 is plenty big for a PG. If we bet on Fears, we'd be betting that he can increase his strength and turnover ratio. It wouldn't be anything like betting on RJ, who after his most statistically successful season ever (and seven seasons in) is still desperately on the trading block.

Hold Up!

https://floorandceiling.substack.com/p/2025-nba-draft-jeremiah-fears-scouting

"Fears is 6'4" and that quick first step is why he routinely dunks on people" - this what you said

Fears had 5 dunks all season, none in the halfcourt. - this is the truth

Fears shot 46% at the rim in the halfcourt

I appreciate the fact check, brother. We're all just trying to understand these players and this game a little better and your more accurate observation fits with that ultimate goal. I was getting sold by some highlights. I'm glad you mentioned that he's not a dunker. So that needs to be factored into his scouting. That first step is fire, though, right? What's stopping him from finishing with a jam?

[2weekswithpay]

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