2025 NBA Draft Discussion Part 8

[OakleyDokely]

Im starting to lean Fleming with our pick. The top 8 seems pretty solid -> Flagg, Harper, Edgecombe, Bailey, Fears, Kon, Queen, Tre

Meaning if one of those guys slips, I'd probably take them.

Outside of that we are picking from Fleming, Essengue, Maluach, Bryant, Demin, Kasparas, J-Rich

I like KJ and Fleming but I think Fleming has more 2-way upside. We need a great shooter next to Barnes and Poeltl and Fleming could be that guy who also plays great defense.

If Maluach is there, I think he's the pick. He fits the need of another big and he has the size/versatility/potential the Raps typically look for in a prospect.

[Buff]

I look at Maluach's stats and it scares me. How does a guy with his size not know how to rebound? Or .... do anything of significance at all?

I get the need for a future C but this guy looks stiff and awkward and uncoordinated. If he's there Masai probably takes him and I cheer for him, but this kid has absolutely NOTHING on Zach Eddy or any other big C that's come out recently

He anchored one of the best defenses in the country. One that got *worse* with him off the floor.

[DG88]

Admittedly, i'm not a college basketball fan but why is Jeremiah Fears being considered so high? He's small and shot 28% from three. This reminds me of James Bouknight, Johnny Davis, Kira Lewis type of player.

I'd say these are the key reasons:

-he's one of the youngest players in the draft (doesn't turn 19 until Oct)

-3 level scoring potential

-very good handles and he has the ability to create off the dribble and get to the line at a high rate.

-he took a lot of difficult 3pt shots in a very high usage role which really tanked his 3pt%. He shot nearly 40% on catch and shoot 3s but was terrible on pullup, off the dribble stuff. His 3pt volume, FT% and catch and shoot % suggest he can be a good 3pt shooter eventually.

-even though his 3pt% wasn't good, he was still a more efficient scorer overall (56 TS%) than guys like Ace (53 TS%), VJ (55 TS%) with a similar or higher usage rate.

-He's not a huge guy, and he probably won't ever be a great defender but he did create turnovers and had a good steals rate.

-solid rebounder and playmaker



You basically have to believe in the offensive upside as a 3 level scorer. if you don't, then he's a pass.

Going into the draft he was my favourite to be our pick. Then we fell to 9th and I didn't have much hope he'd make it. If he somehow did you pick him and run. This maybe the last time we'd have a chance at getting a high upside prospect

[UnbelievablyRAW]

Im starting to lean Fleming with our pick. The top 8 seems pretty solid -> Flagg, Harper, Edgecombe, Bailey, Fears, Kon, Queen, Tre

Meaning if one of those guys slips, I'd probably take them.

Outside of that we are picking from Fleming, Essengue, Maluach, Bryant, Demin, Kasparas, J-Rich

I like KJ and Fleming but I think Fleming has more 2-way upside. We need a great shooter next to Barnes and Poeltl and Fleming could be that guy who also plays great defense.

If Maluach is there, I think he's the pick. He fits the need of another big and he has the size/versatility/potential the Raps typically look for in a prospect.

I'm hoping we take Carter/Fleming with 9 and trade back into 14 (Ochai or Gradey for Blake Wesley and 14). Sorber is likely there at 14 and fits what the Raptors need at backup 5. We get one of the best defensive bigs in the draft next to a scoring forward/wing with insane measurements (Fleming), or a high energy defensive wing with explosive athleticism and a good C&S jumper (Bryant).

Queen may also be available at 14 if the FO likes him. Windhorst said today to expect a lot of activity around this draft, and I don't believe SAS will draft multiple rookies this year

[DG88]

Read on Twitter

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[Brinbe]

The thing that helps with Maluach (or Queen) is that they can ease him along and be mentored by Yak as an eventual replacement 2-4 years down the line and I trust this developmental team to get the best out of him, assuming he is the pick.

And with Fears, just gonna keep reposting this until people get it.

Read on Twitter

context, he did all this as an 18-year-old freshman who was supposed to be a hs senior in the NCAA tournament against the defending champs (albeit they weren't as strong without castle/clingon, but still).

This is why we watch the actual games during the season. Same reason why people love Carter Bryant. He simply made that Arizona team better regardless of whatever people wanna say after the fact.

and it's not even some one-off.

Back to Fears though

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

he raised his game at the most important time and was a big reason OU advanced in that SEC tourney. Not everything is just stats, it's how they impact winning. And guys like Fears/Carter/etc, simply do that and doesn't all show up in the boxscore.

[Got Nuffin]

I look at Maluach's stats and it scares me. How does a guy with his size not know how to rebound? Or .... do anything of significance at all?

I get the need for a future C but this guy looks stiff and awkward and uncoordinated. If he's there Masai probably takes him and I cheer for him, but this kid has absolutely NOTHING on Zach Eddy or any other big C that's come out recently

He anchored one of the best defenses in the country. One that got *worse* with him off the floor.

Yeah, significantly worse - and it's not like Duke had some bum as a backup C (sorry forgot his name) - he was really solid and STILL they were significantly better with Maluach. His length and rim deterrence is on another level.

Would 100% take Maluach at 9 unless someone like Fears drops. If they're gone, I think i lean towards Essengue, Carter, Jaku.. could be any number of guys in this draft actually lol.

[Indeed]

I look at Maluach's stats and it scares me. How does a guy with his size not know how to rebound? Or .... do anything of significance at all?

I get the need for a future C but this guy looks stiff and awkward and uncoordinated. If he's there Masai probably takes him and I cheer for him, but this kid has absolutely NOTHING on Zach Eddy or any other big C that's come out recently

He anchored one of the best defenses in the country. One that got *worse* with him off the floor.

I heard the on/off stats is otherwise, not much of a difference. You have reference that it was worse when he is off the floor?

[S.W.A.N]

I'd say these are the key reasons:

-he's one of the youngest players in the draft (doesn't turn 19 until Oct)

-3 level scoring potential

-very good handles and he has the ability to create off the dribble and get to the line at a high rate.

-he took a lot of difficult 3pt shots in a very high usage role which really tanked his 3pt%. He shot nearly 40% on catch and shoot 3s but was terrible on pullup, off the dribble stuff. His 3pt volume, FT% and catch and shoot % suggest he can be a good 3pt shooter eventually.

-even though his 3pt% wasn't good, he was still a more efficient scorer overall (56 TS%) than guys like Ace (53 TS%), VJ (55 TS%) with a similar or higher usage rate.

-He's not a huge guy, and he probably won't ever be a great defender but he did create turnovers and had a good steals rate.

-solid rebounder and playmaker



You basically have to believe in the offensive upside as a 3 level scorer. if you don't, then he's a pass.

He's also not THAT small. He's slightly taller the IQ, but with a shorter wingspan... And 2 inches taller and longer than shead. He needs to put on some muscle though.

ya, he measured at 6'2 without shoes, so he's going to be 6'3/6'4 on the court.

he's only 180 lbs, so he does need to bulk up.

6'2.5 with 6'5.25 wingspan. (gotta give him that extra half inch)

Weight should come up to at least 190. 200 would be ideal. For reference Shead draft weight 200 and IQ was 186 Cason Wallace 195

[Indeed]

Im starting to lean Fleming with our pick. The top 8 seems pretty solid -> Flagg, Harper, Edgecombe, Bailey, Fears, Kon, Queen, Tre

Meaning if one of those guys slips, I'd probably take them.

Outside of that we are picking from Fleming, Essengue, Maluach, Bryant, Demin, Kasparas, J-Rich

I like KJ and Fleming but I think Fleming has more 2-way upside. We need a great shooter next to Barnes and Poeltl and Fleming could be that guy who also plays great defense.

If Maluach is there, I think he's the pick. He fits the need of another big and he has the size/versatility/potential the Raps typically look for in a prospect.

I'm hoping we take Carter/Fleming with 9 and trade back into 14 (Ochai or Gradey for Blake Wesley and 14). Sorber is likely there at 14 and fits what the Raptors need at backup 5. We get one of the best defensive bigs in the draft next to a scoring forward/wing with insane measurements (Fleming), or a high energy defensive wing with explosive athleticism and a good C&S jumper (Bryant).

Queen may also be available at 14 if the FO likes him. Windhorst said today to expect a lot of activity around this draft, and I don't believe SAS will draft multiple rookies this year

Issue with Fleming is his fit with our offensive system, where he needs to pass and make decision, which is why Sorber maybe the better fit.
Carter and Queen would have no issue with our offensive system.

[Dalek]

The thing that helps with Maluach that they can ease them along and be mentored by Yak as an eventual replacement 2-4 years down the line and I trust this developmental team to get the best out of him, assuming he is the pick.

And with Fears, just gonna keep reposting this until people get it.

Read on Twitter

context, he did all this as an 18-year-old freshman who was supposed to be a hs senior in the NCAA tournament against the defending champs (albeit they weren't as strong without castle/clingon, but still).

This is why we watch the actual games during the season. Same reason why people love Carter Bryant. He simply made that Arizona team better regardless of whatever people wanna say after the fact.

and it's not even some one-off.

Back to Fears though

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

he raised his game at the most important time and was a big reason OU advanced in that SEC tourney. Not everything is just stats, it's how they impact winning. And guys like Fears/Carter/etc, simply do that and doesn't all show up in the boxscore.

I kind of backed off of Fears and Jak because both of them are not great defenders. They are bigger guards but poor defensively which I think is a no-go in Toronto given we are a ball pressure team. Maybe Fears can improve but he dies on screens, gets caught ballwatching or is just in no-man's land. Maybe that can improve in time since he is so young, but it does stand out to me.

Fears did have a good tournament run, but it is evident that he is strictly an on-ball guy. I just get the picture in Toronto that with Scottie and the system we are not a team that works for a ball-dominant guard. It is why I preferred Jase more because he can slot as an off-ball threat. To me Fears is a great athlete, but without a jumper I am not sure he fits. Maybe at age 18 Raps will overlook those things, but we tend to want defense and shooting lately.

[Brinbe]

The thing that helps with Maluach that they can ease them along and be mentored by Yak as an eventual replacement 2-4 years down the line and I trust this developmental team to get the best out of him, assuming he is the pick.

And with Fears, just gonna keep reposting this until people get it.

Read on Twitter

context, he did all this as an 18-year-old freshman who was supposed to be a hs senior in the NCAA tournament against the defending champs (albeit they weren't as strong without castle/clingon, but still).

This is why we watch the actual games during the season. Same reason why people love Carter Bryant. He simply made that Arizona team better regardless of whatever people wanna say after the fact.

and it's not even some one-off.

Back to Fears though

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

he raised his game at the most important time and was a big reason OU advanced in that SEC tourney. Not everything is just stats, it's how they impact winning. And guys like Fears/Carter/etc, simply do that and doesn't all show up in the boxscore.

I kind of backed off of Fears and Jak because both of them are not great defenders. They are bigger guards but poor defensively which I think is a no-go in Toronto given we are a ball pressure team. Maybe Fears can improve but he dies on screens, gets caught ballwatching or is just in no-man's land. Maybe that can improve in time since he is so young, but it does stand out to me.

Fears did have a good tournament run, but it is evident that he is strictly an on-ball guy. I just get the picture in Toronto that with Scottie and the system we are not a team that works for a ball-dominant guard. It is why I preferred Jase more because he can slot as an off-ball threat. To me Fears is a great athlete, but without a jumper I am not sure he fits. Maybe at age 18 Raps will overlook those things, but we tend to want defense and shooting lately.

I think the shooting will def be a swing for him regardless but the upside in terms of playmaking/scoring and being an offensive engine are too large to ignore at 9 and I don't think you really draft with existing roster fit or whatever in mind. It's the same thing with Queen, you aim for possible stars first on your board and then high-end role players. Just get the most impactful players, period, And on the defensive end you gotta consider Fears was playing as a freshman in the toughest conference in the country, which was filled with way older upper classmen and was probably legit the all-time toughest conference in NCAA history considering how many SEC teams made the tournament, so it's too soon to say what he'll be on that end. But I think he'll actually be alright as he ages/matures and his body fills in but he definitely wasn't a negative for them as is. Is he gonna be a Philon-type? Probably not, but I don't think it's gonna be like Trae Young bad.

And I've been a big Jase supporter for months now, especially as his role grew as MSU hit conference play, and I'd definitely have zero proiblems if they picked him.

[DreamTeam09]

If Maluach is there, I think he's the pick. He fits the need of another big and he has the size/versatility/potential the Raps typically look for in a prospect.

I'm hoping we take Carter/Fleming with 9 and trade back into 14 (Ochai or Gradey for Blake Wesley and 14). Sorber is likely there at 14 and fits what the Raptors need at backup 5. We get one of the best defensive bigs in the draft next to a scoring forward/wing with insane measurements (Fleming), or a high energy defensive wing with explosive athleticism and a good C&S jumper (Bryant).

Queen may also be available at 14 if the FO likes him. Windhorst said today to expect a lot of activity around this draft, and I don't believe SAS will draft multiple rookies this year

Issue with Fleming is his fit with our offensive system, where he needs to pass and make decision, which is why Sorber maybe the better fit.
Carter and Queen would have no issue with our offensive system.

Not everyone in our system needs to be a hub, we could definitely use a tall 3+D guy

[Indeed]

I'm hoping we take Carter/Fleming with 9 and trade back into 14 (Ochai or Gradey for Blake Wesley and 14). Sorber is likely there at 14 and fits what the Raptors need at backup 5. We get one of the best defensive bigs in the draft next to a scoring forward/wing with insane measurements (Fleming), or a high energy defensive wing with explosive athleticism and a good C&S jumper (Bryant).

Queen may also be available at 14 if the FO likes him. Windhorst said today to expect a lot of activity around this draft, and I don't believe SAS will draft multiple rookies this year

Issue with Fleming is his fit with our offensive system, where he needs to pass and make decision, which is why Sorber maybe the better fit.
Carter and Queen would have no issue with our offensive system.

Not everyone in our system needs to be a hub, we could definitely use a tall 3+D guy

The reality isn't about making exception, but understand the fact that Darko's system has everyone making passes.
And there is a difference between making a pass and decision vs a hub. Meanwhile, Fleming isn't even good at making a pass or making a decision, he isn't a connector to begin with.

[WuTang_OG]

If we go guard or wing at 9
Therrs a lot of good big man depth at 39

Read on Twitter

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[raptor jesus]

After watching a longform video of all of Fleming's shot attempts, I have a hard time buying into his shooting. His mechanics are weird - he elevates really high and then seems to release the ball too late, like he held down the shooting button too long in 2k. This causes a lot of his shots to come up short (I mean serious bricks), which is worrisome at the college level where the line is significantly closer. I think it's far from a given that he's an automatic 3&D guy.

Watch on YouTube

[HangTime]

I look at Maluach's stats and it scares me. How does a guy with his size not know how to rebound? Or .... do anything of significance at all?

I get the need for a future C but this guy looks stiff and awkward and uncoordinated. If he's there Masai probably takes him and I cheer for him, but this kid has absolutely NOTHING on Zach Eddy or any other big C that's come out recently

He anchored one of the best defenses in the country. One that got *worse* with him off the floor.

There's so much he can do that doesn't show up in The standard, or advanced numbers.

Like how many times did someone not drive because he was around the paint, or how many shots were altered, once they got in the paint.
How many rebounds was he able to clear space for his teammates to get.
He allows the perimeter defence to be extra aggressive.

[UnbelievablyRAW]

Read on Twitter

?s=46

Hint: both are prospect bigs in this draft class

[XTC]

I look at Maluach's stats and it scares me. How does a guy with his size not know how to rebound? Or .... do anything of significance at all?

I get the need for a future C but this guy looks stiff and awkward and uncoordinated. If he's there Masai probably takes him and I cheer for him, but this kid has absolutely NOTHING on Zach Eddy or any other big C that's come out recently

He anchored one of the best defenses in the country. One that got *worse* with him off the floor.

You sure about that? I love when people bring this up This myth has been debunked time and time again.

Duke had a DRTG of 94.6 when Maluach was on the floor, and a DRTG of 94.3 when Maluach was off the floor. Duke's defense got marginally better when Maluach sat. *Duke had an alltime great defense whether Maluach was playing or not.* is the phrase you should have said.

Source: https://www.dukechronicle.com/article/2025/04/duke-mens-basketball-khaman-maluach-development-final-four-jon-scheyer-offense-defense-rebounding-alley-oop

"Duke’s defensive rating, which measures points allowed per 100 possessions, did not change significantly from when Maluach was on the floor (94.6) to when he sat (94.3)."

Im still waiting for people to tell me why Maluach is this tantalizing center prospect. He's a center with amazing measurements, subpar combine athletic testing, can't block shots, and he has this imaginary jumper.

[TakeYourHeart]

Im starting to lean Fleming with our pick. The top 8 seems pretty solid -> Flagg, Harper, Edgecombe, Bailey, Fears, Kon, Queen, Tre

Meaning if one of those guys slips, I'd probably take them.

Outside of that we are picking from Fleming, Essengue, Maluach, Bryant, Demin, Kasparas, J-Rich

I like KJ and Fleming but I think Fleming has more 2-way upside. We need a great shooter next to Barnes and Poeltl and Fleming could be that guy who also plays great defense.

If Maluach is there, I think he's the pick. He fits the need of another big and he has the size/versatility/potential the Raps typically look for in a prospect.

I hope he's off the board so we don't take him. We need someone with high offensive upside, we need to go star potential hunting with this pick.