2025 NBA Draft (2)

[Black Mage]

More of a case for Edgecombe. The concern is his ability to create on offense, but I was shocked that he really does score in line with ISO scorers of the past:

At the rim:
76-126 60.3% FG 39.5% shots assisted

Other 2pt FG:
37-96 38.5% FG 21.6% shots assisted

3FG:
50-149 33.6%FG 86.0% shots assisted

Obviously the 3FG are higher assisted, which is to be expected unless you're a lead ball handler or someone who takes tough shots.

Just curious where are you pulling those stats from and do are they half court only or include transition? The offensive rating tells a different story for VJ where his team improved significantly with him off the court which if you think about it is worrisome given he relied upon quite a bit of transition buckets off steals or fast breaks.

[Negrodamus]

More of a case for Edgecombe. The concern is his ability to create on offense, but I was shocked that he really does score in line with ISO scorers of the past:

At the rim:
76-126 60.3% FG 39.5% shots assisted

Other 2pt FG:
37-96 38.5% FG 21.6% shots assisted

3FG:
50-149 33.6%FG 86.0% shots assisted

Obviously the 3FG are higher assisted, which is to be expected unless you're a lead ball handler or someone who takes tough shots.

Just curious where are you pulling those stats from and do are they half court only or include transition? The offensive rating tells a different story for VJ where his team improved significantly with him off the court which if you think about it is worrisome given he relied upon quite a bit of transition buckets off steals or fast breaks.

https://barttorvik.com/playerstat.php?year=2025&p=V.J.%20Edgecombe&t=Baylor

[Negrodamus]

Even though I have my reservations with Edgecombe, there is a lot to like and he does hit the analytical sweet spot for me.

One thing that I would appreciate is the changing of culture from lumbering back on defense, not going after rebounds, not grinding. Maxey, Edgecombe, and McCain all seem to be the opposite of that type of persona.

[Jojothewhale]

I don't trust Jakucionis to beat NBA PoA defenders off the dribble. The physical juice just isn't there for an early lottery risk.

I'm a numbers guy, but they can't convince me that's wrong. And if I criticize Ace for that, I have to apply it consistently.

Hc rim frequency 30% at 61FG%
50% FTr;
50% 3PTr
85 FT%
59TS%
Shot 41% on 3,15 games prior to injury
96th percentile in PnR 35.8% of his stepback 3’s, going 12/23 on “side step backs
He’s a very good FT shooter 85-90-ish prior to illinois

He’s a legit 3 level scorer, he has one of the highest feel and IQ. He’s one of the rare high usage guys with good motor (averaged 2.2 stl% prior to injury; ended up with good rebounding number; never gives up on defense)

He had almost 10BPM prior to his injury

The shooting is legit. You could see actual 30’ range out of that guy on a meaningful scale. I was at various points this year high on him. I’d still take him in the lottery.

As I said in the post you quoted, numbers don’t mean a single thing to me here. I don’t see the juice to blow by NBA defenders. Watch what Lamont Butler did to him in that Kentucky game.

If I was going to take a Guard who I don’t trust to get to the rim, I’d rather pull the Tre Johnson lever.

[76ciology]

“Some years we expect July 1st to be the big time for offseason activity, I think the [NBA Draft] will be very big this time … Either [pick 2 or 3] I think have a chance to be in play. And I don’t know what’s going to happen with them … Maybe the Sixers will trade up with the Spurs? Maybe the Sixers will trade back? Maybe they’ll trade out? That’s going to be an interesting night.”

WindhorstESPN on NBA Today

[the_process]

Trade up? I mean, Harper would be great and the Spurs don't need him... but what is SA going to want? Not willing to send multiple future picks, and they won't be interested in anyone the Sixers have.

[ivysixer2000]

We all know Morey is a star chaser. I have to think he has at least asked the Bucks about Giannis. Due diligence would only be there, since the Spurs are already entertaining it.

If healthy, he does actually fit as he can rebound, block shots and such that Jojo can't do. We would have plenty of shooting around him depending on who we have to give up to get him. The trade would be complicated, but I could see it working if healthy to actually win now.

Now it would probably be #3 and PG, but why not? Does Morey want to win now or build for a future that might never happen? Have we totally given up on Jojo? Would it be Jojo instead of PG? We have seen it takes youth and depth now to win, sacrificing that youth for a veteran former MVP superstar, is it worth it?

Thoughts bouncing around in my head.

[Iverson Armband]

Trade up? I mean, Harper would be great and the Spurs don't need him... but what is SA going to want? Not willing to send multiple future picks, and they won't be interested in anyone the Sixers have.

I’d draw the line at #3 and 2028 (protected 1-2) Clippers pick to move up to #2.

[PhillyNj]

Trade up? I mean, Harper would be great and the Spurs don't need him... but what is SA going to want? Not willing to send multiple future picks, and they won't be interested in anyone the Sixers have.

I’d draw the line at #3 and 2028 (protected 1-2) Clippers pick to move up to #2.

Omg no! Didn’t Fultz teach you anything.
WOW. Harper and Bailey are about the same talent. No one should offer anything to move up!

[the_process]

Trade up? I mean, Harper would be great and the Spurs don't need him... but what is SA going to want? Not willing to send multiple future picks, and they won't be interested in anyone the Sixers have.

I’d draw the line at #3 and 2028 (protected 1-2) Clippers pick to move up to #2.

Omg no! Didn’t Fultz teach you anything.
WOW. Harper and Bailey are about the same talent. No one should offer anything to move up!

This I completely disagree with.

However, definitely not excited about even the idea of trading up unless it's for cheap, which makes no sense for SA. The PTSD is real.

[Negrodamus]

I would not trade up. Harper is a no brainer if he's available to be selected, but he's not a fail proof prospect like Cooper Flagg. Still has a few issues that give me concerns. I would not give up assets to get him.

[76ers76ers]

VJ @ 3 or trade down for CMB. VJ kinda gives that Jimmy vibe.

[mjkvol]

I think Morey is most intrigued by Edgecombe for a few reasons.

-analytical darling
-puts up gigantic effort every game
-has the off court personality you’d like from a prospect
-many holes are fixable (off ball defense, add weight)
-a fit with Maxey, PG, Embiid
-adds athleticism, rim pressure

In terms of a Morey “don’t overthink it” VJ is that guy.

I think he will take the guy he thinks has the best chance to be a 1A on a championship team, whoever that guy is. Not sure when you pick in the top 3 he's going to be focused on specific attributes unless they go into the likelihood that player becomes a 1A on a title team.

That's going to be difficult in that there are no real potential 1A's in this draft after Flagg. Trading back and staying in the lottery has to be option #1.

[ProcessDoctor]

Morey can't sit still lol.

In fairness, he probably sees this as the best (only?) opportunity to acquire our next franchise player. Maxey is a #2, McCain is TBD, and Embiid's best ball is probably behind him. If he doesn't believe in the guys he expects to be there at #3, then I understand wanting to pivot.

If it's Giannis, I just can't get behind gutting our depth again. Like we finally have young, adequate depth if our stars are ever healthy. Not doing George or Embiid + McCain + #3 + more picks.

[Jojothewhale]

Morey is a sneaky low risk GM archetype. I think moving down is more likely than up even if SA would entertain it. Well, at least assuming they want normalish assets to get to 2. Cheaply is a different discussion.

[ProcessDoctor]

I think Morey is most intrigued by Edgecombe for a few reasons.

-analytical darling
-puts up gigantic effort every game
-has the off court personality you’d like from a prospect
-many holes are fixable (off ball defense, add weight)
-a fit with Maxey, PG, Embiid
-adds athleticism, rim pressure

In terms of a Morey “don’t overthink it” VJ is that guy.

I think he will take the guy he thinks has the best chance to be a 1A on a championship team, whoever that guy is. Not sure when you pick in the top 3 he's going to be focused on specific attributes unless they go into the likelihood that player becomes a 1A on a title team.

That's going to be difficult in that there are no real potential 1A's in this draft after Flagg. Trading back and staying in the lottery has to be option #1.

I think Harper has Harden-level upside, sans the number of FTA.

[Doramas]

I would like to know what Collin Murray-Boyles is like, how does he play, what are his strengths and what are his weaknesses? He's barefoot without shoes, 6' 6.50'' and has a 7' 0.75'' wingspan and is about to turn 20 years old.
Opinions, please.

[Black Mage]

What if Rutgers' coaches had working brains and they benched their version of Ben Simmons to improve spacing?

https://hoop-explorer.com/OnOffAnalyzer?autoOffQuery=true&baseQuery=&gender=Men&maxRank=400&minRank=0&offQuery=NOT%20%28%22Williams%2C%20Jeremiah%22%20%29&onQuery=%22Williams%2C%20Jeremiah%22%20&team=Rutgers&year=2024%2F25&

Ace's percentages skyrocket thanks to the spacing change once you stop playing 4 on 5 on offense. Those championing CMB should remember the dark ages of a non-shooting threat Ben Simmons.

::EDIT::

For those that won't click a link or read a chart.

3pt% improves from 31% to 38%
2pt% 47% to 56%
2pt mid range 46% to 51%
At the rim 51% to 73%!

[Black Mage]

I would like to know what Collin Murray-Boyles is like, how does he play, what are his strengths and what are his weaknesses? He's barefoot without shoes, 6' 6.50'' and has a 7' 0.75'' wingspan and is about to turn 20 years old.
Opinions, please.

Can't shoot and does not try to shoot. Let's not do Ben Simmons 2.0 please.

[Mik317]

If the Spurs trade down that feels like its for VJ , no?