2025 NBA Draft (2)

[eyeatoma]

Welcome to the board, not a bad first post haha!

[FireMorey]

VJ shot 78% from the line on 4 attempts. That would indicate the potential is there. He seems to be the type that wants to work. Get him with Tyrese.

His shot isn't bad. But he has a long way to go before he's able to use that shot off the dribble. He's shown he can hit shots when he's stationary at the FT line or in catch and shoot situations. But I find it risky to take a guy who offensively has no offensive arsenal with the ball in his hands. At least the other guys in the Sixers range have that. They have a variety of moves, go to's, etc.

Bailey, Kon, Tre, Harper all can just make shots that VJ can't right now. But VJ can do things that they can't as well. Picking top 5 I think you should always lean offensive upside though.

If Tre and Kon are going defensive liabilities, that is a no go for me. Neither are productive offensively for me to overlook that though maybe they see something different. With the current set of players most likely available, I think I will normally lean towards the one with athleticism and the mentality to constantly improve. Ultimately I think piking VJ will come down to if they think he can improve his dribbling. Daryl has been very good with drafting thought out his career, so whomever he takes Ill eventually be fine with. Though Id like them in an ideal world to trade the pick, and getting Herb Jones back would be fine with me. Maybe with everything going around with Zion the Pelicans finally decide to have firesale.

I'm not sure Tre has any more defensive risk than Maxey did when he was first drafted. Maxey isn't a great defender. He's ok. But his offense makes him very easily a plus player. You can overcome mediocre defense if you can really score. Remains to be seen if Tre and Kon can become the offensive player Maxey is.

[MVP1992]

The team has needed a rebounding/2-way PF every year I've followed this team.

Can that be got in the draft?
If not, are we drafting another combo guard and trading Maxey for an all-star level SF/PF ?

What's the best outcome?

I see a lot of 6'7" - 6'10" talent in next year's draft.

Considering Embiid's contract end date as a major milestone, wouldn't it be prudent to try and get young talent each year until that year, giving them a chance to develop, before having ~$69 million freed up in cap space, to sign a star and or pay our youth coming off rookie contracts?

His last year as an expiring could be of value to a team wanting the salary cap the following year.


2027-28: $64,302,336
2028-29: $69,065,472 (Player Option)

I see Paul George has a 15% trade bonus poison pill for any team seeing him as an expiring contract for his final player option contract year.

[okboomer]

His shot isn't bad. But he has a long way to go before he's able to use that shot off the dribble. He's shown he can hit shots when he's stationary at the FT line or in catch and shoot situations. But I find it risky to take a guy who offensively has no offensive arsenal with the ball in his hands. At least the other guys in the Sixers range have that. They have a variety of moves, go to's, etc.

Bailey, Kon, Tre, Harper all can just make shots that VJ can't right now. But VJ can do things that they can't as well. Picking top 5 I think you should always lean offensive upside though.

If Tre and Kon are going defensive liabilities, that is a no go for me. Neither are productive offensively for me to overlook that though maybe they see something different. With the current set of players most likely available, I think I will normally lean towards the one with athleticism and the mentality to constantly improve. Ultimately I think piking VJ will come down to if they think he can improve his dribbling. Daryl has been very good with drafting thought out his career, so whomever he takes Ill eventually be fine with. Though Id like them in an ideal world to trade the pick, and getting Herb Jones back would be fine with me. Maybe with everything going around with Zion the Pelicans finally decide to have firesale.

I'm not sure Tre has any more defensive risk than Maxey did when he was first drafted. Maxey isn't a great defender. He's ok. But his offense makes him very easily a plus player. You can overcome mediocre defense if you can really score. Remains to be seen if Tre and Kon can become the offensive player Maxey is.

Fair enough, though is he going to improve like Tyrese has? If so I think it wouldnt be a question on whom to pick. This is where the background scouting comes in.

[Black Mage]

Spoiler:

His shot isn't bad. But he has a long way to go before he's able to use that shot off the dribble. He's shown he can hit shots when he's stationary at the FT line or in catch and shoot situations. But I find it risky to take a guy who offensively has no offensive arsenal with the ball in his hands. At least the other guys in the Sixers range have that. They have a variety of moves, go to's, etc.

Bailey, Kon, Tre, Harper all can just make shots that VJ can't right now. But VJ can do things that they can't as well. Picking top 5 I think you should always lean offensive upside though.

If Tre and Kon are going defensive liabilities, that is a no go for me. Neither are productive offensively for me to overlook that though maybe they see something different. With the current set of players most likely available, I think I will normally lean towards the one with athleticism and the mentality to constantly improve. Ultimately I think piking VJ will come down to if they think he can improve his dribbling. Daryl has been very good with drafting thought out his career, so whomever he takes Ill eventually be fine with. Though Id like them in an ideal world to trade the pick, and getting Herb Jones back would be fine with me. Maybe with everything going around with Zion the Pelicans finally decide to have firesale.

I'm not sure Tre has any more defensive risk than Maxey did when he was first drafted. Maxey isn't a great defender. He's ok. But his offense makes him very easily a plus player. You can overcome mediocre defense if you can really score. Remains to be seen if Tre and Kon can become the offensive player Maxey is.

As Kyle noted in Friday's podcast, going from 1 defensive liability to 2 and even 3 (McCain) essentially renders their offensive benefits irrelevant in the playoffs because you can't hide 2 or 3 bad defenders.

[Phillybul]

The team has needed a rebounding/2-way PF every year I've followed this team.

Can that be got in the draft?
If not, are we drafting another combo guard and trading Maxey for an all-star level SF/PF ?

What's the best outcome?

I see a lot of 6'7" - 6'10" talent in next year's draft.

Considering Embiid's contract end date as a major milestone, wouldn't it be prudent to try and get young talent each year until that year, giving them a chance to develop, before having ~$69 million freed up in cap space, to sign a star and or pay our youth coming off rookie contracts?

His last year as an expiring could be of value to a team wanting the salary cap the following year.


2027-28: $64,302,336
2028-29: $69,065,472 (Player Option)

I see Paul George has a 15% trade bonus poison pill for any team seeing him as an expiring contract for his final player option contract year.

You’d have to trade up in the draft for that. Asa Newell and Collin Murray-Boyles fit the bill. The latter might be more reasonable to get. I think Newell goes late lottery or just outside of it.

Sixers first rd pick in 2026 is top 4 protected so it’s basically going to Okc. Unless disaster strikes again.

[eyeatoma]

Because of our issue being that we have 3 guards already, Grimes being a good defender as well as Maxey, but having an issue with size, I see the pick being Ace, or at worst VJ.

[Negrodamus]

Big Board as of now (not Sixers specific):
1. Flagg
2. Harper
3. Queen
4. Fears
5. Kasparas
6. VJ
7. Tre
8. Kon
9. Ace
10. Noa

EDIT: forgot VJ

Obviously I value foul generation/ball handling over most other traits. I think the Flagg, Harper, Queen grouping are real multi year All Star level talent. Fears and Kasparas have that upside but fall short in certain regards (for different reasons: size, STOCK generation, TOs, athleticism). VJ is that in between space where he does all the things I'm looking for: STOCK, FTr, AST%; but he is limited as a ballhandler. Tough guy to project for me. Tre, Kon, and Ace feel like high level role players with potential to figure out various holes and hit All Star level. Seems like a lot to ask, but there are outliers to hit with the amount of holes they have (Jaylen Brown for example). Won't count them out, but have to drop them down in my preference. Noa generates a ton of fouls but really doesn't get his own offense, like ever. Love his hustle and athleticism though. Nique Clifford would be a top 4 pick if he had his last season as a Fr. Since it was as a 5 year senior, he drops quite a bit.

I know the obviously red flag in this top 10 is Queen at 3. I know it's an unpopular position, but I don't find him unathletic. I also think many of the issues with him will require vetting during the predraft process, which none of us are privy to that information. But I think him getting into shape at a decently high level is easier to figure out than being positionally elite at ballhandling. Additionally, I think him being actually 6'10 in shoes with a 7'.5 wingspan (9' 1.50'' standing reach; higher than Sorber) gives better upside than some of these shorter guys with neutral wingspans. Finally, his actual play just looks elite to me. Easily passes the eye test, was a 20ppg scorer in March, was the go to guy for Maryland in the clutch and had a tournament game winning shot. Whether you think he fits with the Sixers or not (I obviously do), I think he will be a real stud for whatever team he plays for.

[M2J]

I’ve been all over the place when it comes to who they should take at 3. I’m back on the ACE train as I have been before he arrived ant Rutgers. And the other prospect I like at 3 would be Tre Johnson. I don’t feel his defense is that big of a deal if his offense is legit. And from all signs he’s flat out the best shooter in this draft. He may not be 3 levels as his ability at the rim is subpar. But creating his own offense, shooting off the dribble, moving without the ball? He fits the typical guard in today’s style of play.

I wouldn’t be upset with VJ. But not my preference. He does have a high motor and that’s what you want from a young guy. He also has that dog in him. I don’t feel he is as explosive of an athlete as Ant man or Westbrook. He’s athletic no question but I feel it’s a little bit overhyped. I don’t get that from watching him on film. Not that it’s some deal breaker.

I’m excited for the draft especially finding a gem in rd 2 at the top of it.

Welcome to the board, not a bad first post haha!

Oh.... It was just me again.... I'm recreating the poll

[FireMorey]

Spoiler:

If Tre and Kon are going defensive liabilities, that is a no go for me. Neither are productive offensively for me to overlook that though maybe they see something different. With the current set of players most likely available, I think I will normally lean towards the one with athleticism and the mentality to constantly improve. Ultimately I think piking VJ will come down to if they think he can improve his dribbling. Daryl has been very good with drafting thought out his career, so whomever he takes Ill eventually be fine with. Though Id like them in an ideal world to trade the pick, and getting Herb Jones back would be fine with me. Maybe with everything going around with Zion the Pelicans finally decide to have firesale.

I'm not sure Tre has any more defensive risk than Maxey did when he was first drafted. Maxey isn't a great defender. He's ok. But his offense makes him very easily a plus player. You can overcome mediocre defense if you can really score. Remains to be seen if Tre and Kon can become the offensive player Maxey is.

[Mik317]

I am at the stage where I am ready to overhype and cop pleas for anyone

Ace? Totes going to be the next T-Mac of my dreams. Was actually held back by his roster and NBA training will elevate all of his weaknesses confirmed

VJ? Dat first step doe. Tre? The game is about getting a bucket ...and dat 6'10mwingspan doe. Kon? Next Larry Bird. Queen? Black Jokic with swag doe. KP? Next Luka actually...his hand was hurt so there. CMB? Dem analytics yo. Maluach? Can't teach size and actually will learn from Biid to be the next Biid.

I am **** ready.

[ExplosionsInDaSky]

I am at the stage where I am ready to overhype and cop pleas for anyone

Ace? Totes going to be the next T-Mac of my dreams. Was actually held back by his roster and NBA training will elevate all of his weaknesses confirmed

VJ? Dat first step doe. Tre? The game is about getting a bucket ...and dat 6'10mwingspan doe. Kon? Next Larry Bird. Queen? Black Jokic with swag doe. KP? Next Luka actually...his hand was hurt so there. CMB? Dem analytics yo. Maluach? Can't teach size and actually will learn from Biid to be the next Biid.

I am **** ready.

Same...I'm gonna overhyped the hell out of whoever we draft. We should get crazy and just take Queen. I'm in agreement with Negrodamus, I think he’s going to be a big time player.

[76ciology]

I am at the stage where I am ready to overhype and cop pleas for anyone

Ace? Totes going to be the next T-Mac of my dreams. Was actually held back by his roster and NBA training will elevate all of his weaknesses confirmed

VJ? Dat first step doe. Tre? The game is about getting a bucket ...and dat 6'10mwingspan doe. Kon? Next Larry Bird. Queen? Black Jokic with swag doe. KP? Next Luka actually...his hand was hurt so there. CMB? Dem analytics yo. Maluach? Can't teach size and actually will learn from Biid to be the next Biid.

I am **** ready.

You forgot Noa Essengue. Giannis 2.0

[sodmoraes]

We may not agree on the player we should draft but this summer league will be hype dont matter what!

Sent from my SM-G780G using RealGM mobile app

[76ciology]

Some may agree, some may not.. but for me, it just feels unlikely that we end up with Ace, because of all the trade talk going around with this pick. And I liked how Bodner put it.. it’s mostly on these mock drafts only where it feels like a 3 man draft, and It’s not how it’s viewed in NBA circles.

Honestly, there’s just no clear data to support Ace as the clear cut No. 3 pick. And this is coming from someone who’s bounced around from one favorite to another. I wasn’t heavily invested in any single prospect because I didn’t follow NCAA closely. I’ve always been open to drafting anyone, as long as they’re good.

More realistically, I think we’re likely going to land Kneuppel. Either with the 3rd overall or trading down. If by looking at their numbers and overall pedigree (including their EYBL), Kneuppel is the second best player in this draft, he’s just not a sexy pick that even if the numbers flashes in the face of these GMs, Hornets, Jazz, Wizards and even maybe the Pelicans and the Nets are likely going to pass him up. And thats why its a match made in heaven for us to trade down.

My top options at No. 3 right now are Kasparas, Tre, and Kneuppel. They’re ranked 3rd, 4th, and 5th on my big board, and I’m comfortable with any of them.

This “too many guards” narrative is nonsense. Just watch how the Knicks, Pacers, and Thunder play. The play-offs thrive with multiple guards. It just gives more pace, space and flow to the offense. Specially to counter high pick-ups and zone defenses.

Defensively, Kasparas and Kneuppel are gritty, high-effort players who can hold their own alongside another guard in the playoffs. Tre isn’t quite at their level defensively, but like them, he has positional size. While primarily shooting guards, all three can defend wings and aren’t liabilities at defending three if they bring physicality.

Offensively, they can all handle secondary playmaking duties and slide between the 2 and 3 spots. This postseason has shown that guards with size and toughness have been empowered defensively, allowed to be more physical and disrupt wings to just jack up 3s like Tatum and Ant and even bigs like Jokic by pushing them out of their comfort zones.

Remember when we drafted Jaden Springer and Zhaire Smith? Those picks were made with this exact moment in the game, playing a lot than normal 3 or 4 guard lineups. We just failed to land the right talent. Maybe, with this No. 3 overall pick, we finally get it right.

[Mik317]

based off of the few nerd vorpo slorpo stats and HS rankings

it really feels like a Morey pick would be Kon or VJ.

BUT I also could see ownership getting involved for Ace who seems to be the non too online Sixers fan favorite.

so who knows

[76ciology]

We may not agree on the player we should draft but this summer league will be hype dont matter what!

Sent from my SM-G780G using RealGM mobile app

I hope McCain, Edwards and Bona play in SL. It would be fun.

[76ciology]

Kon Kneuppel was a much better shooter off the dribble in high school and also had a solid post game. However, he struggled finishing at the rim and got blocked often.. he just wasn’t as crafty back then as he is now. Interestingly, that trend flipped at Duke. Some experts believe he still has offensive upside, pointing to his high school flashes as a shot creator and playmaker.

[MVP1992]

The team has needed a rebounding/2-way PF every year I've followed this team.

Can that be got in the draft?
If not, are we drafting another combo guard and trading Maxey for an all-star level SF/PF ?

What's the best outcome?

I see a lot of 6'7" - 6'10" talent in next year's draft.

Considering Embiid's contract end date as a major milestone, wouldn't it be prudent to try and get young talent each year until that year, giving them a chance to develop, before having ~$69 million freed up in cap space, to sign a star and or pay our youth coming off rookie contracts?

His last year as an expiring could be of value to a team wanting the salary cap the following year.


2027-28: $64,302,336
2028-29: $69,065,472 (Player Option)

I see Paul George has a 15% trade bonus poison pill for any team seeing him as an expiring contract for his final player option contract year.

You’d have to trade up in the draft for that. Asa Newell and Collin Murray-Boyles fit the bill. The latter might be more reasonable to get. I think Newell goes late lottery or just outside of it.

Sixers first rd pick in 2026 is top 4 protected so it’s basically going to Okc. Unless disaster strikes again.

Sort of the opposite of that.

Trade back to get 4, 5, or 6 this year, plus that team's unprotected pick next year as the core of the trade.

[M2J]

The team has needed a rebounding/2-way PF every year I've followed this team.

Can that be got in the draft?
If not, are we drafting another combo guard and trading Maxey for an all-star level SF/PF ?

What's the best outcome?

I see a lot of 6'7" - 6'10" talent in next year's draft.

Considering Embiid's contract end date as a major milestone, wouldn't it be prudent to try and get young talent each year until that year, giving them a chance to develop, before having ~$69 million freed up in cap space, to sign a star and or pay our youth coming off rookie contracts?

His last year as an expiring could be of value to a team wanting the salary cap the following year.


2027-28: $64,302,336
2028-29: $69,065,472 (Player Option)

I see Paul George has a 15% trade bonus poison pill for any team seeing him as an expiring contract for his final player option contract year.

You’d have to trade up in the draft for that. Asa Newell and Collin Murray-Boyles fit the bill. The latter might be more reasonable to get. I think Newell goes late lottery or just outside of it.

Sixers first rd pick in 2026 is top 4 protected so it’s basically going to Okc. Unless disaster strikes again.

It's too early to trade Jared, just don't know what he'll become and he's already productive and cheap. If you're trying to win it only makes sense to trade Tyrese for an all star that fills your needs. His contract and age essentially demands that anyways, but it's rare to trade all star for all star. If they're just trying to soft rebuild with Jared and #3... Tyrese is the young proven entity to build with and build towards. Grimes too to some degree. Gotta keep him as long as he signs a tradable deal.... For him it could be to trade in due time