2025 NBA Draft (2)

[Arsenal]

No problem, I just wanted to make a relevant point about Ace vs. Tatum. I agree that VJ is not the guy at #3.

[Negrodamus]

No problem, I just wanted to make a relevant point about Ace vs. Tatum. I agree that VJ is not the guy at #3.

Well that wasn't my point either. I think VJ should be in the conversation at #3 because he can acquire the tough shotmaking ability once he makes it into the league. He has the shot form and athleticism to create space. I also like that he can get to the rim and generate fouls. I think his dribbling is decent, but not elite and that's my apprehension.

[Arsenal]

No problem, I just wanted to make a relevant point about Ace vs. Tatum. I agree that VJ is not the guy at #3.

Well that wasn't my point either. I think VJ should be in the conversation at #3 because he can acquire the tough shotmaking ability once he makes it into the league. He has the shot form and athleticism to create space. I also like that he can get to the rim and generate fouls. I think his dribbling is decent, but not elite and that's my apprehension.

He can’t finish at the rim and has a questionable handle. He doesn’t have plus length for a small guard. Overall looks like a role player on offense with good D.

Not good enough for a top 3 pick. If I need a guy to develop I prefer to start with plus physical tools.

[Mik317]

VJ's finishing issues are mostly due to normal young player things such as taking off too early or without a real plan rather than a lack of touch imo

[Negrodamus]

It's fair, I'm leaving all options on the table at our pick; not tossing anyone out.

But if I'm making the pick, the offense has revolve around the guy imo. I think that drops VJ and Ace down a notch in my book which was reflected in my big board. Kasparas is a more intriguing option than both to me.

[okboomer]

Ace is not the answer at 3. All he does is take contested shots and occasionally make them!? Pass. Both VJ and Tre seem to have the right the mentality to continue to improve.

[Negrodamus]

Read on Twitter

He's really stringing together quite a few games in recent weeks. FOs must be frustrated having to deal with this in the middle of his season.

[PhillyFan11]

I don't like the idea of trading back unless we're in a position like Hinkie was with the Magic or Ainge was with us. They both had done their investigating and determined they could trade back and still get the guy they wanted. Outside of swapping with the Hornets who seem to be telegraphing they want VJ, we have no idea what any of the other next 3-4 teams would do if they moved up or we dropped behind them.

A lot of folks have been saying "don't over think this" and I think if ever that were true it's with this trade down garbage. Find the guy you want and take him. Don't leave it to chance and get cute trying to scoop up an extra asset or two. Unless that asset is insane (like unprotected 2026 picks) there's just not enough benefits to risking losing the guy you want.

Also, if the reason you're trading down is b/c you can't decide, then Josh Harris should probably fire his GM and the scouting staff.

Everyone thinks they're smart because they don't know who to draft, so trade it....Trading back is weak sauce. As said before these GMs have government level background checking on these guys. Their work ethic, direct personal discussions, discussions with former teammates, professors, coaches and other scouts and teams they've been recruited by, plus personal workouts.

Man up and pick the guy you think is going to be a star Daryl, as you've proven you can do. Even if it's a guy no one is talking about.

I don’t think the issue is not knowing who to draft, I think the much bigger issue is how do you develop a star scorer on a team that already has 3 top scoring options? I don’t want to draft Ace Bailey at 3 and stick him in the corner because Jo, PG, and Maxey all are going to have the ball in their hands.
While I’d love to pretend like we are going to move on from Jo and PG and build around Maxey and #3….I just don’t believe that is possible or even remotely on Morey’s mind

[Black Mage]

Read on Twitter

He's really stringing together quite a few games in recent weeks. FOs must be frustrated having to deal with this in the middle of his season.

He's got a lot, and I mean A LOT of single digit scoring games.

https://www.proballers.com/basketball/player/249148/noa-essengue/games

[Negrodamus]

Read on Twitter

He's really stringing together quite a few games in recent weeks. FOs must be frustrated having to deal with this in the middle of his season.

He's got a lot, and I mean A LOT of single digit scoring games.

https://www.proballers.com/basketball/player/249148/noa-essengue/games

https://www.proballers.com/basketball/player/180211/victor-wembanyama/games/2021

It happens, it's just the nature of Euro ball. Also, I know this wasn't the season before Wemby went the NBA, but Wemby was about a year older than Noa when he was drafted. Not that I have a good track record with Euro guys because the stats are so volatile for young guys, but he seems pretty elite on defense with some really intriguing offensive upside.

[ExplosionsInDaSky]

I don't like the idea of trading back unless we're in a position like Hinkie was with the Magic or Ainge was with us. They both had done their investigating and determined they could trade back and still get the guy they wanted. Outside of swapping with the Hornets who seem to be telegraphing they want VJ, we have no idea what any of the other next 3-4 teams would do if they moved up or we dropped behind them.

A lot of folks have been saying "don't over think this" and I think if ever that were true it's with this trade down garbage. Find the guy you want and take him. Don't leave it to chance and get cute trying to scoop up an extra asset or two. Unless that asset is insane (like unprotected 2026 picks) there's just not enough benefits to risking losing the guy you want.

Also, if the reason you're trading down is b/c you can't decide, then Josh Harris should probably fire his GM and the scouting staff.

Everyone thinks they're smart because they don't know who to draft, so trade it....Trading back is weak sauce. As said before these GMs have government level background checking on these guys. Their work ethic, direct personal discussions, discussions with former teammates, professors, coaches and other scouts and teams they've been recruited by, plus personal workouts.

Man up and pick the guy you think is going to be a star Daryl, as you've proven you can do. Even if it's a guy no one is talking about.

I don’t think the issue is not knowing who to draft, I think the much bigger issue is how do you develop a star scorer on a team that already has 3 top scoring options? I don’t want to draft Ace Bailey at 3 and stick him in the corner because Jo, PG, and Maxey all are going to have the ball in their hands.
While I’d love to pretend like we are going to move on from Jo and PG and build around Maxey and #3….I just don’t believe that is possible or even remotely on Morey’s mind

Yeah there's no way Morey and Co don't try and run it back this coming season. I don't think Bailey is a bad fit on this team. If the knock on his game is his shot selection and decision making, wouldn't it benefit him to start out in a smaller role? I don't know why he needs to come in right away and be a star. It'd be nice, but if we take a slower approach with him maybe it benefits him over time. He can learn the NBA game without it being baptism by fire. The same can really be said about any player we pick in this draft. Regardless of who we add, chances are that player will start out in a supporting role.

[Negrodamus]

If Ratiopharm Ulm wins the Bundesliga on the back of Noa Essengue, then we're going to start discussing him in the top 5.

[Black Mage]

Has anyone seen any reports about who Sixers are meeting with/working out?

[Mik317]

I think everyone we pick probably starts off as a bench guy and general rotation piece next season

all of this mocking guy into starting lineups and if they "fit" or not is kinda pointless. There is a chance our "big 3" are all gone in a year or two...hopefully its due to whoever we take at 3 being THAT GUY but more than likely simply it will be due to the new GM and coach wanting a clean slate lol.

I am not interested in moves that "help" for next season. Next season's high end outcome still relies on Biid not being broken, PG having more in the tank, and Maxey taking just another step and the depth being young athletes and not old corpses..nothing we do at 3 changes that in the short term. There is no move IMO that does.

[76ciology]

If you just look at the numbers, VJ Edgecombe might make sense. But that’s exactly why you can’t rely on numbers alone.

What does VJ really bring that Rasheer Fleming can’t?

VJ’s main value lies in his stocks and rebounding.. but for a guard, I think those traits aren’t as valued as shotcreation and playmaking. One of his supposed strengths is playing bigger than his size on defense, but offensively, he doesn’t project have the skillset to atleast be a secondary shot creator or playmaker. He’s more of a catch and shoot, scoring off close outs, and transition finisher.

If that’s the case, why not just take a swing on Rasheer Fleming in the later rounds? Cedric Coward? Nique Clifford?

I think his best case comps are guys like Jrue Holiday or Derrick White.. very good 2 way guards who make a real impact on both ends. But even they lean more toward being high level 3&D guards than shot creators or playmakers.

[76ciology]

I think everyone we pick probably starts off as a bench guy and general rotation piece next season

all of this mocking guy into starting lineups and if they "fit" or not is kinda pointless. There is a chance our "big 3" are all gone in a year or two...hopefully its due to whoever we take at 3 being THAT GUY but more than likely simply it will be due to the new GM and coach wanting a clean slate lol.

I am not interested in moves that "help" for next season. Next season's high end outcome still relies on Biid not being broken, PG having more in the tank, and Maxey taking just another step and the depth being young athletes and not old corpses..nothing we do at 3 changes that in the short term. There is no move IMO that does.

I think the players we’re exploring mostly fall into the category of “not there yet,” but they have the tools and upside to grow into legitimate second options.. and maybe even fringe first options down the line.

Most of them show strong feel for the game, good IQ, and solid foundations in shooting, ball handling, and shot creation.

Take Kneuppel, for example. He projects as an elite 3 point shooter based on his 3P% and FT%, and he finished well in the halfcourt with a 60% FG. He’s also shown promise in the midrange, has run the pick and roll effectively, and can score out of the post. The only real weakness is his isolation game.. but with his skill base, that’s something he could realistically develop over time compared to lack of shooting touch (Noa) or lack of feel and IQ.

[Negrodamus]

Not to continue hammering home the Noa possibility, but what if he's measured at over 7'0" wingspan or is 6'10 without shoes? Last time he was measured, it appears he was 17 years old. Looks extremely long in gameplay. If we're in the 7'0" height in shoes and 7'0+ in wingspan, then things start to get interesting.

I might be mistaken, but don't these Euro guys who are still playing have to get measured prior to the draft? Same with Kon doing the strength and agility drills when he's healthy enough?

[76ciology]

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

I see the similarities between Tre Johnson and Jeremy Lamb.. both have the kind of polished game and tools that make teams willing to take a chance on them, especially around the trade deadline.

They won’t come off as busts or super raw guys early on because their skill sets are NBA ready (Tre’s off the dribble 3s might even be borderline star level). Lamb, as a sophomore, looked smooth and versatile. Tre has that same polish, along with the youth, athleticism, and wingspan to pop off with Buddy Hield or Isaiah Joe type scoring bursts off the bench.

Lamb was drafted when Morey was chasing Dwight. And if we’re reading the situation right, the Mavs and Spurs seem out of the Giannis sweepstakes. Quietly, we might be one of the frontrunners.. thanks to the No. 3 pick, draft picks, Giannis’ reported preference to stay in the East, and our proximity to New York.

[76ciology]

Not to continue hammering home the Noa possibility, but what if he's measured at over 7'0" wingspan or is 6'10 without shoes? Last time he was measured, it appears he was 17 years old. Looks extremely long in gameplay. If we're in the 7'0" height in shoes and 7'0+ in wingspan, then things start to get interesting.

I might be mistaken, but don't these Euro guys who are still playing have to get measured prior to the draft? Same with Kon doing the strength and agility drills when he's healthy enough?

He’s a mere play finisher with ULM, his shooting is banking alot on his 70+FT%. He’s a good prospect but not the kind you look with a top 5 pick.

Best case, where he figures everything out could be Jaden McDaniels.

[Negrodamus]

Not to continue hammering home the Noa possibility, but what if he's measured at over 7'0" wingspan or is 6'10 without shoes? Last time he was measured, it appears he was 17 years old. Looks extremely long in gameplay. If we're in the 7'0" height in shoes and 7'0+ in wingspan, then things start to get interesting.

I might be mistaken, but don't these Euro guys who are still playing have to get measured prior to the draft? Same with Kon doing the strength and agility drills when he's healthy enough?

He’s a mere play finisher with ULM, his shooting is banking alot on his 70+FT%. He’s a good prospect but not the kind you look with a top 5 pick.

Best case, where he figures everything out could be Jaden McDaniels.

Yea, I get that. I just think in the 3-10 range there is a void in the plus length/plus athleticism space. He's been a two way player who seems to show up at every level he's played at. One of the youngest players in the draft. Also plays on offense largely on the perimeter. One of the few big guys who are high energy/effort and will beat the other team down the court while also getting back on defense to stop the fast break.

If we're talking crazy home run swings, I feel he's as good as anyone is this range.