2025 NBA Draft (2)

[Mik317]

Again huge coward here

My issues with Ace is that I personally just can't fully look past his flaws like I can for some of the others atm and when guys smarter than I also point the same issues out, I get worried. This pick is huge for us but also kinda the last chance lol..so hitting on it is paramount. Tre is a **** sieve on defense for sure BUT he has an elite skill and you COULD (probably shouldn't) chalk it up to him being the whole offense. VJ's handle isn't super advanced BUT his first step again is elite and not being super advanced doesn't mean bad imo. Kon is an elite shooter and built like fire hydrant so his defense feels like it is better than advertised with some potential on ball chops to be unburied. These all could be massive cop outs and probably are for most of them lol. I can't fully get there on Ace atm (lord knows I will if we draft him especially after the first hesi pull up jimbo) BUT based on mjust purely my eye test as of right now...he isn't a great shooter like advertised but rather a capable one at best AT THIS MOMENT. Its not really his handle that is the issue but his foot speed imo. And while yeah Rutgers was dog water, I am sorry but after making the same excuses for Ben and Fultz Its hard to do it again. Tre and VJ weren't in insane situations either btw. Then you add in the nerd vorpo slorpo stuff I don't fully grasp being another knock on him...it is just a tough sell especically since the non nerd **** of just watching the tape does't fully impress me atm.

I DO think some are going too far tho. As stated earlier the 6'7 thing is just super unfair when Flagg doesn't get the same treatment. And perhaps its just the internet but some do act like he shot their dog lol. But yeah its just easier for me to squint with the other prospects with rose colored glasses atm.

I WILL say tho. Ace is 18 and hasn't had real training yet so he could be more malleable than people think. He is the cleanest "fit" position wise as well. On the silly side, Ace Bailey is a star ass name too. Airous Bailey is even better (might ding him some points for not going by that honestly) And again I am a **** idiot clown who knows nothing so if we take him, I will do a full 180 and go "actually tough shot making is cool".

BUT as of right now my eyes don't fully see the vision like I can with the other guys in the area

How do you see the vision with VJ or Tre when we likely have to trade one of our guards?

Sent from my SM-S938B using Tapatalk

Because they have an elite trait (shooting and athleticism) and I don't think we'd have to trade anyone right away as I think both will be a great rotation piece for the start of their career and then you make the choice years down the line. Having too many good playable guards isn't a bad thing in the short term either especially since Maxey is the only "proven" one at the moment. If anything that might be the new meta, plus Grimes and Vj can play the 3 and perhaps Tre as well. Again perhaps VJ is just smaller Wiggins and Tre is just Buddy Hield from Texas and Ace turns into the T-Mac of my dreams and I am sitting here with the dumb look on my face lol.

tldr: I don't see Ace's elite traits like I can VJ or Tre's; It just all feels theoretical atm. fair or not

[Mik317]

Why can't we just get the 2nd pick so we can fail in unanimous peace:

DLO
Ingram
Lonzo
Jabari Parker

Gonna be hilarious when the Spurs or whoever takes eithe Ace or VJ at two and we have Harper in our laps after a month or two these discussions lol

[the_process]

Again huge coward here

My issues with Ace is that I personally just can't fully look past his flaws like I can for some of the others atm and when guys smarter than I also point the same issues out, I get worried. This pick is huge for us but also kinda the last chance lol..so hitting on it is paramount. Tre is a **** sieve on defense for sure BUT he has an elite skill and you COULD (probably shouldn't) chalk it up to him being the whole offense. VJ's handle isn't super advanced BUT his first step again is elite and not being super advanced doesn't mean bad imo. Kon is an elite shooter and built like fire hydrant so his defense feels like it is better than advertised with some potential on ball chops to be unburied. These all could be massive cop outs and probably are for most of them lol. I can't fully get there on Ace atm (lord knows I will if we draft him especially after the first hesi pull up jimbo) BUT based on mjust purely my eye test as of right now...he isn't a great shooter like advertised but rather a capable one at best AT THIS MOMENT. Its not really his handle that is the issue but his foot speed imo. And while yeah Rutgers was dog water, I am sorry but after making the same excuses for Ben and Fultz Its hard to do it again. Tre and VJ weren't in insane situations either btw. Then you add in the nerd vorpo slorpo stuff I don't fully grasp being another knock on him...it is just a tough sell especically since the non nerd **** of just watching the tape does't fully impress me atm.

I DO think some are going too far tho. As stated earlier the 6'7 thing is just super unfair when Flagg doesn't get the same treatment. And perhaps its just the internet but some do act like he shot their dog lol. But yeah its just easier for me to squint with the other prospects with rose colored glasses atm.

I WILL say tho. Ace is 18 and hasn't had real training yet so he could be more malleable than people think. He is the cleanest "fit" position wise as well. On the silly side, Ace Bailey is a star ass name too. Airous Bailey is even better (might ding him some points for not going by that honestly) And again I am a **** idiot clown who knows nothing so if we take him, I will do a full 180 and go "actually tough shot making is cool".

BUT as of right now my eyes don't fully see the vision like I can with the other guys in the area

How do you see the vision with VJ or Tre when we likely have to trade one of our guards?

Sent from my SM-S938B using Tapatalk

They are eventually going to have to trade one of Maxey or McCain anyway, regardless of who they draft. Unless there's an unprecedented growth spurt occuring in one of them.

[Arsenal]

I'm interested in SG Tamar Bates with our 2nd rounder. 6'5" in shoes with a 6'10" wingspan. I know Negro loves him because of .946 FT% and .300 FTr.

https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/tamar-bates-1.html
https://edemirnba.substack.com/p/tamar-bates-scouting-report
https://www.nbadraft.net/players/tamar-bates/

Anyone watched him play?

[Iverson Armband]

Again huge coward here

My issues with Ace is that I personally just can't fully look past his flaws like I can for some of the others atm and when guys smarter than I also point the same issues out, I get worried. This pick is huge for us but also kinda the last chance lol..so hitting on it is paramount. Tre is a **** sieve on defense for sure BUT he has an elite skill and you COULD (probably shouldn't) chalk it up to him being the whole offense. VJ's handle isn't super advanced BUT his first step again is elite and not being super advanced doesn't mean bad imo. Kon is an elite shooter and built like fire hydrant so his defense feels like it is better than advertised with some potential on ball chops to be unburied. These all could be massive cop outs and probably are for most of them lol. I can't fully get there on Ace atm (lord knows I will if we draft him especially after the first hesi pull up jimbo) BUT based on mjust purely my eye test as of right now...he isn't a great shooter like advertised but rather a capable one at best AT THIS MOMENT. Its not really his handle that is the issue but his foot speed imo. And while yeah Rutgers was dog water, I am sorry but after making the same excuses for Ben and Fultz Its hard to do it again. Tre and VJ weren't in insane situations either btw. Then you add in the nerd vorpo slorpo stuff I don't fully grasp being another knock on him...it is just a tough sell especically since the non nerd **** of just watching the tape does't fully impress me atm.

I DO think some are going too far tho. As stated earlier the 6'7 thing is just super unfair when Flagg doesn't get the same treatment. And perhaps its just the internet but some do act like he shot their dog lol. But yeah its just easier for me to squint with the other prospects with rose colored glasses atm.

I WILL say tho. Ace is 18 and hasn't had real training yet so he could be more malleable than people think. He is the cleanest "fit" position wise as well. On the silly side, Ace Bailey is a star ass name too. Airous Bailey is even better (might ding him some points for not going by that honestly) And again I am a **** idiot clown who knows nothing so if we take him, I will do a full 180 and go "actually tough shot making is cool".

BUT as of right now my eyes don't fully see the vision like I can with the other guys in the area

How do you see the vision with VJ or Tre when we likely have to trade one of our guards?

Sent from my SM-S938B using Tapatalk

They are eventually going to have to trade one of Maxey or McCain anyway, regardless of who they draft. Unless there's an unprecedented growth spurt occuring in one of them.

This is probably true and it lowkey makes me sad.

[Negrodamus]

I'm interested in SG Tamar Bates with our 2nd rounder. 6'5" in shoes with a 6'10" wingspan. I know Negro loves him because of .946 FT% and .300 FTr.

https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/tamar-bates-1.html
https://edemirnba.substack.com/p/tamar-bates-scouting-report
https://www.nbadraft.net/players/tamar-bates/

Anyone watched him play?

I haven't, but bro's gotta pass the rock. Bad AST%. I'll check him out today though.

[Arsenal]

I'm interested in SG Tamar Bates with our 2nd rounder. 6'5" in shoes with a 6'10" wingspan. I know Negro loves him because of .946 FT% and .300 FTr.

https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/tamar-bates-1.html
https://edemirnba.substack.com/p/tamar-bates-scouting-report
https://www.nbadraft.net/players/tamar-bates/

Anyone watched him play?

I haven't, but bro's gotta pass the rock. Bad AST%. I'll check him out today though.

Agree he's not a good enough distributor to play PG. But as a 2nd rounder we just need him to be a good 3&D guy who can occasionally play up at SF. Maybe a Norman Powell type?

[76ciology]

How do you see the vision with VJ or Tre when we likely have to trade one of our guards?

Sent from my SM-S938B using Tapatalk

They are eventually going to have to trade one of Maxey or McCain anyway, regardless of who they draft. Unless there's an unprecedented growth spurt occuring in one of them.

This is probably true and it lowkey makes me sad.

I still believe there’s a way to utilize all four of them, just not all on the floor at the same time. Add in big forwards like Edwards, George, Yabu, and Oubre, plus Embiid anchoring the middle or Bona playing lob threat with rim protection and you’ve got real versatility. You can play big or small, fast or slow, with shooting efficiency, IQ, feel, spacing, and defensive activity. That’s the foundation of a clear identity.

I don’t think it’s an issue, as long as the guards use their length and athleticism effectively or if they are short.. be gritty enough to push opponents out of the paint, limit high percentage looks, and help secure rebound

Pacers and Thunders can play multiple guards why can’t we? For instance, VJ is short but his length, is similar to Caruso. Tre’s length is similar Aaron Wiggins. Kasparas’ and Grimes’ length is similar to Lu Dort. Maxey has 6’8” wingspan and was promising on defense. McCain is strong, fights on defense, is hard to push around and is a good rebounder. Paul George and Oubre’s length is comparable to Jalen Williams.

NBA is allowing these guards to be physical on defense.

[Iverson Armband]

They are eventually going to have to trade one of Maxey or McCain anyway, regardless of who they draft. Unless there's an unprecedented growth spurt occuring in one of them.

This is probably true and it lowkey makes me sad.

I still believe there’s a way to utilize all four of them, just not all on the floor at the same time. Add in big forwards like Edwards, George, Yabu, and Oubre, plus Embiid anchoring the middle or Bona playing lob threat with rim protection and you’ve got real versatility. You can play big or small, fast or slow, with shooting efficiency, spacing, and defensive activity. That’s the foundation of a clear identity.

I don’t think it’s an issue, as long as the guards use their length and athleticism effectively or if they are short.. be gritty enough to push opponents out of the paint, limit high percentage looks, and help secure rebound

Pacers and Thunders can play multiple guards why can’t we? For instance, VJ is short but his length, is similar to Caruso. Tre’s length is similar Aaron Wiggins. Kasparas’ and Grimes’ length is similar to Lu Dort. Maxey has 6’8” wingspan and was promising on defense. McCain is strong, fights on defense, is hard to push around and is a good rebounder. Paul George and Oubre’s length is comparable to Jalen Williams.

NBA is allowing these guards to be physical on defense.

I tend to agree with all of this, just hope Morey feels the same. He didn’t sound too optimistic when asked. Nurse, on the other hand, did seem optimistic about them playing together recently so I guess we’ll see.

[Jailblazers7]

Maxey is a perfectly acceptable guard defender. He got his stock % up to 3.4% last year and if he maintains that level of disruption while adding some more strength then I’ll have no concerns about him.

McCain is the one who needs to prove he can be more than a 6th man. The scoring and shooting was electric last year but his assist rate was low for how often he was leading the offense. His defensive profile is questionable too so he needs to prove that he can round out his game more in year 2.

[Iverson Armband]

Maxey is a perfectly acceptable guard defender. He got his stock % up to 3.4% last year and if he maintains that level of disruption while adding some more strength then I’ll have no concerns about him.

McCain is the one who needs to prove he can be more than a 6th man. The scoring and shooting was electric last year but his assist rate was low for how often he was leading the offense. His defensive profile is questionable too so he needs to prove that he can round out his game more in year 2.

Much like Maxey, Jared strikes me as the type of kid who will do whatever it takes to get better whether that’s on offense, defense or otherwise. I feel like after #3 is selected this Sixers team is essentially divided in to two teams. I’m so much more excited about the baby Sixers than I am about geriatric ones and at least half of that is because of their attitudes.

[76ciology]

Maxey is a perfectly acceptable guard defender. He got his stock % up to 3.4% last year and if he maintains that level of disruption while adding some more strength then I’ll have no concerns about him.

McCain is the one who needs to prove he can be more than a 6th man. The scoring and shooting was electric last year but his assist rate was low for how often he was leading the offense. His defensive profile is questionable too so he needs to prove that he can round out his game more in year 2.

Much like Maxey, Jared strikes me as the type of kid who will do whatever it takes to get better whether that’s on offense, defense or otherwise. I feel like after #3 is selected this Sixers team is essentially divided in to two teams. I’m so much more excited about the baby Sixers than I am about geriatric ones and at least half of that is because of their attitudes.

Which is exactly how it should be. Embiid thrives in that slower-paced, Doc Rivers style offense.. two-man actions, pops for jumpers, and nail isos. That style still has value. But when defenses take that away, we need to be able to pivot into a more guard-heavy, uptempo approach.

The beauty is we can blend both styles seamlessly. With Maxey or McCain at PG, Grimes or the #3 pick at SG, Edwards or George at SF, Yabu or Oubre at PF, and Embiid or Bona at C.. we have the flexibility. One-guard, Two-guard or Three-guard line-ups. George playing some PF? Small ball. Big ball. That’s the kind of versatility modern teams need.

[76ciology]

Juicy rumors

https://www.hoopshq.com/nba-draft/nba-draft-intel-latest

Harper working for multiple teams
Spurs might be looking to pair Maluach with Wemby
Kneuppel on the rise
Some team may have given promise with Kasparas

[Black Mage]

Juicy rumors

https://www.hoopshq.com/nba-draft/nba-draft-intel-latest

Harper working for multiple teams
Spurs might be looking to pair Maluach with Wemby
Kneuppel on the rise
Some team may have given promise with Kasparas

Maluach sounds like Spurs looking at him with their 2nd 1st at 14.

The Harper news interests me. Always feel like a guy working out for multiple teams when he's expected to go 2nd is a big deal.

[sodmoraes]

I like Maluach´s fit with Wemby. Wemby is too thin to bang on the post. He´s like an oversized PF who likes to shot 3s and block shots, but i dont think his body can endure defending centers down low all the time as a center.

[the_process]

Juicy rumors

https://www.hoopshq.com/nba-draft/nba-draft-intel-latest

Harper working for multiple teams
Spurs might be looking to pair Maluach with Wemby
Kneuppel on the rise
Some team may have given promise with Kasparas

Who is Harper working out for? Sixers?

[Negrodamus]

https://hardwoodparoxysm.substack.com/p/free-agency-and-draft-rumors-panic

THE ACE BAILEY CONVO
The Sixers are sending out mixed signals about that third pick. I’ve heard they’re willing to move it for a star upgrade, want to keep it, and are fine with taking Ace Bailey, and that they are not fans and may take VJ Edgecombe instead. All options are obviously on the table for a team in their position. So that clears that up.

One Western Conference team not in contention is said to be interested in Bailey and trying to find ways to move up to get him. That team has some assets the Sixers would probably like but aren’t going to be wowed by. It’s a good starting place for a three-team Paul George trade, though.

[Negrodamus]

The NBA will hold pre-Draft activities this week in Treviso, Italy for players who were invited to the combine and excused from attending because they were playing overseas:

Noa Essengue - Ulm (Germany)

Joan Beringer - Cedevita Olimpija (Slovenia)

Nolan Traoré - Saint Quentin (France)

Ben Saraf - Ulm (Germany)

Hugo González- Real Madrid (Spain)

Bogoljub Markovic - Mega Beograd (Serbia)

Noah Penda - Le Mans (France)

Looking forward to Noa's numbers.

[LeonJordanJr24]

If we get harper at two. I'm moving maxey and 35 with Eg and drummond opted ins for zion

[Sixersftw]

If we get harper at two. I'm moving maxey and 35 with Eg and drummond opted ins for zion

No concern with his legal troubles?