2025 NBA Draft Discussion Part 8

[WuTang_OG]

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[dohboy_24]

All these guys where elite shot blockers/rim protectors from day 1, and all of them where better shotblockers/rim protectord than Maluach at the college level. Maluach wasn't even the best defender on Duke (Maliq Brown).

Great, but they aren't available to be selected in this year's draft.

As previously discussed, there are more than a handful of freshmen from this year's college season who are better shot blockers than Khaman Maluach and even more upperclassmen who exceed his performance in those regards, yet none of them are in the discussion for us to pick at #9 .

As you suggested, there are also a number of NBA players who are better shot blockers than him (both now in the NBA and as college prospects), but most, if not all of them are not available on the trade market and not players we could reasonably add to this team.

Khaman Maluach is available to be selected in this year's draft.
Khaman Maluach is arguably the best C prospect in this draft.
Khaman Maluach is a prospect the Raptors probably have ranked quite high on their big board and I highly doubt the number of blocks per game he recorded or his block percentage are the only factors they are looking at when considering him.

Given our recent performance as a team, why does Khaman Maluach need to be an elite shot blocker to help the Raptors improve in that area?

This past season (2024-25), the Toronto Raptors recorded 4.2 blocks per game - good enough to rank 27th in the NBA.
The year before (2023-24), the Toronto Raptors recorded 4.7 blocks per game - good enough to rank 19th in the NBA.
SOURCE: https://www.teamrankings.com/nba/stat/blocks-per-game

This past season (2024-25), the Toronto Raptors recorded a block percentage of 4.8% - good enough to rank 26th in the NBA.
The year before (2023-24), the Toronto Raptors recorded a block percentage of 5.2% - good enough for 22nd in the NBA.
https://www.teamrankings.com/nba/stat/block-pct

If the Raptors drafted Khaman Maluach at #9, would you expect these numbers and rankings to improve, or become worse?

[HangTime]

All these guys where elite shot blockers/rim protectors from day 1, and all of them where better shotblockers/rim protectord than Maluach at the college level. Maluach wasn't even the best defender on Duke (Maliq Brown).

Great, but they aren't available to be selected in this year's draft.

As previously discussed, there are more than a handful of freshmen from this year's college season who are better shot blockers than Khaman Maluach and even more upperclassmen who exceed his performance in those regards, yet none of them are in the discussion for us to pick at #9 .

As you suggested, there are also a number of NBA players who are better shot blockers than him (both now in the NBA and as college prospects), but most, if not all of them are not available on the trade market and not players we could reasonably add to this team.

Khaman Maluach is available to be selected in this year's draft.
Khaman Maluach is arguably the best C prospect in this draft.
Khaman Maluach is a prospect the Raptors probably have ranked quite high on their big board and I highly doubt the number of blocks per game he recorded or his block percentage are the only factors they are looking at when considering him.

Given our recent performance as a team, why does Khaman Maluach need to be an elite shot blocker to help the Raptors improve in that area?

This past season (2024-25), the Toronto Raptors recorded 4.2 blocks per game - good enough to rank 27th in the NBA.
The year before (2023-24), the Toronto Raptors recorded 4.7 blocks per game - good enough to rank 19th in the NBA.
SOURCE: https://www.teamrankings.com/nba/stat/blocks-per-game

This past season (2024-25), the Toronto Raptors recorded a block percentage of 4.8% - good enough to rank 26th in the NBA.
The year before (2023-24), the Toronto Raptors recorded a block percentage of 5.2% - good enough for 22nd in the NBA.
https://www.teamrankings.com/nba/stat/block-pct

If the Raptors drafted Khaman Maluach at #9, would you expect these numbers and rankings to improve, or become worse?

The numbers might improve early on, as guys take a chance at attacking the rim, but then I think it'll drop-off because less players will try to attack the paint.

I also think guys might lose their handle in the paint, before they can even get to the rim.

Rim deterrence is better than block percentage.

[dohboy_24]

If the Raptors drafted Khaman Maluach at #9, would you expect these numbers and rankings to improve, or become worse?

The numbers might improve early on, as guys take a chance at attacking the rim, but then I think it'll drop-off because less players will try to attack the paint.

I also think guys might lose their handle in the paint, before they can even get to the rim.

Rim deterrence is better than block percentage.

[WuTang_OG]

Read on Twitter

[MEDIC]

underrated. hes stocky, so not like Dick lol

Kon is different than Gradey as he is heavier and more of a grinder type. Gradey is way more athletic.

That said, Kon is a killer and does everything at a good level with elite shooting. Why can't he be the next Austin Reaves? Be that tertiary star who plays off others well.

Maybe Gradey can do it to, but he seems more inconsistent so more of a 6 man.

I'm warming up to Kon at #9 if he slips to us.

50% of defense is effort and by all account Kon is a dog.

We need to remember that at #9 in this draft we're more likely than not hoping for a solid rotation player not necessarily a franchise star.

Kon seems like a guy with the size and skills to fit right in with what we're trying to do.

If Kon is there, he'll be a great pick at 9.

Elite shooter, but more than that. He can be a secondary playmaker & be a connector. Also makes quick reads & has a high IQ. Has a high motor & is physical.

Still 19 y/o so there is also lots of room to grow.

A coach like Darko will appreciate his game & IQ.

[junot111]

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I've been warming up to kon in past few days. This video definitely makes me feel better about that although I feel like these type of videos should always be taken with a grain of salt when you have some bias.

Obviously he's a knockdown shooter but the most appealing part of kons skillset to me is his ballhandling. The ability to dribble and get to his spots will be a huge differentiator in becoming a scoring threat.

[WuTang_OG]

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I've been warming up to kon in past few days. This video definitely makes me feel better about that although I feel like these type of videos should always be taken with a grain of salt when you have some bias.

Obviously he's a knockdown shooter but the most appealing part of kons skillset to me is his ballhandling. The ability to dribble and get to his spots will be a huge differentiator in becoming a scoring threat.

born n raised in milwaukee

[Yallbecrazy]

All these guys where elite shot blockers/rim protectors from day 1, and all of them where better shotblockers/rim protectord than Maluach at the college level. Maluach wasn't even the best defender on Duke (Maliq Brown).

Great, but they aren't available to be selected in this year's draft.

As previously discussed, there are more than a handful of freshmen from this year's college season who are better shot blockers than Khaman Maluach and even more upperclassmen who exceed his performance in those regards, yet none of them are in the discussion for us to pick at #9 .

As you suggested, there are also a number of NBA players who are better shot blockers than him (both now in the NBA and as college prospects), but most, if not all of them are not available on the trade market and not players we could reasonably add to this team.

Khaman Maluach is available to be selected in this year's draft.
Khaman Maluach is arguably the best C prospect in this draft.
Khaman Maluach is a prospect the Raptors probably have ranked quite high on their big board and I highly doubt the number of blocks per game he recorded or his block percentage are the only factors they are looking at when considering him.

Given our recent performance as a team, why does Khaman Maluach need to be an elite shot blocker to help the Raptors improve in that area?

This past season (2024-25), the Toronto Raptors recorded 4.2 blocks per game - good enough to rank 27th in the NBA.
The year before (2023-24), the Toronto Raptors recorded 4.7 blocks per game - good enough to rank 19th in the NBA.
SOURCE: https://www.teamrankings.com/nba/stat/blocks-per-game

This past season (2024-25), the Toronto Raptors recorded a block percentage of 4.8% - good enough to rank 26th in the NBA.
The year before (2023-24), the Toronto Raptors recorded a block percentage of 5.2% - good enough for 22nd in the NBA.
https://www.teamrankings.com/nba/stat/block-pct

If the Raptors drafted Khaman Maluach at #9, would you expect these numbers and rankings to improve, or become worse?

The numbers might improve early on, as guys take a chance at attacking the rim, but then I think it'll drop-off because less players will try to attack the paint.

I also think guys might lose their handle in the paint, before they can even get to the rim.

Rim deterrence is better than block percentage.

I expect he'll be so bad as a rookie that he doesn't see the floor much at all unless it is a blowout or the season has gone really wrong.

[WuTang_OG]

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[mademan]

Ya havent talked much about Kon because i didnt think we'd be able to get him, but if he does sneak through, which isnt impossible anymore with the rise of Noa and Kasp still hanging around the top in mocks, I'd be absolutely stoked. GD would have to go out as i dont see his place on the team anymore (im not sure i see it now), but Kon would be a huge win. I dont think he goes top 6, so it does come down to BRK/Pels imo

With his production as a freshman and his seamless fit with Scottie, i cant see the Raps passing on him if he's there for more unproven players

[BoyzNTheHood]

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[Indeed]

All these guys where elite shot blockers/rim protectors from day 1, and all of them where better shotblockers/rim protectord than Maluach at the college level. Maluach wasn't even the best defender on Duke (Maliq Brown).

Great, but they aren't available to be selected in this year's draft.

As previously discussed, there are more than a handful of freshmen from this year's college season who are better shot blockers than Khaman Maluach and even more upperclassmen who exceed his performance in those regards, yet none of them are in the discussion for us to pick at #9 .

As you suggested, there are also a number of NBA players who are better shot blockers than him (both now in the NBA and as college prospects), but most, if not all of them are not available on the trade market and not players we could reasonably add to this team.

Khaman Maluach is available to be selected in this year's draft.
Khaman Maluach is arguably the best C prospect in this draft.
Khaman Maluach is a prospect the Raptors probably have ranked quite high on their big board and I highly doubt the number of blocks per game he recorded or his block percentage are the only factors they are looking at when considering him.

Given our recent performance as a team, why does Khaman Maluach need to be an elite shot blocker to help the Raptors improve in that area?

This past season (2024-25), the Toronto Raptors recorded 4.2 blocks per game - good enough to rank 27th in the NBA.
The year before (2023-24), the Toronto Raptors recorded 4.7 blocks per game - good enough to rank 19th in the NBA.
SOURCE: https://www.teamrankings.com/nba/stat/blocks-per-game

This past season (2024-25), the Toronto Raptors recorded a block percentage of 4.8% - good enough to rank 26th in the NBA.
The year before (2023-24), the Toronto Raptors recorded a block percentage of 5.2% - good enough for 22nd in the NBA.
https://www.teamrankings.com/nba/stat/block-pct

If the Raptors drafted Khaman Maluach at #9, would you expect these numbers and rankings to improve, or become worse?

The numbers might improve early on, as guys take a chance at attacking the rim, but then I think it'll drop-off because less players will try to attack the paint.

I also think guys might lose their handle in the paint, before they can even get to the rim.

Rim deterrence is better than block percentage.

Are you saying other shot blockers do not have the same present? And some how Maluach can be just half of some of those elite ones? Again, if he just average, I can understand, but he is below average.

Furthermore, losing handles would not end up in steals, yet, his overall stock isn't good.

Maybe Maluach can become a very good player, but most likely on his second contract (meaning teams can sign him on a RFA). You might get better value with same tier of prospect for the #9 and draft a decent C in the 2nd round (or try to trade up to low 1st). The fact that C in the late 1st may offer better value, and there is lack of demand for them.

[WuTang_OG]

Watch on YouTube

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[dohboy_24]

I expect he'll be so bad as a rookie that he doesn't see the floor much at all unless it is a blowout or the season has gone really wrong.

If that's truly the case, we have a very good development program and spots available on the 905 for him to get lots of playing time.

It's a path that already worked quite well for Delon Wright, Norm Powell, Fred VanVelt, Pascal Siakim, Chris Boucher, Christian Koloko and Ulrich Chomche so it wouldn't be the end of the world if Khaman added his name to that list.

[Indeed]

underrated. hes stocky, so not like Dick lol

Kon is different than Gradey as he is heavier and more of a grinder type. Gradey is way more athletic.

That said, Kon is a killer and does everything at a good level with elite shooting. Why can't he be the next Austin Reaves? Be that tertiary star who plays off others well.

Maybe Gradey can do it to, but he seems more inconsistent so more of a 6 man.

I'm warming up to Kon at #9 if he slips to us.

50% of defense is effort and by all account Kon is a dog.

We need to remember that at #9 in this draft we're more likely than not hoping for a solid rotation player not necessarily a franchise star.

Kon seems like a guy with the size and skills to fit right in with what we're trying to do.

Knueppel is likely slower than Dick, neither can guard SG. Knueppel didn't even do quickness measurement, while most of his defense goes against SF size slow PF, which isn't going to transition into the NBA.

People also said Dick was an average defender during his draft year, reality with these shooters are obvious, they are not capable defender.

[DonDoolie]

Team sucked all year and people here want to waste the pick on Maluach and Kon? Might as well just forfeit the pick.

[DreamTeam09]

We have RJ Barrett currently, along with GD and Jakobe, noteven to mention Ochai, Kon serevs what purpose here exactly?

Either take Maluach or a bigger wing in Noa or Carter Bryant, or Fleming

[DreamTeam09]

Team sucked all year and people here want to waste the pick on Maluach and Kon? Might as well just forfeit the pick.

Those r likely BPA at pick 9, who's the player you want that will be a no doubt star oh nostradamious one

[BoyzNTheHood]

Team sucked all year and people here want to waste the pick on Maluach and Kon? Might as well just forfeit the pick.

Maluach is trash, but Kon is actually a good player.