2025 NBA Draft

[Ducklett]

Crazy that Jase is an must pick at 16 for some people when the latest mocks had him going 26 or later.

[MartinsIzAfraud]

Jase, Traore and Sorber (in order) are the auto picks at 16 for me. I would not want to trade that pick for an expiring guard with them on the board.

Riley, Clayton, Wolf, Bryant, Coward (in order) are the next guys I would consider at 16 if the above weren't available. I would probably even prefer to have these guys over a rental guard we would have to extend, but would understand the move given how urgent our need is.

All of those guys and Beringer, Raynaud, Penda, Thiero, Clifford and Kalkbrenner would be considered at 25 for me. Iffy on Fleming but probably would take a shot at 25 as well.

Broome, Markovic, Yang, Brea, Sallis, Lanier,, Proctor, Jones, Avadalis would all be awesome value at 46. Other guys I would be fine with as well there, just use the 2nd round pick.

that expiring guard would already have an extension agreed upon with FO before the trade is even made. There's 0 way you give up anything of value for 1 year when this team is cap screwed after this upcoming season.

What should've happened is they traded for an expiring guard 2 years ago when we had the space to see if it worked out and then re-signed that guard if so.

I understand they will likely extend them, but I am expecting that to not be a great value contract. They have less trade value as an expiring for that reason regardless of our extension ambitions.

oh agreed and it's something jeff said in his exit interview. they have to consolidate salary and swap defense for offense this summer. so sending out 35M and re signing expiring to 20-25 will likely happen

[Idiosyncratic]

Crazy that Jase is an must pick at 16 for some people when the latest mocks had him going 26 or later.

My general thoughts on mocks and player rankings is that difference should be embraced. A lot of times I will read someone's rankings and the comments will be like "Oh my god no ace Bailey top 5 get out man, unreal". Despite every single year the best players coming consistently from all over the place in the draft. Every year multiple top pick busts, every year there are random surprises later. We know how random it is so people's rankings should look very different from person to person IMO. That is more a general thought I have had that kind of ties in here.

For me and a lot of people the middle of this draft is fairly good and deep with similarly valued players before falling off again after the early 2nd. I could rank a lot of these guys every different way, so 16 to 26 could really be not a huge gap to some. Which kind of ties into my 1st point, but I really do feel a lot of people feel that way about this draft. I also don't believe he will go that late, some GM is going to be more into stats and take him much earlier IMO, but I could be wrong.

On Jase's fit with us: He was ridiculously efficient as a shooter and finisher especially for a freshman and he plays guard.

[Idiosyncratic]

that expiring guard would already have an extension agreed upon with FO before the trade is even made. There's 0 way you give up anything of value for 1 year when this team is cap screwed after this upcoming season.

What should've happened is they traded for an expiring guard 2 years ago when we had the space to see if it worked out and then re-signed that guard if so.

I understand they will likely extend them, but I am expecting that to not be a great value contract. They have less trade value as an expiring for that reason regardless of our extension ambitions.

oh agreed and it's something jeff said in his exit interview. they have to consolidate salary and swap defense for offense this summer. so sending out 35M and re signing expiring to 20-25 will likely happen

Yeah and it should happen. Definitely have to add a guard that is ready now to this group. And I accept that it could take 16 and that is a defensible move IMO, they have to do something. But there still are some specific guys in the draft I personally would rather have compared to some of the trade options, but we'll see what happens. Definitely have to get somebody. But could they take someone they really like at 16 if they fall to them and still get somebody with 25 and future 2nds? Probably, depends on who. Going to be interesting.

[Ducklett]

Crazy that Jase is an must pick at 16 for some people when the latest mocks had him going 26 or later.

My general thoughts on mocks and player rankings is that difference should be embraced. A lot of times I will read someone's rankings and the comments will be like "Oh my god no ace Bailey top 5 get out man, unreal". Despite every single year the best players coming consistently from all over the place in the draft. Every year multiple top pick busts, every year there are random surprises later. We know how random it is so people's rankings should look very different from person to person IMO. That is more a general thought I have had that kind of ties in here.

For me and a lot of people the middle of this draft is fairly good and deep with similarly valued players before falling off again after the early 2nd. I could rank a lot of these guys every different way, so 16 to 26 could really be not a huge gap to some. Which kind of ties into my 1st point, but I really do feel a lot of people feel that way about this draft. I also don't believe he will go that late, some GM is going to be more into stats and take him much earlier IMO, but I could be wrong.

On Jase's fit with us: He was ridiculously efficient as a shooter and finisher especially for a freshman and he plays guard.

I am not even in disagreement with taking Jase at 16 (I would windmill slam pick him at 25), I just think it is wild to say anyone in the top 20 is an autolock in this draft outside of Cooper.

[RichCollab]

Crazy that Jase is an must pick at 16 for some people when the latest mocks had him going 26 or later.

My general thoughts on mocks and player rankings is that difference should be embraced. A lot of times I will read someone's rankings and the comments will be like "Oh my god no ace Bailey top 5 get out man, unreal". Despite every single year the best players coming consistently from all over the place in the draft. Every year multiple top pick busts, every year there are random surprises later. We know how random it is so people's rankings should look very different from person to person IMO. That is more a general thought I have had that kind of ties in here.

For me and a lot of people the middle of this draft is fairly good and deep with similarly valued players before falling off again after the early 2nd. I could rank a lot of these guys every different way, so 16 to 26 could really be not a huge gap to some. Which kind of ties into my 1st point, but I really do feel a lot of people feel that way about this draft. I also don't believe he will go that late, some GM is going to be more into stats and take him much earlier IMO, but I could be wrong.

On Jase's fit with us: He was ridiculously efficient as a shooter and finisher especially for a freshman and he plays guard.

I am not even in disagreement with taking Jase at 16 (I would windmill slam pick him at 25), I just think it is wild to say anyone in the top 20 is an autolock in this draft outside of Cooper.

Being a tiny SG doesn’t bother you?

[Skybox]

My general thoughts on mocks and player rankings is that difference should be embraced. A lot of times I will read someone's rankings and the comments will be like "Oh my god no ace Bailey top 5 get out man, unreal". Despite every single year the best players coming consistently from all over the place in the draft. Every year multiple top pick busts, every year there are random surprises later. We know how random it is so people's rankings should look very different from person to person IMO. That is more a general thought I have had that kind of ties in here.

For me and a lot of people the middle of this draft is fairly good and deep with similarly valued players before falling off again after the early 2nd. I could rank a lot of these guys every different way, so 16 to 26 could really be not a huge gap to some. Which kind of ties into my 1st point, but I really do feel a lot of people feel that way about this draft. I also don't believe he will go that late, some GM is going to be more into stats and take him much earlier IMO, but I could be wrong.

On Jase's fit with us: He was ridiculously efficient as a shooter and finisher especially for a freshman and he plays guard.

I am not even in disagreement with taking Jase at 16 (I would windmill slam pick him at 25), I just think it is wild to say anyone in the top 20 is an autolock in this draft outside of Cooper.

Being a tiny SG doesn’t bother you?

Certainly is a concern, but on the other hand, he might be Top 8 if he was 6'5...he's long and crafty. Supposedly, very high BBIQ - that trumps most things for me.

[BlueBlazer]

In before we reach for someone at 16 and trade 25 for 2 future seconds to keep the ponzi going

[Idiosyncratic]

Crazy that Jase is an must pick at 16 for some people when the latest mocks had him going 26 or later.

My general thoughts on mocks and player rankings is that difference should be embraced. A lot of times I will read someone's rankings and the comments will be like "Oh my god no ace Bailey top 5 get out man, unreal". Despite every single year the best players coming consistently from all over the place in the draft. Every year multiple top pick busts, every year there are random surprises later. We know how random it is so people's rankings should look very different from person to person IMO. That is more a general thought I have had that kind of ties in here.

For me and a lot of people the middle of this draft is fairly good and deep with similarly valued players before falling off again after the early 2nd. I could rank a lot of these guys every different way, so 16 to 26 could really be not a huge gap to some. Which kind of ties into my 1st point, but I really do feel a lot of people feel that way about this draft. I also don't believe he will go that late, some GM is going to be more into stats and take him much earlier IMO, but I could be wrong.

On Jase's fit with us: He was ridiculously efficient as a shooter and finisher especially for a freshman and he plays guard.

I am not even in disagreement with taking Jase at 16 (I would windmill slam pick him at 25), I just think it is wild to say anyone in the top 20 is an autolock in this draft outside of Cooper.

Oh, I get what you’re saying. Yeah for me I’m just saying he is a lock for who I would prefer to trading the pick for a Simons/Sexton type. I personally would prefer rookie deal Jase to trading for and extending Simons/Sexton even despite our need . I would personally try to figure out a trade with different stuff at that point. I would trade a potential Jase pick for Reaves for instance though, no problem . Other guys too I’m sure.

Also I would understand if Weltman or others don’t agree with me on that, as we do desperately need guard play right now. Just my opinion.

[Ducklett]

In before we reach for someone at 16 and trade 25 for 2 future seconds to keep the ponzi going

Maybe we should talk after the Suns swap resolves next year on if its a ponzi.

[Ducklett]

I am not even in disagreement with taking Jase at 16 (I would windmill slam pick him at 25), I just think it is wild to say anyone in the top 20 is an autolock in this draft outside of Cooper.

Being a tiny SG doesn’t bother you?

Certainly is a concern, but on the other hand, he might be Top 8 if he was 6'5...he's long and crafty. Supposedly, very high BBIQ - that trumps most things for me.

All of the trades for 16 being undersized guards who are bad at defense at 20+ mil a year or that same archetype on a dude who is said to possibly have the highest BBIQ in the draft on 4ish mil a year seems like a no brainer, in theory.

[Orl_Magic]

Every mock draft has us taking Walter Clayton Jr. at 25.

[cedric76]

i d like to trade Cole + 25 for Sexton BUT if Jase Richardson is available could he give you what sexton give you for 4.4 M instead of what d have to extend Sexton for?

Jase Richardson, nearly identical in height at 6'0½" but with a slightly shorter 6'6" wingspan, but could offer a more balanced, modern combo guard profile. He provides efficient shooting, smart decision-making, and versatile defense (for his size). He doesnt seem to be as aggressive a scorer as Sexton, he's more efficient and adaptable in structured offensive systems.

[jezzerinho]

i d like to trade Cole + 25 for Sexton BUT if Jase Richardson is available could he give you what sexton give you for 4.4 M instead of what d have to extend Sexton for?

Jase Richardson, nearly identical in height at 6'0½" but with a slightly shorter 6'6" wingspan, but could offer a more balanced, modern combo guard profile. He provides efficient shooting, smart decision-making, and versatile defense (for his size). He doesnt seem to be as aggressive a scorer as Sexton, he's more efficient and adaptable in structured offensive systems.

Dude, you're living in fantasy land.

Go and check the list of PnR initiator guards who score efficiently at a decent clip. You won't find a single rookie in that list. Probably not even a 2nd year guy. Maybe one or 2 third year guys. They'll all be vets. Becoming a good NBA guard takes years. Years we can't afford.

[RookieStar]

Every mock draft has us taking Walter Clayton Jr. at 25.

Final nail in the coffin. We wont be picking him then

[cedric76]

i d like to trade Cole + 25 for Sexton BUT if Jase Richardson is available could he give you what sexton give you for 4.4 M instead of what d have to extend Sexton for?

Jase Richardson, nearly identical in height at 6'0½" but with a slightly shorter 6'6" wingspan, but could offer a more balanced, modern combo guard profile. He provides efficient shooting, smart decision-making, and versatile defense (for his size). He doesnt seem to be as aggressive a scorer as Sexton, he's more efficient and adaptable in structured offensive systems.

Dude, you're living in fantasy land.

Go and check the list of PnR initiator guards who score efficiently at a decent clip. You won't find a single rookie in that list. Probably not even a 2nd year guy. Maybe one or 2 third year guys. They'll all be vets. Becoming a good NBA guard takes years. Years we can't afford.

What fantasy land?

I m not seeing Sexton as a starting guard, if we d trade for sexton it would be to replace Cole's role, a 7-8 man, so you are saying that Jase couldnt be a 7-8 man down the road?

I m not a fan of Jase as i dont like small short players but i m just saying that he could be more cost effective

I m not expecting any rookie (if we draft any) to get much PT in our team next season

[jezzerinho]

i d like to trade Cole + 25 for Sexton BUT if Jase Richardson is available could he give you what sexton give you for 4.4 M instead of what d have to extend Sexton for?

Jase Richardson, nearly identical in height at 6'0½" but with a slightly shorter 6'6" wingspan, but could offer a more balanced, modern combo guard profile. He provides efficient shooting, smart decision-making, and versatile defense (for his size). He doesnt seem to be as aggressive a scorer as Sexton, he's more efficient and adaptable in structured offensive systems.

Dude, you're living in fantasy land.

Go and check the list of PnR initiator guards who score efficiently at a decent clip. You won't find a single rookie in that list. Probably not even a 2nd year guy. Maybe one or 2 third year guys. They'll all be vets. Becoming a good NBA guard takes years. Years we can't afford.

What fantasy land?

I m not seeing Sexton as a starting guard, if we d trade for sexton it would be to replace Cole's role, a 7-8 man, so you are saying that Jase couldnt be a 7-8 man down the road?

I m not a fan of Jase as i dont like small short players but i m just saying that he could be more cost effective

I m not expecting any rookie (if we draft any) to get much PT in our team next season

We don't need "down the road". We have "down the road" in Black, Howard, TDS etc.

We need "today". And if Sexton isn't your bag, then you have to get creative and find deals for other guys:

McCollum, Reaves, White, Jerome, Pritchard, Melton or someone a little more under the radar. Or you move a star to get a star.

Even with all that said, Richardson couldn't sniff Sextons jockstrap for the next 3-4 years, from a production/efficiency pov, unless he's magically God-tier.

[cedric76]

Dude, you're living in fantasy land.

Go and check the list of PnR initiator guards who score efficiently at a decent clip. You won't find a single rookie in that list. Probably not even a 2nd year guy. Maybe one or 2 third year guys. They'll all be vets. Becoming a good NBA guard takes years. Years we can't afford.

What fantasy land?

I m not seeing Sexton as a starting guard, if we d trade for sexton it would be to replace Cole's role, a 7-8 man, so you are saying that Jase couldnt be a 7-8 man down the road?

I m not a fan of Jase as i dont like small short players but i m just saying that he could be more cost effective

I m not expecting any rookie (if we draft any) to get much PT in our team next season

We don't need "down the road". We have "down the road" in Black, Howard, TDS etc.

We need "today". And if Sexton isn't your bag, then you have to get creative and find deals for other guys:

McCollum, Reaves, White, Jerome, Pritchard, Melton or someone a little more under the radar. Or you move a star to get a star.

Even with all that said, Richardson couldn't sniff Sextons jockstrap for the next 3-4 years, from a production/efficiency pov, unless he's magically God-tier.

If you think getting a cost contract young player that could be a good 8th man is not a good idea, you have not understand how the new CBA works.

The goal is to get a very good starting player to play along suggs + Franz+ Paolo and have people on the bench with low contracts

I d love to upgrade KCP by trading for trey Murphy.

Suggs
Murphy
Franz
Paolo
Wcj

Bench
TDS
AB
Ji

Then you need cheap contracts
Could be rookies (Jase, Clayton jr, Raynaud, etc... etc...)
Could be vets willing to play for the min (cojo, Melton, brogdon , etc...)
Could be an Injured player happy to extend on a cheap to prove that he is healthy (Moe)

[jezzerinho]

What fantasy land?

I m not seeing Sexton as a starting guard, if we d trade for sexton it would be to replace Cole's role, a 7-8 man, so you are saying that Jase couldnt be a 7-8 man down the road?

I m not a fan of Jase as i dont like small short players but i m just saying that he could be more cost effective

I m not expecting any rookie (if we draft any) to get much PT in our team next season

We don't need "down the road". We have "down the road" in Black, Howard, TDS etc.

We need "today". And if Sexton isn't your bag, then you have to get creative and find deals for other guys:

McCollum, Reaves, White, Jerome, Pritchard, Melton or someone a little more under the radar. Or you move a star to get a star.

Even with all that said, Richardson couldn't sniff Sextons jockstrap for the next 3-4 years, from a production/efficiency pov, unless he's magically God-tier.

If you think getting a cost contract young player that could be a good 8th man is not a good idea, you have not understand how the new CBA works.

The goal is to get a very good starting player to play along suggs + Franz+ Paolo and have people on the bench with low contracts

I d love to upgrade KCP by trading for trey Murphy.

Suggs
Murphy
Franz
Paolo
Wcj

Bench
TDS
AB
Ji

Then you need cheap contracts
Could be rookies (Jase, Clayton jr, Raynaud, etc... etc...)
Could be vets willing to play for the min (cojo, Melton, brogdon , etc...)
Could be an Injured player happy to extend on a cheap to prove that he is healthy (Moe)

All very true, but you're advocating this as a preference over going out and signing a starting guard like Sexton. I'd argue - and I bet I'm not alone - that fixing the starting guard spot is TOP priority. After that, the salary cap chips fall and you make remaining trades or decline options to get to a "relatively" OK cap position.

[cedric76]

We don't need "down the road". We have "down the road" in Black, Howard, TDS etc.

We need "today". And if Sexton isn't your bag, then you have to get creative and find deals for other guys:

McCollum, Reaves, White, Jerome, Pritchard, Melton or someone a little more under the radar. Or you move a star to get a star.

Even with all that said, Richardson couldn't sniff Sextons jockstrap for the next 3-4 years, from a production/efficiency pov, unless he's magically God-tier.

If you think getting a cost contract young player that could be a good 8th man is not a good idea, you have not understand how the new CBA works.

The goal is to get a very good starting player to play along suggs + Franz+ Paolo and have people on the bench with low contracts

I d love to upgrade KCP by trading for trey Murphy.

Suggs
Murphy
Franz
Paolo
Wcj

Bench
TDS
AB
Ji

Then you need cheap contracts
Could be rookies (Jase, Clayton jr, Raynaud, etc... etc...)
Could be vets willing to play for the min (cojo, Melton, brogdon , etc...)
Could be an Injured player happy to extend on a cheap to prove that he is healthy (Moe)

All very true, but you're advocating this as a preference over going out and signing a starting guard like Sexton. I'd argue - and I bet I'm not alone - that fixing the starting guard spot is TOP priority. After that, the salary cap chips fall and you make remaining trades or decline options to get to a "relatively" OK cap position.

I Ve been advocating for a Cole+25 for sexton for a while but I wouldn't say that sexton is a starting PG, he d be an upgrade over Cole as a 6th man.

I d prefer suggs+Murphy backcourt over sexton+suggs any days of the week