2025 NBA Draft Thread: Detroit Pick Edition

[GopherIt!]

It's hard for me to give any credence to all of Euro prospects because I never get to see them play so that's on me. I do watch a ton of college hoops and the high end talent just isn't there this year.

In good drafts, there are 8-12 guys that you expect will be very good NBA players with enough talent to eventually make an ASG. This year...not so much.

Well both get to see who is right in 3-4 years.

I think people just develop misconception about what a good draft looks like because fans and teams often give up on players too soon. Drafts are unpredictable. Finding a SGA at 11 one year doesn't mean that the next year's 11 Cam Johnson was bad value, yet that's often how fans seem to look at drafts in hindsight.

Certainly valid points, sir. I personally believe the guards in this Draft are greatly overvalued at where they are projected to go. I also feel that Combine measurements are not always reflective as to what defines a good "basketball player", especially with big guys.

I campaigned hard for the Wolves to Draft TSJ last year because I watched him play a ton in college and just knew his offensive skills and energy would translate to the NBA. I feel that way about Clayton Jr this year but not that many other college guys in this class.

I've been wrong before...and I will certainly be wrong again.

Sent from my N152DL using RealGM mobile app

If I am TC, and Clayton is available at 17, I am running up to the podium to make that pick. Then find a trade w a team whose coach/gm still believes in Dilly as a future starter. At 31, grab the best available C (hopefully Raynaud), Kalkbrenner, etc. or somebody promising who somehow slipped to the early 2nd round. Profit.

[shangrila]

It's Demin Time

I think he's going late lottery.

One of the biggest differences between his play early in the season compared to the rest, if you ignore the difference in competition, was his shooting mechanics. He seemed to overhaul them in the offseason and stick to them early on but as the season progressed he slid further back into his old mechanics, which aren't good. That's a muscle memory thing and something that's fixable.

And if that's the case then his handles and separation issues become a lot more tolerable

[Norseman79]

Hard to really know which way to go until some trades drop, if we truly do resign everyone and run it back, then C is probably the right pick. Especially if they have faith in Dillingham...

[KGdaBom]

It's hard for me to give any credence to all of Euro prospects because I never get to see them play so that's on me. I do watch a ton of college hoops and the high end talent just isn't there this year.

In good drafts, there are 8-12 guys that you expect will be very good NBA players with enough talent to eventually make an ASG. This year...not so much.

Well both get to see who is right in 3-4 years.

I think people just develop misconception about what a good draft looks like because fans and teams often give up on players too soon. Drafts are unpredictable. Finding a SGA at 11 one year doesn't mean that the next year's 11 Cam Johnson was bad value, yet that's often how fans seem to look at drafts in hindsight.

Certainly valid points, sir. I personally believe the guards in this Draft are greatly overvalued at where they are projected to go. I also feel that Combine measurements are not always reflective as to what defines a good "basketball player", especially with big guys.

I campaigned hard for the Wolves to Draft TSJ last year because I watched him play a ton in college and just knew his offensive skills and energy would translate to the NBA. I feel that way about Clayton Jr this year but not that many other college guys in this class.

I've been wrong before...and I will certainly be wrong again.

Sent from my N152DL using RealGM mobile app

No way. That could not happen. As for WCJ he's old as hell, but seems like a solid backup in the NBA. I'd have no problem picking him, but really hope we can get Demin.

[KGdaBom]

I don't know if anybody here has once mentioned Nique Clifford as a player to draft at 17, but Tankathon has us taking him. I didn't like it at all because he's old as hell, but his stats are phenomenal. 10 rebounds per game for a wing!!!. Almost 5 assists. 20PPG. Good Defense. Wrong position for us to draft.

[jpatrick]

Watching the Adidas NextGen Tournament finals from last summer. Real Madrid (Demin and Gonzalez) vs Pole France (Traore). I picked this game because stat-wise, was the best Demin game I could find. I’ll say this, Traore is a much better player. He reminds me of Ant at UGA. He’s not that type of athlete but no one can stay in front of him. He keeps dishing to open teammates who brick and brick. It’s clear from this that Traore needs to work on finishing at the rim and shooting, but he is the most impactful guy in this game despite some foul trouble.

I just finished the game. I will say I get the negatives about Traore. I can’t tell if he’s just a selfish player or the coaching staff wanted the ball in his hands at all times. But he rarely gave it up early. And almost demanded the ball be in his hands to either shoot or make the pass. Like I said, would need to know how he’s coached but was not great down the end, especially when he started missing shots.

Demin put up numbers this game and is a very good passer. But he creates no opportunities. Can’t get by anyone. Takes 1, 2, sometimes 3 screens for an advantage. He plays PG for this team but even the announcers said that down the stretch it’s up to Gonzalez because Demin isn’t a get by you sort of player.

I didn’t watch Giddey in Australia, so not sure what he looked like pre-NBA. Watching this game, the guy that came to mind, was a thinner and probably slightly quicker but not as crafty, Kyle Anderson.

Edit: if Gonzalez is there at 31, I’d take him. Athletic and plays really really hard. At a minimum, he’s be a defensive menace.

And incredible game. OT game that came down to Traore missing a shot at both the end of regulation and then end of OT to give Real Madrid the championship.

[Devilzsidewalk]

Of the supposed top 10 I could see Queen falling to us and I hope we pass if he does.

Yeah i'm getting that feeling too that of all the big names, he seems like the most likely to fall. Actually I thought it was odd that he ever climbed that high to begin with because he's not typically the kinda player that the pre-draft process likes. Idk what to think about him yet. I've seen a lot of knocks on his defense, but the defensive metrics love him. He's one of the top names in the entire country in def win shares and def rating. The handles are definitely interesting to me. Bigs aren't used to defending a string of change-of-direction dribbles, or picking up a ball handler in transition. The shooting is concerning, but he can hit at the line, and he's shown signs of being money from midrange, so I'd be bullish about him developing into a passable standstill shooter. Randle was pretty much useless from 3 in college too. But that brings up another thought - do we need 2 Julius Randles/does 2 Julius Randles enhance the team, or just get in the way of each other? Having 5 ball handlers on the court while not being undersized would be super interesting. You can bully and rebound in halfcourt while still buffing the transition offense. Defensively though, you're not very fast, and no length and unless one of them pumps up their shooting numbers, teams would be helping off of them a lot and forcing 1 of them to make jumpers.

My guess would be that they'd only draft him if they expected Randle to opt out. Now you re-sign Naz, start him, and bring Queen off the bench in a 4/5 role like Naz has been in to create a 3 man rotation in the frontcourt, and a guy who can replace some of Randle's shot-creation.

[moss_is_1]

With Connelly mentioning how he doesn't see much difference in prospects I wonder if he takes that opportunity to move back and gain more assets, either more cheap rookies for this year or the future.

Brooklyn has 5 picks - 8, 19, 26, 27, 36
Utah Jazz (4): 5, 21, 43, 53
Orlando Magic (4): 16, 25, 46, 57
San Antonio Spurs (3): 2, 14, 38
Charlotte Hornets (3): 4, 33, 34
Washington Wizards (3): 6, 18, 40
Oklahoma City Thunder (3): 15, 24, 44

Alot of those teams just have so many players already, they aren't going to have the roster spots so maybe they're packaging them to move up.

[shangrila]

With Connelly mentioning how he doesn't see much difference in prospects I wonder if he takes that opportunity to move back and gain more assets, either more cheap rookies for this year or the future.

Brooklyn has 5 picks - 8, 19, 26, 27, 36
Utah Jazz (4): 5, 21, 43, 53
Orlando Magic (4): 16, 25, 46, 57
San Antonio Spurs (3): 2, 14, 38
Charlotte Hornets (3): 4, 33, 34
Washington Wizards (3): 6, 18, 40
Oklahoma City Thunder (3): 15, 24, 44

Alot of those teams just have so many players already, they aren't going to have the roster spots so maybe they're packaging them to move up.

I'm not sure it makes sense for us to do this either. At least not for additional picks this year.

We've got our own surplus of youth and a potential financial crunch, not to mention a coach who traditionally doesn't play rookies (that might be more of an age thing however, as some of the older prospects we've had like TSJ and Moore Jr got early minutes more so than the rawer guys like Miller or Dillingham).

[shangrila]

Of the supposed top 10 I could see Queen falling to us and I hope we pass if he does.

Yeah i'm getting that feeling too that of all the big names, he seems like the most likely to fall. Actually I thought it was odd that he ever climbed that high to begin with because he's not typically the kinda player that the pre-draft process likes. Idk what to think about him yet. I've seen a lot of knocks on his defense, but the defensive metrics love him. He's one of the top names in the entire country in def win shares and def rating. The handles are definitely interesting to me. Bigs aren't used to defending a string of change-of-direction dribbles, or picking up a ball handler in transition. The shooting is concerning, but he can hit at the line, and he's shown signs of being money from midrange, so I'd be bullish about him developing into a passable standstill shooter. Randle was pretty much useless from 3 in college too. But that brings up another thought - do we need 2 Julius Randles/does 2 Julius Randles enhance the team, or just get in the way of each other? Having 5 ball handlers on the court while not being undersized would be super interesting. You can bully and rebound in halfcourt while still buffing the transition offense. Defensively though, you're not very fast, and no length and unless one of them pumps up their shooting numbers, teams would be helping off of them a lot and forcing 1 of them to make jumpers.

My guess would be that they'd only draft him if they expected Randle to opt out. Now you re-sign Naz, start him, and bring Queen off the bench in a 4/5 role like Naz has been in to create a 3 man rotation in the frontcourt, and a guy who can replace some of Randle's shot-creation.

The shot is a straight line drive and likely requires an entire overhaul to push beyond that FT line area. I'd be hesitant in expecting him to develop it.

[younggunsmn]

With Connelly mentioning how he doesn't see much difference in prospects I wonder if he takes that opportunity to move back and gain more assets, either more cheap rookies for this year or the future.

Brooklyn has 5 picks - 8, 19, 26, 27, 36
Utah Jazz (4): 5, 21, 43, 53
Orlando Magic (4): 16, 25, 46, 57
San Antonio Spurs (3): 2, 14, 38
Charlotte Hornets (3): 4, 33, 34
Washington Wizards (3): 6, 18, 40
Oklahoma City Thunder (3): 15, 24, 44

Alot of those teams just have so many players already, they aren't going to have the roster spots so maybe they're packaging them to move up.

If we move down,
I could see 17+31 for 19+27 from Brooklyn.
Or 17 for 21+43+53 from Utah.

If we want to move up, 17+31 for 15+44 from OKC,
or for 14+38 from SAS (probably need a hair more).

[minimus]

With Connelly mentioning how he doesn't see much difference in prospects I wonder if he takes that opportunity to move back and gain more assets, either more cheap rookies for this year or the future.

Brooklyn has 5 picks - 8, 19, 26, 27, 36
Utah Jazz (4): 5, 21, 43, 53
Orlando Magic (4): 16, 25, 46, 57
San Antonio Spurs (3): 2, 14, 38
Charlotte Hornets (3): 4, 33, 34
Washington Wizards (3): 6, 18, 40
Oklahoma City Thunder (3): 15, 24, 44

Alot of those teams just have so many players already, they aren't going to have the roster spots so maybe they're packaging them to move up.

If we move down,
I could see 17+31 for 19+27 from Brooklyn.
Or 17 for 21+43+53 from Utah.

17 for 19+27

[shrink]

With Connelly mentioning how he doesn't see much difference in prospects I wonder if he takes that opportunity to move back and gain more assets, either more cheap rookies for this year or the future.

Brooklyn has 5 picks - 8, 19, 26, 27, 36
Utah Jazz (4): 5, 21, 43, 53
Orlando Magic (4): 16, 25, 46, 57
San Antonio Spurs (3): 2, 14, 38
Charlotte Hornets (3): 4, 33, 34
Washington Wizards (3): 6, 18, 40
Oklahoma City Thunder (3): 15, 24, 44

Alot of those teams just have so many players already, they aren't going to have the roster spots so maybe they're packaging them to move up.

I ran my numbers, and these are the fair offers for MIN’s #17:

BRK: #19, #27 (should be worth #14). #19, #36 (should be worth #16). #26, #27 (should get #18).
UTA: #21, #43, #53
ORL: #25, #46, #57, future 2nd
SAS: 2030 1st pick swap (most favorable of MIN, SAS, DAL), #38 .. (what do you think? I have no math for that)
WAS: #18, #40 (should be worth #16)
OKC: #24, #44 (should only be worth #21, but OKC has many future 2nds and late 1sts)

(Keep in mind, this math is only for an average draft, and teams overpay for a specific player they want in that specific draft.)

[Klomp]

Any time I think about the big man discussion in this draft class, I always go back to think about all of the talented offensive bigs that Chris Finch has worked with and helped develop over the years. His history includes Jokic, Cousins, Davis, Siakam, Towns, Randle and Reid. Gobert is one of only a few in the "unskilled" category.

That would personally make me think they'd lean Queen or Wolf over Sorber or Maluach, for example.

[minimus]

Any time I think about the big man discussion in this draft class, I always go back to think about all of the talented offensive bigs that Chris Finch has worked with and helped develop over the years. His history includes Jokic, Cousins, Davis, Siakam, Towns, Randle and Reid. Gobert is one of only a few in the "unskilled" category.

That would personally make me think they'd lean Queen or Wolf over Sorber or Maluach, for example.

Sorber has a lot of skills. I think Finch will appreciate a bigman with good foundamentals. I am not saying that Sorber is Al Horford, but if a bigman can catch ball, set good screen, can challenge shots in the paint without fouling, can execute DHO and rebound the ball it will be already a big improvement. I feel like Towns, Reid and Randle have unique combination of guard in bigman body, but I would love to inject traditional bigman skills into Finch offense.

[shangrila]

Any time I think about the big man discussion in this draft class, I always go back to think about all of the talented offensive bigs that Chris Finch has worked with and helped develop over the years. His history includes Jokic, Cousins, Davis, Siakam, Towns, Randle and Reid. Gobert is one of only a few in the "unskilled" category.

That would personally make me think they'd lean Queen or Wolf over Sorber or Maluach, for example.

As minimus said, Sorber is plenty skilled. Maybe not to the theoretical level of Queen or Wolf, but enough to operate in a modern offence.

So I'd also throw in Raynaud and Yang as targets, and take out someone like Niederhauser. Kalbrenner is in a grey area, although he leans more towards the former. Broome might also be a target.

This is also the reservation I have about Fleming. He's the kind of player that's effective in a limited scope, sort of like a Brandon Clarke.

[Norseman79]

Amari Williams from Kentucky been talked about at all at 31?

[Klomp]

Amari Williams from Kentucky been talked about at all at 31?

He's got tools, but I think his draft upside is like the 45-50 range. Would be a decent two-way player.

[KGdaBom]

If he slides I'm taking a long look at Collin Murray-Boyles. Young great numbers in everything, but 3 point shooting.

[Klomp]

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