2025 Draft prospects - thread 3

[Jvaughn]

Video answered my question. Vast majority of Wolf's game comes from PnR. Of his total points a quarter of them come from him being the ball handler on PnR.

[HomoSapien]

Kneuppel is a hard pock to predict. I've seen mocks all over the place with him, from #5 or 6 all the way out to the late teens. He's a sharp shooting, high BBIQ glue guy that would be great in the right fit. A perfect Robin to a team that already has their Batman, much like the role he played at Duke next to Flagg. If he were still on the board at #12 AKME would at least have to consider taking him. He's just too good a shooter. And in a league so dependent on the 3 point shot that is always something a team could use.

If Kon is available at 12... AK better run to turn that card in.

I don't even know how we'd find minutes for him, but that's a problem for tomorrow. A shooter of that caliber opens up a lot for Giddey to operate. He's not my favorite prospect, but you gotta make that pick if he's there.

I suspect he's high on a lot of teams' lists but probably no one's top choice. My guess is the top 6 picks will be Flagg, Harper, Edgecombe, Bailey, Fears, and Johnson. All those guys are probably looking at franchise-level potential and Kon, while really impressive, doesn't feel like that kind of talent. After that, he could go pretty much anywhere. It'll just depend on if the remaining teams feel like the potential of Essengue, Queen, Traore (who is all over the place in mocks) Malauch, KJ, and Demin is more enticing. I don't think he'd fall past Houston, but then again they have another young sharp shooter in Shepperd who they need to work into the rotation still.

In almost every draft, someone unexpectedly falls. It'll be interesting to see who it is, and hopefully we get lucky again like we did Matas and get to capitalize on that.

[2weekswithpay]

It would explain why you think so highly of a fringe 1st rounder.

Once again, do you have anything that supports Bryant being a better passer and ball handler than Wolf?

I don't know why you're saying I think highly of Wolf when I don't think I've said anything that couldn't be supported by film or statistics.

Why are you obsessed with Carter Bryant? Its not the GOTCHA! moment you think it is. Let it go.

One problem. He does not shoot pass or dribble better then any wing in this draft.

Ace, Carter Bryant, Liam McNeely, Hugo Gonzalez, Drake Powell. Are you claiming that the extremely low usage, Carter Bryant is a better passer and ball handler?

Then Wolf? 100% Is this is local kid makes good thing?

You replied to me first. I singled out Bryant because I wanted to see if you were going to defend your claim. I could've used one of the other wings as well. You're free to have your own opinion, but reading your responses, it looks like you're saying things you don't believe are true.

I don't think this is a gotcha moment, all I'm asking is for something to support your argument. If all you have is your opinion, then say so.

[drosestruts]

More on Nique Clifford

Watch on YouTube

Did I watch Colorado State games this year - no.

But stats and video show a well-rounded player who can impact the game in a variety of ways.

Again I love the rebounding ability. Felt like I watched several playoff games this year where Josh Harts ability to rebound made a massive difference in the games. We already have a really good rebounder in Giddey, I think it would be great to add another in Clifford. Give me guys with a nose for the ball.

After that he's admittingly a bit of a jack of all trades master of none.

He has some self-creation ability. Very good finisher at the rim. Very good mid-range game. I like his passing.

Think he's a day 1 contributor which appeals to me.

Felt like he took a gamble going to a smaller school in order to showcase himself in a larger role and he did it - he stepped up and performed with a huge increase in usage.

Player comps would be a Josh Hart/Christian Braun esque player. On the high, pie-in-the-sky side I feel like there's some Jimmy Butler to his game.

[DuckIII]

Of course there are. We have Giddey and Coby, who panned out as #6 and #7 picks and play point. If a reasonable #12 pick who is also a point (like Demin or several others) develops well (say they become the 8th best player in this draft), they could still easily be inferior to those two forever, and due to lack of complementary skills, never start alongside them.

To be perfectly honest there is no obvious path to be a starter for almost any draftee at 12 - they'll really have to stand out. Obviously they'd have to do so to unseat Coby, Giddey or Matas, but even to unseat Smith (a #10 pick who has developed IMO), Ball (#2 pick who developed), Ayo, Huerter it won't be an easy task. Most of the time a guy has to be near a top 5 player in a draft to be an eventual fixture as a starter, and that's not projected from the 12 spot.

We have, at the absolute most, 3 core players. And all 3 of them play multiple positions. There is not a single player being discussed at 12 that would not start for the Bulls if they reach their potential. Zero.

We do not have a roster that is even remotely fixed.

Fair enough. I think many players have the potential to be the best player in a draft, including this one (despite how good Flagg projects), so yes, if a guy does that, he'd start for us regardless. But to me, "developing well" just means ending up being the 12th best or better player in the draft, and at that level (say the 8th-11th best player) the player should by no means be assumed to start for us indefinitely. He certainly might, but success at #12 doesn't necessarily imply core piece IMO. I've never seen 12 core guys in a draft. Can't remember ever seeing more than like 5-7 guys.

I didn’t say who we pick at 12 will be a core player. I said they would become starters if they pan out.

I’m fully aware of the increasingly reduced likelihood of landing core players with each lesser draft slot. It’s one of the many reasons I hate our GM.

[Dan Z]

Sure. He isnt going to make the dunk contest anytime soon, but hes an NBA athlete. I dont need every player to make the all defensive team. He will always be in the right position, willing to battle on every play and will put his body on the line. We saw it with Huerter, he was a 15/3/3 guy hitting close to 40% of his 3s, playing good D and had the 2nd best +/- on the team right behind Giddey during the resurgence. That is a valuable thing to have on any team.

You want Kevin Huerter 2.0?

You know who doesn't believe he is a good athlete. Kon Kneupel. Thats why he didn't do the drills.

You know who wil be gone LONG before 12? Kon Knueppel. Also whats wrong with Huerter?? Is it a bad thing to get a really good starting player in the draft? Do you not think 40% from 3 on 15+ ppg in valuable? Are you someone only drafting if they have any chance of one day winning a league MVP?

Nothing's wrong with that player, but why don't they just re-sign Huerter?

[Jcool0]

You want Kevin Huerter 2.0?

You know who doesn't believe he is a good athlete. Kon Kneupel. Thats why he didn't do the drills.

You know who wil be gone LONG before 12? Kon Knueppel. Also whats wrong with Huerter?? Is it a bad thing to get a really good starting player in the draft? Do you not think 40% from 3 on 15+ ppg in valuable? Are you someone only drafting if they have any chance of one day winning a league MVP?

Nothing's wrong with that player, but why don't they just re-sign Huerter?

He will be 28 when his contract is up next year and this will probably be his last chance to make decent money since after the next deal he will he 32-33. Not sure the Bulls want to give him 70M for 4 years (if he plays like he did to finish the year). But you never know with AK. It will never happen but package him for pick #14 (SA) if the Bulls aren't resigning him.

[Repeat 3-peat]

Watch on YouTube

[TheJordanRule]

More on Nique Clifford

Watch on YouTube

Did I watch Colorado State games this year - no.

But stats and video show a well-rounded player who can impact the game in a variety of ways.

Again I love the rebounding ability. Felt like I watched several playoff games this year where Josh Harts ability to rebound made a massive difference in the games. We already have a really good rebounder in Giddey, I think it would be great to add another in Clifford. Give me guys with a nose for the ball.

After that he's admittingly a bit of a jack of all trades master of none.

He has some self-creation ability. Very good finisher at the rim. Very good mid-range game. I like his passing.

Think he's a day 1 contributor which appeals to me.

Felt like he took a gamble going to a smaller school in order to showcase himself in a larger role and he did it - he stepped up and performed with a huge increase in usage.

Player comps would be a Josh Hart/Christian Braun esque player. On the high, pie-in-the-sky side I feel like there's some Jimmy Butler to his game.

That Christian Braun comparison seems spot on. Nique is a two way player, and I believe he could be a strong contributor. This would be grabbing a genuine SF, though. I don't know how well that fits in with Giddey's core value to us. It probably doesn't in the long term.
I have a Big Ten with respect to our team needs, and the talent and potential of these prospects.
1. Flagg
2. Harper
3. Edgecomb
4. Bailey
5. Maluach
6. Fears
7. KJ
8. Noa Essengue
9. Nique Clifford
10. Nolan Traore

Not to sound like a hater, but I don't think on Knueppel projects well at the next level. He's incredibly unathletic for an NBA player, his defense is weak and we're just supposed to assume his scoring game somehow translates ala Doug McDermott. Hard pass. I would be happy with any of these guys in the Big Ten, and meh to cringe with any others TBH.

I've soured a bit on Egor Demin simply because I don't know if he has the athleticism to hang at the NBA level. The reality is setting in that this kid is definitely gonna need to work on improving his quickness and speed, and those attributes are insanely hard to improve. Still think he's fairly special because of his court vision. He's trending toward being more of a meh than an outright cringe though.

[GuardianEnzo]

I've said before I have a gut feeling Kneuppel may slide down the board. He's not my favorite prospect but I think it would be very difficult to pass on him at 12.

[Dan Z]

You know who wil be gone LONG before 12? Kon Knueppel. Also whats wrong with Huerter?? Is it a bad thing to get a really good starting player in the draft? Do you not think 40% from 3 on 15+ ppg in valuable? Are you someone only drafting if they have any chance of one day winning a league MVP?

Nothing's wrong with that player, but why don't they just re-sign Huerter?

He will be 28 when his contract is up next year and this will probably be his last chance to make decent money since after the next deal he will he 32-33. Not sure the Bulls want to give him 70M for 4 years (if he plays like he did to finish the year). But you never know with AK. It will never happen but package him for pick #14 (SA) if the Bulls aren't resigning him.

If the Bulls think Kon is basically Huerter 2.0 then just re-sign the vet you already have. Who cares that he might ask for a big pay day. He still has to earn it and the market has to agree that he's worth X amount.

If they think Kon has more potential then that's a different story.

[rosenthall]

I just realized why I've always been lukewarm on Demin. In a roundabout way he reminds me of Kevin Knox as a prospect. They came in with different skillsets, but they were both guys who had a unique combination of size and skill that you could project into an interesting player if they put things together.

But nothing about their game stands out when you watch them, and neither could translate their advantages into something productive for their teams. The word that best describes both of them is "quiet". Knox ended up being taken ahead of both bridges, MPJ and Shai, and turned out to be one of 3 busts taken in the lottery that year.

Demin feels like he could end up the same way.

[HomoSapien]

I just realized why I've always been lukewarm on Demin. In a roundabout way he reminds me of Kevin Knox as a prospect. They came in with different skillsets, but they were both guys who had a unique combination of size and skill that you could project into an interesting player if they put things together.

But nothing about their game stands out when you watch them, and neither could translate their advantages into something productive for their teams. The word that best describes both of them is "quiet". Knox ended up being taken ahead of both bridges, MPJ and Shai, and turned out to be one of 3 busts taken in the lottery that year.

Demin feels like he could end up the same way.

I've heard people say nothing stands out about him but I don't get that. He's arguably the best passer in the draft. That makes him stand out, no?

[BullsSD]

Watching Toppin play in the ship and just swat Lou Dort out of bounds reminds me of when I wanted to draft Toppin.

I want Fleming or Coward. Essengue will do.

Don’t mess this up.

[Hangtime84]

Watching Toppin play in the ship and just swat Lou Dort out of bounds reminds me of when I wanted to draft Toppin.

I want Fleming or Coward. Essengue will do.

Don’t mess this up.

Funny when watching Chet made me want Essengue or Asa Newell.

Still high on Demin watching TJ wreck havoc on on defenses with his playmaking. But also makes me want Trae Jones to be our TJ

[Hangtime84]

I just realized why I've always been lukewarm on Demin. In a roundabout way he reminds me of Kevin Knox as a prospect. They came in with different skillsets, but they were both guys who had a unique combination of size and skill that you could project into an interesting player if they put things together.

But nothing about their game stands out when you watch them, and neither could translate their advantages into something productive for their teams. The word that best describes both of them is "quiet". Knox ended up being taken ahead of both bridges, MPJ and Shai, and turned out to be one of 3 busts taken in the lottery that year.

Demin feels like he could end up the same way.

Kevin Knox is Bryant Carter in this draft and based on competition Rasheer Fleming or Cedric Coward.

[Jcool0]

Read on Twitter

[BullsSD]

Watching Toppin play in the ship and just swat Lou Dort out of bounds reminds me of when I wanted to draft Toppin.

I want Fleming or Coward. Essengue will do.

Don’t mess this up.

Funny when watching Chet made me want Essengue or Asa Newell.

Still high on Demin watching TJ wreck havoc on on defenses with his playmaking. But also makes me want Trae Jones to be our TJ

Honestly I’m good with Demin. The problem is that I will also be coping with Coby out the door. Cuz I do not like Giddey/Coby/Demin, but Giddey/Demin/Buzelis is very intriguing.

I just think this year could be massive for Coby. 28 ppg. I believe in him.

[boozapalooza]

KC saying Bulls want a player that fits their new pace style with two way players. They are following Pacers build and saying the will pick BPA even if it’s a guard.

I sure hope this is the case.

Noa is my pick and he def fits pace and defense.

CMB fits with an improved shot but not as well as he doesn’t fly up and down the court.

Coward and KJ play with high motors.

Demin fits the IQ passing and push pace pass ahead I guess.

Feels like Queen, Sorber don’t fit this.

https://www.bleachernation.com/bulls/2025/05/27/bulls-style-play-draft/

I for one am glad to hear we are picking a direction on what this team should look like. Trying to follow the Pacers build is the way to go. Up tempo, athletic two way role players, led by a PG with size who can facilitate. No one can say the Pacers are built around a superstar, but rather 8-10 solid guys who play the right way and everyone can shoot it.

Now, no one on our roster is currently as good as Hali/Siakam/Turner, but its not a huge stretch to see Giddey/Coby/Matas developing into guys who can contribute at that level.

Maybe I’m overly optimistic, and I’m not suggesitng back to back ECFs is on the horizon, but I don’t see why this path is unattainable with our current pieces as the starting point.

Pacers are now asset poor and capped out due to Siakam trade. I don’t see much more of a ceiling for their players either. Mathurin and Walker haven’t done much of anything.

If AK makes solid moves we should be a good team as soon as 27 season. I firmly believe he will rush it and make an all in trade this deadline.

Just a reminder this guy said the Pacers were asset poor 2 weeks ago! No ceiling!

Again, I think its great if we follow the Pacers mold. Not easy to find role players like Toppin, Nesmith, Nembhard, etc for minimal cost but this of uptempo, sharing the ball, high intensity style is working in the modern game.

[Chi town]

I for one am glad to hear we are picking a direction on what this team should look like. Trying to follow the Pacers build is the way to go. Up tempo, athletic two way role players, led by a PG with size who can facilitate. No one can say the Pacers are built around a superstar, but rather 8-10 solid guys who play the right way and everyone can shoot it.

Now, no one on our roster is currently as good as Hali/Siakam/Turner, but its not a huge stretch to see Giddey/Coby/Matas developing into guys who can contribute at that level.

Maybe I’m overly optimistic, and I’m not suggesitng back to back ECFs is on the horizon, but I don’t see why this path is unattainable with our current pieces as the starting point.

Pacers are now asset poor and capped out due to Siakam trade. I don’t see much more of a ceiling for their players either. Mathurin and Walker haven’t done much of anything.

If AK makes solid moves we should be a good team as soon as 27 season. I firmly believe he will rush it and make an all in trade this deadline.

Just a reminder this guy said the Pacers were asset poor 2 weeks ago! No ceiling!

Again, I think its great if we follow the Pacers mold. Not easy to find role players like Toppin, Nesmith, Nembhard, etc for minimal cost but this of uptempo, sharing the ball, high intensity style is working in the modern game.

Hahahaha. Great timing.

Pacers have improved so much over the playoffs, growing in confidence, and are peaking at the perfect time. Everyone is stepping up. Mathurin won the game for them tonight and he has t even played much in the playoffs.

What I said is true. They are capped out and asset poor. They are also contenders. They have struck gold with Haliburton and their role players playing exceptional especially in big moments.