2025 Draft prospects - thread 3

[Jcool0]

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.

Unless Giddey makes a huge leap... Bulls are no where near Indiana.

[MGB8]

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?

I sort of get the analogy, but don’t in that Knox’s selling point was athleticism (at his size) combined with flashes of all around skillset. Demin’s lack of athleticism- below average lateral quickness, below average jumping ability, below average first step…

As for the passing, that is what can be pointed to, but can he do that when guarded by NBA level defenders? Harder to project. For example, BYU did edge out Arizona at the end of the year, and Demin had a decent game - 13 pts, 8 assists, 2 rb, good percentages (except 1/5 from 3) … but also 6 TO. In a prior game against AZ, a loss, 16 pts… good percentages… but 3 assists to 4 TO. Against Baylor, a win, 16 pts… 6 assists… 4 TO.

There is so much projection for a guy who is not great at anything except court vision / passing. It may pan out, Sharife Cooper was a great in college, with better handles, and his shot look improved upon entering the NBA… flamed out. Likely character rebate, but still.

It would be one thing if there weren’t similar boom/bust level talent who would be available and would likely fit better with ATA’s and Giddey (and White). But there will be.

[drosestruts]

Sam Vecenie's latest mock has Kalkbrenner going 23rd to Indiana

highest i've seen him mocked yet. I remain very high on him and wonder if he'll rise over the next two weeks.

[kodo]

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?

It's also a good "draft low" archetype. Guys who have went undervalued in the draft have typically had "poor athleticism" but shown excellent passing instincts. Draymond Green, Jalen Williams, Alperen Sengun, and to some extent Giddey (although OKC picked him #6, he was mocked to go lower if Presti didn't snatch him up early, he was in the 10+ range).

None of these guys (except Josh) became their team's primary PGs but the passing showed a feel for the game and ability to process at a fast enough pace, kinda the opposite of Patrick. Deni Advija was also evaluated to be a great passer while not being any kind of PG for Portland, it was a good indicator he had that "feel for the game."

This Advija scouting report could be copy-pasted for Demin:
"Massive point forward at 6-foot-9… Great instincts as a playmaker and creator for others… Solid ballhandler who doesn’t get ripped often… Excels out of the pick-and-roll… Very coachable and never takes plays off… There were questions about his jump shot, but his jumper looks very clean with repeatable form… If his jumper is legit, his upside becomes even greater… Average athlete who lacks high-end quickness"

I'm not one of those massive Demin believers it's still a longshot, but I'd be glad we're swinging for the fences on what might be our highest pick for the next 5 years.

[JohnnyTapwater]

I value smart players the older I get. I see too many athletes that never put it together because they struggle in the basketball IQ department.

Basketball IQ - Work Ethic - Hustle - Athleticism - Shooting. With everything else, shooting will improve, that player will find a way to be productive.

[Kuro]

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?

It's also a good "draft low" archetype. Guys who have went undervalued in the draft have typically had "poor athleticism" but shown excellent passing instincts. Draymond Green, Jalen Williams, Alperen Sengun, and to some extent Giddey (although OKC picked him #6, he was mocked to go lower if Presti didn't snatch him up early, he was in the 10+ range).

None of these guys (except Josh) became their team's primary PGs but the passing showed a feel for the game and ability to process at a fast enough pace, kinda the opposite of Patrick. Deni Advija was also evaluated to be a great passer while not being any kind of PG for Portland, it was a good indicator he had that "feel for the game."

This Advija scouting report could be copy-pasted for Demin:
"Massive point forward at 6-foot-9… Great instincts as a playmaker and creator for others… Solid ballhandler who doesn’t get ripped often… Excels out of the pick-and-roll… Very coachable and never takes plays off… There were questions about his jump shot, but his jumper looks very clean with repeatable form… If his jumper is legit, his upside becomes even greater… Average athlete who lacks high-end quickness"

I'm not one of those massive Demin believers it's still a longshot, but I'd be glad we're swinging for the fences on what might be our highest pick for the next 5 years.

Now it makes sense why I'm a bigger Demin guy than most here. I was begging for Deni at pick 4 that year lol

Sent from my SM-S936U1 using RealGM mobile app

[nomorezorro]

draymond is one of the greatest defenders of all time, jalen williams took a giant leap as a scorer/shot creator before entering the draft, sengun was an incredible shotmaker as a prospect, giddey was a no-doubter lead ballhandler.

if you're not a PG, "passing" can't be your only plus trait (and even at PG it's not ideal!)

[Chi town]

Sam Vecenie's latest mock has Kalkbrenner going 23rd to Indiana

highest i've seen him mocked yet. I remain very high on him and wonder if he'll rise over the next two weeks.

I think there will be a run on centers and he could go there.

The rim running 5s are being played off the floor in the playoffs. If you are no threat to shoot the defense just packs it in.

I think Cs that can shoot and score are becoming more valuable. Kalkbrenner even at his age could be more valued than Beringer.

[Chi town]

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?

It's also a good "draft low" archetype. Guys who have went undervalued in the draft have typically had "poor athleticism" but shown excellent passing instincts. Draymond Green, Jalen Williams, Alperen Sengun, and to some extent Giddey (although OKC picked him #6, he was mocked to go lower if Presti didn't snatch him up early, he was in the 10+ range).

None of these guys (except Josh) became their team's primary PGs but the passing showed a feel for the game and ability to process at a fast enough pace, kinda the opposite of Patrick. Deni Advija was also evaluated to be a great passer while not being any kind of PG for Portland, it was a good indicator he had that "feel for the game."

This Advija scouting report could be copy-pasted for Demin:
"Massive point forward at 6-foot-9… Great instincts as a playmaker and creator for others… Solid ballhandler who doesn’t get ripped often… Excels out of the pick-and-roll… Very coachable and never takes plays off… There were questions about his jump shot, but his jumper looks very clean with repeatable form… If his jumper is legit, his upside becomes even greater… Average athlete who lacks high-end quickness"

I'm not one of those massive Demin believers it's still a longshot, but I'd be glad we're swinging for the fences on what might be our highest pick for the next 5 years.

Now it makes sense why I'm a bigger Demin guy than most here. I was begging for Deni at pick 4 that year lol

Sent from my SM-S936U1 using RealGM mobile app

Deni and Hali were my guys. Understood the Patrick prototype pick though.

Deni plays aggressive and physical. Demin plays finesse. He doesn’t use his body nearly enough as an advantage.

Deni was a much better prospect.

[CobysHairpick]

Sam Vecenie's latest mock has Kalkbrenner going 23rd to Indiana

highest i've seen him mocked yet. I remain very high on him and wonder if he'll rise over the next two weeks.

I think there will be a run on centers and he could go there.

The rim running 5s are being played off the floor in the playoffs. If you are no threat to shoot the defense just packs it in.

I think Cs that can shoot and score are becoming more valuable. Kalkbrenner even at his age could be more valued than Beringer.

Not sure how Maxime Raynaud isn't a priority for teams when he's both a rim runner and shooting/scoring threat. Also why I'm not that high on Maluach who isn't even as good of a collegiate player as Mo Bamba yet is talked about as some potential elite center prospect.

In fact, if AK was dead set on drafting a center at 12, I'd take Raynaud over Maluach.

[Almost Retired]

Sam Vecenie's latest mock has Kalkbrenner going 23rd to Indiana

highest i've seen him mocked yet. I remain very high on him and wonder if he'll rise over the next two weeks.

I think there will be a run on centers and he could go there.

The rim running 5s are being played off the floor in the playoffs. If you are no threat to shoot the defense just packs it in.

I think Cs that can shoot and score are becoming more valuable. Kalkbrenner even at his age could be more valued than Beringer.

Not sure how Maxime Raynaud isn't a priority for teams when he's both a rim runner and shooting/scoring threat. Also why I'm not that high on Maluach who isn't even as good of a collegiate player as Mo Bamba yet is talked about as some potential elite center prospect.

In fact, if AK was dead set on drafting a center at 12, I'd take Raynaud over Maluach.

If we could just do a deal with Brooklyn (#12 & #45 for their #19 and #26) we would be able to Draft Fleming for our "4" and we would probably still have Raynaud, Kalkbrenner, or Zikarsky on the board available to us at #26. I don't think any of these 3 would be there at #45. A trade down to pick up that extra first rounder is our best move. We'd get 2 potential eventual starters. Kalkbrenner is the guy most likely to be able to play good minutes early on. Raynaud might be the best fit with the roster we have, but he might need a year to develop and add strength.

[NocioniHomie]

Looking through tankathon - the flag raising stats on some prospects can really lead to second guessing. Everyone looks blemished. Interesting prospect to compare to is Jalen Johnson. I see 6-7 guys that could have that type of impact based on their peripherals alone. At 12 - that's the kind of player I think we should be shooting. Someone who could have a Jalen Johnson level impact and anything beyond is a bonus.

Essengue, Carter Bryant, Newell, Flemming - all compare favorably to that kind of development.

https://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=carter-bryant--noa-essengue--rasheer-fleming--asa-newell--jalen-johnson

[boozapalooza]

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.

Unless Giddey makes a huge leap... Bulls are no where near Indiana.

No doubt we are nowhere near Indy right now, but you gotta start somewhere. Attempting to mirror their style is a good start.

If Giddey can shoot 38%+ again from 3 and keep up his production over the last 30 games of the season, and Matas can take a big step I think hes capable of, then we have something to build with.

[boozapalooza]

Seems like teams love VJ Edgecombe, gaining steam above Ace and maybe even Harper. Anyone here a big VJ fan who can elaborate? I think hes good but still below the Harper/Ace level in terms of potential.

[ImSlower]

I think he definitely has the neatest name of the notable guys. Lots of great talent there this year. My name-only Big Board:

1. VJ Edgecombe
2. Cooper Flagg
3. Noah Penda (Penda Bear?!)
4. Jeremiah Fears
5. Ace Bailey
6. Khaman Maluach
7. Derik Queen
8. Cedric Coward
8. Kasparas Jakuncionis
9. Liam NcNeeley (I'm Irish heritage, we deserve one)
10. Danny Wolf

[GuardianEnzo]

There's absolutely zero chance Edgecombe goes before Harper.

[ImSlower]

It definitely would be a shock - I don't think I've seen a single mock anywhere with a different 1-2. I think boozapalooza could be right that Edgecombe's the most likely one to jump in front of Bailey at #3.

Vecenie's latest mock on The Athletic indeed has VJ going at #3, but it's a weird one; he projects a trade with Charlotte to swap down to 4. But if Charlotte's taking Edgecombe, why not just wait til #4? If Phoenix wanted to draft him themselves, perhaps VJ goes, but I rather doubt a team is zeroed in on Edgecombe to trade up for him.

[boozapalooza]

There's absolutely zero chance Edgecombe goes before Harper.

Don’t know, if SA stays at 2, they already have Fox and Castle as great PG options. Does drafting another PG in Harper really make sense for them?

For the record I think Harper is far and away the #2 prospect in the class, but the draft board is different for every team. And not everyone is in BPA mode.

[kodo]

There's absolutely zero chance Edgecombe goes before Harper.

Don’t know, if SA stays at 2, they already have Fox and Castle as great PG options. Does drafting another PG in Harper really make sense for them?

For the record I think Harper is far and away the #2 prospect in the class, but the draft board is different for every team. And not everyone is in BPA mode.

Three PGs could work when they shoot but all 3 of Fox, Castle, and Harper are bad shooters. Roster construction wise it's headed to being a disaster.
I think San Antonio still drafts Harper, suffers the bad fit but evaluates who they'll keep. The ironic thing is the smart guy to move would be Fox, he is not on Wemby's timeline.

And they're a threat to trade one of those guys for Giannis/KD.

[GuardianEnzo]

There's absolutely zero chance Edgecombe goes before Harper.

Don’t know, if SA stays at 2, they already have Fox and Castle as great PG options. Does drafting another PG in Harper really make sense for them?

For the record I think Harper is far and away the #2 prospect in the class, but the draft board is different for every team. And not everyone is in BPA mode.

SA ain't a stupid org. If they decided not to take Harper (which I seriously doubt) they'll trade the pick to someone who does want him. He's as clearly the #2 guy as Flagg is #1.

There's an outside chance VJE could leap Bailey and go third. Unlikely, could happen. No chance in a million lifetimes Harper doesn't go #2 unless he gets hurt in a pickup game or arrested or something.