playa-hater wrote:redslastlaugh wrote:Sam Vecenie/Athletic mock draft today. Paste picks 28-40 below. Celts take Maxime Raynaud and Kam Jones.
https://www.reddit.com/r/NBA_Draft/comments/1l9klh0/vecenie_2025_mock_draft/
28. Boston Celtics - Maxime Raynaud | 7-0 center
Raynaud would be a strong fit for Boston as a big who can dribble, pass and shoot. The Celtics’ scheme values players like this, as they prefer to play five-out offensively. Raynaud was among the most productive players in the country this year, averaging 20 points and 10 rebounds per game, and he’s gotten better every season in college. The key will be on defense, where Raynaud does not move particularly well and could be a liability in space. He had a terrific combine game in front of several NBA scouts, but some NBA executives in attendance pointed out that he played against the least-developed player in attendance in Croatian teenager Michael Ruzic.
29. Phoenix Suns (via CLE) - Rasheer Fleming | 6-8 forward
Fleming very much looks the part at 6-8 with a 7-5 wingspan. He’s also got great leaping ability and a chiseled frame that allows him to play with force and strength on both ends. He averaged 15 points, eight rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.5 blocks per game, and drilled 39 percent from 3. The idea here is a 3-and-D forward who can potentially be switchable across the positional spectrum while also drilling 3s. But he doesn’t yet process things happening around him on the court quickly. But any team that values the frame and shooting potential will be interested in Fleming.
30. LA Clippers (via OKC) - Drake Powell | 6-5 wing
Powell has some momentum to end up somewhere in the back half of the first round because of his defense. Nobody guarded Flagg as well as Powell did this season. He’s just a long way away on offense, as he’s not that comfortable as a shooter or that capable as a ballhandler. It’s going to take him some time to play at the NBA level, even with his defensive skill. Still, he’s 6-5 with a 7-foot wingspan and is the kind of player the Clippers value as a tough-minded defender.
Second round:
31. Minnesota Timberwolves (via UTA): Noah Penda | 6-7 forward | 20 years old | Le Mans
32. Boston Celtics (via Washington): Kam Jones | 6-3 wing | 22 years old | Marquette
33. PROJECTED TRADE: Philadelphia 76ers (via CHA): Adou Thiero | 6-6 wing | 21 years old | Arkansas
34. Charlotte Hornets (via NOP): Ben Saraf | 6-5 guard | 19 years old | Ratiopharm Ulm
35. Philadelphia 76ers: Yanic Konan Niederhauser | 6-11 big | 22 years old | Penn State
36. Brooklyn Nets: Tyrese Proctor | 6-4 guard | 21 years old | Duke
37. Detroit Pistons (via Toronto): John Tonje | 6-5 wing | 23 years old | Wisconsin
38. San Antonio Spurs: Alex Toohey | 6-7 wing/forward | 21 years old | Sydney Kings
39. Toronto Raptors (via Portland): Rocco Zikarsky | 7-3 big | 19 years old | Brisbane Bullets
40. Washington Wizards (via Phoenix): Sion James | 6-4 guard | 23 years old | Duke
I already said I like Raynaud if that's who stevens wanted, I would believe. But it's so hard to pass on my favorite binky in fleming..
Also notice. There's pretty good talent early in that second round..
If both Raynaud and Fleming are there at pick #28, I would certainly feel conflicted, especially since it's unlikely that we could end up with the other at 32. Raynaud could fit right in if Brad is moving KP, or not resigning Luke.
Fleming looks to have more upside. He'd be my selection for "most likely to come back to haunt us for years to come if Celtics pass on him" status.