2025 Draft Thread - Part 3

[80sballboy]

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[tontoz]

My gut is saying go with Fears? I like his personality/temperament > Ace (not knocking his potential) The PG position is the most important to secure for a team, preferably a Star PG.
https://www.paraballnotes.com/blog/what-is-the-most-important-position-in-basketball

I’d apply Doc’s strategic tanking philosophy here. Acquire the primary scorers and defenders at the wing and big positions first, while intentionally leaving a hole at PG to make sure nobody maximizes their talent just yet, to ensure the tank. THEN, we acquire the game manager PG who can put all the pieces together.

I think it’s also relevant the Fears looks like he has a fundamental flaw in that he is too small. Even if he works out, he will be a Jeff Teague type of player who will be hunted in the playoffs.

I’d rather fill other positions and wait for next year to draft a PG. I’m also willing to see if Bub can evolve into a primary PG. At least he has the size to defend.

I just don’t get this constant narrative that Fears is too small. Since when is 6’4 too small for a PG? Was John Wall too small? Not to mention he’s 18 and could very well grow another inch.

People still like Jase Richardson and he’s 2 inches shorter and a SG.

Fears measured 6'2.5. His standing reach is 8'2.5, 3 inches less than Wall.

Fears weighed 179.6, 16 pounds less than Wall.

Nobody is talking about Richardson at 6.

Have everyone been watching the playoffs? How is Fears going to hold up against that level of physicality?

Then there's the problems with his game. He isn't a good 3 pt shooter, or a good finisher, or a good playmaker.

[nate33]

My gut is saying go with Fears? I like his personality/temperament > Ace (not knocking his potential) The PG position is the most important to secure for a team, preferably a Star PG.
https://www.paraballnotes.com/blog/what-is-the-most-important-position-in-basketball

I’d apply Doc’s strategic tanking philosophy here. Acquire the primary scorers and defenders at the wing and big positions first, while intentionally leaving a hole at PG to make sure nobody maximizes their talent just yet, to ensure the tank. THEN, we acquire the game manager PG who can put all the pieces together.

I think it’s also relevant the Fears looks like he has a fundamental flaw in that he is too small. Even if he works out, he will be a Jeff Teague type of player who will be hunted in the playoffs.

I’d rather fill other positions and wait for next year to draft a PG. I’m also willing to see if Bub can evolve into a primary PG. At least he has the size to defend.

I just don’t get this constant narrative that Fears is too small. Since when is 6’4 too small for a PG? Was John Wall too small? Not to mention he’s 18 and could very well grow another inch.

People still like Jase Richardson and he’s 2 inches shorter and a SG.

Wall had a 6’-9.25” wingspan. Fears’ is 6’-5”. That matters. Wall had 3 more inches in standing reach. Even Richardson has the same standing reach as Fears thanks to his 6’-6” wingspan.

I just think Fears is a reach at #6. Particularly if Ace is on the board. If I’m drafting a small PG, I need him to have elite scoring AND distribution skills. Fears’ turnovers are a red flag.

[closg00]

Could be the Gen X in me, but I can't help but see Rod Strickland in Fears. A point guard that just controls the flow of the game, disrupts and collapses the defense, and creates buckets for his guys. After the lottery travesty, I'd be happy to have him. Don't quote me on this if AJ Johnson becomes Westbrook though, or if Bub becomes Derrick White.

My gut is saying go with Fears? I like his personality/temperament > Ace (not knocking his potential) The PG position is the most important to secure for a team, preferably a Star PG.
https://www.paraballnotes.com/blog/what-is-the-most-important-position-in-basketball

I’d apply Doc’s strategic tanking philosophy here. Acquire the primary scorers and defenders at the wing and big positions first, while intentionally leaving a hole at PG to make sure nobody maximizes their talent just yet, to ensure the tank. THEN, we acquire the game manager PG who can put all the pieces together.

I think it’s also relevant the Fears looks like he has a fundamental flaw in that he is too small. Even if he works out, he will be a Jeff Teague type of player who will be hunted in the playoffs.

I’d rather fill other positions and wait for next year to draft a PG. I’m also willing to see if Bub can evolve into a primary PG. At least he has the size to defend.

I get Docs argument, I don’t believe that sequence in the building process actually unfolds in that way most of the time, the team typically grows with the development of the Point Guard when I look around, I would like to see some data on that. My argument is that the development of all of the young guys is being delayed by not having a PG, the fact that the FO is seriously considering Fears (he has advocates in the FO according to the reports) is an indicator.

Fears is slightly taller than Kyrie Irving, but weighs 13 LBS less, it can be expected that Fears will add 10-20 LBS of muscle and weight, and probably a few more inches. I found this nugget through AI:

NBA rookie point guards typically gain between 10 and 20 pounds over their first four years in the league, mainly as muscle mass. For example, Stephen Curry entered the NBA at around 172 pounds and later played at about 185–190 pounds, a gain of 13–18 pounds over several seasons. Tyrese Haliburton reportedly entered at 185 pounds and is now around 200 pounds, a 15-pound increase. Derrick Rose put on 20 pounds of lean muscle in his early years.

So I am not concerned with his weight, he projects to be taller and heavier than Kyrie and Curry after he becomes a man.

Now Ace could be insanely good too, so I am liking the thought of getting any of Ace, Fears, or Johnson, if they are all gone, go with Maluach.

[tontoz]

The Wizards are not interested in Derik Queen at #6

The Pelicans are at #7

https://www.totalprosports.com/nba/2025-nba-draft-who-could-the-new-orleans-pelicans-target-with-their-no-seven-overall-pick/

The Trailblazers have #11. They worked out Queen Friday

https://therookiewire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/rookie/2025/06/14/maryland-derik-queen-nba-draft-workout-trail-blazers/84204528007/

Chicago has an interest in Queen at #12

https://sports.yahoo.com/article/bulls-rumors-derik-queen-buzz-155547676.html

“Queen has been linked the most to the Chicago Bulls with the 12th pick, yet league sources indicate that the Bulls are still evaluating a few other names in this spot to provide more athleticism and length to their roster.”

“Egor Demin, Carter Bryant, and Asa Newell are three players who have also come up in conversations about the Bulls,” Siegel added

I doubt Queen falls lower than #12, but this is a wide-open draft.

You know how I feel about Derik Queen.

Looking at the Maryland Rutgers box score now.

Queen had 29 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 block.

Ace Bailey had 4 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals (only 1 personal foul) in 24 minutes. (turns out he was sick)

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore/_/gameId/401721417

That game just put a spotlight on Rutgers' lack of interior D which killed them all season. If i remember right Harper had almost as many blocks as their starting C.

[nate33]

So I am not concerned with his weight, he projects to be taller and heavier than Kyrie and Curry after he becomes a man.

Now Ace could be insanely good too, so I am liking the thought of getting any of Ace, Fears, or Johnson, if they are all gone, go with Maluach.

Kyrie may well be the most skilled PG of all time. I’m not using him as my Fears comparison. Fears has not demonstrated anything like that level of skill.

And Kyrie has generally been a defensive liability as well.

[DCZards]

Fears is one of the youngest players in the draft. He doesn’t turn 19 until October. He may or may not get taller but I fully expect him to put on muscle and weight.

[AFM]

The Wizards are not interested in Derik Queen at #6

The Pelicans are at #7

https://www.totalprosports.com/nba/2025-nba-draft-who-could-the-new-orleans-pelicans-target-with-their-no-seven-overall-pick/

The Trailblazers have #11. They worked out Queen Friday

https://therookiewire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/rookie/2025/06/14/maryland-derik-queen-nba-draft-workout-trail-blazers/84204528007/

Chicago has an interest in Queen at #12

https://sports.yahoo.com/article/bulls-rumors-derik-queen-buzz-155547676.html

“Queen has been linked the most to the Chicago Bulls with the 12th pick, yet league sources indicate that the Bulls are still evaluating a few other names in this spot to provide more athleticism and length to their roster.”

“Egor Demin, Carter Bryant, and Asa Newell are three players who have also come up in conversations about the Bulls,” Siegel added

I doubt Queen falls lower than #12, but this is a wide-open draft.

You know how I feel about Derik Queen.

Looking at the Maryland Rutgers box score now.

Queen had 29 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 block.

Ace Bailey had 4 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals (only 1 personal foul) in 24 minutes. (turns out he was sick)

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore/_/gameId/401721417

Yeah but he didn't do well at the combine. That's more important than production on the basketball court.

[DCZards]

So I am not concerned with his weight, he projects to be taller and heavier than Kyrie and Curry after he becomes a man.

Now Ace could be insanely good too, so I am liking the thought of getting any of Ace, Fears, or Johnson, if they are all gone, go with Maluach.

Kyrie may well be the most skilled PG of all time. I’m not using him as my Fears comparison. Fears has not demonstrated anything like that level of skill.

And Kyrie has generally been a defensive liability as well.

Actually, from some of the videos I’ve seen of Fears his handle reminds me of Kyrie. (Not claiming it is as good as Kyrie’s.)

[NatP4]

Yet to see a semi-realistic impact player comparison for Fears. Kyrie put up some of the best numbers of all time for a freshman guard in his 11 games at Duke.

I’d go Scoot Henderson/Markelle Fultz

[WizarDynasty]

So I am not concerned with his weight, he projects to be taller and heavier than Kyrie and Curry after he becomes a man.

Now Ace could be insanely good too, so I am liking the thought of getting any of Ace, Fears, or Johnson, if they are all gone, go with Maluach.

Kyrie may well be the most skilled PG of all time. I’m not using him as my Fears comparison. Fears has not demonstrated anything like that level of skill.

And Kyrie has generally been a defensive liability as well.

Actually, from some of the videos I’ve seen of Fears his handle reminds me of Kyrie. (Not claiming it is as good as Kyrie’s.)

Yeah i will pass on undersized shooting guards pretending to be point guards unless their fathers participated in the nba 3 point contest.
Sign me up for players whi are bigger ..longer standing reach...than average for their positions and shot 2pt percentage above .50 percent with volume. Weeds out alot of the clutter from fake rankongd by comoeting GMs hoping their player falls.
SGA and J. Williams from OKC come to mind.

[80sballboy]

NM-Tweets are not showing up for some reason.

WizardsMuse
@WizardsMuse1

REPORT: Tre Johnson, Jeremiah Fears, Kon Knueppel And Derik Queen Have All Done Workouts With The Wizards

Ace Bailey Also Is NOT A Guaranteed Pick For Washington Even If He Drops To 6

Still Many Question Marks At Pick 6 (Or A Potential Trade)

[AFM]

Having a nice handle but being unable to finish is just worthless. It's like bringing a beautiful woman home and all of a sudden you've got ED. No bueno.

[closg00]

Yet to see a semi-realistic impact player comparison for Fears. Kyrie put up some of the best numbers of all time for a freshman guard in his 11 games at Duke.

I’d go Scoot Henderson/Markelle Fultz

Not a fair comparison, Kyrie had a full Senior year of HS, then a full year at Duke where 4 of his teammates were drafted into the NBA. Fears skipped his Senior year of HS and single-handedly led an ass team at OKC in his “Senior” year, none of Fears’s teammates will be drafted.

[closg00]

NM-Tweets are not showing up for some reason.

WizardsMuse
@WizardsMuse1

REPORT: Tre Johnson, Jeremiah Fears, Kon Knueppel And Derik Queen Have All Done Workouts With The Wizards

Ace Bailey Also Is NOT A Guaranteed Pick For Washington Even If He Drops To 6

Still Many Question Marks At Pick 6 (Or A Potential Trade)

Hey, Queen is under serious consideration, be ready to rollout those tee-shirts AFM, please re-post the image

[NatP4]

Yet to see a semi-realistic impact player comparison for Fears. Kyrie put up some of the best numbers of all time for a freshman guard in his 11 games at Duke.

I’d go Scoot Henderson/Markelle Fultz

Not a fair comparison, Kyrie had a full Senior year of HS, then a full year at Duke where 4 of his teammates were drafted into the NBA. Fears skipped his Senior year of HS and single-handedly led an ass team at OKC in his “Senior” year, none of Fears’s teammates will be drafted.

Kyrie was 5 months older.

Vecenie has Fears ranked at 18. I’m struggling to see how one of the most well respected draft evaluators would rank a generational/Kyrie level prospect that low.

Throw out some realistic comparisons. He’s not Kyrie/Curry. Sexton? Scoot? Fultz? Ivey? Other high usage/low efficiency undersized combo guards?

[80sballboy]

Yet to see a semi-realistic impact player comparison for Fears. Kyrie put up some of the best numbers of all time for a freshman guard in his 11 games at Duke.

I’d go Scoot Henderson/Markelle Fultz

Not a fair comparison, Kyrie had a full Senior year of HS, then a full year at Duke where 4 of his teammates were drafted into the NBA. Fears skipped his Senior year of HS and single-handedly led an ass team at OKC in his “Senior” year, none of Fears’s teammates will be drafted.

Kyrie played 11 games at Duke due to a foot injury.

[80sballboy]

At least they're trying


@GregFinberg

The Wizards have reportedly contacted the Spurs about the No. 2 pick, per
@ScoopB


Rutgers guard Dylan Harper is the consensus No. 2 prospect.

ESPN reported a month ago that Harper has some “big fans” in Washington’s front office.

[AFM]

NM-Tweets are not showing up for some reason.

WizardsMuse
@WizardsMuse1

REPORT: Tre Johnson, Jeremiah Fears, Kon Knueppel And Derik Queen Have All Done Workouts With The Wizards

Ace Bailey Also Is NOT A Guaranteed Pick For Washington Even If He Drops To 6

Still Many Question Marks At Pick 6 (Or A Potential Trade)

Hey, Queen is under serious consideration, be ready to rollout those tee-shirts AFM, please re-post the image

that low post = scary scene

[Rafael122]

It would probably take 6, 18, '26 OKC first and probably Bilal to get Harper. Would you do that?

Edit: Mind you, I absolutely hate the basketball fit for Harper in San Antonio. Spurs shouldn't be so closed off on making a move.