2025 Draft prospects - thread 3

[DuckIII]

i fear ak passing on jakucionis would end up like garpax passing on haliburton...the dangers of developing A Type as a gm

My disapproval of AK as a GM eclipses any disapproval I've ever had of any major figure associated with any sports team I follow. AK has repeatedly shown himself to be incompetent at almost every turn and in ways that have damaged and will damage the franchise for years and years.

About the only thing he could do in this draft to make me think he's worse than I already believe him to be, is to take a pass on KJ. Time may very well prove me wrong, but I have him as the 5-6 best prospect in the draft and he can already play three NBA positions on both ends of the court from Day 1. With a high ceiling.

Pulling Matas and a talent like KJ with consecutive 11th and 12th picks is exactly the type of happy accident this organization needs to pull itself out of the pit of AK's asset mismanagement.

[Jcool0]

other notes from the latest ESPN mock:

-we've worked out beringer (has this been reported already? it was news to me)
-doesn't list us as a team "closely linked" to carter bryant (suns, blazers, hawks mentioned)
-other teams think we're interested in demin (alongside toronto, portland and brooklyn)
-cedric coward is getting a "long look" from us (and phoenix, san antonio and okc. coward is workig out for memphis today, and teams think he'll be gone by 20)
-says we could be interested in any of the center prospects

I assume if Khaman Maluach falls the Bulls will quickly select him.

[DuckIII]

other notes from the latest ESPN mock:

-we've worked out beringer (has this been reported already? it was news to me)
-doesn't list us as a team "closely linked" to carter bryant (suns, blazers, hawks mentioned)
-other teams think we're interested in demin (alongside toronto, portland and brooklyn)
-cedric coward is getting a "long look" from us (and phoenix, san antonio and okc. coward is workig out for memphis today, and teams think he'll be gone by 20)
-says we could be interested in any of the center prospects

This is all good news. Very happy we worked out Beringer. Bryant is on my list, but low on the list. Demin, I support, but I just don't "feel it" the closer we get to the draft in the sense I just don't see the Bulls going that direction. Which has always been fine with me, but so is drafting him. On paper Coward makes sense. And we need a center.

Speaking of centers, even though he's not "my guy" Sorber continues to grow on me the closer we get to the draft. I really want someone super mobile at the 5, but Sorber is "mobile enough" given his wide range of other positives. I don't see a star, but I see a long term answer at an important position.

[VolumePoster]

other notes from the latest ESPN mock:

-we've worked out beringer (has this been reported already? it was news to me)
-doesn't list us as a team "closely linked" to carter bryant (suns, blazers, hawks mentioned)
-other teams think we're interested in demin (alongside toronto, portland and brooklyn)
-cedric coward is getting a "long look" from us (and phoenix, san antonio and okc. coward is workig out for memphis today, and teams think he'll be gone by 20)
-says we could be interested in any of the center prospects

This is all good news. Very happy we worked out Beringer. Bryant is on my list, but low on the list. Demin, I support, but I just don't "feel it" the closer we get to the draft in the sense I just don't see the Bulls going that direction. Which has always been fine with me, but so is drafting him. On paper Coward makes sense. And we need a center.

Speaking of centers, even though he's not "my guy" Sorber continues to grow on me the closer we get to the draft. I really want someone super mobile at the 5, but Sorber is "mobile enough" given his wide range of other positives. I don't see a star, but I see a long term answer at an important position.

I'm for Beringer in Essengue isn't available. Both are physical outliers at positions of need who played in strong pro leagues at young ages. Both can produce quickly in limited but beneficial roles - JB as a rim running shot blocking big, NB as a big switchable wing who thrives in transition - while allowing our more ball dominant players to do their thing.

[Infinity2152]

Is it just me, or does it seem easier to find a good center late than any other position? Even though guys are over drafted a lot because of size, seems like a LOT of good, productive centers go later. I'm not as opposed to Queen as most in here (top is still CMB) but if we can get a late first, there will be a lot of good center prospects available.

[sco]

Is it just me, or does it seem easier to find a good center late than any other position? Even though guys are over drafted a lot because of size, seems like a LOT of good, productive centers go later. I'm not as opposed to Queen as most in here (top is still CMB) but if we can get a late first, there will be a lot of good center prospects available.

Very true. IMO it's because the C position, except in a very small % of cases, has become a more limited position (Shot blocking/Rim running), and guys who can do that tend to be gettable and for less $ than other positions. Also, IMO, it takes C's more time to reach their peak and you lose time against the rookie contract having a playable guy.

[2weekswithpay]

I don't see the appeal in Beringer when Kalkbrenner will likely be available if we trade down or have an extra pick.

[Infinity2152]

Queen will be very successful in the NBA, I think. A lot of the biggest variance in centers is going to be skill. Most are big and athletic. Jokic came in highly skilled and not athletic and dropped to the second. People don't like Vucevic, hard to argue he's had a great NBA career. Who are the most skilled centers in this draft?

As long as we don't draft Denim. With the range of players available, get somebody that fits and could potentially start soon if they're good.

[NecessaryEvil]

other notes from the latest ESPN mock:

-we've worked out beringer (has this been reported already? it was news to me)
-doesn't list us as a team "closely linked" to carter bryant (suns, blazers, hawks mentioned)
-other teams think we're interested in demin (alongside toronto, portland and brooklyn)
-cedric coward is getting a "long look" from us (and phoenix, san antonio and okc. coward is workig out for memphis today, and teams think he'll be gone by 20)
-says we could be interested in any of the center prospects

I assume if Khaman Maluach falls the Bulls will quickly select him.

They damn well better lol

Unfortunately I don’t see him getting past TO

[ghostinthepost1]

Queen will be very successful in the NBA, I think. A lot of the biggest variance in centers is going to be skill. Most are big and athletic. Jokic came in highly skilled and not athletic and dropped to the second. People don't like Vucevic, hard to argue he's had a great NBA career. Who are the most skilled centers in this draft?

As long as we don't draft Denim. With the range of players available, get somebody that fits and could potentially start soon if they're good.

I really like Queen but think his best spot is at the 4, playing next to a bigger more defense oriented center. I'm not at all concerned about his ability to shoot the 3 long term and he has shown more glimpses of being able to guard out on the permitter than protect the rim.

[VolumePoster]

i fear ak passing on jakucionis would end up like garpax passing on haliburton...the dangers of developing A Type as a gm

My disapproval of AK as a GM eclipses any disapproval I've ever had of any major figure associated with any sports team I follow. AK has repeatedly shown himself to be incompetent at almost every turn and in ways that have damaged and will damage the franchise for years and years.

About the only thing he could do in this draft to make me think he's worse than I already believe him to be, is to take a pass on KJ. Time may very well prove me wrong, but I have him as the 5-6 best prospect in the draft and he can already play three NBA positions on both ends of the court from Day 1. With a high ceiling.

Pulling Matas and a talent like KJ with consecutive 11th and 12th picks is exactly the type of happy accident this organization needs to pull itself out of the pit of AK's asset mismanagement.

looks like I have to go watch some more KJ!

[HomoSapien]

J.Kyle Mann said on The Kevin O'Connor Show that the Spurs and Thunder are high on Sorber. Said that the Suns are trying to win so they will likely go for a guy who is ready to contribute now. That could be Sorber, IMO. The more I watch him, the higher he moves up on my list.

[Chi town]

other notes from the latest ESPN mock:

-we've worked out beringer (has this been reported already? it was news to me)
-doesn't list us as a team "closely linked" to carter bryant (suns, blazers, hawks mentioned)
-other teams think we're interested in demin (alongside toronto, portland and brooklyn)
-cedric coward is getting a "long look" from us (and phoenix, san antonio and okc. coward is workig out for memphis today, and teams think he'll be gone by 20)
-says we could be interested in any of the center prospects

This is all good news. Very happy we worked out Beringer. Bryant is on my list, but low on the list. Demin, I support, but I just don't "feel it" the closer we get to the draft in the sense I just don't see the Bulls going that direction. Which has always been fine with me, but so is drafting him. On paper Coward makes sense. And we need a center.

Speaking of centers, even though he's not "my guy" Sorber continues to grow on me the closer we get to the draft. I really want someone super mobile at the 5, but Sorber is "mobile enough" given his wide range of other positives. I don't see a star, but I see a long term answer at an important position.

Me too on Sorber. I know AK will never draft a rim runner. He wants a hub C.

Sorber feels like a Myles Turner level player. I think he’s better than WCJ too. Think from where we are we have to take a bigger swing.

I think the Blazers take Coward.

[Chi town]

J.Kyle Mann said on The Kevin O'Connor Show that the Spurs and Thunder are high on Sorber. Said that the Suns are trying to win so they will likely go for a guy who is ready to contribute now. That could be Sorber, IMO. The more I watch him, the higher he moves up on my list.

Suns should be trading back for two picks or taking Maluach or Sorber.

[DuckIII]

Is it just me, or does it seem easier to find a good center late than any other position? Even though guys are over drafted a lot because of size, seems like a LOT of good, productive centers go later. I'm not as opposed to Queen as most in here (top is still CMB) but if we can get a late first, there will be a lot of good center prospects available.

Not just you. In general, I consider the 5 spot to be a position you draft after the elite guys at other positions are drafted. Exceptions apply of course for truly unique prospects, but I agree its generally better to get centers via free agency, trade, or after the lottery. Perhaps especially in this draft considering the depth at the position.

That said, I won't be upset with either Beringer or Sorber at 12 depending on who else is on the board at the time.

[DuckIII]

I don't see the appeal in Beringer when Kalkbrenner will likely be available if we trade down or have an extra pick.

The reason is that they are totally different types of prospects and some people prefer Beringer's type and projection to Kalkbrenner's.

[DuckIII]

J.Kyle Mann said on The Kevin O'Connor Show that the Spurs and Thunder are high on Sorber. Said that the Suns are trying to win so they will likely go for a guy who is ready to contribute now. That could be Sorber, IMO. The more I watch him, the higher he moves up on my list.

Suns should be trading back for two picks or taking Maluach or Sorber.

Agreed. If ever there were a team who needs to trade back for multiple picks, its this year's Suns in this year's draft. Their whole team is shooting guards and they have no future picks.

[burlydee]

other notes from the latest ESPN mock:

-we've worked out beringer (has this been reported already? it was news to me)
-doesn't list us as a team "closely linked" to carter bryant (suns, blazers, hawks mentioned)
-other teams think we're interested in demin (alongside toronto, portland and brooklyn)
-cedric coward is getting a "long look" from us (and phoenix, san antonio and okc. coward is workig out for memphis today, and teams think he'll be gone by 20)
-says we could be interested in any of the center prospects

I assume if Khaman Maluach falls the Bulls will quickly select him.

I would love Coward. I think he could be a starter in short time.

I'm out on Bryant at 12. Not enough natural feel.

[TheJordanRule]

other notes from the latest ESPN mock:

-we've worked out beringer (has this been reported already? it was news to me)
-doesn't list us as a team "closely linked" to carter bryant (suns, blazers, hawks mentioned)
-other teams think we're interested in demin (alongside toronto, portland and brooklyn)
-cedric coward is getting a "long look" from us (and phoenix, san antonio and okc. coward is workig out for memphis today, and teams think he'll be gone by 20)
-says we could be interested in any of the center prospects

This is all good news. Very happy we worked out Beringer. Bryant is on my list, but low on the list. Demin, I support, but I just don't "feel it" the closer we get to the draft in the sense I just don't see the Bulls going that direction. Which has always been fine with me, but so is drafting him. On paper Coward makes sense. And we need a center.

Speaking of centers, even though he's not "my guy" Sorber continues to grow on me the closer we get to the draft. I really want someone super mobile at the 5, but Sorber is "mobile enough" given his wide range of other positives. I don't see a star, but I see a long term answer at an important position.

Beringer might be criminally underrated. Only 4 years of playing basketball, super mobile to the point of being able to defend all 5 positions, strong finisher, rim runner, rim defender, fast learner, etc. If Maluach and KJ ain't there, Beringer might be the best way to go. Agreed on Demin. Not a good fit with Giddey. I rarely ever disagree with you, brother, but I don't like Sorber. As bad as Vuce is, I still don't long for the days of WCJ. Those French kids impress me. Beringer or Traore as a worst case scenario comforts tf outta me. How deep is this draft?!

[nomorezorro]

vecine's latest mock draft has us taking...beringer!

Beringer would be a sharp long-term replacement for Vučević because he’d bring something different. Bulls sources say they want to build off the high-energy style of play under Billy Donovan. Beringer can run up and down the court as arguably the most mobile big man in the draft. He’d have no issues playing at the kind of speed that the Bulls want and would thrive in such an offense. And defensively, he has an immense amount of upside. He’s still a project, to be clear. He’s new to basketball — having just started playing within the last four years — but it’s very hard to find players like this with size and length in addition to fluid athletic movement and explosive leaping ability. NBA teams are high on him, and his range seems to be the back half of the lottery. He is not expected to go much beyond the lottery if he slips outside of it.

Egor Demin is another name that I’ve heard for the Bulls. Demin does not make much sense next to Josh Giddey, whom the Bulls are expected to re-sign in restricted free agency on a large deal this summer. Joan Beringer, Maluach, Danny Wolf, and Cedric Coward are other names I’ve heard from sources regarding the Bulls, which should demonstrate how wide open this pick is viewed by sources across the league. The Bulls have also brought in a few prospects expected to go later in the first round and are a potential trade-down candidate, which makes sense if they like several different players in the class.

i do kind of wonder if we're just going to take demin and all the draftniks refuse to mock it because it just makes no sense as a team that's about to pay giddey. also interesting to see coward pop up here and at espn, and i don't love that i'm starting to see danny wolf linked to us more and more