2025 NBA Draft Thread, Part 2 – Capture the Flagg

[redslastlaugh]

Say your BPA are mcNeely, Saraf, thiero, Gonzalez, Kalkbrenner, Powell, Yang, Broome, Jones. Who are your top 2.

Saraf would be #1 for me
Kalkbrenner #2
then a drop off
then Kam Jones then Drake Powell

I hope Brad has identified a prospect that the market is sleeping on. That was something fun with Ainge. Danny would take a guy 10 or 20 spots higher than public mocks had him going (Rozier, Payton Pritchard) and everyone on the net was like, "whoaaa Danny reaching to take a 2nd rounder" ... we'd just never see that name coming

[djFan71]

Say your BPA are mcNeely, Saraf, thiero, Gonzalez, Kalkbrenner, Powell, Yang, Broome, Jones. Who are your top 2.

Broome then Thiero for a development prospect. But it would have been Clayton, Broome if that was an option

[Dogen]

Say your BPA are mcNeely, Clayton, Saraf, thiero, Gonzalez, Kalkbrenner, Powell, Yang, Broome, Jones. Who are your top 2

Hmm, good question.

I might go Clayton, then Broome.

Clayton could really thrive in our system. Look how well Pritchard has done here. And Clayton (if he hits his ceiling, which of course isn't a given) is a taller, more athletic Pritchard. That's a lottery pick..so getting a guy like that at 28 could be a steal.

While it is kind of redundant to have both Pritchard and Clayton here, I think it could still work since Clayton is taller and more athletic than Pritchard..and Pritchard plays bigger than he is too, because of how tough, scrappy he is and how well he rebounds for a guard.

The more I think about it, those 2 guys running around, wreaking havoc and hitting shots could be cinema.

I edited my post to remove Clayton while you were writing I guess.
I think I’d have to go with Saraf. And then Kalkbrenner. Broome high on the list too.

I thought Hal must have inserted Clayton for you.

With remaining candidates, I'd also go Saraf, then Kalkbrenner, then... Powell Edit: Thiero!

Interesting you have Yang on the list. I'm intrigued at #32 or lower if Brad trades back. Cool prospect, although unlikely for the Celtics.

[Smart2Nesmith43]

Besides wouldn't you want to draft a guy that makes winning plays like this : https://www.youtube.com/shorts/dcg-WAPK4qc rather than a dude that's too cool for school and refuses to work out for any NBA team like Ace Bailey.

Ace Bailey should go undrafted if he is refusing workouts. Josh Jackson refused workouts too. He isn't in the NBA anymore. Be humble.

I don't blame him for not wanting to work out for the Sixers. Those dudes have no idea how to develop players. But in that case you should not even schedule a work out with the team instead of agreeing and bailing a couple days before the agreed work out. Wild that he hasn't worked out for anyone else too. Because if there really isn't a single NBA team he wants to play for, maybe he is in the wrong line of work ?

There's also the whole the whole lie he perpetrated for months where he pretended to be 6'10'' to invite KD comparisons and when he got to the combine he mysteriously shrank to 6'7''. And the fact that his team sucked (I know Hal has lined up a million excuses to explain that away) in college. And he wants to be on a team where they'll clear the runway so he can be a star right away (i.e. take a ton of shots team record be damned).

Zero evidence he impacts winning positivitely or he has any intention to do so in the future. Josh Jackson was also the first name that popped into my head. The other was Emoni Bates.

[brackdan70]

RealGM trade and transaction board mock draft.
The Cs get Saraf and Broome.
Powell and Thiero still on the board after 32.
My favorites all went before we picked.

[ThePigeon]

RealGM trade and transaction board mock draft.
The Cs get Saraf and Broome.
Powell and Thiero still on the board after 32.
My favorites all went before we picked.

That's actually a good draft
I would prefer Kalk over Broome - but Broome is good

Saraf is a player. He is a dog. He finds ways to win

[djFan71]

Man, I quite literally would take anyone 33-37 (Raynaud, Penda, Broome, Traore, Riley) over who they picked for us at 28 (Kalk) and 32 (Brea).

https://www.noceilingsnba.com/p/2025-nba-mock-draft-what-we-would

[winsomme2]

RealGM trade and transaction board mock draft.
The Cs get Saraf and Broome.
Powell and Thiero still on the board after 32.
My favorites all went before we picked.

Liam McNeeley was still there at 28. I think you gotta take him. Too much value to pass on. Even if you end up trading him.

[Dogen]

RealGM trade and transaction board mock draft.
The Cs get Saraf and Broome.
Powell and Thiero still on the board after 32.
My favorites all went before we picked.

That's actually a good draft
I would prefer Kalk over Broome - but Broome is good

Saraf is a player. He is a dog. He finds ways to win

I don't mind that draft. Saraf looking better and better, although he's not top of the list, but top of the list probably means trading up.

Broome I'm agnostic about. If he's there and Brad likes him, OK, but I'm more of a risk-taker, and if Kalk, Wolf, Raynaud are gone I'd go for Yang, the "Chinese Joker".

[redslastlaugh]

FREE to read (for now anyway)... Sam Vecenie updated mock. Celtics take Kalkbrenner and Kam Jones, with lots of interesting options on the board.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6434991/2025/06/23/nba-draft-2025-cooper-flagg-ace-bailey-dylan-harper/

28. Boston Celtics - Ryan Kalkbrenner | 7-1 big | 23 years old | Creighton
Kalkbrenner averaged 19 points and nine rebounds this year and has consistently been one of the best defensive players in the country over the last four years, winning the Big East’s Defensive Player of the Year award in each season. With the Celtics looking to make trades to get them below the second apron, Kristaps Porziņģis is viewed as potentially expendable; Kalkbrenner would be a strong replacement with his ability to step away and shoot as well as protect the rim.

29. Phoenix Suns (via CLE) - Maxime Raynaud | 7-0 center | 22 years old | Stanford
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.

30. LA Clippers (via OKC) - Rasheer Fleming | 6-8 forward | 20 years old | Saint Joseph’s
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 process things happening around him on the court quickly. Still, any team that values the frame and shooting potential will be interested in Fleming. The Clippers need more frontcourt depth and could see Fleming as an interesting answer as a small-ball five.

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

[Dogen]

FREE to read (for now anyway)... Sam Vecenie updated mock. Celtics take Kalkbrenner and Kam Jones, with lots of interesting options on the board.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6434991/2025/06/23/nba-draft-2025-cooper-flagg-ace-bailey-dylan-harper/

28. Boston Celtics - Ryan Kalkbrenner | 7-1 big | 23 years old | Creighton
Kalkbrenner averaged 19 points and nine rebounds this year and has consistently been one of the best defensive players in the country over the last four years, winning the Big East’s Defensive Player of the Year award in each season. With the Celtics looking to make trades to get them below the second apron, Kristaps Porziņģis is viewed as potentially expendable; Kalkbrenner would be a strong replacement with his ability to step away and shoot as well as protect the rim.

29. Phoenix Suns (via CLE) - Maxime Raynaud | 7-0 center | 22 years old | Stanford
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.

30. LA Clippers (via OKC) - Rasheer Fleming | 6-8 forward | 20 years old | Saint Joseph’s
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 process things happening around him on the court quickly. Still, any team that values the frame and shooting potential will be interested in Fleming. The Clippers need more frontcourt depth and could see Fleming as an interesting answer as a small-ball five.

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

Wow, these mocks are all over the place. I'd rank these five: Fleming, Penda, Raynaud, Kalkbrenner, Jones

[djFan71]

FREE to read (for now anyway)... Sam Vecenie updated mock. Celtics take Kalkbrenner and Kam Jones, with lots of interesting options on the board.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6434991/2025/06/23/nba-draft-2025-cooper-flagg-ace-bailey-dylan-harper/

28. Boston Celtics - Ryan Kalkbrenner | 7-1 big | 23 years old | Creighton
Kalkbrenner averaged 19 points and nine rebounds this year and has consistently been one of the best defensive players in the country over the last four years, winning the Big East’s Defensive Player of the Year award in each season. With the Celtics looking to make trades to get them below the second apron, Kristaps Porziņģis is viewed as potentially expendable; Kalkbrenner would be a strong replacement with his ability to step away and shoot as well as protect the rim.

29. Phoenix Suns (via CLE) - Maxime Raynaud | 7-0 center | 22 years old | Stanford
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.

30. LA Clippers (via OKC) - Rasheer Fleming | 6-8 forward | 20 years old | Saint Joseph’s
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 process things happening around him on the court quickly. Still, any team that values the frame and shooting potential will be interested in Fleming. The Clippers need more frontcourt depth and could see Fleming as an interesting answer as a small-ball five.

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

Wow, these mocks are all over the place. I'd rank these five: Fleming, Penda, Raynaud, Kalkbrenner, Jones

My exact order as well. I flirt with Penda first, tbh, but then I switch back to Fleming quick. Would be very happy with any of the first 3.

[cloverleaf]

Say your BPA are mcNeely, Saraf, thiero, Gonzalez, Kalkbrenner, Powell, Yang, Broome, Jones. Who are your top 2.

Saraf would be #1 for me
Kalkbrenner #2
then a drop off
then Kam Jones then Drake Powell

I hope Brad has identified a prospect that the market is sleeping on. That was something fun with Ainge. Danny would take a guy 10 or 20 spots higher than public mocks had him going (Rozier, Payton Pritchard) and everyone on the net was like, "whoaaa Danny reaching to take a 2nd rounder" ... we'd just never see that name coming

No more Israeli guards for me. But I'd go with the Kalkbrenner, then Broome, combo.

[brackdan70]

RealGM trade and transaction board mock draft.
The Cs get Saraf and Broome.
Powell and Thiero still on the board after 32.
My favorites all went before we picked.

Liam McNeeley was still there at 28. I think you gotta take him. Too much value to pass on. Even if you end up trading him.

Yeah IDK. He seems like a guy with a really low floor. Maybe though. I like Saraf and Powell better for young guys.

[cloverleaf]

FREE to read (for now anyway)... Sam Vecenie updated mock. Celtics take Kalkbrenner and Kam Jones, with lots of interesting options on the board.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6434991/2025/06/23/nba-draft-2025-cooper-flagg-ace-bailey-dylan-harper/

28. Boston Celtics - Ryan Kalkbrenner | 7-1 big | 23 years old | Creighton
Kalkbrenner averaged 19 points and nine rebounds this year and has consistently been one of the best defensive players in the country over the last four years, winning the Big East’s Defensive Player of the Year award in each season. With the Celtics looking to make trades to get them below the second apron, Kristaps Porziņģis is viewed as potentially expendable; Kalkbrenner would be a strong replacement with his ability to step away and shoot as well as protect the rim.

29. Phoenix Suns (via CLE) - Maxime Raynaud | 7-0 center | 22 years old | Stanford
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.

30. LA Clippers (via OKC) - Rasheer Fleming | 6-8 forward | 20 years old | Saint Joseph’s
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 process things happening around him on the court quickly. Still, any team that values the frame and shooting potential will be interested in Fleming. The Clippers need more frontcourt depth and could see Fleming as an interesting answer as a small-ball five.

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

Wow, these mocks are all over the place. I'd rank these five: Fleming, Penda, Raynaud, Kalkbrenner, Jones

I don't see Raynaud dropping like that, but I'd certainly nab him if he did.

[cloverleaf]

I'm thinking I like Rasheer Fleming. I'd toss in a 2nd or 2 to get him and one of the obvious centers.

[playa-hater]

FREE to read (for now anyway)... Sam Vecenie updated mock. Celtics take Kalkbrenner and Kam Jones, with lots of interesting options on the board.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6434991/2025/06/23/nba-draft-2025-cooper-flagg-ace-bailey-dylan-harper/

28. Boston Celtics - Ryan Kalkbrenner | 7-1 big | 23 years old | Creighton
Kalkbrenner averaged 19 points and nine rebounds this year and has consistently been one of the best defensive players in the country over the last four years, winning the Big East’s Defensive Player of the Year award in each season. With the Celtics looking to make trades to get them below the second apron, Kristaps Porziņģis is viewed as potentially expendable; Kalkbrenner would be a strong replacement with his ability to step away and shoot as well as protect the rim.

29. Phoenix Suns (via CLE) - Maxime Raynaud | 7-0 center | 22 years old | Stanford
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.

30. LA Clippers (via OKC) - Rasheer Fleming | 6-8 forward | 20 years old | Saint Joseph’s
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 process things happening around him on the court quickly. Still, any team that values the frame and shooting potential will be interested in Fleming. The Clippers need more frontcourt depth and could see Fleming as an interesting answer as a small-ball five.

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

If the draft fell like that you absolutely take Fleming first at 28. That leaves 2 good 7fters left and a good chance one falls to 32. And If both 7thers go, you still have Fleming who can definitely play some small ball 5 and still pick up a talented player like Noah.

[playa-hater]

Kam Jones screams JAG to me. I see no upside whatsoever. Maybe his floor is OK since he is a senior, but after that, I don't see any elite potential. Where as other guys in this draft around our picks still have some.

[Dogen]

Somebody slap the degen outta me. I want Hansen Yang at #32.

[redslastlaugh]

well, it'd be an interesting swing. but ... he's a Klutch Sports Client, and I don't think the front office loves doing business with Klutch.

Somebody slap the degen outta me. I want Hansen Yang at #32.