2025 NBA Draft Thread 2.0

[Knightro]

Queen is a weird and difficult evaluation.

He's old for a freshman as he turns 21 later this year.

He also tested HORRIBLY at the combine with the worst lane agility time (by a lot), the second worst shuttle run, the second worst sprint, second worst standing vert and second worst max vert.

And lastly... he can't/doesn't shoot threes.

You add those things up - bad athlete that doesn't defend and doesn't shoot and you're wondering what the appeal actually is.

But...

Everything else he does is good and in some cases legitimately great. He's awesome at facing up and attacking off the dribble. He's an awesome rebounder. He's an awesome finisher and scorer inside. He's can pass and you can absolutely envision a scenario where he's a hub from the high post and nail.

He really reminds me a lot of Domatas Sabonis. Similar strengths and weaknesses. He's going to stuff the stat sheet, but how far can you actually go with a big man who doesn't give you enough shooting to play anywhere but the 5, but doesn't have enough athleticism or rim protection to actually impact a game positively on defense.

[RookieStar]

Ok.. just throwing this out there...

Appearantly Weltgawd had a 2 hr interview with Hansen Yang after his workout. Is it due to the language barrier or are we really interested?

Where is this from?

Reddit Magic

[RookieStar]

Queen is a weird and difficult evaluation.

He's old for a freshman as he turns 21 in later this year.

He also tested HORRIBLY at the combine with the worst lane agility time (by a lot), the second worst shuttle run, the second worst sprint, second worst standing vert and second worst max vert.

And lastly... he can't/doesn't shoot threes.

You add those things up - bad athlete that doesn't defend and doesn't shoot and you're wondering what the appeal actually is.

But...

Everything else he does is good and in some cases legitimately great. He's awesome at facing up and attacking off the dribble. He's an awesome rebounder. He's an awesome finisher and scorer inside. He's can pass and you can absolutely envision a scenario where he's a hub from the high post and nail.

He really reminds me a lot of Domatas Sabonis. Similar strengths and weaknesses. He's going to stuff the stat sheet, but how far can you actually go with a big man who doesn't give you enough shooting to play anywhere but the 5, but doesn't have enough athleticism or rim protection to actually impact a game positively on defense.

Not to mention the fact that Sabonis is 6'11 barefoot? While Queen is just 6'9. At least Domas can impede your eye sight to the ring

[Knightro]

Not to mention the fact that Sabonis is 6'11 barefoot? While Queen is just 6'9. At least Domas can impede your eye sight to the ring

I can't imagine Sabonis is 6'11" barefoot. He's listed at 6'10".

Queen has a bigger wingspan and probably a taller standing reach.

[RookieStar]

Not to mention the fact that Sabonis is 6'11 barefoot? While Queen is just 6'9. At least Domas can impede your eye sight to the ring

I can't imagine Sabonis is 6'11" barefoot. He's listed at 6'10".

Queen has a bigger wingspan and probably a taller standing reach.

He isnt? I read and thought he was. Cuz hes called a 7footer by a lot so i automatically deducted 1inch

[Idiosyncratic]

On the growing after drafted topic-- some of these guys do get their growth plates scanned and have an idea if they are likely to grow as they get older. I have no idea if they let front offices have that info, but would not surprise me if it has happened pre draft.

[Idiosyncratic]

Ok.. just throwing this out there...

Appearantly Weltgawd had a 2 hr interview with Hansen Yang after his workout. Is it due to the language barrier or are we really interested?

Where is this from?

Reddit Magic

Saw that. I think there will be some teams that really like him and I don't think late 1st is crazy. Boom or bust potential, but a lot of these bigs in this draft I have as very likely backups, which is still useful at 25, but I think he could be more. Most have a higher floor than him, but if he hits he has some crazy skills. Not sure I would take that chance at 25, but I know of people who have him ranked higher than that.

[RookieStar]

Where is this from?

Reddit Magic

Saw that. I think there will be some teams that really like him and I don't think late 1st is crazy. Boom or bust potential, but a lot of these bigs in this draft I have as very likely backups, which is still useful at 25, but I think he could be more. Most have a higher floor than him, but if he hits he has some crazy skills. Not sure I would take that chance at 25, but I know of people who have him ranked higher than that.

I was thinking teams do it for the chinese market. I mean HOU boomed with the chinese market because of Yao... think other teams are jusy salivating with that chinese ads

[MartinsIzAfraud]

Where is this from?

Reddit Magic

Saw that. I think there will be some teams that really like him and I don't think late 1st is crazy. Boom or bust potential, but a lot of these bigs in this draft I have as very likely backups, which is still useful at 25, but I think he could be more. Most have a higher floor than him, but if he hits he has some crazy skills. Not sure I would take that chance at 25, but I know of people who have him ranked higher than that.

Taking Yang would be an ultimate failure for this team. A dude who won’t play for 2-3 years when we need actual production due to our mediocre bench.

Maybe last year or the year before sure but not now when we’re up against $ and offensive skills.

[Idiosyncratic]

Reddit Magic

Saw that. I think there will be some teams that really like him and I don't think late 1st is crazy. Boom or bust potential, but a lot of these bigs in this draft I have as very likely backups, which is still useful at 25, but I think he could be more. Most have a higher floor than him, but if he hits he has some crazy skills. Not sure I would take that chance at 25, but I know of people who have him ranked higher than that.

Taking Yang would be an ultimate failure for this team. A dude who won’t play for 2-3 years when we need actual production due to our mediocre bench.

Maybe last year or the year before sure but not now when we’re up against $ and offensive skills.

Tend to agree. But I will just say if someone is available that is near the top of their board whether they are a project or not they still should take them IMO. Like if Yang is 12 on their board and next best available guy is 23rd or something but maybe more likely to be an 8th man in 2 years I still personally would just rather have them take Yang in that example. Bust rate is so high on all players that you just gotta take who you believe in at the end of the day.

But all things considered, ignoring extreme situations, I tend to agree with you.

[Knightro]

Latest mock from ESPN

25. Orlando Magic (via Denver)
Jase Richardson, PG/SG, Michigan State
Freshman | TS%: 63.2

Height without shoes: 6-0½ | Weight: 178
Standing reach: 8-2½ | Wingspan: 6-6

Richardson is the highest-ranked player (No. 18) on the ESPN big board not to get invited to the NBA draft green room (24 players invited), leaving some uncertainty about where he might end up being selected.

His draft range starts around No. 16 with Memphis, which has drafted several players in the past few years with similar statistical profiles and might end up having a backcourt void to fill soon, all the way to the mid-20s portion of the first round.

The Magic are another team that could look to add shooting and backcourt depth and might be intrigued by Richardson's scoring efficiency, defensive intensity and ability to play without the ball. -- Givony

46. Orlando Magic
Kam Jones, PG/SG, Marquette, senior

57. Orlando Magic (via Boston)
Kobe Sanders, SG/SF, Nevada, senior

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45559441/2025-nba-mock-draft-latest-first-second-round-predictions-all-59-picks

[MasterGMer]

Reddit Magic

Saw that. I think there will be some teams that really like him and I don't think late 1st is crazy. Boom or bust potential, but a lot of these bigs in this draft I have as very likely backups, which is still useful at 25, but I think he could be more. Most have a higher floor than him, but if he hits he has some crazy skills. Not sure I would take that chance at 25, but I know of people who have him ranked higher than that.

I was thinking teams do it for the chinese market. I mean HOU boomed with the chinese market because of Yao... think other teams are jusy salivating with that chinese ads

Comon, man. I guarantee you Jeff won't draft him just because or partly because of Chinese market. lol

[RookieStar]

Saw that. I think there will be some teams that really like him and I don't think late 1st is crazy. Boom or bust potential, but a lot of these bigs in this draft I have as very likely backups, which is still useful at 25, but I think he could be more. Most have a higher floor than him, but if he hits he has some crazy skills. Not sure I would take that chance at 25, but I know of people who have him ranked higher than that.

I was thinking teams do it for the chinese market. I mean HOU boomed with the chinese market because of Yao... think other teams are jusy salivating with that chinese ads

Comon, man. I guarantee you Jeff won't draft him just because or partly because of Chinese market. lol

Jeff wont... but the owners? Lol yeah he will draft Yang because probably saw the monsters infesting the league nowadays. Wemby Eddey Clingan Embiid Jokic Zubac KP.... i mean lots of 7ft++ guys and all we can throw at them is our 6'10 WCJ and skinny 6'11Goga

[MartinsIzAfraud]

Latest mock from ESPN

25. Orlando Magic (via Denver)
Jase Richardson, PG/SG, Michigan State
Freshman | TS%: 63.2

Height without shoes: 6-0½ | Weight: 178
Standing reach: 8-2½ | Wingspan: 6-6

Richardson is the highest-ranked player (No. 18) on the ESPN big board not to get invited to the NBA draft green room (24 players invited), leaving some uncertainty about where he might end up being selected.

His draft range starts around No. 16 with Memphis, which has drafted several players in the past few years with similar statistical profiles and might end up having a backcourt void to fill soon, all the way to the mid-20s portion of the first round.

The Magic are another team that could look to add shooting and backcourt depth and might be intrigued by Richardson's scoring efficiency, defensive intensity and ability to play without the ball. -- Givony

46. Orlando Magic
Kam Jones, PG/SG, Marquette, senior

57. Orlando Magic (via Boston)
Kobe Sanders, SG/SF, Nevada, senior

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45559441/2025-nba-mock-draft-latest-first-second-round-predictions-all-59-picks

Would be one of the best drafts for this FO

[Bensational]

[b]46. Orlando Magic
Kam Jones, PG/SG, Marquette, senior

Would be one of the best drafts for this FO

Haven't watched any of Kam Jones' clips before. Just watched this one, and man, it looks like he's walking through practice drills during games. Just not getting sped up at all and slowly getting to his spots. Very interesting to see that be so effective. Does he look like he could be Gary Harris' brother in this thumbnail too, or is that just me?

Watch on YouTube

[Kent]

Latest mock from ESPN

25. Orlando Magic (via Denver)
Jase Richardson, PG/SG, Michigan State
Freshman | TS%: 63.2

Height without shoes: 6-0½ | Weight: 178
Standing reach: 8-2½ | Wingspan: 6-6

Richardson is the highest-ranked player (No. 18) on the ESPN big board not to get invited to the NBA draft green room (24 players invited), leaving some uncertainty about where he might end up being selected.

His draft range starts around No. 16 with Memphis, which has drafted several players in the past few years with similar statistical profiles and might end up having a backcourt void to fill soon, all the way to the mid-20s portion of the first round.

The Magic are another team that could look to add shooting and backcourt depth and might be intrigued by Richardson's scoring efficiency, defensive intensity and ability to play without the ball. -- Givony

46. Orlando Magic
Kam Jones, PG/SG, Marquette, senior

57. Orlando Magic (via Boston)
Kobe Sanders, SG/SF, Nevada, senior

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45559441/2025-nba-mock-draft-latest-first-second-round-predictions-all-59-picks

Would be one of the best drafts for this FO

Is Jase a better version of Cole, with better shooting and defense?

[RookieStar]

[b]46. Orlando Magic
Kam Jones, PG/SG, Marquette, senior

Would be one of the best drafts for this FO

Haven't watched any of Kam Jones' clips before. Just watched this one, and man, it looks like he's walking through practice drills during games. Just not getting sped up at all and slowly getting to his spots. Very interesting to see that be so effective. Does he look like he could be Gary Harris' brother in this thumbnail too, or is that just me?

Watch on YouTube

You got fooled by the stashe

[thelead]

Just please get Walter Clayton Jr. The 2 2nd round picks can be punted if needed. I don't care about those. Just get Clayton.

[Dub_Sax]

Just please get Walter Clayton Jr. The 2 2nd round picks can be punted if needed. I don't care about those. Just get Clayton.

I believe he wants to go to Miami, and they pick 20th. I saw where he said the 3 ppl he would want to have dinner with was Kobe, some other guy, and Erik Spoelstra

Sent from my SM-G781V using RealGM mobile app

[thelead]

Just please get Walter Clayton Jr. The 2 2nd round picks can be punted if needed. I don't care about those. Just get Clayton.

I believe he wants to go to Miami, and they pick 20th. I saw where he said the 3 ppl he would want to have dinner with was Kobe, some other guy, and Erik Spoelstra

Sent from my SM-G781V using RealGM mobile app

I'd punt the pick for a future 1st (NOT SRP's!!!) if we can't get him or Jase with that pick. Hell, with our cap situation, if we can't get players that have any chance of getting minutes this upcoming season, the picks need to be traded for future assets. I'm only interested in Clayton as our Payton Pritchard/spark plug.