2025 NBA Draft

[Gagnrath]

It’s not what it says on his scouting report, i.e here’s one: https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/2025-nba-draft-scouting-report-maxime-raynaud-f-stanford-163430295.html

“it’s not often a player his size can move as fluidly as he does as a shot creator, whether he’s ball-faking then attacking a closeout, slingshotting toward the basket off a screen, or dribbling in transition. He has a tight crossover, mixes in euro-steps, and can get into soft floaters, touch layups, or ferocious tomahawk dunks”

On top of being a monster on the board, can hit outside, and Wemby’s friend. The more I watch this guy, the more I’m convinced he will be the #14 pick.

Did you watch the clip.... Not a single legal dribble in it carrying and palming non-stop.... Not saying that the NBA calls even a 10th of the illegal dribbling that happens in a game but its better not to give the refs that chance.

[objective]

Using the exception to make a rule. Chris Duarte called.

With his first 3 year's production, if White had been drafted in the lottery, he would have been considered a bust. As it is,he’s a connector/high level defender, not the All Star or All NBA player that I was referring to at the end of the post, had you read that far.

If White's first three years were under a different coach, he would not have been considered a bust at all

His rookie year was the typical Pop nonsense where it was easy to predict and see that despite being no worst than the 4th best guard on the roster and likely at least the 3rd best guard, he would not be played because Pop is Pop

Second year he was the sole reason the Spurs made the playoffs after he came back from injury and was also the reason the Spurs should have won in the first round instead of losing in Pop's last terrible coached playoff failure.

Then his third year again was a Pop disaster where Pop refused to let him compete to start at any position and furthermore refused to allow him to play with Dejounte until the COVID break, another legendary Pop headscratching choice that he was lucky to never get criticized over because the national media was happy to finally get to ignore the inconsequential Spurs.

Derrick White in his mid 20s was purposefully, intentionally held to under 24 minutes a game ... Would eventually be playing 36 minutes a game in the finals on the way to a title.

I can't believe Pop lasted another 5 years and was trying to stick around for more when he was severely mishandling things back in the teens.

[BackHome]

One thing watching the playoffs size/rebounding and shooting are what makes teams advance if you don’t have it for most positions your not going to advance.

[bluebellmaniac]

This should be my last Board until we pass the deadline to withdraw from the draft. Yaxel Lendeborg is a potential withdraw guy.

Tier 1:
1. Cooper Flagg
Tier 2:
2. Dylan Harper
Tier 3:
3. V.J Edgecombe
4. Ace Bailey
Tier 4:
5. Tre Johnson
6. Jon Knueppel
7. Kasparas Jackucionis
8. Liam McNeely
9. Thomas Sorber
10. Egor Demin
11. Carter Bryant
Tier 5:
12. Jeremiah Fears
13. Noa Essengue
14. Shaman Maluach
15. Rasheer Fleming
16. Derick Queen

17. Jase Richardson
18. Cedric Coward
Tier 6:
19. Will Riley
20. Nolan Traore
21. Ben Saraf
22. Yaxel Lendeborg
23. Maxime Raynaud
Tier 7:
24. Asa Newell
25. Ryan Kalkbrenner
26. Danny Wolf
27. Drake Powell
28. Walter Clayton jr
29. Alex Condon
30. Noah Penda

Remember, on my board look at the tiers as opposed to individual rank. For instance, if we pick Harper at #2 you wouldn't take Fears at 14 over say Fleming even though he's higher.

Is Shaman a native American?

[mo7888]

Is Shaman a native American?

South Sudan

[bluebellmaniac]

South Sudan

Oh, you mean Khaman!

[mo7888]

Oh, you mean Khaman!

Yup. Thank you for pointing out my typo. I've corrected it.

[RC_Drunkford]

If White's first three years were under a different coach, he would not have been considered a bust at all

His rookie year was the typical Pop nonsense where it was easy to predict and see that despite being no worst than the 4th best guard on the roster and likely at least the 3rd best guard, he would not be played because Pop is Pop

Second year he was the sole reason the Spurs made the playoffs after he came back from injury and was also the reason the Spurs should have won in the first round instead of losing in Pop's last terrible coached playoff failure.

Then his third year again was a Pop disaster where Pop refused to let him compete to start at any position and furthermore refused to allow him to play with Dejounte until the COVID break, another legendary Pop headscratching choice that he was lucky to never get criticized over because the national media was happy to finally get to ignore the inconsequential Spurs.

Derrick White in his mid 20s was purposefully, intentionally held to under 24 minutes a game ... Would eventually be playing 36 minutes a game in the finals on the way to a title.

I can't believe Pop lasted another 5 years and was trying to stick around for more when he was severely mishandling things back in the teens.

can't let White take valuable minutes away from Pop's high character pet Bryn Forbes. He had the starting SG position locked. :lol

[rankingtear]

If White's first three years were under a different coach, he would not have been considered a bust at all

His rookie year was the typical Pop nonsense where it was easy to predict and see that despite being no worst than the 4th best guard on the roster and likely at least the 3rd best guard, he would not be played because Pop is Pop

Second year he was the sole reason the Spurs made the playoffs after he came back from injury and was also the reason the Spurs should have won in the first round instead of losing in Pop's last terrible coached playoff failure.

Then his third year again was a Pop disaster where Pop refused to let him compete to start at any position and furthermore refused to allow him to play with Dejounte until the COVID break, another legendary Pop headscratching choice that he was lucky to never get criticized over because the national media was happy to finally get to ignore the inconsequential Spurs.

Derrick White in his mid 20s was purposefully, intentionally held to under 24 minutes a game ... Would eventually be playing 36 minutes a game in the finals on the way to a title.

I can't believe Pop lasted another 5 years and was trying to stick around for more when he was severely mishandling things back in the teens.

Nah White has zero confidence, you use him differently in his first 2 years and fails he would be out if the league. Pop tried to do what spurms fans want his last year here and it failed miserably, that is just not his game he is a 3 and D guard on a team with star wings like Georgie.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

One thing watching the playoffs size/rebounding and shooting are what makes teams advance if you don’t have it for most positions your not going to advance.

I mean it sounds true but OKC are literally near the bottom in both rebounding and shooting in the playoffs.

These playoffs have been incredible but also wildly weird, perhaps the only things that can be taken as conclusions are that depth matters because of the increased intensity and that pace creates match-up advantages. Defending without fouling is a positive too obviously.

[RC_Drunkford]

I mean it sounds true but OKC are literally near the bottom in both rebounding and shooting in the playoffs.

These playoffs have been incredible but also wildly weird, perhaps the only things that can be taken as conclusions are that depth matters because of the increased intensity and that pace creates match-up issues. Defending without fouling is a positive obviously too.

the strength of OKC is shutting down the paint and creating liveball turnovers. If you have guards who can get in the lane and players who make outside shots at a high clip, that defense will have problems.

Offensively all you have to do is prevent SGA from getting to his midrange spots. So you double or force him into help. The other players have to rotate properly. They just look dominant because there aren't any elite teams in the league.

Having Wemby in the paint would already give OKC huge problems to score. If MPJ was healthy Denver beats them.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

the strength of OKC is shutting down the paint and creating liveball turnovers. If you have guards who can get in the lane and players who make outside shots at a high clip, that defense will have problems.

Offensively all you have to do is prevent SGA from getting to his midrange spots. So you double or force him into help. The other players have to rotate properly. They just look dominant because there aren't any elite teams in the league.

Having Wemby in the paint would already give OKC huge problems to score. If MPJ was healthy Denver beats them.

All true in theory but OKC have been the team giving Wemby the most issues in his young career, he's been horrible against them outside of one game, both offensively and defensively.

[exstatic]

All true in theory but OKC have been the team giving Wemby the most issues in his young career, he's been horrible against them outside of one game, both offensively and defensively.

Think of the guards he was playing with as a rookie. Now, swap those out for Fox, Castle, and Harper.

In that podcast where Fox appeared, The Deep Three, he talked about a game where the pick and roll with he and Wemby caused some defensive errors, and they each said that they had never had both defenders go with the other player. With both players healthy, next year is going to be fun.

[ginobilized]

Sorber is far more skilled than Splitter/Poeltl though. I'd compare him to Roy Hibbert/Al Horford. He's a pretty safe bet to be a starting C with offensive upside to be an elite one.

As far as body type, his best comparison is Myles Turner.

Let's keep this on the dl. Our opponents might be reading and grab him before 14.

Totally agree on Sorber's offensive potential. I guess I'm so used to Pop using centers in a certain role that I was ignoring his offense.
With TD around, I can only imagine what his ceiling could be. I trust the Spurs to correctly read his foot issues as far as the risk factor there.

[exstatic]

Let's keep this on the dl. Our opponents might be reading and grab him before 14.

Totally agree on Sorber's offensive potential. I guess I'm so used to Pop using centers in a certain role that I was ignoring his offense.
With TD around, I can only imagine what his ceiling could be. I trust the Spurs to correctly read his foot issues as far as the risk factor there.

Atlanta actually needs a center.

[John B]

From SI today. Curious how Sorber is mocked at #23. I’d take him at #14 instead of Carter Bryant, who I see as Spurs pick on most mocked drafts. I like Carter Bryant and would not hate that pick at #14. And Johni Broome or Vlad Goldin or even Miles Byrd at #38

If I could get Carter Bryant (3&D at SF/PF) and a backup C (Johni Broome or Goldin) at #38, I’d be a happy camper too.

https://www.si.com/nba/draft/mock-drafts-big-boards/2025-nba-mock-draft-two-round-projections-with-less-than-one-month-remaining (https://www.si.com/nba/draft/mock-drafts-big-boards/2025-nba-mock-draft-two-round-projections-with-less-than-one-month-remaining)

1. Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg (Duke)
2. San Antonio Spurs: Dylan Harper (Rutgers)
3. Philadelphia 76ers: Ace Bailey (Rutgers)
4. Charlotte Hornets: VJ Edgecombe (Baylor)
5. Utah Jazz: Tre Johnson (Texas)
6. Washington Wizards: Kon Knueppel (Duke)
7. New Orleans Pelicans: Khaman Maluach (Duke)
8. Brooklyn Nets: Jeremiah Fears (Oklahoma)
9. Toronto Raptors: Noa Essengue (INTL)
10. Houston Rockets: Kasparas Jakucionis (Illinois)
11. Portland Trail Blazers: Derik Queen (Maryland)
12. Chicago Bulls: Collin Murray-Boyles (South Carolina)
13. Atanta Hawks (via SAC): Cedric Coward (Washington State)
14. San Antonio Spurs (via ATL): Carter Bryant (Arizona)
15. OKC Thunder (via MIA): Asa Newell (Georgia)
16. Orlando Magic: Liam McNeeley (UConn)
17. Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET): Egor Demin (BYU)
18. Washington Wizards (via MEM): Nolan Traore (INTL)
19. Brooklyn Nets (via MIL): Noah Penda (INTL)
20. Miami Heat (via GSW): Jase Richardson (Michigan State)
21. Utah Jazz (via MIN): Nique Clifford (Colorado State)
22. Atlanta Hawks (via LAL): Rasheer Fleming (St. Joseph's)
23. Indiana Pacers: Thomas Sorber (Georgetown)
24. OKC Thunder (via LAC): Will Riley (Illinois)
25. Orlando Magic (via DEN): Hugo Gonzalez (INTL)
26. Brooklyn Nets (via NYK): Ben Saraf (INTL)
27. Brooklyn Nets (via HOU): Joan Beringer (INTL)
28. Boston Celtics: Danny Wolf (Michigan)
29. Phoenix Suns (via CLE): Maxime Raynaud (Stanford)
30. LA Clippers (via OKC): Drake Powell (North Carolina)
31. Minnesota Timberwolves (via UTA): Yaxel Lendeborg (UAB)
32. Boston Celtics (via WAS): Walter Clayton Jr. (Florida)
33. Charlotte Hornets: Hansen Yang (INTL)
34. Charlotte Hornets (via NOP): Bogoljub Markovic (INTL)
35. Philadelphia 76ers: Alex Toohey (INTL)
36. Brooklyn Nets: Michael Ruzic (INTL)
37. Detroit Pistons (via TOR): Adou Thiero (Arkansas)
38. San Antonio Spurs: Isaiah Evans (Duke)
39. Toronto Raptors (via POR): Johni Broome (Auburn)
40. Washington Wizards (via PHX): Labaron Philon (Alabama)
41. Golden State Warriors (via MIA): Neoklis Avdalas (INTL)
42. Sacramento Kings (via CHI): Chaz Lanier (Tennessee)
43. Utah Jazz (via DAL): Tahaad Pettiford (Auburn)
44. OKC Thunder (via ATL): Miles Byrd (San Diego State)
45. Chicago Bulls (via SAC): Alex Condon (Florida)
46. Orlando Magic: Sergio De Larrea (INTL)
47. Milwaukee Bucks (via DET): Ryan Kalkbrenner (Creighton)
48. Memphis Grizzlies (via GSW): Jamir Watkins (Florida State)
49. Cleveland Cavaliers (via MIL): JT Toppin (Texas Tech)
50. New York Knicks (via MEM): Kam Jones (Marquette)
51. LA Clippers (via MIN): Hunter Sallis (Wake Forest)
52. Phoenix Suns (via DEN): Johann Grunloh (INTL)
53. Utah Jazz (via LAC): Yanic Konan Niederhauser (Penn State)
54. Indiana Pacers: Kobe Sanders (Nevada)
55. Los Angeles Lakers: Koby Brea (Kentucky)
---New York Knicks (FORFEITED)---
56. Memphis Grizzlies (via HOU): Mouhamed Faye (INTL)
57. Orlando Magic (via BOS): Rocco Zikarsky (INTL)
58. Cleveland Cavaliers: Otega Oweh (Kentucky)
59. Houston Rockets (via OKC): John Tonje (Wisconsin)

[exstatic]

Let's keep this on the dl. Our opponents might be reading and grab him before 14.

Totally agree on Sorber's offensive potential. I guess I'm so used to Pop using centers in a certain role that I was ignoring his offense.
With TD around, I can only imagine what his ceiling could be. I trust the Spurs to correctly read his foot issues as far as the risk factor there.

I did a little dive on this, fearing that it was the dreaded fifth metatarsal, but it’s a monster case of turf toe that required surgery.

[scottspurs]

From SI today. Curious how Sorber is mocked at #23. I’d take him at #14 instead of Carter Bryant, who I see as Spurs pick on most mocked drafts. I like Carter Bryant and would not hate that pick at #14. And Johni Broome or Vlad Goldin or even Miles Byrd at #38

If I could get Carter Bryant (3&D at SF/PF) and a backup C (Johni Broome or Goldin) at #38, I’d be a happy camper too.

https://www.si.com/nba/draft/mock-drafts-big-boards/2025-nba-mock-draft-two-round-projections-with-less-than-one-month-remaining (https://www.si.com/nba/draft/mock-drafts-big-boards/2025-nba-mock-draft-two-round-projections-with-less-than-one-month-remaining)

1. Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg (Duke)
2. San Antonio Spurs: Dylan Harper (Rutgers)
3. Philadelphia 76ers: Ace Bailey (Rutgers)
4. Charlotte Hornets: VJ Edgecombe (Baylor)
5. Utah Jazz: Tre Johnson (Texas)
6. Washington Wizards: Kon Knueppel (Duke)
7. New Orleans Pelicans: Khaman Maluach (Duke)
8. Brooklyn Nets: Jeremiah Fears (Oklahoma)
9. Toronto Raptors: Noa Essengue (INTL)
10. Houston Rockets: Kasparas Jakucionis (Illinois)
11. Portland Trail Blazers: Derik Queen (Maryland)
12. Chicago Bulls: Collin Murray-Boyles (South Carolina)
13. Atanta Hawks (via SAC): Cedric Coward (Washington State)
14. San Antonio Spurs (via ATL): Carter Bryant (Arizona)
15. OKC Thunder (via MIA): Asa Newell (Georgia)
16. Orlando Magic: Liam McNeeley (UConn)
17. Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET): Egor Demin (BYU)
18. Washington Wizards (via MEM): Nolan Traore (INTL)
19. Brooklyn Nets (via MIL): Noah Penda (INTL)
20. Miami Heat (via GSW): Jase Richardson (Michigan State)
21. Utah Jazz (via MIN): Nique Clifford (Colorado State)
22. Atlanta Hawks (via LAL): Rasheer Fleming (St. Joseph's)
23. Indiana Pacers: Thomas Sorber (Georgetown)
24. OKC Thunder (via LAC): Will Riley (Illinois)
25. Orlando Magic (via DEN): Hugo Gonzalez (INTL)
26. Brooklyn Nets (via NYK): Ben Saraf (INTL)
27. Brooklyn Nets (via HOU): Joan Beringer (INTL)
28. Boston Celtics: Danny Wolf (Michigan)
29. Phoenix Suns (via CLE): Maxime Raynaud (Stanford)
30. LA Clippers (via OKC): Drake Powell (North Carolina)
31. Minnesota Timberwolves (via UTA): Yaxel Lendeborg (UAB)
32. Boston Celtics (via WAS): Walter Clayton Jr. (Florida)
33. Charlotte Hornets: Hansen Yang (INTL)
34. Charlotte Hornets (via NOP): Bogoljub Markovic (INTL)
35. Philadelphia 76ers: Alex Toohey (INTL)
36. Brooklyn Nets: Michael Ruzic (INTL)
37. Detroit Pistons (via TOR): Adou Thiero (Arkansas)
38. San Antonio Spurs: Isaiah Evans (Duke)
39. Toronto Raptors (via POR): Johni Broome (Auburn)
40. Washington Wizards (via PHX): Labaron Philon (Alabama)
41. Golden State Warriors (via MIA): Neoklis Avdalas (INTL)
42. Sacramento Kings (via CHI): Chaz Lanier (Tennessee)
43. Utah Jazz (via DAL): Tahaad Pettiford (Auburn)
44. OKC Thunder (via ATL): Miles Byrd (San Diego State)
45. Chicago Bulls (via SAC): Alex Condon (Florida)
46. Orlando Magic: Sergio De Larrea (INTL)
47. Milwaukee Bucks (via DET): Ryan Kalkbrenner (Creighton)
48. Memphis Grizzlies (via GSW): Jamir Watkins (Florida State)
49. Cleveland Cavaliers (via MIL): JT Toppin (Texas Tech)
50. New York Knicks (via MEM): Kam Jones (Marquette)
51. LA Clippers (via MIN): Hunter Sallis (Wake Forest)
52. Phoenix Suns (via DEN): Johann Grunloh (INTL)
53. Utah Jazz (via LAC): Yanic Konan Niederhauser (Penn State)
54. Indiana Pacers: Kobe Sanders (Nevada)
55. Los Angeles Lakers: Koby Brea (Kentucky)
---New York Knicks (FORFEITED)---
56. Memphis Grizzlies (via HOU): Mouhamed Faye (INTL)
57. Orlando Magic (via BOS): Rocco Zikarsky (INTL)
58. Cleveland Cavaliers: Otega Oweh (Kentucky)
59. Houston Rockets (via OKC): John Tonje (Wisconsin)

this is an example of why mock drafts are trash. Sergio De Larrea, JT Toppin and Isaiah Evans all pulled their names from the draft weeks ago. Whoever made this did no research and is throwing shit into the wind. At bare minimum you can have a mock draft with actual players in the draft

[John B]

this is an example of why mock drafts are trash. Sergio De Larrea, JT Toppin and Isaiah Evans all pulled their names from the draft weeks ago. Whoever made this did no research and is throwing shit into the wind. At bare minimum you can have a mock draft with actual players in the draft

And there you go. I actually have a day job, my bad.

[scottspurs]

And there you go. I actually have a day job, my bad.

haha it’s not your fault they’re lazy journalists out there

[Eaglenole2002]

Why does Maluach keep getting mocked tonight the Pelicans? Aren’t they happy with Missi at center?

[Biggems]

So what about this idea?

We draft Sorber at 14 for Brooklyn
Brooklyn drafts Raynaud for us at 19.
Brooklyn drafts Broome for us at 27.
We draft a player for Brooklyn at 38.
We also send a future 2nd round pick to the Nets.

We walk out of the draft with Harper, Raynaud, and Broome.

[John B]

So what about this idea?

We draft Sorber at 14 for Brooklyn
Brooklyn drafts Raynaud for us at 19.
Brooklyn drafts Broome for us at 27.
We draft a player for Brooklyn at 38.
We also send a future 2nd round pick to the Nets.

We walk out of the draft with Harper, Raynaud, and Broome.

Shouldn’t Brooklyn be sending us the picks? They just got 14 in place of 27 (huge jump). While I will argue that 27 thru 38 is not much difference because it’s deep on role players. I’d rather take Goldin if paying that much for Broome.

My best scenario Dylan, Sorber, Bryant. However they trade up or down.

[RC_Drunkford]

So what about this idea?

We draft Sorber at 14 for Brooklyn
Brooklyn drafts Raynaud for us at 19.
Brooklyn drafts Broome for us at 27.
We draft a player for Brooklyn at 38.
We also send a future 2nd round pick to the Nets.

We walk out of the draft with Harper, Raynaud, and Broome.

I'll keep Sorber 10 times out of 10 instead of trading him for Raynaud and Broome.

[John B]

Trade Vassell to Brooklyn for their 8th pick and some chips. And draft Dylan #2, Sorber #8 and Carter #14 and call it a day.

[objective]

Nah White has zero confidence, you use him differently in his first 2 years and fails he would be out if the league. Pop tried to do what spurms fans want his last year here and it failed miserably, that is just not his game he is a 3 and D guard on a team with star wings like Georgie.

In his rookie year in the g-league, he was aggressive and launched 3s at twice the rate as under Pop, including a game if I remember right with 15 3pt attempts, he was already progressing towards the way the league was going. He was just sabotaged and hamstrung by Pop, once he was coached by a coach who had faith and confidence in him that his shot making followed.

[exstatic]

Ace Bailey is starting to scare me a bit. In his highlight videos, it's all crazy dunks. My main concern is I don't know much about his personality and whether he'd be a team-first player. But you really can't deny his talent. I'd choose Flagg and Traore over him right now and I haven't really seen the others in the top 5 play yet to have an opinion.

He was asked to name two of his strengths and one weakness. His response was that he had way more than two strengths and zero weaknesses. That should scare you. He also has Vassell disease: why settle for a normal shot when you can shoot a contested fadeaway.

[SpursBills]

He was asked to name two of his strengths and one weakness. His response was that he had way more than two strengths and zero weaknesses. That should scare you. He also has Vassell disease: why settle for a normal shot when you can shoot a contested fadeaway.

It really is a shame too, if he leaned fully into the role player mindset he could honestly be super-Jaden McDaniels, which is an easy third best player on a title contender. He's got the shooting stroke and secondary rim protection to be the premier 3 and D guy in the league, but he needs to accept that he is not and will never be KD first.

[scottspurs]

I think reality is going to hit Ace Bailey hard his rookie year. Seems like a good kid though so once he buys in I think he will be a really good player. I think 3rd best player on a championship team would definitely be a more realistic goal. He is 19. His comment doesn’t worry me too much. Now if he was saying stuff like that come year 2-3 in the league I would be worried.

[SpursBills]

I think reality is going to hit Ace Bailey hard his rookie year. Seems like a good kid though so once he buys in I think he will be a really good player. I think 3rd best player on a championship team would definitely be a more realistic goal. He is 19. His comment doesn’t worry me too much. Now if he was saying stuff like that come year 2-3 in the league I would be worried.

For this reason, especially if he gets drafted into a terrible situation (i.e. Charlotte with Lamelo and Miller), he's a guy I'd keep an eye on over the years to see if you can snag him as a buy-low option on his second contract if he doesn't meet expectations. Could pay dividends like Wiggins to Golden State - that size and shooting stroke don't go away over time.

[BackHome]

I did a little dive on this, fearing that it was the dreaded fifth metatarsal, but it’s a monster case of turf toe that required surgery.

Regarding Sober:

Yeah, it was a serious injury I still not sure if it is a grade 3 or 4 - A grade 3 is basically a tear so you might be looking at 1 or 2 ligaments tear and possible bone issues. I wonder if he has a less serious version during start of season which could have impacted one of the biggest issues with him which was jumping and switching. If he had a grade 4 which I don’t think that would be real bad as that is what happens when basically your big toes goes all the way back and touches top of foot.

[exstatic]

So what about this idea?

We draft Sorber at 14 for Brooklyn
Brooklyn drafts Raynaud for us at 19.
Brooklyn drafts Broome for us at 27.
We draft a player for Brooklyn at 38.
We also send a future 2nd round pick to the Nets.

We walk out of the draft with Harper, Raynaud, and Broome.

What if those players aren’t available?

[scottspurs]

If Sorber falls out of the lottery or even the top 20 that will lead me to believe there are concerns about the toe/foot long term. If he falls out of the 1st all together we know it’s real bad. I don’t think he would have stayed in the draft if it was real bad. He could have just chased the NIL money

[scottspurs]

Same with Cedric Coward. If he falls out of the top 20 doctors must have flagged his shoulder as a long term concern. Teams will all have the same medical data.

[scott]

He was asked to name two of his strengths and one weakness. His response was that he had way more than two strengths and zero weaknesses. That should scare you. He also has Vassell disease: why settle for a normal shot when you can shoot a contested fadeaway.

I propose we trade Devin to whatever team drafts Bailey, so these two can thrive off one-upping each other. A live game of H.O.R.S.E. playing out every night in front of horrified fans.

[exstatic]

If Sorber falls out of the lottery or even the top 20 that will lead me to believe there are concerns about the toe/foot long term. If he falls out of the 1st all together we know it’s real bad. I don’t think he would have stayed in the draft if it was real bad. He could have just chased the NIL money

If you’re confident in his surgery and recovery, you pick him, otherwise, no. Teams do tend to be skittish.

[Limguogolo]

(Noa Essengue, Noah Penda, Nolan Traoré. "Le pays qui dit non."

Direction: NOLA.)

And Joan Beringer... what the.

[exstatic]

For this reason, especially if he gets drafted into a terrible situation (i.e. Charlotte with Lamelo and Miller), he's a guy I'd keep an eye on over the years to see if you can snag him as a buy-low option on his second contract if he doesn't meet expectations. Could pay dividends like Wiggins to Golden State - that size and shooting stroke don't go away over time.

Wiggins was a case where there were enough high powered options around him that he was basically ignored.

There is a development window of about 3-4 years, and if you miss it, only incremental progress is to be expected.

[rankingtear]

In his rookie year in the g-league, he was aggressive and launched 3s at twice the rate as under Pop, including a game if I remember right with 15 3pt attempts, he was already progressing towards the way the league was going. He was just sabotaged and hamstrung by Pop, once he was coached by a coach who had faith and confidence in him that his shot making followed.

Doesn't every guard have inflated 3 in the g-league, Blake launched 4 a game.

[objective]

Doesn't every guard have inflated 3 in the g-league, Blake launched 4 a game.

Wesley went up 90%. But White even more drastic, 130% more 5 years earlier.

White was too good to be buried as a rookie, and too good to be treated like a scrub by Pop with the benchings andal lack of opportunity. Nowadays he's rightfully recognized as an incredible player who could net a giant return in a trade. The person who didn't see it? El Jefe.

[rankingtear]

Wesley went up 90%. But White even more drastic, 130% more 5 years earlier.

White was too good to be buried as a rookie, and too good to be treated like a scrub by Pop with the benchings andal lack of opportunity. Nowadays he's rightfully recognized as an incredible player who could net a giant return in a trade. The person who didn't see it? El Jefe.

Nah you are completely ignoring fit and play style, a lot of it is DJ being on team and being the better investment.

[RC_Drunkford]

Nah you are completely ignoring fit and play style, a lot of it is DJ being on team and being the better investment.

nope White was there the season where Parker was out and we were thin at the PG spot. But Pop thought White has to learn how to play in the G-League for a whole year. Meanwhile Mitch said last season he had no business being there.

The same Pop who said Bam Adebayo "ain't ready" and picked Mason Plumlee over him :lol

[rankingtear]

nope White was there the season where Parker was out and we were thin at the PG spot. But Pop thought White has to learn how to play in the G-League for a whole year. Meanwhile Mitch said last season he had no business being there.

The same Pop who said Bam Adebayo "ain't ready" and picked Mason Plumlee over him :lol

:pimpslap

[Ice009]

nope White was there the season where Parker was out and we were thin at the PG spot. But Pop thought White has to learn how to play in the G-League for a whole year. Meanwhile Mitch said last season he had no business being there.

The same Pop who said Bam Adebayo "ain't ready" and picked Mason Plumlee over him :lol

Mitch said White had no business being in the G-League? When was that bought up?

[RC_Drunkford]

Mitch said White had no business being in the G-League? When was that bought up?

this season before our game against Boston

[scottspurs]

Karter Knox has announced he will return to Arkansas and is withdrawing from 2025 nba draft. You can take him off the board but someone to keep an eye on for 2026.

[scottspurs]

Milos Uzan also just announced he is returning to Houston. So you can take him off the board. He was someone I was interested in shot +40% from 3 and the Houston Guards have showed out well in the NBA.

[scottspurs]

PJ Haggerty the nations 3rd leading scorer is also returning to school. He is transferring from Memphis to Kansas State. You can take him off the board.

[scottspurs]

Tayton Connerway has also withdrawn. He is transferring from Troy to Indiana.

[scottspurs]

To remain NCAA eligible you have to withdraw from the draft by midnight tomorrow. So big names like Yaxel Lendeborg, Adou Thiero and Yanic Konan Niederhauser have big decisions to make over the next 2 days.

[scottspurs]

Drake Powell, Tahaad Pettiford and Mackenzie Mgbako are also names to keep and eye on

[SpursFan86]

Lenderborg withdrawing from the draft and staying for his last season at Michigan. Little surprising tbh. Unfortunate as it means one less guy likely to be available at 38 (not that he was likely to be available, but will push someone else up).

[onechance87]

Drake Powell, Tahaad Pettiford and Mackenzie Mgbako are also names to keep and eye on

mgabako withdrew out this draft along with lendeborg.Expect others to withdraw soon as well.

[BackHome]

Yep, that means they we not getting any wink deals they would be picked in first round.

[drpill]

I've been playing around with the Fanspo draft simulator and regardless of the tweaks I make to the settings, the simulator picks Harper to the Mavs over half the time. What a draft day that would be. It leads to some interesting outcomes -- the board looks a lot different at 14 with Flagg on the roster. Seems very unlikely, but its fun to dream about...

[Manu&Duncan fan]

Why would Lenderborg withdraw?

I think he can be pick in round one. does that make him more money than in college?

[Manu&Duncan fan]

Yep, that means they we not getting any wink deals they would be picked in first round.

Just saw your message. You answered my question above.

[mo7888]

Why would Lenderborg withdraw?

I think he can be pick in round one. does that make him more money than in college?

If his rumored $4M nil deal is correct then he'd need to be #16 or better to match that for next season

[ace3g]

https://x.com/BrettSiegelNBA/status/1927402840185585841

[exstatic]

I've been playing around with the Fanspo draft simulator and regardless of the tweaks I make to the settings, the simulator picks Harper to the Mavs over half the time. What a draft day that would be. It leads to some interesting outcomes -- the board looks a lot different at 14 with Flagg on the roster. Seems very unlikely, but its fun to dream about...
I think it’s using logic and fit, but Nico probably would be assassinated by fans this time if he did pass on Flagg. Simulators don’t take human factors into account.

[drpill]

I think it’s using logic and fit, but Nico probably would be assassinated by fans this time if he did pass on Flagg. Simulators don’t take human factors into account.

I agree, it's incredibly unlikely. But I'm sure I'll be holding my breath as the Mavs make their pick nonetheless.

[exstatic]

I agree, it's incredibly unlikely. But I'm sure I'll be holding my breath as the Mavs make their pick nonetheless.

Me, too.

[baseline bum]

I've been playing around with the Fanspo draft simulator and regardless of the tweaks I make to the settings, the simulator picks Harper to the Mavs over half the time. What a draft day that would be. It leads to some interesting outcomes -- the board looks a lot different at 14 with Flagg on the roster. Seems very unlikely, but its fun to dream about...

WTF? I just did a sim on Fanspo and it had the Spurs taking Bailey #2 and Harper slipping to Brookyln at #8 :lmao

Stupidest mock draft I have ever seen.

https://i.ibb.co/5gNFxrqJ/wtfdraft.jpg

[drpill]

WTF? I just did a sim on Fanspo and it had the Spurs taking Bailey #2 and Harper slipping to Brookyln at #8 :lmao

Lol, that's crazy. I did get some unlikely slips here and there -- Knueppel or Tre Johnson available at 14, that sort of thing. Which combined with Cooper or Harper, damn. Clearly for entertainment purposes only.

[SpursFan86]

The likelihood of Dallas taking Harper over Flagg is so low that I pretty much think it’s pointless to think about or discuss tbh. Us trading for Giannis, which is also very unlikely, is considerably more likely than Dallas deciding to pick Harper over Flagg outright.

[scottspurs]

Damn Yaxel Lendeborg and Alex Condon are tough losses to what was looking like a really good big man class. Mouhamed Faye might be a guy that moves up to early 2nd round now.

[CorrectCrusader]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERu-5iVprkE

[CorrectCrusader]

Damn Yaxel Lendeborg and Alex Condon are tough losses to what was looking like a really good big man class. Mouhamed Faye might be a guy that moves up to early 2nd round now.

NIL is going to be making drafts deeper and deeper as the years go on. You'll see less and less one and dones.

[scott]

Drake Powell, Tahaad Pettiford and Mackenzie Mgbako are also names to keep and eye on

I believe Powell already said he's done with UNC and not going back to school.

[scott]

Bummer about Yaxel!

Still lots of exciting prospects at 14 though

[Mr. Body]

NIL is going to be making drafts deeper and deeper as the years go on. You'll see less and less one and dones.

I sort of disagree. The same amount of one and dones will be the same, more or less. What will happen is that the draft will be more freshmen and seniors out of eligibility or juniors who possibly made a leap. What will get hit are the pretty decent guys who would have gone at the late first, early second who still have eligibility. They'll stay in school if they can get NIL money.

[scottspurs]

Brandon Walker who was like the 2nd round talent level version of Derik Queen has withdrawn from the nba draft. You can take him off the board. Dropping like flies today!

[rjv]

on the flip side, it's good for college hoops, and it adds depth to the 2026 draft class.

[keithington1]

Richardson might be bpa at 14. You gotta take bpa.

[BackHome]

We’re no taking a 6 foot shooting guard

[rascal]

Richardson might be bpa at 14. You gotta take bpa.

Richardson makes no sense at 14.

At some point you need to draft for fit and put some forwards on the team.

[couchman]

Anyone else get Lonnie Walker vibes from VJ Edgecombe’s offense?
They both have insane athleticism, dunk impressively, but struggle to finish at the rim when not dunking, and rely on the jumper to set up slashing drives because they don’t have particularly good handle.

All indications are that they are totally different players on defense, where Walker never translated his physical gifts into good defense because his basketball IQ is barely above JR Smith levels.
Everyone seems to think VJ will be a good defender.

[Dejounte]

Anyone else get Lonnie Walker vibes from VJ Edgecombe’s offense?
They both have insane athleticism, dunk impressively, but struggle to finish at the rim when not dunking, and rely on the jumper to set up slashing drives because they don’t have particularly good handle.

All indications are that they are totally different players on defense, where Walker never translated his physical gifts into good defense because his basketball IQ is barely above JR Smith levels.
Everyone seems to think VJ will be a good defender.

Yes, I made that comp a while back. VJ will be an elite defender. He’s disruptive as hell.

[mo7888]

Anyone else get Lonnie Walker vibes from VJ Edgecombe’s offense?
They both have insane athleticism, dunk impressively, but struggle to finish at the rim when not dunking, and rely on the jumper to set up slashing drives because they don’t have particularly good handle.

All indications are that they are totally different players on defense, where Walker never translated his physical gifts into good defense because his basketball IQ is barely above JR Smith levels.
Everyone seems to think VJ will be a good defender.

VJ is going to be very good and looking back in a few years he might be the 2nd best player in this draft. The difference between him and Harper is less than the difference between Harper and Flagg.

[LeBowen]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUnkx-2WYT0

[scott]

scottspurs don't know if you caught this one but looks like Miles Byrd is withdrawing!

[scottspurs]

scottspurs (https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=17106) don't know if you caught this one but looks like Miles Byrd is withdrawing!
Yeah I saw that and Tahaad Pettiford. Class is thinning out but still pretty good

[scottspurs]

Adou Thiero is staying in the draft. I really like him as a top of the 2nd round prospect but I wonder if he got a guarantee from a team late in the 1st round.

[PhantomDashCam]

Gleamed this from the RJ Felton Interview. Possibly Sean Pedulla worked out for San Antonio?
RJ suggested he went against him in a workout - San Antonio, Phoenix or both…

https://hoopshype.com/lists/meet-rj-felton-the-2025-nba-drafts-sleeper-you-should-know/

[scottspurs]

Gleamed this from the RJ Felton Interview. Possibly Sean Pedulla worked out for San Antonio?
RJ suggested he went against him in a workout - San Antonio, Phoenix or both…

https://hoopshype.com/lists/meet-rj-felton-the-2025-nba-drafts-sleeper-you-should-know/

Nice find! I’ve been searching everyday for people who might have worked out with the spurs and it’s gone silent. I already had Felton on the list but not Pedulla

[CGD]

Didn't see this: SI's latest mock. The interesting bit is Demin is rising. They have him pegged at #8 to Brooklyn if they make that pick, which I think makes a lot of sense actually.

https://www.si.com/onsi/fantasy/nba/2025-nba-mock-draft-round-1-tre-johnson-egor-demin

[Uriel]

1927773022426984557

[south side spur]

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/draft/2025/05/28/nba-mock-draft-2025-google-gemini-ai-predictions/83901607007/

So Flagg was AI's No. 1 pick and Duke was well-represented (https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/duke/mens-basketball/2025/05/23/nba-mock-draft-duke-basketball-cooper-flagg-cedric-coward-first-round/83819114007/) among the top 10. The Google Gemini AI simulation also had a significant number of international prospects, both from the college ranks and professional clubs overseas, coming off the board in the first round. But each of the top eight picks projected by AI, and 15 of the first 16 selections, played college basketball during the 2024-25 season.
Here's a breakdown of the 2025 NBA draft first-round picks made by a Google Gemini AI simulation, as well as how to watch next month when the league's teams gather in Brooklyn to make their actual selections:




Dallas Mavericks (https://sportsdata.usatoday.com/basketball/nba/teams/dallas-mavericks/6/): F Cooper Flagg (https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2025/05/14/cooper-flagg-nba-draft-2025-dallas-mavericks-lottery-combine/83629453007/), Duke (https://sportsdata.usatoday.com/basketball/ncaab/teams/duke-blue-devils/1388/) — "The Mavericks, with the surprise No. 1 pick, land the consensus top talent in Flagg. His two-way potential, athleticism, and scoring efficiency will be a massive boost to their post-Luka era."

San Antonio Spurs: G Dylan Harper (https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2025/03/18/dylan-harper-interview-nba-draft-rutgers-ace-bailey/82513348007/), Rutgers — "The Spurs find their potential lead guard to pair with Victor Wembanyama. Harper brings size, on-ball versatility, and strong playmaking to San Antonio."

Philadelphia 76ers: F Ace Bailey (https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/rookie/2025/05/26/rutgers-ace-bailey-paul-george-nba-comparison/83867501007/), Rutgers — "Philadelphia secures an electric scoring wing in Bailey. His shot-making ability, size, and defensive versatility will inject instant firepower and a much-needed athletic presence."

Charlotte Hornets: G VJ Edgecombe (https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/sixers/2025/05/15/sixers-draft-prospect-vj-edgecombe-explains-what-kind-of-player-he-is/83647754007/), Baylor — "The Hornets add an elite athlete and dynamic scoring guard in Edgecombe. His explosiveness and disruptive defense will complement LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller."

Utah Jazz: G Tre Johnson (https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/longhorns/2025/05/12/nba-draft-expert-raves-about-former-texas-longhorns-guard-tre-johnson/83583743007/), Texas — "Utah gets a pure scorer and prolific shooter in Johnson. He projects as a young scoring guard who can consistently knock down shots."

Washington Wizards: G/F Kon Knueppel (https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/duke/mens-basketball/2025/05/12/kon-knueppel-nba-draft-combine-measurements-height-wingspan/83588458007/), Duke — "The Wizards pick a smart, fundamental player in Knueppel, known for his excellent shooting and overall basketball IQ. He'll be a versatile piece for their rebuild."

New Orleans Pelicans: C Khaman Maluach (https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/draft/2025/05/10/khaman-maluach-nba-draft-scouting-report-and-intel/83560640007/), Duke — "The Pelicans address their frontcourt with the massive and intriguing international prospect, Maluach. His size, instincts around the rim, and defensive upside are undeniable."

Brooklyn Nets: G Jeremiah Fears (https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/sooners/mens-basketball/2025/05/25/oklahoma-sooners-jeremiah-fears-usa-today-sports-mock-draft/83838893007/), Oklahoma — "Brooklyn takes a swing on the high-risk, high-reward point guard, Fears. His elite speed and ability to attack the rim could make him a dynamic offensive weapon."

Toronto Raptors: F Noa Essengue (https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/rookie/2025/04/18/ratiopharm-ulm-noa-essengue-nba-mock-draft/83164443007/), Ratiopharm Ulm — "The Raptors select Essengue, a rapidly rising international prospect. His intriguing skill set and consistent shooting make him a valuable long-term investment."

Houston Rockets: G Kasparas Jakucionis (https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/draft/2025/05/10/kasparas-jakucionis-nba-draft-scouting-report-and-intel/83552424007/), Illinois — "Houston adds a playmaker with good size and finishing ability in Jakucionis. He'll need to refine his game, but his potential as a connective piece is clear."

Portland Trail Blazers: C Derik Queen (https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/sixers/2025/05/10/derik-queen-draft-profile-how-can-skilled-big-man-help-the-sixers/83532836007/), Maryland — "The Blazers find a skilled big man in Queen, who can contribute inside with his crafty scoring and passing. He fills a need for Portland in the frontcourt."

Chicago Bulls: F Collin Murray-Broyles (https://sportsdata.usatoday.com/basketball/ncaab/players/collin-murrayboyles/1465110), South Carolina — "The Bulls grab a dynamic defender and capable interior scorer in Murray-Boyles. His defensive impact and physical play will be valuable."

Atlanta Hawks: G Cedric Coward (https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/rookie/2025/05/24/washington-state-cedric-coward-nba-draft-deadline/83839591007/), Washington State — "The Hawks pick up a versatile wing in Coward, who impressed at the combine with his athleticism and wingspan. He offers defensive upside and potential as a shooter."

San Antonio Spurs: F Carter Bryant (https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/rookie/2025/04/27/arizona-freshman-carter-bryant-nba-draft-early-entry-deadline/83313875007/), Arizona — "With their second lottery pick, the Spurs add another two-way wing in Bryant. He can defend and knock down shots, providing depth and versatility."

Oklahoma City Thunder: F Asa Newell (https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/bulldogs/2025/04/09/georgia-basketball-asa-newell-nba-draft-decision/83008372007/#:~:text=USA%20TODAY%20ranks%20Newell%20as,his%20p otential%20as%20a%20shooter.), Georgia — "The Thunder select Newell, a quick and fluid big man who can rim-run and provide shot-blocking. His athleticism and motor fit OKC's style."

Orlando Magic: F Liam McNeeley (https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/rookie/2025/04/01/uconn-freshman-liam-mcneeley-2025-nba-draft-decision/82766072007/), UConn — "The Magic bring in McNeeley, a smooth and natural shooter with a quick release. His offensive game should translate well."

Minnesota Timberwolves: G Egor Demin (https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/rookie/2025/04/08/byu-egor-demin-2025-nba-mock-draft-decision/82992317007/), BYU — "The Timberwolves add a versatile playmaker in Demin, who has wing size but guard-like decision-making abilities."

Washington Wizards: G Nolan Troare (https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/rookie/2025/04/24/saint-quentin-nolan-traore-nba-mock-draft-france/83250150007/), Saint-Quentin — "The Wizards take another international swing with Traore, a speedy point guard who excels in ball screens. He offers high upside as a creator."

Brooklyn Nets: F Noah Penda (https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/draft/2025/04/30/noah-penda-nba-draft-scouting-report-and-intel/83366430007/), Le Mans — "The Nets continue to build with international talent, selecting Penda. He offers a blend of athleticism and developing skills."

Miami Heat: G Jase Richardson (https://sportsdata.usatoday.com/basketball/ncaab/players/jase-richardson/1528467), Michigan State — "The Heat look for a dynamic guard in Richardson, who brings speed, scoring, and creation to the backcourt. He could provide instant bench spark."

Utah Jazz: G/F Nique Clifford (https://sportsdata.usatoday.com/basketball/ncaab/players/nique-clifford/1232529), Colorado State — "The Jazz select Clifford, a senior wing with strong defensive instincts and a well-rounded offensive game."

Atlanta Hawks: F/C Rasheer Fleming (https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/rookie/2025/04/11/saint-josephs-rasheer-fleming-nba-mock-draft/83049661007/), Saint Joseph's — "The Hawks pick a developing big man in Fleming, known for his athleticism and defensive potential."

Indiana Pacers: F/C Thomas Sorber (https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/rookie/2025/05/14/georgetown-thomas-sorber-nba-draft-combine-decision/83628251007/), Georgetown — "The Pacers add size and interior presence with Sorber, a big man with good touch around the rim and a developing jumper."

Oklahoma City Thunder: F Will Riley (https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/draft/2025/05/11/will-riley-nba-draft-scouting-report-and-intel/83572980007/), Illinois — "OKC adds more wing depth and shooting with Riley, who has shown good scoring flashes."

Orlando Magic: G/F Hugo Gonzalez (https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/rookie/2025/04/19/real-madrid-hugo-gonzlez-nba-mock-draft/83175506007/), Real Madrid — "The Magic invest in another international talent in Gonzalez, an elite defensive wing with the potential to develop his offensive game."

Brooklyn Nets: G/F Ben Saraf (https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/rookie/2025/04/18/ratiopharm-ulm-israel-ben-saraf-nba-draft/83163129007/), Ratiopharm Ulm — "The Nets utilize one of their multiple picks on Saraf, another promising international prospect who could develop into a versatile forward."

Brooklyn Nets: F Joan Beringer (https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/rookie/2025/04/25/cedevita-olimpija-joan-beringer-nba-mock-draft/83275786007/), Cedevita Olimpija — "With their fourth first-round pick, the Nets take another international swing with Beringer, adding more long-term potential to their roster."

Boston Celtics: F Danny Wolf (https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/draft/2025/05/07/danny-wolf-nba-draft-scouting-report-and-intel/83491031007/), Michigan — "The Celtics pick up a skilled big man in Wolf, who has a developing offensive game and good passing ability for his size."

Phoenix Suns: C Maxime Raynaud (https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2025/05/16/nba-draft-combine-winners-measurements-scrimmage-results-box-score-yaxel-lendeborg/83668854007/), Stanford — "The Suns look to add more frontcourt depth and shooting with Raynaud, a skilled big who can stretch the floor."

Los Angeles Clippers: G/F Drake Powell (https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/tarheels/mens-basketball/2025/05/14/unc-basketball-drake-powell-2025-nba-draft/83632554007/), North Carolina — "The Clippers round out the first round with Powell, an active two-way player known for his defensive versatility and shot-blocking."

[scottspurs]

Yanic Konan Niederhauser is staying in the Draft. Wasn’t super productive in college but showed great athletic and measurement traits at the combine.

[spurraider21]

Philon withdrew too

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

With so few players declaring and many now returning for NIL money there are only about 90 players left. 2/3 of the players will get drafted, which is unheard of. Teams will do crazy things to get rid of second round picks.

It’ll be interesting to see how things develop in the future with the value of second round picks. There are different possibilities depending on how people project it.

[jesterbobman]

NIL should weaken drafts for a while, as people can return, but eventually the Seniors can't stay anymore - and you'll have more 2nd round guys who've stayed all 4 years, as they can make certain money as a college star until they've done four years, (and possibly have more fun on campus than as G league player) then enter the draft.

[scottspurs]

Top 60 2025 NBA Draft Board with tiers


Since we now know who is in and out of the draft:


Tier 1


Cooper Flagg



Tier 2


Dylan Harper



Tier 3


Tre Johnson
Derik Queen
Kasparas Jakucionis



Tier 4


Ace Bailey
VJ Edgecombe



Tier 5


Thomas Sorber
Cedric Coward
Kon Knueppel
Nique Clifford
Noa Essengue
Nolan Traore
Egor Demin
Jase Richardson



Tier 6


Ben Saraf
Jeremiah Fears
Khaman Maluach
Noah Penda
Rasheer Fleming



Tier 7


Maxime Raynaud
Asa Newell
Walter Clayton Jr.
Carter Bryant
Joan Beringer
Neoklis Avdalas



Tier 8


Liam Mcneely
Collin Murray-Boyles
Will Riley
Adou Thiero
Danny Wolf
Sion James
Hansen Yang
Koby Brea
John Tonje
Micah Peavy
Chaz Lanier
Ryan Kalkbrenner
Johni Broome
Yanic Konan Niederhauser
Vladislav Goldin
Mouhamed Faye



Tier 9


Rocco Zikarsky
Hugo Gonzalez
Bogoljub Markovic
Kam Jones
Drake Powell
Grant Nelson
Brice Williams
Alex Toohey
Mark Sears
Eric Dixon



Tier 10


Tyrese Proctor
Ryan Nembhard
Tamar Bates
RJ Luis
Jamir Watkins
Dink Pate
Hunter Sallis
Kobe Sanders

[scottspurs]

Worked out/met with Spurs Tracker


LJ Cryer, Guard - Houston
Micah Peavy, Forward - Georgetown
RJ Felton, Guard - East Carolina
Jeremiah Fears, Guard - Oklahoma
John Tonje, Guard - Wisconsin
Sean Pedulla, Guard - Ole Miss
Thomas Sorber, Big - Georgetown
Cam Carter, Guard - LSU


Maxime Raynaud, Big - Stanford (worked out with Wemby not Spurs)

[CGD]

Worked out/met with Spurs Tracker


LJ Cryer, Guard - Houston
Micah Peavy, Forward - Georgetown
RJ Felton, Guard - East Carolina
Jeremiah Fears, Guard - Oklahoma
John Tonje, Guard - Wisconsin
Sean Pedulla, Guard - Ole Miss
Thomas Sorber, Big - Georgetown
Cam Carter, Guard - LSU


Maxime Raynaud, Big - Stanford (worked out with Wemby not Spurs)

I understand Sorber given his expected range, but Fears really stands out. I wonder if they think he might be one of the sliders if he's not picked by 6-7.

[scottspurs]

I understand Sorber given his expected range, but Fears really stands out. I wonder if they think he might be one of the sliders if he's not picked by 6-7.

Probably just the Spurs doing due diligence. If they already have designs of trading Vassell and Nico goes wild and drafts Harper. Spurs would pick Flagg and the guards would come into play at 14. Have to be prepared for anything.

[itzsoweezee]

Worked out/met with Spurs Tracker


LJ Cryer, Guard - Houston
Micah Peavy, Forward - Georgetown
RJ Felton, Guard - East Carolina
Jeremiah Fears, Guard - Oklahoma
John Tonje, Guard - Wisconsin
Sean Pedulla, Guard - Ole Miss
Thomas Sorber, Big - Georgetown
Cam Carter, Guard - LSU


Maxime Raynaud, Big - Stanford (worked out with Wemby not Spurs)

So many guards. Wtf

[CorrectCrusader]

With so few players declaring and many now returning for NIL money there are only about 90 players left. 2/3 of the players will get drafted, which is unheard of. Teams will do crazy things to get rid of second round picks.

It’ll be interesting to see how things develop in the future with the value of second round picks. There are different possibilities depending on how people project it.

At some point these players will end up in the draft. You only have so many years of eligibility.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

At some point these players will end up in the draft. You only have so many years of eligibility.

This is true but it's debatable if they're going to be the same level of prospects. Say, Labaron Philon, who's a fringe 1st round pick and returned to school, doesn't have a great season - similarly to someone like Hunter Sallis a few years back. After 2, 3 years when he's older and enters the draft he'll be a different level of prospect, compared to freshman Philon.

Of course it can work both ways for different players. Some will be better, some will be worse, but we know that freshmen are generally given the benefit of the doubt more than seniors and are taken higher. It's not an exact science and it's difficult to project how it'll go, so it'll be interesting to see.

[exstatic]

So many guards. Wtf

Next summer, we’ll be replacing Malaki and Wesley. It’s better if those picks get a year of experience under their belt.

We also may have up to 5 open spots this summer.

[Seventyniner]

This is true but it's debatable if they're going to be the same level of prospects. Say, Labaron Philon, who's a fringe 1st round pick and returned to school, doesn't have a great season - similarly to someone like Hunter Sallis a few years back. After 2, 3 years when he's older and enters the draft he'll be a different level of prospect, compared to freshman Philon.

Of course it can work both ways for different players. Some will be better, some will be worse, but we know that freshmen are generally given the benefit of the doubt more than seniors and are taken higher. It's not an exact science and it's difficult to project how it'll go, so it'll be interesting to see.

They are also risking a catastrophic injury for a one-year NIL payment. NBA rookie scale contracts are two years guaranteed, and just about any rookie with a pulse gets the third year picked up.

[K...]

all they got to do is give 2nd round picks guaranteed $$. or allow renentry to college but your rights stay with team. the type of players getting NIL money are not second rounds picks right? or is there $$$ in mid major programs i don't know about

[twodeep]

If the NBA used the gleague like true minor league baseball then you probably have better success

[ace3g]

https://x.com/Victor_S7709/status/1928208838727192627

https://x.com/trailblazers/status/1928141023277879796

[ace3g]

https://x.com/orlandokgw/status/1928184052659495103

[mystargtr34]

There’s definitely a good chance the Blazers will pick Fleming as their 4 project to replace Jerami Grant.

They could then eventually move Camara to the 3 and Avdija can basically play anywhere even as the 2.

But we’ll see.

[rascal]

There’s definitely a good chance the Blazers will pick Fleming as their 4 project to replace Jerami Grant.

They could then eventually move Camara to the 3 and Avdija can basically play anywhere even as the 2.

But we’ll see.

I like all of Fleming, McNeeley and Newell for the Spurs pick at 14 so I expect Portland to draft one of them.

[PhantomDashCam]

Hoopshype Workout tracker Update - Spurs

* Javon Small
https://www.nbadraft.net/players/javon-small/

* Obinna Anochilli
https://edemirnba.substack.com/p/obinna-anochili-killen-scouting-report

* Cam Carter
https://www.noceilingsnba.com/p/cam-carter-scouting-report

* Zeke Mayo
https://www.nbascoutinglive.com/zeke-mayo/


Notable that all (sans Anochilli) are considered sub-athletes per position but seem to have a high BB IQ and solid perimeter shooting skills according to reports.

[scott]

Spurs going deep on their "UDFA's who will accept a two-way if we just use our SRP on them instead of taking a real prospect" options

[onechance87]

Spurs going deep on their "UDFA's who will accept a two-way if we just use our SRP on them instead of taking a real prospect" options

hope they dont do this dumb shit,Cause they are commited to branham,wesley or bassey.Time to move on from them
and bring in new young guys to try to develop.Draft the best player at 38 if hes a big or foward and give them
a first round deal if they must.

[Ice009]

If it wasn't for this amazing luck the Spurs have gotten in the drafts, their constant cheapness could cost the Spurs Victor at some point. I saw somewhere the other day that OKC roster has second round picks and even some undrafted guys. Spurs need to start taking the second round a lot more seriously. Not wasting time and money on shit players like Branham and then in-turn not trying out other guys instead. Always burning those second round picks cause they're letting guys have roster spots that shouldn't have had their options picked up.

[RC_Drunkford]

Fleming's best fit would be Indiana. He would be amazing on that roster.

[rascal]

hope they dont do this dumb shit,Cause they are commited to branham,wesley or bassey.Time to move on from them
and bring in new young guys to try to develop.Draft the best player at 38 if hes a big or foward and give them
a first round deal if they must.

Spurs really have a hard time parting with their draft picks.

[ace3g]

https://x.com/DraftExpress/status/1928436484815659135

[Mr. Body]

If it wasn't for this amazing luck the Spurs have gotten in the drafts, their constant cheapness could cost the Spurs Victor at some point. I saw somewhere the other day that OKC roster has second round picks and even some undrafted guys. Spurs need to start taking the second round a lot more seriously. Not wasting time and money on shit players like Branham and then in-turn not trying out other guys instead. Always burning those second round picks cause they're letting guys have roster spots that shouldn't have had their options picked up.

OKC got filthy luck too. They were gifted the only reason they're in contention.

And the supposed cheapness has let them get Fox and still be flexible at this point.

And some of their picks didn't pan out. OKC traded Sengun and drafted Pokusevski and Ousmane Dieng. And we're not getting rid of Branham and Wesley. There's no need, they're still on cheap ending contracts.

These takes are boring, misinformed, and just completely whiny.

[exstatic]

If it wasn't for this amazing luck the Spurs have gotten in the drafts, their constant cheapness could cost the Spurs Victor at some point. I saw somewhere the other day that OKC roster has second round picks and even some undrafted guys. Spurs need to start taking the second round a lot more seriously. Not wasting time and money on shit players like Branham and then in-turn not trying out other guys instead. Always burning those second round picks cause they're letting guys have roster spots that shouldn't have had their options picked up.

Spurs went into the tax on a number of occasions during the big 3 era, so I’m not sure where this cheapness thing is coming from. I mean, OKC actually offloaded Harden to avoid paying even $1 in tax. That’s a demonstration of cheap.

I think winning the 2023 lottery, and realizing what it would take to put a team around Wemby might have been a reason to bring in private equity over the last few years.

[scottspurs]

European draft Combine starts on Monday. One of the final pieces to the puzzle but it seems like several prospects won’t be able to attend because their teams are making deep playoff pushes.

[ace3g]

https://x.com/KevinOConnorNBA/status/1928479832620318918

[scott]

Drake Powell up to 12 is wild…

[scott]

How much additional draft capital would folks be willing to give up to move to 1 from 2?

[SpursFan86]

Yeah that KOC mock is definitely a bit…out there. That Coward/Bryant/McNeeley/Powell run from 9-12 seems insane.

Would be pretty sick for Maluach to fall to us though :lol

[jesterbobman]

I think 14, cancelling the swap and 2 is the starting point...and I doubt that's enough for the Mavs.

If they asked, it suggests they're open to 1 other player and that'd be my offer.
If we asked, we'd probably have to add in the 2027 Hawks pick, which is a haul - Essentially, you'd have to overpay so that the Mavs could defend it to the fanbase.

[SpursBills]

I think 14, cancelling the swap and 2 is the starting point...and I doubt that's enough for the Mavs.

If they asked, it suggests they're open to 1 other player and that'd be my offer.
If we asked, we'd probably have to add in the 2027 Hawks pick, which is a haul - Essentially, you'd have to overpay so that the Mavs could defend it to the fanbase.

If you told me that the Spurs could have a core of Castle/Flagg/Wemby + Fox and all it took was to rip up the Mavs swap, 14, and the Hawks 2027 first, I would do that trade yesterday. I think it takes way more than that my man

[jesterbobman]

If you told me that the Spurs could have a core of Castle/Flagg/Wemby + Fox and all it took was to rip up the Mavs swap, 14, and the Hawks 2027 first, I would do that trade yesterday. I think it takes way more than that my man

Probably right.

Hard to adjust for how I value / consensus of Harper / Flagg value, and how past trades have gone - when a top pick has been traded, it's happened when there's been debate on who the top player is, with consensus #1s not even being considered. If it's on the table, it's probably like past trades for a #1 with a bit on top - I think Flagg is closer to that Davis tier, rather than something like Fultz etc.

History if high end picks suggests it's a least a lottery pick for a high end swap.
Luka / Trae was a future pick (became #10.)
Tatum / Fultz was one pick (Romeo Langford at #14).

But the #1 picks that are clear, clear #1 aren't traded, so there's no comparable value. I think Wemby would've needed #2, and a boat of picks (everything from Charlotte). Flagg is somewhere between those points.

I'd still do the Atlanta pick as well, and it's probably smart to do more - Flagg is an outrageous project. But given the Luka history and the need to reignite hope, I'd doubt there's anything reasonable that can make it work.

[onechance87]

Hopefully our shit scouts can find a gem in the later round.Havent been impressed lately in the later rounds
with our drafting.

[Uriel]

Jeremy Woo reported that the Spurs had been considered a potential landing spot for Jakucionis before they leapt to the top 4.

[Mr. Body]

Jeremy Woo reported that the Spurs had been considered a potential landing spot for Jakucionis before they leapt to the top 4.

Totally makes sense. A flexible guard corps is what they seem to like.

[Uriel]

No matter what the Spurs are signaling ahead of the draft, I’m not convinced taking Harper is Plan A.
https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/draft/?view=default&board=0&filter=round%3Aall

[scott]

If you told me that the Spurs could have a core of Castle/Flagg/Wemby + Fox and all it took was to rip up the Mavs swap, 14, and the Hawks 2027 first, I would do that trade yesterday. I think it takes way more than that my man

Yeah... personally I think I'd be willing to do 14 + swap cancelled + 27 hawks + 29 Spurs (and #2, obviously). It's a heavy price... but I think Flagg talent *and fit* are worth that much.

[SpursGenius]

Yeah... personally I think I'd be willing to do 14 + swap cancelled + 27 hawks + 29 Spurs (and #2, obviously). It's a heavy price... but I think Flagg talent *and fit* are worth that much.
too many dumbfucks here. Flagg may even be a bust Harper wont be a bust.

[Ice009]

OKC got filthy luck too. They were gifted the only reason they're in contention.

And the supposed cheapness has let them get Fox and still be flexible at this point.

And some of their picks didn't pan out. OKC traded Sengun and drafted Pokusevski and Ousmane Dieng. And we're not getting rid of Branham and Wesley. There's no need, they're still on cheap ending contracts.

These takes are boring, misinformed, and just completely whiny.

OK, yes, OKC had luck too with all the draft picks they were able to get from all their various trades, but I disagree that the Spurs haven't been cheap or gotten lucky too. The Spurs were doing very poorly until getting Victor and only because of that were they able to get Fox who asked to be here. Stephon Castle was a great pick, but apart from Steph, haven't been impressed with their drafting up until that point at all. I still think at least Branham shouldn't have had his option picked up.

I don't actually remember OKC drafting Sengun. Was that a draft night trade? Was it their own pick or were they picking him for Houston as part of a deal? I remember Pokusevski being a reach and a bust and I do remember Presti wasting picks on Dieng to draft him.



Spurs went into the tax on a number of occasions during the big 3 era, so I’m not sure where this cheapness thing is coming from. I mean, OKC actually offloaded Harden to avoid paying even $1 in tax. That’s a demonstration of cheap.

I think winning the 2023 lottery, and realizing what it would take to put a team around Wemby might have been a reason to bring in private equity over the last few years.

I can't find the list that someone posted here showing a list of luxury tax teams have paid since 2012 I think it was (anyone have a link to it?). The Spurs weren't very high up on the list, so that worries me a bit about them keeping this team together if the core players are all worth max or close to max contracts. I don't remember where OKC was on that list. Hopefully what you said it right about the Spurs knowing they might have to spend some money in upcoming years to put a team around Victor to compete for Championships and that is why they've bought in private equity recently.

I found the list https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=305204&p=11249593&viewfull=1#post11249593 looks like Spurs have only paid about $9M in luxury tax since 2012 (two tax years). OKC may have been cheap with Harden, but they've paid $100M in tax in that same time span (5 tax years), so it seems they're willing to pay tax. I don't know if those numbers indicate that the Spurs are going to be willing to pay tax to help the Spurs keep the team together if everyone pans out.

[scottspurs]

KOC might be the biggest Spurs hater out there right now lol.

[RC_Drunkford]

Jeremy Woo reported that the Spurs had been considered a potential landing spot for Jakucionis before they leapt to the top 4.

which is another sign that they are perfectly fine with drafting a combo guard like Harper

[cutewizard]

https://youtu.be/doo4_sGk6GE?si=Cv5dthH2txBdV8w6

[scottspurs]

In a crazy world where the Spurs draft Harper at 2 and Jakucionis is available at 14. I think you work the phone lines if you are Brian Wright trying to get value for the pick but if no one bites you draft him. I think Jakucionis is a future all-Star. Elite playmaking chops and is a way better shooter than his percentages show. As OKC has shown to many guards is not a bad thing. I highly doubt he is there though. I think the Rockets run to the podium if he is available at 10 assuming they still have their pick and its not involved with a trade.

[ace3g]

https://x.com/BrettSiegelNBA/status/1928843922307956783

[Mr. Body]

In a crazy world where the Spurs draft Harper at 2 and Jakucionis is available at 14. I think you work the phone lines if you are Brian Wright trying to get value for the pick but if no one bites you draft him. I think Jakucionis is a future all-Star. Elite playmaking chops and is a way better shooter than his percentages show. As OKC has shown to many guards is not a bad thing. I highly doubt he is there though. I think the Rockets run to the podium if he is available at 10 assuming they still have their pick and its not involved with a trade.

The way some mocks suggest things could go, some pretty good players might get bumped past the 10 slot. Guys who were flawed in college but who to me are far more intriguing than a Noa Essengue, who just looks like the player teams take every year and never develops into anything. I do think it'll be hard for the Rockets to pass on Jakucionis, but who knows. A player like Demin, Queen, or him might be available for a short trade or even falling, and it's hard for me to not grab them.

[CGD]

Jeremy Woo reported that the Spurs had been considered a potential landing spot for Jakucionis before they leapt to the top 4.

Not saying he’ll drop to 14, but Jaku is my candidate for most likely to slip right now.

[Russ]

Welcome to June!

The midpoint of the modern Spurs season.

May = Lottery month.

June = Draft month.

July = Summer League.

GSG!

[baseline bum]

https://x.com/KevinOConnorNBA/status/1928479832620318918

JFC if the Spurs could get Maluach at #14 that would be nuts

[baseline bum]

In a crazy world where the Spurs draft Harper at 2 and Jakucionis is available at 14. I think you work the phone lines if you are Brian Wright trying to get value for the pick but if no one bites you draft him. I think Jakucionis is a future all-Star. Elite playmaking chops and is a way better shooter than his percentages show. As OKC has shown to many guards is not a bad thing. I highly doubt he is there though. I think the Rockets run to the podium if he is available at 10 assuming they still have their pick and its not involved with a trade.

As intriguing as he looks I don't think he's the prospect either Castle or Harper is and there are only so many minutes to go around, so I would have to reluctantly pass in this scenario. But yeah Houston would probably love him.

[baseline bum]

I still think at least Branham shouldn't have had his option picked up.


Disagree. Spurs have to hit the salary floor anyways and Branham makes enough to be useful as a matching salary in a trade. If they were still giving him rotation minutes I'd be pissed but he's being correctly used right now IMO. If they trade for Durant or Giannis or anyone else on a significant deal Branham's expiring will be very useful to help make the deal. If they didn't pick that up as well as Wesley's option maybe they're having to give up Sochan instead being able to use Branham and/or Wesley to fill a $5 to $10 million hole in a trade.

[baseline bum]

Yeah... personally I think I'd be willing to do 14 + swap cancelled + 27 hawks + 29 Spurs (and #2, obviously). It's a heavy price... but I think Flagg talent *and fit* are worth that much.

I mean there isn't a roster in the league where Flagg is anything but an amazing fit. I'd do that trade in a second too but no way Dallas considers it. Too bad the Stepien Rule precludes them from being able to add the 26 pick with the unprotected ATL swap which could have made the offer way more intriguing to Dallas (but likely still not enough anyways).

[benefactor]

JFC if the Spurs could get Maluach at #14 that would be nuts I just can't see it happening... but if it did that would be a devastating front line.

[baseline bum]

I just can't see it happening... but if it did that would be a devastating front line.

Yeah Toronto and Chicago passing on Maluach seems hard to see happening unless Dotard won't let him play in the US.

[SpursBills]

I just can't see it happening... but if it did that would be a devastating front line.

If Maluach drops down that far no way in hell Atlanta doesn't pull the trigger. Huge catch radius, sort of switchable on the perimeter, basically the prototype of Trae Young's perfect PNR big

[LeBowen]

If Maluach drops down that far no way in hell Atlanta doesn't pull the trigger. Huge catch radius, sort of switchable on the perimeter, basically the prototype of Trae Young's perfect PNR big

Imo, we're not getting even Sorber, let alone Maluach with Bulls and Hawks picking right before us.

[BackHome]

Sober may drop because he still can't work out for any teams because of his injury but you might be right that both are gone before Spurs pick. I think it will between - Bryant, Asa, Noa, or Liam.

[RC_Drunkford]

JFC if the Spurs could get Maluach at #14 that would be nuts

doubt it, the Hawks would take him ASAP. He‘s exactly the player Trae Young likes to throw lobs to

[scott]

I mean there isn't a roster in the league where Flagg is anything but an amazing fit. I'd do that trade in a second too but no way Dallas considers it. Too bad the Stepien Rule precludes them from being able to add the 26 pick with the unprotected ATL swap which could have made the offer way more intriguing to Dallas (but likely still not enough anyways).

We could offer a 26 Swap (which would be the better of SA/ATL/DAL going to/staying in DAL. ATL gets the worst of SA/ATL… we get whatever if left).

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

I mean there isn't a roster in the league where Flagg is anything but an amazing fit. I'd do that trade in a second too but no way Dallas considers it. Too bad the Stepien Rule precludes them from being able to add the 26 pick with the unprotected ATL swap which could have made the offer way more intriguing to Dallas (but likely still not enough anyways).

As of draft night the Spurs very much could offer the 2026 pick and it wouldn't violate the Stepien rule because they'd essentially be trading the draft rights of the player selected at 2, not a 2025 FRP. So it can work, but it still won't be enough for Dallas, of course.

[SpursBills]

Imo, we're not getting even Sorber, let alone Maluach with Bulls and Hawks picking right before us.

There's a chance. I think Sorber's foot injury will scare some teams away. Also, he's not exactly the right kind of center for the Hawks - he duplicates a lot of what they have already in Okongwu I think. Trae needs a guy with a huge catch radius who just finishes everything around the rim. Sorber doesn't have a ton of vertical pop and his offensive strength is his playmaking which would be a little redundant in Atlanta with Trae and Jalen Johnson on the team. Sorber was 69% at the rim with 21 dunks vs Maluach 76% at the rim with 81 dunks on the year. If I were them I'd be hell-bent on trading up for Maluach if necessary and if you can't get him then take another wing like Carter Bryant or Essengue.

Chicago might take Sorber, but I think the best fit for them is actually CMB who would make a nice forward tandem with Matas. Their guards are shit at defense so you need a guy who can be more of a Swiss army knife defensively. Sorber can shut down the paint better, but CMB is potentially a lot more versatile on the perimeter and better able to plug leaks all over the floor. Also Vuc's shooting covers up his lack of shooting.

At least this is what I would do if I were them.

[ace3g]

https://x.com/esidery/status/1929254237784900000

[scottspurs]

Sounds like Sorber might need an injury redshirt season. It’s going to depend on whether they think it’s going to be a long term issue or not

[scott]

Sounds like Sorber might need an injury redshirt season. It’s going to depend on whether they think it’s going to be a long term issue or not

Sounds like exactly the kind of guy OKC would draft if he slips to 15... and then it lines up perfectly so that they can decline iHart's option for 2026-27... ugh

[TrainOfThought5]

How much additional draft capital would folks be willing to give up to move to 1 from 2?

honestly, whatever it takes. This shot at a perfect complement like Cooper Flagg is the EXACT reason you stockpile the war chest. I fully expect the Spurs to trade on draft day. #2, ATL 27, Vassell, and however many second rounders necessary.

[scott]

honestly, whatever it takes. This shot at a perfect complement like Cooper Flagg is the EXACT reason you stockpile the war chest. I fully expect the Spurs to trade on draft day. #2, ATL 27, Vassell, and however many second rounders necessary.

So... whatever it takes, or the package you suggested? If Vassell is going out, what are we taking back?

Genuinely curious at people's price tolerances here. What's the maximum legal trade package you'd agree to if you were GM?

[baseline bum]

honestly, whatever it takes. This shot at a perfect complement like Cooper Flagg is the EXACT reason you stockpile the war chest. I fully expect the Spurs to trade on draft day. #2, ATL 27, Vassell, and however many second rounders necessary.

Dallas isn't trading Flagg

[Eaglenole2002]

https://x.com/esidery/status/1929254237784900000

I think we can safely scratch him off the list at 14. He gone.

[Gandalf]

I think we can safely scratch him off the list at 14. He gone.

Might be a good thing that pushes someone else down to us.

[rascal]

As of draft night the Spurs very much could offer the 2026 pick and it wouldn't violate the Stepien rule because they'd essentially be trading the draft rights of the player selected at 2, not a 2025 FRP. So it can work, but it still won't be enough for Dallas, of course.

Just be happy the Spurs are getting Harper.
It took getting lucky with the second pick to have a chance at him.

He's going to be a beast.

[RC_Drunkford]

Haven’t really scouted Essengue, but do scouts think he might be the next Giannis?

[scottspurs]

Haven’t really scouted Essengue, but do scouts think he might be the next Giannis?

Im not a body expert but I’m not sure if he can put on the muscle/weight needed to be the next Giannis. Not as explosive as young Giannis but a better shooter and better overall player at the same age.

[CGD]

https://x.com/esidery/status/1929254237784900000

Feels like he can be the Nets pick if they keep 8.

[CGD]

https://x.com/KevinOConnorNBA/status/1928479832620318918

The nuggets that I found interesting:

The Wizards are… seemingly focusing on Fears, Tre Johnson, and Egor Demin.

Many executives around the NBA expect the Raptors to lean toward selecting a player that can help the team win games in the short-term with this pick, rather than a raw project. A number of choices would make sense here, but none more than Coward…

League sources expect the Rockets to look into trading this pick, whether it’s a trade way up, a trade out for a star, or a trade out for a group of future picks similar to what the Spurs received from the Timberwolves…

Powell worked out for the Bulls this week... And he seems to be dramatically rising throughout this draft process, as he began to remind teams… why he was ranked as a lottery prospect entering his season at North Carolina.

Richardson has been connected to the Hawks throughout the pre-draft process...

Queen’s draft stock got dinged in Chicago with some executives expressing concern over his conditioning and his lack of progress as a shooter. And with wings rising up draft boards, he could be one of the casualties who falls out of the lottery.

[John B]

The nuggets that I found interesting:

The Wizards are… seemingly focusing on Fears, Tre Johnson, and Egor Demin.

Many executives around the NBA expect the Raptors to lean toward selecting a player that can help the team win games in the short-term with this pick, rather than a raw project. A number of choices would make sense here, but none more than Coward…

League sources expect the Rockets to look into trading this pick, whether it’s a trade way up, a trade out for a star, or a trade out for a group of future picks similar to what the Spurs received from the Timberwolves…

Powell worked out for the Bulls this week... And he seems to be dramatically rising throughout this draft process, as he began to remind teams… why he was ranked as a lottery prospect entering his season at North Carolina.

Richardson has been connected to the Hawks throughout the pre-draft process...

Queen’s draft stock got dinged in Chicago with some executives expressing concern over his conditioning and his lack of progress as a shooter. And with wings rising up draft boards, he could be one of the casualties who falls out of the lottery.

If Queen falls to 14, would the Spurs draft him? He’s giving the vibes of very skilled but “lazy”? He could be the best post big man on this group. But can be a Zion when it comes to conditioning?

[CGD]

If Queen falls to 14, would the Spurs draft him? He’s giving the vibes of very skilled but “lazy”? He could be the best post big man on this group. But can be a Zion when it comes to conditioning?

Queen is a hard stay away for me precisely for this concern.

Now if Washington at 18 gets anxious that he may not fall to them there, I’d consider a swap with them for another future pick.

[Mugen]

My guy Essengue locked for top 10 after this last performance. Bummer tbh.

[Degoat]

Would yall consider…. #2 for Bilal Coulibaly + #6… I personally wouldn’t do but it was one that crossed my mind. Just think it’s weird that we haven’t seen or heard of Harper and the spurs having contact

[SpursFan86]

Would yall consider…. #2 for Bilal Coulibaly + #6… I personally wouldn’t do but it was one that crossed my mind. Just think it’s weird that we haven’t seen or heard of Harper and the spurs having contact

Nope. I really don’t think you trade a prospect like Harper unless you’re getting a proven star in return. He’s arguably a top 5 PG prospect of the past decade and is the type of guy who could go #1 in weaker or even normal draft classes.

[Ariel]

Haven’t really scouted Essengue, but do scouts think he might be the next Giannis?
This time last year people were saying Salaun was the next Giannis. They're nothing alike.

[spurraider21]

too many dumbfucks here. Flagg may even be a bust Harper wont be a bust.
epic lack of self awareness

[spurraider21]

My guy Essengue locked for top 10 after this last performance. Bummer tbh.
thank god

[SpursGenius]

thank god
whats your deal with Essengue ? Dude was my second pick at 14 after Flemming

[SpursGenius]

epic lack of self awareness
lets circle back to this post in 3 years.

[mudyez]

Would yall consider…. #2 for Bilal Coulibaly + #6… I personally wouldn’t do but it was one that crossed my mind. Just think it’s weird that we haven’t seen or heard of Harper and the spurs having contact

Throw in Sarr and we are speaking.

[RC_Drunkford]

I really have no clue why people said this draft class ain't deep. There are for sure 3-4 future All-Stars hiding after the first 2 picks, a bunch of starters with great defense and a ton of role players.

[jesterbobman]

I was in on Essengue at 14, but I'm sure that's gone. He's looking closer to 4 than 14.

Carter Bryant, you're my friend now. You can't escape my love (publicly), as you don't have games left.

[scottspurs]

I really have no clue why people said this draft class ain't deep. There are for sure 3-4 future All-Stars hiding after the first 2 picks, a bunch of starters with great defense and a ton of role players.

I agree! It maybe isn’t deep into the 2nd round with all the players returning to school, but I see 7 players with all-Star potential at the top. Every draft class usually has 3-4 unforeseen all-stars though so you could make the case that this class could end up with 10-11 all-stars which would be extremely deep.

Flagg, Harper, Tre Johnson, Kasparas Jakucionis, Edgecombe, Queen and Bailey all for sure have all-Star potential. I don’t see it now but you could make a case for Essengue, Saraf, Richardson, Fears, Maluach, Demin and Traore.

Beyond that this class appears to have a lot of potential high level role players. Potential high end starters and rotational players. Coward, Clifford, Sorber (if the foot/toe is fine), Knueppel, Penda and Raynaud all seem like good safe picks that will contribute to winning.

On top of that you have a lot of projects that down the road could project into something. Carter Bryant, Beringer, Avdalas, Powell, Niederhauser. Lots of wild cards too that could make a splash if they find the right fit. Fleming, Newell, Mcneely, Riley, Thiero, Murray-Boyles and Wolf all fit that mold.

In the late 1st/early 2nd you have some super safe guys that you know who they are and what they can provide off the bench. Guys like Walter Clayton (scoring/shooting), Sion James (shooting/defense), Koby Brea (shooting), Kalkbrenner (rim protection), Kam Jones (scoring) and Broome (rebounding).

In addition to that you have some nice bigs in Yang, Goldin, Faye and Zikarsky that maybe can’t be full time players but could play a role. At the very least big bodies that can add depth.

Hugo Gonzalez and Bogoljub Markovic are both good draft and stash candidates.

I believe at the very least the Spurs can walk away with an all-Star, another rotational piece and a solid two-way player. If they keep all 3 picks.

Put that up against last years class where every single player seemed like a gamble. You could have made the case last year that no one had all-Star potential and I don’t think to many would have fought against that. That class was a C- at best probably more like a D+ draft. This Class is A-/B+. Only thing keeping it from being an A+ draft is it not having multiple franchise players and it’s not deep once you get into the middle portion of round 2. To me it gets super sketchy after about 45 players. Spurs have 3 picks in the top 38.

[scottspurs]

If you put the over/under at 6 players from this class eventually making an all-Star game I would bet the over.

[CorrectCrusader]

Yeah the more I watch this class' film the better I feel. All these kids can hoop.

[mo7888]

Would yall consider…. #2 for Bilal Coulibaly + #6… I personally wouldn’t do but it was one that crossed my mind. Just think it’s weird that we haven’t seen or heard of Harper and the spurs having contact

I wouldn't. That wouldn't be enough for me.

[mo7888]

I really have no clue why people said this draft class ain't deep. There are for sure 3-4 future All-Stars hiding after the first 2 picks, a bunch of starters with great defense and a ton of role players.

It's one of the better drafts, all the way through both rounds, that we have had in some time.

[TD 21]

Would yall consider…. #2 for Bilal Coulibaly + #6… I personally wouldn’t do but it was one that crossed my mind. Just think it’s weird that we haven’t seen or heard of Harper and the spurs having contact

No. I do think the Wizards are the most interesting trade back scenario, even though I can't come up with a trade that I could see either side doing.

Like, I could see the Spurs having interest in Sarr and maybe Coulibaly, but even if they'd do Sarr and 6 for 2, I don't think the Wizards would even if the Spurs included 14.

[scott]

I really have no clue why people said this draft class ain't deep. There are for sure 3-4 future All-Stars hiding after the first 2 picks, a bunch of starters with great defense and a ton of role players.

I've really come around on this draft. I was pretty down on it before, but that's because I was largely focused on the 7-10 range, which I think is a bit of a dead spot. Other than that, I agree... lots of really interesting prospects through the early second round. Thank the FSM we aren't picking in that dead spot.

[Mr. Body]

Definitely worth seeing. i really feel like the draft loses steam after the lottery with some stragglers being interesting but more distant potentials (Fleming, McNeeley, etc.). There isn't anyone in the second that draws my attention this year.

[Ariel]

No. I do think the Wizards are the most interesting trade back scenario, even though I can't come up with a trade that I could see either side doing.

Like, I could see the Spurs having interest in Sarr and maybe Coulibaly, but even if they'd do Sarr and 6 for 2, I don't think the Wizards would even if the Spurs included 14.
Most are going to come at me for this, but the most interesting "trade back" scenario to me is Charlotte, for a couple of reasons:
1) It isn't just Harper they'd be interested in, but also Castle. I'm not sure I'd rather give up Harper than Castle (neither ideally, but if forced to choose...)
2) Charlotte has a few trade assets I'd be very interested in: 1) Pick no. 4 2) unprotected 26 pick 3) Brandon Miller. If you can get two of those, then I'm not so adamant about staying at 2 or keeping Castle.

[mo7888]

Most are going to come at me for this, but the most interesting "trade back" scenario to me is Charlotte, for a couple of reasons:
1) It isn't just Harper they'd be interested in, but also Castle. I'm not sure I'd rather give up Harper than Castle (neither ideally, but if forced to choose...)
2) Charlotte has a few trade assets I'd be very interested in: 1) Pick no. 4 2) unprotected 26 pick 3) Brandon Miller. If you can get two of those, then I'm not so adamant about staying at 2 or keeping Castle.

I like that. I'd be torn over which guy I'd give up though. I'd probably lean Castle, but I'd be open to persuasion.

[Eaglenole2002]

Let’s say we only moved to fourth in the draft. Who would the pick be then? For sake of the argument, the third pick is Ace Bailey. Would it be Kon, Johnson or VJ?

[scottspurs]

Let’s say we only moved to fourth in the draft. Who would the pick be then? For sake of the argument, the third pick is Ace Bailey. Would it be Kon, Johnson or VJ?
Tre Johnson

[mo7888]

Let’s say we only moved to fourth in the draft. Who would the pick be then? For sake of the argument, the third pick is Ace Bailey. Would it be Kon, Johnson or VJ?

Kon or Tre

[scottspurs]

According to Krysten Peak the spurs are also high on Maluach.

[scott]

According to Krysten Peak the spurs are also high on Maluach.

The Spurs may have a roster construction philosophy that none of us have ever considered... gonna be interesting to see how this all plays out.

[scottspurs]

The Spurs may have a roster construction philosophy that none of us have ever considered... gonna be interesting to see how this all plays out.
This is a very good point! We keep trying to fit the puzzle pieces that make the most sense but the Spurs have been known to throw us curve balls. The NBA always seems to be heading towards one direction and then teams will defy the odds and go against the norm.

[Seventyniner]

If Malauch is somehow still on the board at #14 he's likely gonna be the BPA by far. Drafting and keeping him doesn't make a lot of sense?

[mo7888]

This could get interesting. If we were to go with Maluach and a twin tower unit to protect the rim it makes me wonder how a Harper, Castle, Fox lineup works with that. I'd think we'd need a shooter in there somewhere. A fox, Harper, Kneupple or Fox, Castle, Kneupple lineup might make more sense.

[scottspurs]

I did some research on Thomas Sorber’s injury and the surgery he had. Sounds like he won’t be cleared to rehab until August. Won’t be back 100% until March 2026. 80% recovery success rate in athletes that have his particular surgery. So 20% chance he doesn’t return to form. Kind of scary. A redshirt season or possibly not returning until March and a 20% chance he never regains full function. I love the player but definitely scary.

[exstatic]

I did some research on Thomas Sorber’s injury and the surgery he had. Sounds like he won’t be cleared to rehab until August. Won’t be back 100% until March 2026. 80% recovery success rate in athletes that have his particular surgery. So 20% chance he doesn’t return to form. Kind of scary. A redshirt season or possibly not returning until March and a 20% chance he never regains full function. I love the player but definitely scary.

Not sure where you got this, but his injury was a grade 3 turf toe. The site I read said 6 months return to normal from surgery. That would be Labor Day, as his surgery was in late February.

[scottspurs]

Not sure where you got this, but his injury was a grade 3 turf toe. The site I read said 6 months return to normal from surgery. That would be Labor Day, as his surgery was in late February.
I’m no doctor I just googled grade 3 turf toe surgery. Recovery time and probability of full return in athletes.

[dn0774]

I did some research on Thomas Sorber’s injury and the surgery he had. Sounds like he won’t be cleared to rehab until August. Won’t be back 100% until March 2026. 80% recovery success rate in athletes that have his particular surgery. So 20% chance he doesn’t return to form. Kind of scary. A redshirt season or possibly not returning until March and a 20% chance he never regains full function. I love the player but definitely scary.

Sounds like OKC Thunder material.

[TD 21]

Most are going to come at me for this, but the most interesting "trade back" scenario to me is Charlotte, for a couple of reasons:
1) It isn't just Harper they'd be interested in, but also Castle. I'm not sure I'd rather give up Harper than Castle (neither ideally, but if forced to choose...)
2) Charlotte has a few trade assets I'd be very interested in: 1) Pick no. 4 2) unprotected 26 pick 3) Brandon Miller. If you can get two of those, then I'm not so adamant about staying at 2 or keeping Castle.

I've thought of the Hornets, but they can probably just select Edgecombe at 4, a similar archetype to Castle.

Miller doesn't seem like the Spurs type and Harper would only make sense for the Hornets if they plan to trade Ball.

Unprotected '26 1st for teams like the Hornets who aren't under pressure to win and will probably have a reasonable chance at #1 just doesn't make much sense, especially in conjunction with another significant asset.

[PhantomDashCam]

1929530216109486215

[Ariel]

I've thought of the Hornets, but they can probably just select Edgecombe at 4, a similar archetype to Castle.

Miller doesn't seem like the Spurs type and Harper would only make sense for the Hornets if they plan to trade Ball.

Unprotected '26 1st for teams like the Hornets who aren't under pressure to win and will probably have a reasonable chance at #1 just doesn't make much sense, especially in conjunction with another significant asset.
It's a "we're comfortable with what we have, overpay or GTFO" kind of deal. Yeah, Brandon Miller doesn't have the prototypical background Spurs target (understatement of the year) but he's a better talent than given credit for, if available I'd take my chances. One for one it's not worth the Spurs trouble. Your ball, Charlotte (and I don't mean Lamelo :lol)

[scott]

Very interested in Bogoljub Markovic's pre-draft stuff... because I'd love to add someone named Bogoljub to the roster. "My friends call me Jub"

[PhantomDashCam]

Very interested in Bogoljub Markovic's pre-draft stuff... because I'd love to add someone named Bogoljub to the roster. "My friends call me Jub"

My immature mind went straight to Demolition man, “What seems to be your boggle?” scene :lol

https://64.media.tumblr.com/baf6586b8ce542038a2b1ef38ad1765d/a597159489fd3278-75/s540x810/55f62b1fd910ed97bec00d9c0b294d3faf0b9e97.gif

[Uriel]

Is Essengue this year’s Salaun?

[ace3g]

https://x.com/DraftExpress/status/1929893079135211552

[exstatic]

Player comp

a lot of interesting similarities (https://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=jeremiah-fears--anthony-edwards)

[ace3g]

https://x.com/TheAthleticNBA/status/1929879325504864342

[scottspurs]

Is Essengue this year’s Salaun?

Essengue is way more polished and pro ready than Salaun

[ginobilized]

One micro thought I'm having is about how the Spurs will approach this drift regarding number of rookies.

On the one hand, with a 1st year coach, they might want to have a stronger vet presence and limit rookies to 1 or maybe 2.

On the other hand, and growing in possibility in my fevered brain, is the idea that having the team grow together might be a great decision this season. If building a future juggernaut, I think there might be value in learning to win together. OKC has followed this route to great success. If they like this class and see 3 players that might fit the long-term outlook, this could be a great time to do that.

Either way, this should tip the FO's hand as to the shape of their vision.

[scottspurs]

Combine Numbers are rolling in:

Noah Penda: 6’7’ 1/4 barefoot, 242 lbs, 6’11 1/2 wingspan, 8’10 1/2 standing reach

[scottspurs]

Bogoljub Markovic:

6’10 1/2 barefoot, 213.2 lbs, 6’11 1/2 wingspan, 9’2 standing reach

[scottspurs]

Mouhamed Faye:

6’9 barefoot, 222.7 lbs, 7’4 1/4 wingspan, 9’1 1/2 standing reach

wow

[spurraider21]

Essengue is a much better prospect than Salaun. i bag on Essengue here in an over-the-top manner mostly to pick at my guy Mugen (https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=15519)

i just dont think we can afford to draft yet another buttershot when we are already going to be taking Harper, and have a rotation that already includes several questionable deep shooters in Fox, Castle, Sochan, Johnson, Wesley

[scottspurs]

Nolan Traore:

6’3 barefoot, 175 lbs, 6’8 wingspan

[scottspurs]

Nolan Traore:

6’3 barefoot, 175 lbs, 6’8 wingspan

[Mugen]

Essengue is a much better prospect than Salaun. i bag on Essengue here in an over-the-top manner mostly to pick at my guy Mugen (https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=15519)

i just dont think we can afford to draft yet another buttershot when we are already going to be taking Harper, and have a rotation that already includes several questionable deep shooters in Fox, Castle, Sochan, Johnson, Wesley

Lucky for our friendship that Essengue is going at the top half of the lottery tbh :lol

[scott]

That standing reach on Jub tho...

[Ice009]

What's more important between standing reach and wing span? Which guys in the NBA have impressive numbers in those stats?

[scott]

What's more important between standing reach and wing span? Which guys in the NBA have impressive numbers in those stats?

Come on bro... you know what a human body looks like, right? You can figure this one out.

[scott]

Drew a picture for you

https://i.imgur.com/OeNBph5.jpeg

[bluebellmaniac]

Drew a picture for you

https://i.imgur.com/OeNBph5.jpeg

He wasn't asking WHAT they were, he was asking which you thought was more important of the two.

Which do you think?

[scott]

He wasn't asking WHAT they were, he was asking which you thought was more important of the two.

Which do you think?

They are related to each other

[Seventyniner]

That pic could be an honorary entry in the MS Paint thread.

[Splits]

Drew a picture for you

https://i.imgur.com/OeNBph5.jpeg

doesn't matter the actual measurements, with only 4 digits on dude's right hand his handle is going to suck

[Mr. Body]

Davis Bertans has entered the chat.

[SpursGenius]

This could get interesting. If we were to go with Maluach and a twin tower unit to protect the rim it makes me wonder how a Harper, Castle, Fox lineup works with that. I'd think we'd need a shooter in there somewhere. A fox, Harper, Kneupple or Fox, Castle, Kneupple lineup might make more sense.
rather have Brea than Kneupel. Also more gettable.

Harper Malauch, Brea as ther cbs mock draft suggested

[scott]

doesn't matter the actual measurements, with only 4 digits on dude's right hand his handle is going to suck

Don't matter how many figures this guy has when they're all the size of giant bratwurst

[scott]

Just saw this draft "evaluation" and it took me a minute but I think I agree...

"Ace Bailey is the Kevin Durant of Emoni Bates"

[Ice009]

He wasn't asking WHAT they were, he was asking which you thought was more important of the two.

Which do you think?

That's all I was asking (like you said, I knew what they were, I wasn't asking what they were). No need to get clowned for it (thanks for the picture, though, was very funny/creative). I'd assume wingspan is better for playing defense and standing reach for shot blocking and maybe rebounding. Just asking what people think it more important on those guys in the height ranges listed (6'7" to 6'9"). I don't have a great wingspan, so I have no clue what it's like playing with one.

I don't remember ever seeing an in depth discussion about it and how teams value that over just straight up regular height. I wonder if the Spurs or other teams really look at things like that.

Also, I don't believe height is that big of a deal when you have a huge wingspan. Some players seem to have longer necks and shorter wingspan, so maybe sometimes a shorter guy with a larger wingspan might be better as he can play bigger than his listed height (of course it depends on body shape/type too).

[scott]

That's all I was asking (like you said, I knew what they were, I wasn't asking what they were). No need to get clowned for it (thanks for the picture, though, was very funny/creative). I'd assume wingspan is better for playing defense and standing reach for shot blocking and maybe rebounding. Just asking what people think it more important on those guys in the height ranges listed (6'7" to 6'9"). I don't have a great wingspan, so I have no clue what it's like playing with one.

I don't remember ever seeing an in depth discussion about it and how teams value that over just straight up regular height. I wonder if the Spurs or other teams really look at things like that.

Also, I don't believe height is that big of a deal when you have a huge wingspan. Some players seem to have longer necks and shorter wingspan, so maybe sometimes a shorter guy with a larger wingspan might be better as he can play bigger than his listed height (of course it depends on body shape/type too).

One isn’t more important than the other. They are both one aspect of understanding a person’s body structure. If I just gave you the wingspan or just gave you the standing reach… those can mean very different things. It’s like asking “what’s more important to height… the length of the upper body or the length of the lower body?” They’re both important and give you the total picture. Height, wingspan and standing reach give you the ability to put the picture I drew together. Without any one of those things, you can draw the picture to look a lot of different ways.

When you piece all of them together, you essentially come up with a radius that a player can cover feasibly cover with his arms for any given location of his torso. You can come up with some comical examples of what it could look like if you had incomplete info.

So… which of wingspan or standing reach more important? Yes.

[jesterbobman]

Moving from the paint discussion, standing reach / max vert is probably more important for centres (rim protection), wingspan is more important for guards (dribble penetration, passing lanes, etc). I'd think 65:35 importance of standing reach: wingspan for centres, kind of the inverse for PGs (still want to defend a shot at the apex, but that's less frequent).

[SpursFan86]

1930603442969387122

Between the impressive combine showing + improved shooting down the stretch of this past season + fact he was super hyped going into this year, I could see Traore getting picked surprisingly high. Wouldn’t shock me if someone takes him in the lottery.

[Vienna]

CMB is all over the place in the mocks. from 9 to 29 (from what I saw). seems that he is trending north on some mocks. is there a reason? reports about strong work outs?

Ben Saraf had a pretty solid stretch of games in the German league play offs. in 5 games he had 14.8PPG, 5.0 APG, 3.6RPG. outside shot was still mediocre (33.3%), but FT % is quite impressive. 24-25FT (96%).
I think he is underrated on most mocks. good size (6'5" barefoot, 6'7.5" wingspan, 202 lbs). I think he will be picked in the late lottery.

[Ice009]

One isn’t more important than the other. They are both one aspect of understanding a person’s body structure. If I just gave you the wingspan or just gave you the standing reach… those can mean very different things. It’s like asking “what’s more important to height… the length of the upper body or the length of the lower body?” They’re both important and give you the total picture. Height, wingspan and standing reach give you the ability to put the picture I drew together. Without any one of those things, you can draw the picture to look a lot of different ways.

When you piece all of them together, you essentially come up with a radius that a player can cover feasibly cover with his arms for any given location of his torso. You can come up with some comical examples of what it could look like if you had incomplete info.

So… which of wingspan or standing reach more important? Yes.

Alright, fair point. I guess both are equally as important to help paint the whole picture (I suppose the picture was needed to hammer that point home ;) ).


Moving from the paint discussion, standing reach / max vert is probably more important for centres (rim protection), wingspan is more important for guards (dribble penetration, passing lanes, etc). I'd think 65:35 importance of standing reach: wingspan for centres, kind of the inverse for PGs (still want to defend a shot at the apex, but that's less frequent).

Yes, this is the sort of opinion I was looking for. Thanks. I was curious if teams value one over the other depending on what position the player plays.

[SpursFan86]

CMB is all over the place in the mocks. from 9 to 29 (from what I saw). seems that he is trending north on some mocks. is there a reason? reports about strong work outs?

I think he’s just a really polarizing archetype. 6’7” PFs who have no jumper aren’t exactly a huge commodity in the NBA. That being said he has some serious strengths that can suck you in if you get past the undersized/non-shooting critiques.

Almost a 7’1” wingspan helps mitigate some of the height issues. He was super productive in college and generally grades very well by most metrics I’ve seen. Has shown nice flashes of playmaking so there’s the potential to still be a clear positive player offensively even if his shot never develops. He was a damn good defender at South Carolina.

I’ve seen him as high as top 4 on big boards. I don’t think he’d be a very good fit for us but in general getting a prospect of his caliber at 14 is a pretty solid deal. Ultimately a lot of his success will probably boil down to whether he ever becomes a halfway decent shooter like Draymond or Aaron Gordon managed to become.

[spurraider21]

between Topic and Traore, these european "wizards" have been very overhyped, having been billed as top 2-3 picks going into the year

[Mr. Body]

between Topic and Traore, these european "wizards" have been very overhyped, having been billed as top 2-3 picks going into the year

The shadow of Killian Hayes looms small.

[R. DeMurre]

What's more important between standing reach and wing span? Which guys in the NBA have impressive numbers in those stats?


This is always an interesting debate, and there are examples to support or refute all of the preferences. Scouts pointed out that Donovan Mitchell had a 6'11" wingspan and guessed that it would make up for him being undersized as a 6'3" shooting guard, but that hasn't been the case. He's still not very good defending opposing SGs, still projects as a defensive liability at SG, and doesn't even make much of a difference if he switches to guarding PGs. Draymond Green was undersized for a combo forward at 6'6" but uses his 7'1" wingspan/8'10" standing reach to his advantage much more than most, and that allows him to play valuable minutes at center.

[R. DeMurre]

If Maluach drops down that far no way in hell Atlanta doesn't pull the trigger. Huge catch radius, sort of switchable on the perimeter, basically the prototype of Trae Young's perfect PNR big


I'm so glad I'm not an Atlanta fan, and never have to worry or consider what potential draft picks will pair well with Trae Young.

[mudyez]

doesn't matter the actual measurements, with only 4 digits on dude's right hand his handle is going to suck

ST is a dark place. Thank you for the laugh.

[spurraider21]

I think he’s just a really polarizing archetype. 6’7” PFs who have no jumper aren’t exactly a huge commodity in the NBA. That being said he has some serious strengths that can suck you in if you get past the undersized/non-shooting critiques.

Almost a 7’1” wingspan helps mitigate some of the height issues. He was super productive in college and generally grades very well by most metrics I’ve seen. Has shown nice flashes of playmaking so there’s the potential to still be a clear positive player offensively even if his shot never develops. He was a damn good defender at South Carolina.

I’ve seen him as high as top 4 on big boards. I don’t think he’d be a very good fit for us but in general getting a prospect of his caliber at 14 is a pretty solid deal. Ultimately a lot of his success will probably boil down to whether he ever becomes a halfway decent shooter like Draymond or Aaron Gordon managed to become.
i think CMB is the best man to man defender in this draft and im struggling to think who the close second would be. and he's very, very switchable defensively. he seems to have great feel for the game when it comes to movement, rotations, and some pretty ridiculous touch passes (his assist totals dont do his passing justice). he also has great touch around the rim, really good motor, very strong/physical player, loves playing through contact, can defend up or down. there's a ton to like with his game

but he really plays like a face up big, and is under 6'7, though he has a 7 foot wingspan. he doesnt have much shooting range beyond the FT-line, maybe out to 16-17 feet which he can pull up and get into off the dribble. he barely takes 3's and barely makes the ones he does take. and for someone who has as much touch/feel going for him, he makes virtually no use of his off-hand. if you are going to be an undersized interior player, you are going to have to be ambidextrous and craftier than he is. his right hand is simply nonexistent.

you are basically banking on him being draymond

[DPG21920]

I think he’s just a really polarizing archetype. 6’7” PFs who have no jumper aren’t exactly a huge commodity in the NBA. That being said he has some serious strengths that can suck you in if you get past the undersized/non-shooting critiques.

Almost a 7’1” wingspan helps mitigate some of the height issues. He was super productive in college and generally grades very well by most metrics I’ve seen. Has shown nice flashes of playmaking so there’s the potential to still be a clear positive player offensively even if his shot never develops. He was a damn good defender at South Carolina.

I’ve seen him as high as top 4 on big boards. I don’t think he’d be a very good fit for us but in general getting a prospect of his caliber at 14 is a pretty solid deal. Ultimately a lot of his success will probably boil down to whether he ever becomes a halfway decent shooter like Draymond or Aaron Gordon managed to become.

For every Draymond or Gordon (who took a massive leap) theres a lot of busts in that archetype

[Splits]

Sorry, couldn't find an embeddable link, but CMB shooting 3/15 from 3 in an open gym at the combine with that horrific shotput stroke is a red red flag. Bust written all over him. I don't care how good his defense is, nobody needs/deserves/wants a Sochan with astronomically worse shooting

https://www.tiktok.com/@krantzcke/video/7504284327027461407

[scottspurs]

I’ve been trying to get a feel for what other teams will be doing so I’ve been looking up other teams perspectives. I just listened to the locked on Hornets podcast and these were some of their takes:

Dylan Harper will be better than Cooper Flagg. Harper is the “prize” of the draft.

They hate Khaman Maluach think he is Bismarck Biyombo 2.0

They think VJ Edgecombe is the 3rd best player in the draft.

They saw the report about Spurs being interested in Khaman Maluach and think they can trade up with the Spurs for #4 and a future unprotected 1st.

They think Harper is a terrible fit with the spurs and we would ruin his career.

They are hearing “weird things” about what the Spurs might do.

They don’t want to trade back past pick #8 because they think there is a large drop off after that point.

They don’t like the fit with Ace Bailey and the hornets

They think it’s VJ or Tre Johnson if they stay at 4 but fear it might be Kon Knueppel or Maluach.

They think a sleeper prospect at #4 or if they trade back would be Kasparas Jakucionis. They say hornet sources go silent when talking about Kas Jak much like they did with Saluan last draft.

They think Lamelo Ball is a superstar but they are ready to give up on him if he doesn’t stay healthy next season.

They love Brandon Miller but hate the rest of their roster especially Mark Williams.

[scottspurs]

Some other stuff I found from other teams:

76ers podcast said Harper is closer to Cooper Flagg as a prospect than the rest of the field is to Harper as a prospect. They think pick #3 and McCain can get them pick 2. They think Morey will only make moves that makes the team better next season and he will be short sighted because his job is on the line. They think it will be Tre Johnson at 3 or trade for a vet Star.

Jazz podcast hates VJ Edgecombe and hopes either Tre Johnson or Ace Bailey makes it 5. They don’t think pick #1 or 2 will be available for Anything other than Giannis. But they think they can trade up to #3. They really hate VJ to the point they would give up future assets to not be “stuck” with him at 5.

Wizards podcast had no clue what they will do at 6 but one of them knows a scout within the organization. He says the scout told him they know exactly who they are picking and it’s going to shock most people.

Pelican podcast I listened to seems to hate every prospect. Hates their team. Hates this draft. Hates Zion. So I didn’t really get anything out of listening to that.

Nets was the final one I listened to and they seem to love this draft and they have all sorts of scenarios lined up. From trading up to down, to getting more picks for some of their current players. Sounds like they would be happy picking 15 players in this draft and just staring from scratch lol.

[scott]

Pelican podcast I listened to seems to hate every prospect. Hates their team. Hates this draft. Hates Zion. So I didn’t really get anything out of listening to that.



What a delightful podcast :lol

But was it still better than Locked on Spurs?

[scottspurs]

What a delightful podcast :lol

But was it still better than Locked on Spurs?

not sure because I can only listen to about 15 seconds on locked on spurs before I’m like nope I’m out. I feel like every Spurs podcast is pretty mid though.

[scottspurs]

What a delightful podcast :lol

But was it still better than Locked on Spurs?

not sure because I can only listen to about 15 seconds on locked on spurs before I’m like nope I’m out. I feel like every Spurs podcast is pretty mid though.