Get well bajaden. Look forward to your observations for years to come 
[Mock] 2025 draft thread
- Thread starter sactowndog
- Start date
I always thought your medicine of choice was Cerveza but I guess there are some medical issues which require a more focused approach.
I don't feel particularly motivated to write much about this year's class either since it appears we won't be getting a first round pick, but I've seen a few prospects that I think could end up being important NBA players. I like the guys you mentioned and also Rasheer Fleming and Thomas Sorber. What do you think about Khaman Maluach? I'm impressed that he didn't miss a game and shoots the ball well from the free throw line. Usually players with his body type are viewed as injury risks with limited skills outside the paint but he seems to defy the stereotype. If we still had a lottery pick he's the player that intrigues me the most.
Sounds like Baja may have to move from the cerveza to the margarita - and don't skimp on the rim!
Draft Combine Invites
Here's the list of draft combine invites.
Not a ton of surprises here, basically everybody getting reliably mocked in the first or second made the list. If we consider Tankathon (who hasn't updated in 25 days) only JoJo Tugler (#55) and Xaivian Lee (#58) didn't get an invite.
On the list is Cedric Coward, who was injured for Washington State last year but is a pretty interesting 6'6" do-it-all wing with a 7'2" wingspan who recently committed for NIL at Duke. Hope Perry takes a look if he stays in the draft.
Here's the list of draft combine invites.
Not a ton of surprises here, basically everybody getting reliably mocked in the first or second made the list. If we consider Tankathon (who hasn't updated in 25 days) only JoJo Tugler (#55) and Xaivian Lee (#58) didn't get an invite.
On the list is Cedric Coward, who was injured for Washington State last year but is a pretty interesting 6'6" do-it-all wing with a 7'2" wingspan who recently committed for NIL at Duke. Hope Perry takes a look if he stays in the draft.
iowamcnabb
Hall of Famer
The second round is looking pretty slim as of now. Tugler is going back I’ve seen somewhere. The good news is there are about 10 guys that would have normally entered the draft that are going back due to the NIL and now they will be in next years draft (most) when we have that juicy Charlotte pick.
Right now Alex Toohey Darrion Williams Adou Theiro and Sion James are the guys I like best (assuming they all stay in the draft)
Tetsujin
The Game Thread Dude
Boogie Fland (who I’ve seen get mocked to us at 42) with solid measurements for a Calipari point guard. Still has shorter arms than Devin Carter which just shows how freakish Devin’s measurements are.
If his agents get the idea he’s falling out of the first round, they’re probably just going to have him hit the transfer portal and play another season of college but wouldn’t be the worst get at 42 for a team that has spent the last month giving pressers about how they need a point guard.
Current NIL landscape means that anyone who isn't a top 20 lock won't enter the draft without a commitment to some place they actually wish to go to.
Probably another argument for @Mr. S£im Citrus end the draft idea. If NCAA can't/won't clean itself up and players can actually make more money playing in college with 4 years of free agency it may only be a matter of time before we see a lottery pick in the 6-14 range go back to school for the highest bidder or a #1 overall decide he doesn't want to play for Washington or Charlotte (or Sacramento) and waiting another year and being BMOC with no adult responsibility for a few million is worthwhile.
Probably another argument for @Mr. S£im Citrus end the draft idea. If NCAA can't/won't clean itself up and players can actually make more money playing in college with 4 years of free agency it may only be a matter of time before we see a lottery pick in the 6-14 range go back to school for the highest bidder or a #1 overall decide he doesn't want to play for Washington or Charlotte (or Sacramento) and waiting another year and being BMOC with no adult responsibility for a few million is worthwhile.
SacTownKid
Hall of Famer
I've seen Chaz Lanier around the Kings pick on some mocks, I can't see that happening but if he were there that would be an awesome pick. Hopefully his age drops him because he's the exact type of player you see on teams like the Pacers.
iowamcnabb
Hall of Famer
Cedric Coward appears to be this years Bilal Coulibaly
Tetsujin
The Game Thread Dude
Patrick Williams might be the better comparison because Bilal actually looked like a basketball player playing in Euroleague.
CVKingsfan
Bench
NBA Mock Draft Roundup: Clear Trend For Kings Selection:
www.si.com
NBA Mock Draft Roundup: Clear Trend for Kings Selection
With the NBA Combine now in the rearview and the Draft just over a month away on June 25, teams should be starting to get a clearer view of their needs and how
bajaden
Hall of Famer
Well, that was an ordeal. I've been trying to log in for it seems an eternity. For some reason they wern't recognizing my password. A password I've been using for around 20 years. So I was required to reset my password, and they said that they would send me an e-mail with the instructions. An e-mail that I never got. After ranting and cursing KIngsfan.com I decided to check my spam box on my e-mails. Low and behold, for some reason it decided that all the e-mails coming from Kingsfan.com were spam.
Anyway, obviously I got the problem resolved or you wouldn't be reading this. So I will be posting my thoughts on players that are obvious 2nd picks, and also borderling low 1st or high 2nd round picks. Not much point in spending my time on first rd picks unless the KIngs make a draft day trade to move up. My favorite dark horse in the lottery is Carter Bryant. I think he has a chance to be one of the top players in the draft when they re-draft a couple of years from now.
Anyway, obviously I got the problem resolved or you wouldn't be reading this. So I will be posting my thoughts on players that are obvious 2nd picks, and also borderling low 1st or high 2nd round picks. Not much point in spending my time on first rd picks unless the KIngs make a draft day trade to move up. My favorite dark horse in the lottery is Carter Bryant. I think he has a chance to be one of the top players in the draft when they re-draft a couple of years from now.
QWERTYLICIOUS
Starter
My assumption is that you will go through a round 1 mock draft in order to then be able to post your round 2 mock draft. If you do, I'd like to know your thoughts on which mid-to-late round 1 picks you wouldn't mind seeing the Kings trade into round 1 for. Maybe asking for mid round 1 picks is stretching it a bit, as I am not sure if we even have the assets required to trade that high into round 1, so even if your list includes players you've mocked in the 20s, that would be fine.
If you do not end up creating such a list, don't sweat it. I don't want to bother you by requesting that you create one just to be able to provide an answer to my question.
Since bajaden mentioned him I took a look and could get behind trading up for a shot at Carter Bryant, athletic SF with good length . Yaxel Lendeborg, another larger forward is also intriguing. He’s mentioned to have spoken with the Kings, so good on Perry trying to correct Monte’s trade blunder and get us a late first round pick.
bajaden
Hall of Famer
Well, Jiimbob, you gave me a good lead in with mentioning Yaxel Lendeberg. He happens to be at the top of my love list. Right now he's trying to decide whether to keep his name in the draft or not. They say it's a 50/50 proposition at the moment. Probably depends on if he gets a good promise from a team (Kings please). Most mocks I've looked at have him going at the bottom of the first round, or the top of the 2nd round. If I'm the Kings I would make every effort to grab him.
Why he's listed so low is a shock to me. I think he's lottery talent. There's not much he can't do on the floor. Good and improving 3pt shooter. Has a good midrange game, and is a great finisher. He's a physical player who rebounds well in a crowd. Most of all, has a great motor and wins most 50/50 balls
Yaxel Lendeberg: PF/SF, 6'9.5", 235 Lb's, 7'4.5" Wingspan, 9'05" Standing reach
27.7 mpg - 17.7 ppg - 52.2% fgp - 35.7% 3pp - 75.7% ftp - 11.4 rpg - 4.2 apg - 1.7 stl's - 1.8 blk's - ORtg-127.3 - DRtg-
100.7
As you can see, although he's a good scorer away from the basket, he's also capable of playing bully ball. He's a very good passer, and a good ballhandler for a player his size. And yes, the Kings did work him out, so at least we know he's on the radar.
Why he's listed so low is a shock to me. I think he's lottery talent. There's not much he can't do on the floor. Good and improving 3pt shooter. Has a good midrange game, and is a great finisher. He's a physical player who rebounds well in a crowd. Most of all, has a great motor and wins most 50/50 balls
Yaxel Lendeberg: PF/SF, 6'9.5", 235 Lb's, 7'4.5" Wingspan, 9'05" Standing reach
27.7 mpg - 17.7 ppg - 52.2% fgp - 35.7% 3pp - 75.7% ftp - 11.4 rpg - 4.2 apg - 1.7 stl's - 1.8 blk's - ORtg-127.3 - DRtg-
100.7
As you can see, although he's a good scorer away from the basket, he's also capable of playing bully ball. He's a very good passer, and a good ballhandler for a player his size. And yes, the Kings did work him out, so at least we know he's on the radar.
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SacTownKid
Hall of Famer
Yaxel kind of looks like a less athletic Aaron Gordon. Probably a good time for him to be coming out.
bajaden
Hall of Famer
Well, Gordon is an elite athlete. Yaxel is a good athlete, but most of all, he's a highly skilled athlete, and not to beat a dead horse, but he knows how to play. I see starter material in him. Whether he ever reaches that or not remains to be seen. The only explanation for is low rating, is that UAB plays in a midlevel conference, and Yaxel is 22 years old. I could care less how old he is at this point when fans are talking about trading for 34 to 36 year old stars on the downside of their careers!
bajaden
Hall of Famer
Eric Dixon: PF, 6'8.5", 258 Lb's, 6'11.5" Wingspan, 8'8" Standing Reach,
34.8 mpg - 23.3 ppg - 45.1% fgp - 40.7% 3pp - 81.3% ftp - 5.1 rpg - 1.9 apg - 0.8 stl's - 7.2 3pa - ORTg-119.5 - DRtg-109.5
Dixon is another older player, which means you know what your getting. He's improved drasticly since his freshman year. He's an outstanding 3pt shooter varified by his taking 7 a game and hitting 40% of them.. He also has a nice pullup midrange game. No one will accuse him of being a great athlete, but he knows how to use what he has. He can score at all three levels, and most of his game around the basket is bully ball. He's strictly a PF in my opinion. I think he would struggle to defend SF's in the NBA.
I think if he were to get his weight down to around 245 or so, he would gain some quickness. He doesn't have the quickest first step, but he manages to get free with spin moves and getting his defender off balance. He's a very good post player with patience when needed and knows how to use dropsteps, sort of a lost art from old school.
He's a decent rebounder at 5 a game, but once again, I think if he got his weight down a little, he could average around 7. He's had games where he's pulled down double digit boards. He's a decent passer, and sometimes will surprise you with an amazing pass. He needs to do more of that. I think there's still potiential for him to improve. He's likely to go somewhere between the middle and the bottom of the 2nd round.
As a final note, you'll notice that most of his 3pt shots come from around 4 feet behind the college line, so the extra distance in the NBA shouldn't matter to him. His shot looks effortless.
34.8 mpg - 23.3 ppg - 45.1% fgp - 40.7% 3pp - 81.3% ftp - 5.1 rpg - 1.9 apg - 0.8 stl's - 7.2 3pa - ORTg-119.5 - DRtg-109.5
Dixon is another older player, which means you know what your getting. He's improved drasticly since his freshman year. He's an outstanding 3pt shooter varified by his taking 7 a game and hitting 40% of them.. He also has a nice pullup midrange game. No one will accuse him of being a great athlete, but he knows how to use what he has. He can score at all three levels, and most of his game around the basket is bully ball. He's strictly a PF in my opinion. I think he would struggle to defend SF's in the NBA.
I think if he were to get his weight down to around 245 or so, he would gain some quickness. He doesn't have the quickest first step, but he manages to get free with spin moves and getting his defender off balance. He's a very good post player with patience when needed and knows how to use dropsteps, sort of a lost art from old school.
He's a decent rebounder at 5 a game, but once again, I think if he got his weight down a little, he could average around 7. He's had games where he's pulled down double digit boards. He's a decent passer, and sometimes will surprise you with an amazing pass. He needs to do more of that. I think there's still potiential for him to improve. He's likely to go somewhere between the middle and the bottom of the 2nd round.
As a final note, you'll notice that most of his 3pt shots come from around 4 feet behind the college line, so the extra distance in the NBA shouldn't matter to him. His shot looks effortless.
bajaden
Hall of Famer
Alex Toohey: SF, 6'9", 222 Lb's, 6'11" Wingspan, 8'8.5" Standing Reach, 31.5" Max Vert
23.5 Mpg - 11.4 ppg - 46.5% fgp - 34.0% 3pp - 73.8% ftp - 3.8 rpg - 1.3 apg - 1.4 stl's - 0.8 blk's
Toohey played in the Australian NBL league for Sidney. He improved quite a bit in his second year, expecialy his 3pt shot. He's not an elite athlete, but is a smart one. He plays better defense than I would have thought. He reads plays as they're developing which leads to most of his steals. He does have good length which also helps. I've watched as much film on him as I can find, including many of his interviews. It's hard not to like him.
He has a very good motor and and is constantly moving. I don't see him as starter material, but I can see a path for him to be a solid reliable rotational player. He has good court vision. Has shown glimpses of a promising passing game and has decent to good handles. He's not a fluid athlete but his herky jerky way of driving to the basket seems to help him keep the defenders off balance. He does have a little wiggle to his game.
23.5 Mpg - 11.4 ppg - 46.5% fgp - 34.0% 3pp - 73.8% ftp - 3.8 rpg - 1.3 apg - 1.4 stl's - 0.8 blk's
Toohey played in the Australian NBL league for Sidney. He improved quite a bit in his second year, expecialy his 3pt shot. He's not an elite athlete, but is a smart one. He plays better defense than I would have thought. He reads plays as they're developing which leads to most of his steals. He does have good length which also helps. I've watched as much film on him as I can find, including many of his interviews. It's hard not to like him.
He has a very good motor and and is constantly moving. I don't see him as starter material, but I can see a path for him to be a solid reliable rotational player. He has good court vision. Has shown glimpses of a promising passing game and has decent to good handles. He's not a fluid athlete but his herky jerky way of driving to the basket seems to help him keep the defenders off balance. He does have a little wiggle to his game.
iowamcnabb
Hall of Famer
The NIL is decimating the second round, at least on paper. If the Celts can’t find a taker for Jrue and we make a play for him, maybe we can swap our second rounder for one of their late firsts and have a better shot at grabbing a prospect. Toohey and Dixon might still be on the board at our pick but I won’t be surprised if they aren’t either.
bajaden
Hall of Famer
Most mocks have them going after our pick, so I think there's a good chance. The player I'm hoping for is Yaxel. If we trade up, it more likely it will be with the Net's. They have 4 first rd picks, two of them back to back near the bottom of the first round, and we definitely have some connections with the Net's. I don't think there's any way on Gods earth that they plan on using all four of those picks. I think if the Kings can give Yaxel a promise he'll stay in the draft.
He's a player that can step in and play right now, and also make an impact. One can only hope
QWERTYLICIOUS
Starter
Baja, if Yaxel goes earlier than projected, or if we don't want to trade that far up to grab him, how would you feel about trading up into the late first round (or early 2nd if he doesn't go in round 1) for Maxime Raynaud (Stanford)?
bajaden
Hall of Famer
Miles Byrd: SF/SG, 6'6.5", 175 Lb's, 6'10" Wingspan, 8'6.5" Standing Reach, 35.5" Max Vert
30.1 mpg - 12.3 ppg - 38.1% fgp - 30,1% 3pp - 83.2% ftp - 4.4 rpg - 2.7 apg - 2.1 stl's - 1.1 blk's - 5.9 3pa - ORtg-109.6 - DRtg-96.1
Make no mistake, if you're drafting Byrd, it's because he's considered one of the best defenders in college, and your hoping he can improve his form and the results of his jumpshot. Most of the rest of his game is fine. Don't be mislead by the video, he shot only 30% from three. He's a good athlete, and finished in the top five in all the agility and strength drills at the combine.
Defensively he'll remind you of Ellis. He nevers stops pursuing when beat, and still manages to block or steal the ball. From that prospective, he's exactly what we need. A whole stable of defensive role players that we can keep throwing out there against the opposition. But, they do need to be able to hold up their end on offense. He's a good freethrow shooter, so that bodes well and gives me some confidence that he'll slowly improve.
I have visions of Marcus Smart when he was in college, and the Capt knows how I felt about Smart. Right now Byrd is projected to go ahead of our pick, and I'm not sure I would move up to get him. Yaxel? yes!!!
30.1 mpg - 12.3 ppg - 38.1% fgp - 30,1% 3pp - 83.2% ftp - 4.4 rpg - 2.7 apg - 2.1 stl's - 1.1 blk's - 5.9 3pa - ORtg-109.6 - DRtg-96.1
Make no mistake, if you're drafting Byrd, it's because he's considered one of the best defenders in college, and your hoping he can improve his form and the results of his jumpshot. Most of the rest of his game is fine. Don't be mislead by the video, he shot only 30% from three. He's a good athlete, and finished in the top five in all the agility and strength drills at the combine.
Defensively he'll remind you of Ellis. He nevers stops pursuing when beat, and still manages to block or steal the ball. From that prospective, he's exactly what we need. A whole stable of defensive role players that we can keep throwing out there against the opposition. But, they do need to be able to hold up their end on offense. He's a good freethrow shooter, so that bodes well and gives me some confidence that he'll slowly improve.
I have visions of Marcus Smart when he was in college, and the Capt knows how I felt about Smart. Right now Byrd is projected to go ahead of our pick, and I'm not sure I would move up to get him. Yaxel? yes!!!
iowamcnabb
Hall of Famer
Yeh the Nets probably need to move off at least one of those picks the only question is what do they want in return? You could move that ‘27 Spurs pick in exchange for both of the Nets picks in the twenties this year but that reduces some of your flexibility in regards to packaging a bunch of picks for a big swing. Unless they absolutely love a prospect they are probably better off being patient.
If it’s Lendeborg the Kings are interested in then Brooklyn’s 26 or 27th picks might not do it. He seems to be rising. I haven’t yet looked at many mock drafts but nbadraft.net has him going 23 to Indiana. I don’t like that idea at all considering. Brooklyn also has the 19th, that might do it.
I assume Lyles won’t be back, but I can get behind a couple young guys like I. Jones and Lendeborg fighting for those PF minutes.
I assume Lyles won’t be back, but I can get behind a couple young guys like I. Jones and Lendeborg fighting for those PF minutes.
bajaden
Hall of Famer
You could be right. Like I said, I think he's worthy of being a lottery pick. Right now, he's more talented than Ace Bailey. That doesn't mean that Bailey won't surpass him down the road. but I personaly would rather bet on a player that has a very high floor, and still has ceiling left. Yaxel plays like he's hungry.
bajaden
Hall of Famer
Maxime Raynaud: C/PF, 7'1", 236 Lb's, 7'1.25" Wingspan, 9'2" Standing Reach
33.5 mpg - 20.2 ppg - 46.7% fgp - 34.7% 3pp - 77.0% ftp - 10.6 rpg - 1.7 apg - 0.9 stl's - 1.4 blk's - 5.5 3pa - ORtg-112.2 - DRtg-101.9
Raynaud is another one of those older (22) talented players that should definitely be drafted highter than projected. It's possible that some team agrees and takes him somewhere between 25 and 30. His problem is that there are quite a few players that fit that description. The NIL money has caused players to stay in college longer, and as a result your seeing more older talented players in the draft. Raynaud fits that description.
Raynaud can do a little bit of everything. Shoot the three, score from midrange, and score at the basket. He has a deadly jump hook from 5 to 7 feet that he can shoot with either hand. It's basically unblockable. Despite being on the thin side, he plays a lot of bully ball. Adding about 10 Lb's of muscle would help his game. He's a very good rebounder who isn't afraid to mix it up under the basket. His form on his 3pt shot could use some tweeking, but I've seen much worse.
He has pretty good handles for a 7 footer, and often goes end to end after a rebound. Might not be advisable at the next level, but I love his aggression. That pretty much fits his whole game. Aggressive! He's also shown the ability to pass the ball and there's no reason he can't become a 3 to 4 assist a game player. While his wingspan isn't spectactular, his standing reach is outstanding. I doubt he'll ever be a prolific shotblocker, but he has the ability to defend under the basket and affect shots.
Someone asked if I would trade up to the bottom of the first round to get him? I'm not sure, but I definitely think about it. It would depend on what I'd have to give up.
33.5 mpg - 20.2 ppg - 46.7% fgp - 34.7% 3pp - 77.0% ftp - 10.6 rpg - 1.7 apg - 0.9 stl's - 1.4 blk's - 5.5 3pa - ORtg-112.2 - DRtg-101.9
Raynaud is another one of those older (22) talented players that should definitely be drafted highter than projected. It's possible that some team agrees and takes him somewhere between 25 and 30. His problem is that there are quite a few players that fit that description. The NIL money has caused players to stay in college longer, and as a result your seeing more older talented players in the draft. Raynaud fits that description.
Raynaud can do a little bit of everything. Shoot the three, score from midrange, and score at the basket. He has a deadly jump hook from 5 to 7 feet that he can shoot with either hand. It's basically unblockable. Despite being on the thin side, he plays a lot of bully ball. Adding about 10 Lb's of muscle would help his game. He's a very good rebounder who isn't afraid to mix it up under the basket. His form on his 3pt shot could use some tweeking, but I've seen much worse.
He has pretty good handles for a 7 footer, and often goes end to end after a rebound. Might not be advisable at the next level, but I love his aggression. That pretty much fits his whole game. Aggressive! He's also shown the ability to pass the ball and there's no reason he can't become a 3 to 4 assist a game player. While his wingspan isn't spectactular, his standing reach is outstanding. I doubt he'll ever be a prolific shotblocker, but he has the ability to defend under the basket and affect shots.
Someone asked if I would trade up to the bottom of the first round to get him? I'm not sure, but I definitely think about it. It would depend on what I'd have to give up.
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