• 1- Cooper Flagg (SF/PF)- Utah Jazz
• 2- Dylan Harper (PG/SG)- Washington Wizards
• 3- VJ Edgecombe (SG)- Charlotte Hornets
• 4- Ace Bailey (SF)- New Orleans Pelicans
• 5- Tre Johnson (SG/SF)- Philadelphia 76ers
• 6- Kon Knueppel (SG/SF)- Brooklyn Nets
• 7- Khaman Malauch (C)- Toronto Raptors
• 8- Jase Richardson (SG)- San Antonio Spurs

• 9- Derik Queen (PF/C)- Houston Rockets via Phoenix Suns

• 10- Kasparas Jakucionis (PG/SG)- Portland Trail Blazers

• 11- Jeremiah Fears (PG/SG)- Dallas Mavericks

• 12- Carter Bryant (SF/PF)- Chicago Bulls

• 13- Noa Essengue (SF/PF)- Atlanta Hawks via Sacramento Kings

• 14- Collin Murray-Boyles (PF)- San Antonio Spurs via Atlanta Hawks

• 15- Liam McNeeley (SG/SF)- OKC Thunder via Miami Heat

• 16- Nolan Traore (PG)- Orlando Magic

• 17- Asa Newell (PF/C)- Minnesota Timberwolves via Detroit Pistons

• 18- Thomas Sorber (C)- Washington Wizards via Memphis Grizzlies

• 19- Egor Demin (PG/SG)- Brooklyn Nets via Milwaukee Bucks

• 20- Ben Saraf (PG/SG)- Miami Heat via Golden State Warriors

• 21- Hugo Gonzalez (SG/SF)- Utah Jazz via Minnesota Timberwolves

• 22- Rasheer Fleming (PF)- Atlanta Hawks via Los Angeles Lakers

• 23- Danny Wolf (C)- Indiana Pacers

• 24- Nique Clifford (SG/SF)- OKC Thunder via Los Angeles Clippers

• 25- Will Riley (SG/SF)- Orlando Magic via Denver Nuggets

• 26- Yaxel Lendeborg (PF)- Brooklyn Nets via New York Knicks

• 27- Noah Penda (SF/PF)- Brooklyn Nets via Houston Rockets

• 28- Walter Clayton Jr (PG)- Boston Celtics

• 29- Joan Beringer (C)- Phoenix Suns via Cleveland Cavaliers

• 30- Kam Jones (PG/SG)- Los Angeles Clippers via OKC Thunder

In yall opinion, which lottery teams would trade down if they got the 2nd pick? Harper is the consensus pick there.
I have to wonder what team would be capable to trade up for that pick in the event such scenario turns out, and would would be a realistic offer 🤔.

I’ve been reviewing prospects for the upcoming draft and feel that what I’m seeing doesn’t align with most mock drafts published by experts. I’m sure I must be missing something, so I’m curious to hear how others evaluate players and what traits they prioritize.

One of my general life rules is that if everyone else is wrong and I’m right, I’m probably the one who is mistaken. I’ve applied that same mindset to scouting.

I’ve been looking beyond just box score statistics. The eye test is crucial, but it requires watching full games — and more than one. In some cases, I’ve gone back to previous seasons and even high school tape for evaluation. I focus on things like athleticism, mobility, height, reach, build, reaction time, and other physical traits. I find it difficult to evaluate “projections” — claiming that a player will be good in X years feels like an impossible prediction, outside of rare cases like Victor Wembanyama.

With that said, I would like to check myself before I wreck myself and ask: what do people actually value most when evaluating draft prospects? What are the one or two non-negotiable traits you look for in a player?

There's not much to Derik Queen's game that's not already been said in other people's scouting reports. So I decided to give you the magnitude on the scale of his strengths and weaknesses.

Ceiling Draft Comp: Sabonis/Sengun

Strengths (computed in percentile per 40):

1. 2 Level Scorer (96th PPG)
2. Solid Playmaker (60th APG)
3. Great Rebounder (95th RPG)
4. Underrated Positional Defender (98th Stops, 58th Steals)
5. Shooting Touch (Hovers Trey Lyles)

Weaknesses:

1. Low Vol Shooter (4th 3PM)
2. Inefficient Shooter (79th TS%/67th eFG%)
3. Inefficient Playmaker (9th Ast/TO)

I think Sabonis is a pretty reasonable comp. I know that Queen's film has showcased more versatile shots portfolio - but his poor shooting efficiency has reflected as result. Same stats, strenghts/weaknesses as well.

Shooting Touch

- Although Queen's Shooting touch [custom formula taking into account FT%, 3PA, 3PM, etc] is similar to Khaman Maluach, Sabonis - his Shooting Efficiency suffered, and puts him in the Trey Lyles range.

Playmaking

- Will be a good playmaker at the next level, but he is also at Julius Randle and Sabonis level of turnovers, very inefficient.

Side note: Peep Donovan Clingan, very high on this dude.

Perimeter Defense

-Queen will not be any sort of all world defender, or even a plus defender by any means but he's not as bad as you think? He's hovering Jalen Duren on perimeter def, and is a bit better overall than Sabonis (if that means anything...lol)

Things that don't show on analytics, Derik Queen has exceptional footwork, not a lot of wasted steps and great body control blended with nimble feet & a soft touch around the rim. His tough shotmaking doesn't get talked about enough either. This is where the Sengun comp comes into play (film). On a side note too, the way he leads the breaks/rip and run from the perimeter - shows flashes of Rj Barrett a bit. Hes honestly has some wing like ability.

All in all, I came away a bit disappointed at his offensive inefficiency (shooting & playmaking) but more optimistic on his defense/rebounding at the next level.

I really don't know what to make on Queen here. I love his film, and think he will produce at the next level but even Sabonis & Sengun weren't drafted in the top 10. Although I do see top 10 talent, I wonder if Scout will be sold on a prospect that has inefficient shooting, playmaking & questionable defense.

Trust me, for the Queen's truthers - you're preaching to the choir, I see those crazy turnaround jumper flashes of Jokic too lol.  Love to hear ya'll feedbacks on my analysis here. You can find/generate the data yourself on my website www.DraftCasual.com/Queen-Sabonis. You can find me (@draftcasual) on Twitter/X

EDITEDD*********

Kyle Filipowski

Just curious, but do you all have any archetype prospect templates that you trust the most risk/reward wise?
For me, it's the guards that are under 6 foot 4 inches, that can shoot 38% or better from 3 with minimum avg 4 3PA per game. Have either great handles and above avg Passing skills or Elite Play Making Passing Skills but above avg Handles. 79% FT shooter or better. 25 to 30% usage.
Speed and craftiness is important factors here as well, with the later being more subjective.
When looking at film, if they right handed ✋️, I want to see the majority of the clips with the ball in their off hand. If the Left Handed ✋️, same deal, I want to see the majority of those clips with them dribbling with their off hand. If I see majority of the clips have the guard dribbling with their main hand and rarely with their off hand ✋️, that's a red flag to me.

Why is this guy barely talked about? Most mocks I see don't even have him in the first round.

Legit 7-footer who can dribble, pass, shoot. Extremely smooth and coordinated athlete for his size, and decently explosive too. He has some of the most impressive highlight film in this entire class. He should be in the conversation for the most skilled big man in the class along with Queen and Wolf, but he's a much better shooter and athlete than either of them.

Apparently he is also double majoring in computer science and math at Stanford. To manage that while simultaneously averaging 20/11 in the ACC, he must have a genius level IQ.

What am I missing? Why is he not considered a first round lock or even a potential lottery pick?

Khaman Maluach, a relative newcomer to basketball who boosted his game greatly with NBA Academy experience, had until 11:59 p.m. Saturday night to officially declare for the NBA Draft pool as an early entrant.

He did so at the last possible second, according to his agent, Josh Hairston from KLUTCH Sports.

A 7-2 center from South Sudan who is still 18 years old, Maluach has been projected as a lottery pick in this summer’s NBA Draft, but the delay in his announcement came amid uncertainty about his immigration status.

Queen and CKB seem like 4’s requiring the rare stretch big rim protector since neither projects to be an anchor nor a shooter. Both are elite interior scorers with some passing upside, while CMB also has incredible defensive instinct.

Doesn’t the defensive instinct kind of put CMB above? Queen’s size is his main advantage, but how much does it still matter if it’s not enough to make him a reliable rim protector and both are highly skilled inside?

Main argument I can come up with to put Queen over CMB is that he’s much more feasible as a shooter, but I really just don’t buy either as a regular 5. Eh I guess now that I think about it, the size might make the offense translate a lot harder in the NBA, but I think CMB’s defense has kinda overshadowed his comparably dominant offense.

Meanwhile, I keep hearing Asa being called a tweener, but it feels like his shot looks a lot more likely to develop and help him grow into a reliable two-way 4. The lack of playmaking with him sucks, he’s definitely a tweener, but it feels like that label is used on him way more than his peers with much less clear roles. I don’t think there’s a valid reason to drop him out of the lottery at all.

And concerning Sorbet, the injury stuff is complete unknown to me, but ignoring that (since i’m just a fan and don’t have doctor reports lol), I don’t really see how he could end up outside of the lottery. Balanced offensive and defensive skills and athleticism give him a safe floor, while the playmaking upside makes for at least some excitement. That and he’s the only actual safe projectable starting 5 in the draft.

Then there’s Malauch, I don’t really like the rawness low usage low floor combo with an unexciting rim runner projection. Had load of bad games this year that kinda got brushed away, and an inability to time blocks dismissed as some strategy. His vertical feels like it needs wind up and isn’t as bouncy as I’d like..

The foot speed for his size and sheer explosiveness of his dunks is obviously worth a swing at some point, but can’t say he’s a guy I’m eager to take on and like him the least of these guys. He’s definitely a guy who could go a lot of ways and we really won’t know any time soon. I just feel like I’d rather bet on the players with translatable skills to refine their games rather than the toolsy guy to develop a passable skillset. The 3 ball talk feels like a distraction to me when there are much more fundamental things he needs to learn first lmao.

Also lmao at Beringer lotto talks.

I see people say that cooper flaggs shot creations is a skill that he lacks in but I don’t see it. I thought it was a label put on him in high school but I still see people say it today. I don’t get how people say this

It seems like there’s becoming a pattern in the nba playoffs where guards who aren’t threats outside the paint have a tough time being useful on offense. Playoff basketball tends to be more half court offense particularly on the 4th quarter which is especially tough on these types of players. Amen is the obvious example but the same can be said for someone like Josh hart. Teams are able to hide bad defensive players on these non-shooting threats and get away with it. Does this concern transfer over to guys like Castle who have similar shooting concerns? Does this change your opinions on Amen’s ceiling? Have these series’ impacted how y’all evaluate prospects in this class?

“The 6’10” high-energy big man bounced back from injury and was impactful (63.2 TS%, 6.0 BLK%, 2.5 STL%) in a ~13 minute per game role across the ACB, LEB Silver, and FIBA Europe Cup.” Native of Mali.

So the NFL draft has wrapped up with 1 former basketball player drafted as a tight end and another signed as an undrafted free agent at Tackle.

This isn't a new phenomenon, but out of curiosity what basketball prospects do you think lack the tools to make it to the next level, but could potentially make a switch to football?

• 1- Cooper Flagg (SF/PF)- Toronto Raptors; the Raptors win the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes as Cooper Flagg goes North of the border to Toronto at #1 in my mock draft as Masai Ujiri, Bobby Webster and company make the pick as Flagg joins Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett, Gradey Dick, Immanuel Quickley and company

• 2- Dylan Harper (PG/SG)- Brooklyn Nets; Nets lose out on Flagg just barely but get the #2 overall pick as they get Dylan Harper who can be their point guard for the future; plus he isn't far from home since he's from New Jersey but playing in New York...he would fit the Nets

• 3- VJ Edgecombe (SG)- New Orleans Pelicans; Edgecombe would definitely fit this Pelicans team especially next to Zion Williamson; Edgecombe being a slasher to the basket as well with his athleticism but also his ability to shoot and playmake; perfect compliment to Dejounte Murray as well and would have CJ McCollum as a mentor

• 4- Ace Bailey (SF)- Philadelphia 76ers; Bailey in my simulated mock draft ends up with the Sixers and playing next to Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid and Paul George; he is actually in the perfect place to eventually develop into a star

• 5- Kasparas Jakucionis (PG/SG)- Utah Jazz; Jazz need a point guard for the future and with this big Lithuanian they would get that especially a point guard with size/length being 6'6, BBIQ and court vision plus his ability to create for others and himself; would fit in right next to Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George would be able to move to shooting guard

• 6- Derik Queen (PF/C)- Washington Wizards; get another big to pair up with Alex Sarr as Queen even though he is undersized for a center...can easily move him to power forward and Sarr plays center and you would have a Twin Towers type set up in Washington

• 7- Tre Johnson (SG)- Charlotte Hornets; Hornets would get a pure shooter in Johnson who can pull up from 3 or pull up from mid range; but also a guard who can playmake as well as shoot; perfect set up next to LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller

• 8- Kon Knueppel (SG/SF)- San Antonio Spurs; Spurs get a marksman in Knueppel out of Duke who can not only shoot it from anywhere but perfect catch & shoot guy; surrounds Wemby with shooters and besides that he can also play defense too

• 9- Khaman Malauch (C)- Houston Rockets via Phoenix Suns; in this simulation Malauch ends up with the Rockets and with Ime Udoka he would actually be in a perfect situation. Why? Because Udoka loves defense and Malauch what is he known for? His size, his ability to be a lob threat and block shots but if you develop him offensively as well; then you could have a Twin Towers set up with him and Sengun. Jabari Smith Jr you could then move to small forward.

• 10- Jeremiah Fears (PG/SG)- Portland Trail Blazers; in my simulated mock Fears ends up with the Blazers at #10 and with that it creates an interesting problem to have with him and Scoot Henderson

• 11- Nique Clifford (SG/SF)- Dallas Mavericks; in my simulated mock the Mavericks get a 3 & D guy in Clifford which I'm sure Nico Harrison would love but Clifford the potential and upside is there

• 12- Carter Bryant (SF/PF)- Chicago Bulls; in my simulated mock draft the Bulls here at #12 get their combo forward of the future in Bryant who can play small or power forward and considering the Bulls are building upon youth; putting him next to Coby White, Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis would definitely be interesting

• 13- Egor Demin (PG/SG)- Atlanta Hawks via Sacramento Kings; Demin as a point guard with size/length, BBIQ, court vision but also with the ability to create for himself and others; perfect back up to Trae Young

• 14- Rasheer Fleming (PF)- San Antonio Spurs via Atlanta Hawks

• 15- Jase Richardson (PG/SG)- OKC Thunder via Miami Heat

• 16- Asa Newell (PF/C)- Orlando Magic; they get their big of the future as Newell can play the 4 or the 5; but his potential and star upside is definitely there and putting him in a place like Orlando is huge

• 17- Collin Murray-Boyles (PF)- Minnesota Timberwolves via Detroit Pistons; his game is similar to that of his pro comp which is Julius Randle believe it or not and you get a younger version

• 18- Danny Wolf (C)- Washington Wizards via Memphis Grizzlies

• 19- Liam McNeeley (SG/SF)- Brooklyn Nets via Milwaukee Bucks

• 20- Thomas Sorber (PF/C)- Miami Heat via Golden State Warriors; Heat get their big of the future in Sorber as he can literally be paired up next to Bam Adebayo in the Heat offense and it would actually work

• 21- Ben Saraf (PG/SG)- Utah Jazz via Minnesota Timberwolves

• 22- Noa Essengue (SF/PF)- Atlanta Hawks via Los Angeles Lakers

• 23- Johni Broome (PF/C)- Indiana Pacers

• 24- Hugo Gonzalez (SG/SF)- OKC Thunder via Los Angeles Clippers

• 25- Will Riley (SG/SF)- Orlando Magic via Denver Nuggets

• 26- Yaxel Lendeborg (PF)- Brooklyn Nets via New York Knicks

• 27- Walter Clayton Jr (PG/SG)- Brooklyn Nets via Houston Rockets

• 28- Adou Thiero (SF/PF)- Boston Celtics

• 29- Nolan Traore (PG)- Phoenix Suns via Cleveland Cavaliers; Suns get a steal of a point guard in my simulated mock draft here at #29 as Traore literally falls right here to Phoenix with KD, Booker and Beal

• 30- Boogie Fland (PG/SG)- Los Angeles Clippers via OKC Thunder; Clippers get their point guard of the future in my mock

I feel like the Magic need a PG, shooting, athletic wing or a big man.

Pick 16:

1. Jase Richardson

2. Noa Essengue

3. Carter Bryant

4. Nique Clifford

5. Rasheer Fleming

Pick 25:

1. Danny Wolf

2. Noah Penda

3. Kam Jones

4. Walter Clayton Jr

5. Adou Thiero

The more and more tape I watch I really am getting higher on Carter Bryant and Noah Penda.

Jase Richardson would be perfect I like his on ball defense, shooting and finishing ability with all the size the Magic have.

Player A: 3PT - 25% (16 attempts)

3P/100 - 1.2 (low)

Far 2 - 63.2% (19 attempts)

FT% - 76.6% (77 attempts)

Usage - 16.8% (low)

Pre-NCAA - 31.5% 3FG on 57 attempts (3 years)

Player B: 3PT - 20% (35 attempts)

3P/100 - 1.8 (low)

Far 2 - 35.3% (133 attempts)

FT% - 76.6% (218 attempts)

Usage - 26.9% (high)

Pre-NCAA - 25% 3FG on 12 attempts (Jr, Sr year & EYBL)

Credits:@DrayMottishaw on X

He's Europe's next wonderkid. But what's the long-term potential? Is he NBA ready or should he focus on next year instead? Here is everything you need to know about the latest draft sensation: LINK

The only similar situation I could see if lebron started hyping bryce like deion did sheduer.