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Following Potential 2025 Draftees

I do think I have underestimated McNeeley's potential. He's better than I have given him credit for.

Better at what?

Even against awful college defenses, he has to work extremely hard to score inside the perimeter. Ultra tough floaters, half blind layups while falling out of bounds. That kind of thing. Plus he can't defend his theoretical NBA position (SG). Just not enough athleticism, length or footspeed.

He doesn't belong in the first round, but he has a layer of Flagg Teammate Fairy Dust™ on him, so I expect him to go somewhere after 15.
 
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Does Fears have good size?

Seems average/small for me.

I think he'll probably come out a half inch or an inch taller than Steph Curry, just based on the eye test. His physical profile is that of someone you'd generally hope becomes a very good shot maker. Like, if he can come into the league and make shots as well as Tyrese Maxey (someone you can maybe compare him to), then he becomes really interesting, even if he isn't your lead guard.

People who believe in Fears point to his age when giving him the benefit of the doubt.
 
I kind of get the concerns on Kasparas now that the season has gone on. Dont feel super confident about him like I did early on.

I don't mind the turnovers, and I think the shooting will be there. I also believe in his passing instincts and creative playmaking, especially in an NBA setting. The question is, can he break the paint and can he create buckets for himself at an NBA level? It's probably a question about his athleticism and fluidity for the next level.
 
Carter Bryant may not last until the Twolves pick, but I'd be on board with him if he does. Bryant and Fleming both make a lot of sense for the Jazz.


View: https://x.com/League_Him/status/1889327416885084273

Both players have the skeletons of being able to develop into great role players, and potentially more. I think they both end up lottery, but I could see Bryant returning if he cools off and doesnt manage to show-out in March.

A lot of this class being strong depends on guys I like as sleepers returning. Haugh/Bryant/Evans are all lottery talent potential players I could see going back to school.
 
I would like him to hit prime Kawhi level, but I'm not sure I'm there yet. Has had a very impressive season, but still thinking Jimmy Butler+ is more likely.

Would not rule him out of hitting Kawhi level though.
I think, because he was really good in college too, people forget just how much Kawhi improved in the pros. He made a much bigger jump than people projected for him, so for anyone at all to reach the Kawhi level, is unlikely.

That being said, Flagg is sooooo young that the dude MUST have a lot of headroom to improve and he is a hard worker on doing just that, so he may be the rarity where one could expect a Kawhi level improvement going forward.

Regarding the whole white guy thing- it's funny people mention statistical expectations, but Europe has shown us it's all about the coaching/expectations that these tall guys get when they're younger. As more fathers and coaches insist that these 6'6"+ guys be trained to handle the ball and pass, and get training to maximize their fast twitch muscles to their highest potential, you're going to see more and more US white guys in the upper echelons- you probably would already see more if there weren't so many legacy NBA kids coming up through the ranks like Harper.

Its interesting watching the ASG activities and how much of it revolved around US urban culture, whether that will change as the NBA becomes more international and racially blended...
 
I think, because he was really good in college too, people forget just how much Kawhi improved in the pros. He made a much bigger jump than people projected for him, so for anyone at all to reach the Kawhi level, is unlikely.

That being said, Flagg is sooooo young that the dude MUST have a lot of headroom to improve and he is a hard worker on doing just that, so he may be the rarity where one could expect a Kawhi level improvement going forward.

Regarding the whole white guy thing- it's funny people mention statistical expectations, but Europe has shown us it's all about the coaching/expectations that these tall guys get when they're younger. As more fathers and coaches insist that these 6'6"+ guys be trained to handle the ball and pass, and get training to maximize their fast twitch muscles to their highest potential, you're going to see more and more US white guys in the upper echelons- you probably would already see more if there weren't so many legacy NBA kids coming up through the ranks like Harper.

Its interesting watching the ASG activities and how much of it revolved around US urban culture, whether that will change as the NBA becomes more international and racially blended...
Yeah, it's a culture thing. Elite white athletes in America just generally don't play basketball as their main sport. Maybe that changes with Flagg and more Europeans becoming NBA stars.
 
Yeah, it's a culture thing. Elite white athletes in America just generally don't play basketball as their main sport. Maybe that changes with Flagg and more Europeans becoming NBA stars.
Lots of Dad's living their dreams via their boy's AAU teams. Lots of them can afford the coaching or private schools to maximize their potential.

Still a lot of the bigger white guys will end up in the football funnel, with bigger teams it's the easier path. But I think the average kid enjoys playing basketball more than football, unless you just really love hitting people, and given an AAU avenue, will more likely pursue the NBA, especially as you edge up into the 6'6"+ range where leverage and weight issues start getting more difficult to maintain competitiveness in football.
 
Lots of Dad's living their dreams via their boy's AAU teams. Lots of them can afford the coaching or private schools to maximize their potential.

Still a lot of the bigger white guys will end up in the football funnel, with bigger teams it's the easier path. But I think the average kid enjoys playing basketball more than football, unless you just really love hitting people, and given an AAU avenue, will more likely pursue the NBA, especially as you edge up into the 6'6"+ range where leverage and weight issues start getting more difficult to maintain competitiveness in football.
Football and baseball, or any number of white dominated/money driven sports like golf/tennis/soccer (in teh USA at least).

IDK, being from the south, the top white athlete was always football or baseball first.
 
This draft has really come down to 1 big thing for me...DEFENSE...The Jazz need to get a defensive identity. I would love Flagg, who wouldn't, but outside of him I like Harper but he is not a "GREAT" defender or Bailey. They have potential. I really like Edgecombe if the Jazz do not get a top 4. His athletism is unreal.

I think Collier has defensive potential and seems to actually try.
George is as soft as they come.
Sensabaugh just doesn't have the mind to understand.
I liked the potential of Hendricks but with his injury, it will be interesting to see what happens.
Williams has some defensive potential but a popsicle stick is not going to guard anyone.
 
Football and baseball, or any number of white dominated/money driven sports like golf/tennis/soccer (in teh USA at least).

IDK, being from the south, the top white athlete was always football or baseball first.
Yeah, but again I'm focusing on the 6'6" and above dudes here, if you're a naturally athletic dude at that size, you SHOULD be funneled into basketball. Financially and potential career length are much more rewarding for basketball vs football. Even when you're good in football, the wear and tear will grind you up and spit you out pretty quick. Baseball, again, not many dudes at that size since it doesn't particularly confer an advantage except maybe for pitchers.
 
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