Tag: 2025 NBA Draft

ESPN provides optimistic NBA draft outlook for Duke freshman Khaman Maluach

ESPN basketball writers Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo wrote about top 2025 draft prospects on Friday, including some optimism on Khaman Maluach.

Duke basketball brought in top-ranked freshman [autotag]Cooper Flagg[/autotag] this offseason, the presumed No. 1 pick in next summer’s NBA draft, but he isn’t the only key prospect on the Blue Devils roster this year.

Head coach [autotag]Jon Scheyer[/autotag] landed commitments from three other five-star prospects, including South Sudanese 7-footer [autotag]Khaman Maluach[/autotag]. The NBA Academy Africa product represented his country at the 2024 Olympic Games, and at 17 years old, he was the youngest player in the competition.

ESPN basketball writers Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo released a Friday article elaborating on the most important college players to watch in 2024-25, and Woo sounded pretty bullish on Maluach’s chances to establish himself this fall and spring.

Woo pointed out that, while Maluach played pretty limited minutes in Paris, the incoming Blue Devil held his own against NBA MVPs and champions during a one-point exhibition loss to Team USA in July.

“Maluach’s above-average speed gives him a chance to be a high-impact player on defense,” Woo wrote. “He needs to work on positioning, awareness and patience as he habitually leaves his feet early to contest shots. But he has more tools than most players his age and size, pointing to his immense potential on that end.”

https://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/1834589737526411658

The optimism is a welcome change from recent trends around Maluach’s draft stock. When the rim protector first committed to the Blue Devils back in March, he was considered a slam-dunk top-five pick in the 2025 draft thanks to his tape and defensive ceiling. However, some uneven performances at exhibitions like the Nike Hoop Summit made fans question his learning curve for Division I basketball.

Combine that with the emergence of [autotag]Kon Knueppel[/autotag], another five-star Duke signee and the darling of offseason workouts, and plenty of sites don’t even list Maluach as the second-best prospect on the Blue Devils anymore.

Even if Maluach looks more like his floor than his ceiling in November, he should be one of the best defenders in the country from the opening bell. He’ll be a shoo-in to average at least 1.5 blocks per game, and fans just need some patience if he looks rough around the edges before conference play.

Too-early 2025 NBA mock draft has San Antonio Spurs taking large guard in lottery

Currently projected to take two picks in the ’25 draft’s lottery, B/R has the Spurs going for another guard.

It might be far too early for you, fan of the San Antonio Spurs, to be thinking about what that ball club will do when it comes time to make selections in the distant 2025 NBA draft. But despite the fact that it is literally most of a year before that big day rolls around for the Spurs’ front office to contend with, there is an entire mini-industry built around projecting those picks.

And among the best in the game of doing so is Bleacher Report NBA draft expert Jonathan Wasserman, who has a pair of prospects already pegged for San Antonio in next summer’s draft. Currently projected to take two picks in the ’25 draft’s lottery, for the better of the two selections owed them by the Atlanta Hawks, Wasserman has the Spurs going for another combo guard.

That guard prospect, University of Illinois floor general Kasparas Jakucionis, has been turning heads of late. “Jakucionis’ stock is pointing up after a 37-point game against France and potential top-five pick Nolan Traore in the U18 European Championships,” writes Wasserman.

“He averaged 19.4 points and 5.3 assists for the tournament, showcasing his signature change of speed, pull-up for three-level scoring and creativity around the basket,” adds the B/R draft expert.

“At 6-foot-6, 200 pounds, Jakucionis is going to operate on and off the ball at Illinois, serving as a textbook combo with excellent size, enough ball-handling and IQ to play-make and dangerous shot making skill.”

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San Antonio Spurs projected to take stretch combo big in 2025 NBA draft lottery

The San Antonio Spurs are projected to control two lottery picks at the end of the 2024-25 NBA season.

The San Antonio Spurs are projected to control two lottery picks at the end of the 2024-25 NBA season. And there are already plenty of folks out there in the world of draft projections who have some ideas about how the Spurs’ front office ought to be using those picks.

As odd as it might feel to be worrying about the 2025 NBA draft just a few months after the 2024 version of the event, there are experts making a living doing this stuff year-long. Among the better-known and higher-regarded of them is Bleacher Report draft expert Jonathan Wasserman, who has a prospect in mind for San Antonio at No. 11 overall, the latter of those two picks mentioned above.

That prospect would be big man Asa Newell, currently suiting up for the University of Georgia in his freshman season. “At 6-foot-11 with a live motor, … Newell should deliver immediate activity around the rim, easy baskets and putbacks to Georgia,” writes Wasserman. “He covers a lot of ground and loves to crash the glass and sprint the floor in transition.”

“But his developing 3-point stroke and post skill is what will help push him up draft boards in 2025,” adds the B/R draft analyst. “Newell shot over 41.5# from 3 during 21 Montverde games logged by Synergy Sports.”

“There should be plenty of NBA interest in an athletic 19-year-old energy big who can stretch the floor this early in his career.”

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Boston Celtics projected to take bouncy, rim-protecting big man in too-early 2025 mock NBA draft

While it’s far too early for most of us to think of next year’s draft, for the experts, there’s no better time than the present.

While it is far too early for most of us to be thinking about the 2025 NBA draft, that is exactly what experts on the league’s annual event to replenish aging rosters with younger prospects have been up to of late. And such is the case for Bleacher Report NBA draft analyst Jonathan Wasserman.

Wasserman has put together a way-too-early (at least, for most of us anyway) mock draft for next summer’s big day. And he has a prospect in mind for the Boston Celtics to take with what is currently (and understandably, given their title defense) projected to be the 30th and final pick of the first round. If that prospect’s last name sounds familiar, it is because he is the younger brother of Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin, JT Toppin.

“Toppin doesn’t have the most modernized skill set, but NBA teams may deem his production worth buying, particularly if he builds on his 3-point shooting flashes,” suggests Wasserman,

“Toppin had some encouraging moments at the NBA combine, both around the basket and behind the arc,” adds the B/R draft expert.

“His potential to bring hustle buckets, rebounds, efficiency, defensive playmaking and possible floor spacing should eventually draw solid NBA interest.”

A 6-foot-9 swingman who hit 34.4% of his treys last season on low volume who put up 12.4 points, 9.1 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 1.9 blocks per game, the New Mexico alum would be an excellent prospect for Boston to consider should he still be on the board when the Celtics pick.

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Bam Adebayo leads USA Basketball to quarterfinals of Olympics with win over South Sudan

Led by a balanced scoring attack, USA Basketball stamped its ticket to the quarterfinals of the Olympics with a victory over South Sudan.

Led by a balanced scoring attack, USA Basketball stamped its ticket to the quarterfinals of the 2024 Olympic Games with a victory over South Sudan on Wednesday in Lille, France.

Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo produced a team-high 18 points and seven rebounds, Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant scored 14 points and Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards had 13 points in the 103-86 victory to improve to 2-0 and stay atop Group C.

After beating South Sudan by one point in an exhibition game on July 20, the United States was in control for the entirety of the contest, leading by as many as 22 points. The team, which shot 52.9% from the field, scored 26 points off 19 turnovers and held a 66-14 advantage in bench points.

With Adebayo, Durant and Edwards leading the way, the U.S. also got strong contributions from Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James scored (12 points), Suns guard Devin Booker (10 points, six assists) and Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (10 points).

Nuni Omot paced South Sudan with a game-high 24 points, while Carlik Jones scored 18 points and Bul Kuol added 16 points. The team dropped to 1-1 with one game left to play in the group phase on Saturday against Serbia. The winner will advance to the quarterfinals.

After clinching Group C, the Americans will wrap up the preliminary round on Saturday against Puerto Rico, who is 0-2. They open as 31.5-point favorites in that contest.

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Carlik Jones, Marial Shayok lead South Sudan to historic Olympic victory

South Sudan overcame a first-half deficit to complete a historic 90-79 win over Puerto Rico on Sunday to open the 2024 Olympic Games.

Led by veteran Carlik Jones, South Sudan overcame a first-half deficit to complete a historic 90-79 win over Puerto Rico in Group C on Sunday to open the 2024 Olympic Games in Lille, France.

Jones produced 19 points, seven rebounds and six assists, Marial Shayok had 15 points and Nuni Omot added 12 points and six rebounds to lead South Sudan to its first-ever victory in the Olympics. Peter Jok had 11 points, while Wenyen Gabriel and JT Thor both had six points.

Puerto Rico, who was led by José Alvarado, was up by nine points in the first quarter and carried a six-point advantage to halftime. South Sudan responded by outscoring its opponent 42-25 in the second half to take control of the game. Alvarado finished with a game-high 26 points.

South Sudan, whose president is former 15-year NBA veteran Luol Deng, claimed its first Olympic berth last year by finishing as the top African team in the FIBA Basketball World Cup, its first international tournament after becoming a sovereign state from Sudan in July 2011.

The team also made history when Khaman Maluach became the third-youngest player in the event at 16 years old. Maluach, now 17, made South Sudan’s 12-man roster for the Olympics and has been with the team throughout its training camp. He had two points on Sunday.

After defeating Puerto Rico, South Sudan will return to action on Wednesday against the United States (3 p.m. EDT). The contest is a rematch of an exhibition game on July 20, in which the U.S. defeated South Sudan 101-100 in London.

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OKC Thunder adds pair of players in early 2025 NBA mock draft

OKC Thunder adds pair of players in early 2025 NBA mock draft.

Roughly a month after the 2024 NBA draft concluded, experts have already turned their focus to the next cycle.

Next year’s draft class is centered around Duke’s Cooper Flagg. He’s seen as a blue-chip prospect that teams will likely tank for next season.

Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman conducted an early 2025 NBA mock draft on July 18. The Oklahoma City Thunder took a pair of first-round players from the class. They will accompany Nikola Topic as 2025-26 OKC rookies.

The Thunder gained the No. 10 pick via the LA Clippers, who they own swap rights. They added Georgia forward Asa Newell. The 18-year-old is viewed as a lottery prospect.

“At 6’11” with a live motor, Asa Newell should deliver immediate activity around the rim, easy baskets and putbacks to Georgia. He covers a lot of ground and loves to crash the glass and sprint the floor in transition.

But his developing three-point stroke and post skill is what will help push him up draft boards in 2025.”

The Thunder’s second selection comes at the No. 25 spot via the Philadelphia 76ers. OKC owns a top-six protected pick by the Sixers. They added Duke forward Isaiah Evans.

“Evans, who’s 175 pounds, will have to be very efficient with his shot selection and shooting to give Duke consistent minutes and production. But scouts may ultimately be willing to look past any inconsistency for a wing with Evans’ caliber of perimeter scoring versatility.”

Despite being championship contenders, expect premium draft capital to head toward the Thunder for the foreseeable future. They own significant assets from other teams for the rest of the 2020s.

This could help them either boost their depth with cheap, young talent or have valuable trade currency in case OKC wants to add veteran players.

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Duke commit Khaman Maluach named to South Sudan’s 12-man roster for Olympics

Duke commit Khaman Maluach was among the players named to South Sudan’s 12-man roster for the 2024 Olympic Games.

Duke commit Khaman Maluach was among the players named to South Sudan’s 12-man roster for the 2024 Olympic Games, which begin on Friday in Paris, France.

Maluach last year became the third-youngest player to suit up in the FIBA Basketball World Cup with the team. He totaled eight points, 15 rebounds and three blocks in four games to help South Sudan claim its first Olympic berth.

The 17-year-old has been with the team in training camp since earning a place on its preliminary roster in June. He will be joined on the final roster by several notable players, including Wenyen Gabriel, Peter Jok, Carlik Jones, Marial Shayok and JT Thor.

South Sudan, whose president and assistant coach is former 15-year NBA veteran Luol Deng, finished 2-2 in its exhibition schedule, including a one-point loss to the United States on July 20. Maluach recorded seven points and three rebounds in that contest.

The 7-footer is considered a potential top-five pick in the 2025 NBA draft as an international prospect born in 2006. He is highly touted for his size and versatility as a player who can shoot and defend, with his reported 7-foot, 4 1/2-inch wingspan and 9-foot, 8-inch standing reach.

South Sudan will open the Olympics in Group C against Puerto Rico on Sunday. The team will then face the U.S. on July 31 before wrapping up the group phase against Serbia on Aug. 3.

The group has the ninth-best odds of claiming the gold medal.

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San Antonio Spurs projected to take Texan guard in way-too-early 2025 NBA mock draft

San Antonio is seen as likely to pick with the ninth overall pick of the next draft; is this guard the selection?

The San Antonio Spurs have been projected to take Texan guard in a way-too-early 2025 NBA mock draft recently put out by Bleacher Report draft expert Jonathan Wasserman. San Antonio is seen as likely to pick with the ninth overall pick of the next draft via the selection of the Atlanta Hawks they currently control, and to net University of Texas shooting guard Tre Johnson with that pick.

Wasserman explains that the Spurs “could target one of the most proven freshman shot makers” currently playing at the NCAA level next season in Johnson, noting his jump-shot is a lethal one all over the court.

The Longhorns wing “is a threat from NBA range pulling up, stepping back or falling away” per the B/R draft expert.

“Eyes will be on his physical, playmaking and defensive development, as Johnson’s impact can be too dependent on hitting tough shots,” he adds.

“He should be expecting starter’s minutes at Texas, particularly after Dillon Mitchell left for Cincinnati.”

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Could the San Antonio Spurs draft a European guard in the 2025 NBA draft?

This could be the Spurs’ point guard of the future.

Could the San Antonio Spurs end up drafting a European guard in the coming 2025 NBA draft? If you look at a recent way-too-early 2025 NBA mock draft by Bleacher Report draft expert Jonathan Wasserman, it very well could go down should the Spurs’ front office echo the selection made for the Spurs in that mock with what is currently being projected to be the No. 11 overall selection in 2025.

That wing, Lithuanian combo guard Kasparas Jakucionis, “has continued to stand out during youth tournaments overseas” according to the B/R draft expert. “He’s become a serious prospect with 6-foot-6 size, plenty of creativity, passing and confident, pull-up shot making.”

“Even with Illinois adding Kylan Boswell, Jakucionis should have a good opportunity to make plays as the shiftier guard off the dribble,” he adds.

“The … Spurs signed Chris Paul this offseason, presumably to help expedite the development of Victor Wembanyama and the team’s young cornerstones,” observes Wasserman.

“But the Spurs could finally add their long-term point guard in the 2025 draft.”

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