Latest news with #2025Draft
New York Times
11 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Times
2025 NBA Draft: Knicks have the 50th pick. Who could they select?
As we await the blue-and-orange smoke to reveal itself above Madison Square Garden, signaling the New York Knicks have hired a new head coach, let's quickly turn our attention to the 2025 NBA Draft. New York has the 50th pick Wednesday, which isn't sexy. But the franchise has come a long way from the days of draft night being the most exciting viewing experience of the season. Nothing wrong with a little give and take. Advertisement Given the Knicks' financial situation, landing a veteran college player who could contribute on the floor immediately with their lone selection would be a home run. It also might behoove New York to get someone it can draft-and-stash for a later date. Both options make sense for this iteration of the Knicks. With less than a week until the annual event, here are five names New York could potentially land at pick No. 50. From January 1 until the end of the regular season, the Knicks ranked 20th in 3-point percentage. You can never have too much shooting. *Enter Brea* The 22-year-old is probably the best 3-point shooter in the draft. Well, not probably. Brea is the best 3-point shooter in the draft. He spent his first four college seasons playing at Dayton, where, as a senior, he knocked down a berserk 49.8 percent of his 3s (on 6.1 attempts per game). In his final college season with Kentucky, Brea made 43.5 percent of his 3s (5.9 attempts per game). Brea has good footwork, which should allow him to be a good movement shooter at the next level. He's got long arms and a quick release. Brea also is a smart player in the half court and can catch you by surprise with some of his passes. The reason Brea will go late in the draft is likely due to his age, lack of athleticism and defensive struggles. However, if the Knicks can get someone who can come in, eat up seven to 10 minutes per game, make open shots and get paid like a second-round pick, that would be very beneficial to their roster construction. "HE HAS BEEN A FLAMETHROWER FOR KENTUCKY!" 🔥 Koby Brea is up to 21 PTS after his third triple 📈#MarchMadness @KentuckyMBB — NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 23, 2025 Splitting his time between three different colleges, Peavy showed to be a quick-twitch athlete at the college level who should be physically ready for the NBA on Day 1. He's a big, strong physical wing who makes his presence felt when in transition and going downhill. He's also an active and smart cutter. Defensively, Peavy can guard multiple positions and, while he tends to be aggressive, he does have good timing and instincts. Advertisement As it pertains to Peavy as a shooter, I have good and bad news. The good news is that he improved from 3-point distance every year. Peavy rarely even attempted 3s during his first four collegiate seasons, and he also rarely ever made the ones he did take. In his final season, Peavy knocked down 40 percent of his 4.1 attempts per game. He has shown great growth in that area of his game. The bad news is that he never shot better than 66 percent from the free-throw line in college, leaving some scouts I talked to with questions on if his touch as a shooter will translate to the NBA. Peavy has flaws, which is why he'll likely go somewhere in the range that the Knicks are selecting. However, his physical tools, defensive chops and potential improvements as a shooter are worth looking into. Unlike Brea and Peavy, Pate would be a bit more of a project. He's a big guard who isn't built like most 19-year-old players and already has professional experience. The thing that sticks out most to me when watching Pate is the blend of craftiness and explosion he can put on display when attacking the rim. When he gets a full head of steam, with his size, it's tough for defenders to stay in front of him. On top of that, he can stop on a dime. He can pull off up-and-unders in traffic. There's some good stuff there. Pate's offensive game really pops in transition. He loves to get out and run. He had some fierce finishes at the rim during the G League season. The shooting, though, has a long way to go. Pate's release is a bit funky. His feet aren't ever square to the basket, and it's almost like he's turning his body 90 degrees before releasing the ball. Teams will need to really work with him there. Overall, though, Pate is young, athletic and has some skill to him. He certainly could be worth a flyer for a team that is already filled with veteran pieces. Dink Pate gets the first bucket of the 2025 #NBADraftCombine! @CapitanesCDMX — NBA G League (@nbagleague) May 14, 2025 Watkins, a CAA client, is tough. He likes to defend. He isn't afraid of contact. He likes to get out in transition. Watkins has a 6-foot-11 wingspan and isn't afraid to use it on either side of the floor. I don't think Watkins does anything great, but he does a lot of stuff well. A few scouts I talked to call him a well-rounded second-round prospect who they view as a safe pick around the area New York is selecting. Watkins is a solid rebounder for his size. He's not a bad passer either. He does take tough shots sometimes and averaged way too many 3s last season (5.2) for someone who has been a below-average 3-point shooter throughout college. There's a reason he's slotted to go somewhere between Nos. 40 to 55. Advertisement It wouldn't surprise me if Watkins ended up in a team's rotation as a rookie. Again, he plays tough and has good size. He can make plays with the ball or without it. Watkins just needs to work on his shot selection and work really hard to develop his shooting, both stationary and off the dribble. If Sanders' 3-point shooting popped a bit more, I think he would be going much earlier than where he is projected to get drafted. He's a smooth, big guard who played point guard throughout his college career. Sanders has good footwork, and he's patient and crafty in the pick-and-roll. Sanders reminds me a bit of Kyle Anderson, or a very, very poor man's version of Cade Cunningham. Sanders' offensive game is very deliberate, predicated on footwork, and he uses his big frame. The biggest knock on Sanders, who started his college career at Cal Poly, is his lack of athleticism. He won't blow past anyone off the dribble. He won't win a foot race in transition. He also may have issues staying in front of quicker players at the next level. Yet, all of those things were said about Anderson when he came into the NBA, and 11 years later, he's still going. I'm a fan of Sanders. (Writer's note: I'm a sucker for big, slow guards whose success relies on fundamentals and footwork.) I'm not saying Sanders is for sure going to be an impactful NBA player. I'm just saying I tend to believe in players with a high IQ and good fundamentals figuring out how to stick around more than I do athletic players with a low IQ. Sanders lands in the former group. (Photo of Dink Pate of G League Ignite: Cooper Neill / NBAE via Getty Images)
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Atlanta Hawks' perfect outcome for No. 13 pick in 2025 NBA Draft
The post Atlanta Hawks' perfect outcome for No. 13 pick in 2025 NBA Draft appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Atlanta Hawks have a roster hovering between playoff contention and full-scale rebuild. As such, the 2025 NBA Draft presents an opportunity to solidify their direction. Holding the No. 13 pick, Atlanta has a chance to add a young, impactful talent. Whoever that turns out to be can either complement star guard Trae Young or help usher in a new era if the franchise ultimately chooses to pivot. The stakes are high, of course. With the right choice, the Hawks can take a major step forward. Another Year of Uncertainty The Hawks finished the 2024-25 season 40-42, once again stuck in the middle. They were too good to tank but not good enough to contend. Trae Young trade rumors, which began back in 2023, still linger as questions persist about his long-term fit as the franchise centerpiece. Meanwhile, Atlanta's direction remains unclear. Youthful talents like Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, and Zaccharie Risacher offer promise. However, deadline moves to acquire veterans and cap flexibility hint at a short-term approach. As the 2025 offseason begins, the Hawks must decide: build around Young or pivot to a full youth movement. Either way, the No. 13 pick will play a pivotal role. Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Here we will discuss the perfect outcome for the Atlanta Hawks as they choose a rookie with the No. 13 pick in 2025 NBA Draft. The Ideal Target Few prospects fit Atlanta's needs at No. 13 better than Michigan State's Jase Richardson. The 6'4 combo guard blends skill, versatility, and two-way upside that align perfectly with the Hawks' roster. Advertisement After a strong freshman year (12.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.3 threes per game), Richardson surprised scouts by declaring early. Still, his polished all-around game justifies the move. He's comfortable playing both on and off the ball, showing poise, IQ, and adaptability well beyond his years. In today's NBA, Richardson's ability to both run an offense in spurts and complement primary scorers like Young makes him highly valuable. That's whether as a partner or potential replacement if the franchise pivots. A Seamless Fit Richardson fits Atlanta's plans no matter the direction. If they stick with Young, Richardson offers a low-usage, unselfish guard who spaces the floor and steadies the backcourt. If the Hawks lean into youth, he pairs perfectly with Daniels to form a switchable, defense-first perimeter duo. They can certainly disrupt opposing offenses. Richardson's ability to contribute without dominating the ball allows him to slot seamlessly into any lineup. He can start or come off the bench. Atlanta needs glue guys who raise the floor — and Richardson does just that. What Scouts Are Saying Richardson isn't flawless, though. Some scouts question his burst and whether he can consistently beat defenders or lead an NBA offense full-time. His playmaking instincts and first-step explosiveness remain areas for growth. Advertisement Yet, Atlanta minimizes those concerns. With established creators like Young, Johnson, and Daniels around him, Richardson can thrive. He can become a secondary playmaker and off-ball defender. The Hawks don't need him to be a lead guard right away — or ever. This would allow him to focus on his strengths while developing his weaknesses at his own pace. A Strategic Draft Philosophy Drafting Richardson would reflect a smart, flexible approach. The Hawks need players who fit both a short-term push and a long-term rebuild. For sure, Richardson offers both. His versatility allows the front office to keep its options open, matching the 'dual-track' approach many modern teams use to remain competitive while developing young talent. Whether Atlanta competes now or transitions later, Richardson provides value across both timelines. Can't Afford to Miss at No. 13 This draft pick is crucial. After years stuck in the NBA's middle class, Atlanta needs clarity and impact. Richardson offers both: a versatile guard who stabilizes the roster today and grows into a larger role tomorrow. Brett Davis-Imagn Images In a loaded Eastern Conference, another year of mediocrity is dangerous. Smart drafting can finally push the Hawks out of that cycle. Richardson's high floor, defensive mindset, and growth potential make him a safe yet meaningful swing at No. 13. The Perfect Puzzle Piece As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, Atlanta's front office faces a pivotal decision. The Hawks have been drifting in a state of flux, but adding Jase Richardson could finally give them a player capable of bridging their present and future. Advertisement Richardson may not project as a future All-NBA centerpiece, but that's not what Atlanta needs right now. They need stability, versatility, and players who enhance multiple lineup configurations. They need individuals who fit alongside both their current core and any future reimagining of the roster. They need, quite simply, the right puzzle piece. At No. 13, Jase Richardson might be exactly that. Related: Hawks hire Pelicans, 76ers execs to work with new GM
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Which players make sense for the Boston Celtics to take in the 2025 NBA draft?
Which players make sense for the Boston Celtics to take with their Nos. 28 and 32 picks in the 2025 NBA draft? Given the rumors we have been hearing about Boston potentially trading away Jrue Holiday this offseason, does it make more sense to aim for adding some talent to the team's backcourt rotation? Or with the rumbles that vet big man Kristaps Porzingis might be on the move as well, should the Celtics try to add a new center to the roster? They may actually be able to both given they have picks in the first and second round, but they could also look to combine them to move up in the draft as well. Advertisement Cohost of the CLNS Media "Garden Report" podcast, Bobby Manning, linked up with "Swish Theory" draft analyst Matt Powers to talk it all over. Take a look at the clip embedded below to hear what they had to say about who Boston may want to draft! If you enjoy this pod, check out the "How Bout Them Celtics," "First to the Floor," and the many other New England sports podcasts available on the CLNS Media network: This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Which players make sense for the Celtics to take in the 2025 NBA draft?
New York Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Pelicans' trade gives them many options heading into 2025 NBA Draft
Joe Dumars did not let luck box him and the New Orleans Pelicans in as the 2025 NBA Draft approaches. Last month, the Pelicans fell to seventh in the draft order after having the fifth-best odds before the lottery. On Tuesday, Dumars, in his first transaction in charge of the Pelicans, created more options for himself. Advertisement Despite still playing in the NBA Finals, the Indiana Pacers completed a trade with the Pelicans on Tuesday that sent the 23rd pick in next week's draft, and the draft rights to Mojave King, to New Orleans in exchange for the Pacers' 2026 first-round pick, which the Pelicans previously acquired in the trade that sent Brandon Ingram to the Toronto Raptors last February. The last time the Pelicans chose two players in the first round was in 2019, the offseason that marked the beginning of David Griffin's tenure as the lead executive in New Orleans. Then, the Pelicans picked Zion Williamson first and acquired Nickeil Alexander-Walker, the 17th pick, in a draft-night deal. In his first summer in charge, Dumars will have a similar opportunity to put his early imprint on the organization by building out the foundation of the roster with young pieces of his choosing. Or, he can go in a different direction. The flexibility is the key. Having a second first-rounder allows Dumars to explore a few options. It also locks in the 23rd pick in a solid draft this year instead of waiting to see where the Pacers fall next year. Given the uncertainty around them, the Pacers will likely head into next year as one of the Eastern Conference's favorites. The obvious and easiest way forward is to use both picks to add depth to a roster that needs help in the backcourt and up front. Maybe the fear of taking a younger player who may need more time to develop, such as Oklahoma's Jeremiah Fears, isn't as intimidating when you can stack that pick with a more experienced backcourt player such as Colorado State's Nique Clifford or Florida's Walter Clayton Jr. Likewise, maybe the thought of drafting Duke center Khaman Maluach seems less risky when more obvious plug-and-play options, such as Clayton or Michigan's Danny Wolf, are available later in the first round. Advertisement As of now, it seems the Pelicans are more likely to select a player who is expected to be on the board in that range, but having that added cushion always makes it easier for the front office to take the player it genuinely likes rather than the one it feels obligated to select because of fit. As difficult as it could be in practice, adding another pick also gives the Pelicans another piece in case they want to move up in the draft. Rutgers forward Ace Bailey or Baylor guard VJ Edgecombe would be the likely targets. While a move up to No. 2 for Rutgers point guard Dylan Harper would be the exact addition this team needs, most reports indicate that the Spurs have been very reluctant to include the second pick in any trade talks they've had in recent weeks. Even if San Antonio were to entertain the thought of trading the pick, I doubt they'd want to turn that asset into even more draft picks. The Spurs are looking to add young, All-Star talent around Victor Wembanyama. Recent reports have stated they have been . That leaves the other two obvious trade-up spots: Philadelphia at No. 3 and Charlotte at No. 4. Based on its current needs, Charlotte seems more likely to stay where it is rather than move back. Both Bailey and Edgecombe would fit the Hornets' patient build. The Sixers are in a more complicated position. With Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey still on the roster, Philly clearly would prefer to make moves this summer that can help it win immediately. Do the Sixers have the patience to wait for Bailey to grow up and improve his shot selection? Does Edgecombe have enough in his offensive game to be a threat in his rookie season when he's on the court with Embiid and Maxey? Or is he a guy who defenses will ignore until his jump shot is a bit more reliable? The Sixers could take a long-term view and decide that building a foundation that will endure after Embiid is gone is a better strategy, but that doesn't align with the moves Sixers lead executive Daryl Morey has made his entire career. When he has opportunities like this, Morey has always looked to add another big star. Would it be easier for him to package the Pelicans' two picks along with other assets to chase a big name, or is the third pick a more valuable commodity? In particular, Bailey's stock clouds that situation. ESPN reported on Tuesday that Bailey has declined draft workouts with teams in his likely landing spots, implying that he is more interested in playing for a team that could feature him more prominently sooner. Why trade up to No. 3 when some believe Bailey might drop to seventh because of the issues he's had in the pre-draft process? I'd say that's a stretch, but trading up with Philadelphia would require a level of aggression that the Pelicans shouldn't entertain at this time. Then there are the two names that so many people have speculated about in recent weeks: What if Philly says a move up to No. 3 would cost New Orleans either Trey Murphy or Herb Jones? That very much seems like a request Morey would make, and it's one New Orleans should turn down immediately. Murphy and Jones' names have frequently appeared in the rumor mill over the past few months, but every indication I've received is that it would take an overwhelming offer for New Orleans to move either player. Even if you love Bailey's potential, is it worth the risk when Murphy and Jones have both shown how valuable they are to this organization? Considering how tumultuous things have been around the Pelicans all summer — including some not-so-flattering remarks from Dejounte Murray in an interview with 'The Pivot' on Tuesday about his first year in New Orleans — the thought of moving on from Murphy or Jones would only enrage the fan base even more. I'd expect New Orleans to evaluate the possibility of moving up, but it'll be difficult for it to find a move that makes sense. Then, there's the version of this that's not as sexy, which includes the Pelicans selecting someone at No. 7 and using the 23rd pick to move down in this draft and/or bring in future assets. Some talented prospects will be available in the 20-25 range of this year's draft, and the Pelicans could use this as a way to build up their asset base. Advertisement The Brooklyn Nets, who have the 19th, 26th, 27th and 36th picks in the draft, are a team to watch. Would Brooklyn give up two of those later picks to move up to 23 if it likes someone in that range? Could the Pelicans convince Oklahoma City to give up a future asset or two to move up a spot? Either way, the Pelicans find themselves in a much better position going into next week's draft. Suddenly, Dumars is in a position to make some important moves during his first summer in charge. The question is, will he eventually swing for the fences, or will he keep making the smart, under-the-radar moves like he did with Tuesday's trade? (Photo of Ace Bailey: Michael Reavers / Getty)
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Hornets Projected to Trade Up in Latest 2025 NBA Mock Draft
Hornets Projected to Trade Up in Latest 2025 NBA Mock Draft originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Charlotte Hornets will be looking for every advantage in the 2025 NBA Draft. After finishing with the third-worst record in the league, they snagged the fourth-overall pick but are projected to move up into the top three. According to the latest mock draft from The Athletic's Sam Vecenie, the Hornets will trade No. 4 and No. 32 picks to Philadelphia 76ers for No. 3 and Andre Drummond. For context, here's his entire summary. Advertisement "No deal is close, and I'm sure the Sixers will continue to field offers until they get exactly what they want," Vecenie wrote. "But the most logical move is to trade down. At No. 3, the Sixers are atop a talent tier led by Edgecombe, Tre Johnson, Kon Knueppel and Ace Bailey. Some evaluators around the league would also throw Khaman Maluach and Jeremiah Fears into this group, and others would place prospects like Edgecombe and Bailey ahead and into their own mini-tier. For the Sixers, none of these prospects makes perfect sense. "With a couple of early second-round picks and salary flexibility to help the Sixers, the Hornets have the assets to jump one spot. Edgecombe makes the most sense with Charlotte's team built in between LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller in the backcourt. He's tough and competitive, cares about winning and has been highly impressive in the pre-draft process. "The Hornets need a better defensive infrastructure surrounding their franchise centerpieces, and Edgecombe is a terrific defensive player with elite athleticism. He'd be a running mate in transition for Ball early in his career while taking on the toughest perimeter defensive assignments. He also has a lot of potential offensively because of his special athleticism, mixed with his ability to hit catch-and-shoot jumpers. But he needs to continue working on his ball skills, particularly with his left hand and the tightness of his handle. Still, he averaged 15 points, nearly six rebounds and three assists as a freshman and has a long track record of knocking down shots off the catch. Related: Hornets Can't Rely on LaMelo Ball's Inconsistency Next Season "If the Hornets think he's the guy, paying one of your two second-round selections while taking on Drummond's $5 million this year is worth trading up. The Sixers get financial flexibility by taking the Drummond deal off their books and would have an additional asset at the top of the second round. Maybe they could move into the latter portion of the first round? Sell it for future picks? They'd have options." Advertisement Related: Former Charlotte Hornets star Alonzo Mourning says routine check-ups saved his life—twice Vecenie believes the 76ers will take Rutgers' Ace Bailey, who is projected to the Hornets in several other mocks. Charlotte will keep the No. 34 overall pick and take Ben Saraf from Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany). The 6-foot-6, 200-pound guard with size and intelligence to be a high-level backup or rotation starter in the NBA. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
