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Miami Herald
a day ago
- Sport
- Miami Herald
A look at big men who could be available for the Heat at No. 20 in the NBA Draft
With the NBA Draft less than a week away, the Miami Heat is still holding on to the 20th pick in the first round. The Miami Herald's three-part NBA Draft preview concludes with a look at the big men who are expected to be selected in the Heat's range. The big candidates include Saint Joseph's Rasheer Fleming, Creighton's Ryan Kalkbrenner, South Carolina's Collin Murray-Boyles, Georgia's Asa Newell, Stanford's Maxime Raynaud, Georgetown's Thomas Sorber, Michigan's Danny Wolf and international prospects Joan Beringer and Noa Essengue. Khaman Maluach and Derik Queen are widely considered the best big men in the 2025 draft class, and they will almost definitely be selected before it's Miami's turn to pick if it doesn't trade up. The first round of the NBA Draft is Wednesday and the second round is Thursday. The Heat currently doesn't have a pick in the second round of this year's draft, but NBA teams can buy and sell second-round selections. The Heat is permitted to trade the 20th pick before the upcoming draft because it also owns its pick in next year's draft. WHAT TO KNOW Fleming's frame is impressive, standing 6-foot-8 and 232 pounds with an incredible 7-5 wingspan. He's also athletic and can serve as a lob threat who's an above average finisher around the rim while also keeping defenses honest from three-point range. Fleming, 21, averaged 14.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 53.1% from the field and 39% on 4.5 three-point attempts per game as a junior last season. While Fleming is more of a play finisher than a play creator, his size and athleticism make him an intriguing prospect, especially in the back half of the first round. Kalkbrenner is one of the top rim protectors in this year's draft class. He comes in at 7-1 and 257 pounds with a 7-6 wingspan, averaging more than two blocks per game in four of his five college seasons to win the Big East Defensive Player of the Year award four times. Kalkbrenner averaged 19.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 2.7 blocks per game while shooting 65.3% from the field and 34.4% on 1.7 three-point attempts per game as a fifth-year senior last season. But the concern is that Kalkbrenner will struggle to defend in space and won't be able to space the floor on the offensive end in the NBA. Developing a somewhat dependable three-point shot would help Kalkbrenner at the next level. At 6-6 and 239 pounds with a 7-foot wingspan, the 20-year-old Murray-Boyles will likely be drafted in the first round because of his defensive potential as a switchable and versatile weapon on that end of the court. He averaged 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks per game as a sophomore at South Carolina last season. But Murray-Boyles' offensive game needs some work, as he made just nine of his 34 three-point attempts last season. He also doesn't project as a ball-handler or shot creator. But Murray-Boyles' defensive upside makes him a first-round prospect. Newell is a 19-year-old who measured in at 6-9 and 224 pounds and has standout athleticism. He averaged 15.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, one steal and one block per game while shooting 54.3% from this field in his lone college season last season. Defense could be Newell's biggest NBA strength, as he projects as a switchable defender at the next level. But what is Newell's position? Does he play too big to be a forward and is he too small to play as a center? Also, how concerning is it that Newell shot just 29.2% on 2.7 three-point attempts per game at Georgia last season? Newell has some questions he needs to find answers to on the court. Raynaud was born and raised in France before moving to the United State to major in mathematics at Stanford in hopes of beginning a career in astrophysics. But instead, it appears the skilled 22-year-old 7-footer will be drafted into the NBA this summer after averaging 20.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting 46.7% from the field and 34.7% on 5.5 three-point attempts per game as a senior at Stanford last season. Raynaud is a fluid ball-handler for his size, allowing him to put the ball on the floor and get to the basket. But Raynaud's outside shooting as a 7-footer is what will catch NBA teams' attention. However, foot speed is not one of Raynaud's strengths, and that has raised questions about what he will look like on defense at the next level. Sorber stands 6-9 and 263 pounds with a massive 7-6 wingspan. That combination of size, length and strength is one that will intrigue most NBA teams. Sorber, 19, averaged 14.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.5 steals and two blocks per game while shooting 53.2% from the field in 24 games as a freshman last season before a late-season foot injury required surgery. Sorber is a quality finisher around the rim, a skilled passer for his size and has the upside to be a solid defender at the NBA level. But Sorber is not a threat from three-point range, going just 6 of 37 (16.2%) from behind the arc in his lone college season. The potential is certainly there, though, for Sorber to become an NBA contributor even as a somewhat undersized center. Wolf, 21, spent the first two seasons of his college career at Yale before spending his junior season at Michigan. Ultra-skilled for his size at 6-10 and 252 pounds, Wolf averaged 13.2 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting 49.7% from the field and 33.6% on threes last season. Wolf's offensive game can help an NBA team in this five-out era, but there are questions about how he will fit into NBA defensive schemes. Wolf also ran into some turnover issues last season at Michigan that he will need to clean up. Beringer, 18, has been rising up draft boards in recent months after earning significant minutes with KK Cedevita Olimpija's senior team last season. Beringer, who grew up in France, is an athletic 6-10 and 252-pound prospect who's projected to be a rim-running big while also having the upside to become an excellent rebounder and quality rim protector. Beringer is seen as more of a project at this stage, but he has the potential to become a solid rotational big man in the NBA. Essengue is an 18-year-old French prospect who spent last season as a rotation player for Ulm in the top German league, averaging 11.1 points, five rebounds, 1.2 assists and one steal per game while shooting 51.1% from the field and 25% on 2.2 three-point attempts per game. But there are questions about which position the 6-foot-9 Essengue will play in the NBA and whether his offensive game is ready for the next level. Like Beringer, Essengue is a project who will likely need some time to develop before becoming a significant contributor in the NBA. WHAT ARE OTHERS SAYING? ESPN's latest mock draft has Murray-Boyles (15th to Oklahoma City Thunder), Newell (18th to Washington Wizards), Sorber (17th to Minnesota Timberwolves), Beringer (14th to San Antonio Spurs) and Essengue (ninth to Toronto Raptors) being selected before the Heat's pick at No. 20. The Ringer's latest mock draft has Wolf (11th to Portland Trail Blazers), Sorber (15th to Thunder) and Murray-Boyles (19th to Brooklyn Nets) being picked ahead of the Heat's selection. The Athletic's latest mock draft has Murray-Boyles (10th to Houston Rockets), Sorber (13th to Atlanta Hawks), Essengue (14th to Spurs) and Wolf (15th to Thunder) being taken before the Heat's pick.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Celtics mock draft: Looking at 4 big men prospects who could fit Boston
The Celtics trade rumors are starting to heat up ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft. There should be plenty of player movement coming in the next few weeks around the league. Teams are starting to prepare for what's predicted to be a busy offseason. On the Celtics' side, they're going to make some trades to shed salary from their payroll. On another note, they also have two picks going into the draft at No. 28 and No. 32 overall. The first round is set for June 25 while the second round will be on June 26. So, the C's have some options when it comes to who they add to their team. Advertisement MassLive already looked at four guards and four wings who the Celtics could potentially draft. Of note, the C's will have to make some decisions when it comes to their big man rotation this summer, a crucial part of next season. Now, here's a look at four big men who the Celtics could pick: Danny Wolf, Michigan 2024-25 stats: 13.2 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists in 30.5 minutes in 37 games. Shot 49.7% from the field and 33.6% on 3-pointers. Wolf, who started his collegiate career at Yale, is a tantalizing prospect. He starred at Michigan in one year where he showcased his talent. He was measured in at 6-foot-11 at the draft combine; his size and skill is what pops out immediately on his tape. Wolf took over games for stretches as his playmaking will draw parallels to Nikola Jokic. Advertisement It's unclear at what point Wolf will be taken in the draft, but he could be there for the Celtics at the end of the first. Wolf's shooting is still a question mark as he knocked in 33.6% of his 3-pointers and 59.4% on free throws. But in terms of prospects at this point in the draft, Wolf is a fun one even with some holes in his game. Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton 2024-25 stats: 19.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists in 34.4 minutes in 35 games. Shot 65.3% from the field and 34.4% on 3-pointers. Kalkbrenner is another Creighton product, much like last year's first-round pick in Baylor Scheierman. The big man has spent the past five years in Creighton, so he comes into the draft at 23. While he's old for a draft prospect, that also translates to experience as he's a four-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year from 2022-25. Advertisement It's clear Kalkbrenner is a force defensively inside the paint, averaging 2.7 blocked shots per game last season. He was also efficient on offense, plus he showed some shooting touch. While he might not have the highest ceiling, he looks the part of an NBA center, measuring in at 7-foot-1 without shoes with a 7-foot-6 wingspan. Maxime Raynaud, Stanford 2024-25 stats: 20.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists in 33.4 minutes in 35 games. Shot 46.7% from the field and 34.7% on 3-pointers. Raynaud turned some heads this past season with impressive counting numbers, plus he expanded his game from deep. Not only did he shoot 34.7% on 3s, it was on 5.5 attempts per game. Raynaud measures in at 7-foot without shoes with a 7-foot-1 wingspan, so the size is certainly there. Advertisement Raynaud, a French national, doesn't pop off as much defensively as compared to some other prospects on this list. He's not particularly young at 22, but his offensive game coupled with his efficiency are a solid sign. He spent the past four seasons at Stanford, earning first-team All-ACC honors last season. Yanic Konan Niederhauser, Penn State 2024-25 stats: 12.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 0.8 assists in 25.1 minutes in 29 games. Shot 61.1% from the field and 9.1% on 3-pointers. Niederhauser has turned some heads throughout the draft process and his measurables were certainly noteworthy. The big man came in at 6-foot-11 without shoes and a 7-foot-3 wingspan. He also featured a 37-inch max vertical leap, so he can get up there. The Swiss product played at Northern Illinois for two seasons before transferring to Penn State for a year, where he had a breakout season. Advertisement Niederhauser is still a raw prospect as he showed that throughout the past year. But he blocked 2.3 shots per game and looks physically the part of an NBA center. He turned 22 earlier this year, so not young, but still has room to grow on both ends of the court. Niederhauser also doesn't shoot much as he took 11 total 3-pointer last season. More Celtics content Read the original article on MassLive.
USA Today
01-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Should the Boston Celtics try to draft Creighton big man Ryan Kalkbrenner?
Should the Boston Celtics try to draft Creighton big man Ryan Kalkbrenner? Should the Boston Celtics try to draft Creighton big man Ryan Kalkbrenner? The Celtics will head into the 2025 NBA draft armed with the Nos. 28 and 32 picks in the first and second round respectively, and there is a chance that Kalkbrenner might be in striking range for Boston when they select. With Kristaps Porzingis probably on his way off the roster, veteran big man Al Horford currently a mystery as to whether he plans to return to play another season up in the air and backup center Luke Kornet a free agent, the Celtics may have some substantial minutes in their frontcourt to fill in the campaign ahead and beyond. But is the Creighton center the right man for the job? The hosts of the CLNS Media "How Bout Them Celtics!" podcast, Jack Simone and Sam LaFrance, took some time on a recent episode of their show to talk it over. Check it out below! 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:
Reuters
06-04-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Duke star Cooper Flagg wins Naismith Trophy
April 6 - Duke star Cooper Flagg won his second major award in two days when he received the Naismith Trophy as the national player of the year on Sunday. One day earlier, Flagg won the Wooden Award. Flagg became just the fourth freshman to win the Naismith Trophy, which is presented by the Atlanta Tipoff Club. The others are Texas' Kevin Durant (2007), Kentucky's Anthony Davis (2012) and Duke's Zion Williamson (2019). The same quartet are the only freshmen to win the Wooden Award. Flagg's latest award was announced in San Antonio, one day after the Blue Devils lost 70-67 to Houston in the Final Four. "This is an incredible honor and I am truly grateful for the recognition," Flagg said. "This whole year, this (NCAA) tournament, has gone by so fast. It's been a blur and an incredible year. I have to give a lot of credit to my teammates, Coach (Jon) Scheyer, the rest of the staff and everyone who had me ready to go every single night. They believed in me and let me be me out there on the court." Flagg emerged as the favorite for the award over the second half of the season. He averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 37 games. The other finalists were Auburn's Johni Broome, Florida's Walter Clayton Jr. and Purdue's Braden Smith. Among Flagg's other accolades are being named Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year as well as being a consensus first-team All-American. Flagg is expected to be the No. 1 choice in the NBA draft if he chooses to enter his name. Rick Pitino was named the Werner Ladder Coach of the Year award after leading St. John's to a 31-5 record in his second season at the school. The 31 wins matched the school mark reached twice in the mid-1980s. The Red Storm received a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament before exiting in the second round with a loss to Arkansas. The first-round victory over Omaha was the school's first NCAA tourney win since 2000. "I'm truly honored to be the recipient of the Werner Ladder Naismith Coach of the Year award, especially with the incredible coaching of the other finalists this past season," the 72-year-old Pitino said. "I want to thank my players and coaches for making this possible after a historic season for St. John's Basketball. I am also grateful to the Atlanta Tipoff Club and the Naismith Awards selection committee for this prestigious honor." The other finalists were Auburn's Bruce Pearl, Houston's Kelvin Sampson and Scheyer. Creighton center Ryan Kalkbrenner won Naismith Defensive Player of the Year honors. The senior blocked 93 shots this season while winning Big East Defensive Player of the Year honors for the fourth straight season. Kalkbrenner also averaged 19.2 points and 8.7 rebounds and shot 65.3 percent from the field this season. "It is a huge honor to be named Naismith Defensive Player of the Year and I am most appreciative to my teammates, coaches and the Atlanta Tipoff Club for recognizing our success," Kalkbrenner said. Houston's Joseph Tugler and two Tennessee players -- Jahmai Mashack and Zakai Zeigler -- were the other finalists.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kalkbrenner named NABC Defensive Player of the Year
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) – After a phenomenal season helping lead the Bluejays to the second round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, Ryan Kalkbrenner has been named the National Association of Basketball Coaches Defensive Player of the Year. The 7'1' center led the Big East conference in blocked shots per game (2.7), rebounds per game (8.7), and field goal percentage (.653) while ranking third with 19.2 points per game. The two-time All Big East first team honoree ranks second nationally in field goals made, 3rd in blocked shots, and 19th in points. Kalkbrenner is one of 10 finalists for the Naismith trophy and one of five finalists for the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award given to the nation's best center. In his five years at Creighton, the Missouri native ranked second in Creighton history in blocked shots with 399, points with 2,443, rebounds with 1,146, and field goal percentage at .658. Kalkbrenner played 169 games in the blue and white. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
