Somebody tell me what's wrong with Nique Clifford, because he strikes me as pretty much plug-and-play:
Very intriguing. Could be a Jalen Williams-like player out the gate. He's one of my faves at our spot.
He's 'old' for the draft & doesn't have elite physical traits. He's the ultimate glue guy though. Maybe a better Josh Hart? Much better prospect than Knecht was last year
Just for fun Chat GPT High-Motor, Long, and Athletic Sleepers 1. Joseph Tugler (Houston, PF/C) Vitals: 6’7”, 223 lbs, 7’6” wingspan Draft Range: Late 1st to mid-2nd round Profile: Tugler is a defensive powerhouse with elite mobility. He showcased his versatility by blocking 8 shots in a single game against Alabama. His ability to guard multiple positions and recover quickly makes him a valuable asset. 2. Rasheer Fleming (Saint Joseph’s, PF) Vitals: 6’9”, 232 lbs, 7’5” wingspan Draft Range: Early 2nd round to undrafted Profile: Fleming is a late bloomer known for his relentless energy and defensive prowess. He averaged 13.4 points, 9.1 rebounds, and nearly 2 blocks per game, demonstrating his impact on both ends of the floor. 3. JT Toppin (Texas Tech, PF) Vitals: 6’9”, 220 lbs, 7’0” wingspan Draft Range: Mid to late 1st round Profile: Toppin is a high-energy forward who excels in rebounding and defense. He averaged 18.2 points and 9.4 rebounds per game, showcasing his ability to contribute offensively while maintaining a strong defensive presence. 4. KJ Lewis (Arizona, SG) Vitals: 6’4”, 205 lbs Draft Range: Late 1st to early 2nd round Profile: Lewis is a tenacious defender with quick lateral movement and a knack for disrupting plays. Offensively, he’s an explosive finisher and is developing his shooting range, making him a promising two-way player. 5. Noah Penda (France, SF) Vitals: 6’6”, 215 lbs Draft Range: Late 1st to early 2nd round Profile: Penda is a versatile forward known for his defensive capabilities and high basketball IQ. While his shooting is still developing, his ability to guard multiple positions and contribute across the board makes him an intriguing prospect. These players exemplify the qualities of high motor, length, and athleticism, making them potential steals in the 2025 NBA Draft. If you’re interested in more detailed scouting reports or highlights for any of these prospects, feel free to ask!
Say we don’t move up would you consider moving back two slots to complete our deal with Chicago thus freeing up our ability to make future trades?
So, Chicago would trade us our future 1st round pick in order to move up 2 spots? I am not sure there is much of a difference between the two picks to incentivize them.
I like him more than I liked Chandler Hutchison, but I have some of the same worries with Clifford. Has developed a lot and looks best when he's creating out of pick and roll and getting to his pull-up or post fade from mid range but I'm not sure he's talented enough to be used that way in the NBA. So just not sure how good he looks in a scaled down role. Slow process as a shooter off to the catch. Fun passer but fairly turnover prone. Doesn't drive to get to rim mostly unless it's a big closing to him. Ball kinda slows him down and he'd rather pull up or turn his back to the defense. Also don't like the he wasnt any good until he was almost 22 years old, much like Hutch. Nique's more skilled with the ball in the half court though, better shooter and wasn't reliant on transition or driving to rim and getting fouled.
Great insights. Thanks for sharing. I think I like the 'idea' of Clifford better than him as a prospect. I think a Josh Hart type player is attainable for him. Do you have thoughts on: * Essengue * Thiero * Will Riley
I've posted about Noa so just search those but definitely a fan. He's got some issues defensively with his positioning and he's a bit of a gambler but intrigued but the size, fluidity, age and production. Shot has really come on too. Totally cool with him if we don't move up. I've liked Theiro since he was freshman and he's one of the best drivers and overall athletes in the class but his decision making, fouling on D and shooting keeps him as a late first guy for me. He's ahead of Fleming for me fwiw. Riley is rhe guy of the three I've keyed in on the least, mainly because I thought he may return but if he keeps his name in I'll take a deeper look. He's got some interesting scoring and passing instincts at his size but the defense and frame at his age (old freshman) worry me.
I tend to agree, younger prospects with the same skill set as an older prospect are much more desirable. But then every once in a while a Camara comes along.........
Definitely some exceptions. Glad we got one of them. Clifford posted a -2.7 OBPM as a 21 year old. He's gotten way better but every data point matters and that's historically bad for a draft prospect at that age. By comparison, Toumani had a 1.2 OBPM and a higher usage rate.
Potentially add Yaxel Lendeborg to that list, too, as he is supposed to have a 7'3" wingspan. Some of the complaints of Flemming, Yaxel also doesn't have. For example, he can handle the ball, he can pass, and he showed up against tougher competition. Older player, though, and hasn't declared for the draft yet, so there's that. Funny enough, he already plays for the Blazers.....the UAB Blazers. Personally, I do think Portland can score big wins, in this draft, if they trade down the #10 for Atlanta's #13 and #22. All the while, they trade Simons to Orlando for #16 and maybe #25. Then, Grant can apparently fetch a pick in the 20s. That's 4-5 first rounders potentially and that's enough to get a few of those guys on your list and Yaxel (if he declares). Maybe one of them hits? Can also get Neoklis Avdalas.....which could be a potential steal now, if you can guarantee him before he declares for college (and if he does well, in college). Hard to tell what his potential is. Could be the next Deni or could be Hezonja. Worth a gamble, if Portland can secure picks.
I'm tempted, but he's short. Hence, will probably fall to us. Do we draft him? edit: sbnation has us taking him at 11.
