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NBA rumors: Hornets engaged in trade talks amid Ace Bailey draft dilemma
The post NBA rumors: Hornets engaged in trade talks amid Ace Bailey draft dilemma appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Charlotte Hornets are engaged in trade discussions surrounding the No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, with several teams eyeing Rutgers guard Ace Bailey, according to ClutchPoints' NBA insider Brett Siegel. Advertisement League sources told Siegel that the Brooklyn Nets, Washington Wizards, and New Orleans Pelicans have shown serious interest in acquiring the pick, anticipating Bailey will be available at No. 4. Brooklyn, in particular, has five first-round selections at its disposal to facilitate a potential deal. 'The Nets, Wizards, and Pelicans are the three teams with serious interest in Bailey, and Brooklyn now has five first-round picks they can use at their disposal in trade talks,' Siegel reported. 'Charlotte's main draft targets — Knueppel, Tre Johnson, and Khaman Maluach — will be available if a trade-down scenario for Jeff Peterson and his front office.' Hornets explore trade-down scenarios as Bailey's stock slips ahead of NBA Draft John Jones-Imagn Images Bailey, an 18-year-old 6-foot-10 guard, averaged 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.3 blocks, and one steal per game in his lone season at Rutgers. He shot 46% from the field and 34.6% from three-point range across 30 games. Despite his production, his draft stock has reportedly slid due to canceled workouts and his decision not to meet with certain teams during the pre-draft process. Advertisement Speaking to reporters Wednesday ahead of the draft at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, Bailey said he has gained over 20 pounds of muscle since the end of the college season. He was listed at 210 pounds at Rutgers but weighed in at 203 pounds at the NBA Draft Combine in early May. Charlotte is reportedly considering multiple options with its pick, including trading down to target other prospects. Khaman Maluach and Kon Knueppel, both at Duke, and Texas guard Tre Johnson are viewed as potential fits should the Hornets move back in the draft order. Executive vice president of basketball operations Jeff Peterson is overseeing the Hornets' strategy as the organization continues to build around young cornerstone players. The 2025 NBA Draft begins Wednesday night at 8 p.m. ET at Barclays Center and will be televised on ABC and ESPN. The Hornets hold a key position in shaping the top of the draft, with Bailey's availability potentially triggering a major trade. Related: Knicks granted permission to interview ex-Hornets head coach Related: 2025 NBA Mock Draft 5.0: Latest intel as 76ers, Hornets control Ace Bailey's destiny
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Maxime Raynaud headlines best 2025 NBA Draft prospects remaining after 1st round
The post Maxime Raynaud headlines best 2025 NBA Draft prospects remaining after 1st round appeared first on ClutchPoints. The first round of the 2025 NBA Draft was nothing short of a whirlwind of excitement and movement up and down the board. Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper kicked things off by being the first two players selected by the Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs, respectively, but what happened inside the top 10 was madness. Advertisement Khaman Maluach, the best center prospect entering the draft, was drawing serious interest as high as the Philadelphia 76ers and Charlotte Hornets with the third and fourth picks, respectively. The Duke big man slid all the way to the 10th pick, where he ended up in a great situation with the Phoenix Suns. However, the Suns then ruined this pick by trading for Mark Williams with the Charlotte Hornets. Williams and Maluach are very similar players, which now creates uncertainty about the rookie's role. Ace Bailey ended up going fifth to the Utah Jazz, a spot nobody viewed as one of his prime destinations, the Brooklyn Nets didn't make any trades despite heavily being linked to Bailey and other potential moves, and the Portland Trail Blazers made the biggest reach of the draft by taking Hansen Yang at 16th overall. Now, all 30 teams flip the page to the second round of the draft, where several notable names stand out after falling out of the first round. Maxime Raynaud, Rasheer Fleming, and Ryan Kalkbrenner were all receiving genuine interest from teams in the 20 to 30 region of the draft, yet they did not receive the golden phone call and await to see what the future holds for them on Day 2 of the draft. Advertisement Aside from a handful of really talented players being left out on Wednesday night, the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft featured quite a few surprises. Perhaps the two picks that had everyone stunned were a direct result of the trades that happened inside the top 10. Biggest surprises from 2025 NBA Draft first round Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images One of the biggest questions everyone was asking right before the draft began was where Derik Queen would ultimately end up. Although he was considered a top-10 talent by many scouts around the league, Queen slipped to the 13th pick. In this spot, the Atlanta Hawks made a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans, who had eyes on Queen with the seventh pick. Advertisement Out of every selection, Yang going to Portland by way of Memphis with the 16th pick made everyone double take. Although he put together great performances at the NBA Draft Combine and was said to have strong pre-draft workouts, Yang is by no means better than other center prospects taken behind him. The bottom line is that if Portland wanted Yang, they didn't have to waste a borderline lottery pick on him. This selection sent shockwaves through NBA circles, as one executive texted ClutchPoints claiming this was one of the most shocking picks he's seen in recent memory. 'That is the wildest pick I've ever seen,' the source said. 'Those jobs up there are on the line.' Advertisement Portland taking the Chinese center is certainly a risky move. It will be interesting to see if it pays off for them. Another shock was seeing Kasparas Jakucionis fall to the 20th selection. The Miami Heat are getting a high-potential guard with strong passing abilities, but Jakucionis was predicted to be a lottery pick. His fall was likely attributed to Jakucionis' lack of scoring and shooting skills, something the Miami Heat will look to polish. Best prospects remaining entering second round Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images There was much discussion surrounding Maxime Raynaud throughout the pre-draft process. Although several teams, like the Boston Celtics and Atlanta, showed interest in Raynaud during the pre-draft process as a potential first-round pick, he ultimately becomes one of the top players available entering Thursday night's second round. Advertisement While he is not the best athlete, Raynaud can be a decent rim protector who will immediately make a team's second-unit offense better. It is quite shocking that so many teams passed on him in favor of other frontcourt players since the Stanford product is a modern-day center who can step out on the perimeter and knock down multiple shots per game. The Celtics, Charlotte Hornets, and Philadelphia 76ers will be prime destinations for Raynaud since they have clear frontcourt needs. Other prospects that now find themselves at the top of the draft board before the start of the second round are Adou Thiero, Noah Penda, Ryan Kalkbrenner, and Rasheer Fleming. Thiero is an intriguing wing with a 7-foot wingspan who made a name for himself at Arkansas for his tough perimeter defense. Teams are always looking for impactful defensive players, especially with Thiero's length, which is why he could wind up being a second-round steal should his 3-point shot come around. Advertisement Penda and Fleming are two forwards on the wing who were expected to be first-round picks. The French forward has the length and defensive instincts to be a plug-and-play wing right away in the NBA. If he can develop a consistent jumper, he will end up being a steal. As for Fleming, his 7-foot-5 wingspan was very intriguing to teams. As a stretch forward, Fleming knocked down nearly 40 percent of his 3-point shots this season at Saint Joseph's. Kalkbrenner was a fringe first-round pick, but it was a little surprising to see him fall into the second round given his size, shooting abilities, and defensive prowess. The Creighton product was a four-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year, and will immediately be ready to play as a second-round pick with a chip on his shoulder yet again. Aside from those outlined, here is a full list of the best remaining players available ahead of the second round based on rankings from ClutchPoints 2024 NBA Draft Big Board 5.0: Advertisement Rasheer Fleming – PF (Saint Joseph's, ranked #26) Maxime Raynaud – C (Stanford, #28) Noah Penda – SF/PF (France, #29) Ryan Kalkbrenner – C (Creighton, #31) Adou Thiero – SF/PF (Arkansas, #33) Chaz Lanier – SG (Tennessee, #34) Bogoljub Markovic – PF/C (Serbia, #35) Tyrese Proctor – PG (Duke, #36) Sion James – SG (Duke, #38) Kam Jones – PG/SG (Marquette, #39) Alex Toohey – SF (Australia, #40) Alijah Martin – SG (Florida, #41) Jamir Watkins – SG/SF (Florida State, #42) Koby Brea – SG (Kentucky, #43) Rocco Zikarsky – C (Australia, #44) Johni Broome – PF/C (Auburn, #46) Vladislav Goldin – C (Michigan, #47) Hunter Sallis – PG/SG (Wake Forest, #48) Eric Dixon – PF (Villanova, #49) John Tonje – SG/SF (Wisconsin, #50) Kobe Sanders – SG (Nevada, #51) Javon Small – PG (West Virginia, #52) Dink Pate – SG/SF (USA, #53) Amari Williams – C (Kentucky, #54) RJ Luis Jr. – SG (St. John's, #55) Lachlan Olbrich – PF/C (Australia, #56) Mark Sears – PG (Alabama, #57) Ryan Nembhard – PG (Gonzaga, #58) Brice Williams – SG/SF (Nebraska, #59) Max Shulga – PG/SG (VCU, #60) Chucky Hepburn – PG (Louisville, #61) Tamar Bates – SG (Missouri, #62) Izan Almansa – PF/C (Spain, #63) Grant Nelson – PF (Alabama, #64) Payton Sandfort – SF (Iowa, #65) Micah Peavy – SG/SF (Georgetown, #66) Viktor Lakhin – C (Clemon, #67) Caleb Love – PG (Arizona, #68) Caleb Grill – SG (Missouri, #69) Clifford Omoruyi – C (Alabama, #70) The second round of the 2025 NBA Draft will take place at 8:00 p.m. Eastern time on Thursday, June 26 in Barclays Center. Deputy NBA commissioner Mark Tatum will take over for NBA commissioner Adam Silver and announce the remaining 29 picks in this year's draft. Related: Pelicans, Hawks trade grades for 2025 NBA Draft deal Related: Elle Duncan makes hilariously embarrassing Cooper Flagg-Ace Bailey blunder before 2025 NBA Draft
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2025 NBA Mock Draft: All 29 picks in 2nd round
The post 2025 NBA Mock Draft: All 29 picks in 2nd round appeared first on ClutchPoints. With the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft a thing of the past, 29 picks remain in the second round before the league turns its attention to free agency, which will begin on June 30. Although it seemed like this would be a loaded group of talent in the second round after the draft combine, that is no longer the case since so many intriguing, high-potential players returned to college in favor of NIL money over second-round contracts. Advertisement The first night of the 2025 NBA Draft was all about Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, and Ace Bailey — three polarizing, young talents with All-Star potential. Outside of those three, the rest of the first round was a roll of the dice for a lot of teams, especially the New Orleans Pelicans and Portland Trail Blazers. After recently trading CJ McCollum for Jordan Poole, New Orleans remained active on the trade market. The Pelicans not only took Jeremiah Fears as a long-term project in their backcourt, but they also pinpointed Derik Queen as a big man they needed to get. Trading up to select Queen 13th overall cost the Pelicans the 23rd pick and an unprotected 2026 first-round selection. The Trail Blazers, who traded the 11th pick to Memphis for the 16th pick and future draft compensation, stunned everyone when they took Chinese big man Hansen Yang. Although he had performed well at the NBA Draft Combine in May, Yang was not viewed as a first-round prospect by virtually any talent evaluator. There was a lot of drama that surrounded this pick and the first round as a whole, but what is in store for the second round on Thursday night? Advertisement Key names like Maxime Raynaud, Ryan Kalkbrenner, and Rasheer Fleming remain on the draft board, and the Minnesota Timberwolves will kick things off with the 31st selection. ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel has assembled his final mock draft for the 2025 draft cycle, including projections for the second round and the remaining 29 picks, along with notes and scouting reports. Full 2025 NBA Draft 1st Round recap & grades: CLICK HERE 31. Phoenix Suns – PF Rasheer Fleming – Saint Joseph's *The Timberwolves trade #31 to Suns for #36 and two future second-round picks. Geoff Burke-Imagn Images It is quite surprising to see Rasheer Fleming on the board for the Phoenix Suns, who acquired the 31st pick from the Minnesota Timberwolves for three second-round picks. Fleming drew a lot of eyes at the NBA Combine with his 7-foot-5 wingspan and was drawing interest from teams like the Brooklyn Nets and Utah Jazz in the first round of the draft. While he can provide a team with a lot to like on defense, he is a sloppy offensive player who tends to make simple mistakes, which likely resulted in his fall. Advertisement The Suns need lengthy forwards who can contribute on defense, and Fleming's ability to knock down jumpers from the perimeter at a respectable percentage makes him a young talent that can help fill some minutes in Phoenix during their roster reshuffling process. 32. Boston Celtics – C Maxime Raynaud – Stanford There was a lot of speculation that the Boston Celtics would target Maxime Raynaud at the end of the first round, especially after trading Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks. Raynaud can stretch the floor at the center position, and he shot 34.7 percent from 3-point range this past season at Stanford. He was also the only player in the country to average at least 20 points and 10 rebounds per game. The Celtics' frontcourt is a mess right now. Xavier Tillman Sr. and Neemias Queta are the only two big men under contract, as Al Horford and Luke Kornet are entering free agency. Drafting Raynaud in this spot not only presents good value to Brad Stevens and the Celtics, but it also gives them a player similar to Porzingis who can contribute right away. 33. Charlotte Hornets – C Ryan Kalkbrenner – Creighton In the first round, the Charlotte Hornets drafted two wings: Kon Knueppel (#4) and Liam McNeeley (#29). Charlotte also traded Mark Williams, their starting center, who many remember from the trade that was rescinded by the Los Angeles Lakers before the trade deadline. Advertisement The Hornets don't have any young frontcourt talent right now, which makes Ryan Kalkbrenner a big worth grabbing with one of these two second-round picks. Kalkbrenner is a 7-foot-1 big man who shot 34.4 percent from 3-point range this year at Creighton and averaged 2.7 blocks per game. He is a four-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year. This pick makes a ton of sense, which is why the Hornets probably won't make it happen. Charlotte is also said to be shopping these second-round picks for future assets. One of these back-to-back selections will likely be moved. 34. Charlotte Hornets – SF/PF Noah Penda – France (Le Mans Sarthe – LNB) Many around the league viewed Noah Penda as a late first-round pick because of his ability to immediately provide defensive depth on the wing. The Frenchman is one of the higher IQ players available, and he could help be a stabilizer at either forward position in a similar way to Nicolas Batum, which is why the LA Clippers were viewed as a safe landing spot for him. Advertisement The Hornets don't have a lot of talent on the wing outside of Miles Bridges and Brandon Miller, which creates a path for Penda to make a name for himself. As he continues to work on his perimeter game, Penda will turn out to be one of the best second-round picks from this draft. 35. Philadelphia 76ers – PF/C Johni Broome – Auburn Brett Davis-Imagn Images Johni Broome was one of the best performers in the college ranks this season at Auburn, and he does his dirty work in the paint as a low-post scorer and efficient rebounder. His size and stature make him a player who could see minutes early in his career for a Philadelphia 76ers team that is in need of frontcourt help behind Joel Embiid. Advertisement Broome is a safe pick in the second round of the NBA Draft, as any team that takes him knows what they are getting in terms of scoring and rebounding in the paint. While he is not the most athletic big man, he can provide stability and a strong frame for Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain to run pick-and-roll sets with when he enters the game. 36. Minnesota Timberwolves – SF/PF Adou Thiero – Arkansas *The Nets traded #36 to the Suns for two future second-round picks | Suns trade #36 to Timberwolves with two future second-round picks for #31. Minnesota can take advantage in this spot after moving down by adding versatile, two-way talents on the wing. Adou Thiero has a 7-foot wingspan and stood out at Arkansas with his ability to alter shots as a help-side defender while also disrupting passing lanes. If he can figure things out as a consistent shooter on the wing, Thiero could end up being a steal in this spot. Multiple teams late in the first round held interest in Thiero. Advertisement After taking Joan Beringer with the 17th pick on Wednesday, the Timberwolves can take advantage of this position and add a versatile defensive player. The New York Knicks are one of the teams looking to move up in the second round of the draft with known interest in Thiero, league sources told ClutchPoints' Kris Pursiainen. 37. Detroit Pistons – SG Chaz Lanier – Tennessee Chaz Lanier enters the 2025 NBA Draft as one of the most NBA-ready players due to his 3-and-D presence on the wing, and he is drawing comparisons to Luguentz Dort among some scouts due to his defensive toughness. The Detroit Pistons took a big step forward this season due to their defensive toughness, which makes Lanier an excellent fit for added depth behind Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey. The Pistons have a clear path to becoming real threats in the Eastern Conference entering the 2025-26 season with others taking a step back. Lanier not only expands the Pistons' perimeter offense, but his defensive prowess creates a deeper, more efficient roster. 38. Indiana Pacers – PG/SG Kam Jones – Marquette Before the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday night, the Indiana Pacers struck a deal with the San Antonio Spurs to acquire this 38th selection at the cost of a 2030 second-round pick. Why would the Pacers do this if they didn't have a particular player in mind that they knew would be on the board? Advertisement Well, with Tyrese Haliburton being out indefinitely after an Achilles tear, it would make sense for Indiana to take a poised, efficient guard to help lead their offense in the All-Star's absence. Kam Jones was one of the best offensive players in the NCAA this past year, and he would supply Indiana with viable, reliable depth in their backcourt. Jones would make a lot of sense in this spot during the second round of the NBA Draft since he can play on or off the ball and averaged 19.2 points per game at Marquette this past year while also averaging 5.9 assists. Tyrese Proctor, Mark Sears, and Ryan Nembhard are three other point guards Indiana may consider in this spot if they address their backcourt. 39. Toronto Raptors – SG/SF Jamir Watkins – Florida State Jamir Watkins really helped himself in Chicago at the NBA Combine, displaying his shooting abilities and defensive versatility. These are two things Watkins struggled with at the 2024 NBA Draft Combine, which is why scouts are impressed with his development. With a near 7-foot wingspan, Watkins can disrupt passing lanes defensively off the ball, and he has a high IQ for cutting on offense. Advertisement The Toronto Raptors are a sneaky team in the East looking ahead to the 2025-26 season, especially if Brandon Ingram can stay healthy. Multiple teams are looking to trade up in the second round, which is why Masai Ujiri could look to add future value in this spot for teams wanting Watkins. 40. New Orleans Pelicans – PF/C Bogoljub Markovic – Serbia (KK Mega – ABA) Bogoljub Markovic is one of the more underrated 3-point shooters in this draft class because he is an international prospect. At 6-foot-11, Markovic can be a 40-percent perimeter shooting threat and thrive in pick-and-pop situations. Teams are always searching for stretch forwards that can aid as secondary rebounders, and that is exactly what Markovic brings to the table. The Pelicans added Derik Queen to their frontcourt in the first round, and they can add a stashable international prospect like Markovic in the second round. 41. Phoenix Suns – PG Tyese Proctor – Duke *Suns trade #52 and #59 to Warriors for #41. Advertisement The one thing the Phoenix Suns don't have on their roster is a true point guard since Tyus Jones is a free agent. It would be wise for Phoenix to target a player like Tyrese Proctor in this spot given his shot-creating abilities and overlooked defensive skills. Proctor was one of the best point guards in the NCAA this past year, averaging 12.4 points and 2.2 assists per game in Duke's Cooper Flagg-led offense. He is a safe pick who can shoot and create scoring opportunities for others, making him a nice fit in Phoenix next to Devin Booker and Jalen Green. 42. Sacramento Kings – SG Koby Brea – Kentucky Benny Sieu-Imagn Images There are several prospects who will be on the board for the Sacramento Kings with the 41st pick who would make sense. Alex Toohey, Sion James, and Kam Jones prospects that can provide immediate depth. However, Koby Brea is no doubt the most underrated shooter in this draft class and would fit in perfectly as a shooter off the ball next to Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis. Advertisement The Kings need some more shooting weapons and dependable second-unit guys, especially if they are to trade Malik Monk. At Kentucky, Brea shot 43.5 percent from 3-point range, and he enters the league with a chip on his shoulder because people overlook his scoring abilities. '10 toes down, I feel like I'm the best shooter in the Draft, for sure,' Brea recently told ClutchPoints' Tomer Azarly in an exclusive pre-draft interview. While he needs to become a better defender, there is no doubt that Brea would find time on the court in Sacramento as a lengthy shooter. 43. Washington Wizards – SF Alex Toohey – Australia (Sydney Kings – NBL) The Australian forward can do a little bit of everything, and he proved to be a great off-ball threat on offense in the NBL this year. Alex Toohey makes up for his lack of athleticism with his mid-range game and overall IQ by making the right passes and plays on the floor. Advertisement As the Washington Wizards continue to rebuild, they can do so with a versatile wing like Toohey in the second round. Toohey is a high-IQ wing who can guard multiple positions and provide secondary depth on the Wizards' bench. 44. Oklahoma City Thunder – SG Sion James Bob Donnan-Imagn Images Sion James has seen his second-round stock rise over the last week, as numerous teams in the 31-40 range have interest in him. If he somehow falls to the Oklahoma City Thunder with the 44th pick, they need to take him because of all the similarities in his game to Luguentz Dort. Next to Flagg, Knueppel, and Maluach, many overlooked James and the impact he made for the Blue Devils. He was Duke's veteran leader who set the tone defensively and supplied his team with consistent 3-point shooting. The rich would get richer if OKC was able to add yet another impactful 3-and-D player like James. 45. Los Angeles Lakers – C Rocco Zikarsky – Australia (Brisbane Bullets – NBL) *The Bulls trade #45 to the Lakers for #55 and cash considerations. Advertisement Rocco Zikarsky was rising on draft boards leading up to the NBA Draft due to his near-7-foot-5 wingspan. In the NBA, Zikarsky will be an avid shot blocker and a potential defensive anchor. On offense, his size and frame will be utilized in pick-and-roll sets, as he has the strength to outmuscle his opponents in the paint. The Los Angeles Lakers need a big man and trading up in the second round could signal that Zikarsky is on their radar. This would be good value for Los Angeles in the second round, as Zikarsky is still only 18 years old with plenty of room to become a defensive menace. 46. Orlando Magic – SG/SF John Tonje – Wisconsin One of the main needs for the Orlando Magic this offseason was shooting. They added Desmond Bane in a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies, and the Magic added Jase Richardson in the first round of the NBA Draft on Wednesday. Now, they can add another talented shooter: John Tonje from Wisconsin. Advertisement Tonje can be a shooting threat for this team to add on the wing. While he is an older prospect at 24 years old, Tonje is a proven scorer and is also capable of putting the ball on the floor, getting to his spot, and knocking down jumpers. 47. Milwaukee Bucks – C Vladislav Goldin – Michigan What will happen with Brook Lopez? It seems like the veteran center is moving on from the Milwaukee Bucks in free agency, leaving a glaring weakness in the frontcourt next to Giannis Antetokounmpo. That is why selecting Vladislav Goldin can be useful for the Bucks. Goldin proved to be one of the better rim protectors in the NCAA this past season and is an efficient finisher in the paint on offense. He projects to fit the mold of a player like Ivica Zubac in the NBA, which presents an opportunity for a team like the Bucks in the middle of the second round. 48. Memphis Grizzlies – SG Alijah Martin – Florida Bob Donnan-Imagn Images Alijah Martin helped lead FAU to the Final Four in 2023, and he did so again this year with Florida, ultimately winning a national championship. The 23-year-old is an accomplished guard who tends to play well above his 6-foot-2 stature and gives it his all on defense. The Memphis Grizzlies always tend to get the most out of versatile defensive prospects in the draft, which makes Martin a perfect fit on a fast-paced roster. 49. Cleveland Cavaliers – C Amari Williams – Kentucky The Cleveland Cavaliers are one of the few teams who worked out Amari Williams in the pre-draft process, and the Kentucky big man would make a lot of sense for them to add depth behind Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Williams can play well above the rim, and he is a lot more elusive than many give him credit for, as he got up and down the floor for Kentucky this season in transition. This is a sneaky-good pick for the Cavs, given Williams' 6-foot-11 size and 7-foot-6 wingspan. 50. New York Knicks – PF Eric Dixon – Villanova Eric Dixon led the NCAA in scoring this past season at 23.3 points per game. He is not the best athlete, and many are questioning his defensive fit, but Dixon has nearly a 7-foot wingspan and is a great 3-point shooter. The New York Knicks have found success with Villanova guys, and Dixon could be yet another to make an impact in Madison Square Garden as a scorer and shooter coming off the bench. 51. Los Angeles Clippers – SG Kobe Sanders – Nevada At 6-foot-7 on the wing, Kobe Sanders has teams in the back half of the second round targeting him. Sanders is a ball-handling wing who is very comfortable scoring in the mid-range area. If he can make the right adjustments and learn how to fit in as an off-ball defender, there is a lot to like about his upside for a team like the Los Angeles Clippers. 52. Golden State Warriors – PG Ryan Nembhard – Gonzaga *Warriors trade #41 to Suns for #52 and #59. James Snook-Imagn Images Ryan Nembhard, the brother of Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard, enters the 2025 NBA Draft as one of the better-facilitating point guards in the second round. What makes Ryan a special player is his low turnover rate and ability to push the tempo. He may be undersized, but Nembhard shares the same high basketball IQ trait with his brother. Advertisement The Golden State Warriors need some guard depth behind Stephen Curry, especially a sound facilitator and ball handler like Nembhard. 53. Utah Jazz – SG RJ Luis Jr. – St. John's While he was at St. John's, RJ Luis Jr. made a name for himself as a lengthy two-way wing who could score from virtually anywhere on the floor and create his own opportunities in isolation sets. His ability to switch onto multiple positions and find success doing so with a near 6-foot-11 wingspan makes Luis an intriguing option for a team like the Utah Jazz. The Jazz went with two of the better college players this past year in Ace Bailey and Walter Clayton Jr. in the first round, and Luis could join them as another collegiate standout. 54. Indiana Pacers – PF/C Lachlan Olbrich – Australia (Illawarra Hawks – NBL) Lachlan Olbrich is a 6-foot-9 Australian big man who is a strong screener and above-average passer for a frontcourt talent. He has a strong feel for the game anywhere on the court and can be a bruiser on the glass. Indiana can afford to take a chance on an international guy like Olbrich in this spot, especially in a draft-and-stash scenario, since they don't have virtually any roster spots available. 55. Chicago Bulls – PG/SG Hunter Sallis – Wake Forest The Chicago Bulls like to play fast and they look for dynamic players who are crafty in the open court with the ball in their hands. Hunter Sallis is a lengthy combo guard with defensive potential that could be a factor as a secondary ball handler for Chicago next to Josh Giddey. His ability to create scoring opportunities off the dribble would be of value to a team with some holes to fill on their bench. 56. Memphis Grizzlies – SG/SF Dink Pate – USA (G League – Mexico City Capitanes) There is still a lot that Dink Pate needs to work on as a 19-year-old on the wing if he is to have a career in the NBA. However, Pate is an explosive athlete who can be a factor when it comes to running in transition. There are definitely aspects of his game that would be intriguing to a team like the Grizzlies near the end of the NBA Draft since he can spend time working on his craft behind the scenes, much like GG Jackson when he was drafted in the second round. 57. Orlando Magic – SG/SF Micah Peavy – Georgetown Micah Peavy is a strong-framed wing known for his defensive versatility. If that doesn't say Magic draft prospect, I don't know what does. Advertisement This past year at Georgetown, Peavy went from being a 31 percent 3-point shooter to becoming a consistent threat from outside, knocking down 40 percent of his shots. The Magic will be seeking more 3-and-D play from their bench, especially on the wing after moving Kentavious Caldwell-Pope for Desmond Bane, which should set Peavy up for success. 58. Cleveland Cavaliers – SF Saliou Niang – Senegal (Aquila Trento – Lega Basket Serie A) Many people don't know about Saliou Niang, a forward from Senegal who has been playing in Italy. With a 6-foot-11 wingspan, Niang possesses the length to be an impactful defender and versatile talent down the line. If he can forge a consistent jump shot, the 21-year-old could become a reliable, athletic 3-and-D player. For some reason, a young Andrew Wiggins comes to mind as a ceiling for Niang. 59. Golden State Warriors – SG Tamar Bates – Missouri *Warriors trade #41 to Suns for #52 and #59. Advertisement After adding another second-round pick by moving down, the Warriors can target an intriguing swingman who can do a little bit of everything like Tamar Bates. At Missouri, Bates averaged 13.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 39.7 percent from 3-point range. With a 6-foot-10 wingspan and the ability to guard multiple positions, Bates can immediately slide into a utility-like role for Golden State off their bench. Related: 2025 NBA Draft: Tracking where the top undrafted free agents sign Related: HBCU basketball pioneers honored during 2025 NBA Draft
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- Fox Sports
What's Going on With Ace Bailey, Jazz? Everything we Know About NBA Draft Drama
In 1999's "Office Space," Initec employee Peter Gibbons told Joanna that he didn't "like" his job and he wasn't "going to go anymore." In the case of former Rutgers star Ace Bailey, he may just not show up to play for the Utah Jazz on Day 1. Utah selected Bailey with the No. 5 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, but it was reported on the live broadcast of the draft that the 6-foot-10 prospect didn't have the Jazz as a "preferred destination," and now there's doubt over whether he'll show up at team headquarters. Bailey also didn't conduct a workout with a single team in the draft process. Here's everything we know about the unfolding situation between Bailey and the Jazz. Who is Ace Bailey? Bailey was a five-star recruit who played one year at Rutgers. In his freshman season, the still-18-year-old Bailey averaged 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and one steal per game, while shooting 46.0/34.6/69.2. Bailey earned All-Big Ten honors. What else did the Jazz do in the draft? Outside of taking Bailey at No. 5, Utah acquired the No. 18 pick to select Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr. and selected Wisconsin guard John Tonje with the No. 53 pick. Clayton has reportedly arrived in Salt Lake City, whereas Bailey hasn't. What happened with Bailey during the draft process? Bailey was present at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine. However, he didn't have a workout with any team in the weeks leading up to the draft, with speculation that he wanted to fall to a team in the bottom part of the top-10. What's the latest on Bailey? There has been "minimal contact" between Bailey and the Jazz since he was drafted, according to an ESPN report. The team expects Bailey to be present on Monday, but it's a gray area as to whether he'll show up. Furthermore, Bailey's camp informed one team picking in the top-five that he wouldn't report if they drafted him, though, it's unknown if the Jazz were that team. New Jazz president Austin Ainge spoke glowingly of Bailey. "He's great. We were able to speak with him. He was super excited. We're super excited. We're expecting a very bright future," Ainge said of Bailey on Thursday, according to ESPN. "His scoring gets a lot of attention, [and] deservedly so. He's very skilled for his size. But watching a lot of film on him, I was impressed with his defensive effort and particularly his rebounding. Lot of weakside block shots, and his joy and energy for the game. We do a lot of background calls and work on guys, and everyone loves being around Ace." What's the next date to circle? The unofficial start of NBA free agency is Monday, June 30 at 6:00 p.m. ET, which is when teams can begin negotiating with the agents of players who were not previously under contract with them. On the team front, Utah's Salt Lake City Summer League kicks off on July 5. Should the situation remain fluid past the Summer League period, training camp is scheduled to start on Sept. 30. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience National Basketball Association Utah Jazz Ace Bailey recommended Get more from National Basketball Association Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
What experts are saying about Drake Powell draft pick
What do the experts think of Brooklyn drafting Drake Powell? Night one of the 2025 NBA Draft is officially in the books, and while the North Carolina Tar Heels didn't have a lottery pick this year, they did have a first-round pick. The Atlanta Hawks drafted freshman Drake Powell and then sent him to the Brooklyn Nets as part of a previously agreed-upon trade. Powell goes in the first round after just one season at North Carolina, and was one of five Nets' first-round picks on Wednesday night. Going into this draft, Powell was being mocked as a late first round pick or early second round pick but has now found his home with the Nets. Following the first night, multiple outlets have released their draft grades and thoughts for picks and teams. Here is what they are saying about the Powell pick. The Athletic Here is what John Hollinger had to say about the Powell pick: Powell is the best athlete left on the board but his offensive projection is a bit concerning. If he makes it is likely to be as a defense-and-energy guy. Brooklyn will hope it can fine-tune his shooting and decision-making to the point that Powell has rotation-level utility. For the Win For The Win graded every pick and here is what they had for Drake Powell. The Nets are throwing darts by selecting North Carolina freshman Drake Powell. The former McDonald's All-American wing didn't show a ton while at Arizona. He averaged just 7.4 points per game, though he will earn his living on the defensive end of the floor. This is a bet on his athleticism, especially after he led the NBA Draft Combine with a 43-inch max vertical. He also performed well with the three-quarter sprint and the shuttle run. This isn't the most exciting pick, but for a team that has so many young players coming in next season, it's a solid pick. Grade: C+ Yahoo! Sports Here is how Yahoo! Sports graded the pick: Grade: A Powell has a chiseled frame that he uses to barrel into defenders at the rim and to contain opponents when he's on defense. He's a switch-everything defender who plays with a high motor, and if his spot-up jumper translates he checks all the boxes to be a 3-and-D role player at a minimum for the Nets. But as a projected lottery pick entering college, maybe he'll tap back into the shot-creating upside that he was once recruited for. CBS Sports Here is how CBS Sports graded the pick: This is a little bit of a reach. The upside is a 3-and-D wing but the offense is not there yet. It's a major work in progress. Good athlete. Good defender with long arms. High character kid. Not NBA ready right now. The theme of this class for Brooklyn is they seem to think they can develop shooters. If these guys can develop as shooters, they'll be fine. I don't think he'll help the Nets next year. It's only because of my faith in the Nets' player development program that I'm not being more harsh. Grade: C+ Nets Daily Here is what Lucas Kaplan wrote on Powell as part of a recap of the Net's picks: Drake Powell is a major outlier in Brooklyn's draft class. He had one of the lowest usage rates in all of high-major NCAA basketball last year, but the five-star 2024 recruit posted decent shooting numbers and has awesome, athleticism-based defensive potential. Sean Marks on Nets' draft haul
