2025 NBA Draft: 5 easiest evaluations -- besides Cooper Flagg
These five players were the easiest to evaluate, and to envision how they impact winning basketball in the NBA.
Last week, I wrote about the five players that were the trickiest evaluations in this draft cycle. Today, I’m writing about the five players that were the easiest to evaluate, and to envision them being very good NBA players — although to varying degrees.
Obviously, to make this exercise more interesting, I excluded Cooper Flagg. The likely number one pick is going to be awesome in the league, as he has real “top five player in the league” upside. His processing speed on both sides of the floor is high-level. The shooting keeps getting better, he’s one of the best playmakers in this draft, he can create mayhem defensively, and his motor doesn’t have an off switch. He’s an intense two-way forward that’s a culture-setter and will impact winning basketball at the highest level. Do not bet against Cooper Flagg.
Anyways, these five players are scattered among my board in the top-35. They will be very good NBA players.
Khaman Maluach
Khaman Maluach has such a bankable and scalable skillset. Given his size and frame, he’s a perfect play-finisher that can function in various two-man actions. He crushes the offensive glass, a valuable skill that’s become ultra-critical in the pursuit of winning the possessions game. Defensively, he could block more shots, but he’s an unbelievable deterrent that’s not exactly a stiff on the perimeter. There could even be more to his game if he expands his range. The shooting question aside, Maluach is just an easy bet to achieve top-10 value with this class as a guy that produces at a starter-quality big man for over a decade.
Jase Richardson
Jase Richardson’s stock took a hit with his measurements. However, is no one watching the playoffs? TJ McConnell has had moments in the Finals. Cason Wallace is thriving as an undersized two-guard. Mike Conley is still a critical player even as a smaller guard in his late 30s. Miles McBride is a steady, smaller off-guard that thrives with his defense. Richardson can follow that trajectory because he’s remarkably efficient. He shot 45% on catch-and-shoot 3’s (40.9% overall) and 68.8% at the rim (63.8% in the halfcourt). The passing numbers don’t pop off, but he’s a quick decision-maker with flexible gear-shifting and impeccable spatial awareness. Worth noting, he also had a 3.1 assist-to-turnover ratio with the Columbus Explorers as an off-guard with 118 assists across 31 games (3.8 per game), per Synergy Sports. Do not underestimate Jase Richardson’s NBA potential. He’s very good and has feel in spades.
Thomas Sorber
Sorber became a late riser for me, as he’s going to finish 10th on my final board. It’s so easy to see him hit — as long as his foot completely heals. He doesn’t provide a ton of floor spacing, but he does so many things well. He can be a Delay big that can make plays off handoffs and cuts. He’s a big body that can be a short-roll playmaker or finisher. He also feasts on the offensive glass. Defensively, he’s more of a drop big at the moment, but it’s not out of the realm of possibilities for him to be more scheme versatile. He’s a stocks machine (3.5 per game, 7.6% block rate, 2.7% steal rate) due to his impeccable 7’6” wingspan at 6’10”. He may not have the flashy upside, but given his tools and age, it’s quite easy to see him have a profound impact on winning basketball.
Nique Clifford
Nique Clifford can step in right away and impact winning basketball. He’s a strong wing that plays with a ton of physicality. He’s an elite rebounder for his position, averaging 9.4 per game. He can make sound decisions with the ball — while he won’t function as a high-usage ball-handler, he can leverage his decision-making off closeout attacks against tilted defenses. His defense should shine brighter with fewer on-ball responsibilities. He’s going to be a great role player, and — aside from potentially Cooper Flagg — will likely be the first player in this class to have a big playoff moment.
Koby Brea
It’s easy to chalk up Brea as a specialist with serious flaws. Yes, the defense is spotty. However, Brea is one of the best shooting prospects to come out into the draft in the past decade. Among players 6’6” or taller since 2008, there have been 91 instances where a player has shot at least 42% from three on 12 three’s attempted per 100 possessions — Brea is the only player to do it three times in his collegiate career. He’s not just a catch-and-shoot specialist, but a shooter capable of letting it fly in any capacity.
His game scaled up at Kentucky with his efficiency. He’s not a primary or secondary playmaker, but his 3.0 assist-to-turnover illustrates good feel. Guys like Sam Hauser and Duncan Robinson — 6’7” forwards that are elite three-point shooters — played key roles on teams that went deep into the playoffs and Finals. Brea has the opportunity to ride a similar trajectory and carve out a lengthy NBA career.
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