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2025 NBA Draft best players available for Round 2: Maxime Raynaud, Tyrese Proctor, Johni Broome still on the board

2025 NBA Draft best players available for Round 2: Maxime Raynaud, Tyrese Proctor, Johni Broome still on the board

Yahoo27-06-2025
The first round of the 2025 NBA Draft has wrapped with Cooper Flagg going No. 1 to the Dallas Mavericks as expected, two of his Duke teammates also selected in the lottery, and the Brooklyn Nets making a league-record five first-round picks.
That leaves Thursday's second and final round with plenty of prospects still available. Here's a look at some of the top names remaining from our Big Board.
Raynaud has leveled up every year at Stanford, turning into a player who pops 3s, slashes to the rim with a smooth handle and makes eye-popping passes. As a talented passer who also offers solid defense, there's little reason to think the Frenchman won't carve out an NBA role.
Stanford forward Maxime Raynaud could be among the top players taken in the second round. (Photo by John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
(Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Marković is a modern stretch forward who also offers skill as a passer and post scorer. But to handle the rigors of the NBA and become a positive defender, he needs to add a ton of muscle.
Thiero is a slasher with a jacked frame and an explosive first step, but he has severe limitations on offense as a shooter. If he's able to figure out the shot then his length and versatility would make him a classic 3-and-D role player.
Kalkbrenner is a throwback 7-footer who owns the paint, swatting shots with his giant wingspan and dunking everything in sight. It's a bit strange he isn't a better rebounder. But as a super senior, he's also developed some sneaky passing and shooting skills that hint at higher upside.
Penda plays with a veteran's mind and a winning mentality, offering connective playmaking, switchable defense and high-level feel. He'll need to improve his jumper to stick long term, but his unselfish game and defensive utility give him a strong foundation.
Watkins is a versatile player who can run the show, slash to the paint and switch across positions on defense. But the development of his jumper is stuck in quicksand, which raises questions about his ability to excel in a less prominent on-ball role.
Fleming is a hustler who drains spot-up jumpers and brings energy on defense, swatting shots and snagging boards. But he has some real warts as a ball-handler with a lack of experience against high-level competition, so teams will have to feel real confident his role-player skill set will translate.
Lanier transferred to Tennessee after four years at North Florida and immediately thrived as a knockdown shooter with shot-making creativity. But without great size or playmaking at his age, he's a second-round prospect.
Martin is a hyper-athletic, high-energy guard who plays bigger than his size and impacts the game with his toughness, rebounding and defensive grit. But his positional tweener status, streaky shooting and limited creation ability complicate his path to carve out a specialized role.
Sallis is a poised, efficient scorer with body control, defensive tenacity and the passing feel to hint at more upside. If the jumper proves real, he could play a much larger offensive role than his current projection.
Small is an undersized guard who plays bigger than his body, thanks to his excellent athleticism and gritty nature. He's a knockdown shooter off the catch and a solid lead guard, though his lack of size puts a natural cap on his upside.
Brea projects as a shooting specialist who has a clear path to becoming a rotation player because of his highly sought after skill. But in order to avoid being a weak link on defense, he'll need to make improvements to his athleticism.
Tonje will enter the NBA at age 24 with some readymade skills as an off-ball movement scorer and shooter. But his athletic ceiling and defense will determine if he's more than just a backup.
Jones offers crafty combo guard skills with advanced shot creation and a blossoming playmaking feel. But his so-so athleticism and streaky shooting paint him as just a cog rather than the rare star upperclassmen set to enter the league.
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MARCH 29: Tyrese Proctor #5 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the second half in the East Regional Elite Eight round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Prudential Center on March 29, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by)
(Patrick Smith via Getty Images)
Proctor is a tall combo guard with great passing vision who was expected to go one-and-done but has taken until his junior year to look ready for the NBA. At this point, he's sharpened his jumper and become an even better defender.
Dixon is a burly forward who brings a toughness and physicality to the game. As Villanova's all-time leading scorer, he showed versatile scoring skills, but in the NBA his lack of athleticism will put a limit on the type of usage he can receive.
Broome is a super senior who brings a ready-made game as an interior finisher with a passing feel and tone-setting defense. But his shaky jumper hasn't progressed as much as NBA teams would hope.
James is a versatile defender who sets a tone with his hustle, and after years of laying bricks he's worked hard to become a dead-eye, spot-up shooter. He brings much more than shooting as a crafty playmaker who keeps the ball moving. But without the handle of a primary creator, it's critical he sustains his newfound success as a shooter.
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Nembhard is an excellent floor general who excels in pick-and-roll situations and made great progress as a scorer during his senior year. But with his small stature, the younger brother of Andrew Nembhard has natural limitations that put a cap on his upside.
Micah Peavy, G/F, Georgetown
Peavy is a switchable wing stopper with NBA-ready defense, instincts and passing feel. If his improved jumper proves real, he's a rotation-level player for a decade.
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Revamped US Open mixed doubles divides opinion
Revamped US Open mixed doubles divides opinion

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time24 minutes ago

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Revamped US Open mixed doubles divides opinion

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But others think it devalues a Grand Slam title and robs doubles specialists of a chance to earn the big prize money. "It's a glorified exhibition in my eyes," said British doubles star Jamie Murray. What is the new US Open mixed doubles format? 'Outbursts are like honking a car horn' - inside Medvedev's mind Raducanu and Draper face each other in US Open doubles More eyeballs and entertainment - the argument for change When the US Open announced it was "reimagining" mixed doubles, the rationale was to "elevate" the event and create "greater focus" on the sport. Interest certainly grew when the first set of star names were announced. Five-time Grand Slam singles champion Carlos Alcaraz teaming up with Britain's Emma Raducanu captured the most attention, while Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, Iga Swiatek and Venus Williams bring further glamour. "For the excitement levels and for getting the fans to pack the stadium, it is a cool idea to have that star power come out," American doubles legend Mike Bryan told BBC Sport. "Fans want to see Djokovic, Alcaraz and Sinner even if they are brushing their teeth." The 16 entrants comprise of eight teams based on their joint rankings, with the other eight given wildcards by US Open organisers. Twenty-one of the 32 players are ranked in the top 20 in the world in singles. Matches will be played on Arthur Ashe Stadium and Louis Armstrong Stadium - the two largest show courts at Flushing Meadows. American television audiences will also be able to watch on primetime on ESPN, who last year signed a £1.5bn deal for exclusive US Open rights up to 2037. "I think it's cool for the promotion of the game - and I understand the economics of it," added Bryan, who won four of his 22 Grand Slam doubles titles in the mixed. "There are always going to be people upset - and winners and losers - but in the end I think fans will be pleased with the product." USTA chief executive Lew Sherr's assertion that "the players are behind" the revamp is certainly true of the top singles stars. Djokovic understands why there are divided opinions but says he is "excited" to compete in what he thinks will be a "very entertaining" event. Britain's Jack Draper, who will team up with American Jessica Pegula, says the format will act as useful preparation for the singles, while Swiatek believes it will be a competitive test. There is, however, a glaring lack of specialist doubles pairings. Only Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, who won last year's title and both objected publicly to the change, have been given a wildcard. "I think they should have had a couple more spots for the doubles guys," Bryan added. Lost opportunities and devaluing a Slam - the argument against The eagerness of the leading stars to get involved should not come as a surprise. As well as the shortened format and convenient scheduling, there is also a lucrative prize pot - something that has been particularly galling for the doubles specialists who are missing out. This year's winning pair will earn $1m (£740,000) - five times more than Errani and Vavassori took home last year. "It's frustrating. That money is going to players who are making an absolute boatload anyway," Murray, who has won three US Open mixed titles, told BBC Sport. Appearance fees - which a source told BBC Sport are upwards of $50,000 (£37,000) each - have also been dished out to the stars as sweeteners. Singles prize money also makes up about 75% of the US Open's record $90m (£66m) purse. "They aren't playing because it's an opportunity to win a Grand Slam, they're playing because they're getting a truckload of cash and potentially a pretty cool event," Murray added. Losing a chance for a Grand Slam title is a key source of consternation for the doubles players. When Murray won his third consecutive US Open mixed title with Bethanie Mattek-Sands in 2019, the pair celebrated by drinking champagne out of their trophy at JFK Airport. Many doubles players, including Murray, believe the star-studded event could complement the traditional mixed - but not replace it. "I'm sure it will be an entertaining exhibition - but that's what it will be. I don't see it as winning a Grand Slam," Britain's Joe Salisbury, who reached the Wimbledon mixed doubles final with Brazil's Luisa Stefani last month, told BBC Sport. Another gripe is the lack of consultation. 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All the majors are increasingly aware of the need to maximise earning opportunities in the week before the main draws, whether it is through qualifying, exhibitions or fan events. Hantuchova suggests the new-look mixed doubles could be introduced at some joint ATP-WTA events. "I think it would be a great initiative in Indian Wells, Miami or Madrid," she said. "We have seen the fans are already talking about the US Open and I think it is a great opportunity for the women's players. "I think it is great we are finding more and more ways to combine men's and women's tennis." Live scores, results and order of play Get tennis news sent straight to your phone

US Open mixed doubles order of play: Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu start time
US Open mixed doubles order of play: Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu start time

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US Open mixed doubles order of play: Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu start time

The new-look US Open mixed doubles event starts on Tuesday, with Carlos Alcaraz set to feature alongside Emma Raducanu amongst a star-studded list of pairs. New for 2025, the mixed doubles in New York will be staged on the two biggest courts – Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong – over Tuesday 19 August and Wednesday 20 August. As well as five-time Grand Slam winner Alcaraz and 2021 US Open champion Raducanu, a host of other top names are competing alongside one another for the $1m champion prize - an increase of $800,000 from 2024. The top-seeded pair features British No 1 Jack Draper alongside Jessica Pegula – they face Alcaraz and Raducanu in the round-of-16. Novak Djokovic is also playing with Serbian compatriot Olga Danilovic, while Jannik Sinner is due to play with Katerina Siniakova, less than a day after his final with Alcaraz at the Cincinnati Open. Here's all the key info ahead of the mixed doubles at the US Open: What is the order of play on Tuesday? ARTHUR ASHE STADIUM - 4pm BST start (11am local) Naomi Osaka/Gael Monfils vs Caty McNally/Lorenzo MusettiIga Swiatek/Casper Ruud (3) vs Madison Keys/Frances TiafoeJessica Pegula/Jack Draper (1) vs Emma Raducanu/Carlos Alcaraz Olga Danilovic/Novak Djokovic vs Mirra Andreeva/Daniil Medvedev R2: TBC R2: TBC LOUIS ARMSTRONG STADIUM - 4pm BST start (11am local) Sara Errani/Andrea Vavassori vs Elena Rybakina/Taylor Fritz (2) Venus Williams/Reilly Opelka vs Karolina Muchova/Andrey RublevTaylor Townsend/Ben Shelton vs Amanda Anisimova/Holger Rune (4) Katerina Siniakova/Jannik Sinner vs Belinda Bencic/Alexander Zverev R2: TBC R2 TBC When is the US Open mixed doubles event? The mixed doubles event takes place on Tuesday 19 August and Wednesday 20 August on the two biggest show courts at Flushing Meadows, Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong. Matches start at 11am local time, that's 4pm BST. Alcaraz and Raducanu's match against Draper and Pegula is scheduled third on Arthur Ashe on Tuesday, around 2pm local time - 7pm BST. What is the format? Sixteen pairs will compete in the event, resulting in four rounds of competition. The scoring system, until the final, will be best-of-three sets played to four games with sudden death deuce and a tie-break at 4-4, with a 10-point tiebreak instead of the third set if necessary. The final will be the same, but with normal six-game sets instead. How can I watch it? Viewers in the UK can watch the mixed doubles at the US Open live on Sky Sports Tennis. The event is being streamed on ESPN in the United States. What is the draw? The full 16-team field was decided by the top-8 singles rankings combined, and eight wildcard picks. The draw is as follows: Jessica Pegula/Jack Draper (1) vs Emma Raducanu/Carlos Alcaraz Olga Danilovic/Novak Djokovic vs Mirra Andreeva/Daniil Medvedev Iga Swiatek/Casper Ruud (3) vs Madison Keys/Frances Tiafoe Naomi Osaka/Gael Monfils vs Caty McNally/Lorenzo Musetti Katerina Siniakova/Jannik Sinner vs Belinda Bencic/Alexander Zverev Taylor Townsend/Ben Shelton vs Amanda Anisimova/Holger Rune (4) Venus Williams/Reilly Opelka vs Karolina Muchova/Andrey Rublev Sara Errani/Andrea Vavassori vs Elena Rybakina/Taylor Fritz (2) What is the prize money per team? Winners - $1m Runner-up - $400,000 Semi-finals – $200,000 Quarter-finals - $100,000 Round-of-16 - $20,000 TOTAL: $2.36m

Giannis Antetokounmpo's Former Teammate Says He Never Played With A Superstar Like James Harden
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Giannis Antetokounmpo's Former Teammate Says He Never Played With A Superstar Like James Harden

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