Latest news with #Marković
New York Times
44 minutes ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Bucks hoped Bogoljub Marković would fall to them at No. 47: ‘Crossing our fingers'
MILWAUKEE — As the Milwaukee Bucks' front office attempted to improve their position in the 2025 NBA Draft's second round while watching names come off the board, they hoped one name in particular would not get called. 'He was a player we definitely had ranked higher,' Bucks assistant general manager Milt Newton said Thursday night. 'Did not think he was going to be there. We were surprised when he was, so we were really ecstatic about that. Advertisement 'As the round went on, we actually were crossing our fingers, but also trying to see if we could move up, just in case, just to give ourselves a better opportunity to select him. … We tried, but at the end of the day, we got him where we drafted, so we're pretty excited about that.' In the end, the Bucks were able to instruct the NBA to announce the player's name. With the No. 47 pick, the Bucks selected Bogoljub Marković, a 19-year-old forward from Serbia. Marković, or Bogi as he prefers to be called, spent the last season in the Adriatic League with Serbian basketball power Mega Basket, where he won the league's Top Prospect award by averaging 13.9 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. The moment Bogi got the call. — Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) June 27, 2025 'A player that really has nice size, athletic, can shoot the ball,' Newton said. 'Really good basketball IQ, good feel for the game.' Newton told reporters that the Bucks' international scouts have been looking at Marković for at least four years in the lead-up to the draft. He reminded reporters that Marković actually worked out in Milwaukee last summer before withdrawing his name from the 2024 NBA Draft and returning to Serbia for another season. While draft expert Jonathan Givony told ESPN's television audience that Marković would remain overseas for another season as a 'draft-and-stash' prospect immediately after the Bucks made their selection, Newton — who spoke instead of Bucks general manager Jon Horst, who was originally scheduled — informed reporters that may not end up being the case. 'We really don't know right now,' Newton said. 'We just know that he's going to be with us for summer league. He could be with us. We could roster him this year or the year after, but we're going to work with his agent to try to figure out the best course to proceed with him, but we're really excited to have him.' Advertisement In Las Vegas, Marković will have the opportunity to show off the skills that led to the Bucks selecting him with their only pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Throughout his session with reporters late Thursday night, Newton frequently mentioned Marković's feel for the game and ability to play in transition, which has to do with his passing ability. It is easy to imagine how a 6-foot-11, 215-pound forward, who can lead the break and pick out the right pass, as Marković does below, could find a place in the modern NBA. 'We actually see him more as a very mobile four,' Newton said. 'We believe in time as he fills out, he could play some five. Pretty decent rim protector, but he can really score the basketball and run in transition. Really pass the ball. He has ball skills.' Frequently, when talking about what teams want in a draft prospect, evaluators bring up those players need to be able to dribble, pass and shoot. While Marković might not do all of those at an NBA level quite yet, the framework is there for him to be one of those players. At Mega, Marković regularly made plays with the ball in his hands as a driver in transition and a passer. The Athletic's draft guru, Sam Vecenie, noted concerns about how 'tight' his handle is and how turnover-prone Marković can be at times. The Serbian forward knocked down 38.8 percent from 3 on 2.7 attempts per game last season, so his 3-point touch seems real, but he will still need to prove that at the next level as well. The biggest concern for Marković — who Newton said drew comparisons to Dario Šarić and Nikola Mirotić — will be building up his size and strength as he tries to find his true position in the NBA. 'We just know that he has to get stronger to hold his position,' Newton said. 'In terms of putting on weight to get a certain size, we have to consult with our sports performance and our medical people. But I can't give you specific weight as to what we think we would like him to be. Advertisement 'Whatever that weight is, we still want him to be mobile and hold his lateral agility. And so that's something that we'll have to look at and see what's best for him.' No matter what path the Bucks choose, whether that means stashing Marković overseas for another season or rostering him in the NBA for the 2025-26 season, it is noteworthy that the organization chose to select a teenager in the second round for a second consecutive season as they build out their roster and look for contributors on cheap contracts. 'For one, we also look at upside,' Newton said, when asked how the Bucks decided to draft another teenager in the second round. 'To have a player with that length, who can do the things that he can do, those are all transferrable, translatable things that you can do in the NBA. 'But like I said, going back to the fact that playing with grown men, playing in a physical league and being able to have some success in that, we think that is something we can look at and think that, you know what, in a year, two years, he will be able to compete on the NBA level, if not sooner than later. The potential is there, and the upside is there that we just couldn't pass on.' Second-round picks rarely end up making an impact as a rookie, and many of them don't end up making an impact at any point in their NBA career, so drafting for maximum upside and potential may end up being a good strategy for the Bucks. The team will, however, need to find a way to develop Marković and Tyler Smith, the then-19-year-old forward they selected at No. 33 in last year's draft, to turn both into second-round success stories. (Photo of Bogoljub Marković: Nikola Krstic / MB Media / Getty Images)
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Round 2 of NBA Draft: Here's where most of best available players landed
The first round of the 2025 NBA Draft 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. Plenty of prospects remained for Thursday's second and final round. Here's a look at where some of the top names from our Big Board landed and who will enter the league as free agents: Update: The Milwaukee Bucks drafted Marković with the 17th pick in Round 2 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. 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. Update: The Orlando Magic drafted Penda with the second pick in Round 2 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. Update: The Sacramento Kings drafted Raynaud with the 12th pick in Round 2 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. Update: The Los Angeles Lakers drafted Thiero with the sixth pick in Round 2 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. Update: The Charlotte Hornets drafted Kalkbrenner with the fourth pick in Round 2 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. Update: The Memphis Grizzlies drafted Small with the 18th pick in Round 2 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. Update: The Utah Jazz drafted Tonje with the 23rd pick in Round 2 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. 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) Update: The Cleveland Cavaliers drafted Proctor with the 19th pick of Round 2 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. Advertisement 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. Update: The Washington Wizards drafted Watkins with the 13th pick of Round 2 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. Update: The Phoenix suns drafted Fleming with the first pick of Round 2 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. Update: The Detroit Pistons drafted Lanier with the seventh pick of Round 2 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. Update: The Toronto Raptors drafted Martin with the ninth pick of Round 2 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. Update: The Phoenix Suns drafted Brea with the 11th pick of Round 2 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. Update: The Indiana Pacers drafted Jones with the eighth pick of Round 2 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. Update: The Philadelphia 76ers drafted Broome with the fifth pick of Round 2 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. Update: The Charlotte Hornets drafted James with the third pick of Round 2 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. Micah Peavy, G/F, Georgetown Update: The New Orleans Pelicans drafted Peavy with the 10th pick of Round 2 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.
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
2025 NBA Draft best players available for Round 2: Maxime Raynaud, Tyrese Proctor, Johni Broome still on the board
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. Advertisement 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.
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
2025 NBA Draft best players available for Round 2
The first round of the 2025 NBA Draft 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. Update: The Milwaukee Bucks drafted Marković with the 17th pick in Round 2 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. 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. Update: The Orlando Magic drafted Penda with the second pick in Round 2 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. Update: The Sacramento Kings drafted Raynaud with the 12th pick in Round 2 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. Update: The Los Angeles Lakers drafted Thiero with the sixth pick in Round 2 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. Update: The Charlotte Hornets drafted Kalkbrenner with the fourth pick in Round 2 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. Update: The Memphis Grizzlies drafted Small with the 18th pick in Round 2 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. Update: The Utah Jazz drafted Tonje with the 23rd pick in Round 2 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. 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) Update: The Cleveland Cavaliers drafted Proctor with the 19th pick of Round 2 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. Advertisement 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. Update: The Washington Wizards drafted Watkins with the 13th pick of Round 2 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. Update: The Phoenix suns drafted Fleming with the first pick of Round 2 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. Update: The Detroit Pistons drafted Lanier with the seventh pick of Round 2 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. Update: The Toronto Raptors drafted Martin with the ninth pick of Round 2 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. Update: The Phoenix Suns drafted Brea with the 11th pick of Round 2 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. Update: The Indiana Pacers drafted Jones with the eighth pick of Round 2 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. Update: The Philadelphia 76ers drafted Broome with the fifth pick of Round 2 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. Update: The Charlotte Hornets drafted James with the third pick of Round 2 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. Micah Peavy, G/F, Georgetown Update: The New Orleans Pelicans drafted Peavy with the 10th pick of Round 2 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.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
2025 NBA Draft best players available for Round 2: Maxime Raynaud, Tyrese Proctor, Johni Broome still on the board
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. 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) 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. 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. Advertisement undefined 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. Advertisement 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.
