June 24, 2025 • 21 mins
In our final draft preview episode prior to the 2025 NBA Draft, ESPN's Paul Biancardi gives us his take on the lottery prospects out of Duke; Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach.
Plus, some of his favorite players who were not in his top 100 out of High School, and his outlook overall on the Hornets franchise.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:01):
Welcome to the Hornets Hoodcast, presented by Charlotte I ear
Nosen Throat Associates, the official I ear nosen Throatcare provider
of the Charlotte Hornets. Here's your host, Sam Farber.
Speaker 2 (00:14):
Welcome to another edition of the Hornet Iipecast, your Hornets
podcast with all the notes, quote, san daily buzz around
your favorite NBA team. I'm Sam Farber and it is
a pleasure and a privilege have you with us here
once again on the AHAC brought to you by Santa Charlotte,
I Hear nos and Throat Associates, the official I Hear
Nosen throat Care provider of the Charlotte Hornets. It is
our final draft preview episode of the Hornets hove Cast.
(00:38):
We have been talking to some of the biggest names
that cover the draft, cover the prep levels of basketball
all the way up to the NBA people like Bobby
Marks of ESPN, Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press, Michael
Scotto of hoops Hype, and we've talked about most of
the top prospects for the twenty twenty five NBA Draft,
which is now just hours away. Save a particular group.
(01:01):
We've talked about the Texas, Oklahoma guards names like VJ.
Edgecombe and Trey Johnson. We've talked about some of the
biggest names from the Big Ten, including Ace Bailey and
Dylan Harper, but we haven't yet talked about the Duke
lottery prospects, and we're gonna cover those bases today with
one of our favorites here on the AHHC and one
of the biggest names when it comes to evaluating prospects
(01:24):
really for any level high school up to college and
then college of course on to the NBA. He is
the great Paul B. And Carti of ESPN, and he
joins us now to evaluate the big lottery names from
Duke University. Paul, thanks so much for the time.
Speaker 3 (01:39):
Sam love talking hoops with you, whether it's on TV,
radio or podcasts.
Speaker 2 (01:44):
It is the best always to talk to you. We
go way back, but we'll save some of those stories
for another podcast. We're in the final hours now leading
up to the draft and we've got a few players
that are on our list that we had saved for
you that we wanted to get your take on.
Speaker 1 (02:00):
Now.
Speaker 2 (02:00):
Obviously we're trying to touch everyone who is kind of
in the lottery conversation This doesn't mean necessarily that they
are going to be there for the Hornets wherever they pick,
either first round or later. Just laying out all of
the prospects. And today we're looking at all the duke guys,
at least the most high profile of them, and we'll
start with the guy at the top of most people's list,
Cooper Flag. What makes him special as a potential number
(02:24):
one overall pick compared to some of the other recent
number ones we've seen over the last five years or so,
including Victor Webbin Yama Well Sam.
Speaker 3 (02:33):
I have history with Cooper Flagg because his AAU coach,
Andy Badard, played for me at Boston College. In fact,
I recruited Andy on a main central institute. So when
Andy called me and said, a coach, I got a
special player I want you to watch on film, I
knew it was somebody who could be very good. Because
Andy played at Boston College. He was part of a
(02:55):
big EIAST championship team, so he knew what high level
was all about. When I watched the tape on Cooper Flag,
I gotta tell you I was really impressed. Six' six
ish at the. Time you could see the versatility and
the athleticism just busted out in the. Film THEN i
had a chance to go see him live right. Away
this was as a rising, sophomore and THEN i Knew
(03:15):
Cooper flag had a chance to be. Special but AS
i evaluated him over the course of, Time, sam it
was the, approach it was the, mindset it was the
willingness to make a winning. Play it was being a great.
Teammate it was all the traits in the intangibles that
made him. Special at the same time he grew to six,'
(03:36):
nine he started to score the ball at a pretty,
high level rebounded relentlessly on, the glass was. Blocking, shots
saying this kid has an all. Around game plus HE'S an,
nba athlete but he brings all the. Winning traits, he's
coachable he's as competitive As anyone. I've seen so when
you asked me how he's going to fit IN, The,
(03:57):
nba well he be the first option on a championship or.
Playoff team maybe. Maybe not he'll be the one of
the best second options that will be IN. The nba
he'll be the face OF the nba, In, time sam
because the way he loves, The game he's. A purist
all he talks about is his teammates. And winning who
(04:17):
wouldn't want To Have cooper flagg on their roster and
who wouldn't want to be a teammate with. This guy
he can play, with anybody and he makes everybody.
Speaker 2 (04:25):
Look good only one team can. Have him same true
for all of. These prospects he was the leading Player
for duke most of, the season but one moment, he
wasn't and that was Here in charlotte IN the acc
tournament where he had that unfortunate turn and came, up
injured and a couple of guys stepped up into even more,
prominent roles one OF which i want to ask you,
(04:47):
about here another lottery potential Player, from Duke Kan. Ka
nipple what makes him a, top five top ten worthy
talent IN The. Nba, draft well he was.
Speaker 3 (04:58):
A top twenty five high school player on my. Rankings board,
Of Course cooper flag was number one in. That Class
And kank nipple IS an, nba shooter just pure. And
simple he's probably the best stationary shooter in. The draft,
for example if you're going to throw the ball, to
somebody he can't take. A dribble he's just got to.
SHOOT it i put my Mortgage On conk nipple to
(05:19):
knock it down at. Forty percent it's already proved that
at duke ninety one percent free, THROW shooter, i believe
and you. Mentioned It When cooper flag, Went Out conk nipple.
Stepped up it Was Against georgia tech in the first
round OF The. Acc tournament he had twenty. Eight points
he went twelve for thirteen from the free. THROW line
i believe seven. For, fourteen overall HE'S an. Nba shooter
(05:43):
he's a great ball mover, and passer so those are
HIS two. Nba skills excellent, decision maker and he plays
with a, quiet toughness like he's not yelling. And screaming
there's no hand Gestures From, conk nipple but he is
as competitive and as Coachable As. Cooper flagg you could
see the way they played so well off of each other.
(06:05):
THIS year I Have knk nipple inside my. Top six so.
Speaker 2 (06:09):
Much of the draft, is projection and you're making a very,
educated guest your guest much more educated. Than most when
you Look At kank nipple and you look two three
years into his career as he's becomes fully adjusted INTO.
The nba if he were on a. Playoff team what
role do you see. Him holding is he a? Leading
playmaker is he? A starter is he in the rotation
(06:31):
a couple of years from now on a? Playoff team in,
YOUR mind.
Speaker 3 (06:34):
I think he is either first man off the bench.
Or starting he showed the ability to Start At duke
bright lights big time basketball as. A, freshman look he
was battle tested in his high school days Up. In
wisconsin led his team to a state championship and they.
Went undefeated this guy's. A winner he just doesn't get
the same Spotlight As. Cooper flag he Led the Nike
(06:57):
eybl league. In scoring that's some of the best players in.
The country over the course of, the summer he averaged
over twenty points. Per game this kid's. Battle tested he
could be a starter in, the League A kyle, korver
type somebody who can run, off screens or somebody who
could be just in a stationary spot to keep the
floor spread. And open he's a guy you got to close.
(07:18):
Out on he's a guy that you have to pay.
Attention to, and again because he's such a, good passer
he's easy to.
Speaker 2 (07:24):
Play with there's a third Player from duke this draft
class that's getting a lot of lottery BUZZ that i
want to ask. You about that's, The center, Come. On
mallowatch what makes him a potential at least lottery if
not top ten or.
Speaker 3 (07:37):
Higher, pick yeah it's the, physical, tools right the ability
to stay in. His lane he's a. Lob threat he's
a rim presence on both ends of. The floor he's an.
Active rebounder it's pretty mobile for. His size he's got great,
physical measurables so, the wingspan the, standing reach the. Rim
protection doesn't score what is back to the basket one
(07:58):
on one, with angles drop offs. And lobs but the
Thing About malo watch is he knows who he is
and he plays. To, that now his hands got. To
improve HIS basketball iq needs to continue. To improve but
you have a starting center Type in malawatch because of,
the physicality, the size and again he stays at what
(08:20):
he's good at in. Defensive coverage you know he'll be
one of those drop, coverage guys but he'll also protect
the rim at the. Same time he's an. INTERESTING prospect
i think a lot of teams like him because he's
very true to. His identity he doesn't try to.
Speaker 2 (08:34):
Do what he can't fast forward the clock a couple
of years. On him what role is he playing ON
an nba, playoff team say, this time or maybe a
month or two before, this time at least in twenty.
Speaker 3 (08:45):
Twenty, SEVEN yeah i think in a couple of years
he could be a, starting center but won't be an offensive,
you know option for. That team he'll be a pick and.
Roll option he'll be a. LAB option i think that's
how his career is going. To go as soon as
he can pick up terminology IN the iq of, THE
game i think that inserts him into a.
Speaker 2 (09:01):
Starting position paul Bi And CARDI basketball nba ANALYSTS, from
espn our guest on our final draft preview episode OF.
The ahhc we've gone through really all of the, lottery
players Either with paul or with some of our other,
fantastic Guests Including bobby marks ALSO, Of Espn tim reynolds
Of The. Associated press check them all out in. The
(09:21):
archives coming, up next we're Gonna ask paul for some
other additional names on his draft board players to watch
here as we count down to the twenty TWENTY Five.
Nba draft that's all coming up next here On, The
hornets I've Cast, sam Farber The Great paul By and
CARDI of espn here with you ON The Ahhc The Hornet,
time cast brought to You. By sena we've gone through
(09:43):
all of the lottery potential players at least. We think,
of course there's, always surprises part of what makes the
draft so. Much fun but in, previous episodes we've Talked
About ace Bailey And. Dylan harper WE'VE. Taught, Vj Edgecomb,
Trey johnson we've gone Through the. Duke, guys today we've
talked to, international, players bigs you, name it we've. Talked
it and one question we've asked all of, Our, experts
paul is who are some of the other names on,
(10:05):
your board some guys who maybe have not been consistently gaining,
Lottery buzz but you think are players that you're at
least excited to see where they go in the next
couple of days here and even more importantly excited to
see what they do in the next couple. Of years
it's a, Great.
Speaker 3 (10:23):
QUESTION sam i just did a deep dive into five
players that will be Drafted on, wednesday night but they
were not ranked in. High, SCHOOL obviously i ranked the
top high school players in, the COUNTRY so i decided
to do a deep dive into guys that weren't ranked
and how they got to be. Draft picks and the
sleeper of, this draft certainly domestically Is, said coward the
(10:46):
young Man From. WASHINGTON state i didn't know much, about
him but he started out As a division three center
and played his Way To. Eastern washington had two. Fantastic
years six' six and chiseled with a seven to two
wings his ability to. Shoot the ball he did an
excellent job. At the combine he really opened THE eyes
of nba scouts with his jump shot and then. The
(11:09):
interview process he. Was so engaging The Coaches at washington
state just rave about him as. A young man he's
A guy who i'm Excited to watch his journey may
not be, in THE lottery but i think he's going
to be a steal for somebody who gets him. Outside
the lottery ANOTHER guy that i did a deep Dive On.
Was danny wolfe started his high school basketball and the
(11:29):
prep School Circuit, in new England, WENT to yale a.
Real smart guy dominated The competition at yale And then
at michigan became one of the best pick and role
players at, seven feet. Tall excellent passer you can put
him into ALMOST any system sam with that five out
scheme because he can pass it from the high post.
Of the elbow he can go inside and. Score as
(11:50):
well he's got that versatility at, seven feet tall. Really
mobile guy not a great three point, shooter RIGHT now
but i think he's a capable, three point shooter so
he'd be great on a pick. And short roll he's
a guy that intrigues me because of the size. AND
the skill i see him going in.
Speaker 2 (12:06):
THE first round i like the way that you. WENT after,
that i mean you are an expert in the prep.
Ranks of basketball you're ranking these guys as, early as
sixteen and there's a lot of changes that obviously can
take place between that age. And draft eligible some of
the guys are coming into the, league at eighteen, nineteen
years old others are coming in closer to twenty three.
Or twenty four but what allows someone to be missed
(12:31):
even by your watchful eye at the high school ranks
and maybe grow and surpass what those initial rankings might
have said by the time they're READY.
Speaker 3 (12:38):
For, the nba well a lot of guys are missed
because some guys develop over the, course of time all
these guys were three star, players or Unranked and, said
coward's case. He was unranked nobody really. Knew about him
and You Look At. Walter clayton junior he was a,
three star Recruit. Went to iona why didn't anybody recruit
him at? A Higher, level sam well he CAME, out
DURING covid and covid the coaches, couldn't go out so
(13:02):
everything was. Based On film rick patino offered him a
scholarship based. On the film it all worked out and
then he had a chance to grow AND Blossom at
i owner and then obviously became the PLAYER in the
Sec and led florida to. A national championship I Talked.
To todd golden he said he's the, best shot maker
best shot creator. That he's seen he's going to be
(13:22):
a first round PICK because the NBA scouts that, i
speak with they believe. In his game, And More Importantly
walter clayton junior. Believes in himself he doesn't need a
coach to. Give him confidence he. Already has it HE'S
a guy i believe that's going to, because he's mature
he'll come, off the bench, he's battle tested he'll be
a first round. Pick as WELL another guy I Love.
(13:43):
Is chas Lanier Went to north florida out, of high
School Developed, under matt driscoll Then went to tennessee and
Did the old. Dalton connect Right go to tennessee, for
one year be one of the best PLAYERS. In The
sec chas lanier is a top three to four shooter.
In this draft somebody's going, to get him and they're
going To Get an aaron natesmith, type of shooter, six to,
(14:06):
four quick. RELEASE long range i love him now where
he'll fall in the draft because. Of his shooting it could,
be first round but it could be. EARLY second round a.
Speaker 2 (14:15):
Lot of players, to ponder about and once they are
picked and Delivered To, the queens city we'll be. Speaking
with them we'll have one on one interviews for you
later on Here on the, hornets if guests as well
as let you hear from the lead decision Maker from the,
Hornet's draft Room President, Of Basketball. Operations jeff peterson but
we've got one segment To go With paul bing carti
before we TIP Off the nba draft later. On this
(14:37):
Week back with paul after this HERE On The Ahhc
sam Farbar paul being carti here WITH, YOU of espn
nba and basketball expert, of all, Levels all ages but
this time, of the year he's always talking about the
draft and the prospects. Heading, towards it Paul one thing
i'm curious about your perspective on see. These draft boards
(15:01):
it's part of the industry. At this point as soon as,
this draft ends, within fifteen minutes there's going to be
a very reputable pundit who's going to put out the
TWENTY twenty six, nba draft board and we'll start working
from that and players will. Rise and fall and it
feels at least like this, time of year especially, these
closing days you see names really start to move one.
(15:22):
Direction or another, in your opinion what is it that
makes guys under normal circumstances obviously start to have these
really big moves so late. In, the process.
Speaker 3 (15:34):
Well two things, first of all we're going to see
those mock drafts for, twenty twenty six, not fifteen minutes
but in five minutes they'll be right. ON social media
i don't think there's going to be a, Lot, OF
movements sam i don't think there is a. Lot of movement.
Think ABOUT this the nba scouts and. Front office personnel
we're at The McDonald's all american practices and. GAMES and scrimmage.
(15:54):
I was there i. Called the games that's when they
start scouting the. Nation's best freshmen then they scout, the
college kids including the freshman. All year long so when you,
hear guys sliding, first of all if you go from,
three to six is that really a slide or is that,
just you know an acquired taste. By a franchise with
(16:14):
all the information and, ALL the scouting i don't think
there's any. Last minute movement so, in my mind a
lot of. It is, speculation you know a lot of. It,
is recruiting right there's negative recruiting going. On in college
there's negative recruiting going on. In the draft in.
Speaker 2 (16:30):
Terms Of, the charlotte hornets you watch this franchise very
closely as a local Here In, the queen city and
it's been an unfortunate run the last couple of years with.
Regards to injury but the silver lining to that Is,
that the hornets when we look back at this general
five to six, year draft period there's going to be,
after this One presuming the hornets don't make a move.
(16:51):
Out of it four picks in the top six of
each draft class over the last six, or so years
Going Back, to LaMelo ball And now the hornet holding
another top six pick, here once again that usually is
the foundation to something really. Special later on what is
your Outlook on the hornets near and? Long term future,
(17:11):
considering you know we're. Hoping for health that seems to
lead everyone's Analysis, of the hornets, but beyond that you're
adding another premium talent from a really good draft class by,
most people's estimations. Into the mix what might it Foretel.
Speaker 3 (17:24):
For, the hornets well, first of all you have NEW
ownership who i. Think are outstanding they, have great vision
they have. Great energy level they're very focused on what
they want to do. With this franchise, as you know new,
facilities being built, the practice facility so this. Is serious
ownership we have, new general manager, new head coach and
when You watch the hornets play under, the new regime
(17:45):
you can, see, a style right you can, see a
purpose but you can't ignore the injuries because they have
been a major factor as to why the team has
had the. Record they've had when you look at the
core foundation, of this roster The Nucleus, With LaMelo, Ball Brandon,
Miller Miles, bridges mark williams and some of The Bench,
Players Trey, Mann Seth. Curry grant williams this, is a team,
(18:08):
in my estimation, when healthy overall including this, year's draft
pick this is a team that should be in contention
to make a run at the. Last playoff spot that
would be my hope as a fan and. AS an
analyst i believe they have the franchise resources, to DO
it and i think they have the roster. To Do
(18:28):
it LaMelo ball, A Year older brandon miller. A year
older so those guys came in as. Young talented players
they didn't know what. They didn't know, now they know
so they have to take the new guys. And GROOM
them and i really think it's a franchise that is.
On the uptick health is going to be. A big
factor i believe we have, great coaching staff we have
(18:49):
great leadership in. The front office we need leadership, from
THE team and i Put This, On LaMelo, Ball Brandon,
Miller Miles, bridges grant williams. All those guys they all
have to lead in. Their own way we're not going to,
have one leader but we need. Leadership by committee when,
we get leadership, we HAVE talent and i think it's
going to be a really fun and exciting, year next year.
Speaker 2 (19:11):
And a little more talent coming its way in the next.
Couple of days hornet's currently holding three picks as we
head into the TWENTY Twenty. Five nba draft as we, Know,
very well paul it can. Happen relatively fast it was
only three or. Four Seasons ago now charlotte had a
better record than both of This Year's finalist Oklahoma. City,
in indiana obviously those two teams had a lot of
good health and good fortune and made it all the way.
(19:33):
To The finals hopefully charlotte gets back on to that
pathway here in the very near future and again as
their depth of talent here in the TWENTY Twenty. Five,
nba draft paul always great. To talk to you look
forward to Seeing you on draft night Here In.
Speaker 3 (19:46):
The queen, City, all right sam look.
Speaker 2 (19:48):
Forward to it that's going. To do it for this
EPISODE of the ajc and this SERIES Previewing, the nba
draft which is now. Just, hours away reminder we have
broken down basically all of the big names that are
considered lottery prospects for the TWENTY Twenty, five nba Draft Players,
Like Ace, bailey Dylan, Harper Vj. Edgecombe trey johnson now
(20:09):
we've Checked, Off, Kon Kin nipple cooper flag, and come
on mallowatch you can hear all. Of these episodes thanks
to all of, our Great GUESTS including Paul b and
carty for joining us over the last, couple of weeks
and again our invitation to go back to the archives
here their thoughts on, those big names as well as
some others that we expect to hear their names called
over the next couple of DAYS For, the nba draft
(20:29):
and once the, draft is complete we'll have plenty of
content for you HERE. On the ahhc we'll be talking
to the draft picks as they Arrive In, the queen
city and we'll let you hear from the, Lead Decision,
Maker jeff Peterson President, of basketball operations any and every
time we get a chance to talk to them once.
The draft concludes Thanks Again to Paul, be and carti
to all of our great guests over the last, couple
(20:49):
of weeks To Our producer rob longo for putting all of.
These podcasts together we'll talk to you the day, After,
the draft thursday, the twenty six with the breakdown of,
round number one and of course have all that great
content throughout the rest of the week till next time for. All,
Of Us Here i'm sam farber saying it's been a
pleasure and privilege. Having you along we will talk To
you on thursday right Here On. The hornets hoobecast.
Speaker 1 (21:10):
Thank you for Listening To, the hornets podcast brought To,
you by santa the official i ere nosen throadcare Provider Of.
The charlotte hornets, for More coverage visit. Hornets dot com
Welcome to the Hornets Hoodcast, presented by Charlotte I ear
Nosen Throat Associates, the official I ear nosen Throatcare provider
of the Charlotte Hornets. Here's your host, Sam Farber.
Speaker 2 (00:14):
Welcome to another edition of the Hornet Iipecast, your Hornets
podcast with all the notes, quote, san daily buzz around
your favorite NBA team. I'm Sam Farber and it is
a pleasure and a privilege have you with us here
once again on the AHAC brought to you by Santa Charlotte,
I Hear nos and Throat Associates, the official I Hear
Nosen throat Care provider of the Charlotte Hornets. It is
our final draft preview episode of the Hornets hove Cast.
(00:38):
We have been talking to some of the biggest names
that cover the draft, cover the prep levels of basketball
all the way up to the NBA people like Bobby
Marks of ESPN, Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press, Michael
Scotto of hoops Hype, and we've talked about most of
the top prospects for the twenty twenty five NBA Draft,
which is now just hours away. Save a particular group.
(01:01):
We've talked about the Texas, Oklahoma guards names like VJ.
Edgecombe and Trey Johnson. We've talked about some of the
biggest names from the Big Ten, including Ace Bailey and
Dylan Harper, but we haven't yet talked about the Duke
lottery prospects, and we're gonna cover those bases today with
one of our favorites here on the AHHC and one
of the biggest names when it comes to evaluating prospects
(01:24):
really for any level high school up to college and
then college of course on to the NBA. He is
the great Paul B. And Carti of ESPN, and he
joins us now to evaluate the big lottery names from
Duke University. Paul, thanks so much for the time.
Speaker 3 (01:39):
Sam love talking hoops with you, whether it's on TV,
radio or podcasts.
Speaker 2 (01:44):
It is the best always to talk to you. We
go way back, but we'll save some of those stories
for another podcast. We're in the final hours now leading
up to the draft and we've got a few players
that are on our list that we had saved for
you that we wanted to get your take on.
Speaker 1 (02:00):
Now.
Speaker 2 (02:00):
Obviously we're trying to touch everyone who is kind of
in the lottery conversation This doesn't mean necessarily that they
are going to be there for the Hornets wherever they pick,
either first round or later. Just laying out all of
the prospects. And today we're looking at all the duke guys,
at least the most high profile of them, and we'll
start with the guy at the top of most people's list,
Cooper Flag. What makes him special as a potential number
(02:24):
one overall pick compared to some of the other recent
number ones we've seen over the last five years or so,
including Victor Webbin Yama Well Sam.
Speaker 3 (02:33):
I have history with Cooper Flagg because his AAU coach,
Andy Badard, played for me at Boston College. In fact,
I recruited Andy on a main central institute. So when
Andy called me and said, a coach, I got a
special player I want you to watch on film, I
knew it was somebody who could be very good. Because
Andy played at Boston College. He was part of a
(02:55):
big EIAST championship team, so he knew what high level
was all about. When I watched the tape on Cooper Flag,
I gotta tell you I was really impressed. Six' six
ish at the. Time you could see the versatility and
the athleticism just busted out in the. Film THEN i
had a chance to go see him live right. Away
this was as a rising, sophomore and THEN i Knew
(03:15):
Cooper flag had a chance to be. Special but AS
i evaluated him over the course of, Time, sam it
was the, approach it was the, mindset it was the
willingness to make a winning. Play it was being a great.
Teammate it was all the traits in the intangibles that
made him. Special at the same time he grew to six,'
(03:36):
nine he started to score the ball at a pretty,
high level rebounded relentlessly on, the glass was. Blocking, shots
saying this kid has an all. Around game plus HE'S an,
nba athlete but he brings all the. Winning traits, he's
coachable he's as competitive As anyone. I've seen so when
you asked me how he's going to fit IN, The,
(03:57):
nba well he be the first option on a championship or.
Playoff team maybe. Maybe not he'll be the one of
the best second options that will be IN. The nba
he'll be the face OF the nba, In, time sam
because the way he loves, The game he's. A purist
all he talks about is his teammates. And winning who
(04:17):
wouldn't want To Have cooper flagg on their roster and
who wouldn't want to be a teammate with. This guy
he can play, with anybody and he makes everybody.
Speaker 2 (04:25):
Look good only one team can. Have him same true
for all of. These prospects he was the leading Player
for duke most of, the season but one moment, he
wasn't and that was Here in charlotte IN the acc
tournament where he had that unfortunate turn and came, up
injured and a couple of guys stepped up into even more,
prominent roles one OF which i want to ask you,
(04:47):
about here another lottery potential Player, from Duke Kan. Ka
nipple what makes him a, top five top ten worthy
talent IN The. Nba, draft well he was.
Speaker 3 (04:58):
A top twenty five high school player on my. Rankings board,
Of Course cooper flag was number one in. That Class
And kank nipple IS an, nba shooter just pure. And
simple he's probably the best stationary shooter in. The draft,
for example if you're going to throw the ball, to
somebody he can't take. A dribble he's just got to.
SHOOT it i put my Mortgage On conk nipple to
(05:19):
knock it down at. Forty percent it's already proved that
at duke ninety one percent free, THROW shooter, i believe
and you. Mentioned It When cooper flag, Went Out conk nipple.
Stepped up it Was Against georgia tech in the first
round OF The. Acc tournament he had twenty. Eight points
he went twelve for thirteen from the free. THROW line
i believe seven. For, fourteen overall HE'S an. Nba shooter
(05:43):
he's a great ball mover, and passer so those are
HIS two. Nba skills excellent, decision maker and he plays
with a, quiet toughness like he's not yelling. And screaming
there's no hand Gestures From, conk nipple but he is
as competitive and as Coachable As. Cooper flagg you could
see the way they played so well off of each other.
(06:05):
THIS year I Have knk nipple inside my. Top six so.
Speaker 2 (06:09):
Much of the draft, is projection and you're making a very,
educated guest your guest much more educated. Than most when
you Look At kank nipple and you look two three
years into his career as he's becomes fully adjusted INTO.
The nba if he were on a. Playoff team what
role do you see. Him holding is he a? Leading
playmaker is he? A starter is he in the rotation
(06:31):
a couple of years from now on a? Playoff team in,
YOUR mind.
Speaker 3 (06:34):
I think he is either first man off the bench.
Or starting he showed the ability to Start At duke
bright lights big time basketball as. A, freshman look he
was battle tested in his high school days Up. In
wisconsin led his team to a state championship and they.
Went undefeated this guy's. A winner he just doesn't get
the same Spotlight As. Cooper flag he Led the Nike
(06:57):
eybl league. In scoring that's some of the best players in.
The country over the course of, the summer he averaged
over twenty points. Per game this kid's. Battle tested he
could be a starter in, the League A kyle, korver
type somebody who can run, off screens or somebody who
could be just in a stationary spot to keep the
floor spread. And open he's a guy you got to close.
(07:18):
Out on he's a guy that you have to pay.
Attention to, and again because he's such a, good passer
he's easy to.
Speaker 2 (07:24):
Play with there's a third Player from duke this draft
class that's getting a lot of lottery BUZZ that i
want to ask. You about that's, The center, Come. On
mallowatch what makes him a potential at least lottery if
not top ten or.
Speaker 3 (07:37):
Higher, pick yeah it's the, physical, tools right the ability
to stay in. His lane he's a. Lob threat he's
a rim presence on both ends of. The floor he's an.
Active rebounder it's pretty mobile for. His size he's got great,
physical measurables so, the wingspan the, standing reach the. Rim
protection doesn't score what is back to the basket one
(07:58):
on one, with angles drop offs. And lobs but the
Thing About malo watch is he knows who he is
and he plays. To, that now his hands got. To
improve HIS basketball iq needs to continue. To improve but
you have a starting center Type in malawatch because of,
the physicality, the size and again he stays at what
(08:20):
he's good at in. Defensive coverage you know he'll be
one of those drop, coverage guys but he'll also protect
the rim at the. Same time he's an. INTERESTING prospect
i think a lot of teams like him because he's
very true to. His identity he doesn't try to.
Speaker 2 (08:34):
Do what he can't fast forward the clock a couple
of years. On him what role is he playing ON
an nba, playoff team say, this time or maybe a
month or two before, this time at least in twenty.
Speaker 3 (08:45):
Twenty, SEVEN yeah i think in a couple of years
he could be a, starting center but won't be an offensive,
you know option for. That team he'll be a pick and.
Roll option he'll be a. LAB option i think that's
how his career is going. To go as soon as
he can pick up terminology IN the iq of, THE
game i think that inserts him into a.
Speaker 2 (09:01):
Starting position paul Bi And CARDI basketball nba ANALYSTS, from
espn our guest on our final draft preview episode OF.
The ahhc we've gone through really all of the, lottery
players Either with paul or with some of our other,
fantastic Guests Including bobby marks ALSO, Of Espn tim reynolds
Of The. Associated press check them all out in. The
(09:21):
archives coming, up next we're Gonna ask paul for some
other additional names on his draft board players to watch
here as we count down to the twenty TWENTY Five.
Nba draft that's all coming up next here On, The
hornets I've Cast, sam Farber The Great paul By and
CARDI of espn here with you ON The Ahhc The Hornet,
time cast brought to You. By sena we've gone through
(09:43):
all of the lottery potential players at least. We think,
of course there's, always surprises part of what makes the
draft so. Much fun but in, previous episodes we've Talked
About ace Bailey And. Dylan harper WE'VE. Taught, Vj Edgecomb,
Trey johnson we've gone Through the. Duke, guys today we've
talked to, international, players bigs you, name it we've. Talked
it and one question we've asked all of, Our, experts
paul is who are some of the other names on,
(10:05):
your board some guys who maybe have not been consistently gaining,
Lottery buzz but you think are players that you're at
least excited to see where they go in the next
couple of days here and even more importantly excited to
see what they do in the next couple. Of years
it's a, Great.
Speaker 3 (10:23):
QUESTION sam i just did a deep dive into five
players that will be Drafted on, wednesday night but they
were not ranked in. High, SCHOOL obviously i ranked the
top high school players in, the COUNTRY so i decided
to do a deep dive into guys that weren't ranked
and how they got to be. Draft picks and the
sleeper of, this draft certainly domestically Is, said coward the
(10:46):
young Man From. WASHINGTON state i didn't know much, about
him but he started out As a division three center
and played his Way To. Eastern washington had two. Fantastic
years six' six and chiseled with a seven to two
wings his ability to. Shoot the ball he did an
excellent job. At the combine he really opened THE eyes
of nba scouts with his jump shot and then. The
(11:09):
interview process he. Was so engaging The Coaches at washington
state just rave about him as. A young man he's
A guy who i'm Excited to watch his journey may
not be, in THE lottery but i think he's going
to be a steal for somebody who gets him. Outside
the lottery ANOTHER guy that i did a deep Dive On.
Was danny wolfe started his high school basketball and the
(11:29):
prep School Circuit, in new England, WENT to yale a.
Real smart guy dominated The competition at yale And then
at michigan became one of the best pick and role
players at, seven feet. Tall excellent passer you can put
him into ALMOST any system sam with that five out
scheme because he can pass it from the high post.
Of the elbow he can go inside and. Score as
(11:50):
well he's got that versatility at, seven feet tall. Really
mobile guy not a great three point, shooter RIGHT now
but i think he's a capable, three point shooter so
he'd be great on a pick. And short roll he's
a guy that intrigues me because of the size. AND
the skill i see him going in.
Speaker 2 (12:06):
THE first round i like the way that you. WENT after,
that i mean you are an expert in the prep.
Ranks of basketball you're ranking these guys as, early as
sixteen and there's a lot of changes that obviously can
take place between that age. And draft eligible some of
the guys are coming into the, league at eighteen, nineteen
years old others are coming in closer to twenty three.
Or twenty four but what allows someone to be missed
(12:31):
even by your watchful eye at the high school ranks
and maybe grow and surpass what those initial rankings might
have said by the time they're READY.
Speaker 3 (12:38):
For, the nba well a lot of guys are missed
because some guys develop over the, course of time all
these guys were three star, players or Unranked and, said
coward's case. He was unranked nobody really. Knew about him
and You Look At. Walter clayton junior he was a,
three star Recruit. Went to iona why didn't anybody recruit
him at? A Higher, level sam well he CAME, out
DURING covid and covid the coaches, couldn't go out so
(13:02):
everything was. Based On film rick patino offered him a
scholarship based. On the film it all worked out and
then he had a chance to grow AND Blossom at
i owner and then obviously became the PLAYER in the
Sec and led florida to. A national championship I Talked.
To todd golden he said he's the, best shot maker
best shot creator. That he's seen he's going to be
(13:22):
a first round PICK because the NBA scouts that, i
speak with they believe. In his game, And More Importantly
walter clayton junior. Believes in himself he doesn't need a
coach to. Give him confidence he. Already has it HE'S
a guy i believe that's going to, because he's mature
he'll come, off the bench, he's battle tested he'll be
a first round. Pick as WELL another guy I Love.
(13:43):
Is chas Lanier Went to north florida out, of high
School Developed, under matt driscoll Then went to tennessee and
Did the old. Dalton connect Right go to tennessee, for
one year be one of the best PLAYERS. In The
sec chas lanier is a top three to four shooter.
In this draft somebody's going, to get him and they're
going To Get an aaron natesmith, type of shooter, six to,
(14:06):
four quick. RELEASE long range i love him now where
he'll fall in the draft because. Of his shooting it could,
be first round but it could be. EARLY second round a.
Speaker 2 (14:15):
Lot of players, to ponder about and once they are
picked and Delivered To, the queens city we'll be. Speaking
with them we'll have one on one interviews for you
later on Here on the, hornets if guests as well
as let you hear from the lead decision Maker from the,
Hornet's draft Room President, Of Basketball. Operations jeff peterson but
we've got one segment To go With paul bing carti
before we TIP Off the nba draft later. On this
(14:37):
Week back with paul after this HERE On The Ahhc
sam Farbar paul being carti here WITH, YOU of espn
nba and basketball expert, of all, Levels all ages but
this time, of the year he's always talking about the
draft and the prospects. Heading, towards it Paul one thing
i'm curious about your perspective on see. These draft boards
(15:01):
it's part of the industry. At this point as soon as,
this draft ends, within fifteen minutes there's going to be
a very reputable pundit who's going to put out the
TWENTY twenty six, nba draft board and we'll start working
from that and players will. Rise and fall and it
feels at least like this, time of year especially, these
closing days you see names really start to move one.
(15:22):
Direction or another, in your opinion what is it that
makes guys under normal circumstances obviously start to have these
really big moves so late. In, the process.
Speaker 3 (15:34):
Well two things, first of all we're going to see
those mock drafts for, twenty twenty six, not fifteen minutes
but in five minutes they'll be right. ON social media
i don't think there's going to be a, Lot, OF
movements sam i don't think there is a. Lot of movement.
Think ABOUT this the nba scouts and. Front office personnel
we're at The McDonald's all american practices and. GAMES and scrimmage.
(15:54):
I was there i. Called the games that's when they
start scouting the. Nation's best freshmen then they scout, the
college kids including the freshman. All year long so when you,
hear guys sliding, first of all if you go from,
three to six is that really a slide or is that,
just you know an acquired taste. By a franchise with
(16:14):
all the information and, ALL the scouting i don't think
there's any. Last minute movement so, in my mind a
lot of. It is, speculation you know a lot of. It,
is recruiting right there's negative recruiting going. On in college
there's negative recruiting going on. In the draft in.
Speaker 2 (16:30):
Terms Of, the charlotte hornets you watch this franchise very
closely as a local Here In, the queen city and
it's been an unfortunate run the last couple of years with.
Regards to injury but the silver lining to that Is,
that the hornets when we look back at this general
five to six, year draft period there's going to be,
after this One presuming the hornets don't make a move.
(16:51):
Out of it four picks in the top six of
each draft class over the last six, or so years
Going Back, to LaMelo ball And now the hornet holding
another top six pick, here once again that usually is
the foundation to something really. Special later on what is
your Outlook on the hornets near and? Long term future,
(17:11):
considering you know we're. Hoping for health that seems to
lead everyone's Analysis, of the hornets, but beyond that you're
adding another premium talent from a really good draft class by,
most people's estimations. Into the mix what might it Foretel.
Speaker 3 (17:24):
For, the hornets well, first of all you have NEW
ownership who i. Think are outstanding they, have great vision
they have. Great energy level they're very focused on what
they want to do. With this franchise, as you know new,
facilities being built, the practice facility so this. Is serious
ownership we have, new general manager, new head coach and
when You watch the hornets play under, the new regime
(17:45):
you can, see, a style right you can, see a
purpose but you can't ignore the injuries because they have
been a major factor as to why the team has
had the. Record they've had when you look at the
core foundation, of this roster The Nucleus, With LaMelo, Ball Brandon,
Miller Miles, bridges mark williams and some of The Bench,
Players Trey, Mann Seth. Curry grant williams this, is a team,
(18:08):
in my estimation, when healthy overall including this, year's draft
pick this is a team that should be in contention
to make a run at the. Last playoff spot that
would be my hope as a fan and. AS an
analyst i believe they have the franchise resources, to DO
it and i think they have the roster. To Do
(18:28):
it LaMelo ball, A Year older brandon miller. A year
older so those guys came in as. Young talented players
they didn't know what. They didn't know, now they know
so they have to take the new guys. And GROOM
them and i really think it's a franchise that is.
On the uptick health is going to be. A big
factor i believe we have, great coaching staff we have
(18:49):
great leadership in. The front office we need leadership, from
THE team and i Put This, On LaMelo, Ball Brandon,
Miller Miles, bridges grant williams. All those guys they all
have to lead in. Their own way we're not going to,
have one leader but we need. Leadership by committee when,
we get leadership, we HAVE talent and i think it's
going to be a really fun and exciting, year next year.
Speaker 2 (19:11):
And a little more talent coming its way in the next.
Couple of days hornet's currently holding three picks as we
head into the TWENTY Twenty. Five nba draft as we, Know,
very well paul it can. Happen relatively fast it was
only three or. Four Seasons ago now charlotte had a
better record than both of This Year's finalist Oklahoma. City,
in indiana obviously those two teams had a lot of
good health and good fortune and made it all the way.
(19:33):
To The finals hopefully charlotte gets back on to that
pathway here in the very near future and again as
their depth of talent here in the TWENTY Twenty. Five,
nba draft paul always great. To talk to you look
forward to Seeing you on draft night Here In.
Speaker 3 (19:46):
The queen, City, all right sam look.
Speaker 2 (19:48):
Forward to it that's going. To do it for this
EPISODE of the ajc and this SERIES Previewing, the nba
draft which is now. Just, hours away reminder we have
broken down basically all of the big names that are
considered lottery prospects for the TWENTY Twenty, five nba Draft Players,
Like Ace, bailey Dylan, Harper Vj. Edgecombe trey johnson now
(20:09):
we've Checked, Off, Kon Kin nipple cooper flag, and come
on mallowatch you can hear all. Of these episodes thanks
to all of, our Great GUESTS including Paul b and
carty for joining us over the last, couple of weeks
and again our invitation to go back to the archives
here their thoughts on, those big names as well as
some others that we expect to hear their names called
over the next couple of DAYS For, the nba draft
(20:29):
and once the, draft is complete we'll have plenty of
content for you HERE. On the ahhc we'll be talking
to the draft picks as they Arrive In, the queen
city and we'll let you hear from the, Lead Decision,
Maker jeff Peterson President, of basketball operations any and every
time we get a chance to talk to them once.
The draft concludes Thanks Again to Paul, be and carti
to all of our great guests over the last, couple
(20:49):
of weeks To Our producer rob longo for putting all of.
These podcasts together we'll talk to you the day, After,
the draft thursday, the twenty six with the breakdown of,
round number one and of course have all that great
content throughout the rest of the week till next time for. All,
Of Us Here i'm sam farber saying it's been a
pleasure and privilege. Having you along we will talk To
you on thursday right Here On. The hornets hoobecast.
Speaker 1 (21:10):
Thank you for Listening To, the hornets podcast brought To,
you by santa the official i ere nosen throadcare Provider Of.
The charlotte hornets, for More coverage visit. Hornets dot com
Hosts And Creators
Sam Farber
Rob Longo
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