Jonathan Wasserman
@NBADraftWass
Lead Scout/NBA Draft Insider for Bleacher Report, NBA TV/Turner. More thoughts, rankings at http://JWScouting.com. Once upon a time at http://NBADraft.Net.
Final big board rankings jwscouting.com/2025-big-board/
Will be live all second round here with @JakeLFischer popping in to break trades bleacherreport.com/nba-draft
There you go, Wolves trade 31 to add 2 future 2nds for moving down 5 spots in the 2nd round. First few picks tonight are coveted, and teams have time to think about offers.
Interesting first few picks tonight with Fleming, Raynaud, Penda, others on the board. Already heard Minnesota shopping 31. The extra day gives teams more time, and there are a few 1st-round talents now valued as 2nd-rd picks in a draft where NIL reduced value in 45-60 range.
Projecting roles/usage for every first-round pick during their rookie season bleacherreport.com/articles/25228…
Great shot from Minix and Filipowski was dominant again, but David Jones-Garcia was the story for most of the game. Fifth straight over 20 points (28 on 10-19). Relentless creation and tough shotmaking, had the building buzzing throughout.
Wemby on the floor to celebrate with the SL Spurs after an awesome game-winner from Riley Minix
No Ace tonight but Harper a go for San Antonio. Top picks have impressed so far in Vegas.
Some big games from Jacob Furphy for Australia, including 24 points vs. USA. Shooter with some PnR feel, should be able to slide into Liam McNeeley's role at UConn.
Louisville commit Mikel Brown Jr. will now be one of the hottest names entering the 2026 draft cycle. Always ultra quick getting to spots but was lethal from 3 at U19s (48%) + 43 assists to 15 TOs.
Kansas State commit Andrej Kostic hit 23 threes in seven games for Serbia. Very technically sound shooter. Off-ball scoring skill set = adaptable, easy-fit game.
Impressive offense instincts from Slovenia's Zak Smrekar at U19s. Scored in different ways, POA drives, strength inside the arc, shooting versatility. Averaged 3.7 assists.
Germany's Hannes Steinbach was one of the U19's top performers. Mixed old-school back-to-basket offense with some fancier face-up footwork and touch. Few finishes that showed some vertical pop at the rim. Committed to Washington.
Purdue commit Omer Mayer went off for Israel, 20.0 PPG, 4.3 APG, 3.2 3PTM. Of his 28 buckets, 18 were self-created pull-ups. Abrupt change of speed to create separation into his jumper from the midrange to the arc.
Canada's Spencer Ahrens stood out with his shotmaking for a 6-9 18-year-old. Hit 15 threes in a variety of different ways, + a handful of pretty fallaways. Headed to Boise State.
At 17 y/o Caleb Holt gave USA high-impact minutes with his defensive activity and shotmaking. Hit 13-25 3PT. Offense looks sharper every viewing. Was a perfect complementary scoring weapon at U19s.
It's definitely not too early to be thinking about the 2026 NBA Draft. @NBADraftWass gives his advance look at the first round for Hoops HQ @hhqsports hoopshq.com/nba-draft/2026…
What I’ve been told is the correct way to refer to him: “Yang” in writing, “Hansen” when speaking.
Enjoyed covering Cooper as much as anyone from start to finish. From 15 y/o, expanded his game every stage, never any real questions to overthink or BS distracting narratives.
Cooper Flagg made big plays late in the Top Flight Championship. Special defensive prospect between size/movement/anticipation/hustle who also got into balanced finishes and pull-ups off his own dribble moves. Somehow just 15 years old.
Welcome to the 2026 NBA draft cycle bleacherreport.com/articles/25211…
