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Mullins questions

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Couple things to think about here.

If it’s about the second contract, he should DEFINITELY come back if he hasn’t hit a certain level of consistency. Because the whole point would be to make sure he’s ready enough to succeed and earn big money on the second deal. NBA teams aren’t that invested in 15-20 picks as they would be in top 10 top 5 picks. Look at how the Blazers and Spurs have moved heaven and earth for Castle and Clingan to invest in their development compared to a New Orleans with Hawkins or Charlotte currently with Liam.

Money wise. Going let’s say, 16 (where he is currently mocked) gets him 11.6M over the total course of his contract. Going top 5 would get him 24M. There’s no reason to rush and possibly go before he’s ready when he can come back, put himself in a better position to be more prepared to succeed AND earn way more money.

Again, this current class is stacked!! And next years class sucks. It doesn’t make sense to leave if he’s not fully ready when going high could be so easy next year. It made sense for Liam to leave in a relatively top heavy class last year to avoid coming out in this one. It would not make the same sense for Mullins to dive into this one when next year’s class seems like a one man show.

There’s so many reasons why it’s a great idea for him to come back another year and get to produce like his peers are this year and put himself in a 100x better position for his NBA future. The only reason to go if he ends up not breaking out big would be for the purpose of being able to say he’s a OAD.

This is coming from someone who did not stand on the table for guys like Bouknight, Hawkins, Liam, etc.
 
I would love for him to return, but it just doesn't make sense for him.
He's going to go in the lottery unless a nagging injury occurs, which wouldn't be good for UConn either.
He's probably not going to be on NBA roster next year and will be in the G-League, but he'll be making great money. If he came back to UConn and suffered a serious injury, he could cost himself a ton of money. It just makes sense for him to go. Liam fell in the draft but still got between 5 and 6 million guaranteed for the first 2 years and possible 14-15 million if the team picks up the options for the last two years.
 
Repeating pretty much what I said in the post game thread but let's give him the full conference schedule after this 10 day break and see how he performs. Hurley said he still doesn't know where he should be on offense and how to get the looks Solo is getting, so hopefully as he gets more comfortable and starts moving better we should see his play level up. I will say the folks on here and "UConn twitter" who think he's locked into the lottery as of right now today are just completely oblivious to how good this draft class is and how the rest of the freshmen are performing. Some people even posting "top 10", this draft has the potential to be historic, what we're currently seeing is not getting you picked top 10.
 
Wasserman’s latest mock draft with the production these guys are putting up.


1. Washington Wizards: Darryn Peterson (Kansas)​

Position: SG | Size: 6'6", 205 lbs | Age: 18

19.3 PPG

2. Indiana Pacers: AJ Dybantsa (BYU)​

Position: SF | Size: 6'9" | Age: 18

23.1 PPG

3. Sacramento Kings: Cameron Boozer (Duke)​

Position: PF | Size: 6'9", 250 lbs | Age: 18

23.3 PPG 10 RPG

4. Atlanta Hawks (via Pelicans): Caleb Wilson (North Carolina)​

Position: PF | Size: 6'10", 215 lbs | Age: 19

19.6 PPG 10.8 RPG

5. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers): Jayden Quaintance (Kentucky)​

Position: PF | Size: 6'10", 255 lbs | Age: 18

(Played one game this season)

6. Brooklyn Nets: Kingston Flemings (Houston)​

Position: PG | Size: 6'4", 190 lbs | Age: 18

15.3 PPG 4.9 AST 2.1 STLS

7. Charlotte Hornets: Koa Peat (Arizona)​

Position: PF | Size: 6'8", 235 lbs | Age: 18

13.8 PPG 56% FG

8. Utah Jazz: Labaron Philon Jr. (Alabama)​

Position: PG | Size: 6'4", 185 lbs | Age: 19

21.9 PPG 5.9 AST 55% FG 42% 3P

9. Milwaukee Bucks: Mikel Brown Jr. (Louisville)​

Position: PG | Size: 6'5", 180 lbs | Age: 18

16.6 PPG 5.1 AST

10. Dallas Mavericks: Darius Acuff Jr. (Arkansas)​

Position: PG/SG | Size: 6'3", 190 lbs | Age: 18

18.9 PPG 6.2 AST 48% FG 43% 3P

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Thomas Haugh (Florida)​

Position: SF/PF | Size: 6'9", 215 lbs | Age: 22

17.3 PPG

12. Memphis Grizzlies: Karim Lopez (New Zealand Breakers)​

Position: PF | Size: 6'8", 225 lbs | Age: 18 |

13. Chicago Bulls: Nate Ament (Tennessee)​

Position: SF | Size: 6'10", 207 lbs | Age: 18

15.3 PPG

14. San Antonio Spurs (via Hawks): Hannes Steinbach (Washington)​

Position: C | Size: 6'11" | Age: 19 |

17.9 PPG 12.1 RPG

15. Golden State Warriors: Cameron Carr (Baylor)​

Position: SG | Size: 6'5", 175 lbs | Age: 20

21.7 PPG 55% FG 41% 3P

16. Atlanta Hawks (via Cavaliers): Braylon Mullins (UConn)​

Position: SG | Size: 6'5", 190 lbs | Age: 19

9.3 PPG

17. Miami Heat: Tounde Yessoufou (Baylor)​

Position: SG/SF | Size: 6'5", 215 lbs | Age: 19 |

18.5 PPG

18. Memphis Grizzlies (via Suns): Keaton Wagler (Illinois)​

Position: SG | Size: 6'6", 180 lbs | Age: 19

15.7 PPG 43% 3P

19. Toronto Raptors: Christian Anderson (Texas Tech)​

Position: PG | Size: 6'3", 178 lbs | Age: 19 |

19.9 PPG 7.3AST 49%FG 43% 3P

20. Charlotte Hornets (via Magic): Yaxel Lendeborg (Michigan)​

Position: PF | Size: 6'9", 240 lbs | Age: 23

15.6 PPG 59% FG 40% 3P

21. Oklahoma City Thunder (via 76ers): Chris Cenac Jr. (Houston)​

Position: PF | Size: 6'11", 240 lbs | Age: 18

9.4 PPG 7.5 RPG

23. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Rockets): Aday Mara (Michigan)​

Position: C | Size: 7'3", 255 lbs | Age: 20 |

10.7 PPG 8.5 RPG 2.6 BLK

​

 
controlfade said:
Would it benefit him to stay another year , absolutely but he’s currently projected as a top 10 pick. He ain’t coming back unless something changes drastically between now and the end of the season.
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If he ends up a top 10 pick, how would coming back for a year absolutely benefit him?
 
temery said:
You can't cut and paste copyright material. You've been around long enough to know that.
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I appreciate the response Tems. I left the meat of the article out (comps and breakdowns) and the production numbers were things I added myself.

Not sure if that helps. If needed the NBA teams parts can be removed. The main thing was just showing how well this class is producing.
 
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HW611 said:
So if he’s not a lottery pick he’ll be making around $3 million a year.

But if he’s comes back another year and goes top 5 he can make double that (7.5 million)

Top 3 and he makes triple that (9 million). Maybe even get close to $3Ms to come back another year?

With his talent I just don’t see it being worth it to leave as a fringe lottery pick when the path could be so clear to get extremely high the next year.
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Take a good look at the numbers you just recited. We are talking millions. If he has a serious injury in college in the processing of a second year good chance of goodbye to millions. Last i heard Lloyds of London limit was $1 mil. total. Given the above what would you choose?
This is why almost no one ever goes back to college. A lottery pick money means you are financially set for life if you manage the money even decently. I'd wish he'd come back but that's me the fan. If I put myself in any other persons shoes I'd do what they do.......take the money. It's that obvious.
 
What's the difference between Mullins and Jordan Hawkins and their potential NBA trajectory?

Both sharpshooters with limited amateur (i.e. NCAA) experience.
 
1) He will be an integral part of our success. A great player? That's more subjective, I think we're going to enjoy watching him play

2) His grandfather told me in Boston the plan is to stay two years (FWIW). But time and lottery money can change all of that

3) Dan Hurley shouldn't change a thing. He should recruit 5 star kids AND kids (read families) that buy into his system and will stay a few years
 
I think that it’s a great conversation. We all love the kid. He has the tools for sure and with strength, speed, and quickness that will come naturally he will be an outstanding pro. My question would be how many NBA teams would draft a kid outside of the top 10 knowing that it would take another year before they could actually use him?
 
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willie99 said:
1) He will be an integral part of our success. A great player? That's more subjective, I think we're going to enjoy watching him play

2) His grandfather told me in Boston the plan is to stay two years (FWIW). But time and lottery money can change all of that

3) Dan Hurley shouldn't change a thing. He should recruit 5 star kids AND kids (read families) that buy into his system and will stay a few years
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This comment makes a lot of sense to me.
 
HuskyHawk said:
The only things we have in our favor for a return are that (a) he has missed a lot of time so really has not shown what he can do yet and (b) this class is so loaded he wouldn’t currently be a lottery pick. Most likely he’s gone.
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Other than that not much although if the list continues down round 1 it makes sense that college NIL money wins at some point.
 
1. Depends what you mean by “GREAT”. Great meaning a 15-20 PPG scorer? Probaby not. Great meaning a 12 PPG guy with super efficient shooting splits? Yes I think he will grow into that consistent output

2. It’s trending towards yes but honestly I’m not sure. Even with his limited playing time and output this year, a lot of mocks have him late lottery or slightly after it. I am assuming he will increase his three point efficiency as the year goes on and bumps up his PPG average as he gets more comfortable which should slide him up in. So as of right now I’m iffy and if he ends the season the exact same as he is now, I’d lean no. But by the end of the season I would project yes since he should improve into a safe lotto pick

3. Definitely. Steph Castle was one of the best defenders in college, averaging 18 points and 5 rebounds on 50% shooting during the final four weekend. Liam McNeeley slipped in the draft and had clear flaws but was a major reason we even made the tournament. Now Braylon has the runway to make his name since he’s back and healthy

Note that there were major home grown players and big name transfers on each of these 3 teams. It’s not one or the other between 5* and established players, it’s both
 
McNeeley left and he wasn’t remotely close to having the pure shooting Mullins can provide in the NBA. Mullins BBIQ seems to be off the charts when he has the ball, maybe a little work off the ball.

There is a 0.0% chance Mullins stays.
 
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Barring injury, there's little doubt he will go first round so I always assumed he's gone after this year... even though a year to get stronger would benefit him greatly. No real need to debate if he's coming back. He's very likely not. But the question was, will he be a lottery pick?

To be clear, I love having him on our team and I'm sure he'll represent UConn admirably in the league for years to come! It'll be a lot of fun watching him play and continue to develop this season. I do think it's fair to question though, how much of his potential he will realize here. He won't get much stronger this year so he'll likely either become a mediocre defender at best this year or he'll remain a bit of a liability on that end. His offense so far shows flashes of him being a future star, but objectively, his play and his numbers thus far have been pretty average for a starter...not surprising for a freshman who's physically slight of build.

With 1/3 of the season already gone, he's still a bit lost and still figuring things out at this level. That's why I thought it was a fair question to ask if going forward, if people think it's worth filling a starters role and using high amounts of NIL for "physically undersized" 1 and dones like him vs getting more physically ready, established commodities via the portal? Objectively, would our team have been slightly better this year with another upperclassmen in his role? It's an interesting debate.
 
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He has to continue an upwards trend to show potential and if he does, which he should, he’s gone. Rightfully so.
Sans the Charlotte Hornets, there is nothing UConn can do better next year to develop Braylon than a professional basketball organization can. I love Hurley & Co., and they are at the top of a small list of colleges that can develop consistently, but they cannot compete with the pros money and resources. Braylon will also have more time each day to be developed without classes, etc.
 
His UConn points and rebounds will NOT decide his draft position.

1. Most important will be his private workout pre-draft with individual teams.

2. His medical condition. Remember when Caron lost many draft places when there was a rumor he had been shot.

3. His REAL physical dimensions, his REAL height, weight, wingspan, hand size, etc.

4. His measures of athleticism, vertical, speed, etc

5. His character, maturity, intelligence. How important is basketball to the prospect, does he do extra work.

All of these are just as important or more than watching as his play. During his games NBA teams watch for his basketball IQ on the court, how he interacts with his teammates and coaches, how he reacts when under pressure, does he play hurt, etc,

There is an encyclopedia of stuff that will be examined Much of it more important than his time on the court with UConn.
 
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Nobody here should be concerned with the fact that he hasn't really broken out yet in a UConn uniform.
The kid is coming off an injury which very well could be his first physical setback when playing hoops and he needs to be careful not to reinjure.
He can never score 30 pts in a game for UConn but still be a lottery pick based on his metrics which most experts can plainly see when watching him on the court.
When you look at Mullins vs McNeeley, yes McNeeley has a size advantage but that's it - Mullins is so graceful vs plodding
 
UCONNFAN179 said:
Braylon is currently averaging 9 points/game on 33% from 3 & 46% from 2. He's also averaging an assist, 3 rebounds, and a turnover + 1/2 in 20 minutes per game.

Those #'s are very respectable for a freshman but average for a college starter. He's played in just 7 games so far so he's obviously still learning the speed of the game at this level. He's got a great motor and is also still learning our sets and where he should be when, so hopefully, those numbers will only improve.

On defense, he's pretty quick with his feet and he's certainly not afraid to mix it up with bigger players. However, he does get beaten off the dribble pretty regularly and he struggles to stay on the floor due to fouling issues. He reaches in way too much, probably due to a lack of experience at this level. He is also slight of build as a Freshman and gets pushed around pretty easily by older players. It's safe to say that he's not going to get a lot stronger this season so he will likely continue to get pushed around this year.

It's very obvious that he has IMMENSE talent as a scorer. With more strength and experience, he will likely, eventually become an incredible player. That's not the question...

We are 1/3 of the way through the season already and we see where he is now...

3 part question:

1. Do people think Mullins will become a GREAT college player THIS YEAR, or is that asking too much of him?
2. Will Mullins be a lottery pick in the 2026 draft?
3. Do people think we should continue to recruit fringe one/dones like Mullins for starting roles here for big NIL or should we focus on developing or getting stronger, more experienced players via the portal for those roles?
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Yes, Yes, Yes
Mulliins only played a few games and missed 1.5 months due to injury. He is still
shakng off rust. He is already solid and will get better as season goes.

Hurley has been recruiting a great mix of freshman and transfers. Keep
it going.

The only reason last year failed was because both talented freshman PG and a transfers portal PG were not able to play PG the way we needed.
 
dennismenace said:
Take a good look at the numbers you just recited. We are talking millions. If he has a serious injury in college in the processing of a second year good chance of goodbye to millions. Last i heard Lloyds of London limit was $1 mil. total. Given the above what would you choose?
This is why almost no one ever goes back to college. A lottery pick money means you are financially set for life if you manage the money even decently. I'd wish he'd come back but that's me the fan. If I put myself in any other persons shoes I'd do what they do.......take the money. It's that obvious.
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It’s the same decision DC had to make and he came back another year.

I’m not sure the last time we’ve seen someone actually had a serious injury who returned. This is not the same equation that is usually talked about.

We’re talking about doubling his initial salary and improving his chances at getting a second contract. Look at the production these guys are putting up that I posted… he’s far from a lottery lock.
 
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HW611 said:
Wasserman’s latest mock draft with the production these guys are putting up.


1. Washington Wizards: Darryn Peterson (Kansas)​

Position: SG | Size: 6'6", 205 lbs | Age: 18

19.3 PPG

2. Indiana Pacers: AJ Dybantsa (BYU)​

Position: SF | Size: 6'9" | Age: 18

23.1 PPG

3. Sacramento Kings: Cameron Boozer (Duke)​

Position: PF | Size: 6'9", 250 lbs | Age: 18

23.3 PPG 10 RPG

4. Atlanta Hawks (via Pelicans): Caleb Wilson (North Carolina)​

Position: PF | Size: 6'10", 215 lbs | Age: 19

19.6 PPG 10.8 RPG

5. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers): Jayden Quaintance (Kentucky)​

Position: PF | Size: 6'10", 255 lbs | Age: 18

(Played one game this season)

6. Brooklyn Nets: Kingston Flemings (Houston)​

Position: PG | Size: 6'4", 190 lbs | Age: 18

15.3 PPG 4.9 AST 2.1 STLS

7. Charlotte Hornets: Koa Peat (Arizona)​

Position: PF | Size: 6'8", 235 lbs | Age: 18

13.8 PPG 56% FG

8. Utah Jazz: Labaron Philon Jr. (Alabama)​

Position: PG | Size: 6'4", 185 lbs | Age: 19

21.9 PPG 5.9 AST 55% FG 42% 3P

9. Milwaukee Bucks: Mikel Brown Jr. (Louisville)​

Position: PG | Size: 6'5", 180 lbs | Age: 18

16.6 PPG 5.1 AST

10. Dallas Mavericks: Darius Acuff Jr. (Arkansas)​

Position: PG/SG | Size: 6'3", 190 lbs | Age: 18

18.9 PPG 6.2 AST 48% FG 43% 3P

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Thomas Haugh (Florida)​

Position: SF/PF | Size: 6'9", 215 lbs | Age: 22

17.3 PPG

12. Memphis Grizzlies: Karim Lopez (New Zealand Breakers)​

Position: PF | Size: 6'8", 225 lbs | Age: 18 |

13. Chicago Bulls: Nate Ament (Tennessee)​

Position: SF | Size: 6'10", 207 lbs | Age: 18

15.3 PPG

14. San Antonio Spurs (via Hawks): Hannes Steinbach (Washington)​

Position: C | Size: 6'11" | Age: 19 |

17.9 PPG 12.1 RPG

15. Golden State Warriors: Cameron Carr (Baylor)​

Position: SG | Size: 6'5", 175 lbs | Age: 20

21.7 PPG 55% FG 41% 3P

16. Atlanta Hawks (via Cavaliers): Braylon Mullins (UConn)​

Position: SG | Size: 6'5", 190 lbs | Age: 19

9.3 PPG

17. Miami Heat: Tounde Yessoufou (Baylor)​

Position: SG/SF | Size: 6'5", 215 lbs | Age: 19 |

18.5 PPG

18. Memphis Grizzlies (via Suns): Keaton Wagler (Illinois)​

Position: SG | Size: 6'6", 180 lbs | Age: 19

15.7 PPG 43% 3P

19. Toronto Raptors: Christian Anderson (Texas Tech)​

Position: PG | Size: 6'3", 178 lbs | Age: 19 |

19.9 PPG 7.3AST 49%FG 43% 3P

20. Charlotte Hornets (via Magic): Yaxel Lendeborg (Michigan)​

Position: PF | Size: 6'9", 240 lbs | Age: 23

15.6 PPG 59% FG 40% 3P

21. Oklahoma City Thunder (via 76ers): Chris Cenac Jr. (Houston)​

Position: PF | Size: 6'11", 240 lbs | Age: 18

9.4 PPG 7.5 RPG

23. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Rockets): Aday Mara (Michigan)​

Position: C | Size: 7'3", 255 lbs | Age: 20 |

10.7 PPG 8.5 RPG 2.6 BLK

​

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Just to showcase how deep this draft is and the way these guys are producing at a young age, too.

Even when you look at the guys behind Braylon. Will getting his average up to 12 a game be enough to secure a lottery spot? I almost can’t see a way into that loaded top 10 unless he becomes the best player on this team.
 
HW611 said:
It’s the same decision DC had to make and he came back another year.

I’m not sure the last time we’ve seen someone actually had a serious injury who returned. This is not the same equation that is usually talked about.

We’re talking about doubling his initial salary and improving his chances at getting a second contract. Look at the production these guys are putting up that I posted… he’s far from a lottery lock.
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Mullins is projected to go far higher than DC was after his freshman year.
 
WhereistheDove? said:
Mullins is projected to go far higher than DC was after his freshman year.
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That’s for right now. As I pointed out, there’s a lot of people both in front and behind him producing at extremely high levels.

Which is why I ask these questions here after seeing how those guys are playing.
HW611 said:
Just to showcase how deep this draft is and the way these guys are producing at a young age, too.

Even when you look at the guys behind Braylon. Will getting his average up to 12 a game be enough to secure a lottery spot? I almost can’t see a way into that loaded top 10 unless he becomes the best player on this team.
Expand ...
 
dennismenace said:
Here are the top 10 lottery pick $ figures. Would you take a chance on an injury in year two and quite possibly miss this payoff or go with the draft and a certainty of payment. It is staggeringly lopsided.

Here's a breakdown of the top 10 rookie contracts for the 2025 NBA Draft:
  1. Cooper Flagg (Mavericks): ~$62.7 Million Total, ~$13.8M Year 1
  2. Dylan Harper (Spurs): ~$56.1 Million Total, ~$12.4M Year 1
  3. VJ Edgecombe (76ers): ~$50.4 Million Total, ~$11.1M Year 1
  4. Kon Knueppel (Hornets): ~$45.5 Million Total, ~$10.0M Year 1
  5. Ace Bailey (Jazz): ~$41.2 Million Total, ~$9.1M Year 1
  6. Tre Johnson (Wizards): ~$37.4 Million Total, ~$8.2M Year 1
  7. Jeremiah Fears (Pelicans): ~$34.2 Million Total, ~$7.5M Year 1
  8. Egor Demin (Nets): ~$31.3 Million Total, ~$6.9M Year 1
  9. Collin Murray-Boyles (Raptors): ~$28.8 Million Total, ~$6.3M Year 1
  10. Khaman Maluach (Suns): ~$27.4 Million Total, ~$6.0M Year 1
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This is eye opening. I wonder how much of the total amount contract is guaranteed? But even so…..
 
Braylon's game should look a lot better by February. First off he's not a 33% 3 pt shooter. I expect some monster games from 3 from Mullins. While he does need to get stronger I don't think he's getting bullied often. On D he's been too handsy. On the other end he's just learning how to play in our Offense.
Questions for those who believe he needs another year of college. Would you feel the same if he decided to stay in school but entered the transfer portal?
 
HW611 said:
That’s for right now. As I pointed out, there’s a lot of people both in front and behind him producing at extremely high levels.

Which is why I ask these questions here after seeing how those guys are playing.
Expand ...
Time will tell. Barring injury, I see basically no scenario in which Mullins falls past 20 so to me, the calculus would be very different for him than Clingan after Clingan’s freshman season.
 
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