Mullins questions

[Palatine]

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.

 

[gtcam]

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 Mullens vs McNeeley, yes McNeeley has a size advantage but that's it - Mullens is so graceful vs plodding

 

[Scottobot]

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?

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.

 

[HW611]

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.

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.

 

[HW611]

Wasserman’s latest mock draft with the production these guys are putting up.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25262746-2026-nba-mock-draft

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

​

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.

 

[WhereistheDove?]

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.

Mullins is projected to go far higher than DC was after his freshman year.

 

[HW611]

Mullins is projected to go far higher than DC was after his freshman year.

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.

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.

 

[FearThePups]

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

This is eye opening. I wonder how much of the total amount contract is guaranteed? But even so…..

 

[imno1]

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?

 

[WhereistheDove?]

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.

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.

 

[Slick]

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.

The answer is he’s the straw that stirs the drink. He can shoot and create his shot and makes a HUGE difference in us beating a team like Kansas in their own arena. If he continues to progress and stays healthy we have a much better chance of making some noise in the Tournament.

 

[HW611]

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.

Don’t think Mullins falls past 20 either. Which may have been the range Clingan could’ve rose to if he came out.

Don’t think if Mullins is in that 16-20 range it’s a good idea to come out for half the salary, to go to a team that probably isn’t as invested in him, and wouldn’t be as patient with his development (because they’ll be a playoff team).

Last time saying this. It’s such a better idea to come back and become a top 5 top 3 pick and be looked at as a franchise player if the opportunity is there. Usually guys making the decision to leave or come back aren’t being looked at as potential top 5 picks the next year and lock for the top 10.

Don’t think another year of Hawkins or Liam makes them a top 5 pick so it made sense for them to go. Liam had to avoid this draft at all costs.

But Mullins has a legit chance to be looked at as a franchise player if he doesn’t rush it.

 

[SoCalCanine]

It seems kind of crazy to have this argument now. The kid just came back from injury, has only played in a handful of games and is just barely learning the system. He is far from a finished product right now but in another month or so that may change a lot. He also will be getting advice and feedback from people WAY more in the know than any of us, like his coach, his agent and NBA execs and even his family.

 

[QDOG5]

Mullins answers. 10 lbs of muscle and more game experience.

 

[zmart]

Don't look now guys but the last mock draft I saw
had Reibe at 37.

 

[HooperScooper]

Don't look now guys but the last mock draft I saw
had Reibe at 37.

Where did the mock drafts have Clingan during his freshman season?

 

[SportsFan88]

Kid is a lottery pick plain and simple

 

[Kitaman]

How is this thread different from transfer speculation threads. Some posters dream about him staying another year (like Santa) and many posters are just stomping on our Santa Claus dream. Sure its unrealistic but it is a coping mechanism of sorts.

Just saying its Dec. and we're talking about him leaving. Dream killers.

I'd rather have hope than dead dreams. Please let some of us dream and wake us up in March, we're not new to this.

 

[Leebo]

His grandfather told me in Boston the plan is to stay two years (FWIW)

What kind of car was he washing?

 

[cp176]

Kid is a lottery pick plain and simple

He’ll be back

 

[jonbones220]

Steph avg 11.1, 4th pick…. So not sure numbers matter here. NBA is all about fit and can I mold this or that player into what WE want . Plus they don’t even give Mullins the ball or run plays for him and still avg 9.5.

 

[FlippinCrazy!]

What does next year’s draft class look like compared to this year? This year is obviously one of the better years talent wise. Mullins is a definitely a lottery level talent, but breaking the top 5 is pretty unlikely with the other freshman stars right now. Maybe a pick around 10ish if he plays well? On top of the difference in guaranteed money, the “deadline” to prove yourself sticking in the NBA is also pushed back a year. That’s something big to consider. Don’t want to waste a year developing. It’s not fully like in the MLB, where players want to reach free agency as fast possible.

Obviously I want Mullins to stay for as long as possible, but am always for the kids to pursue their NBA dream. Like I couldn’t imagine Castle playing another year of college ball, it just wouldn’t be right. Hurley has a pretty good track record of helping his players to decide when to make the jump, so trust fully Mullins will make the right decision in the end.

 

[mauconnfan]

Kids slowly getting comfortable so much more to learn. The Big East will make him tougher because having watched a few games it seems the ref pattern is mostly let them play. Trying to get open even with solid screens is hard work.

Let’s see how it plays out next couple months, we may see significant growth which will be a good thing no matter.

 

[Slick]

What kind of car was he washing?

He was washing your hunk of junk!

 

[Waquoit]

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

Court vision. He's a beat ahead of everyone else.