While the spotlight will be on what the Utah Jazz do with the 5th and 21st picks, the real intrigue might come later in the night. Holding picks 43 and 53, Utah has the chance to take some creative swings — the kind that often fly under the radar but sometimes end up sticking. This is where scouting gets personal, and preferences become apparent. Maybe it’s a rangy connector like Miles Byrd, a gritty defensive glue guy like Sion James, or a 7-foot enigma like Hansen Yang. These aren’t household names, but second-round picks rarely are — until they pan out. I’m higher on all of these guys compared to ESPN, so without further ado, let’s talk about them!
1 - Hansen Yang | C | China | 7’1 |
2024 California Classic - San Antonio Spurs v China Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images
My Ranking: 29th | ESPN’s Ranking: 67th
Stats: 16.2 PPG | 10 RPG | 2.8 APG | 2.7 BPG | 59.5% FG | 28.6% 3FG | 67.7% FT
Hansen Yang, a 7’1” center from Qingdao, China, has emerged as one of the most intriguing international prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft. At just 19 years old, Yang made a strong impression in the Chinese Basketball Association, averaging 16.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.7 blocks per game during the 2024–25 season. Scouts are impressed by his mix of size, touch, and feel for the game.
Offensively, Yang is known for his polished low-post scoring and exceptional passing ability for a player his size. He can facilitate from the high post with sharp vision and smart decision-making, drawing loose comparisons to Alperen Sengun. Defensively, he uses his length well to alter shots and protect the rim, though his lateral mobility and outside shooting remain question marks. Still, with his unique blend of skill and upside, Yang is a fascinating second-round swing for any team looking to add a modern big man with long-term potential. Personally, I think there aren’t many good prospects in the late second round, so I wouldn’t mind taking a big man with upside, since we have no big man depth and are still rebuilding.
7-foot-2 big man Hansen Yang is climbing up draft boards following last week's NBA Draft Combine
Yang is 19 years old and averaged 16.2 points and 10.5 rebounds for the Qingdao Eagles this past season. pic.twitter.com/R0yPBoD6o3
— B/R Hoops (@brhoops) May 21, 2025
2 - Miles Byrd | G/F | San Diego State | 6’6 |
COLLEGE BASKETBALL: NOV 27 Players Era Festival Oregon vs San Diego State Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
My Ranking: 25th | ESPN’s Ranking: 51st
Stats: 12.3 PPG | 2.7 APG | 4.4 RPG | 2.1 SPG | 1.1 BPG
Miles Byrd, a 6’6 Junior wing from San Diego State, has emerged as one of the most versatile and defensively impactful prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft. Defensively, Byrd’s 6’10 wingspan and high basketball IQ allow him to guard multiple positions, disrupt passing lanes, and provide weak-side rim protection. Byrd’s blend of length, feel, and two-way versatility makes him a sneaky-good second-round target with a clear NBA role if his development continues on track.
Miles Byrd may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but there’s no denying he’s one of the most uniquely intriguing prospects in this class. A 6’6 wing with great instincts, Byrd shows high-level feel on both ends — he’s a willing and intelligent passer, a disruptive team defender, and someone who plays within the flow of the game. He’s not an elite athlete, but he moves well, has good length, and competes defensively across multiple positions. Byrd played through thumb and hip injuries for much of the season, which likely impacted his shooting efficiency, but there’s enough touch to project him as a capable shooter long-term. While his handle, mid-range game, and finishing are just average — often self-created, to his credit — he doesn’t have glaring holes and has shown he can impact the game without needing high usage. He may not jump off the screen, but he consistently checks a lot of boxes, and that kind of versatility, combined with untapped upside, could quietly make him a sneaky first-round riser depending on how he performs in workouts.
Huge game from Miles Byrd vs Colorado State
25 Pts 6 Reb 1 Ast 7 Stl 1 Blk 1 TO
(8/15 FG 5/9 3FG 4/4 FT)
Was an absolute pest playing passing lanes and containing defensively. Knocked down 5 threes, converted in transition. Breakout continues for the 6'7 wing. Potential FRP. pic.twitter.com/YV1ZrMoukp
— Keandre Ashley (@HoopIntelllect) January 15, 2025
3 - Sion James | G | Duke | 6’5 |
NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament - Final Four Week - San Antonio Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/NCAA Photos via Getty Images
My Ranking: 26th | ESPN’s Ranking: 53rd
Stats: 8.6 PPG | 2.9 APG | 4.2 RPG | 0.8 SPG | 51.6% FG | 41.3% 3FG | 81% FT
Sion James is a powerfully built guard who makes an impact across all facets of the game. He’s a strong rebounder for his size and a solid defender who can hold his own against multiple positions. On offense, James sees the floor well and makes smart decisions with the ball, showing some playmaking ability that helps him create opportunities for teammates. He’s improved his three-point shooting over time, which will be key for him to stick at the next level, but his free-throw shooting remains a bit of a question mark, as this is his first good year of shooting at the line. James is also comfortable pushing the pace and getting out in transition, making him a weapon in fast-break situations. While he may not have a flashy skill set, his physicality, versatility, and basketball IQ give him a chance to carve out a role as a reliable two-way player.
I thought all of these guys did well at the combine and showed exactly what they did in college. There is still a looming question on whether Miles Byrd will return to school in the coming days, but if he doesn’t, I would not mind taking a swing at him with one of our seconds if he is still there! WHO DO YOU WANT TO SEE US TAKE????