Alongside Cooper Flagg and Collin Murray-Boyles, Asa Newell has been one of the best power forward prospects in this draft cycle. Like Flagg, Newell’s size, athleticism, and defense are the top reasons why teams in the lottery will consider drafting him. Not only that, but Newell has been extremely productive during his freshman season at Georgia. Let’s dive into the best fits for Asa Newell among teams currently projected to be in the 2025 NBA Draft lottery.
Best Fits for Asa Newell Among Lottery Teams
Golden State Warriors
If the Warriors stay in the lottery and keep their pick, Newell would fit well with their team. Golden State seriously needs more size and defense in the frontcourt, regardless of the overall direction of the team. Standing at 6-foot-11, Newell can easily be a great rim protector and rebounder for a Warriors team with only one player seven feet tall or over. Additionally, his athleticism will help the Warriors on both sides of the floor. Golden State loves to move the ball and off-ball actions, which is something that Newell excels at. Newell will make himself available for passes, both in transition and in the half-court. Plus, he will benefit from all the attention Steph Curry attracts by getting easy shots. Furthermore, Newell has shown some shooting potential, which would fit with the Warriors system. Overall, Newell would be a perfect fit in Golden State.
Oklahoma City Thunder
While the Oklahoma City Thunder are one of the best teams in the NBA they have a chance to draft in the lottery if the Philadelphia 76ers pick falls between seven and 14. Moreover, with a plethora of future picks, they could trade into the lottery. OKC would be an excellent team for Newell to play with. Like the Warriors, the Thunder need more frontcourt depth behind Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein. Newell would give the Thunder more athleticism, defense, and rebounding that they need against bigger teams. While Newell might not play his rookie season, he will be an intriguing developmental piece for the future. His defensive potential will push the Thunder to another level if he develops properly so they can handle teams like the Cavaliers.
Newell will thrive playing off of guys like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams feeding him easy shots at the rim. His ability to move off the ball and their passing skills will result in many good looks. Furthermore, Newell will make a great target in transition for the Thunder, given the team’s ability to force turnovers. Given his skills and potential, Newell will fit well in Oklahoma City if he lands there.
Portland Trail Blazers
Similar to the other teams on this list, the Portland Trail Blazers will be a good spot for Newell to develop. The Blazers need a bigger forward at the power forward position and Newell can be that. Furthermore, Portland can use another defensive frontcourt piece that can guard multiple positions. It should be noted that Portland has been one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA. Not only that, but the Blazers are also one of the worst rebounding teams as well. Due to those deficiencies, Newell’s inclusion on the roster will help in that regard. Offensively, with guys like Scoot Henderson, Anfernee Simons, and Shaedon Sharpe out on the court, Newell will get many open looks or chances for put-backs at the rim. For what he brings to the table, Newell would fit well with Portland’s young core.
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