Locked On NBA Big Board - NBA Draft Podcast - podcast cover

Locked On NBA Big Board - NBA Draft Podcast

Locked On Podcast Networklockedonpodcasts.com
Locked On NBA Big Board is your daily deep dive into the exciting world of NBA draft prospects, player rankings and scouting reports. Hosted by NBA Draft Analyst Rafael Barlowe from NBA Draft Junkies, and author of the NBA Big Board newsletter, and joined by Richard Stayman, Sam Ferris, and Leif Thulin, Locked On NBA Big Board will break down the NBA Draft and give NBA fans a deep look as they review top prospects and uncover hidden gems. With great guests, mock drafts, expert insights, and of course Big Boards, the Locked On NBA Big Board is part of the the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.
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Episodes

Unexpected Picks & Perfect Fits | 2025 NBA Draft 2nd Round Reactions

In this episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board Podcast, Rafael Barlowe kicks things off with an announcement before joining James Barlowe to break down Thursday night’s second round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. They discuss the biggest surprises, including Stanford’s Maxime Raynaud slipping to Sacramento at 42, Johni Broome going earlier than projected to Philadelphia at 35, Brooks Barnhizer landing in Oklahoma City, and the unexpected selection of Talon Peter. The brothers then ana...

Jun 27, 202533 minEp. 369

Live from Barclays: Unfiltered Draft Night Reactions with Rafael & James Barlowe Before Round 2 of the 2025 Draft

On a riveting and unscripted installment of the Locked On NBA Big Board Podcast, Rafael and James Barlowe went live straight from Barclays Center just before the tip-off of the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft. With no prepared script, the two dive headfirst into a fast‑paced Q&A session fueled by real-time fan questions on YouTube. They unpacked Wednesday night’s shake‑up trades—from surprising draft‑night deals to unexpected team maneuvers—breaking down how each move could reshape roster...

Jun 27, 20251 hr 20 minEp. 368

CHAOS! Barlowe Brothers React to 2025 NBA Draft Surprises..Egor Demin No.8?! Hansen Yang to Portland

Live from Barclays Center, Rafael Barlowe and James Barlowe react to the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft in a special episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board Podcast. The Barlowe brothers break down the night’s biggest surprises, including Egor Demin going No. 8 and Hanson Yang being selected at No. 16. They dive deep into the Brooklyn Nets’ five picks and offer quick reactions to each lottery selection—from Cooper Flagg to Khaman Maluach, VJ Edgecombe, and Collin Murray-Boyles. They also weigh...

Jun 26, 202526 minEp. 367

The NBA Is a Copycat League: The Playoff Bump Effect and Copying the Right Cat in the 2025 NBA Draft

In this episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board Podcast, Rafael and James Barlowe discuss the concept of the “playoff bump” — the phenomenon where a player’s draft stock rises due to the success of similar player archetypes in the NBA Playoffs. With the league being a copycat environment, teams often look to replicate the success of winning formulas. Rafael and James dive into which 2025 NBA Draft prospects could benefit from this trend, identifying players whose skills, roles, or intangibles mir...

Jun 25, 202528 minEp. 366

Live from NYC: NBA Draft Buzz, Nets’ Draft Stockpile, Noa Essengue and the Thunder’s Lottery Plans

Broadcast live from the NBA Draft Hotel in New York City, this edition of the Locked On NBA Big Board Podcast features Rafael and James Barlowe breaking down the latest trade chatter and draft buzz ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft. They kick things off with the two headline-making deals of the day: the Brooklyn Nets securing their fifth first-round pick, and the Atlanta Hawks bolstering their frontcourt by acquiring Kristaps Porzingis. The Barlowe brothers then share their thoughts on Noa Essengue's ...

Jun 25, 202524 minEp. 365

From Doubts to First Round Picks. Walter Clayton Jr., Noa Essengue, Nique Clifford & more..

On this episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board podcast, host Rafael Barlowe is joined by Richard Stayman for a deep dive into revisionist scouting just days before the 2025 NBA Draft. With the clock winding down, Stayman revisits his evaluations and shares how several prospects have made him rethink his initial assessments. From reshuffling his big board to rewriting full scouting reports, he details what changed and why. Prospects like Walter Clayton Jr., Nique Clifford, Cedric Coward, Noa Esse...

Jun 24, 202533 minEp. 364

Ace Bailey, Egor Demin, Danny Wolf & more: Projecting Fits for 2025’s Most Divisive Prospects

In this episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board Podcast, Rafael Barlowe and Richard Stayman dive into the best NBA fits for some of the most polarizing prospects in the 2025 draft class. Stayman outlines what contributes to a prospect being labeled "polarizing," offering insight into the differing scout perspectives that surround them. The duo shares detailed evaluations on Ace Bailey, Egor Demin, Noa Essengue, Rasheer Fleming, and Danny Wolf—discussing the unique skills and question marks that m...

Jun 23, 202537 minEp. 363

NBA Finals Are Over—Let’s Talk 2025 Draft (Live Q&A)

In this episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board Podcast, Rafael and James Barlowe go live immediately after the conclusion of the NBA Finals to answer questions related to the 2025 NBA Draft. The Barlowe Brothers dive into fan-submitted topics, offering their thoughts and insights on the upcoming draft, including their projections, favorite prospects, and what to watch for heading into Wednesday’s NBA Draft. 1:44 Oklahoma City's NBA Championship win and player injuries 6:35 Spurs' Draft Strategy ...

Jun 23, 20251 hr 52 minEp. 362

Kevin Durant TRADED TO THE HOUSTON ROCKETS + Best Draft Fits for Phoenix at Picks 10 & 29

On the latest episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board podcast, Rafael Barlowe dives into the blockbuster trade that sent Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the 10th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and five second-rounders. With Phoenix now holding pick 10, Rafael explores their draft options in light of a crowded backcourt featuring Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and the newly acquired Jalen Green. In the second segment, he highlights point guard pros...

Jun 22, 202533 minEp. 361

Cooper Flagg’s Trajectory, Best Outcomes, and Leif’s Unfiltered Mavericks Rant

On this episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board Podcast, Rafael Barlowe and Leif Thulin break down Cooper Flagg’s potential as the number one pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Thulin dives into Flagg’s best outcomes, examining how his skillset and versatility align with Dallas’s current roster. He highlights Flagg’s impressive growth rate, his rapid developmental curve, and the ceiling that makes him a franchise cornerstone. But the real headline is Thulin’s fiery rant on Flagg landing in Dallas—questi...

Jun 21, 202533 minEp. 360

Derik Queen at the Top? Ranking Leif Thulin's Top Bigs in the 2025 NBA Draft

In this episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board podcast, Leif Thulin joins Rafael Barlowe to rank his top big men prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft, opening with a notable deviation from consensus by placing Maryland’s Derik Queen ahead of Duke’s Khaman Maluach. Thulin defends the move by explaining his preference for Queen’s offensive polish, feel for the game, and impact as a decision-maker, despite Maluach’s superior physical tools. The conversation continues with in-depth breakdowns of Stanford...

Jun 21, 202535 minEp. 359

Ace Bailey’s Draft Gambit: Strategic Bet or Red Flag?

Breaking news out of the pre-draft cycle: Ace Bailey has canceled his workout with the Philadelphia 76ers, making him the only U.S.-based prospect yet to visit a single NBA team. In this episode, Rafael and James Barlowe went live to break down what this means for his stock. Is there a hidden guarantee? A strategic play for leverage? Or is the red flag finally starting to show? The Barlowe Brothers also dive into Bailey’s polarizing combine feedback, his confusing pre-draft strategy, how his dra...

Jun 19, 20251 hr 25 minEp. 358

Hornets on the Clock at No. 4: Best-Fit Debate – Bailey, Edgecombe, Maluach, Knueppel or Johnson?

On the latest Locked On NBA Big Board podcast, host Rafael Barlowe and analyst Leif Thulin dive into the Charlotte Hornets’ options at No. 4 in the 2025 NBA Draft. They spotlight top prospects like Tre Johnson, VJ Edgecombe, Kon Knueppel, Ace Bailey, and Khaman Maluach, noting that the Hornets are placing a premium on both character and intel behind the pick. Rafael challenges Leif to strap on his GM hat and name his ideal choice for Charlotte—while also probing whether the Hornets might trade d...

Jun 18, 202526 minEp. 357

Jeremiah Fears or VJ Edgecombe: Who Should the Consensus Really Favor?

In this episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board Podcast, Rafael Barlowe and Leif Thulin challenge the growing consensus that VJ Edgecombe is the superior prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft. While most boards have Edgecombe projected to go higher, Rafael and Leif lay out their reasoning for why they believe Jeremiah Fears is the better long-term player. The duo dives into each prospect’s strengths, contrasting Fears’ polish and feel with Edgecombe’s athleticism and explosiveness, and explain why their...

Jun 17, 202528 minEp. 356

2025 NBA Draft: Six New Faces Added to the Green Room — and Who’s Still Waiting?

In the latest episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board podcast, hosts Rafael and James Barlowe break down the NBA’s second wave of green room invitations ahead of the 2025 Draft. With six new players added—bringing the total to 19—they analyze the inclusion of Georgetown’s Thomas Sorber, UConn’s Liam McNeeley, Illinois’ Will Riley, South Carolina’s Collin Murray‑Boyles, and French prospects Nolan Traore and Noa Essengue. The duo unpacks why the NBA may have extended invites to this particular grou...

Jun 17, 202533 minEp. 355

NBA Mock Draft Picks 13-18: Which teams landed mid-round STEALS?

Locked On’s five episode NBA Mock Draft is here. For every episode of the 2025 Locked On NBA Mock Draft search Locked On NBA Draft wherever you get your podcasts. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! OLIPOP Get a free can of OLIPOP! Just buy any two cans in store and they’ll reimburse you for one. Head to drinkolipop.com/LOCKEDONNBA to claim your free can and find OLIPOP near you. CarGurus Buy or sell your next car today with CarGurus at CarGurus.com to make sure your big deal is the best deal...

Jun 16, 202539 minEp. 351

NBA Mock Draft Picks 7-12: How LOADED is the lottery this year?

Locked On’s five episode NBA Mock Draft is here. For every episode of the 2025 Locked On NBA Mock Draft search Locked On NBA Draft wherever you get your podcasts. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! OLIPOP Get a free can of OLIPOP! Just buy any two cans in store and they’ll reimburse you for one. Head to drinkolipop.com/LOCKEDONNBA to claim your free can and find OLIPOP near you. CarGurus Buy or sell your next car today with CarGurus at CarGurus.com to make sure your big deal is the best deal...

Jun 16, 202541 minEp. 350

NBA Mock Draft Picks 25-30: A MAJOR star gets traded!

Locked On’s five episode NBA Mock Draft is here. For every episode of the 2025 Locked On NBA Mock Draft search Locked On NBA Draft wherever you get your podcasts. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! OLIPOP Get a free can of OLIPOP! Just buy any two cans in store and they’ll reimburse you for one. Head to drinkolipop.com/LOCKEDONNBA to claim your free can and find OLIPOP near you. CarGurus Buy or sell your next car today with CarGurus at CarGurus.com to make sure your big deal is the best deal...

Jun 16, 202542 minEp. 353

NBA Mock Draft Picks 19-24: Late-round trades favor ONE team

Locked On’s five episode NBA Mock Draft is here. For every episode of the 2025 Locked On NBA Mock Draft search Locked On NBA Draft wherever you get your podcasts. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! OLIPOP Get a free can of OLIPOP! Just buy any two cans in store and they’ll reimburse you for one. Head to drinkolipop.com/LOCKEDONNBA to claim your free can and find OLIPOP near you. CarGurus Buy or sell your next car today with CarGurus at CarGurus.com to make sure your big deal is the best deal...

Jun 16, 202533 minEp. 352

NBA Mock Draft Picks 1-6: Dallas Mavericks land Cooper Flagg, Spurs select Dylan Harper

Locked On’s five episode NBA Mock Draft is here. For every episode of the 2025 Locked On NBA Mock Draft search Locked On NBA Draft wherever you get your podcasts. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! OLIPOP Get a free can of OLIPOP! Just buy any two cans in store and they’ll reimburse you for one. Head to drinkolipop.com/LOCKEDONNBA to claim your free can and find OLIPOP near you. CarGurus Buy or sell your next car today with CarGurus at CarGurus.com to make sure your big deal is the best deal...

Jun 16, 202539 minEp. 349

Live Mock Draft Breakdown: James Barlowe’s 2025 NBA Mock Draft 2.0

In a rare live episode, Rafael Barlowe dissects his brother James Barlowe’s 2025 NBA Mock Draft 2.0. James answers questions from the live chat and explains the reasoning behind his picks—who he’s higher on than consensus, who he’s lower on, and who he has the Brooklyn Nets picking with their four first-round selections. From bold predictions to deep dives on overlooked prospects, this episode brings real-time reactions and fresh insight into James’s updated draft board. 30 - LA Clippers - Yanic...

Jun 16, 20252 hr 7 minEp. 354

HUGE TRADE: Desmond Bane Traded to Orlando +Grizzlies Get No. 16 Pick & Neoklis Avdalas Withdraws

In the Father’s Day edition of the Locked On NBA Big Board podcast, Rafael and James Barlowe opened by breaking down Orlando’s shocking move to give up a haul of assets for Desmond Bane, sharing their thoughts on whether this bold trade pushes the Magic closer to the top tier of the Eastern Conference. In the second segment, they shifted their focus to the Memphis Grizzlies’ options at pick No. 16, evaluating several potential targets—ranging from versatile forwards to high-upside wings—who coul...

Jun 16, 202534 minEp. 348

NBA Draft Rumors II: Hawks Eye Maluach in Trade-Up Scenario, Magic and Thunder May Look to Deal Picks

In Part 2 of the NBA Draft Rumors series, Rafael and James Barlowe return on the Locked On NBA Big Board Podcast to break down the latest buzz surrounding several teams with multiple first-round picks in the 2025 NBA Draft. They begin with the Orlando Magic, questioning whether it makes sense for them to bring in two more rookies given their recent struggles to develop young talent. The conversation then shifts to the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are currently tied 2–2 in the NBA Finals and also h...

Jun 14, 202536 minEp. 347

NBA Draft Rumors: Sixers-Spurs Pick Swap? Pelicans Targeting Ace Bailey?Maluach in Play for Wizards at 6

In this episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board Podcast, brothers Rafael and James Barlowe break down the latest rumors and draft buzz leading up to the 2025 NBA Draft. They discuss the potential pick swap between the San Antonio Spurs and Philadelphia 76ers involving selections No. 2 and No. 3, and examine reports that the New Orleans Pelicans are looking to move up the board to land Ace Bailey. The conversation also touches on the Washington Wizards’ rumored interest in both Khaman Maluach and ...

Jun 13, 202532 minEp. 346

First Wave of 2025 NBA Green Room Invites Revealed — Who Made It and Who Got Snubbed?

In the latest episode of Locked On NBA Big Board, Rafael & James Barlowe break down the NBA’s first wave of 13 Green Room invites ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft, offering sharp analysis on both surprise selections and notable omissions. They spotlight invitees Asa Newell, Carter Bryant, and Egor Demin, diving into a lively debate on whether those inclusions were truly surprising—or if their differing scouting evaluations explain the split opinions. The Barlowe brothers also discuss Collin Murra...

Jun 11, 202533 minEp. 345

Orlando's Win-Now Mentality TRANSFORMS Draft Approach | Where do the Magic GO NOW?

The NBA Draft is in 2.5 weeks and the Orlando Magic face a lot of key decisions on draft night with the 16th and 25th picks in the Draft. Will the Magic use the picks? Trade them? Trade up? Or trade out? Whatever the case, the Magic must maximize these choices as they begin their win-now approach and try to change their teams outlook for the 2026 season. Locked On NBA Big Board's Rafael Barlowe joins the show to talk about the Magic's draft options, how their draft approach should change and whi...

Jun 10, 202534 minEp. 344

Bucks at 47: Can Milwaukee Find a Hidden Gem in a Thin 2025 Draft?

The 2025 NBA Draft class may be thinning out, but the Milwaukee Bucks still have decisions to make at pick No. 47. Camille Davis from Locked On Bucks and Rafael Barlowe dive into Milwaukee’s late-second-round strategy, evaluating prospects like Chaz Lanier, Micah Peavy, and Hansen Yang. They examine how NIL is reshaping college careers, which undrafted names could emerge, and how the Bucks can use two-way contracts or trades to find cost-effective help alongside Giannis. With roster flexibility ...

Jun 10, 202536 minEp. 343

Why Nolan Traore Has PROVEN He's a Lottery Pick + Neoklis Avdalas Interview | NBA Draft Podcast

In the final installment of the "Passport Prospects" series on the Locked On NBA Big Board Podcast, Rafael Barlowe spotlights three international guards with intriguing draft potential. He opens with Nolan Traore, a French point guard who began the season with top-five buzz but has since slipped in consensus rankings. Barlowe argues that Traore's blend of playmaking and downhill aggression still warrants lottery consideration, despite concerns about his shooting and turnovers. Next, Barlowe brea...

Jun 06, 202531 minEp. 342

Passport Prospects: Noa Essengue and Hugo Gonzalez Lead 2025's Top International Wings

In Part 2 of the Passport Prospects series, Rafael Barlowe shares his personal scouting reports on the top international wings eligible for the 2025 NBA Draft. He opens the episode by explaining why he’s so passionate about international scouting, then dives into detailed evaluations of Noa Essengue, Hugo Gonzalez, Noah Penda, Alex Toohey, and Ben Henshall. From Essengue’s physical tools and switchability to Gonzalez’s slashing and two-way upside, Barlowe gives listeners an inside look at the st...

Jun 02, 202531 minEp. 341

Passport Prospects: The Top International Bigs in the 2025 NBA Draft

In Part 1 of a 3-part series titled Passport Prospects, Rafael Barlowe breaks down the top big men from the international ranks in the 2025 NBA Draft class on the Locked On NBA Big Board Podcast. He shares his thoughts on Joan Beringer (France) and the promise he’s shown early, Bogi Markovic (Serbia) and his intriguing versatility, and Hansen Yang (China), who remains one of the class’s most polarizing prospects due to his unique skill set. Barlowe also dives into Rocco Zikarsky’s (Australia) ma...

Jun 01, 202533 minEp. 340
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