The French Draft Mock That Broke the Internet

Let me be clear: I’ve analyzed countless draft mocks—from ESPN to Bleacher Report—but this one from a French media collective? It’s not just different. It’s daredevil. They’re putting Scottie Barnes-level talent Zach Edey at No. 5? And Yves-Emmanuel—their own guy—just 29th?

That’s right. In their world, Flagg is the undisputed No. 1, but they don’t flinch when slapping Yang Han-Shen at No. 22 and Yves-Emmanuel (a rising Eurostar) down to late second round.

I mean… come on.

Why This Mock Feels Like a Data Experiment

As someone who’s built predictive models for ESPN and trained on player tracking data from NBA Next Gen Stats, I respect bold takes—but there has to be some evidence.

Flagg as No. 1? Absolutely justified—elite defensive instincts, elite athleticism, proven under pressure in high-stakes games.

But here’s where it gets spicy: placing Bennedict Mathurin ahead of RJ Barrett while dropping him below Beasley?! That’s not just opinion—it’s statistical heresy in my book.

The Yang Han-Shen Shock: A Case Study in Global Bias?

Yang Han-Shen at No. 22? Honestly… I’ve seen better projections from my old college roommate during finals week.

He played against NBA-caliber defenders at FIBA U19s, averaged 17 points per game during his breakout season in China, and even showed flashes of playmaking that could thrive in modern offenses.

Yet the French panel sees him as ‘high ceiling but low floor’—a common narrative for non-US prospects with international roots.

Funny how those biases show up even when your sample size includes European scouts and global data feeds.

Yves-Emmanuel: A Nation’s Pride—or a Victim of Reality?

Now let’s talk about the real bombshell: Yves-Emmanuel, their own homegrown gem—and he lands at No. 29?

I don’t know if you’re used to seeing national pride get traded for cold statistical modeling… but this isn’t just tough love—it feels like betrayal from within.

Was it because of his vertical leap numbers falling short of ‘elite’? Or maybe his lack of NCAA exposure?

either way—they didn’t protect him. And yet… they still have faith in him as an undrafted free agent with upside potential!

Are They Wrong—or Just Too Honest?

Here’s what separates true analysts from internet hot-takes: honesty under pressure. This mock doesn’t flatter its own people—it calls them out publicly. The fact that they dropped their local star so brutally shows courage—and yes—the kind no major US outlet would risk today. They’re not chasing clicks; they’re chasing truth through data friction. That deserves respect—even if I disagree with some picks! So was it wrong to place Yang Han-Shen lower than three point guards? Maybe. But was it unfair? Not entirely—if you’re willing to admit international prospects face higher scrutiny when comparing metrics across leagues. It all comes down to context—and that’s something every fan should demand before passing judgment on any mock draft.