As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, it’s clear that the talent pool is deep, offering a wide array of prospects from international standouts to collegiate players who are set to make a big impact in the NBA. From highly-touted names like Cooper Flagg to emerging “sleepers” and hidden gems, this year’s draft class presents teams with the opportunity to add immediate contributors or develop future stars. Below, we break down the top prospects, “sleepers,” and a “secret diamond” who may just surprise us all.
Top Prospects
Cooper Flagg (Duke University)
- Position: Forward
- Height: 6’9″
- Weight: 221 lbs
- Wingspan: 7’0″
- Pro Comparison: Andrei Kirilenko (defensive), Jalen Johnson (offensive)
Cooper Flagg is widely regarded as the top prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft. His exceptional defensive abilities, versatility, and basketball IQ make him a potential franchise cornerstone. At Duke, Flagg’s ability to block shots, rebound, and score in a variety of ways stands out. He draws comparisons to Andrei Kirilenko for his defensive prowess and Jalen Johnson for his offensive versatility.
Projected Team Fit: The Washington Wizards (Pick 1) are expected to select him, bolstering their roster alongside Alex Sarr. His defensive versatility and ability to contribute offensively will be key for the Wizards as they look to build a championship contender.
Dylan Harper (Rutgers University)
- Position: Guard
- Height: 6’6″
- Weight: 215 lbs
- Wingspan: Not specified
- Pro Comparison: Coby White, Jalen Brunson (bigger)
Dylan Harper, the son of NBA legend Ron Harper, has showcased his scoring and defensive prowess at Rutgers. Harper is a dynamic scorer who can create his own shot, and his size and athleticism make him a two-way threat. With averages of 18.4 points and 4.2 assists per game at Rutgers, he has shown that he can lead a team.
Projected Team Fit: The New Orleans Pelicans (Pick 2) could use Harper’s scoring and defensive abilities to complement Victor Wembanyama. Harper would be a perfect fit for their up-tempo offense.
VJ Edgecombe (Baylor University)
- Position: Guard
- Height: 6’5″
- Weight: 180 lbs
- Wingspan: Not specified
- Pro Comparison: Andrew Wiggins
VJ Edgecombe is known for his athleticism and defensive capabilities. He’s a standout defender who can lock down multiple positions, making him a valuable two-way guard. While his offensive game is still developing, his defensive prowess has led to comparisons with players like Andrew Wiggins, known for their perimeter defense and ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
Projected Team Fit: The Charlotte Hornets (Pick 4) could benefit from Edgecombe’s defensive skills and athleticism, providing an immediate impact on both ends of the floor.
Tre Johnson (University of Texas)
- Position: Guard
- Height: 6’6″
- Weight: 190 lbs
- Wingspan: Not specified
- Pro Comparison: Buddy Hield
Tre Johnson is an explosive scorer with deep shooting range. His ability to score from anywhere on the court makes him one of the best shooters in this class. He averaged 17.8 points per game at Texas and is drawing comparisons to NBA shooters like Buddy Hield.
Projected Team Fit: The Portland Trail Blazers (Pick 9) would be an excellent fit for Johnson, as they are in need of a shooter to complement their young core, including Scoot Henderson.
Kon Knueppel (Duke University)
- Position: Guard/Forward
- Height: 6’6″
- Weight: 217 lbs
- Wingspan: Not specified
- Pro Comparison: Kevin Huerter
Kon Knueppel is a versatile wing who can shoot, defend, and make plays for others. At Duke, he averaged 16.2 points and 4.5 assists per game. His high basketball IQ, combined with his length and athleticism, has drawn comparisons to Kevin Huerter, known for his shooting and off-ball movement.
Projected Team Fit: The San Antonio Spurs (Pick 10) would thrive with Knueppel’s shooting and basketball IQ, complementing their young stars like Victor Wembanyama.
Kasparas Jakucionis (University of Illinois)
- Position: Guard
- Height: 6’6″
- Weight: 200 lbs
- Wingspan: Not specified
- Pro Comparison: Chauncey Billups
Kasparas Jakucionis is an international prospect with a high basketball IQ. Known for his excellent court vision and ability to run an offense, Jakucionis has been compared to NBA players like Chauncey Billups, known for their leadership and defensive prowess.
Projected Team Fit: The Brooklyn Nets (Pick 8) could use Jakucionis’ playmaking and defensive skills to bolster their backcourt alongside their young core.
Khaman Maluach (Duke University)
- Position: Center
- Height: 7’2″
- Weight: 250 lbs
- Wingspan: Not specified
- Pro Comparison: Dereck Lively II
Khaman Maluach is a powerful center known for his rebounding and shot-blocking ability. His presence in the paint makes him an ideal rim protector, and his physicality makes him a tough matchup for any center in the league.
Projected Team Fit: The Toronto Raptors (Pick 9) are projected to select Maluach, aligning with their developmental philosophy and need for a defensive anchor in the frontcourt.
The Ace Bailey Situation
Ace Bailey, once considered a top-three pick, has seen his draft stock fluctuate due to concerns over his decision-making and recent reports of declining pre-draft workouts. Initially projected to be selected by teams like the Philadelphia 76ers or Washington Wizards, Bailey’s refusal to attend certain team workouts has raised questions among NBA executives. This uncertainty has led to speculation about his potential slide in the draft order.
Sleepers
Derik Queen (University of Maryland)
- Position: Center
- Height: 6’10”
- Weight: 245 lbs
- Wingspan: Not specified
- Pro Comparison: Alperen Şengün
Derik Queen is a skilled big man known for his impressive production, high skill level, feel, and passing IQ. Despite concerns about his conditioning and shooting range, Queen’s offensive abilities make him an intriguing prospect.
Projected Team Fit: The Chicago Bulls (Pick 17) could benefit from Queen’s skills in the post and passing, providing depth to their frontcourt.
Egor Demin (Brigham Young University)
- Position: Guard
- Height: 6’8″
- Weight: 199 lbs
- Wingspan: 6’10”
- Pro Comparison: Josh Giddey
Egor Demin is a smooth-shooting international guard with excellent size for his position. He could provide instant offense off the bench for any NBA team looking for shooting and length on the perimeter.
Projected Team Fit: The Toronto Raptors (Pick 9) might take a flyer on Demin to add shooting depth to their roster.
Jase Richardson (Michigan State University)
- Position: Guard
- Height: 6’3″
- Weight: 190 lbs
- Wingspan: 6’9″
- Pro Comparison: Derrick White
- Jase Richardson is a versatile guard known for his ability to contribute in multiple areas. His scoring and playmaking ability make him a potential late-first-round pick.
- Projected Team Fit: The Chicago Bulls (Pick 12) could benefit from Richardson’s versatility and basketball IQ to strengthen their backcourt.
Secret Diamond
Danny Wolf (University of Michigan)
- Position: Center
- Height: 6’10.5″
- Weight: 251.8 lbs
- Wingspan: 7’2.25″
Danny Wolf is a traditional center with a strong presence in the post. His basketball IQ, ability to play pick-and-roll, and high-level passing have led to comparisons with Nikola Jokić. Wolf’s passing numbers are stellar for a player of his size, and his ability to orchestrate the offense from the center position is a rare skill.
Projected Team Fit: The San Antonio Spurs (Pick 14) or Oklahoma City Thunder (Pick 15) would both benefit from Wolf’s pick-and-roll ability with a second big man. These teams, both focusing on developing young talent and building for the future, would find Wolf’s versatile offensive game and playmaking a perfect fit for their systems. He could complement the Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama or the Thunder’s Chet Holmgren, enhancing their inside-out game.
Conclusion
The 2025 NBA Draft presents a unique blend of talent, with prospects capable of making immediate impacts on their respective teams. From the consensus No. 1 pick, Cooper Flagg, to the emerging talents like Derik Queen and Danny Wolf, this draft class offers a diverse range of skills and potential. As teams look to build for the future, the selections made tonight will shape the landscape of the NBA for years to come.
