The next generation of NBA stars are set to find out where they will suit up in their rookie seasons at the 2025 NBA Draft.
This year’s NBA draft is a fascinating one, featuring a potentially generational talent at the top of the board and a host of largely unknown quantities below him, making for an unpredictable evening ahead of us in New York.
Here, we break down the best prospects in the draft, who have the potential to alter the future of the franchises that select them.
1. Cooper Flagg – Duke
A no-brainer. Cooper Flagg was tipped as a potentially generational talent before he even laced up for the Duke Blue Devils last season, and showed nothing but improvement all year long.
The 18-year-old is as complete a player as they come. He had one of the most dominant college seasons of the past decade for Duke, winning National Player of the Year and averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game.
Standing at 6’7”, he can play to an elite level on both ends of the floor and is ready to step into the league as a day one starter and produce immediately. His athleticism is overwhelming, and beyond that, Flagg’s playmaking ability may be his biggest weapon.
NBA Draft stars don’t always meet their potential, but Flagg looks to be as sure of a bet as any. With a complete all-around game, Flagg has the makings of a future top-five player in the league, and maybe one of the NBA All-Time greats. Expect the Dallas Mavericks to snap him up immediately at number one.
Player comparison: Scottie Pippen
2. Dylan Harper – Rutgers
Dylan Harper looks to have all the attributes of a high-level NBA guard. He is clearly the second-best player in this year’s draft, with a ceiling of becoming a future All-Star, and a relatively high floor due to his catch-and-shoot ability and size on defence.
He was an aggressive player on offence for Rutgers on his way to 19.4 points per game. He has a creative handle and the ability to beat defenders off the dribble and finish at the hoop – an area of his game which improved throughout the year.
What prevents Harper from ranking as a top-level prospect is his one-dimensional game when driving. While he can knock down shots, he is inconsistent off the dribble, making him predictable once he gets his head down.
He is a willing defender on the other end, and his size and skillset make him a sure bet to be drafted number two by the San Antonio Spurs.
Player comparison: James Harden
3. Ace Bailey – Rutgers
This is where the draft gets interesting. Ace Bailey has risen near the top of many mock drafts in recent weeks, and looks favourite to be drafted number three by the Philadelphia 76ers.
Harper’s Rutgers teammate has the potential to be the second-best player in his class, but is a developmental prospect. He has excellent size as a 6’7” wing with a 7′ wingspan, is an unbelievable athlete in the open floor and has shown consistency as a knock-down shooter off the dribble.
While the physical tools are clearly there for Bailey, his decision-making and finishing ability require significant improvement.
At 18 years old there is some real room for development, but should he want to discover his potential as an All-Star in the League, he needs to become a more consistent performer in those areas of his game.
Bailey is an investment, as while he does not appear ready to produce to a high level on day one, he could prove a valuable asset down the road to whoever drafts him.
Player comparison: Jaden McDaniels
4. V.J. Edgecombe – Baylor
Almost the opposite of Bailey, V.J. Edgecombe looks to be a safe and reliable draft choice.
He is a phenomenal defender, which will translate to the NBA, and his ability to play off the ball means he has a pretty solid floor as a good role player in the league.
His ceiling seems limited going into the draft.
Edgecombe’s upside is dependent on his ability to develop into an on-ball threat. He does not possess an elite handle to blow by defenders with; he stands only at 6’4”, which is undersized for his style of play; and he struggled to knock down jump shots off the dribble with any consistency.
However, what separates the guard from Baylor is his engine and will to win. He demonstrated throughout the season that he is willing to do anything on both ends to win. He plays hard from wire-to-wire, and he is a disruptive defender. Any team wants that kind of player on their roster.
Player comparison: Derrick White
5. Kon Knueppel – Duke
Cooper Flagg’s Duke teammate Kon Knueppel was one of the stars of the NCAA Tournament, helping the Blue Devils to the Final Four with several standout performances.
As a shooter, he is as elite as they come. Knueppel knocked down 40% of his threes on the season and was identified as a clear one-and-done prospect going into college for exactly that reason.
However, it would be unfair to define Knueppel’s game solely through his shooting. He is an elite passer and playmaker through his reading of the game, and he possesses an underrated handle, which allows him to create his own shot.
Knueppel is ready to contribute on day one due to his shooting ability, which will set his career on the right path, but he has the potential to develop into a high-level player with his basketball IQ and playmaking ability.
Player comparison: Gordon Hayward