NBA Draft 2025: Top Prospects and Potential Surprise Picks

By Edcel Panganiban June 20, 2025 07:00

The 2025 NBA Draft is shaping up as a fascinating blend of high-ceiling prospects and intriguing sleepers, with teams eager to find the next franchise cornerstone or a valuable role player. With the Dallas Mavericks securing the No. 1 overall pick, the spotlight shines brightest on Duke forward Cooper Flagg, widely regarded as a generational talent. Yet beyond Flagg, the draft features a competitive top tier and several potential surprise picks that could shake up the draft order.

Cooper Flagg: The Consensus No. 1 Pick

Cooper Flagg, the 6-foot-8 forward from Duke, is almost universally projected to be the first overall pick. Analysts rank Flagg as having Hall of Fame potential, with a rare combination of size, skill, and versatility. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor, coupled with a rapidly improving shooting touch, makes him a safe yet high-upside selection. An unnamed draft analyst told FortyEightMinutes, “Cooper Flagg has a tremendous blend of ceiling and floor. His skill level, improvement as a shooter, defense, and overall competitiveness make him about as safe a prospect as you can find.” Flagg’s potential to become a franchise player is second only to generational talents like Victor Wembanyama in recent memory.

The Battle for the Next Spots: Dylan Harper and Tre Johnson

Following Flagg, Rutgers guard Dylan Harper is widely regarded as the top point guard prospect and a likely lottery pick. Standing nearly 6-foot-5, Harper combines playmaking with scoring ability, often drawing comparisons to Dejounte Murray but with an arguably higher ceiling. Harper’s refined skill set and maturity make him a strong candidate for multiple All-Star appearances. CBS Sports recently moved Texas guard Tre Johnson into the top three, highlighting his scoring prowess and athleticism. Johnson’s ability to create his own shot and defend at a high level makes him a coveted asset for teams needing wing scoring and perimeter defense.

Other Top Contenders: VJ Edgecombe, Ace Bailey, and More

Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe is a notable prospect with a reputation as a lockdown defender and developing offensive game. However, Edgecombe’s success is seen as environment-dependent, with some scouts warning that without the right coaching, his potential could plateau. Rutgers forward Ace Bailey and Oklahoma guard Jeremiah Fears round out the top tier, each bringing unique skill sets and upside. Bailey’s versatility and scoring touch have impressed scouts, while Fears offers explosive athleticism and playmaking.

Potential Surprise Picks and Sleepers

While the top tier is relatively defined, the draft features intriguing sleepers who could rise on draft boards. Duke center Khaman Maluach, with his 7-foot-1 frame and shot-blocking ability, offers rim protection and floor spacing. Arizona forward Carter Bryant, known for his scoring bursts and length, has gained momentum leading into the draft. Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis and Maryland center Derik Queen also have drawn attention for their unique skill combinations.

Depth and Collegiate Retention Impact

One notable aspect of the 2025 draft is the overall limited depth, partly due to a surge in college players opting to stay in school rather than declare early. This retention has created a draft class with a clear top tier but fewer sure-fire role players in the mid-to-late first round. Teams will need to be judicious in their selections and scouting.

Quotes from Experts

Jake Fischer of The Athletic emphasizes the draft’s clarity at the top: “At least seven players are cementing their status in the top eight, forming a pretty clear top tier.” However, Fischer also notes that trade rumors could shake up the order, adding intrigue to the proceedings.

The 2025 NBA Draft promises a compelling mix of superstar potential and developmental projects. Cooper Flagg’s projected selection by the Dallas Mavericks is nearly a foregone conclusion, but the battle for the subsequent picks is wide open, with players like Dylan Harper, Tre Johnson, and VJ Edgecombe poised to make immediate impacts. Teams will also watch closely for surprise picks who could become valuable contributors. As the draft approaches, the combination of talent, fit, and team needs will determine which prospects rise and which fall, setting the stage for the next generation of NBA stars.