Who Are the Biggest Sleepers in the 2025 NBA Draft?

By Edcel Panganiban June 29, 2025 14:16

The 2025 NBA Draft delivered its share of expected top picks, but as always, the real intrigue lies in the sleepers those talented prospects who slipped past the first round and could emerge as valuable contributors or even stars. While Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper dominated headlines, several players flying under the radar have the tools and upside to make an impact in the league. Here’s a look at the biggest sleepers from this year’s draft class, backed by scouting insights, stats, and expert analysis.

Rasheer Fleming: The Polished Two-Way Forward

Rasheer Fleming, a 6-foot-8 power forward from Saint Joseph’s, stands out as one of the most intriguing second-round sleepers. With a 7-foot-5 wingspan, Fleming combines length and athleticism with a polished offensive game. Last season, he shot a career-high 39% from three-point range, establishing himself as a reliable scoring option for his team. Defensively, Fleming impressed scouts with his versatility, capable of guarding multiple positions effectively.

Ranked No. 24 on CBS Sports’ final big board, Fleming’s blend of physical maturity and skill set makes him a prime candidate to be a late first-round talent snagged in the second round by a savvy team. As CBS Sports noted, “He’s physically mature and polished enough to contend for a role on a quality team”. His ability to stretch the floor and defend multiple positions aligns perfectly with the modern NBA’s demand for versatile forwards.

Ryan Kalkbrenner: The Rim Protector with Offensive Touch

Another notable sleeper is Ryan Kalkbrenner, a 7-foot center from Creighton. Kalkbrenner’s size and defensive instincts make him an intriguing prospect as a rim protector and lob threat. While not a prolific scorer, his ability to alter shots and anchor a defense provides immediate value.

Utility Sports highlighted Kalkbrenner as one of the best remaining prospects on Day 2 of the draft, emphasizing his defensive impact and potential to develop offensively. His presence in the paint and ability to finish around the rim give teams a traditional big man option, a profile that remains valuable despite the league’s increasing pace and space style.

Johni Broome: The Underrated SEC Dominator

At 6-foot-9, Auburn’s Johni Broome is a player who has flown under the radar despite dominating a loaded SEC last season. The Athletic’s scouting report praises Broome’s “great touch around the rim” and his ability to “absolutely destroy smaller players in any switch situation”. Though not a flashy athlete or shooter, Broome’s basketball IQ and passing ability make him reminiscent of Domantas Sabonis a player who thrives through savvy positioning and skill rather than pure athleticism.

Broome’s age (22, turning 23 soon) and lack of elite physical traits may have caused teams to hesitate, but his consistent college production suggests he has the polish to contribute as a reliable backup or even starter in the right system.

Other Sleepers to Watch

Additional names generating buzz include:

Adou Thiero (Arkansas): A versatile wing with defensive upside and improving offensive skills.
Javon Small (West Virginia): A guard known for quick decision-making and steady scoring in pick-and-roll situations, offering early second-round value for teams seeking a reliable combo guard.
Saliou Niang (Italy): A 6-foot-9 wing with defensive tools and playmaking potential, though still raw offensively.
Jahmai Mashack (Tennessee): A versatile defender who shot over 35% from three in college, projecting as a 3-and-D player.

While the 2025 NBA Draft’s first round largely went as expected, the second round holds a treasure trove of sleepers who could blossom into impactful NBA players. Rasheer Fleming’s shooting and defense, Ryan Kalkbrenner’s rim protection, and Johni Broome’s SEC dominance exemplify the kind of prospects who may have been undervalued on draft night but possess the tools to carve out meaningful roles.

As teams continue to develop these players, savvy front offices will be rewarded for identifying and nurturing such talent. The 2025 draft class’s sleepers remind us that impact players can come from anywhere, and the next breakout star might just be waiting in the wings.