2025 NBA Draft Big Board
- Cardell Darrin Dudley Jr
- 2 minutes ago
- 8 min read
The 2025 NBA Draft is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing classes in recent memory, filled with high-upside prospects, international standouts, and versatile athletes redefining positional norms. While this year's crop is led by top tier talents such as Duke freshman sensation Cooper Flagg and Rutger's dynamic duo Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper, the depth of potential lottery-caliber players runs deep, making scouting and evaluation all the more critical. From college standouts and G League Ignite talents to rising international stars, front offices will have no shortage of paths to explore. Here's a look at the top prospects on the Finest Magazine 2025 NBA Draft Big Board as the basketball world gears up for another transformative influx of young talent.
*Updates will be made throughout the upcoming weeks as we head towards Draft night.
FIRST ROUND:
Cooper Flagg/ Duke/ 6’9/ 205/ Freshman/ Forward:
Strengths: Versatility (Both Ends) , Age, High Ceiling, Competitor, Athleticism, Positional Size, Feel/I.Q., Rebounding, Scoring Ability/Shooting, Playmaking, Length
Concerns: Handle, Strength
Potential: All NBA
Dylan Harper/ Rutgers/ 6’6/ 215/ Freshman/ Guard:
Strengths: Dynamic scorer off the bounce, Athleticism, Positional Size, Versatility, I.Q./ Court Vision, Pick & Roll Ability, Rebounding, Toughness/ Competitiveness
Concerns: 3-Point Shooting, Assist to Turnover Ratio
Potential: All NBA-All Star
Airous “Ace” Bailey/ Rutgers/ 6’10/ 200/ Freshman/ Forward:
Strengths: Size, Versatility (Both Ends), Scoring Ability/ Shooting, Rebounding, Length, Athleticism, Toughness/Competitiveness
Concerns: Shot Selection, Playmaking, Strength
Potential: All NBA - All Star
Jeremiah Fears/ Oklahoma/ 6’4/ 182/ Freshman/ Guard:
Strengths: Positional Size, Creativity, Dynamic Scoring, Instincts, Motor, Pick & Roll Ability, Rebounding, Athleticism, Toughness/Competitiveness
Concerns: Shooting efficiency, Decision Making/Turnovers
Potential: Part Time All Star- Starter
VJ Edgecombe/ Baylor/ 6’5/ 180/ Freshman/ Guard:
Strengths: Athleticism, I.Q., Speed/Quickness, Versatility, Rebounding, Toughness/Competitiveness, Motor,
Concerns: Shooting, Consistent Defense, Strength,
Potential: Part Time- All Star - Starter
Tre Johnson/ Texas/ 6’6/ 190/ Freshman/ Guard:
Strengths: Scorer/ Shooting, Ability to get in the lane, Instincts, Motor, Leadership Ability, Competitiveness, Positional Size, I.Q./Feel,
Concerns: Strength, Playmaking, Court Vision, Defensive Ability/Instincts, Scoring Efficiency
Potential: Part Time- All Star - Starter
Derik Queen/ Maryland/ 6’10/ 246/ Freshman/ Forward-Center:
Strengths: Feet, Hands, I.Q./ Feel, Positional Size, Post Scoring, Playmaking, Rebounding, Strength, Toughness
Concerns: Athleticism, Perimeter Shooting, Defensive Versatility, NBA Level Conditioning
Potential: Starter
Kon Knueppel/ Duke/ 6’7/ 217/ Freshman/ Guard-Forward:
Strengths: Three Level Scoring, Shooting Efficiency, Positional Size, Footwork, I.Q./ Feel, Anticipation/Instincts,
Concerns: Athleticism, Ability to defend multiple players, Running The Floor, Speed/Quickness
Potential: Starter-Part Time Starter
Khaman Maluach/ Duke/ 7’2/ 250/ Freshman/ Center:
Strengths: Positional Size, Shot Blocking/ Rim Protection, Athleticism, Defense, Anticipation, Inside Scoring
Concerns: Rebounding, Scoring/ Perimeter Shooting, Feel, Instincts
Potential: Starter-Part Time Starter
Noa Essengue/ Ratiopharm Ulm (Intl)/ 6’10/ 194/ Forward:
Strengths: Motor, Athleticism, Changing Ends, Positional Size, Defensive Versatility, Length, Upside
Concerns: Rebounding, Strength, Toughness/Competitiveness, Perimeter Shooting/Scoring
Potential: Starter-Part Time Starter
Așa Newell/ Georgia/ 6’11/ 220/ Freshman/ Forward-Center:
Strengths: Positional Size, Athleticism, Motor, Changing Ends, Inside Scoring, I.Q./Feel, Anticipation/Instincts, Versatility
Concerns: Strength, Rebounding, Perimeter Shooting
Potential: Starter-Part Time Starter
Nolan Traore/ Saint-Quentin (Intl)/ 6’4/ 175/ Guard:
Strengths: Motor, Speed/Quickness, Defensive Ability, Ability to get in the Lane/ Playmaking, I.Q./ Court Vision, Pick & Roll Ability, Leadership
Concerns: Perimeter Shooting, Decision Making/Reads, Strength
Potential: Starter-Part Time Starter
Egor Demin/ BYU/ 6’9/ 200/ Freshman/ Guard-Forward:
Strengths: Positional Size, Versatility,Ability to get in the lane/Playmaking, I.Q./ Court Vision, Pick & Roll Ability,
Concerns: Defense, Free Throw Shooting, Rebounding, Athleticism, Strength
Potential: Starter-Part Time Starter
Kasparas Jakucionis/ Illinois/ 6’6/ 200/ Freshman/ Guard:
Strengths: Ability to get in the lane/Playmaking, Anticipation/Instincts, Positional Size, I.Q./ Court Vision, Ability to create shots, Poise, Pick & Roll Ability,
Concerns: Athleticism, Defensive potential, Shooting Efficiency
Potential: Starter-Part Time Starter
Joan Beringer/ KK Cedevita (Intl)/ 6’11/ 230/ Forward-Center:
Strengths: Positional Size, Athleticism, Changing Ends, rebounding, Motor, Toughness/Competitiveness, Shot Blocker/Rim Protector, Floor Running, Length, Upside
Concerns: Perimeter Skill Set/ Raw Offensively, Poise defensively,
Potential: Part-Time Starter- Rotation
Collin Murray-Boyles/ South Carolina/ 6’7/ 245/ Sophomore/ Forward:
Strengths: Strength, Versatility, Post Scoring, rebounding, Toughness/Competitiveness, I.Q., Anticipation/Instincts, Ability to get into the Lane/Playmaking, Court Vision, Athleticism
Concerns: Shooting, Short to play the 4/ Undersized, Ballhandling
Potential: Part-Time Starter- Rotation
Liam McNeeley/ Connecticut/ 6’7/ 210/ Forward/ Freshman:
Strengths: Shooting, Three level scoring, Anticipation/Instincts, Finishing at the Rim, I.Q./Feel, Pick & Roll Ability,
Concerns: Athleticism, Rebounding, Defensive Versatility
Potential: Part-Time Starter- Rotation
Will Riley/ Illinois/ 6’8/ 180/ Forward/ Freshman:
Strengths: Positional Size, Three Level Scorer/ Shooting, Ability to get in the lane/ Playmaking, I.Q./ Court Vision, Athleticism
Concerns: Strength, Shot Selection, Defense
Potential: Part-Time Starter- Rotation
Danny Wolf/ Michigan/ 7’0/ 250/ Forward/ Junior:
Strengths: Positional Size, Playmaking, Changing Ends, Versatility, Anticipation/ Instincts, Feet, I.Q./Feel, Rebounding
Concerns: Free Throw Shooting, Shot Blocking/Rim Protection, Shooting (Catch & Shoot vs Feet Set), Defending Quicker Players,
Potential: Part-Time Starter- Rotation
Jase Richardson/ Michigan State/ 6’3/ 185/ Guard/ Freshman:
Strengths: Motor, I.Q./ Feel, Three level Scorer/Shot Maker, Ability to get in the lane/Playmaking, NBA Lineage- Son of former NBA Veteran Guard and Slam Dunk Champion Jason Richardson,
Concerns: Positional Size, Strength, Pick & Roll Ability-on BOTH ends,
Potential: Part-Time Starter- Rotation
Rasheer Fleming/ St Joseph’s/ 6’9/ 240/ Forward/ Junior:
Strengths: Ability to defend Multiple Positions, Length, Motor, Shooting, Athleticism, Running the Floor, Positional Size, Anticipation/Instincts
Concerns: Ability to Create Space/Shots, Ability to Get in the Lane/ Playmaking,
Potential: Part-Time Starter- Rotation
Thomas Sorber/ Georgetown/ 6’10/ 255/ Forward/ Freshman:
Strengths: Post Scoring, Finishing at the Rim, Running the Floor, Rebounding, Anticipation/Instincts on BOTH ends, Playmaking, Strength,
Concerns: Perimeter Shooting, Defensive Versatility
Potential: Part-Time Starter- Rotation
Alex Condon/ Florida/ 6’11/230/ Forward-Center/ Sophomore:
Strengths: Positional Size, Motor, Toughness/Competitiveness, Versatility on BOTH ends-Stretch 4,5 Potential, Rebounding, Feet, Hands, Playmaking, I.Q., Finishing Inside
Concerns: Strength, Ability to Create Space/Shots, Defensive Poise
Potential: Part-Time Starter- Rotation
Ben Saraf/ Ratiopharm Ulm (INTL) / 6’6/ 200/ Guard:
Strengths: Age (19), Gifted Floor General, Ability to get in the lane/ Playmaking, Pick & Roll Ability, Anticipation/Instincts, Positional Size, Leadership Ability, Poise, Finishing at the Rim, Versatility
Concerns: Strength, Defense, Perimeter Shooting
Potential: Rotation
Hugo Gonzalez/ Real Madrid (INTL) / 6’6/ 205/ Guard:
Strengths: Age (19), Scoring Ability/ Shooting, Athleticism, Ability to create space, I.Q./ Court Vision, Upside, Positional Size, Defensive Ability, Versatility,
Concerns: Experience, Efficient Perimeter Shooting,
Potential: Rotation
Carter Bryant/ Arizona/ 6’8/ 220/ Forward:
Strengths: Positional Size, Athleticism, Length, Defensive Ability, Anticipation/Instincts, Ability to get in the lane, Shooting (Catch & Shoot)
Concerns: Shooting Efficiency,Ability to create space, Toughness/Competitiveness
Potential: Rotation
Labaron Philon/ Alabama/ 6’4/177/ Guard:
Strengths: I.Q., Defensive Ability, Three Level Scorer, Playmaker, Rebounding
Concerns: Strength, Decision Making, Athleticism, Three point Shooting Efficiency
Potential: Rotation
Yaxel Lendeborg/ UAB/ 6’9/ 240/ Forward:
Strengths: Versatility, Motor, Athleticism, I.Q., Rebounder, Court Vision, Playmaking, Length, Defense, Anticipation/Instincts
Concerns: Age, Shooting efficiency, Defending Quicker Players, Natural Position?
Potential: Rotation
Nique Clifford/ Colorado State/ 6’6/200/ Guard-Forward:
Strengths: Athleticism, Shooting (Catch & Shoot), Ability to Defend Multiple Positions, Rebounding, Changing Ends, Floor Running,
Concerns: Age, Playmaking, Three point Shooting, Court Vision, Ability to create space
Potential: Rotation
Walter Clayton/ Florida/ 6’3/195/ Guard/ Senior:
Strengths: Scoring Ability/ Shooting, Rebounding, Athleticism
Concerns: Not a true floor general, Decision Making, Defensive Lapses, Strength
Potential: Rotation
Second Round:
Chaz Lanier/ Tennessee/ 6’4/ 199/ Guard:
Strengths: Three Level Scoring, Anticipation, Instincts,
Concerns: Defense, Shot Selection, Playmaking
Potential: Rotation- Part Time Rotation
Noah Penda/ Le Mans (INTL)/ 6’8/225/ Forward:
Strengths: Ability to Defend Multiple Positions, Motor, Length
Concerns: Shooting Efficiency, Ability to Create Space/ Handle
Potential: Rotation- Part Time Rotation
Kam Jones/ Marquette/ 6’5/ 200/ Guard:
Strengths: Three Level Scorer, Shooting Efficiency, Anticipation/Instincts
Concerns: Athleticism, Ability to defend quicker guards, Age
Potential: Rotation- Part Time Rotation
John Broome/ Auburn/ 6’10/ 240/ Forward-Center:
Strengths: Shot Blocker/Rim Protector, Low Post Scoring/Finishing at the Rim, Rebounding
Concerns: Perimeter Shooting Efficiency, Ability to make consistent reads as a passer
Potential: Rotation- Part Time Rotation
Adou Thiero/ Arkansas/ 6’8/ 220/ Forward:
Strengths: Length, Ability to defend Multiple Positions, Athleticism
Concerns: Shooting Efficiency, Ability to create space
Potential: Rotation- Part Time Rotation
Ryan Kalkbrenner/ Creighton/7’1/ 270/ Center:
Strengths: Positional Size, Rim Protection/Shot Blocker, Three Point Shooting
Concerns: Ability to defend quicker player, Athleticism, Age
Potential: Rotation- Part Time Rotation
Maxime Raynaud/ Stanford/ 7’1/ 250/ Center:
Strengths: Positional Size, Shooting, Rebounder, Shot Blocking/ Rim Protection
Concerns: Strength, Athleticism, Favors Perimeter Scoring
Potential: Rotation- Part Time Rotation
Tyrese Proctor/ Duke/ 6’6/ 183/ Guard:
Strengths: Versatility on Both Ends, I.Q. Pick & Roll Ability
Concerns: Strength, Athleticism, Physicality
Potential: Rotation- Part Time Rotation
Alex Toohey/ Sydney Kings (INTL)/ 6’7/ 205/ Guard-Forward:
Strengths: Ability to create space, Mid Range Shooter, I.Q.
Concerns: Athleticism, Three point shooting efficiency, Defense
Potential: Rotation- Part Time Rotation
Bogoljub Markovic/ KK Mega Basket (INTL) / 6’11/ 210/ Forward-Center:
Strengths: Shooting, Changing Ends/ Running the Floor, Reliable Stretch Big
Concerns: Strength, Defense, Rebounding
Potential: Rotation- Part Time Rotation
Rocco Zikarsky/ Brisbane Bullets (INTL)/ 7’2/ 227/ Center:
Strengths: Size, Athleticism, Length, Shot Blocker, Lob Threat, Good low post scorer, Great hands, Agility,
Concerns: Shooting range, Defending on the perimeter
Potential: Rotation- Part Time Rotation
Dink Pate/ Mexico City Capitanes (G-League)/ 6’8/ 210/ Guard-Forward:
Strengths: Age, Athleticism, Experience, Versatility, Positional Size, Ball Handling, Playmaking, Scoring Ability
Concerns: Decision Making, Defending on Perimeter against quick/explosive opponents, Shot Selection
Potential: Rotation- Part Time Rotation
Neoklis Avdalas/ Peristeri BC (INTL)/ 6’8/ 187/ Guard-Forward:
Strengths: Versatility, Athleticism, Positional Size, Age,
Concerns: Strength, Rebounding, Defense
Potential: Rotation- Part Time Rotation
Michael Ruzic/ Joventut Badalona (INTL)/ 6’9/ 223/ Forward:
Strengths: Shooting, Length, motor, Versatility on offense
Concerns: Strength, Defense, Rebounding
Potential: Rotation- Part Time Rotation
John Tonje/ Wisconsin/ 6’5/ 218/ Guard:
Strengths: Three Level Scorer, On Ball Defender, Gets in the lane/ Finishes at the rim
Concerns: Athleticism, Playmaking, Off ball Defense
Potential: Rotation- Part Time Rotation
Eric Dixon/ Villanova/ 6’7/ 265/ Forward:
Strengths:Three Level Scorer/ Shooting, Toughness/Competitiveness, I.Q.
Concerns: Undersized, Ability to defend quicker players, Playmaker
Potential: Rotation- Part Time Rotation
Izan Almansa/ Perth Wildcats (INTL)/ 6’10/ 230/ Forward-Center:
Strengths: Motor, Finishing Inside, Defensive Versatility
Concerns: Physicality, Perimeter Shooting, Free Throw Shooting
Potential: Rotation- Part Time Rotation
Kobe Brea/ Kentucky/ 6’7/ 215/ Guard-Forward:
Strengths: Shooting, Length, Positional Size
Concerns: Ability to create space, Defense, Athleticism
Potential: Rotation- Part Time Rotation
Micah Peavy/ Georgetown/ 6’8/ 220/ Forward:
Strengths: Shooting Efficiency, Rebounding, Versatility
Concerns: Age, Ability to Create Space
Potential: Rotation- Part Time Rotation
Hunter Sallis/ Wake Forest/ 6’5/ 185/ Guard:
Strengths: Three Level Scorer, Athleticism, Defense
Concerns: Playmaking, Strength, Scoring Efficiency
Potential: Part-Time Rotation-Fringe
Vladislav Goldin/ Michigan/ 7’1/ 250/ Center:
Strengths: Positional Size, Efficient Finisher at the Rim, Shot Blocker/Rim Protector
Concerns: Athleticism, Playmaking, Court Vision, Age
Potential: Part-Time Rotation-Fringe
Grant Nelson/ Alabama/ 6’11/ 230/ Forward-Center:
Strengths: Positional Size, Versatility, Playmaking,
Concerns: Strength, Ability to Defend Quicker Players, Ability to Create Space
Potential: Part-Time Rotation-Fringe
Amari Williams/ Kentucky/ 7’0/ 262/ Center:
Strengths: Positional Size, Rebounding, Rim Protector/Shot Blocker
Concerns: Age, Shooting, Post Scoring
Potential: Part-Time Rotation-Fringe
Alijah Martin/ Florida/ 6’2/ 210/ Guard:
Strengths: Athleticism, Rebounding, Capable Shooter, Defensive Ability
Concerns: Undersized, Age, Playmaking Consistency
Potential: Part-Time Rotation-Fringe
Sion James/ Duke/ 6’6/ 220/ Guard:
Strengths: Size, Defensive Versatility, Rebounding
Concerns: Free Throw Shooting, Perimeter Shooting
Potential: Fringe
Hansen Yang/ Qingdao/ 7’1/ 250/ Center:
Strengths: Positional Size, Post Scoring, Finishing at the Rim, Playmaking
Concerns: Athleticism, Shooting Range
Potential: Fringe
Mark Sears/ Alabama/ 6’1/ 190/ Guard:
Strengths: Scoring Ability, Toughness/Competitiveness, Quickness
Concerns: Size, Athleticism, Shot Selection
Potential: Fringe
Javon Small/ West Virginia/ 6’3/ 190/ Guard:
Strengths: Scorer/ Shooter, Playmaker
Concerns: Athleticism, Decision Making, Age
Potential: Fringe
Caleb Love/ Arizona/ 6’4/ 200/ Guard:
Strengths: Three Level Scorer, Athleticism, Defense
Concerns: Decision Making, Shot Selection
Potential: Fringe
