Talented newcomers are making the 2025 NBA Draft one of the most important in years. Since plenty of top players are available for selection and teams want to change their teams, the NFL Draft could alter the league’s future a lot. We take a closer look at this year’s leading prospects and which teams could go after them in June.
Top Prospects to Watch
1. Cooper Flagg – SF/PF, Duke
Cooper Flagg seems to be the full package among the prospects for the 2025 NBA Draft. Flagg is a 6-foot-9 forward who has an outstanding wingspan, agility, smarts and skills on defence. He pulled down 8.6 rebounds and blocked 3.1 shots every game in addition to scoring 19.4 points during his first year at Duke.
What makes Flagg special is his defensive ability. Kawhi can defend any spot, often going from guarding wings to taking on large players. Lovell McMillon is a secondary ball handler, and his shooting is getting better as he already hits over 37% of his threes. People have compared him to Andrei Kirilenko because his skills for the game and leadership match Kirilenko’s, and he can also shoot better from the outside.
Ideal Team Fit: Dallas Mavericks – Flagg would be a perfect complementary piece to Luka Dončić, giving them elite wing defence and a versatile scoring option.
2. Dylan Harper – PG/SG, Rutgers
With NBA legend Ron Harper as his father, Dylan Harper joins the draft as an excellent 6’6 guard who can lead an offence or work from the side. He had 17.1 points, 5.4 assists and 6.2 rebounds during his rookie year, also demonstrating clear court awareness and being tough.
In the pick-and-roll, Harper performs well and is very good at handling high-pressure moments. Because he is very tall, he takes contact well and usually finishes at the rim. Experts believe Caleb has what it takes to lead because these things are hard to learn. While his three-point percentage (33%) needs some work, what we see in his shot does suggest that he could improve over the years.
Ideal Team Fit: Washington Wizards – With the team in full rebuild, Harper can become their franchise cornerstone and floor general.
3. Ace Bailey – SF/PF, Rutgers
One of the most exciting athletes in the draft is Ace Bailey. A 6’10 player with remarkable length and bounce, he was excellent at defence and on the fast break for his college team. Bailey scored 16.9 points on average, pulled down 7.8 rebounds and blocked 2.2 shots during every game.
He is the right type of wing for today’s NBA, able to guard either backcourt or frontcourt players, knock down some shots from beyond the arc and move like a guard. In half-court, especially, Bailey performs with grit, but his potential is exciting. Imagine Jonathan Isaac playing a game where the offensive part is easier for him.
Ideal Team Fit: San Antonio Spurs – Pairing Bailey with Victor Wembanyama would give the Spurs two of the most disruptive defenders in the NBA
4. V.J. Edgecombe – SG, Baylor
At 6’5, Bahamas-born V.J. Edgecombe fits the mould of a two-way wing. Orderal stood out at Baylor for his ability to shoot it from deep and guard the best guards on the other team, as his three-point shooting was 41%. During the season, he led the league with 18.2 points and 1.9 steals in each matchup.
What Edgecombe does best is maintain a steady level of performance. Thanks to his ability, he can score well even without getting the ball, so he’s perfect for supporting roles. It’s been said that he can contribute right away, as he doesn’t need much development. His ability to lift his scoring in the open court and predict plays is impressive for how old he is.
Ideal Team Fit: Utah Jazz – Edgecombe can slot in immediately at the 2 and provide scoring and defensive balance to a young core.
5. Nolan Traoré – PG, Saint-Quentin (France)
Nolan Traoré is a talented 6’4 French point guard who is one of the most exciting players to join the international draft scene. He scored 14.7 points and handed out 7.3 assists in the LNB Pro A professional league in France.
Traoré displays good control and knows how to lead the team in attack. He shares Tony Parker’s sense for scoring and when to attack, but he has a stronger leaping ability. He has no difficulty driving to the lane and finishes them with dexterity, but his jump shot is being polished.
Ideal Team Fit: Orlando Magic – As a team with several oversized wings, adding a true point guard like Traoré would elevate their half-court offence.
Team Needs and Potential Fits
Dallas Mavericks
With the top pick, Dallas is rumoured to be zeroing in on Cooper Flagg. He fits perfectly with Luka Dončić and offers defensive toughness the Mavericks currently lack.
Brooklyn Nets
The Nets, potentially owning multiple first-round picks, are likely to trade up. Harper or Edgecombe would address their need for a primary creator or wing scorer.
Utah Jazz
Looking to solidify their backcourt and perimeter defence, the Jazz are ideal suitors for Edgecombe or a surprise riser like Isaiah Evans.
San Antonio Spurs
With Wembanyama already anchoring the paint, the Spurs could opt for another high-upside forward like Bailey or a skilled wing shooter to stretch the floor.
Phoenix Suns
At the bottom of the first round, the Suns are seeking role players. Maxime Raynaud or Jayden Quaintance, both defensive-minded bigs, could help reinforce their ageing frontcourt.
Sleeper Prospects to Watch
Magoon Gwath – C, San Diego State
A towering 7-footer with elite timing and rebounding instincts, Gwath has the tools to become a defensive specialist. Projected as a second-round pick, he’s a valuable prospect for teams in need of rim protection and interior presence.
Jayden Quaintance – PF/C, Kentucky
Quaintance’s 7'4 wingspan and 2.5 blocks per game make him a defensive anchor with intriguing upside. His mobility and instincts give him a chance to rise on draft boards, particularly for playoff teams in need of a backup big.
Also Read: Top NBA Defensive Player of The Year Contenders 2025
About the Author:
Akanksha Sinha
I'm Akanksha Sinha, an expert in writing sports blogs, news, and various articles for entertainment and more. I bring a unique flair to my work, providing insightful perspectives on the world of sports.
My articles aim to inform and entertain, making me a go-to source for sports enthusiasts seeking a blend of information and enjoyment. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, I consistently deliver compelling narratives that resonate with a diverse audience.
