As the 2025 NBA Draft Combine concludes, anticipation builds for the upcoming draft. With prospects showcasing their skills and interviews giving teams fresh insight, the draft boards have begun to take shape, revealing both expected top talents and intriguing sleepers. This in-depth analysis explores the early projections, team fits, and standout players poised to make an impact in the next NBA season.
The Combine: Where Dreams Are Tested and Draft Stocks Rise
The NBA Draft Combine, held annually to evaluate the physical and mental attributes of draft prospects, has wrapped up, and its outcomes are already reshaping how teams view potential draftees. This event offers players a final opportunity to boost their draft position through on-court drills, athletic testing, and crucial interviews with franchises. For some, it solidifies their standing at the top of the draft; for others, it’s a last chance to prove they belong.
Cooper Flagg, the standout Duke forward, continues to hold firm as the undisputed top prospect of the 2025 class. His impressive combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ has garnered widespread praise, leaving few doubters about his future as a franchise cornerstone. Following closely behind is Dylan Harper from Rutgers, whose versatile scoring and defensive potential project him as a clear No. 2 pick. Beyond these two, however, the draft landscape becomes more complex, with several players emerging as potential game-changers depending on team needs and fit.
Top Three Picks: Franchise Cornerstones in the Making
The Dallas Mavericks are expected to use the coveted first overall pick to select Cooper Flagg, a player many analysts believe can transform their roster immediately. Flagg’s ability to impact both ends of the floor with his length, athleticism, and high basketball IQ makes him an ideal foundation piece for Dallas’s future.
At No. 2, the San Antonio Spurs appear set to select Dylan Harper, a guard known for his sharp shooting and tenacious defense. Harper’s steady rise during the combine confirmed his status as a high-level prospect who can complement a team’s backcourt and add depth to a Spurs squad aiming to return to playoff contention.
Rounding out the top three, the Philadelphia 76ers are projected to take Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe. Edgecombe’s combination of scoring ability, athleticism, and experience makes him an enticing choice for a team looking to bolster its wings and add versatility.
Early Lottery: High Upside Players and Potential Steals
The middle of the lottery features a blend of proven college performers and international talents with intriguing upside. The Charlotte Hornets, selecting fourth, are projected to take Ace Bailey from Rutgers, a dynamic guard with a scoring punch and playmaking skills that could immediately energize their backcourt.
Other notable prospects in this range include Texas standout Tre Johnson, expected to go to the Utah Jazz, and Duke’s Kon Knueppel, a versatile forward with the size and shooting ability to fit modern NBA schemes. The Washington Wizards and New Orleans Pelicans are poised to select these players, respectively, looking to build youth around their core veterans.
Brooklyn’s selection of Jeremiah Fears from Oklahoma further underscores the trend of teams valuing scoring wings with defensive potential, a position that continues to grow in importance in today’s NBA.
Mid to Late First Round: Depth and Development
As the first round progresses, teams will look for players who can contribute in specific roles or develop into future starters. Names like Derik Queen from Maryland (Toronto Raptors pick), Kasparas Jakucionis from Illinois (Houston Rockets), and international prospect Noa Essengue (Portland Trail Blazers) highlight the range of talent expected to be available.
These players bring varied skill sets—from sharpshooting to rim protection—and are often selected with an eye toward their fit within a team’s system and culture. For example, Chicago Bulls targeting Collin Murray-Boyles offers them a defensive-minded wing, while the Atlanta Hawks might look to Egor Demin from BYU for his size and versatility.
The presence of several international players, such as Noa Essengue and Nolan Traore, illustrates the global nature of basketball talent, as teams continue to scout extensively beyond the American collegiate ranks.
Second Round: Hidden Gems and Long-Term Projects
The second round often serves as a treasure trove for teams seeking long-term projects or players who can contribute immediately as role players. Minnesota Timberwolves’ pick of Johni Broome from Auburn and Boston Celtics selecting Walter Clayton Jr. from Florida are examples of prospects who might fly under the radar but have the tools to surprise.
Charlotte Hornets doubling down with JT Toppin and Bogoljub Markovic, the latter an international player, reflects the strategy of building depth with versatile wings who can develop alongside more established stars.
Veteran teams such as the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets are projected to pick Maxime Raynaud from Stanford and Michael Ruzic, an international player, respectively. These selections highlight the ongoing mix of domestic college talent and international prospects that NBA teams are balancing in their drafts.
Looking Ahead: What to Watch as the Draft Approaches
With draft boards taking shape, the next six weeks will be critical for final evaluations. Injuries, workouts, and private meetings could influence last-minute moves. Teams will also weigh fit and positional needs heavily, meaning some players might rise or fall depending on interest and scheme compatibility.
International prospects continue to gain traction, signaling the NBA’s growing globalization. Players from less-heralded programs or overseas leagues might emerge as valuable contributors, especially as teams seek cost-effective options and unique skill sets. As draft day approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see which players will make immediate impacts and which will be long-term projects. The 2025 NBA Draft promises a mix of proven stars and exciting newcomers ready to shape the league’s future.
In summary, the 2025 NBA Draft Combine has provided a clearer picture of the top prospects and emerging talents. From the sure-fire picks like Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper to intriguing international players in the later rounds, this draft class is full of promise and potential. The weeks ahead will refine these projections, but one thing is certain—2025 will be another thrilling chapter in NBA history.
