Flagg Leads Promising, Yet Uneven, 2025 NBA Draft Class
Top Prospects Emerge in a Year of Collegiate Retention
The 2025 NBA Draft is taking shape, with a clear frontrunner in Cooper Flagg, but overall depth appears limited due to a surge in college players opting to remain in school. This year’s draft class presents a unique landscape for teams seeking future stars.
Flagg and Harper Headline the Lottery
Evaluations point to Cooper Flagg as the likely first overall pick. He’s earned the highest prospect grade in the last decade, second only to Victor Wembanyama. Flagg’s combination of potential and a solid floor makes him a remarkably safe selection, while still possessing the ability to become a dominant force.
Following Flagg is Dylan Harper, projected as a future All-Star. His ability to consistently drive to the basket and create scoring opportunities, coupled with his refined skillset at nearly 6-foot-5, positions him as a highly sought-after playmaker.
“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.”
—Unnamed Draft Analyst, Report Author
Depth Concerns and the NIL Impact
Beyond the top two, the draft class is considered less stellar than anticipated. While there’s a good supply of potential starters and role players, the number of projected superstars is notably low. A recent study by the NCAA revealed that over $600 million was allocated to student-athletes through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals in 2023-2024 (NCAA.org), contributing to fewer players entering the draft early.
The influx of money into college basketball has significantly impacted the draft’s depth, particularly in the second round and among undrafted free agents. Many players who would have previously declared for the draft are now choosing to capitalize on NIL opportunities and remain in college.
Shifting Draft Priorities
Modern NBA evaluation is increasingly focused on players who can contribute across multiple facets of the game. This year’s evaluator prioritizes size, shooting, passing, and defensive capabilities. Smaller guards must reach All-Star level to avoid limited roles, due to defensive vulnerabilities.
The analyst highlighted several players he believes are undervalued: Kon Knueppel, Cedric Coward, Collin Murray-Boyles, Noah Penda, and Ryan Kalkbrenner. Conversely, he expressed reservations about the projections for Jeremiah Fears, Egor Demin, Noa Essengue, and Rasheer Fleming.
Potential for Draft-Night Surprises
The draft, scheduled for June 25 and 26, could be marked by unexpected trades. Several established stars may be on the move this offseason, and draft week could be the catalyst for those deals. The international withdrawal deadline may also introduce late additions to the draft pool, as players weigh college offers against professional opportunities.
