The 2025 NBA Draft is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, with a stellar crop of talented players ready to make their mark on the league. From high school phenoms to international sensations, the talent pool is deep, and NBA scouts are already keeping a keen eye on the future stars. As the draft approaches, several names have emerged as clear frontrunners, while others are quickly rising up the ranks based on their performance in recent months. Heres a closer look at some of the top prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Cooper Flagg: The Projected No. 1 Pick
Arguably the most hyped player in this draft class is Cooper Flagg, a 68 forward currently playing for Duke. Known for his incredible twoway ability, Flagg has impressed scouts with his versatility, elite defense, and offensive skills. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor has drawn comparisons to some of the leagues best allaround players. ESPN recently polled NBA executives, and Flagg was overwhelmingly seen as the likely No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft .
Flaggs skill set includes an exceptional ability to defend multiple positions, solid rebounding, and an improving offensive game. His court vision and basketball IQ have made him a standout at Duke, and his combination of size and skill make him a rare prospect. Scouts have praised his potential to become a cornerstone player for whichever team lands him, and its hard to find any weaknesses in his game that could deter teams from selecting him with the top pick.
Tre Johnson: A Rising Star from Texas
Another name generating buzz is Tre Johnson, a 65 shooting guard from Texas. Known for his smooth shooting stroke and athleticism, Johnson has quickly climbed up draft boards and is now considered a potential top5 pick. His performances in the NCAA have showcased his ability to score from anywhere on the floor, making him an offensive weapon that NBA teams are eager to add to their rosters.
Johnsons combination of size, scoring ability, and defensive potential makes him a dynamic player. His experience in big games, coupled with his leadership on the court, has made him a favorite among scouts. Expect Johnson to continue improving and solidifying his position as one of the top picks as we get closer to the 2025 Draft.
Egor Demin: The International Sensation
A name that has gained significant attention recently is Egor Demin, a highly regarded international prospect playing for BYU. Demin has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly with his explosive athleticism and ability to finish in transition. His potential as a slasher and playmaker, combined with his diverse scoring abilities, makes him one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 class.
While Demins threepoint shooting has been inconsistent, his overall game has impressed scouts enough to keep him in the conversation for a firstround selection. His high ceiling, versatility, and upside make him a name to watch in the coming months.
Khaman Maluach: A Rim Protector with Huge Potential
Another standout player is Khaman Maluach, a 72 center from Duke. Maluachs immense size and wingspan 76 make him a natural shot blocker and rim protector. While hes still developing on the offensive end, his defensive capabilities alone have many predicting that he will be a lottery pick in 2025. Maluachs potential as a rim protector could be a huge asset to any NBA team in need of a defensive anchor.
Though hes raw offensively, his comfort with threepoint shooting and his confidence in taking perimeter shots have shown that hes a work in progress. If he can improve his offensive game, he could become a dominant force in the league for years to come.
Dink Pate: The GLeague Ignite Phenom
Dink Pate is another exciting prospect, currently playing for the GLeague Ignite team. Pates combination of size 68 and ballhandling skills have caught the attention of NBA scouts. His ability to create plays and finish at the rim, along with his flashes of impressive shooting, have made him a player to watch.
Though his shooting percentages have been a concern, scouts remain intrigued by his potential. As a 17yearold playing in the GLeague, Pates experience against older competition is invaluable. If he continues to develop, he could rise even higher on draft boards as the draft approaches.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 NBA Draft is packed with exciting prospects who offer a variety of skills and abilities. From elite defenders like Cooper Flagg to dynamic offensive talents like Tre Johnson, the draft will feature a wide range of players who could impact the league immediately. As teams continue to evaluate these prospects and the college and international seasons unfold, expect more names to rise to prominence.
For now, the focus is on these toptier players, but with the depth of talent in this draft class, we could be in for a thrilling selection process. The 2025 NBA Draft promises to be one for the ages, and these players are just the tip of the iceberg.