The NBA Draft is just days away, bringing with it the palpable excitement and anticipation of selecting future stars. For teams like the Utah Jazz, making the right choice can significantly impact the franchise’s trajectory for years to come.
This analysis dives deep into the top 30 prospects on one expert’s personal draft board for 2025, offering a detailed look at the skills, flaws, and potential of each player. Based on countless hours of evaluation – including extensive game film from college and high school, advanced analytics, historical probabilities, and insights from various scouting minds – this board offers a unique perspective that may diverge from the consensus but is rooted in a passionate, in-depth scouting process.
Do the strengths of these young athletes outweigh their weaknesses? Let’s break down the top prospects poised to make their mark on the league.
Analyzing the Top Prospects: A Detailed Look
Here’s the breakdown of the top prospects, including their key strengths and areas for development:
#1 – Cooper Flagg | W/F | Duke
Cooper Flagg is widely considered the premier prospect in the 2025 class, showcasing a dominant and versatile game on both ends of the court. His ability to score off the dribble, assert himself physically on offense, and be a terror as an off-ball defender capable of switching effectively across positions (1-5) highlights his rare two-way impact. He’s drawn comparisons to past elite collegiate prospects like Anthony Davis and is seen by some as the best talent to enter the draft since then, possessing high basketball IQ, evolving creation skills, and shotmaking development that separate him from his peers. His analytical metrics, including a high box plus-minus (BPM), underscore his exceptional production, rivaling even notable freshmen like Zion Williamson. He is viewed as one of the safest potential No. 1 picks in recent years, offering a high floor and a Hall of Fame ceiling depending on his growth as a primary shot creator.
Strengths:
Elite two-way versatility and dominance
Effective scorer off the dribble and physically assertive
Terrific off-ball and switchable defender (1-5)
High basketball IQ and feel for the game
Exceptional production and statistical impact (high BPM)
Weaknesses:
Few discernible weaknesses, but one area for potential refinement could be balancing his team-oriented play with taking over games when necessary, despite having the clear ability to be “THE GUY.”
#2 – Dylan Harper | G | Rutgers
A big-bodied lefty combo guard with notable NBA lineage, Dylan Harper possesses a game that appears complex yet looks silky smooth in execution. His unique ability to attack defenders off the dribble using controlled changes of pace, combined with his physicality and handle to finish aggressively at the rim, is considered one-of-a-kind in this draft. He demonstrates poise, makes smart reads, and isn’t afraid of clutch moments, even on less talented teams. Harper’s downhill scoring and effectiveness in creating offense make him appealing, seen as an ideal fit alongside a floor-spacing big like Victor Wembanyama who could provide the runway for his paint attacks. He’s viewed as having a high floor due to his skill and playmaking instincts.
Strengths:
Unique ability to attack off the dribble with pace and physicality
Elite, aggressive finisher at the rim
Plays with poise, control, and makes smart reads
Effective creator of offense and comfortable in big moments
High floor prospect with intriguing NBA lineage
Weaknesses:
Significant struggles with shooting off the bounce, a persistent weakness.
Improvement since high school has been questioned by some, described as a potential plateau.
Tendencies towards overconfidence and “hero ball” can lead to inconsistent decision-making, though this is also seen by some as a positive trait in a young player.
#3 – Kon Knueppel | G/W | Duke
Kon Knueppel stands out as one of the smartest basketball players in this draft class. He operates with high basketball IQ, avoiding forced shots or bad passes and consistently contributing through “dirty work.” While recognized as a fantastic shooter, he offers much more, including the ability to effectively attack closeouts, score efficiently in the paint, operate in pick-and-rolls, and display exceptional footwork down low. His understanding of off-ball movement, cutting, and running off shooting actions makes him instantly scalable to NBA systems, profiling as a “silent assassin” who can quietly accumulate impressive stat lines. His intelligence and strength allow him to impact games even without elite athleticism, making him an ideal complementary piece next to a primary star.
Strengths:
Exceptional basketball IQ and decision-making
Elite shooter with versatility beyond spotting up
Crafty scorer attacking closeouts and in the paint (P&R, footwork)
Excellent off-ball movement and scalability
Impacts the game through strength, rebounding, hustle, and intelligence
Weaknesses:
Athleticism is a legitimate concern; worry exists about NBA defenders limiting him and his craft translating consistently against higher-level athletes.
Defensive consistency is questioned, particularly how he will handle being targeted by opposing offenses who may look to exploit perceived physical limitations.
#4 – VJ Edgecombe | G/W | Baylor
VJ Edgecombe is an uncanny, explosive athlete whose physical tools translate seamlessly to the basketball court. He excels in transition, demonstrating a rare ability to rise above defenders and finish forcefully. His off-ball game is a scary threat due to his speed, effectiveness as a cutter, ability to finish lobs, spot-up shooting capability, and quick, connective passing. Edgecombe possesses all the desirable ancillary skills, including tremendous rebounding for his position and development into a reliable playmaker with a low turnover rate. Defensively, he’s already special, described as a phenomenal “free safety” who disrupts passing lanes, picks pockets as a weak-side helper, and chases down blocks. The thought of him unlocking his full defensive potential is tantalizing. His ability to impact games at a high level without needing the ball constantly makes him highly scalable.
Strengths:
Elite, explosive athlete translating to impact plays
Dynamic in transition offense and off-ball actions (cutting, lobs)
Strong rebounder and connective passer with low turnovers
Exceptional defensive potential, already impactful as a “free safety”
Highly scalable prospect who impacts games without high usage
Weaknesses:
On-ball offensive skills, particularly his handle, are still developing, limiting his ability to consistently create separation and score in the halfcourt.
Needs to refine on-ball defense, focusing on disciplined positioning and guarding with his chest rather than relying too heavily on his hands.
#5 – Derik Queen | F/C | Maryland
Derik Queen presents a unique profile as a 6’10” forward with guard-like handling skills and a scoring threat from mid-range. He plays with force and basketball intelligence, unafraid of stereotypes and focused on making the right plays. Projecting as a power forward in the NBA, Queen possesses impressive hands – quick, strong, and disruptive like Andre Drummond’s – which aid in defensive deflections and translate to soft touch and grip strength for finishing and passing in tight spaces. He shows offensive star potential, especially if his touch extends reliably to the perimeter, and his interior scoring, playmaking, and rebounding are tantalizing.
Strengths:
Unique combination of size (6’10”) and guard-like handle
Effective scorer from mid-range and in the paint
Skilled passer with good touch and vision for his size
Disruptive hands defensively and strong rebounder
Plays with force and high feel for the game
Weaknesses:
Athleticism is a significant concern; poor combine testing raises questions about his defensive ability against NBA 4s and 5s and how opponents will exploit his lack of verticality.
Shooting percentages from distance are underwhelming, and while free throw percentage and touch offer hope, developing a consistent shot is crucial for his long-term viability and contract potential.
#6 – Collin Murray-Boyles | F/C | South Carolina
Collin Murray-Boyles is heralded by some as the best defender in the draft class. His combination of defensive foot speed, disciplined hands, precise rotations, and timely recovery makes him a terror on that end. Capable of guarding multiple positions effectively (1-4 and some 5s), he is a valuable asset for any team. Offensively, he imposed his will in the tough SEC as an interior scorer and offensive rebounder. Notably, he maintained a neutral assist-to-turnover ratio on a struggling team, demonstrating promising decision-making and playmaking feel despite not being a primary ball-handler. He impacts the game in numerous ways beyond shooting the basketball, utilizing his size and instincts effectively.
Strengths:
Elite defensive player (potentially best in draft) with versatility (guards 1-5)
Excellent foot speed, disciplined hands, rotations, and recovery on defense
Effective interior scorer and offensive rebounder
Displays promising playmaking feel and decision-making
Finds ways to positively impact games without a jump shot
Weaknesses:
His inability to consistently shoot from distance is a major concern for a big man in the modern NBA, potentially limiting his floor spacing and role.
#7 – Noa Essengue | F | Ratiopharm Ulm
Noa Essengue is a long, mobile forward with relentless energy on both ends of the floor. He thrives in transition and is an elite finisher around the basket, utilizing fluid athleticism and the ability to change direction downhill. Defensively, he offers real versatility, capable of switching assignments, guarding in space, and disrupting plays with his length. He rebounds well, plays with toughness, and shows intriguing flashes as a playmaker in short-roll situations. As one of the youngest prospects, he has shown steady improvement, demonstrating a willingness to play through contact and get to the free-throw line. His handle is potentially underrated, and his toolsy 6’10” frame and raw, malleable potential have drawn comparisons to a young Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Strengths:
Long, mobile forward with high energy
Elite finisher at the rim, strong in transition
Versatile defender (switching, guarding space, disruption with length)
Good rebounder who plays with toughness
Shows flashes of intriguing playmaking and draws fouls
Weaknesses:
Still raw offensively, particularly with an inconsistent and often hesitant jumper beyond the arc.
Struggles to consistently create his own shot in the halfcourt, relying more on straight-line drives.
Needs to add strength to fill out his frame, especially for playing bigger positions.
Decision-making under pressure can be inconsistent, sometimes getting sped up.
#8 – Khaman Maluach | C | Duke
Khaman Maluach is a true physically gifted big man, standing 7 feet tall (or 7’2″ by some reports) with elite length. His size and timing allow him to significantly impact shots around the rim and contest effectively without excessive fouling. Offensively, he is a high-rate lob threat and pick-and-roll finisher, converting efficiently around the basket with soft hands and a massive catch radius. He runs the floor hard, rebounds well on both ends (especially generating second-chance points with his frame), and possesses the tools to switch defensively in space more than most centers his size. While limited perimeter skill was shown at Duke, flashes elsewhere hint at more offensive potential. Given his relatively late start in basketball, his rapid development suggests significant future upside.
Strengths:
Elite size and length for a center
Strong shot contester and rim protector
Effective lob threat and pick-and-roll finisher
Runs the floor well and rebounds on both ends
Promising physical tools and potential for development
Weaknesses:
Still raw and needs to add physical strength, sometimes struggling against stronger bigs.
Showed limited passing or decision-making at Duke, largely functioning as a low-usage finisher.
Needs time to adapt to the speed and physicality of the NBA game.
#9 – Asa Newell | F/C | Georgia
Asa Newell is a versatile forward with a modern, projectable skill set. Agile and quick for his size (6’11”), he shows real mobility on the perimeter and upside as a switchable defender. His outstanding second-jump ability is a key asset, allowing him to contest shots and secure offensive rebounds with energy. Offensively, he’s effective as a cutter and offensive rebounder. Based on high school and FIBA flashes, there’s belief he didn’t fully showcase his offensive potential at Georgia, particularly his ability to stretch the floor. His eventual development into a reliable perimeter shooter would make him a hard-to-guard two-way player at his size, offering a valuable dynamic for teams potentially employing modern double-big lineups.
Strengths:
Versatile F/C with modern athleticism and mobility
High defensive upside (switchable, contesting shots)
Outstanding second-jump ability for rebounds and contests
Effective cutter and offensive rebounder
Promising shooting potential to become a floor-spacing big
Weaknesses:
Lacked self-creation opportunities and effectiveness, often relying on others.
Falls into a “tweener” category currently, needing more strength for center or more offensive skill for consistent power forward.
Relies on a hook/push shot in the paint that might not translate consistently against NBA length.
Playmaking and decision-making are unclear due to low usage.
#10 – Ace Bailey | F | Rutgers
Ace Bailey is described as a “ridiculous shot-making machine” with the swagger of a classic scorer, possessing the ability to hit contested jumpers at a high rate. He is a fluid athlete with good positional size (6’10”), offering real defensive upside due to his length and vertical pop. He rebounds extremely well for a wing and can elevate over defenders on both ends. His shooting mechanics are clean, providing optimism that he will develop into a reliable three-point shooter. If he can buy into a defined role, he has the potential to be a highly impactful third option on a championship-level team. Despite potential baggage and high risk, his talent offers significant redeeming qualities.
Strengths:
Elite, confident shot-maker capable of hitting tough jumpers
Fluid athlete with good positional size (6’10”)
High defensive upside leveraging length and verticality
Strong rebounder for his position
Clean shooting mechanics suggesting future reliability
Weaknesses:
Major concerns about shot selection, frequently settling for tough looks due to a developing handle that limits separation.
Low rim frequency (many finishes are assisted) indicates struggles creating close to the basket.
Poor passing IQ and tunnel vision lead to questionable decisions and turnovers.
Needs to make quicker decisions and potentially buy into a specific role to avoid stalling his development.
#11 – Tre Johnson | G/W | Texas
Tre Johnson is an electric shot-maker with deep range and impressive confidence, considered one of the best pure scorers in the class. He is deadly off movement, flying off screens and relocating effectively, and can knock down jumpers off both the catch and the dribble with ease. He makes smart reads when attacking closeouts, showing a balanced approach to scoring and passing. His handle is sufficient for pull-ups, and he demonstrates poise creating space from anywhere. As the leading scorer in the tough SEC as a freshman (20.2 PPG), he excites scouts and fans with his scoring gravity and potential. He is seen as a safe pick with a high floor due to his prolific, polished self-creation.
Strengths:
Elite, confident shot-maker with deep range
Effective scoring off movement, catch, and dribble
Polished self-creation skills and attacking closeouts
High scoring volume (SEC leading freshman) and gravity
Considered a prospect with a high floor
Weaknesses:
Defensive impact is limited despite physical tools, often getting beat off the dribble or ball-watching.
Rebounding is underwhelming for his size and length.
Functional athleticism doesn’t always translate in-game (lack of rim pressure, few free throws).
Can be a “ball-stopper,” sometimes hindering offensive flow.
Risk of becoming an “empty-calorie” scorer if his points don’t translate to winning; comparisons lean towards players like Buddy Hield or Malik Monk rather than Devin Booker.
#12 – Joan Beringer | C | KK Cedevita
Joan Beringer is an athletic big who thrives as a play-finisher, particularly as a lob threat around the rim. He is a strong shot blocker with good timing and mobility, allowing him to cover ground defensively and stay active in pick-and-roll situations. His assist-to-turnover ratio has shown improvement, indicating growth in reading the floor and making simple passes. As a mover and rim-runner, he fits well in modern offensive schemes and could scale quickly when paired with a skilled pick-and-roll guard. His ability to block shots and finish lobs checks two key boxes for NBA centers, and his solid coordination suggests potential for further development.
Strengths:
Athletic center, effective lob threat and rim-finisher
Strong shot blocker with good timing and mobility
Improving decision-making and passing instincts (AST/TO ratio)
Fits well as a modern rim-runner and play-finisher
Possesses the physical tools for significant growth
Weaknesses:
Still early in development and needs to add physical strength to handle stronger opponents.
Limited comfort creating offense outside of specific actions (lobs, post feeds).
Defensive positioning can be inconsistent, and he can be overzealous, leading to fouls.
#13 – Kasparas Jakucionis | G | Illinois
Kasparas Jakucionis is viewed as a highly scalable guard prospect capable of fitting nicely alongside a primary star. He plays with notable poise, makes timely decisions, and excels in pick-and-roll situations, particularly when paired with a floor-spacing big. He demonstrates the ability to absorb contact and embrace physicality when attacking the paint, finishing with craft and toughness. As a passer, he’s not afraid to take calculated risks, often threading tight windows or making advanced reads that lead to high-value looks. His positional size (6’6″), passing IQ, and shotmaking skill help offset concerns about his quickness. He also contributes as a rebounder on both ends and isn’t afraid of clutch moments.
Strengths:
High basketball IQ and poise in decision-making
Excellent in pick-and-roll situations
Creative passer with vision and willingness to make difficult reads
Physical finisher in the paint, absorbs contact well
Scalable guard who can play alongside other creators
Weaknesses:
Likely won’t provide significant defensive value due to limited lateral mobility and struggles navigating screens.
Plays below the rim despite his size, lacking vertical pop (few dunks).
Can be overzealous with passing attempts, leading to unnecessary turnovers.
Defensive limitations could make him a target in crucial moments or playoff settings.
#14 – Walter Clayton Jr | G | Florida
Walter Clayton Jr. is a dynamic shot-maker capable of scoring at all three levels. He is particularly dangerous off the catch and when moving off the ball, showcasing clean, repeatable shooting mechanics with deep range. Comfortable in pick-and-roll scenarios, he can pull up, snake into floaters, or find open teammates. He is a crafty finisher who can absorb contact and convert tough layups in traffic. Clayton Jr. plays with poise, is rarely rattled, and brings a confident, composed presence in clutch situations. He doesn’t require constant ball-handling to be effective and makes intelligent reads as a playmaker, possessing valuable championship DNA from college.
Strengths:
Dynamic three-level scorer, effective off catch/movement
Clean shooting mechanics with deep range
Comfortable and effective in pick-and-roll
Crafty finisher through contact
Plays with poise, confidence, and composure in clutch moments
Weaknesses:
More of a scoring guard profile; questions exist about his ability to run an NBA offense full-time.
Defensive limitations due to size and lateral quickness can make it difficult to stay in front of quicker guards.
Relies heavily on jumpers and doesn’t consistently pressure the rim.
Rapid Fire: Prospects #15-30
A quick look at the strengths and weaknesses of the next tier of prospects:
#15 – Drake Powell | W | UNC
Strengths: Athletic, scalable wing with high defensive upside; defends multiple positions with effort and quickness; embraces a low-usage role.
Weaknesses: Raw offensively with limited on-ball creation; upside is heavily tied to defensive impact.
#16 – Nique Clifford | W/F | Colorado State
Strengths: Big, athletic wing who rebounds well; defends multiple positions with energy; shot has improved; effective in transition and shows flashes as a slasher and connective passer.
Weaknesses: Played against mid-major competition raising translation questions; may struggle against elite NBA athletes; older prospect.
#17 – Max Shulga | G | VCU
Strengths: Underrated combo guard with size, feel, and shooting touch; smart decision-maker who can initiate or play off-ball; knockdown shooter with scoring/passing versatility; scalable.
Weaknesses: Lacks elite burst and vertical pop; struggles to create separation; mid-major competition raises translation questions; older prospect.
#18 – Jeremiah Fears | G | Oklahoma
Strengths: Shifty, confident lead guard with a “twitchy attacking style”; effective clutch shooter; shows feel for shot creation and handle despite youth; led team in tough conference; plays with “irrational confidence.”
Weaknesses: Ball-dominant with tunnel vision; inconsistent decision-making and efficiency leading to high turnover rates; still developing physically and defensively; can be hunted on defense; archetype questions.
#19 – Jase Richardson | G | Michigan State
Strengths: Skilled combo guard with smooth shot-making (“lethal midrange”); strong feel and poised in pick-and-roll; plays with control on/off ball; solid defender with good instincts; inherited instincts from NBA father.
Weaknesses: Undersized at 6’1″ (in shoes); questions about his ultimate utilization and upside due to size limitations.
#20 – Thomas Sorber | C | Georgetown
Strengths: Strong, skilled interior big with soft touch and impressive passing feel; physical rebounder with good hands and defensive instincts; possesses desirable wingspan.
Weaknesses: Lacks vertical pop and limited mobility; jump shot needs development; faced injury concerns.
#21 – Rasheer Fleming | F | St. Joe’s
Strengths: Long, high motor forward (7’5” wingspan); good spot-up shooter and active rebounder; versatile defender who generates stocks; understands his role; showed functional athleticism (50+ dunks, 50+ threes).
Weaknesses: Limited handle and creation skills; most shots were assisted; faced mid-major competition.
#22 – Cedric Coward | W | Washington St.
Strengths: Long, skilled wing with a smooth jumper; good feel for the game and defensive tools; finishes well and moves smartly off-ball.
Weaknesses: Small sample size due to limited D1 games this year; can be sloppy with the ball.
#23 – Ryan Kalkbrenner | C | Creighton
Strengths: Elite rim protector with great size and timing; efficient finisher with soft touch; improving floor spacing capability; anchors a defense in drop coverage.
Weaknesses: Limited mobility and strength; struggles switching on the perimeter; older prospect.
#24 – Adou Thiero | F | Arkansas
Strengths: Athletic forward with good length; switchable defender traits; plays with effort and moves well in transition; shows upside as a rebounder and versatile defender; handles the ball enough for secondary initiation.
Weaknesses: Raw offensive game with limited shot creation; can be overzealous with the ball or overly reliant on athleticism at times, though flashes finesse.
#25 – Hugo Gonzalez | W | Real Madrid
Strengths: Athletic, physical wing with great motor and defensive upside; attacks closeouts effectively; runs well in transition and competes hard; good rebounder.
Weaknesses: Jumper is inconsistent but developing; limited shot creation; can be wild on drives or overly aggressive defensively; played limited minutes.
#26 – Carter Bryant | F | Arizona
Strengths: Big wing with clean shooting mechanics; possesses positional size; capable spot-up shooter; rebounds well and can defend multiple positions.
Weaknesses: Extremely high rate of assisted scoring (even at EYBL), rarely creates for himself.
#27 – Sion James | G | Duke
Strengths: Strong, physical wing who defends multiple positions; makes smart reads and plays well off-ball; has shown improvement as a shooter.
Weaknesses: Limited creation ability; primarily profiles as a role player on offense who may struggle to generate looks consistently at the next level.
#28 – Hansen Yang | C | Quindao Eagles
Strengths: Center with soft touch and impressive passing feel; developing shot potential; protects the rim effectively with length.
Weaknesses: Limited mobility; struggles in space; hasn’t faced the speed or physicality of NBA-level competition consistently.
#29 – Rocco Zikarsky | C | Brisbane Bullets
Strengths: Massive 7’4” center with elite size and mobility relative to his stature; natural lob threat and efficient rim-finisher; possesses shot-blocking instincts and solid interior defense.
Weaknesses: Extremely raw with limited skill outside of dunks and roll plays; below-average foot speed and struggles defending in space or pick-and-rolls; minimal high-level playing time.
#30 – Johni Broome | C | Auburn
Strengths: Highly productive college player (5th-year senior) excelling on both ends; consistent double-double threat (18.4 PPG, 10.8 RPG); strong low-post scorer (left hook); underrated passer out of post and short roll; effective rim protector (2.1 BPG) and P&R defender with good instincts; versatile overall game.
Weaknesses: Question marks remain about how his overall game translates to the NBA, specifically identifying a single elite, translatable skill beyond defense and finishing; perceived ceiling may be limited as an older prospect.
This draft class offers a diverse range of talent, from potential franchise cornerstones at the top to high-upside projects and plug-and-play role players throughout the first round. The upcoming NBA Draft will undoubtedly reshape the future of many teams as these prospects begin their professional journeys.
