The 2025 NBA Draft is generating buzz, with Cooper Flagg emerging as the clear frontrunner for the top pick. Analysts are already calling him one of the most promising prospects of the last 15 years, regardless of how his professional career unfolds.
Beyond Flagg: Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey and the Draft's Landscape
While Flagg is the headliner, Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey are also projected to be high selections, potentially rounding out the top three. What makes this draft particularly interesting is the possibility of a team holding two top-10, possibly top-five, picks despite missing the NCAA Tournament, signaling a potential shift in team-building strategies.
However, some analysts suggest that the draft class thins out considerably after these top prospects. While Kon Knueppel, Tre Johnson, and VJ Edgecombe offer high ceilings, the overall depth may be lacking. This could lead to more 'misses' in the lottery than in previous years, with unexpected talents emerging later in the draft. Draft-night trades are expected, but some teams may be hesitant to swap picks due to the perceived evenness of talent beyond the initial selections.
Team Strategies and Potential Trades
With the draft just weeks away, teams are actively bringing in players for workouts and individual sessions. Many teams, including the Atlanta Hawks, Orlando Magic, Oklahoma City Thunder, and San Antonio Spurs, are weighing their options and considering whether to keep their current picks. The middle of the first round is seen as highly unpredictable, leading to a multitude of potential outcomes.
Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe is one player to watch as teams might consider trading up to acquire him at pick No. 3. The upcoming summer is also expected to be active in terms of player movement, with teams focusing on trade possibilities alongside draft preparations.
Draft Intel and the Quiet Before the Storm
Interestingly, NBA team sources have noted a sense of unusual calm in the lead-up to the draft. While information is circulating, it's not as readily available as in previous years. This could be due to teams starting prospect workouts later or focusing on the broader landscape of potential player movement this summer.