NBA Draft 2025: Jay Bilas Highlights 8 Top Prospects to Watch

NBA Draft 2025: Top Prospects, Surprises, and Expert Analysis

The highly anticipated NBA Draft 2025 is just around the corner, and as always, it brings a mix of sure-shot stars, sleeper picks, and wild-card prospects. This year marks the 23rd consecutive appearance of veteran analyst Jay Bilas on ESPN’s draft desk, and he admits that every year he grows more respectful of the evaluation process. From Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to Jalen Brunson, many past picks have defied expectations, proving how unpredictable the NBA Draft truly is.

NBA Draft 2025: Cooper Flagg Leads the Pack

The undisputed crown jewel of the NBA Draft 2025 is Duke’s Cooper Flagg. A 6-foot-8 forward with a 7-foot wingspan, Flagg has the most well-rounded skillset in this year’s class. Jay Bilas describes him as the best Duke freshman ever, and perhaps the most complete player he has evaluated in three decades.

Flagg excels in transition, defends well, rebounds efficiently, and contributes consistently across the board. During ACC play, he silenced critics by shooting 44% from three-point range. Flagg isn’t just talented—he’s also hyper-competitive and mature beyond his years. He plays the game the right way, stacking good decisions that turn into stats, not chasing numbers.

NBA Draft 2025: Best Shooters in the Draft Class

Sharp-shooting talent is always in demand, and the NBA Draft 2025 features some standout marksmen:

• Tre Johnson (Texas): Led the SEC with 19.9 PPG and hit nearly 40% from beyond the arc. His length and athleticism make him a solid offensive option.
• Kon Knueppel (Duke): The best catch-and-shoot guard in the draft. He converted over 40% of his three-point attempts and nailed 91% of his free throws. While his defense is average, his shooting is elite.

These two are expected to be early selections, offering spacing and scoring to any NBA roster.

NBA Draft 2025: Under-the-Radar 3-and-D Prospects

Three prospects stand out in the 3-and-D category—essential to modern NBA rosters:

• Carter Bryant (Arizona): A top-five combine performer in speed and vertical leap, Bryant thrives off the ball and hit a high volume of catch-and-shoot threes.
• Rasheer Fleming (Saint Joseph’s): Boasts a 7-foot-5 wingspan, hits 39% from deep, and plays multiple defensive roles.
• Cedric Coward (Washington State): The mystery man of the NBA Draft 2025, Coward made waves with explosive combine performances and scored 30 points in a breakout college game.

Each of these players brings defensive versatility and shooting—an ideal mix for teams needing immediate contributors.

NBA Draft 2025: Wild Cards with Sky-High Potential

Not all talent is easy to evaluate, and the NBA Draft 2025 has its share of boom-or-bust prospects:

• Dylan Harper (Rutgers): The No. 2 talent behind Flagg, Harper is a smart, three-level scorer with great footwork and playmaking in pick-and-roll situations. However, he shot just 33% from beyond the arc.
• Ace Bailey (Rutgers): Arguably the most explosive scorer in the draft, Bailey dropped 39 points on Indiana and has the tools to be a star. Questions about his maturity linger, but at just 18, his upside is undeniable.

Both players faced scrutiny after a lackluster season with Rutgers, but NBA teams know individual talent often rises above collegiate team records.

NBA Draft 2025: Trade Season Adds Drama

As excitement around the NBA Draft 2025 builds, teams are actively making moves. High-profile trades have already begun:

• Desmond Bane to the Magic for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, and multiple picks.
• Kevin Durant joins the Rockets in a blockbuster deal with Phoenix.
• Jrue Holiday heads to Portland in a trade for Anfernee Simons.

These moves are reshaping draft boards and team priorities, as franchises prepare to add young talent to shifting rosters.

NBA Draft 2025: Celtics and Hawks Make Strategic Cap Moves

The Celtics are undergoing a financial reset, trading Kristaps Porzingis to the Hawks. Boston is shedding salary while holding on to its core of Tatum, Brown, and White.

Meanwhile, Atlanta adds frontcourt shooting and size with Porzingis, hoping for a healthier, more consistent season. With multiple roster spots open and cap flexibility, the Hawks could be aggressive on draft night.

NBA Draft 2025: Brooklyn Nets Hold the Draft Keys

No team holds more leverage in the NBA Draft 2025 than the Nets, who currently possess five first-round picks. This gives Brooklyn unparalleled flexibility to either trade up or secure multiple future assets.

They also acquired Terance Mann’s contract in a salary maneuver that could yield value if Mann bounces back. Brooklyn is in position to reshape its future with a single draft night.

NBA Draft 2025: Poole-McCollum Trade Highlights Mid-Tier Moves

The Wizards and Pelicans pulled off a surprising contract swap:

• New Orleans gets: Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey, and a second-round pick.
• Washington receives: CJ McCollum, Kelly Olynyk, and a future pick.

This trade allows New Orleans to shed salary while betting on Poole’s bounce-back potential. For Washington, McCollum brings veteran leadership and scoring consistency.

Final Thoughts on the NBA Draft 2025

From top-tier talents like Cooper Flagg to high-risk wild cards and behind-the-scenes trades, the NBA Draft 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most impactful in recent years. With draft night approaching, fans and franchises alike are gearing up for surprises, blockbuster moves, and the unveiling of basketball’s next generation of stars.

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