Top 100 Prospects: Updated 2025 NBA Draft Big Board

Sports news » Top 100 Prospects: Updated 2025 NBA Draft Big Board

8 months ago 72

This latest update to ESPN`s Top 100 big board arrives five weeks after the previous rankings. In that time, several significant events have taken place, including the G League Elite Camp, the NBA draft combine, pro days held in Chicago and Los Angeles, and the NCAA withdrawal deadline.

European league playoffs are either currently underway or about to begin, with several high-profile international prospects competing in some of the most crucial games of their careers to date.

Eighteen prospects who were previously ranked in our top 100 chose to withdraw their names from the 2025 NBA draft and return to college, or decided not to declare at all by the early-entry deadline. This decision significantly reduced the depth of this draft class, primarily impacting the second round.

The NBA`s official withdrawal deadline for international players is approaching on June 15. We may see a few more prospects pull their names out, hoping for better luck in the 2026 draft.

Additionally, private workouts and the NBA draft international combine in Treviso, Italy, will continue to influence our list of the best prospects.

As the draft is set for June 25-26, Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo provide their updated Top 100 rankings.

Note: True shooting percentage (TS%) is a metric combining field goal, free throw, and 3-point shooting efficiency. PR = Previous Ranking in ESPN`s Top 100.

Page Contents

Top Prospects (Ranked 1-25)

1. Cooper Flagg, SF/PF, Duke

Height: 6-9 | Age: 18.4 | TS%: 60.0 | PR: 1

Any uncertainty surrounding Flagg was resolved on lottery night when the Dallas Mavericks surprisingly won the lottery and the right to select him. All indications suggest the Mavericks are comfortable drafting him, and Flagg is reportedly happy to land in Dallas, where he will immediately be involved in meaningful basketball rather than starting his pro career with a long-term rebuild. Expect Flagg to be prepared for this challenge. He has held the top spot on our draft board largely unchallenged and continues to improve impressively. He is expected to be an impactful defender and a versatile option for Dallas immediately, with potential to grow and enhance his scoring and playmaking over time. At this stage, the focus is on the ultimate heights he can reach, with a promising future ahead.

2. Dylan Harper, PG/SG, Rutgers

Height: 6-6 | Age: 19.2 | TS%: 59.3 | PR: 2

Harper demonstrated strong measurements at the draft combine, having lost 15 pounds over the past year while growing half an inch. His dimensions are similar to those of Dwyane Wade (2003) and James Harden (2009) during their draft years. He appears to be in a distinct tier at No. 2 after Flagg, with most teams viewing him as the probable pick for San Antonio, despite potential fit issues with De`Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle. This has led to speculation about potential trade opportunities for the Spurs. The 19-year-old`s combination of size, shot creation ability, passing vision, finishing skill, and overall scoring instincts makes him well-suited for a coveted lead-guard role as an offensive engine. His sturdy build seems capable of withstanding the physical demands of NBA playoffs.

3. Ace Bailey, SG/SF, Rutgers

Height: 6-9 | Age: 18.7 | TS%: 54.0 | PR: 3

Bailey has maintained this position on our board throughout essentially the entire season due to his significant scoring upside as a talented shotmaker with good size for a wing, listed at 6-foot-9 in shoes. Although his combine measurement was slightly smaller than his listed height might imply, his dimensions were consistent with previous information and did not surprise NBA teams. No other player in this class consistently displays the challenging shotmaking ability that Bailey does, offering him a path to becoming a valuable player eventually. Bailey has remained a polarizing prospect among NBA executives all season, with the general understanding that he will require time to adapt before contributing winning minutes on a competitive team. There are varying degrees of confidence across the NBA regarding whether he will ultimately reach his full potential, which adds a layer of risk and has prevented him from becoming the undisputed third-ranked option. The lottery outcome didn`t necessarily benefit Bailey, but his likely draft range remains narrow. The possibility that Philadelphia, aiming for more immediate wins next season, might choose a different player could cause him to fall a spot or two. Charlotte and Utah are expected to seriously consider him if available, and his upside might ultimately be too compelling to pass up.

4. VJ Edgecombe, SG, Baylor

Height: 6-5 | Age: 19.8 | TS%: 56.1 | PR: 4

Edgecombe`s measurements in Chicago were better than anticipated, showing he is taller, stronger, and has a longer wingspan than previously known. This eased some concerns about him needing to play point guard early in his professional career. His dimensions are comparable to those of Boston Celtics players Derrick White and Jrue Holiday. He appears to have a relatively confined draft range, likely starting with Philadelphia at No. 3 and not falling further than Utah at No. 5. His fit with Charlotte appears particularly strong, providing a natural player to slot in between LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. His explosive first step, developing shooting, and notable defensive potential complement Ball`s playmaking and perimeter shooting, as well as Miller`s overall offensive versatility. In the long term, Edgecombe should be able to take on more significant ballhandling responsibilities, offering Charlotte flexibility depending on how he and Miller develop in the backcourt.

5. Tre Johnson, SG, Texas

Height: 6-6 | Age: 19.2 | TS%: 56.1 | PR: 6

Johnson measured well at the combine (6-6 in shoes and a 6-10 wingspan), giving him excellent size and length for a shooting guard and reinforcing his projection as one of the draft`s highest-upside scorers. The way the lottery unfolded might benefit Johnson, with teams like Washington and Brooklyn needing perimeter scoring and presenting potential landing spots within the top eight picks. Going to a team where he can develop into taking on significant offensive responsibility would be beneficial for Johnson`s growth. He will need to refine his decision-making and evolve into a more polished and consistent playmaker to maximize his potential.

6. Khaman Maluach, C, Duke

Height: 7-2 | Age: 18.6 | TS%: 74.7 | PR: 8

Maluach is the only true center projected in our top-10, and nearly every team in that range would likely consider him a valuable long-term development project. His measurements in Chicago were similar to those of Milwaukee`s Brook Lopez and Portland`s Deandre Ayton at the same stage of their careers. Maluach has shown glimpses of 3-point shooting touch in workouts we`ve attended, his pro day, and combine drills, hinting at “unicorn” potential when combined with his shot-blocking prowess. The rapid improvement Maluach has demonstrated over the past few years in terms of his physique, mobility, feel for the game, and skill level has been evident throughout the predraft process. This improvement is expected to continue, especially considering he is one of the youngest prospects in the draft (turning 19 on September 14).

7. Jeremiah Fears, PG, Oklahoma

Height: 6-4 | Age: 18.6 | TS%: 57.0 | PR: 5

Fears` standout freshman season elevated him to lottery-pick status. His creativity, speed, change of pace, and scoring instincts make him an intriguing addition for any team in need of a guard. He measured slightly taller at the combine than Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland did in 2019; Garland is another playmaker who has steadily developed into a strong starter over time. Fears is considered a possibility as high as No. 5 to Utah, with New Orleans also requiring a long-term point guard at No. 7, and Brooklyn standing out as a strong fit at No. 8. His inconsistency as a 3-point shooter (28.4%) is an area he will need to improve in workouts, but given that Fears doesn`t turn 19 until October and is an excellent free throw shooter, scouts anticipate that aspect of his game will evolve well as he gets stronger. The fact that Fears reclassified to attend Oklahoma early and successfully stepped into a significant role (31.4% usage) as a difference-maker provides further reason for optimism regarding his impressive developmental path.

8. Kon Knueppel, SG/SF, Duke

Height: 6-7 | Age: 19.8 | TS%: 64.8 | PR: 9

Following a remarkably efficient freshman season, Knueppel is being seriously considered among the top five picks in this draft. His excellent shooting and overall readiness to contribute offensively are strong selling points for front offices. Philadelphia, Charlotte, and Utah all represent potential destinations where he could be plugged in immediately. Knueppel was unable to complete athletic testing at the combine due to injury but is scheduled to do so in the coming weeks. While not possessing exceptional length, he has the size to get his shot off and see over defenders when necessary to make plays with the ball. Although he is unlikely to be a stellar defender at the NBA level, Knueppel is viewed as one of the safer picks in this draft. There is perennial demand for elite shooting, and the playmaking instincts he has shown add a layer of upside if a team chooses to utilize him further in that capacity.

9. Noa Essengue, PF, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)

Height: 6-10 | Age: 18.4 | TS%: 62.0 | PR: 14

Essengue has elevated his productivity and intensity over the past few months, playing a significant role in Ratiopharm Ulm`s sweep of EuroLeague team Alba Berlin in the German league playoff quarterfinals. He is making a major impact on both ends of the court with his passing, defensive versatility, and explosiveness in transition and drawing fouls. This is particularly noteworthy considering he turns 19 in December. Despite his thin frame and not having a highly developed offensive skill set, he continues to find ways to make winning plays. Essengue`s youth, physical tools, two-way instincts, and rapid rate of improvement suggest a high ceiling that could lead to a significant rise on draft night. Lottery teams would be eager to host him for workouts to better assess his physique, perimeter shooting potential, and intangibles, but this might be delayed as his season could extend until the day after the first round of the NBA draft (June 25), with Game 5 of the German league finals scheduled for June 26.

10. Kasparas Jakucionis, PG, Illinois

Height: 6-6 | Age: 18.9 | TS%: 59.8 | PR: 7

Jakucionis continues to draw strong interest from lottery teams after measuring well at the combine (6-6 in shoes and 205 pounds), coming in with similar dimensions to NBA wings such as Terance Mann and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. The outcome of the lottery didn`t explicitly help Jakucionis, as two potential landing spots in San Antonio and Philadelphia moved up into the top four. He still appears likely to be drafted in the 8-to-14 range, with his versatility, playmaking feel, shooting potential, and intangibles appealing to teams in that range. Brooklyn, Portland, and Chicago are all viable fits. Although Jakucionis has some statistical weaknesses, such as shooting 31.8% from 3 and averaging 3.7 turnovers, NBA teams appear largely forgiving, factoring in his age and adjustment to the college level in a significant role. Those are key areas for improvement, especially if he is expected to handle the ball long-term. Nevertheless, he should be capable of helping to stabilize a backcourt over time and add valuable depth wherever he is drafted.

11. Egor Demin, PG/SG, BYU

Height: 6-9 | Age: 19.2 | TS%: 51.3 | PR: 12

Demin has solidified his position in the predraft process. He measured well at the combine and conducted an explosive pro day that showcased significantly better potential as a perimeter shooter than his season at BYU might have indicated. He still needs to perform well in workouts following his inconsistent freshman season, but there is little doubt about his significant talent and potential to develop into a point guard capable of making most pick-and-roll reads and passes. His well-proportioned frame is also expected to fill out nicely over time. Demin is being considered by teams throughout the lottery and is reportedly telling teams in interviews that he is willing to play any role asked of him, whether on or off the ball, citing players he has studied such as Portland`s Deni Avdija, Orlando`s Franz Wagner, and Detroit`s Cade Cunningham.

12. Carter Bryant, SF/PF, Arizona

Height: 6-8 | Age: 19.4 | TS%: 59.9 | PR: 20

As anticipated for much of the season, Bryant`s standing has steadily risen as teams have had a closer look at him in private settings. They are getting a better sense of his impressive talent, which suggests both a high floor and ceiling. He measured a near 7-foot wingspan and a 39½ inch vertical leap in Chicago, giving him dimensions similar to players like Dorian Finney-Smith (Lakers) and Nicolas Batum (Clippers), who were also expected to play versatile roles across the floor, much like Bryant will likely do in the NBA. Several teams in the late lottery – starting with Toronto at No. 9 and extending through Orlando at No. 16 – are searching for frontcourt players who can effectively space the floor, providing Bryant with several potential landing spots in this part of the draft.

13. Derik Queen, C, Maryland

Height: 6-10 | Age: 20.4 | TS%: 60.0 | PR: 10

Queen is expected to hear his name called in the latter half of the lottery thanks to his diverse offensive skill set and productive, successful freshman season at Maryland. While his draft stock has remained relatively stable, Queen didn`t necessarily improve it at the combine, where he didn`t shoot convincingly in drills, tested poorly, and didn`t appear in noticeably better playing shape. His offensive instincts, interior scoring ability, and high basketball IQ remain strong selling points, but there was perhaps a missed opportunity to change some of the narratives around him as a prospect, with scouts hoping to see major long-term improvements to his physique. Teams in need of frontcourt assistance will certainly consider him, with Brooklyn (No. 8), Toronto (No. 9), Portland (No. 11), and Chicago (No. 12) all being interesting fits. However, there are also scenarios where he could potentially fall further due to the other variables in the lottery, giving him a wider potential draft range.

14. Collin Murray-Boyles, PF/C, South Carolina

Height: 6-8 | Age: 19.9 | TS%: 64.0 | PR: 11

Murray-Boyles has been somewhat polarizing for teams drafting in this range due to the stark contrasts between his strengths and weaknesses, which make him a better fit for specific team situations. Analytics-driven teams are intrigued by his high ratings in their draft models, thanks to his unique combination of passing ability, free throw drawing, finishing prowess, and defensive event creation, especially considering his age. Others are concerned about his lack of size and 3-point shooting ability, as well as the fact that his Gamecocks team struggled in SEC play, often being outmatched in terms of talent. With measurements similar to those of Golden State`s Draymond Green and Trayce Jackson-Davis, Murray-Boyles will need to find the right fit with a team looking to leverage his defensive versatility and playmaking, and importantly, have a plan for improving his shooting, which did not look encouraging in combine drills.

15. Joan Beringer, C, Cedevita Olimpija (Adriatic League)

Height: 6-11 | Age: 18.5 | TS%: 62.0 | PR: 17

Beringer`s Adriatic League season has concluded with his team losing in the quarterfinals to BC Dubai. However, Cedevita Olimpija is still competing in the Slovenian league playoffs, having recently advanced to the finals. This will likely delay his arrival in the United States for another 10 days or so. It also complicates his ability to fully participate in the mandatory draft combine in Treviso, Italy, as those finals games will occur concurrently. Nevertheless, the fact that the camp is held just a few hours drive away in Northern Italy might allow him to make a brief appearance. He has garnered significant attention throughout the late lottery and mid-first round portions of the draft. Teams are drawn to his impressive physical tools, which enable him to cover ground on the perimeter, switch onto smaller players, and protect the rim at a high level. As one of the youngest players in this draft, Beringer has significant potential to develop, especially considering he only started playing basketball in the summer of 2021.

16. Liam McNeeley, SG/SF, UConn

Height: 6-7 | Age: 19.6 | TS%: 53.6 | PR: 15

McNeeley helped his draft stock to some extent simply by arriving healthy at the combine, where he tested better than some anticipated and measured 6-8 when factoring in shoes. An ankle injury limited some of what he could do this season at UConn, but he had several impressive moments and is appealing as a big, versatile complementary wing at the NBA level. Although that injury hampered his chances of rising on draft boards during the season, McNeeley should be able to continue stabilizing his stock through workouts. His past performance suggests he will shoot better from long range than he did this season, which is something teams will be looking for him to demonstrate further.

17. Will Riley, SG/SF, Illinois

Height: 6-8 | Age: 19.2 | TS%: 53.8 | PR: 16

Riley is receiving strong consideration from teams drafting in the 11-to-20 range of the first round, with considerable interest surrounding his offensive potential. He weighed in at 186 pounds at the combine, slightly down from his listed playing weight at Illinois (195), but also stands over 6-9 in shoes, indicating room for physical improvement as he gains strength over time. Due to the degree of physical projection required for him to maximize his professional career, the range of potential outcomes for Riley is relatively wide. However, his excellent offensive instincts and projectable 3-point shooting are key attributes that will lead a team to invest in his significant long-term upside.

18. Thomas Sorber, C, Georgetown

Height: 6-10 | Age: 19.4 | TS%: 58.7 | PR: 24

Despite being sidelined with a toe injury since mid-February, which required surgery and will prevent him from conducting workouts or playing in the NBA summer league in July, Sorber`s stock has surprisingly risen even without being on the court. His combine measurements partially explain this movement – with a 7-6 wingspan and a 263-pound frame, he possesses dimensions similar to those of Indiana`s Thomas Bryant and Denver`s DeAndre Jordan. This year`s demanding NBA playoffs, which have highlighted the necessity for teams to have multiple big men available to deploy at different times – sometimes together – also hasn`t hurt his value. His passing ability and defensive versatility make him look well-suited as a valuable long-term development option for teams. Several teams picking from the late lottery through the early 20s could be looking to draft a frontcourt player with an eye towards the future, providing him with plenty of potential suitors starting with Chicago or Atlanta at Nos. 12 and 13, respectively, and continuing through Indiana at No. 23 or, in a worst-case scenario, the Nets at No. 26.

19. Danny Wolf, PF, Michigan

Height: 7-0 | Age: 21.0 | TS%: 56.6 | PR: 19

Wolf`s combine measurements underscore how unique of a prospect he is. He offers perimeter versatility and playmaking skills while standing nearly 7 feet in shoes with a wingspan over 7-2. This combination makes him a player teams have to seriously consider, but also one whose appeal is more dependent on the specific team fit than other prospects. While his potential draft range is wide, Wolf is expected to be selected in the mid-to-late first round, where a creative front office and coaching staff can target his skill set and look to utilize him as a valuable role player. Players of his type, who can allow teams to maintain size defensively while adding offensive value from the perimeter, are difficult to find, making Wolf a situationally attractive prospect.

20. Jase Richardson, PG/SG, Michigan State

Height: 6-3 | Age: 19.6 | TS%: 63.2 | PR: 13

Size and exceptional physical tools typically lead to a rise in the predraft process, which might cause Richardson to drop on boards after measuring under 6-2 in shoes, 178 pounds, with a 6-6 wingspan at the NBA predraft camp. Richardson would be somewhat undersized for an NBA point guard, although he played more of a combo guard role for Michigan State. However, his performance over the final two months of the season demonstrated his potential when given a more significant shot-creation role. His pace, skill level, feel for the game, and shotmaking ability provide an excellent foundation to build upon, particularly when combined with his defensive intensity and selfless style of play. With several guards expected to be drafted in the second half of the first round, and perhaps a limited number of teams willing to take them all, there will be considerable movement and positioning in this part of the draft as prospects aim to impress during private team workouts.

21. Asa Newell, PF/C, Georgia

Height: 6-11 | Age: 19.6 | TS%: 62.0 | PR: 21

Currently, Newell has one of the widest potential draft ranges in the first round, receiving interest from teams in the back half of the lottery down to this range of the draft. How high he ultimately goes will depend heavily on private team workouts and whether he can play his way ahead of some of the other established bigs ranked higher on our board. Teams are intrigued by the productivity and flashes of shooting he showed at Georgia, with the hope that he will develop into a versatile option at power forward (where his combine measurements suggest he is likely best suited) in the long term. If he can become more comfortable on the perimeter and sharpen his defensive habits, Newell possesses significant upside thanks to his size, mobility, and motor.

22. Nique Clifford, SG, Colorado State

Height: 6-6 | Age: 23.2 | TS%: 60.9 | PR: 25

Clifford has put himself in a strong position after his breakout season at Colorado State. He enters June as the oldest player among our top 30 on this list and a viable plug-and-play bench option for any team needing immediate help on the wing. The good news for him is that the majority of teams would benefit from adding depth at his position. As a result, he is drawing consideration higher than this ranking, viewed as a well-rounded offensive player with good feel who also offers defensive versatility. His age does limit some of his long-term ceiling, but as long as Clifford continues to make shots at a passable clip, he should add value to an NBA roster.

23. Hugo Gonzalez, SG/SF, Real Madrid (Spain)

Height: 6-7 | Age: 19.3 | TS%: 51.9 | PR: 22

Gonzalez has seen an increase in playing time over the past month, averaging nearly 20 minutes per game and delivering impressive moments on both ends of the floor. Gonzalez is enjoying a little more offensive freedom, allowing him to showcase his explosiveness, passing, and finishing ability, while also making a significant impact defensively by moving all over the court and making plays on and off the ball. It has served as a clear reminder of why Gonzalez was projected as a lottery pick at the start of the season, leading some scouts to wonder where his draft stock would be if he were in a more favorable playing situation. With Gonzalez`s regular season yet to finish, and a likely deep playoff run ahead with Real Madrid as the No. 1 seed, it is almost certain that teams will be unable to evaluate him in a workout setting. It also remains to be seen if he will be able to fulfill his medical, measurements, and NBA combine activities, as his season might not be concluded by June 25.

24. Maxime Raynaud, C, Stanford

Height: 7-1 | Age: 22.1 | TS%: 56.1 | PR: 35

Raynaud was arguably the biggest riser coming out of the draft combine. An excellent showing in 5-on-5 helped propel him into a first-round projection. He measured a legitimate 7 feet barefoot, showed strong defensive capability, and holds intrigue as a late-blooming prospect who is also trending towards becoming a reliable floor-spacer from long range. In a draft class somewhat lacking traditional centers, Raynaud offers value to teams looking to add and develop size in their frontcourt. His trajectory appears to be upward as the draft approaches, with a high likelihood that he has played his way into the first round. The question now is how high he will climb on draft boards.

25. Nolan Traore, PG, Saint-Quentin (France)

Height: 6-5 | Age: 19.0 | TS%: 49.7 | PR: 18

Traore`s season concluded with a loss to Dijon last week in the French league play-in tournament, where Traore fouled out in 18 minutes. Traore played some of his best basketball of the season over the past two months, hitting 43% of his 3-pointers in the final 10 games and showcasing his impressive ballhandling, playmaking, and creativity. However, this was a decidedly inconsistent year for the recently turned 19-year-old, as he struggled with turnovers, finishing around the basket, and defense. He made just 32% of his total 3-pointers across 44 games in all competitions. Next, Traore is set to attend the draft combine in Treviso, Italy, from June 2-4, to undergo measurements, athletic testing, shooting drills, a thorough medical examination, and interviews with NBA teams. Following that, he will have two weeks to travel around the United States for workouts at NBA practice facilities, which could potentially improve his outlook with some of the teams in the latter half of the first round looking to bolster their backcourt depth.