NBA Draft 2025: Updated Ranking, Cooper Flagg and the Surprises of the Top 100

NBA Draft 2025 Updates Analysis

Five weeks have passed since the last update of ESPN’s Top 100 Big Board, and many events have modified the landscape for the 2025 NBA Draft. Events such as the G League Elite Camp, the NBA Draft Combine, the training days in Chicago and Los Angeles, and the deadline for the withdrawal of NCAA players, have been decisive.

The European leagues’ playoffs are underway, or about to begin, and several high-profile international prospects are competing in some of the most important matches of their careers to date.

Eighteen prospects who previously featured in the top 100 of our list opted to withdraw their names from the 2025 NBA Draft and return to college, or not declare for the draft by the early entry deadline, which significantly reduced the depth of this draft, mainly in the second round.

The official NBA deadline for player withdrawals, primarily for international players, is June 15th, and we could see another handful of prospects withdraw their names and hope for better luck in the 2026 draft.

In addition, private workouts and the NBA Draft International Combine in Treviso, Italy, will continue to influence our list of top prospects.

With the draft scheduled for June 25th and 26th (ABC, ESPN, and the ESPN app), Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo present their updated Top 100 rankings.

Note: True Shooting Percentage (TS%) is a formula that combines field goal percentage with free throws and 3-pointers into a single overall proportion. PR = Previous Ranking in ESPN’s Top 100.

Last updated: May 30

Top 21 NBA Draft Prospects 2025

• Cooper Flagg, SF/PF, Duke. Height: 6-9 | Age: 18.4 | TS%: 60.0 | PR: 1

The uncertainty surrounding Flagg dissipated on lottery night, when the Dallas Mavericks surprisingly won the right to select him. All indications suggest that the Mavericks are determined to select him and that Flagg will happily land in Dallas, where he will immediately integrate into basketball with significant expectations and avoid the difficulties of a long-term rebuild to begin his professional career.

Flagg is expected to rise to the challenge, as he has held the top spot on our draft list largely unopposed, and continues to improve at an impressive rate. He will be an impactful defender and a versatile option for Dallas immediately, with room to grow and expand his comfort as a scorer and playmaker over time. At this point, the question is more about what heights he will ultimately reach, with a promising future ahead. – Woo

Stephen A.: Cooper Flagg ‘is the complete package’

• Dylan Harper, PG/SG, Rutgers. Height: 6-6 | Age: 19.2 | TS%: 59.3 | PR: 2

Harper posted good measurements at the draft combine, losing 15 pounds in the last year while growing half an inch, with similar dimensions to Dwyane Wade (2003) and James Harden (2009) in their draft years.

He seems to be in a category of his own at number 2 after Flagg, and most teams consider him the likely pick for San Antonio despite his imperfect fit with De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle, which generates some speculation about possible trade opportunities that might be in store for the Spurs.

The combination of size, shot-creating prowess, passing creativity, finishing ability, and general scoring instincts of the 19-year-old makes him well-suited for the type of lead guard, offensive engine role that is highly coveted, with his strong frame appearing apt to play through the physically demanding vigor required in the NBA playoffs. – Givony

• Ace Bailey, SG/SF, Rutgers. Height: 6-9 | Age: 18.7 | TS%: 54.0 | PR: 3

Bailey has held this spot on our list for virtually the entire season, due to his considerable scoring potential as a talented shot creator with added size on the wing, standing 6-foot-9-inches tall with shoes. Although he measured a bit shorter than his listed height might have suggested, his measurements were comparable to previous information and didn’t surprise NBA teams. No player in the class can match Bailey’s knack for making difficult shots that he regularly displays, giving him a path to becoming a valuable player in due time. Bailey has remained polarizing for NBA executives throughout the season, with the widespread understanding that he will need time to adapt before contributing winning minutes on a good team. There are varying levels of confidence in the NBA as to whether he will ultimately reach his ceiling, creating a layer of risk that has prevented him from becoming the consensus pick at number 3.

The way the lottery played out didn’t necessarily help Bailey, but his range remains narrow. The possibility of Philadelphia, looking to win more games next season, opting to go in a different direction could move him up the list a spot or two, with Charlotte and Utah likely watching closely if he were available, and his potential could become too difficult to pass up. – Woo

Why this year’s NBA draft becomes interesting at the number 3 pick

• VJ Edgecombe, SG, Baylor. Height: 6-5 | Age: 19.8 | TS%: 56.1 | PR: 4

Edgecombe measured better than expected in Chicago, being taller, stronger, and with a longer wingspan than previously known, which alleviated some concerns about the need to play point guard early in his professional career. He possesses similar dimensions to Boston Celtics players Derrick White and Jrue Holiday.

It appears to have a relatively narrow draft range, starting with Philadelphia at number 3 and likely not extending beyond Utah at number 5. Its fit with Charlotte looks especially strong, a natural space to fit between LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, with his explosive first step, developing shot, and significant defensive potential complementing Ball’s playmaking and perimeter shooting and Miller’s overall offensive versatility.

In the long run, Edgecombe should be able to take on more significant ball-handling responsibility, which would give Charlotte the flexibility to go in a few different directions depending on how he and Miller evolve in the backcourt. – Givony

• Tre Johnson, SG, Texas. Height: 6-6 | Age: 19.2 | TS%: 56.1 | PR: 6

Johnson measured well at the combine (6-6 with shoes and a wingspan of 6-10), giving him strong size and length for a shooting guard and helping to affirm his projection as one of the draft’s highest-potential scorers.

The way the lottery played out could work in Johnson’s favor, as teams like Washington and Brooklyn need perimeter scoring and present possible landing spots within the top eight picks.

Going to a team where he can grow into a significant offensive responsibility would be good for Johnson’s development, as he will need to hone his decision-making and evolve into a more polished and consistent playmaker to maximize his potential. – Woo

• 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 almost all teams in that range would likely consider him a worthy development project to build for the long term.

He registered similar measurements in Chicago to those of Milwaukee’s Brook Lopez and Portland’s Deandre Ayton at the same stage. Maluach has shown flashes of 3-point shooting touch in the training sessions we have attended, in his professional day and also in the draft combine exercises, which gives him some unicorn potential when combined with his shot-blocking prowess.

The rapid improvement that Maluach has achieved in recent years with his structure, mobility, game sense, and skill level has been evident in the pre-draft process, something that will surely continue considering that he is one of the youngest prospects in the draft. (Turns 19 on September 14). – Givony

• Jeremiah Fears, PG, Oklahoma. Height: 6-4 | Age: 18.6 | TS%: 57.0 | PR: 5

Fears’ rookie season catapulted him to lottery pick status, with his creativity, speed, change of pace, and scoring instincts, making him an intriguing addition for any team in need of guards. He measured slightly bigger at the combine than Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers guard, in 2019, another playmaker who has gradually evolved into a solid starting option over time.

Fears is believed to be in play as high as the number 5 pick for Utah, with New Orleans also needing a long-term point guard at number 7, and Brooklyn standing out as a good fit at number 8. His inconsistency as a 3-point shooter (28.4%) is something he will need to address in training, but considering Fears doesn’t turn 19 until October and is an excellent free-throw shooter, scouts expect that area of his game to evolve well over time as he gets stronger.

The fact that Fears reclassified to attend Oklahoma early and capably assumed a huge role (31.4% usage) as a difference-maker adds reasons for optimism that he will continue on his impressive trajectory. – Woo

• Kon Knueppel, SG/SF, Duke. Height: 6-7 | Age: 19.8 | TS%: 64.8 | PR: 9

Following a notably efficient freshman season, Knueppel is receiving long looks in the top five of this draft, with his excellent shooting and overall readiness to contribute offensively creating a strong selling point for front offices. Philadelphia, Charlotte, and Utah represent possible landing spots and would benefit from plugging him in immediately.

Knueppel was unable to complete the athletic tests at the combine due to his injury, but is scheduled to do so in the coming weeks. While he doesn’t possess great length, he has the size to shoot over the shot and see over defenses when necessary to make plays with the ball.

While not likely to be a star-level NBA defender, Knueppel is viewed as one of the safest picks in this draft, as there is a perennial demand for elite shooting, with the playmaking instincts he has shown adding a layer of potential if a team wants to utilize him more in that regard. – Woo

Khaman Maluach and Kon Knueppel from Duke are projected as top-10 picks in this year’s NBA draft.

• Noa Essengue, PF, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany). Height: 6-10 | Age: 18.4 | TS%: 62.0 | PR: 14

Essengue has reached another level with his productivity and intensity in recent months, playing an important role in Ratiopharm Ulm’s sweep of Euroleague team Alba Berlin in the quarterfinals of the German league playoffs.

He is making a big impact on both ends of the court with his passing, defensive versatility, and explosiveness to get out in transition and draw fouls, which is notable considering he turns 19 in December. Despite his slender frame and not having an advanced offensive skill set, he is still finding ways to make winning plays.

Youth, tools, two-way instincts, and Essengue’s rapid rate of improvement suggest a high ceiling that could lead to a significant rise on draft night. Lottery teams would love to have him in their buildings to get a better feel for his body, his perimeter shooting potential, and his intangibles, but that might not be for a while, 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. – Givony

• Kasparas Jakucionis, PG, Illinois. Height: 6-6 | Age: 18.9 | TS%: 59.8 | PR: 7

Jakucionis continues to receive looks from lottery teams after measuring well at the combine (6-6 with shoes and 205 pounds), and coming in at similar dimensions to NBA wings like Terance Mann and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.

The way the lottery fell didn’t expressly help Jakucionis, as two potential landing spots in San Antonio and Philadelphia moved into the top four. He still seems destined for the 8-14 part of the draft, with his versatility, playmaking feel, shooting potential, and intangibles appealing to teams in that range, with Brooklyn, Portland, and Chicago all fitting well.

Although Jakucionis has some holes in his statistical profile, with 31.8% from 3 and an average of 3.7 turnovers, NBA teams seem largely forgiving, considering his age and his adaptation to the college level in a major role. Those are key areas for improvement, particularly if he is going to spend time with the ball long-term. Still, he should be able to help stabilize a backcourt over time and add valuable depth wherever he lands. – Woo

• Egor Demin, PG/SG, BYU. Height: 6-9 | Age: 19.2 | TS%: 51.3 | PR: 12

Demin has solidified his position in the pre-draft process, measuring well at the combine and having an explosive pro day where he showed significantly improved potential as a perimeter shooter than what his season at BYU might suggest.

He still has work to do in training after his inconsistent first-year season, but there is no doubt that he possesses significant talent and potential to become a point guard who can make almost all pick-and-roll reads and passes and will continue to fill out his well-proportioned frame over time.

Demin is receiving looks from teams throughout the lottery and is telling teams in interviews that he’s happy to play any role asked of him, whether with or without the ball, citing players like Deni Avdija of Portland, Franz Wagner of Orlando and Cade Cunningham of Detroit as players he’s been studying. – Givony

• Carter Bryant, SF/PF, Arizona. Height: 6-8 | Age: 19.4 | TS%: 59.9 | PR: 20

As predicted for much of the season, Bryant’s stock has steadily risen as teams have gotten a closer look at him in private settings, giving them a better sense of his impressive talent that suggests both a high floor and a ceiling.

He measured a wingspan of almost 7 feet and a vertical jump of 39½ inches in Chicago, giving him measurements similar to those of players like Dorian Finney-Smith (Lakers) and Nicolas Batum (Clippers), who were also asked to slide all over the positional court, just as Bryant will likely do in the NBA.

Many teams in the late lottery, starting with Toronto at No. 9 and extending to the Magic at No. 16, are looking for frontcourt players who can effectively space the floor, giving Bryant several possible landing spots in this part of the draft. – Givony

• Derik Queen, C, Maryland. Height: 6-10 | Age: 20.4 | TS%: 60.0 | PR: 10

Queen expects to hear her name called in the second half of the lottery thanks to her diverse set of offensive skills and her productive and successful rookie season at Maryland. While her stock has remained somewhat solid, Queen also didn’t necessarily help himself at the combine, where he didn’t throw the ball convincingly in drills, tested poorly, and didn’t appear in noticeably better shape.

His offensive instincts, his ability to score inside, and his high basketball IQ remain strong selling points, but perhaps there was a missed opportunity to change some of the narratives around him as a prospect, as scouts wanted to see him make significant improvements to his frame for the long term.

Teams needing help on the frontcourt will certainly consider him, with Brooklyn (No. 8), Toronto (No. 9), Portland (No. 11), and Chicago (No. 12) as interesting options. But there are also scenarios where he ultimately slides past that, with a wider range due to all the other variables in the lottery. – Woo

• 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 selecting in this range, due to the extreme contrasts between his strengths and weaknesses, making him a better option for certain situations.

Analytics-focused teams are intrigued by how well he rates in their draft models, thanks to his unique combination of passing, free throw getting, finishing prowess, and defensive event creation, especially at his age.

Others are concerned about his lack of size and his ability to shoot 3-pointers, as well as the fact that his Gamecocks team struggled in SEC play, being outmatched in terms of talent.

With similar measurements to 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, as well as a plan to improve his shot, which didn’t look encouraging in the combine drills. – Givony

• Joan Beringer, C, Cedevita Olimpija (Adriatic League). Height: 6-11 | Age: 18.5 | TS%: 62.0 | PR: 17

Beringer’s campaign in the Adriatic League has ended, with his team losing in the quarterfinals to BC Dubai, but Cedevita Olimpija is still playing in the Slovenian league playoffs, having advanced to the finals, which will likely delay his arrival in the United States for another 10 days or so. This also complicates his ability to participate in the mandatory draft combine in Treviso, Italy, as those final games will be taking place at the same time. But the fact that the camp is taking place several hours’ drive away in northern Italy could allow him to make a brief appearance.

He has attracted significant attention throughout the late lottery and the first-half-of-the-draft portions, as teams are drawn to his impressive physical tools, which allow him to cover ground on the perimeter, switch onto smaller players, and protect the rim at a high level. One of the youngest players in this draft, Beringer has significant potential to grow, especially since he only started playing basketball in the summer of 2021. – Givony

• Liam McNeeley, SG/SF, UConn. Height: 6-7 | Age: 19.6 | TS%: 53.6 | PR: 15

McNeeley helped himself to some extent simply by showing up healthy at the combine, where he tested better than some expected 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 has appeal as a versatile, big wing at the NBA level. Although that injury hurt his chances of moving up the boards during the season, McNeeley should be able to continue stabilizing his value in workouts.

His past performance projects that he will shoot better from long distance than he did this season, something that teams will want to keep seeing from him. – Woo

Liam McNeeley hits a three-pointer to ignite UConn

• Will Riley, SG/SF, Illinois. Height: 6-8 | Age: 19.2 | TS%: 53.8 | PR: 16

Riley is drawing looks from teams in the 11-20 range of the first round, with a great deal of interest surrounding his offensive potential. He weighed 186 pounds at the combine, down from his listed playing weight at Illinois (195), but he also measures over 6-9 with shoes, indicating room for physical improvement as he adds strength over time.

Due to the amount of physical projection required for him to maximize his professional career, Riley’s range of outcomes is on the wider side, but his excellent offensive instincts and 3-point shooting projection are calling cards that will inspire a team to invest in his significant long-term potential. – Woo

• Thomas Sorber, C, Georgetown. Height: 6-10 | Age: 19.4 | TS%: 58.7 | PR: 24

Despite being out with a toe injury since mid-February, which required surgery and will prevent him from training or playing in the NBA summer league in July, Sorber’s value has improbably increased even without stepping on the court. His measurements partially explain the movement, with a 7-6 wingspan and a 263-pound frame that give him similar dimensions to Indiana’s Thomas Bryant and Denver’s DeAndre Jordan.

The injury-riddled NBA playoffs this year, which have emphasized the need for teams to have multiple big players who can shoot the court at different times, sometimes together at the same time, have also not hurt, with their passing prowess and defensive versatility making them seem well-suited as a quality development option for teams in the long term. Several teams selecting from the late lottery and up to the first 20 could be looking to select a frontcourt player with an eye on the future, giving him many potential suitors, starting with Chicago or Atlanta at numbers 12 and 13, respectively, and continuing with Indiana at number 23 or, in the worst-case scenario, the Nets at number 26. – Givony

• Danny Wolf, PF, Michigan. Height: 7-0 | Age: 21.0 | TS%: 56.6 | PR: 19

Wolf’s measurements at the combine underscore how unusual he is as a prospect, as he offers perimeter versatility and playmaking skills while measuring close to 7 feet with shoes with a wingspan of over 7-2. He’s the type of combination that teams have to think hard about, but also one that makes Wolf’s appeal more specific to each situation than other prospects.

While his range is on the wider side, Wolf should hear his name in the first half of the first round, where a creative office and coaching staff will target his skill set and look to plug him in as a useful role player. Players in his class who can allow teams to maintain size on the court defensively while adding value on the perimeter on the other end are not easy to find, making Wolf an appealing prospect situationally. – Woo

• Jase Richardson, PG/SG, Michigan State. Height: 6-3 | Age: 19.6 | TS%: 63.2 | PR: 13

The size and atypical physical tools often increase in the pre-draft process, which could push Richardson down the list after measuring under 6-2 with shoes, 178 pounds with a 6-6 wingspan at the NBA pre-draft camp. Richardson would be somewhat small for an NBA point guard, but he played more of a combo guard role for Michigan State, even if his performance in the final two months of the season showed his potential when entrusted with a more significant shot-creation role.

His pace, skill level, game sense, and shooting prowess give him an outstanding framework to build upon, especially with the defensive intensity and unselfish style he brings.

With several bases expected to come off the court in the second half of the first round, and perhaps a limited appetite among teams to absorb them all, there will be a considerable scramble in this part of the draft as prospects look to position themselves through private workouts with teams. – Givony

• Asa Newell, PF/C, Georgia. Height: 6-11 | Age: 19.6 | TS%: 62.0 | PR: 21

For the moment, Newell has one of the widest ranges in the first round, receiving looks from teams in the second half of the lottery up to this draft range. How high he ultimately goes will largely depend on private workouts with the teams