Analyzing the 2025 NBA Draft Class
People are calling the 2025 draft pool one of the best we've seen in ten years. There are some amazing international players and talented college stars that could really change things for franchises. Here, we’ll go over the Top 5 prospects that everyone is talking about, plus a few sleepers who might surprise and make it into the first round.
#1 — Luka Marković, 6’9″ PG, Serbia
Marković has a great playstyle and shoots about 41% from three-point range. Scouts compare his court vision to a young Luka Dončić, but they do have some concerns about his speed on defense. Still, his understanding of the game really stands out among his peers.
#2 — Jaylen Ross, 6’7″ SG, Duke
Ross scored about 23.8 points per game with a true shooting percentage of 58% while defending the other team's best wing player each night. His smooth mid-range game reminds you of Bradley Beal, but he’ll have to stretch his shooting out to the NBA three-point range.
#3 — Mateo Silva, 7’1″ C, Real Madrid
Silva's ability to block shots and make quick passes is making general managers excited about his potential as a solid two-way player. Some worries include his light build at 220 lbs and a few past ankle injuries. If he stays healthy, he could become a top-notch center for drop coverage.
#4 — Carter Nguyen, 6’4″ PG, Kentucky
Nguyen is the quickest player in the class when he’s got the ball. He really put SEC defenses to the test during fast breaks. His shot choice still needs some work (he's at 31% from three), but his speed and how he sees the court definitely show he's got what it takes to be an NBA starter.
#5 — Olli Rantanen, 6’10″ PF, Finland
Yep, a Finnish player makes it into the Top 5. Rantanen's got a solid pick-and-pop game, shooting 43% from three, and his defense is versatile, making him a modern four. He could work on his ball handling a bit, but as a stretch-big off the bench, he seems pretty reliable.
Sleeper Watch
- Gabriel Kim — 6’8″ wing, UCLA: elite defender, raw jumper.
- Tomáš Veselý — 6’11″ center, Nymburk: 7′3″ wingspan, motor.
- Jaden Cole — 6’2″ combo guard, G-League Ignite: microwave scorer.
Draft night always has its surprises, but it's clear that teams with lottery picks in 2025 have a great chance to grab some top talent.