2025 NBA Draft Big Board: Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper lead final top 100 rankings

We are roughly one week out from the 2025 NBA Draft. It's smokescreen season, as every team outside the top two has been connected to a million different outcomes depending on how the front office handles the next seven days of evaluation. In short, we don't know what on Earth will happen on Wednesday, June 25.

ESPN's newest mock draft dropped a bomb on expectations, citing newfound skepticism around Ace Bailey, slotting Kon Knueppel to the Hornets at No. 4 and generally mucking up what has already been a difficult lottery to get a handle on. We know Cooper Flagg will go No. 1 to Dallas. Dylan Harper to the Spurs at No. 2 is as close to a lock as you can get without being a lock.

The board really opens up at No. 3, and from there chaos shall reign. As we gear up for the main event and welcome a new generation of stars to the NBA stage, let's lay out the best prospects actually available next week after the final withdrawal deadline on June 15.

Here are FanSided's top 100 prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft, ranked.

NBA Draft Big Board Tier 1: Generational stars

1. Cooper Flagg, F, Duke (Fr.)

Cooper Flagg arrived at Duke at 17 and became the fourth-ever freshman to win the Wooden Award, exceeding all reasonable expectations. He developed quickly from a high-level connector and play-finisher into a legitimate on-ball hub, comfortably leveraging his athleticism to create advantages and spray buckets from all three levels. Flagg plays defense with the competitiveness of T.J. McConnell, but he’s 6-foot-9 in shoes with significant vertical pop and the lateral agility to guard all over the floor. His youth, athleticism and IQ comes around once in a generation.

NBA Draft Big Board Tier 2: All-NBA potential

2. Dylan Harper, G, Rutgers (Fr.)

A wing-sized guard with elite driving skills, Dylan Harper has all the tools of a future All-Star creator. While not a great pull-up shooter, he’s efficient in off the catch and dynamic attacking closeouts, which should give him scalability and versatility within a scheme or lineup. He mixes speeds when rumbling downhill and knows how to use his frame to absorb contact and finish in traffic. Harper displays excellent feel running pick-and-rolls and his defensive ceiling is considerable given his outlier tools.

NBA Draft Big Board Tier 3: Potential All-Stars, high-level starters

3. Collin Murray-Boyles, F, South Carolina (So.)

Collin Murray-Boyles improved across the board as a sophomore despite a mediocre supporting cast at South Carolina. Concerns about the jump shot are real but overblown, as Murray-Boyles’ tank-like physicality, balletic footwork and soft touch make him a dominant scorer on the interior. He’s a smothering, versatile defender, a legitimate playmaking hub in the frontcourt, and a unique — but viable — star bet in a top-heavy class.

4. Noa Essengue, F, France (2006)

Noa Essengue is the second-youngest player in the class, only three days older than Cooper Flagg and with an impressive track record of production in a professional league. At 6-foot-9, he’s a spindly, rangy defender who can slide his feet with guards or envelope shot attempts at the rim. He’s still coming into his own offensively, but Essengue cleans up on simple cuts and out in transition, where his fluidity of movement pops. If the 3s fall consistently and he can nurture solid instincts as a passer, the ceiling is lofty.

5. Kon Knueppel, F, Duke (Fr.)

Kon Knueppel’s lackluster length and athleticism will hurt him on defense, but he’s savvy within a team context and competitive enough to survive. Where he shines, of course, is offensively. Knueppel is a knockdown shooter with impressive pace and physicality as a driver. He won’t beat defenders one-on-one, but he can come off a screen, get downhill with a purpose, and finish smoothly below the rim. He’s one of the smartest players in the draft, with a high baseline of skill that should translate immediately.

6. VJ Edgecombe, G, Baylor (Fr.)

VJ Edgecombe is a one-percent athlete. Ideally he’d be a bit taller, but Edgecombe has the strength and twitch to guard much bigger than his listed height. He’s a singularly disruptive force on defense, with the motor to one day crack an All-Defense team. He’s still coming along as a ball-handler and playmaker, but Edgecombe’s spot-up shooting and elite first step give him a solid baseline for scoring. He also reads the floor well and functions as a strong connective piece.

7. Derik Queen, C, Maryland (Fr,.)

Derik Queen did not ace his athletic testing at the Combine, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a more winning personality on the court — and his performance at Maryland backs it up. The defensive concerns are real, but Queen operates with a boldness few bigs do. He slings creative, pinpoint dimes on the move and attacks mismatches with a dangerous blend of strength, footwork and sly agility. Queen’s more of a theoretical shooter than a shooter at this point, but his touch on hooks and runners in the lane is reason enough for optimism on that front.

8. Jeremiah Fears, G, Oklahoma (Fr.)

Jeremiah Fears struggled with efficiency as a freshman, but the intersection of youth, productivity and athleticism is hard to come by. Fears can get wherever he wants on the floor, mixing an elite first step with incredible live-dribble deceleration. He needs to add strength, but Fears plays through contact and draws fouls at the rim. The jumper looks better than the results and should develop in time. He needs to trim turnovers, but his passing ambition suggests true franchise point guard potential. If it all clicks, Fears can become the heliocentric focal point of an NBA team.

NBA Draft Big Board Tier 4: Clear starters, major tool/upside swings

9. Khaman Maluach, C, Duke (Fr.)

Khaman Maluach takes up a lot of space in the paint. His freshman season at Duke was by no means a seamless journey, but he’s already far along in his development as a finisher and rim protector. The defensive rebounding should improve in a different context and the eye test shows a viable perimeter defender when asked to move in space. He is extremely raw on offense, but Maluach dunks everything and inhales the offensive glass. He shot 72.3 percent on free throws and shows flashes of touch out to the 3-point line.

10. Thomas Sorber, C, Georgetown (Fr.)

Thomas Sorber’s freshman season was cut short by a foot injury, but his impactful two-way performance in limited reps — as well as strong measurements at the Combine — solidified his stock. Sorber needs to play with more force at the rim, but he shows soft touch on push shots and has a deep bag of tricks in the paint. His ability to pass on the short roll is highly valuable in today’s NBA, and his IQ translates to the defensive end, where Sorber has the size, fluidity and awareness to develop into a solid defensive anchor.

11. Ace Bailey, F, Rutgers (Fr.)

Ace Bailey is the most polarizing prospect in the 2025 draft. He’s a major talent, with the size and shot-making chops to become a star at the next level. It’s rare to find such a prolific mid-range assassin nowadays, but Bailey’s ability to shoot over contests and from a plethora of angles is unique. He’s coverage-proof. That said, he doesn’t really pass and the defensive engagement tends to waver. A high center of gravity also limits his handle; Bailey doesn’t get to the rim or create separation easily. He relies, perhaps too much, on a diet of tough shots.

12. Kasparas Jakucionis, G, Illinois (Fr.)

Lithuanian guard Kasparas Jakučinois made a strong early impression at Illinois. His season was up and down in the end, but it’s rare to find a playmaker with his combination of size, vision and creativity. Jakučionis is a limited athlete, so he will need to prove he can beat NBA defenders at the point of attack and finish against rim protection. But, a dynamic shot-making profile, including a filthy step-back, should allow him to score consistently, while his feel operating out of pick-and-rolls is well suited to today’s NBA.

13. Jase Richardson, G, Michigan State (Fr.)

Despite underwhelming measurements at the Combine, Jase Richardson ought to hit the ground running at the next level. He’s an excellent point of attack defender, even if he lacks positional flexibility, and the offensive skill package is an easy plug-and-fit with just about any lineup. Richardson spent the majority of his freshman season working off-ball and attacking closeouts, but he’s an efficient three-level scorer with ridiculous touch on floaters, savvy connective instincts and a chance to grow into more of a lead guard as his reps increase.

14. Tre Johnson, G, Texas (Fr.)

Tre Johnson oozes ‘real hooper’ energy. He’s a standout shot-maker, with great length and agility, helping to mitigate some of the concerns about his lax defense as a 19-year-old. That said, Johnson can’t really handle physicality with his frame, so he’s limited as a driver and a finisher around the rim. He’s also reliant on some difficult jumpers, despite a nice package of side-steps and step-backs to create space. Johnson is a better passer than his assist numbers suggest, but the volume’s not really there and he doesn’t easily create dribble penetration.

NBA Draft Big Board Tier 5: Potential starters, high-level role players

15. Nique Clifford, F, Colorado State (Sr.)

It’s generally smart to fade older players in the first round, but Nique Clifford feels like an exception to the rule. The five-year senior got better each season, becoming one of college basketball’s most well-rounded stars. He’s a springboard athlete, guarding a variety of different positions and archetypes, while also feasting on the glass at 6-foot-6. Moreover, he’s an efficient shooter, a sharp connective passer and a heady off-ball mover. His growth as a secondary ball-handler and straight-line driver leaves precious few holes. Clifford has all the hallmarks of a high-end role player.

16. Adou Thiero, F, Arkansas (Jr.)

Adou Thiero is a singularly explosive athlete on the wing. The 3-point shot needs a lot of work, but it’s rare to find a 6-foot-7 wing with Thiero’s ability to get downhill and create his own shots at the rim. He’s a beast out in transition, and the defensive activity is a plus. We won’t know Thiero’s ceiling until we know his development arc as a shooter, but it’s smart to bet on the brawny, dynamic slasher who can collapse a defense and score with his tools, even as his skills come along slowly on the back burner.

17. Noah Penda, F, France (2005)

Noah Penda checks a lot of boxes on the wing. He needs to sink 3s more consistently, but with a broad frame and underrated agility, Penda is one of the draft’s most impactful defenders. On the other end, he delivers pinpoint passes on a rope and knows when (and where) to cut in the flow of the offense. His selfless demeanor and willingness to embrace the little things creates confidence that, if his jumper develops, Penda will have a long and productive career.

18. Cedric Coward, F, Washington State (Sr.)

Cedric Coward took a nontraditional path to the NBA. He began in D-III, then spent two years with Eastern Washington in the Big Sky, before finally arriving on a national stage at Wazzu as a senior. Then, six games into his Cougars tenure, Coward suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. That said, 6-foot-6 wings with Coward’s blend of length, athleticism and shooting are all the rage. He defends at a high level, processes the floor sharply in a connective role, and displays flashes of downhill, straight-line creation. If he can get stronger and improve his handle, the upside is considerable.

19. Nolan Traore, G, France (2006)

Nolan Traoré has excellent size and length for the point guard position, in addition to being the fastest straight-line mover in the draft. He gets downhill at will, comfortable mixing in crossovers and hesitation moves to keep defenders in a hopeless limbo. He needs to improve as a shooter and a finisher, but the 3s started falling toward the end of the season and Traoré boasts the highest assist percentage in the draft at 19 years old. He’s not much of a defender yet, but the tools and athleticism give him a framework for growth. The upside here is considerable.

20. Carter Bryant, F, Arizona (Fr.)

Carter Bryant did enough in a limited role at Arizona to win over NBA scouts. He’s an eye-popping athlete on the wing; he just looks the part of a pro-level defender with his strength, activity and versatility. Bryant is already strong enough to stonewall drives at the point of attack and he’s mobile enough to float on the weak side for blocks. He has more room left to grow offensively, but a consistent 3-point shot and a nice mid-range package should get him far at the next level.

21. Rasheer Fleming, F, St. Joseph's (Jr.)

Rasheer Fleming’s athleticism pops on tape. He’s a long, rangy defender who can envelope shot attempts as a weak-side rim protector and smother guards with his length on switches. Offensively, Fleming is a proficient spot-up shooter and a potent lob threat, with just enough straight-line juice to beat closeouts and collapse a defense. He’s limited as a passer and probably tops out as a star in his role, but Fleming’s skill set is tailored for today’s game.

22. Asa Newell, F, Georgia (Fr.)

Asa Newell put a traditionally mediocre UGA team in the NCAA Tournament with impressive productivity as a freshman. It’s unclear to what extent he will shoot at the next level, and the defensive playmaking isn’t elite, but Newell’s blend of mobility and physicality gives him a unique edge as a four-five combo. While he lacks go-to scoring moves, the instincts for cutting and cleaning up offensive rebounds will put numbers on the board, especially when mixed with the occasional spot-up jumper. Newell gets by on the small stuff, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

23. Ben Saraf, G, Israel (2006)

Ben Saraf bristles with creativity as a passer. He’s not an outlier athlete or a particularly adept shooter, but Saraf’s shifty handles allow him to manipulate a defense and create driving angles. From there, he’s a threat to spray passes with either hand, delivered right into the shooting pocket. His finishing package out to the free throw line is quite robust, but Saraf will struggle against NBA rim protection and he’s a streaky spot-up shooter with minimal pull-up shooting to speak of. Extreme strengths and weaknesses complicate his projection.

NBA Draft Big Board Tier 6: Solid role players and risky bets

24. Walter Clayton Jr., G, Florida (Sr.)

Walter Clayton Jr. led Florida to the national championship with a torrid shooting display in the NCAA Tournament. It was the perfect sendoff for one of college basketball’s neatest development stories. Clayton, who transferred from Iona to Florida as a junior, is one of the very best shooters in the draft, comfortable launching from several feet behind the NBA line and with a hand in his face. The shooting dynamism, combined with a stout, bursty frame that allows him to attack closeouts and finish through contact, should allow Clayton to contribute immediately as a scorer at the next level.

25. Ryan Kalkbrenner, C, Creighton (Sr.)

Ryan Kalkbrenner gradually evolved into one of the most dominant players in college basketball across five seasons at Creighton. The four-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year is a dominant drop coverage rim protector and a determined rebounder, with post skills and finishing touch to boot on the offensive end. His recent progression as a shooter, however, should make it easy for NBA teams to envision a long and fruitful career from the 7-footer.

26. Kam Jones, G, Marquette (Sr.)

Kam Jones is a major shot-maker on the perimeter who developed into a full-time point guard as a senior, more than doubling his assist rate to lead the Big East. Comfortable on or off-ball, Jones is an efficient, scalable offensive player who doubles as a stout perimeter defender with solid size at 6-foot-5. His pull-up shooting was inconsistent as a senior, but it has been a strength in the past and his touch leads one to believe his off-the-dribble results will stabilize. Jones long felt like a prototypical NBA sixth man; his senior campaign showed he might be something more.

27. Johni Broome, C, Auburn (Sr.)

Johni Broome was the best player in college basketball without the name Cooper Flagg. He led Auburn to the No. 1 overall seed and has been on the ascent for years. While his limited athleticism is cause for concern, primarily on defense, Broome’s overwhelming productivity makes it hard to drop him too much. Broome can still block shots and play smart, competitive team defense. He’s a proficient post scorer and frontcourt passing hub, with enough shooting to spread the floor and open up his face-up game. He plays hard and has a robust analytics profile.

28. Danny Wolf, C, Michigan (Jr.)

Danny Wolf transferred from Yale to Michigan as a junior and really took off, unleashed as a 7-foot point guard. He’s an inconsistent shooter, but Wolf’s touch — as well as the variety of shot types — should lead to confidence in his projection. In the meantime, a 7-footer who can run inverted pick-and-rolls, navigate tight spaces off the dribble and sling dimes on the move is bound to curry interest in NBA circles. He’s a solid positional defender, if not much of a rim deterrent, but Wolf’s singular offensive versatility will be his calling card in the pros.

29. Drake Powell, F, North Carolina (Fr.)

Drake Powell began the season as a projected top-10 pick, but like many in UNC’s program, he fell short of expectations. The offense is a work in progress, although he did bury a healthy 37.9 percent of his 3s. What makes Powell pop, however, is his defense, equipped with top-shelf athleticism and a gaping wingspan on the perimeter. If nothing else, Powell should be able to step in and generate timely stops while the rest of his game develops. If he can improve his decision-making and develop as a slasher, the two-way upside is considerable.

30. Eric Dixon, F, Villanova (Sr.)

Eric Dixon led college basketball in scoring as a senior. A big, bruising forward with incredible moments of finesse, there’s no doubt that Dixon — a 40.7 percent 3-point shooter with a deep bag of tricks in the post — can keep on scoring at the next level. He punishes mismatches in the paint, navigates tight spaces well as a face-up scorer, and is prolific in pick-and-pop situations. He even has some playmaking upside at the four spot. Where the concerns creep in are defense, where Dixon struggles to move in space or protect the rim.

31. Joan Beringer, C, France (2006)

Joan Beringer is exceedingly raw but also exceedingly young, with a baseline of physical tools and production overseas that will appeal to teams in the first round. Even without much meat on the bone offensively, his run-jump athleticism will yield plenty of lob dunks, putbacks and easy finishes of the sort. On defense, he makes incredible flash plays as a shot blocker, with an ability to blanket large areas of the floor and recover quickly in space. He will need patience and the right infrastructure around him, but Beringer is one of this draft’s more intriguing long-term swings.

32. Hansen Yang, C, China (2005)

Hansen Yang has been a curiosity in scouting circles for a while. He didn’t get the most U.S. screentime playing in China’s CBA, nor did he face much high-level competition. A strong Combine performance reassured folks of his NBA projection, however. His slow feet in space will lead to concerns about his defensive ceiling, but Yang is a massive presence in the paint and he displays solid timing as a shot-blocker. Offensively, he’s a throwback post-up scorer who can bend a defense with high-level passes from the elbow, giving him unique upside as his finishing and spot-up shooting progress.

33. Maxime Raynaud, C, Stanford (Sr.)

Maxime Raynaud offers plenty of intriguing traits as a 7-footer with a smooth jumper, a face-up game and solid rebounding numbers. Raynaud’s in-between offense needs a bit of work, but he can finish with a variety of touch shots around the rim and beat closeouts with quick downhill moves and a sharp playmaking eye. He will need to add strength to better handle physicality on both ends, but if Raynaud can adequately protect the rim while playing a flexible, high-IQ brand of basketball on offense, he will stick in the NBA.

34. Hugo Gonzalez, F, Spain (2006)

Hugo González was buried on the depth chart for Real Madrid this season, but 19-year-olds with his physical tools, motor and defensive profile tend to demand attention in the NBA. González has prototypical size and strength on the wing. He can handle physical matchups at the point of attack defensively and he’s a dogged competitor, whether it’s crashing the glass, sprinting to close gaps or mucking up the game with pure energy plays. González needs to hit 3s more consistently, but he’s a purposeful slasher who can absorb contact and finish with explosiveness at the rim.

35. Will Riley, F, Illinois (Fr.)

Will Riley showed plenty of promising flashes during a turbulent freshman season at Illinois. He’s a true 6-foot-8 wing with dribble-pass-shoot utility. The 3s don’t fall frequently enough, but he’s a great driver, able to shift gears and absorb contact despite a thin frame. Riley cuts instinctively without the ball and delivers accurate passes in the flow of the offense. He also has a smooth pull-up in his bag, although inconsistency (again) is a major drawback. If the jumper stabilizes and he adds muscle on defense, the ceiling is high.

36. Liam McNeeley, F, UConn (Fr.)

Liam McNeeley was a projected lottery pick preseason — and he could still end up in that range — but a rocky freshman season at UConn unveiled some major concerns. He still offers a prototypical blend of size and movement shooting on the wing, but McNeeley’s jumper was inconsistent in a role that demanded more of him. He can deliver nice secondary passing reads, but he’s a bad finisher in the paint and a limited defender. If the shooting pops, McNeeley will stick, but it’s unclear if he has the ancillary attributes necessary to thrive if the jumper does not translate full-stop.

37. Egor Demin, F, BYU (Fr.)

Egor Demin is 2025’s most confounding prospect. He has a wide draft range, stretching as high as the lottery, due to his blend of size and playmaking. The Russian point-wing is arguably the draft’s best passer, able to peer over the top of defenses and read the floor like a book. But he’s also a severely restricted scorer, hitting 27.3 percent of his 3s as a freshman and less than 70 percent of his free throws. Demin does not have the burst to beat defenders at the point of attack, nor the physicality to sustain advantages and punish mismatches.

NBA Draft Big Board Tier 7: Second round value

38. Rocco Zikarsky, C, Australia (2006)

Rocco Zikarsky is 7-foot-4 in shoes and 18 years old, which is enough to stand out in a shallow second round. He didn’t take the leap many hoped he would for Brisbane this season, but he can protect the rim and finish anything within arm’s reach of the hoop. Zikarsky won’t guard out in space and he needs to develop his hands, but the force and vertical pop he wields in the paint give him a strong baseline on both ends. Teams looking to swing on a potential situational big man should see the vision with Zikarsky.

39. Bogoljub Markovic, F, Serbia (2005)

Bogoljub Marković stands out for his size and fluidity in the frontcourt. He shoots an effortless 3 and he’s coordinated attacking closeouts or handling the rock in transition. He’s too slow-footed and skinny to generate a positive impact on defense, but an optimist will hope his frame fills out and he learns to better channel his unique athletic gifts on that end. He won’t create much out of isos, but Marković can shoot on the move, navigate tight spaces moving downhill and finish with finesse around the basket. He’s a low-key impressive rebounder as well.

40. Alex Toohey, F, Australia (2004)

Alex Toohey is an athletic wing with size and strong connective instincts. He probably won’t develop into a go-to option, but he understands the constraints of his role and thrives within them. A dynamic transition finisher, a purposeful driver and a heads-up passer, Toohey does the small things to grease the wheels offensively and finish off possessions. A low 3-point clip will cap interest, but Toohey’s all-around IQ and physical tools give him a strong role-playing foundation.

41. Hunter Sallis, G, Wake Forest (Sr.)

Hunter Sallis has been on draft radar for ages. The book on him is well-known territory. With long arms and slick athleticism, Sallis gets downhill at will, beating defenders with a potent first step and well-timed gear shifts. He can finish with touch around the basket or even take the occasional mid-range pull-up, but the 3-point shot remains a work in progress. Sallis plays smart, selfless basketball, puts pressure on the rim and defends, so there’s a path to utility — even if the 3s never fully blossom.

42. Koby Brea, F, Kentucky (Sr.)

Koby Brea was a historically prolific shooter across a five-year college career at Dayton and Kentucky. He lacks the length and athleticism to defend at a high level, but Brea’s perimeter shot-making alone gives him a path to specialist duties in the NBA. He can fly around screens and shoot on the move. He’s comfortable putting the ball on the floor, manipulating the defense and launching off a screen. Brea doesn’t get to the rim, but the perimeter jumpers are cash and he plays selflessly within a scheme. The right NBA team can get something out of him.

43. Alijah Martin, G, Florida (Sr.)

Alijah Martin was omnipresent during Florida’s national championship run. The FAU transfer hangs his hat on the defensive end. He lacks ideal size, but a plus-five wingspan, a stout frame and incredible vertical pop allows Martin to defend bigger than his listed height. He competes like hell at the point of attack and turns the ball over with active hands — with plus positional rebounding to boot. On the other end, Martin hits spot 3s, actively cuts and sprints in transition. He doesn’t self-create, but as a connector, play finisher and defensive savant, Martin impacts winning through sheer force of will.

44. Jamir Watkins, F, Florida State (Jr.)

A bubbly athlete with long arms, Jamir Watkins promises intriguing versatility on offense. He’s a slippery slasher who can beat defenders with a quick first step and mix speeds to maintain an advantage. He can also guard across the positional spectrum on the perimeter, with sticky hands in passing lanes. While Watkins’ ability to pressure the rim and distribute to teammates at his size is mighty impressive, he’s a subpar shooter and inefficient finisher, which casts doubt upon his ability to score consistently at the next level — made more concerning by his advanced age.

45. Sion James, F, Duke (Sr.)

Lost in the sauce at Duke was super-senior and Tulane transfer Sion James. He was the least talked-about member of the starting five, but often equally as important as his more well-known peers. James made substantial growth as a shooter over his college career, hitting 41.3 percent of his 3s as a fifth-year senior after being a relative nonspacer only recently. Factor in a sturdy frame and excellent point-of-attack defense — plus a smart, selfless brand of connective offense — and James has what it takes to carve out a role.

46. Lachlan Olbrich, C, Australia (2003)

Lachlan Olbrich is something of an oddball prospect by NBA standards. He’s a below-average athlete at 6-foot-10, lacking the size and vertical athleticism to protect the rim, but also not quick enough to stick with forwards out on the perimeter. Olbrich instead tries to get by on toughness and smarts, while really coming alive on offense, where he displays incredibly fluid face-up handles and a high, high feel for the game. His ability to navigate tight spaces, throw his weight around, and finish with finesse — or whip a pinpoint dime on the move — is genuinely impressive.

47. Micah Peavy, F, Georgetown (Sr.)

With solid size and athleticism on the wing, Micah Peavy projects as an instant impact defender. He is going to set the tone with point-of-attack physicality and excellent pickpocket skills. Peavy was also Georgetown’s primary scorer as a senior, hitting a career-high 40 percent of his 3s. That number feels misleading, but Peavy’s volume and efficiency both spiked. So maybe it’s real. If it is, he can beat closeouts, finish through contact at the rim and sling connective passes. He’s not an advanced creator, but the bones of a solid two-way role player are there.

48. Tyrese Proctor, G, Duke (Jr.)

Tyrese Proctor has long been on NBA radars due to his size and advanced playmaking feel, but he took a meaningful shooting leap as a junior. Rather than run point for another god-tier Duke roster in 2026, Proctor decided to roll the dice at the next level. He’s not an advanced ball-handler, but Proctor plays at his own tempo and seldom delivers a pass off target. If he can shoot and defend at the next level, his high feel and selflessness will translate in a reserve role.

49. Ryan Nembhard, G, Gonzaga (Sr.)

Ryan Nembhard does not really fit the trends of modern NBA basketball as a pure point guard who measures 6-foot-even in shoes, but not unlike his brother — Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard — Ryan has spent four years as a starting point guard at major programs. He has seen a lot, and he operates with total selflessness on offense and rabid effort on defense. Nembhard led the WCC in assists (9.8) and steals (1.7) as a senior for Gonzaga, while also hitting 40.4 percent of his 3s and averaging just 1.8 turnovers.

50. Kobe Sanders, F, Nevada (Sr.)

Kobe Sanders operates with extreme poise and precision offensively, boasting an impressive 2.5 assist-to-turnover ratio. His size, playmaking and ball-handling craft are bound to raise eyebrows in the second round. While Sanders is a middling athlete, and therefore struggles to create separation or sustain advantages, he can stick pull-up jumpers with a hand in his face. When he does get downhill, he’s always on the lookout for an open shooter. Sanders is a point guard in a wing’s body, with a high IQ and meaningful skills. That will get teams to overlook the athletic limitations.

51. Amari Williams, C, Kentucky (Sr.)

Amari Williams, from Kentucky by way of Britain, offers a thrillingly modern skill set at the five spot. He checks a lot of your standard boxes — size, strength, a gaping wingspan, strong rebounding traits — but Williams is also an ambitious playmaking hub, picking apart defenses on the short roll with high-speed processing. He can get a little too loosey-goosey with it on occasion, but Williams’ willingness to try high-level passes gives him some real upside. He’s not much of a shooter yet, but his touch on floaters and shots of that ilk leave room for long-term optimism.

52. Brice Williams, F, Nebraska (Sr.)

Brice Williams is a bucket. A 24-year-old pure hooper of the highest degree, with a smooth, aesthetically pleasing package of hesitation moves, spins and step-backs. He’s a prolific perimeter shooter, both off the catch and pulling up, and Williams thrives when it comes to bailout shots from the mid-range. He’s not the most advanced passer and he’s an older prospect with a weak defensive profile, but the scoring alone could get him on an NBA floor.

53. Chaz Lanier, G, Tennessee (Sr.)

Chaz Lanier transferred from North Florida to Tennessee and was extremely productive for the Vols. He attempted over eight 3s per game, with excellent timing and footwork as an off-ball shooting threat. Lanier moves with a purpose, launches fearlessly coming off of screens or DHO actions, and he’s a sneaky explosive athlete, having aced his Combine testing. A lack of rim pressure and passing will limit his impact, but Lanier has the tools to defend at a high level and he will bend the floor with his shot-making. There’s a strong role player profile here.

NBA Draft Big Board Tier 8: Late second round and two-way candidates

54. Javon Small, G, West Virginia (Sr.)

Javon Small is (appropriately) small, but his plus-3 wingspan and remarkable vertical athleticism allow him to play much larger than his 6-foot-2 frame. Small is a proficient spot-up shooter and straight-line driver, torching closeouts with a quick first step and finishing acrobatically in the lane. He’s not a great pull-up shooter, which is cause for concern at his size, but his elite touch from 3 and the charity stripe suggests there is room for improvement.

55. Max Shulga, G, VCU (Sr.)

Max Shulga does a little bit of everything, which is more than enough to earn second round consideration. With excellent size for a point guard, Shulga is a dogged on-ball defender with a nose for sniffing out errant passes. On the other end, he chucks a high volume of 3s, gets downhill with a purpose, and boasts an impressive 2.2 assist-to-turnover ratio. He’s a limited athlete who will get picked on in certain matchups, but the effort, IQ, and skill balance all works in his favor.

56. Chucky Hepburn, G, Louisville (Sr.)

After spending years under the radar at Wisconsin, Chucky Hepburn broke out as a senior at Louisville. He’s one of the sharpest lead guards in the draft, nixing defenders with jitterbug handles and confidently pulling the strings to set up teammates or his own scoring opportunities. While not the most efficient scorer, Hepburn drives with a purpose and gets to the foul line, and he’s confident spraying pull-ups out to the 3-point line. While undersized, he’s a menace on defense and could buck the usual trends for small guards in the NBA.

57. Viktor Lahkin, C, Clemson (Sr.)

A foot tendon injury has prevented Viktor Lahkin from working out for teams individually, but he was dominant enough as a senior at Clemson to get looks on draft night. A true 7-footer with equal parts strength and grace, Lahkin is a prodigious at-rim and post finisher who can also drop dimes from the elbow or hit 37.5 percent of his 3s (albeit on mild volume). There are concerns about Lahkin’s movement skills on defense, but he has quick hands, long arms and a sharp mind. There is clear backup big potential here.

58. Brook Barnhizer, G, Northwestern (Sr.)

Brook Barnhizer is a treat to watch. The dude competes like hell on defense and mixes up a deep bag of tricks offensively. To watch a player his size pull out the hesitation moves and stutter steps like Barnhizer does, with a sharp passing IQ and a legitimately fantastic defensive profile, it’s not common. Where he hits a snag is the 3-point shooting, which allows defenders to sag off, and poor rim finishing. Barnhizer can get to his spots, set the table and put up a few highlights, but how effectively he scores in the NBA is a mystery.

59. Payton Sandfort, F, Iowa (Sr.)

Payton Sandfort battled through shoulder injuries as a senior, which capped his output and sent his shooting numbers spiraling. But, he has a long track record of prolific 3-point success to lean on. He’s a 6-foot-8 sniper with strong connective instincts and enough straight-line juice to beat closeouts. The defense is a problem, but Sandfort could vastly outperform his draft slot if he puts last season’s injuries behind him.

60. John Poulakidas, G, Yale (Sr.)

John Poulakidas put together a phenomenal career at Yale, where he buttered his bread as one of the best perimeter shot-makers in college basketball. The strength of competition isn’t great in the Ivy League, but Poulakidas displays a tremendous feel for the game and a real knack for playing within his role. He can spray jumpers from all over the floor, with a deep bag of tricks and pristine footwork, but he also passes and moves in the flow of the offense.

61. Yanic Konan Niederhauser, C, Penn State (Jr.)

Yanic Konan Niederhauser was a huge winner of the G League and NBA Combines, going from a relative afterthought to a potential first-round pick, depending on who you ask. It’s not hard to understand the appeal — he’s a rangy, explosive 7-footer who can cover lots of space defensively. Konan Niederhauser will need to bulk up and improve his general fundamentals, but the tools alone are worthy of investment. His main value offensively will be filling the lane and catching lobs, but there are flashes of face-up driving and even shooting.

62. Lamont Butler, G, Kentucky (Sr.)

Lamont Butler has a Rajon Rondoian quality to his game. He’s a rabid defender, with good positional length and incredible anticipation skills. He can also get into the teeth of the defense and distribute at a high level. That said, a low volume of 3s and a general passivity as a scorer could complicate his NBA projection, on top of the fact that he is still smallish for a guard. He is not matchup-proof, no matter how hard he works defensively.

63. Mohamed Diawara, F, France (2005)

Mohamed Diawara is a special athlete, with gaping arms, explosive straight-line speed and incredible agility in the open court. He’s the perfect running mate for an up-tempo point guard, and defensively, he offers the versatility to guard all over the positional spectrum. That said, he’s not really a rim protecttor, and he won’t space the floor or finish with finesse in traffic. He relies a lot on being taller and faster than his opponents, which won’t always get him places in the NBA.

64. Jahmai Mashack, G, Tennessee (Sr.)

Jahmai Mashack ranked among the best perimeter defenders in college basketball. He was Tennessee’s premier on-ball stopper, with equally incredible instincts when it comes to intercepting passing lanes or blocking up shot attempts from the weak side. He makes excellent use of a solid, NBA-ready frame, including every inch of his 6-foot-8 wingspan. The offensive profile is sparse, but Mashack at least hit a respectable 35.1 percent of his 3s, albeit on low volume. He cuts and rebounds well for a guard, but won’t offer much on-ball value whatsoever.

65. Keshon Gilbert, G, Iowa State (Sr.)

Keshon Gilbert is a live-wire athlete with bankable on-ball creation skills. He’s one of the craftiest playmakers in the draft, capable of shaking and baking his way through the middle of a defense before firing on-the-money dimes or drilling a tough pull-up jumper. Gilbert’s ambition can lead to a high turnover rate, but his vision and boldness should be celebrated and refined, not repressed. He’s also a highly active perimeter defender who can stifle the point of attack and expertly intercept passing lanes. If the 3s come around whatsoever, he has strong backup point guard traits — at least.

66. Igor Milicic Jr., G, Tennessee (Sr.)

Igor Miličić Jr. was a Swiss Army Knife of sorts in the Tennessee frontcourt. He does the small things well, setting screens, moving into open space and processing the floor at a high speed. While not much of a self-creation threat, Miličić can space out to the 3-point line, facilitate on the short roll, or beat a closeout and attack downhill with impressive force. His defensive fit is a bit unclear right now, but Miličić’s blend of size, strength and athleticism gives him a decent baseline.

67. Dink Pate, G, United States (2006)

Dink Pate became the youngest professional basketball player in U.S. history when he joined G League Ignite as a 17-year-old in 2023. Now after a second G League season in Mexico City, he’s on NBA radars, with a compelling blend of size, burst and playmaking feel to build his case around. Pate prides himself on being a tall point guard, but he doesn’t score efficiently from anywhere on the floor and he’s an erratic decision-maker under pressure, so he will require a patient hand.

68. Mark Sears, G, Alabama (Sr.)

Mark Sears was the orchestrator of back-to-back deep tournament runs for Alabama. While he’s undersized and not particularly efficient, Sears is a nutty shooter, with range and dynamism well past the NBA 3-point line. Moreover, he has a unique physicality and cadence to his drives, which allows him to bump defenders off line and generate angles to the rim. Sears can get buckets and set the table, but guards his size are a rare breed in the league.

69. Arthur Kaluma, F, Texas (Sr.)

Arthur Kaluma made steady progress across four college seasons, split between Creighton, Kansas State and lastly, Texas. Once a troubled shooter, Kaluma has developed into a potent spot-up threat and a physical slasher, often leveraging his strength to create scoring avenues. He doesn’t pass much and he’s not really a playmaker on defense, but Kaluma looks the part of an NBA athlete with above-average finishing traits.

70. Clifford Omoruyi, C, Alabama (Sr.)

Clifford Omoruyi transferred from Rutgers to Alabama for his final college season, and it paid off. He was the beneficiary of a deep, talented Crimson Tide backcourt, frequently setting screens or filing the lane in transition before spiking lobs through the net. Omoruyi offers a wide catch radius and explosive run-jump athleticism. He’s not terribly advanced as a decision-maker and he won’t space the floor, but he can catch and dunk — a lot. He’s also a hellacious rebounder and a serious rim deterrent on defense.

71. Matthew Cleveland, F, Miami (Sr.)

Matthew Cleveland enjoyed a breakthrough senior season on a terrible Miami team, which complicates his stock a bit. NBA teams should buy the tools, however, as Cleveland boasts prototypical size and athleticism on the wing. He’s an efficient spot-up shooter with a shifty downhill scoring package that should translate to a low-usage role at the next level. Cleveland beats closeouts, slithers through the teeth of the defense and finishes with remarkable finesse. The playmaking and defense are lacking, but Cleveland has a solid foundation to build upon.

72. John Tonje, F, Wisconsin (Sr.)

John Tonje took a long, winding path to draft boards, but a breakout senior campaign at Wisconsin put the 24-year-old squarely on the map for NBA teams. Tonje’s dynamic shooting is a real boon, and he was superbly active as an off-ball mover for the Badgers. That said, he lacks the athleticism to finish against upper-echelon rim protectors and he’s a negative assist-to-turnover guy on the wing, which raises concerns.

73. Curtis Jones, G, Iowa State (Sr.)

Curtis Jones was a productive sixth man at Iowa State, a role he will surely hope to emulate in the NBA one day. With crisp dribbling cadences and a robust shot-making profile, there is no doubting Jones as an NBA-level scorer. He’s a smart off-guard and connector, but has little experience running point. He also defends with a purpose, even if strength (or lack thereof) is a concern. Jones will need to expand his playmaking profile to reach his ceiling, but he has plenty of promising traits.

74. Matthew Murrell, G, Ole Miss (Sr.)

It was something of a wonky senior season for Matthew Murrell, but he has been on NBA radars for a while. His 3-point shooting regressed, but he slashed his turnover numbers significantly, embracing the sort of scaled-back, off-ball role he will need to occupy at the next level. Murrell is a bit undersized on the wing, but he’s an active defender with enough connective tissue offensively to carve out a career in the NBA.

75. Izan Almansa, C, Spain (2005)

Spanish big man Izan Almansa went to Australia’s NBL after the dissolution of the G Leauge Ignite program. It was probably for the best. While questions remain about Almansa’s ability to protect the rim on defense or space the floor on offense, his skill level as a roll man, post-up scorer and passing hub is mighty appealing. His dedication to screen-setting and the little things offensively should help an NBA team fall in love.

76. Vladislav Goldin, C, Michigan (Sr.)

Vladislav Goldin has impeccable touch and footwork around the basket, with an old-school flare to his game. He plays with brute force and enjoys taking advantage of a mismatch on the block. He may even shoot 3s at the next level. That said, Goldin struggles to defend in space and he averaged 2.3 turnovers to 1.1 assists as a senior, continuing a worrisome, career-long trend.

NBA Draft Big Board Tier 9: Fringe prospects

77. Sean Pedulla, G, Ole Miss (Sr.)

Sean Pedulla will face the standard hurdles of a small guard in today’s NBA, but he’s such a baller. Pedulla is a lights-out shooter, whether he’s flying off a screen at full speed or patiently manipulating his defender before launching a pull-up. In addition to standout shot-making, Pedulla is a smart pick-and-roll setup man with the versatility to scale down and spend time off-ball as needed. He won’t finish great at the rim and his defensive strengths will be mitigated at the next level, but Pedulla has the chance to run a second unit in the NBA.

78. Jaxson Robinson, F, Kentucky (Sr.)

Jaxson Robinson split five college seasons between four different programs, following Mark Pope from BYU to Kentucky for his senior campaign. Injuries cut into Robinson’s final audition for NBA scouts, but the base appeal remains what it was last season, when many viewed Robinson as a potential surefire pick. He’s a tall wing with a picturesque jumper and strong spatial awareness. He will need to prove his mettle on defense, but Robinson’s off-ball scoring is worthy of investment.

79. RJ Luis Jr., F, St. John's (Jr.)

R.J. Luis Jr. not returning to college for his senior season (and a hefty NIL package) left a lot of folks surprised. He did not end his St. John’s career on the best note, as Rick Pitino infamously benched Luis during the Red Storm’s NCAA Tournament loss due to his poor decision-making. A definite NBA athlete on the wing, Luis flashes three-level scoring chops and tremendous defense, but he’s inefficient in catch-and-shoot situations and he averages more turnovers than assists.

80. Will Richard, G, Florida (Sr.)

Will Richard was an often overlooked part of Florida’s NCAA Tournament run. He shared a loaded backcourt with Walter Clayton and Alijah Martin, both of whom are projected draft picks this month. While Richard’s ancillary skills can be lacking — he’s a low-volume, turnover-prone passer — he shoots a gorgeous 3-ball and defends the point of attack well, enveloping ball-handlers with his 6-foot-11 wingspan. NBA teams can do worse than swinging on a 3-and-D wing with championship pedigree.

81. Chase Hunter, G, Clemson (Sr.)

With incredible length for his position, Chase Hunter offers plenty of clear NBA traits. He can bottle up ball-handlers and create havoc with his gaping wingspan on the defensive end. Offensively, Hunter has real juice creating off the bounce, with a smooth pull-up game that stretches to all three levels of the court. He doesn’t get to the rim a ton, but he finishes well when he does and should be able to rectify that in time. He’s more scoring guard than true point guard, but Hunter can create advantages and potentially spark a bench unit at the next level.

82. Dylan Cardwell, C, Auburn (Sr.)

Dylan Cardwell operates with tremendous poise and toughness on the block. He has the footwork of an NBA vet and underrated IQ as a passer. The thing is, he has only been a role player in college, never averaging more than 5.3 points per game at Auburn. He figures to occupy a niche role in the NBA as well, but he lacks the reps and experience of other college seniors. It’s also unclear how well his defense translates, as Cardwell takes more risks than he should.

83. Tamar Bates, G, Missouri (Sr.)

Tamar Bates was integral to Missouri’s NCAA Tournament worthiness this past season. Equipped with a 6-foot-11 wingspan, Bates can disrupt passing lanes and generate stops at the point of attack. He’s also an absurdly efficient shooter and rim finisher, capable of beating closeouts with a swift, purposeful move to the rim. He can be a bit one-noted offensively, but Bates fits a 3-and-D mold teams covet.

84. Caleb Love, G, Arizona (Sr.)

Caleb Love has never been a paragon of efficiency, but he gets up a high volume of 3s and is quite dynamic with the shots he attempts. His playmaking has improved over the years and he’s a sound defender with NBA size and athleticism. As a former top recruit who has been on professional radars forever, it feels like Love will get his chance to stick at the next level.

85. Miles Kelly, G, Auburn (Sr.)

Miles Kelly transferred from Georgia Tech to Auburn, where he latched on to the No. 1 overall seed in college basketball. It was an optimal setting for Kelly to showcase his immense jump-shooting talent, whether it’s sprinting through a maze of screens and launching on the move, or torching his defender with a quick side-step and pull up. Kelly doesn’t really pressure the rim or create for teammates, and he’s a hair small defensively, but the shooting is certifiable.

86. Kobe Johnson, F, UCLA (Sr.)

After three years at USC, Kobe Johnson bounced across town to UCLA as a senior. He remains extremely limited offensively, but there is enough evidence to suggest that he can adequately hit spot-up 3s in the NBA. The real selling point is defense, however, as Johnson is a pest in passing lanes and stingy at the point of attack. His talent for disruption, combined with a solid feel for the little things on both ends, gives him a path to specialist duties in the NBA.

87. Cameron Matthews, F, Mississippi State (Sr.)

Cameron Matthews has a big, strong frame and elite defensive instincts. He’s comfortable sliding his feet on the perimeter, playing free safety on the weak side, or waging battle in the post. The offense is virtually nonexistent by NBA standards — he can cut and dunk, but the jumper is rough — but Matthews’ defense may just be good enough to sneak onto a roster while he works on everything else.

88. Kadary Richmond, G, St. John's (Sr.)

Kadary Richmond hit 17.5 percent of his 3s as a senior, which raises obvious long-term questions. That said, he’s a shifty downhill driver with a hearty 2.65 assist-to-turnover ratio. On defense, he’s a tier-one disruptor, with a Stretch Armstrong wingspan and the strength to bottle up ball-handlers at the point of attack. His defense and playmaking IQ are clear NBA traits, it’s just a question of whether or not Richmond can score.

89. Owen Foxwell, G, Australia (2003)

Owen Foxwell is a diminutive lead guard with major style points. He’s quick to get downhill, with a deadly first step and an impressive array of dribble moves to create angles and exploit advantages. Add in dynamic shooting, whether he’s pulling up at awkward angles or running off a screen and firing off the catch, and Foxwell has clear utility for an NBA offense. That said, he’s going to struggle against NBA length and physicality, especially on drives. Whether he can stick on the floor defensively, despite consistent effort, remains to be seen.

90. Caleb Grill, G, Missouri (Sr.)

Caleb Grill will be 25 years old on draft night. He also functions more or less as a 6-foot-3 wing, of which there are very few successful examples in today’s NBA. And yet, he’s an outlier-good shooter, constantly moving into open space and keeping his defender engaged. Grill also flies around and renders a real impact defensively, even if his lack of size could be problematic at the next level. There’s a path to rotation-level utility with the right team.

91. Dawson Garcia, C, Minnesota (Sr.)

Dawson Garcia occupies an archetype both outmoded and modern. He’s highly skilled in the frontcourt, with fluid face-up handles, a bold passing acumen, and feather-soft touch on a wide variety of shot attempts. He plays with force and finesse in equal measure. He has even rounded into a passable defender, although poor lateral agility and his mostly ground-bound nature will limit what Garcia can accomplish on that end. He needs to get more consistent from 3-point range, but the bones of a useful bench scorer and frontcourt connector are in place.

92. Obinna Anochili-Killen, F, Marshall (Sr.)

Obinna Anochili-Killen broke from modern tradition and resisted the temptation to upscale his accommodations. The 6-foot-9 forward spent his entire five-year college career at Marshall, where he developed into one of college basketball’s most dominant defensive playmakers. There are concerns about how exactly Anochili-Killen gets by offensively at the next level — he’s not much of a floor-spacer and he’s too small to serve as a traditional five — but his weak-side rim protection and ceaseless motor give him a path.

93. Jacksen Moni, F, North Dakota State (Sr.)

Jacksen Moni has an intriguing blend of size and skill, with a buttery 3-point shot and a real knack for facilitating the rock. He lacks the burst and strength to consistently create advantages, but Moni moves fluidly north to south and makes sharp reads in the flow of the offense. If he can reach a passable level defensively, the offense could help him stick in the league.

94. RJ Davis, G, North Carolina (Sr.)

It’s hard for small guards like R.J. Davis to stick in the NBA, but after a dominant five-year run at North Carolina, he has at least earned a trial run at the next level. Davis’ numbers took a step back as a senior — in line with UNC’s team-wide struggles — but he was among the best individual shot creators ane shot-makers in college basketball, with twitchy handles, a deadeye pull-up and impressive physicality on drives, despite his thin frame.

95. Norchad Omier, C, Baylor (Sr.)

Norchad Omier’s NBA fit is slightly ambiguous, as he’s unlikely to get away with his current style of play at the next level. He’s undersized for a center (and really even a power forward), but Omier butters his bread near the basket, where he’s a voracious rebounder and a physical, brute-force play finisher. Omier can shoot 3s, but not at a high enough volume to command NBA respect out of the gate, and he’s something of a tweener positionally. That said, his sheer effort and outlier traits as a rebounder and finisher could give him a path to success.

96. Grant Nelson, F, Alabama (Sr.)

A former mixtape god at North Dakota State turned impact contributor for Nate Oats and Alabama, Grant Nelson arrived on NBA radars with a strong NCAA Tournament in 2024. He flew more under the radar in 2025, but Nelson presents an intriguing blend of size, athleticism and shooting in the frontcourt. He can gallop out in transition and finish acrobatically around the rim. His face-up scoring and pull-up shot-making is more theoretical than actual at this point, but Nelson has some funk to his game and enough tools to warrant a second round or UDFA look.

97. Andrew Carr, F, Kentucky (Sr.)

Andrew Carr was not a featured piece at Kentucky, but he did a lot of the small things to contribute to winning. His shooting numbers aren’t great, but the jumper is believable — with quick, clean mechanics, which he flows into effortlessly off the catch. Carr can also beat closeouts, with fluid straight-line handles and tremendous touch around the basket. He has a deep bag of tricks in the post, and he’s a slick connective piece, whether it’s cutting into open space, screening for a guard, or passing in the flow of the offense.

98. Gabe Madsen, G, Utah (Sr.)

Gabe Madsen plays with an appreciable spark. He gets after it on every possession, making hustle plays, crashing the boards and doing everything with a purpose. He’s also an insane shot-maker, attempting 9.5 3s per game as a senior. The Utes guard was not particularly efficient, especially inside the arc, but his versatility as a shooter — pulling up, flying off screens, with deep, deep range — is an NBA trait, and it could help him stick around in the league.

99. Jahmyl Telfort, F, Butler (Sr.)

Jahmyl Telfort displayed steady growth as a shooter and playmaker over the course of his college career, although it’s unclear if either will stick in the NBA. He’s a rudimentary ball-handler, reliant on strong-arming his way to points at the rim and generally only making simple drive-and-kick reads as a passer. That said, his elite strength and tremendous on-ball defense give him an in at the next level. If he can hit enough spot-up 3s, create havoc with his physicality around the basket, and continue to operate as a solid connector with NBA spacing around him, there’s a path.

100. LJ Cryer, G, Houston (Sr.)

LJ Cryer really doesn’t fit the mold of successful NBA point guards nowadays — he’s a low-volume playmaker who shoots a higher percentage behind the 3-point line than in front of it — but he’s a truly absurd shot-maker on the perimeter. His volume and efficiency from deep, even as a small guard, gives him a puncher’s chance in the NBA. Cryer won’t finish among the trees and he’s not really a table-setter, despite his diminutive stature. But in the right setting, he could bring a bench unit life with his ceaseless jump-shooting confidence.

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Collin Murray-Boyles is far more than his shortcomings

The discourse around Collin Murray-Boyles boils down to this: He's an incredible defender and was undeniably impactful in college, but there just aren't players like him in the NBA. He's 6-foot-7, but played a lot of center at South Carolina. He doesn't really shoot, and the indicators aren't very strong moving forward.

And yet, despite the uniqueness of his profile, Murray-Boyles feels destined to transcend the labels currently being applied to him. He's not a "tweener"; he's a switchable defender who can smother guards on a switch or duke it out with bigs in the post. Offensively, he's one of the best interior scorers in recent draft history — a model of efficiency around the basket, with feather-soft touch that should, in time, translate to something approximating a passable 3-point stroke.

There may not be players "like" Murray-Boyles, but I'd consider him more of a unicorn than a black sheep. His strength, agility and craft around the basket is a rare blend. He locates advantages and exploits them with both brute force and pinpoint precision. He's a savvy playmaker in the frontcourt, a deadly driver and, again, he's a monster on defense — undoubtedly the most complete defensive prospect on the board, with the tools to earn multiple All-Defense bids over the next decade.

Buy your stock now, while it's still cheap.

Noa Essengue is the latest gem out of France

The NBA Draft has taken on an increasingly strong French flavor in recent years. France now has back-to-back No. 1 picks in Victor Wembanyama and Zaccharie Risacher, as well as other top-10 selections like Alex Sarr, Tidjane Salaun and Bilal Coulibaly. The infrastructure for prospect development in France is clearly growing, and while this year's draft skews far more toward the domestic stars, we cannot ignore 18-year-old Noa Essengue as a potential hidden gem.

Playing for Ratiopharm Ulm in Germany, Essengue is the second-youngest player in the draft — only three days older than Cooper Flagg. Despite his youth and his fairly nascent stage of development, Essengue has been extremely productive for Ulm in the playoffs. He's feasting on easy points, such as backdoor cuts, lobs and offensive rebounds, while also smothering the perimeter and interior alike with his 7-foot-1 wingspan on defense.

While Essengue will require a certain measure of patience at the next level, he should grow quickly into his frame. Moreover, he's a lot sharper than he gets credit for. Essengue knows when and where to move without the ball. He kickstarts transition opportunities with heads-up outlet passes, he screens with a purpose despite his lack of strength and there are flashes — truly tantalizing flashes — of on-ball, downhill creation. Essengue's handle is rudimentary right now, but he can beat closeouts and attack the lane with long, coordinated strides, hanging midair for tough finishes around contact. The foundation is readily apparent, and his age gives him a long runway for future growth.

The Ace Bailey and Tre Johnson conundrum

Ace Bailey and Tre Johnson are both potential top-five picks next week. Both incite a wide range of opinions in draft circles, with each NBA front office — and fan base — consisting of strong fans and strong skeptics in equal measure. Both are immensely talented players who put together special scoring seasons as freshmen in Power Five conferences. So why all this debate? Why aren't either ranked in the top 10?

To be fair, in a tiered version of these rankings, Bailey and Johnson would be grouped right alongside the likes of Khaman Maluach and Thomas Sorber. Both possess incredible strengths and, in the right team context, can absolutely warrant top-10 selections. That said, those strengths are undercut by weaknesses that, in recent years, tend to inhibit NBA success.

Both Bailey and Johnson rely heavily on contested jump shots. Johnson is a far more efficient and prolific 3-point shooter at this stage, and his ability to warp a defense with movement 3s and deep range is valuable. That said, he doesn't put much pressure on the rim or generate many opportunities for teammates. Bailey is a taller, more versatile defensive presence, but his passing numbers are even worse — as is his handle, which consistently prevents Bailey from generating separation or getting downhill. Bailey's ability to shoot over the top of defenders does constitute an advantage — one he exploits often — but it also leads to head-scratching decisions that restrict offensive flow and ice teammates out of possessions.

Johnson is a more polished all-around player, Bailey probably has the higher ceiling. But, as things stand, my general preference among the best of the best lottery prospects tends to favor those with a stout defensive track record and a balanced offensive skill set that touches all areas of the game. Maluach is a titanic rim protector. Sorber is too, plus he's a legitimate playmaking hub at the five spot. Kasparas Jakučionis is a playmaking wizard and a dynamic, multifaceted shooter. These are the traits that set them apart when hairs are being split.

Other important NBA Draft notes

• In the right situation, Arkansas' Adou Thiero might be the best star bet nobody is talking about. He's a bit older at 21, and he still doesn't shoot 3s at a high clip, but Thiero's strength and burst on the wing is special. He can slice right through the lane with a deadly first step and plow through defenders (or dunk over them) at the rim. His ability to self-create dunks and draw fouls is a strong positive indicator. He's also a plus defensive playmaker. Put him in a well-spaced offense, on a team with a strong development staff, and Thiero will outperform his eventual draft slot.

• Colorado State's Nique Clifford begs an age-old question: What's more important, youth or day-one ability? Clifford could end up on the All-Rookie first team. Very few players in this class check more boxes across the board: He's an active defender, a hellacious rebounder for his position, a slick passer, a much improved ball-handler and driver, a legitimate shooting threat. Clifford didn't face much high-end competition in college and he's already 23, which historically means less development over the course of a rookie contract. We can look to recent examples like Jaime Jaquez, who made waves as a rookie only to stall relative to his peers as an NBA sophomore. Clifford's athleticism, feel and track record of constant growth could make him an exception to the rule, however.

• Villanova's Eric Dixon led the NCAA in scoring as a senior. He was extremely productive across the board and a true analytics darling, so why is he slated as a late second-round pick in most mocks? Well, NBA teams tend to fade 24-year-olds with complicated defensive projections — often rightfully so. That said, Dixon is 6-foot-9 and 259 pounds with a prolific 3-point shot, an incredible strength advantage in the post and an exceptionally high feel for the game. He can create and extend advantages inside the arc and he's a genuine three-level scorer with a sharp eye for passing. The Julius Randle comps are right on the surface when watching him. Dixon feels like someone who will get on the floor and contribute as a rookie.

• I am selling extremely low on BYU's Egor Demin. He is a projected lottery pick, with some mocks pegging him as high as Brooklyn or Toronto, but proceed with caution. There's a lot to like on the surface — a 6-foot-9 playmaking wizard with time to grow into his frame — but Demin's scoring chops are well behind the eight ball. He can't create separation or get downhill due to a lack of strength and quickness. He takes plenty of pull-up 3s and such, but he's a subpar shooter with bad touch indicators. The defense is nothing special, bordering on a real concern. If he can't threaten NBA defenses as a scorer, it's hard to envision him unlocking his ceiling as a jumbo playmaker. Even the Josh Giddey comps feel a bit overblown; Demin doesn't have the same wiggle as a ball-handler.