NBA

Cooper Flagg enters the draft as one of the most hyped prospects in recent memory, thanks to his elite two-way versatility and unrelenting motor. At 6’9″, Flagg plays with the poise of a veteran and the explosiveness of a modern NBA star. Averaging 16.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 2.6 blocks per game in his freshman year at Duke, he impacts the game in every facet, on and off the ball. His basketball IQ and instincts are off the charts, and his ability to guard multiple positions makes him a defensive anchor from day one. Offensively, his jumper is smooth and improving, and he’s a willing passer who elevates teammates. Flagg has the potential to be a franchise cornerstone in Dallas, a rare player who blends old-school fundamentals with modern flair. NBA Comp: Larry Bird

Dylan Harper brings a rugged, do-it-all approach to the Spurs, combining a strong frame with exceptional court vision and feel for the game. At 6’5″, Harper thrives in transition, can initiate offense as a lead guard, and has a knack for making the right play under pressure. He posted 17.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game at Rutgers, showcasing his ability to impact games without dominating the ball. A confident scorer and defender, Harper fits perfectly alongside Victor Wembanyama as a secondary creator who plays with grit and leadership. He may not be a flashy athlete, but his maturity and floor game draw clear parallels to his father’s game—strong, smart, and deceptively skilled. NBA Comp: Ron Harper Sr.

VJ Edgecombe is an explosive athlete with the scoring instincts of a future NBA star. At 6’5″ with a wiry frame and a lightning first step, Edgecombe can get to the rim at will and finish through contact. His handle is sharp, his mid-range pull-up is polished, and he’s showing flashes of deep shooting range. Averaging 19.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists this past season, he profiles as a dynamic two-way guard who can pressure the ball defensively and take over games offensively. His intensity and fearless mentality fit right into Philly’s blue-collar DNA, and his ceiling resembles a young Donovan Mitchell—aggressive, electric, and built for big moments. NBA Comp: Donovan Mitchell

Ace Bailey might have the highest upside of any player in the class, thanks to his elite combination of size (6’10”), shooting touch, and shot creation. A fluid athlete with guard-like skills, Bailey lit it up at Rutgers with 20.3 points per game on 38% shooting from beyond the arc. While still raw in some areas—particularly on the defensive end—his offensive ceiling is tantalizing. He thrives in isolation, can pull up from anywhere, and is a threat in transition. If he can stay healthy and improve his off-ball awareness, Bailey could become one of the league’s premier scoring forwards. The Hornets get a high-risk, high-reward talent reminiscent of Michael Porter Jr.—a scoring machine with a silky game. NBA Comp: Michael Porter Jr.

Kon Kneuppel is a smooth-shooting wing with one of the most reliable jumpers in the draft. At 6’6″, he brings size and a polished perimeter game to the Jazz, thriving as a catch-and-shoot threat and intelligent cutter. He shot over 43% from three at Duke while averaging 14.9 points and 4.3 rebounds per game, providing consistent spacing and smart off-ball movement. While not a plus athlete, his fundamentals, unselfishness, and high basketball IQ make him a strong fit in a system that values team-oriented play. Kneuppel projects as a plug-and-play rotation piece who could eventually develop into a starting-caliber shooter and secondary playmaker.

Tre Johnson is a confident shot-maker with one of the most advanced scoring arsenals in the class. At 6’6″, he plays with a natural rhythm, excelling at creating space off the dribble and pulling up from mid-range or deep. Johnson averaged 18.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists at Texas, proving himself as a lead scorer capable of carrying an offense for stretches. While his defense is still developing, his offensive versatility and fearless mentality make him a cornerstone piece for a rebuilding Wizards team. He’s the kind of player who can erupt for 30 on any given night and thrive under pressure.

Jeremiah Fears brings a smooth, modern guard game to the Pelicans. At 6’3″, he’s a confident scorer and facilitator who reads the floor well and can create in tight spaces. He posted 16.2 points, 5.3 assists, and 1.8 steals per game at Oklahoma, showing strong poise in pick-and-roll sets and a reliable three-point shot. Fears may not wow with athleticism, but his pace and craft make him a consistent offensive weapon. His game translates well to the next level as a steady lead guard or dynamic sixth man who can keep an offense flowing.

Kasparas Jakucionis is a Lithuanian-born guard with an advanced feel for the game and European polish. At 6’5″, he blends size, vision, and tempo to control the offense with maturity beyond his years. He averaged 13.7 points, 6.0 assists, and 4.1 rebounds at Illinois, often operating as a secondary playmaker with a crafty handle and excellent pick-and-roll timing. While not an elite athlete, he makes up for it with anticipation and floor awareness. Jakucionis could carve out a long NBA career as a high-IQ combo guard who thrives in structured offenses.

Asa Newell is a hyper-athletic forward with immense defensive upside and growing offensive tools. At 6’10”, he runs the floor like a guard and finishes above the rim with authority. He averaged 11.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks at Georgia, flashing a developing face-up game and the ability to switch onto multiple positions defensively. Though still raw, Newell’s energy, length, and shot-blocking instinct make him a prototype modern four. If his perimeter shooting continues to evolve, he could become a versatile stretch big in the mold of John Collins. NBA Comp: John Collins

Derik Queen is one of the most skilled big men in the class, combining excellent footwork with soft hands and high passing IQ. At 6’9″ and 240 lbs, Queen averaged 17.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, dominating the paint with savvy low-post moves and a strong interior presence. He’s an underrated passer who can facilitate from the high post and excels at sealing defenders for easy buckets. Defense and mobility are question marks, but his touch and polish give him a clear role as an offensively gifted big.

Noa Essengue is an explosive forward out of France who plays with raw power and emerging finesse. At 6’8″, he’s built like a linebacker and attacks the rim with intensity, averaging 14.3 points and 7.0 rebounds in international competition. Essengue thrives in transition and as a cutter, and his developing mid-range jumper hints at future offensive growth. He’ll need to refine his shot selection and decision-making, but his physical tools and energy scream upside. A high-ceiling pick for Portland’s long-term rebuild.

Khaman Maluach is one of the most intriguing long-term prospects in the draft. Standing 7’2″ with a 7’7″ wingspan, he’s a mobile rim protector with natural shot-blocking instincts. At Duke, he averaged 9.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks, often changing games defensively. His offensive game is still developing, but he’s shown flashes of a soft hook and a willingness to shoot from the mid-range. If he fills out his frame and improves his footwork, Maluach could anchor a defense for years and evolve into a game-changing big.