“Will the 2025 NBA Draft Deliver the Next Generation of Game-Changers?”
The 2025 NBA Draft, set for tonight at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, promises a thrilling showcase of elite young talent and franchise‑changing potential. Headlining the class is Duke phenom Cooper Flagg, a versatile 6'9" forward who averaged 19.2 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 4.2 apg, 1.4 spg, and 1.4 bpg, leading Duke to the Final Four. NBA legends like LeBron James predict he could develop into an All‑NBA talent after Cooper Flagg played on the Olympic scout team last summer and impressed with his skills at only 17 years old.
Cooper Flagg, known as the "Maine Event" (because he is from Maine), shows incredible potential to be the next big thing in the NBA. Generational players come once every generation, but we got two in the past three years—with Victor Wembanyama and now Flagg. The Dallas Mavericks' front office has their easiest choice since trading for Luka back in 2018, now looking to pair All-NBA talents Anthony Davis and injured Kyrie Irving with a star like no other at number one tonight.
Projected at No. 2 is Dylan Harper, a playmaking guard from Rutgers who posted 19.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 4.0 apg, and 1.4 spg, setting the school’s freshman scoring record. The Spurs, who have the 2nd pick, do have a logjam at guard after trading for All-Star De'Aaron Fox and drafting 2025 ROY Stephon Castle, so drafting Harper definitely wouldn't help that. Pairing a playmaking guru like Harper would skyrocket his and Victor Wembanyama's stats, since neither Fox nor Castle has shown they can create open opportunities like Harper can.
At No. 3, V.J. Edgecombe from Baylor presents a balanced skill set with 15.0 ppg and 5.6 rpg, showing strong defensive instincts and athleticism. He has shown in the Olympics that he can be a defensive master as well as a masterful finisher at the rim. V.J. may have the highest ceiling in this draft, but his floor makes him a riskier selection. The Sixers, who need a defensive piece as Embiid and Paul George have never looked older, may find him worth the gamble.
Another Rutgers standout remains a top‑5 talent despite draft‑day uncertainty after declining to work out for the 76ers. Ace Bailey, who averages 17.6 ppg, 7.8 rpg, and only 1.8 apg on 43.2% FG, is looking to be that guy on his new team. He’s appearing more egotistical than ever, refusing to work out or interview with any team. Ace may be the best offensive player in this draft, but he may not make any team better.
International intrigue comes from Khaman Maluach, a 7'2" Duke center with a 71.2% FG rate, and French guard Nolan Traoré, who averaged 16.8 ppg in FIBA play.
Despite owning only the No. 50 pick, the New York Knicks aim to find a rotation‑ready contributor. Australian forward Lachlan Olbrich averaged 11.4 ppg, 6.1 rpg, and 1.4 apg, shooting 47.9% FG at UC Riverside. Meanwhile, sharpshooter Koby Brea posted 11.6 ppg, 3.2 rpg, and 1.3 apg, shooting 47% FG and 43.5% from three in his lone season at Kentucky. With nine impending free agents and cap constraints, New York could package assets to move up slightly and secure a prospect with floor‑ready skills.
While the 2025 class may not have the star power of 2003’s LeBron, Wade, and Melo trio, it offers more overall depth and modern versatility. This draft may have just as many Hall of Famers if not more if all things work out.
More From 104.5 THE TEAM
