The 2024-25 season NBA Playoffs are underway, with the final four in the race to secure the Championship. Meanwhile, those franchises that fell short in finding their path to the Playoffs have set their eyes on the draft. Since the 2025 NBA Draft Pick will take place on June 25 (Round 1) and June 26 (Round 2), respectively.
Who are the Top Five 2025 NBA Draft Pick choices?
14 teams that missed out on the NBA Playoffs after a poor regular season will enter in NBA Lottery. The NBA Lottery is used to give lower-finished teams an advantage to secure one of the first picks in Draft. On that note, here’s the top five emerging talents from the pool of 75 emerging prospects and future rookies.
1. Cooper Flagg – Duke Blue Devils (Forward)
Duke Blue Devils sensational forward, Cooper Flagg, has already established his reputation in college basketball courtesy of his exceptional talent. There’s absolutely zero uncertainty over him being the No.1 Draft pick this year. Coming on the back of a remarkable campaign as a freshman at Duke.
This year, Flagg clinched major accolades such as NABC Player of the Year and Naismith College Player of the Year (first freshman to win it, since 2019). His statistical figures speak volumes about his calibre as he is all set to etch his mark in the NBA as a rookie.
2. Dylan Harper – Rutgers Scarlet Knights (Point Guard)
The next top NBA Draft pick of the year is Dylan Harper, who is most likely to be the second pick after Cooper Flagg. Interestingly, he is the son of the five-time NBA champion, Ron Harper. Harper Jr has been a standout performer in college basketball, scoring 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and four assists per game.
The Freshman possesses vital skill sets as a guard such as great ball-handling, ability to create immense rim pressure with his forward drive, a superior decision maker and playmaking skills. However, defence and shooting are two areas where he would be required to improve himself.
3. V.J. Edgecombe – Baylor Bears (Point Guard)
The 19-year-old can be a perfect fit for any team that is on the lookout for an explosive and energetic addition to their squad. The Bahamas national team player has documented an excellent season with the Baylor Bears. He can be a significant threat to the opposition in the paint in scoring and winning rebounds.
The 6’6 tall guard has averaged 15 points, nearly six rebounds, three assists and two steals per game in the 2024-25 season. Regardless, his chance creation ability and play on the ball game will be a matter of concern for teams rooting for Edgecombe.
4. Tre Johnson – Texas Longhorns (Wing)
A versatile freshman, Tre Johnson can easily operate in multiple positions, small forward or Point guard. He is expected to be among the top five choices on display in this year’s draft. Johnson is phenomenal with his shots-scoring 3s and 2s with great efficiency in both on and off the ball plays.
Tre’s ball-handling ability is on par with his shooting, which allows him to navigate past defenders with ease. The promising talent from Texas has been compared with the likes of Tyler Herro, Latrell Sprewell, and Nick Young due to his playing style. Hence, the freshman would be a key addition to the league.
5. Ace Bailey – Rutgers Scarlet Knights (Small Forward)
The fifth-best pick overall, Ace Bailey, is widely viewed as one of the brightest offensive talents in college basketball. He has been an ace forward for the Knights thanks to his scoring prowess and athleticism. 6’10 in altitude enables him to launch jumps and aim at the rim, thus recording 17.6 points per game.
According to Sixers Wire, Bailey would be an ideal fit for the 76ers. The forward can deliver some points after coming off the bench for the Sixers. His importance in the Rutgers set-up can be asses by the fact that they visible struggled in Bailey’s absence.
