2025 NBA Draft: Player Comparisons for Lottery Picks

1. Cooper Flagg, SF/PF, Duke

Cooper Flagg is widely regarded as the consensus No. 1 pick, and for good reason. His trajectory suggests he could become one of the NBA`s premier wings. The key question remains how high his potential ceiling truly is. His balanced offensive game and outstanding defense provide remarkable foundational versatility for an 18-year-old entering the league, a trait the Mavericks could capitalize on immediately. Some analysts see parallels to a modern Scottie Pippen, while Flagg himself models his game after Jayson Tatum, his favorite player.

If Flagg continues to hone his ability to create his own shot, particularly expanding his comfort beyond the midrange, a scoring leap similar to Tatum`s is possible. He has shown improvement in this area, becoming more consistent from long range and displaying potential for operating off the dribble. If he doesn`t evolve into a primary scoring option, his best fit might be as a dynamic second star alongside a teammate who carries more of the scoring load.

While Flagg is expected to offer more offensively than Andre Iguodala, who never reached 20 points per game in his career, the comparison highlights his potential to provide significant value beyond primary scoring. As with most comparisons, the most probable outcome lies somewhere between the extremes. For Flagg, this range of possibilities is exciting rather than concerning for NBA evaluators.

2. Dylan Harper, PG/SG, Rutgers

Harper`s combination of size, strength, scoring ability, and playmaking potential makes him a very appealing prospect capable of leading an offense as a high-usage player in his best-case scenario. Although his impressive size (6-foot-6, 215 pounds) should give him an edge defensively, the comparison to Jalen Brunson makes sense conceptually: both rely on skill, drawing fouls, and exploiting defensive angles. Brunson was a more developed 3-point shooter leaving college, an area Harper will need to significantly improve to maximize his potential. However, there`s a path for him to reach that level and become a fundamental piece and offensive focal point for a team.

Harper`s high floor, partly due to his size advantage handling the ball, is a major plus – his blend of strengths makes it unlikely he`ll struggle to find a place in the NBA. Even in lower-end projections, he is still expected to be a capable starting player. Potential limitations could include average shooting and inconsistent defensive impact based on past habits. These factors might limit his effectiveness as a primary or secondary option on a winning team, but his game should still translate well to a lesser role.

D`Angelo Russell, the No. 2 pick in 2015 and a former All-Star, has been productive but has faced challenges consistently leading winning teams. Harper should make an immediate impact, but his career trajectory will depend on team context and continuous skill refinement.

3. Ace Bailey, SG/SF, Rutgers

Ace Bailey stands out as arguably the draft`s most dynamic shotmaker, showcasing significant scoring potential. The key question is how he will effectively leverage this skill as his overall game develops. He possesses the size to shoot over most defenders, a knack for making difficult shots, and a smooth stroke that projects well for catch-and-shoot situations.

However, he isn`t a naturally fluid ball-handler, sometimes resorting to picking up his dribble and settling for shots rather than driving past defenders, which can make his style predictable, even if hard to stop. It`s uncertain if Bailey will develop the advanced playmaking and handling skills needed for heavy on-ball responsibilities, making Michael Porter Jr. a relevant comparison. Porter, coming out of Missouri in 2018, also had questions about his passing and handling. He thrived with the Denver Nuggets, a team that maximized his shooting by surrounding him with playmakers, allowing him to excel without being forced into a primary creation role.

Bailey`s efficiency and game could flourish significantly in a similar environment as a second or third scoring option. However, at this stage, it`s challenging to project him as a definitive No. 1 option. If that doesn`t materialize, his career path might more closely resemble Andrew Wiggins, a consistent scorer throughout his career who hasn`t always been the driving force behind winning basketball.

4. VJ Edgecombe, SG, Baylor

VJ Edgecombe`s potential revolves largely around his development as a capable on-ball creator. His speed, strength, and elite explosiveness could make him a nightmare for defenses in such a role. Providing him with the opportunities to make this leap will be a priority for his future team. His style as a downhill, highly athletic slasher makes Victor Oladipo a suitable point of comparison. Oladipo took time to establish himself in the NBA before a breakout in his fifth season, which was later impacted by injury. Both players share stylistic similarities and faced similar developmental needs entering the league, specifically improving consistent outside shooting and refining on-ball creation skills.

Edgecombe possesses All-Star upside if everything clicks. While his profile carries some risk due to the necessary adjustments to fully utilize his physical gifts, he also offers a solid floor, likely contributing as a high-energy perimeter defender and transition threat.

The comparison to Jaden Ivey is slightly complex as the Pistons guard is still developing, though he showed promising flashes before an injury this past season. Athletic slashing guards who need to refine their decision-making with the ball often take time to find consistent success. Edgecombe`s offensive range of outcomes is wide, but at minimum, he should be a very useful backcourt player, enhancing his appeal as a potential top-five pick.

5. Jeremiah Fears, PG, Oklahoma

Jeremiah Fears presents an intriguing stylistic profile that makes player comparisons somewhat challenging. Despite his size, he attacks the paint with unusual craft and audacity for a guard. However, he hasn`t been a strong 3-point shooter historically (28.4% at Oklahoma), creating a somewhat old-school archetype. Given his youth (18) and progress, Fears has the potential to be a dangerous scorer and playmaker, but his efficiency will be key. Either his perimeter shooting must improve (feasible given his excellent free throw percentage of 85.1%), or his interior scoring must translate effectively to support his overall game.

Looking back a decade, Monta Ellis offers an interesting stylistic parallel as a smaller, high-volume scorer and creator who struggled with turnovers and inconsistent long-range shooting for much of his career. Fears could certainly exceed this, but counting on him becoming a top-tier jump shooter is a significant projection, although improvement is likely with strength and experience. If the shooting doesn`t develop, he might end up closer to a Jerryd Bayless type – a reserve combo guard scorer long-term, representing a downside given his likely high draft position.

Fears has shown flashes of significant talent, leaving room for optimism, but there`s a wide range of potential outcomes depending on how various factors align for him to reach star potential.

6. Tre Johnson, SG, Texas

Tre Johnson is a relatively straightforward prospect: he`s expected to shoot well, take a lot of shots, and any other contributions will be a bonus, not a primary expectation. His smooth and compact shooting motion makes him a threat from distance, and he`s shown the ability to create space off the dribble. He possesses the fearlessness needed for a volume scorer but this can sometimes lead to questionable shot selection. He will also need to improve his finishing efficiency inside the paint.

If Johnson can achieve a career similar to Michael Redd`s (whose peak in the early 2000s was curtailed by injuries), it would be an excellent outcome, and there are shared characteristics. Redd became a top 3-point shooter relying more on his unique jumper than other creation methods. It`s worth noting Johnson is more advanced at the same age; Redd was a career 31.9% 3-point shooter in college and a second-round pick, while Johnson`s mechanics are cleaner and project more reliably.

It`s a safe bet Johnson will evolve into a dynamic volume shooter. The question is whether he can do so efficiently and in a winning context. These are similar questions that have been raised about Cam Thomas`s value due to comparable tendencies shown four years into his NBA career.

7. Khaman Maluach, C, Duke

Khaman Maluach fits neatly into the valuable NBA archetype of a rim-protecting, rim-running center. He is still developing his game and defensive discipline, but his imposing size naturally deters opponents in the paint, and his above-average mobility for a 7-2 player suggests significant defensive upside. As an efficient finisher with limited offensive skills elsewhere, Maluach has the potential to become a top player within this specific role.

While comparing tall, defensive centers to Rudy Gobert is common, here it highlights Maluach`s potential to be a defensive anchor for a winning team. Becoming a Defensive Player of the Year is not guaranteed, but he offers a solid foundation and clear areas for growth, including the possibility of adding a 3-point shot.

Maluach`s floor appears reasonably high as a useful contributor: centers with his physical dimensions, decent mobility, and understanding of their role – similar to Daniel Gafford – tend to find a place in the league.

8. Kon Knueppel, SG/SF, Duke

Kon Knueppel might be the best shooter in the draft, but his well-rounded offensive game has boosted his stock into potential top-five territory. NBA teams were impressed by his decision-making and passing at Duke, where he successfully managed a significant role involving facilitation and elite floor spacing. His primary concern is an average athletic profile – lacking exceptional speed or quickness – which could limit his high-end potential if he struggles to create elite offensive opportunities.

Desmond Bane was an underrated prospect in the 2020 draft, seen as an average athlete with limited upside despite being a career 43.2% 3-point shooter at TCU. He quickly surpassed expectations, becoming essential for the Grizzlies in his second season. Memphis invested in his skills, giving him opportunities to make plays and take on more responsibility beyond a simple 3-and-D role. While Knueppel won`t surprise teams in the same way Bane did, his best-case scenarios align with Bane`s trajectory.

Given Knueppel`s age (turning 20 in August, whereas Bane played four years in college), his career peak could potentially exceed Bane`s in the right situation, fueling NBA teams` optimism. If he doesn`t fully develop as a high-usage shot creator, Knueppel should still be a top-tier shooter playing valuable minutes in a lesser capacity, similar to Joe Harris.

9. Collin Murray-Boyles, PF/C, South Carolina

Collin Murray-Boyles projects as a versatile frontcourt player capable of operating across the floor offensively due to his intelligent passing, and defensively guarding multiple positions with his length, physicality, and toughness. Maximizing his potential hinges on developing his inconsistent 3-point shot; an outside threat would help compensate for his slightly undersized frame for a power forward.

If his shooting improves, Murray-Boyles could resemble a modern Al Horford – a adaptable big man crucial to winning teams as a defensive anchor with complementary offensive utility.

Even if Murray-Boyles` development plateaus significantly in the NBA (unlikely given his age and progress), he should still secure a roster spot as a valuable depth player akin to Xavier Tillman, who shared some of his core strengths but was older and less mobile coming out of Michigan State.

10. Kasparas Jakucionis, PG, Illinois

Kasparas Jakucionis is a skilled playmaker at 6-6, possessing the instincts and ball-handling ability for a guard role, complemented by an improving shooting touch. Relying on pace, timing, and improvisation rather than top-end speed, he excels in screen situations and plays an unselfish game that should allow him to succeed regardless of whether he becomes a full-time lead guard. He needs to reduce turnovers (3.7 per game) and improve his 3-point shooting (31.8%), though his demanding role at Illinois required risk-taking which contributed to some inefficiencies.

It`s plausible Jakucionis will be valued similarly to Austin Reaves, another crafty combo guard with stylistic parallels. Reaves entered the NBA older and quickly became a key player for the Lakers. Jakucionis might take longer, but he is more advanced at the same age than Reaves was (who played four years in college and went undrafted). In a worst-case scenario, his versatile skill set and ability to play both guard spots should still earn him a long-term NBA reserve role.

11. Egor Demin, PG/SG, BYU

Egor Demin`s appeal lies in his talent as an oversized playmaker with arguably the best passing vision in the class. Such players are highly valued in the NBA for their size and feel on the perimeter, allowing them to fit into various roles. His projection depends on two key factors: the amount of time he`s given handling the ball and the consistency of his long-range shooting. Below-average foot speed and a streaky 3-point shot introduce risk factors. He lacks quickness creating off the dribble and needs a credible jump shot to keep defenses honest and maximize his playing time.

While not perfect matches, Josh Giddey, a player whose strength is playmaking with the ball despite below-average shooting, and Deni Avdija, who has settled into a multi-skilled off-ball forward role, illustrate potential paths for Demin. It remains to be seen if he can play as a primary initiator or if he provides more value as a connective piece away from the ball, but both outcomes are plausible depending on his development. If his progress stagnates and he doesn`t earn a top rotation spot, he could still offer valuable long-term depth, similar to Kyle Anderson over the past decade.

12. Derik Queen, C, Maryland

Derik Queen offers significant offensive talent, including face-up skills and passing ability that allow him to facilitate from different spots on the floor. The success of players like Alperen Sengun, who was seen as unorthodox and drafted later in 2021, provides a framework for Queen`s potential. He needs to become a more active rebounder and engaged defender, areas that would benefit from improving his physical frame and conditioning. Developing a reliable 3-point shot is also key.

There is a place for skilled, offense-first bigs in today`s NBA, but there`s also inherent risk with players who have subpar physical and defensive attributes, which impacts how teams project Queen`s future value. If he doesn`t reach his full potential and become a team cornerstone, his talent and basketball intelligence should still help him find a role.

Sandro Mamukelashvili, an offensive big who became a deep bench player in the NBA, represents an extreme low end – Queen is significantly more talented – but this comparison highlights the potential downside if Queen cannot hold his own defensively. The most probable outcome is somewhere in the middle.

13. Joan Beringer, C, Cedevita Olimpija (Slovenia)

Joan Beringer`s projected NBA role is straightforward and proven: catching lobs, rim running, protecting the paint, and potentially offering some defensive switching. Given he won`t turn 19 until November and has only played organized basketball for three years, teams are attracted by his physical tools and above-average agility for a young center. He is still very early in his development, which carries risk but also provides a long timeline for his next team to nurture him as a potential long-term starting center.

When describing this specific center archetype, Clint Capela is a classic point of reference. While Beringer isn`t likely to space the floor or shoot jumpers, these types of bigs can thrive when surrounded by shooting and playmaking, capable of finishing plays and being a threat near the basket without needing designed plays. Jaxson Hayes, the No. 8 pick in 2019 based on impressive tools and similar upside, hasn`t become a starter but has maintained a role in the NBA for six seasons, now with the Lakers. Beringer will likely fall somewhere along this spectrum, depending on how quickly he adapts to the NBA game and maximizes his physical talent.

14. Carter Bryant, SF/PF, Arizona

Carter Bryant`s appealing mix of perimeter size, defensive adaptability, passing IQ, and a clean shooting stroke fits into a valuable NBA mold. He should offer versatility across multiple positions on both ends, with room for offensive growth. Expecting a significant leap in shot creation from Bryant is unlikely; major progress in this area could align him with the trajectory of Trey Murphy III, another late-blooming 3-and-D player who developed into a more significant scorer.

Admittedly, this comparison was perhaps better before Murphy`s unexpected scoring jump last season in New Orleans. Reaching that level of output might be a tall order for Bryant, but he has time. If he can become a higher-volume shooting threat from distance, he could add considerable value even if he doesn`t reach the 20-point threshold like Murphy recently did.

If Bryant were to plateau as primarily a useful bench player, he could still profile as a larger version of Royce O`Neale, who has effectively filled gaps and provided solid shooting at both forward spots throughout much of his career.