2025 NBA Draft Superlatives: Highlighting Top Prospect Skills

By Jeremy Woo

NBA team executives have spent the last year scouting talent worldwide, preparing for the 2025 draft and refining their prospect lists. The focus is now shifting towards final decisions.

Scouting reports utilize detailed descriptions to differentiate potential draft picks. Evaluations consider numerous factors, but which players truly stand out in specific areas? Who are considered the top playmakers, shooters, and defenders in this draft class?

With the draft just under two weeks away (Round 1 on June 25th), analyst Jeremy Woo has matched 20 prospects with their most exceptional traits. This provides insight into how this class measures up and how the leading players might develop to reach their full potential.

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Best Ball Handler: Jeremiah Fears, G, Oklahoma

Top 100 Ranking: No. 7

Jeremiah Fears exceeded expectations at Oklahoma, largely due to his outstanding ball-handling ability. His skill allows him to effectively navigate the court while dribbling, keeping defenders off balance. He consistently puts pressure on the paint using changes of pace, quick moves, and instincts, even without being the biggest or strongest guard.

Fears is smooth and decisive with the ball, avoiding excessive dribbling – his style is more functional than flashy in creating space. This is particularly impressive for an 18-year-old who reclassified to start college early. As his jump shot and decision-making continue to improve, Fears is poised to become an even more challenging player to defend.

Best Shot Creator: Dylan Harper, G, Rutgers

Top 100 Ranking: No. 2

Dylan Harper`s combination of size, strength, control, finishing ability, and court vision make him the top shot creator in this draft class. He demonstrated this effectively during his standout moments at Rutgers, where his decisiveness and burst allowed him to break down defenses and generate scoring opportunities for himself and others, despite playing with a less-than-optimal supporting cast.

According to Synergy, Harper finished in the 87th percentile for pick-and-roll handlers (including assists) and shot a respectable 36.8% in isolation plays. He also converted 67.6% of his shots at the rim. His solid offensive numbers support comparisons to current NBA players like Cade Cunningham and Jalen Brunson.

Harper`s ability to make quick decisions, play through contact with explosiveness, split defensive coverages, and deliver passes across the court distinguishes him from other prospects. He possesses the skills to eventually handle a significant offensive role for a successful NBA team.

Best Pick-and-Roll Playmaker: Kasparas Jakucionis, G, Illinois

Top 100 Ranking: No. 10

Kasparas Jakucionis has proven especially difficult to guard when using a screen, where his vision, creativity, and sharp timing converge to make him an excellent operator. The majority of his offense came from ball screens – his 501 ball-screen possessions, one of the highest totals nationally, resulted in a basket 41.7% of the time (including assists), placing him in the 65th percentile nationally. This is even more impressive considering Illinois lacked consistent three-point shooting and ideal spacing around him last season.

Jakucionis also became more comfortable taking his own shots when defenses collapsed on the paint, with his jumper becoming a viable counter to his average explosiveness around the rim. Although he can sometimes rush plays, leading to aggressive turnovers, his size, unselfish approach, and instincts for navigating traffic should translate well to an NBA role, either as a primary point guard or a combo playmaker.

Best Pick-and-Roll Finisher: Ryan Kalkbrenner, C, Creighton

Top 100 Ranking: No. 33

Ryan Kalkbrenner became an incredibly efficient finisher over his five years in college, even if his effectiveness might seem unexciting to some. The 7-foot-2 center shot an outstanding 73.1% on rolls to the basket last season and posted three consecutive seasons making over 70% of his two-point attempts. There are questions about how much of this offensive efficiency will carry over, as Kalkbrenner isn`t the quickest off the ground or the strongest when playing through contact.

However, the 23-year-old possesses excellent spatial awareness, makes himself an easy target, and has reliable hands. These traits contribute to a wide catch radius, making him a valuable lob threat. While NBA scouts don`t project him as a full-time starter (he`s currently projected late in the first round at best), his numbers support his case as a highly efficient, low-usage center whose primary value comes from protecting the paint defensively.

Best Pull-Up Shooter: Ace Bailey, F, Rutgers

Top 100 Ranking: No. 3

No player in this draft is more dangerous in challenging situations than Ace Bailey. His ability to elevate and shoot over defenders from difficult angles and make tough shots off the dribble makes him a fascinating scoring prospect. Although he is still relatively unpolished at 18 and played without much offensive help outside of Harper at Rutgers, this aspect of Bailey`s game shined last season. While he`s not the most consistent shooter yet, his long-term potential as a pull-up scorer is unmatched in this class.

Bailey hit an impressive 47% on midrange jumpers last season, many of which were contested, highlighting his shot-making talent, although he still needs significant improvement from the free-throw line and three-point range. The star potential scouts see lies in his ability to consistently convert these tough shots, a rare skill for a 6-9 wing.

Best Leaper/Dunker: VJ Edgecombe, G, Baylor

Top 100 Ranking: No. 4

VJ Edgecombe announced his arrival in college basketball with a spectacular highlight dunk against Gonzaga early in the 2024-25 season. He is an exciting and highly effective athlete who can utilize his explosiveness during games, giving him a significant potential advantage as a shot creator in the long run. He recorded 33 dunks at Baylor this season, an excellent number for a guard. He can play bigger than his size, meeting opponents at the rim both as a finisher and on defense.

His impressive vertical leap, strong 193-pound frame, and quick first step highlight his potential. Some teams believe he could develop into a physically gifted lead guard over time.

Best Frame: Carter Bryant, F, Arizona

Top 100 Ranking: No. 12

Carter Bryant has a solid build, standing around 6-foot-8 in shoes with a 6-11¾ wingspan, broad shoulders, and weighing 215 pounds. His ideal basketball physique has been a key positive for scouts throughout the season. Although his length isn`t extraordinary, the potential for his frame to add more muscle is a major part of his appeal. He`s not just a solid 3-and-D prospect; he also has the potential to effectively guard players at the 2, 3, and 4 positions as he physically matures.

Bryant`s closest physical comparison is Los Angeles Laker Dorian Finney-Smith, who has had a long and valuable NBA career. However, Bryant`s natural strength could lead to even greater defensive versatility. At 19 years old, Bryant`s physical profile offers considerable optimism and has boosted his prospects for the late lottery.

Best Spot-Up Shooter: Kon Knueppel, G, Duke

Top 100 Ranking: No. 8

Kon Knueppel is highly reliable as a spot-up shooter when his feet are set. He made 48.8% of his no-dribble spot-up shots, 43% of all catch-and-shoot jumpers (92nd percentile on Synergy), and 40.6% of his three-pointers. His clean mechanics and textbook release confirm these numbers, providing a strong foundational skill for his professional projection.

Most of his successful shots were assisted, and he was less effective shooting off the dribble (32.8%). However, the excellent spacing Knueppel will immediately provide brings value on his rookie contract. If he can elevate his shooting off the dribble, his potential upside becomes even more intriguing.

Best Movement Shooter: Tre Johnson, G, Texas

Top 100 Ranking: No. 5

Tre Johnson proved himself as a high-level shooter at Texas, where he was often tasked with handling the ball extensively. He was particularly effective shooting off screens, ranking in the 91st percentile nationally for those plays according to Synergy, making 52.1% of his shots and showing equal capability going left or right.

Johnson possesses quick, compact shooting mechanics. His potential to be an elite off-ball scorer provides a valuable path to NBA success, as the threat of his shot will likely open up space for others. Johnson doesn`t need to be a primary scoring option to be impactful, which significantly raises his baseline projection.

Best Court Vision: Egor Demin, G, BYU

Top 100 Ranking: No. 11

Standing at 6-foot-9 with a wide range of passing options, Egor Demin is arguably the most visually appealing playmaker in the draft. His height allows him to see over defenses, and he`s willing to attempt passes most players wouldn`t. He`s a creative passer with excellent timing, a skill that should make him effective whether he plays point guard full-time or operates off the ball.

He can throw difficult diagonal skip passes that force defensive rotations, often leading to “hockey assists” that don`t show up in traditional stats. While Demin isn`t a natural isolation scorer for himself, he should be very effective using ball screens or initiating plays from the second side, provided he makes enough shots to prevent defenses from ignoring him.

Best Rim Protector: Joan Beringer, C, Cedevita Olimpija (Adriatic League)

Top 100 Ranking: No. 15

Joan Beringer`s draft stock surged this season as scouts traveled to Europe to witness his impressive defensive instincts and shot-blocking skills at just 18 years old. In his first season playing at the senior club level with Cedevita, Beringer led the Adriatic League in block percentage, averaging 2.9 shots per-40 minutes across all competitions.

At 6-11 with a 7-4½ wingspan, he covers ground remarkably well for a player still adjusting to his physique and with limited experience.

Beringer`s good defensive footwork and length should allow him to excel in various screen defense schemes, capable of switching and hedging more effectively than most players his size. While his offense is still developing, his impact as a paint deterrent has earned him consideration as a potential lottery pick with significant room for growth.

Best Off-Ball Defender: Collin Murray-Boyles, PF/C, South Carolina

Top 100 Ranking: No. 14

An examination of Collin Murray-Boyles` defensive habits reveals why some scouts are optimistic about his NBA prospects. Despite being undersized for a forward at 6-6 barefoot, he consistently maximizes his defensive abilities through excellent awareness, strong hands, and precise timing. This was evident even in challenging situations at South Carolina.

Murray-Boyles is versatile enough to switch defensively across positions and is adept at reading and reacting to plays, whether rotating for a block, digging down for a steal, or positioning himself correctly to deter opponents. These qualities project well for the NBA level; while his size might be a challenge in certain one-on-one matchups, Murray-Boyles is expected to significantly enhance defensive schemes and improve his team`s collective defensive intelligence on the court.

Best On-Ball Defender: Drake Powell, SG/SF, North Carolina

Top 100 Ranking: No. 31

While his draft stock fluctuated after an inconsistent freshman season, Drake Powell`s perimeter defense remains a strong point for teams considering him as a developmental prospect. At 6-6 with a 7-foot wingspan, Powell can effectively get into a defensive stance and move with smaller guards, fight through screens, and switch effectively at the point of attack – offering a better combination of defensive skills than any other wing in this class. His strength, length, and quickness make him a difficult assignment for most ball handlers.

As an excellent athlete capable of blocking shots from behind and disrupting passing lanes, Powell`s potential as a defensive anchor is clear. A patient team selecting him later in the draft could find value, provided he can develop a consistent offensive game to be a useful role player.

Best Defensive Playmaker: Adou Thiero, PF, Arkansas

Top 100 Ranking: No. 32

Adou Thiero`s NBA appeal has largely been based on his significant defensive potential. When healthy and performing at his best, the 6-8 forward is extremely active, making him one of the most disruptive defenders in college basketball. Thiero possesses a strong combination of speed, strength, length, and explosiveness that makes him a threat to block shots, intercept passes, and break up plays.

While his awareness and overall defensive discipline could improve (he sometimes takes too many risks and is inconsistent), he is capable of making spectacular defensive plays that most players cannot. Thiero missed the end of the season due to injuries and is still considered a project, but his ability to force turnovers (career averages of 1.9 steals and 1.3 blocks per-40 minutes adjusted pace) makes him a worthwhile developmental investment.

Best Offensive Rebounder: Johni Broome, C, Auburn

Top 100 Ranking: No. 40

Johni Broome`s strong presence on the boards was crucial to Auburn`s success over the past couple of years. Last season, he averaged 3.6 offensive rebounds per game (a 14% offensive rebounding rate) and shot 64.5% on putbacks. Standing 6-10 and weighing nearly 250 pounds with an approximate 7-foot 1/4 wingspan, Broome consistently relied on his physicality and positioning to secure loose balls off the glass, despite having below-average vertical athleticism.

With 14.1 rebounds per-40 minutes adjusted pace, Broome was the leading NCAA-based rebounder among prospects in ESPN`s Top 100 rankings. While his age (he turns 23 on July 19th) and athletic profile raise questions about how well his rebounding will translate to the NBA, his consistent effort on the glass and its overall impact on winning are undeniable.

Best Competitor: Cooper Flagg, F, Duke

Top 100 Ranking: No. 1

Much discussion during this draft cycle has focused on Cooper Flagg`s diverse skill set and impact. However, the exceptional quality that ties it all together and distinguishes him from his peers is his intense yet controlled competitiveness and inner drive. This aspect of his personality is always active, something evaluators highly value and have seen in every setting. As a key player in Duke`s successful season, including their Final Four run, and as one of the youngest players in college basketball, Flagg built a strong case not only through his production but also his approach.

He possesses a natural leadership quality stemming from how he carries himself, making him a rare tone-setting player at just 18 years old. When you combine Flagg`s mentality with his basketball skills, playmaking versatility, and on-court intelligence, it`s easy to feel very optimistic about his future.

Best Clutch Player: Walter Clayton Jr., PG, Florida

Top 100 Ranking: No. 27

Florida`s deep run in the NCAA tournament was largely fueled by Walter Clayton Jr.`s remarkable shot-making, highlighted by several significant performances and crucial baskets that turned the guard into a March hero. His ability to create separation off the dribble, get his own shot, and shoot over defenders with composure set him apart and genuinely boosted his draft stock.

While Clayton can be streaky, he has shown a genuine knack for performing in big moments, propelling himself into the first-round conversation, similar to Shabazz Napier in 2014. NBA teams appreciate this kind of clutch mentality, hoping Clayton can quickly become a valuable depth player and offensive spark off the bench.

Best Motor: Hugo Gonzalez, SG/SF, Real Madrid (Spain)

Top 100 Ranking: No. 23

Hugo Gonzalez`s role at Real Madrid has been inconsistent, which is typical for a teenage prospect trying to break into a top club globally. However, his defining characteristic has always been his exceptionally high effort level. This is most evident on the defensive end, where he embraces doing the essential work: playing aggressively in passing lanes, hustling for rebounds, and even contributing highlight blocks. He runs hard in transition and is always willing to make sacrifices for the team`s benefit.

The intensity and desire Gonzalez plays with have always been appealing to scouts and have helped him earn increased trust and playing time recently. While his inconsistent offensive production has made it challenging to raise his draft stock over the past year, NBA teams recognize the effort he brings, giving him a chance to find a role in the future.

Best Backstory: Maxime Raynaud, C, Stanford

Top 100 Ranking: No. 24

Maxime Raynaud`s basketball journey has taken an unusual path, developing later in his career. He didn`t commit to the sport full-time until his final year of high school in Paris, having previously focused on swimming and chess. Initially, he wasn`t seen as a top prospect, even after joining French club Nanterre, where he became friends with rising star Victor Wembanyama. Ultimately, he decided to play college basketball at Stanford, drawn by its academic prestige (he initially planned to study astrophysics).

He started at Stanford as a walk-on before earning a full scholarship and eventually becoming the starting center. Raynaud is well-regarded for his friendly personality, and NBA teams view him as a player with untapped potential now that basketball is his primary focus. A strong performance at the NBA combine in Chicago helped solidify his status as a potential first-round pick.

Best Intangibles: Khaman Maluach, C, Duke

Top 100 Ranking: No. 6

Khaman Maluach is expected to be the first center selected in the draft, primarily because of his impact as one of college basketball`s top paint defenders for Duke. However, his appeal as an NBA prospect is also significantly linked to his character and the positive presence he brings to a locker room. Born in South Sudan, his family took refuge in Uganda before he began playing basketball later in life and eventually joined the NBA Academy Africa, where he built an excellent reputation.

Maluach embodies the qualities teams look for off the court: he is considered a beloved teammate, a fierce competitor, an effective communicator on the court, and a hard worker. These traits add considerable value to any organization. His significant improvement in skill and consistency over the past few years speaks to his character, as he has transformed from a raw project into a top prospect in a relatively short period.