The 2025 NBA Draft is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, with a class of prospects showcasing a wide array of elite skills and traits. Here’s a closer look at some of the top players and what makes them special:

Best Ball Handler: Jeremiah Fears

Jeremiah Fears, a guard from Oklahoma, has redefined what it means to handle the ball with precision. His exceptional dribbling skills and ability to navigate the court make him a nightmare for defenders. Fears’ quick decision-making and relentless pressure on the paint set him apart as one of the most promising young guards in the draft.

Best Shot Creator: Dylan Harper

Dylan Harper of Rutgers is a master at creating his own shot. His size, power, and finishing craft allow him to dissect defenses and create opportunities both for himself and his teammates. Harper’s ability to play through contact and make quick decisions makes him a top prospect in this year’s draft.

Best Pick-and-Roll Playmaker: Kasparas Jakucionis

Kasparas Jakucionis from Illinois excels in pick-and-roll situations. His vision, creativity, and timing make him a standout operator in ball screens. Jakucionis’ ability to make plays both for himself and his teammates makes him a valuable asset for any NBA team.

Best Pick-and-Roll Finisher: Ryan Kalkbrenner

Ryan Kalkbrenner, a center from Creighton, has developed into an extremely efficient finisher. His spatial awareness and reliable hands make him a consistent threat in pick-and-roll situations. Kalkbrenner’s ability to finish at the rim with efficiency makes him a valuable prospect for teams in need of a reliable big man.

Best Pull-Up Shooter: Ace Bailey

Ace Bailey from Rutgers is the most dangerous pull-up shooter in this draft class. His ability to rise and fire over defenders at difficult angles makes him a tantalizing scoring prospect. Bailey’s midrange shooting and potential for growth make him a player to watch in the coming years.

Best Leaper/Dunker: VJ Edgecombe

VJ Edgecombe of Baylor is an explosive athlete who can put his vertical leap to use in game settings. His ability to finish above the rim and impact the game defensively makes him a valuable prospect. Edgecombe’s athleticism and potential as a shot creator make him a player with significant upside.

Best Frame: Carter Bryant

Carter Bryant from Arizona has a prototypical basketball body. His sturdy build, broad shoulders, and wingspan make him a versatile defender and a solid 3-and-D prospect. Bryant’s physical profile and potential for growth make him an intriguing option for teams in the late lottery.

Best Spot-Up Shooter: Kon Knueppel

Kon Knueppel of Duke is automatic with his feet set. His clean mechanics and textbook release make him one of the best shooters in this draft class. Knueppel’s ability to provide spacing and shoot at a high level makes him a valuable asset for any NBA team.

Best Movement Shooter: Tre Johnson

Tre Johnson from Texas is a high-level shooter who excels off screens. His quick, compact shooting mechanics and ability to shoot from various angles make him a dangerous offensive weapon. Johnson’s potential as an off-ball scorer gives him a clear pathway to NBA success.

Best Court Vision: Egor Demin

Egor Demin of BYU is the most aesthetically pleasing playmaker in this draft class. His size, vision, and creativity make him a standout passer. Demin’s ability to see over defenses and make plays both on and off the ball makes him a valuable prospect for any team.

Best Rim Protector: Joan Beringer

Joan Beringer from Cedevita Olimpija is an elite rim protector with excellent defensive instincts. His shot-blocking chops and ability to cover ground make him a valuable asset on the defensive end. Beringer’s potential for growth and impact on the defensive end make him a player to watch in this year’s draft.

Best Off-Ball Defender: Collin Murray-Boyles

Collin Murray-Boyles of South Carolina is a versatile defender with outstanding awareness and timing. His ability to switch across positions and make plays on the defensive end makes him a valuable prospect. Murray-Boyles’ defensive versatility and potential for growth make him a player with significant upside.

Best On-Ball Defender: Drake Powell

Drake Powell from North Carolina is a standout perimeter defender. His length, strength, and agility make him a challenging matchup for most ball handlers. Powell’s ability to guard multiple positions and impact the game defensively makes him a valuable prospect for any team.

Best Defensive Playmaker: Adou Thiero

Adou Thiero of Arkansas is a disruptive defender with excellent speed, strength, and explosiveness. His ability to create turnovers and make highlight-reel plays on the defensive end makes him a valuable prospect. Thiero’s potential as a defensive playmaker makes him a player with significant upside.

Best Offensive Rebounder: Johni Broome

Johni Broome from Auburn is a dominant force on the offensive glass. His physicality and positioning make him a consistent threat to grab offensive rebounds. Broome’s ability to impact the game on the boards makes him a valuable prospect for any team.

Best Competitor: Cooper Flagg

Cooper Flagg of Duke is the top prospect in this year’s draft due to his intense competitiveness and internal drive. His leadership, versatility, and basketball IQ make him a standout player. Flagg’s ability to impact the game in multiple ways makes him a player with significant potential.

Best Clutch Player: Walter Clayton Jr.

Walter Clayton Jr. from Florida is a clutch performer with a knack for making big shots. His ability to create separation and shoot over contests makes him a valuable prospect. Clayton’s big-shot mentality and potential as a bench sparkplug make him a player to watch in this year’s draft.

Best Motor: Hugo Gonzalez

Hugo Gonzalez of Real Madrid is a hardworking player who excels on the defensive end. His hustle, willingness to do the dirty work, and effort on the court make him a valuable prospect. Gonzalez’s potential to carve out a role in the NBA makes him a player with significant upside.

Best Backstory: Maxime Raynaud

Maxime Raynaud from Stanford has a unique basketball journey that includes a late start to the sport. His affable personality and untapped potential make him an intriguing prospect. Raynaud’s ability to develop and grow as a player makes him a player with significant upside.

Best Intangibles: Khaman Maluach

Khaman Maluach of Duke is a top prospect with excellent intangibles. His work ethic, communication skills, and character make him a valuable asset for any team. Maluach’s potential for growth and impact on and off the court make him a player with significant upside.