The deadline for players to withdraw from the NBA draft and return to college has passed, and with the introduction of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals, the 2025 draft class has lost several notable prospects. Players such as Tahaad Pettiford, Alex Condon, Karter Knox, and Yaxel Lendeborg have opted to continue their college careers. Conversely, key players like Jamir Watkins, Yanic Konan Niederhauser, and Adou Thiero have elected to remain in the draft, solidifying the pool of talent available for NBA teams. As the NCAA draft class is now officially set, international prospects still have until June 15 to withdraw their names.

One of the key players to watch is Cooper Flagg, measuring nearly 6'8" barefoot and showcasing athletic testing results that met expectations. The Dallas Mavericks appear to be keen on utilizing Flagg effectively, considering his potential for immediate impact and long-term development. There is speculation around whether the Milwaukee Bucks will initiate trade talks with Dallas regarding superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Mavericks may view Flagg as an ideal fit to fill the void left by Luka Dončić's departure and to work alongside Kyrie Irving, especially in light of Irving's recent ACL injury, affecting his availability for the 2025-26 season.

Another prospect garnering attention is Dylan Harper, who came in at 6'4.5" and 213 pounds during measurements. His significant length and strength make him a compelling option. The San Antonio Spurs, picking at No. 2, are anticipated to see Harper as a player too enticing to overlook, despite the potential fit issues with De'Aaron Fox. Harper has proven to be effective as an off-ball player during his time at Rutgers, maintaining a 44.8 percent accuracy on spot-up attempts. As the Spurs eye potential trades for established talent, they must consider the implications of adding another young guard.

Ace Bailey, though initially met with some disappointment regarding his 6'7.5" measurement, offers advantageous size and length as a shot-making wing. The Philadelphia 76ers may also consider other prospects such as VJ Edgecombe, who could add explosive elements and defensive versatility. As the league grapples with aging stars like Paul George and potential diminishing returns from Joel Embiid, Bailey’s scoring ability could prove to be highly valuable.

VJ Edgecombe, possessing a robust 13-pound physique compared to his listed weight, has caught the attention of scouts, particularly for his ability to pressure the rim and create offense. With LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller serving as the primary offensive engines in Charlotte, Edgecombe could present a different style of scoring to complement their play. As NBA teams assess their rosters, those looking for a unique scoring threat may significantly desire both Edgecombe and Harper.

On the trade front, the Spurs could explore a significant deal with the Boston Celtics involving receiving Jaylen Brown in exchange for multiple draft picks and young talent. This potential move underscores the Spurs’ ongoing strategy to bolster their roster with established players while leveraging their lottery assets. The dynamic nature of these discussions will be fascinating to follow as the draft approaches.

With the draft underway, players like Asa Newell and Jeremiah Fears are also rising in the ranks. Newell’s ability to convert effectively from distance and in the paint makes him a versatile option for teams needing scoring reinforcement. Fears’ impressive college run and ability to generate plays further positions him as an ideal candidate for teams looking to add young, capable guards.

As various teams strategize their picks based on player potential and fit, the upcoming draft is set to redefine the landscape of the league, with significant implications for franchises looking to build for the future.