NBA Draft Analysis: Notable Returns and Rising Stars

The withdrawal deadline for players to exit the NBA Draft and return to college has concluded. In addition to the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, the 2025 draft class has seen several notable players opt to return to their respective colleges. Tahaad Pettiford, Alex Condon, Karter Knox, and Yaxel Lendeborg are among those returning, while key prospects like Jamir Watkins, Yanic Konan Niederhauser, and Adou Thiero have decided to remain in the draft. With these decisions finalized, the NCAA class of potential draftees is now established, although international prospects have until June 15 to withdraw their names from consideration.
Cooper Flagg, a highly regarded prospect, continues to garner attention following his participation in the NBA Combine. Standing nearly 6'8" barefoot and weighing in at 221 pounds, Flagg’s athletic testing and shooting results met expectations. The Dallas Mavericks are currently strategizing how to integrate him into their roster, focusing on his potential contributions rather than conducting a broad evaluation of multiple prospects. The primary storyline surrounding the Mavericks is whether the Milwaukee Bucks will engage in trade discussions with Dallas regarding star player Giannis Antetokounmpo. Flagg is perceived to offer both immediate impact and long-term development potential, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Kyrie Irving's availability for the upcoming season.
At 6'5" and 213 pounds, Dylan Harper also made a strong impression at the combine, coming in with a wingspan of 6'10.5". His size, strength, and agility showcase his capabilities as a versatile ball-handler. The San Antonio Spurs are likely to view Harper as an appealing prospect at the No. 2 pick, despite questions about fit with existing players such as De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle. Harper’s ability to perform effectively as an off-ball player at Rutgers, coupled with a successful shooting percentage on spot-up shots, adds to his appeal. Meanwhile, discussions regarding potential trades involving the Spurs and the Bucks centered on the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo and the second overall pick continue to evolve.








