As we dive into the early stages of the 2025 NBA Draft discussions, the landscape is already shaping up to be intriguing. Cooper Flagg, the young phenom from Duke, continues to hold onto the coveted number one spot in many mock drafts, including the recently released Mock Draft 2.0 by NBA Big Board’s Raphael Barlow.
Flagg’s position at the top might surprise some casual fans who haven’t seen him dominate college basketball in the way they expected. However, his youth (he’s barely eligible for this draft), athleticism, and defensive prowess keep him in the conversation. Barlow describes Flagg as “the best high school defender I’ve seen that I’ve ever scouted,” highlighting his impact on the defensive end.
But the real story might be the surge of Dylan Harper. The Rutgers guard has been turning heads with his impressive play, averaging about 23 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. Harper’s ability to get downhill and finish at the rim (~70% shooting) has scouts buzzing. His playing style draws comparisons to Cade Cunningham and Luka Dončić, with a strong 6'6", 215-pound frame that allows him to overpower defenders.
Harper’s rise isn’t just about his physical tools. His poise and pace on the court have been particularly noteworthy. Coming from an NBA family (his father is Ron Harper), Dylan seems to have inherited a calm demeanor that makes the game look easy for him.
While Harper climbs the ranks, other prospects are seeing their stock fluctuate. Ace Bailey, once in the conversation for the top pick, has slipped slightly due to concerns about his handle and decision-making. VJ Edgecombe and Nolan Traore have also seen their draft positions adjust as the college and international seasons progress.
As we look ahead to the 2024 draft, it’s clear that there’s still plenty of time for prospects to rise and fall. The coming months will be crucial for these young players to solidify their positions and make their case for NBA stardom.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the 2025 NBA Draft prospects, tune into the Locked On Blazers podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Blazers Podcast:
• Rafael Barlow of NBA Big Board joins the show
• Analysis of Tre Johnson’s scoring ability and NBA potential
• Discussion on Noah Essengue’s performance against the Blazers and his draft stock
