2025 NBA draft superlatives: Best at shooting, defense, more - ESPN
NBA front offices have canvassed the globe for the past year in preparation for the 2025 draft, scouting prospects and narrowing down their boards. Now, it's decision-making mode.
Scouting reports are filled with details and descriptors to distinguish prospects. Evaluation encompasses myriad factors, of course — but which prospects have earned superlatives? Who comes to mind as the best playmakers, shooters and defenders in this class?
Now that the draft is less than two weeks away — Round 1 begins June 25 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN — analyst Jeremy Woo matched 20 prospects with the traits that make them special, as a way to understand how this class stacks up and how the top players could reach their long-term potential.
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Top 100 ranking: No. 7
Fears obliterated expectations at Oklahoma thanks in large part to his exceptional handle and his ability to get all over the floor with a live dribble, keeping defenders off-balance. He applies relentless pressure on the paint without being the biggest or strongest guard, using his change of pace, jittery style and instincts to get downhill.
Fears is smooth and decisive with the ball in his hands and doesn't waste as many dribbles as expected for a guard his age — he's more function than flash in how he creates space. It's extremely impressive stuff from an 18-year-old who reclassified to start college a year early. As the threat of his jump shot progresses and his decision-making improves, Fears should become an even more dangerous cover.
Top 100 ranking: No. 2
Harper's size, power, pace, finishing craft and vision