Top 2025 NBA Draft Prospects – Scouting, Team Fits, and Sports Card Outlook

Introduction

The 2025 NBA Draft class features a mix of hyped one-and-done freshmen, international talents, and seasoned college veterans. While the consensus is that this class may be thinner at the top than recent years, it does boast a clear-cut #1 prospect. Additionally, several intriguing players appear poised to go in the first round. Notably, this draft is unfolding in the NIL era. Meaning many of these prospects already have official sports cards on the market before ever playing an NBA game. Thanks to new NCAA Name-Image-Likeness rules, card companies like Topps (Fanatics) and Leaf have produced collegiate cards and autograph deals for current college. And even high school players. Accordingly, this has created a vibrant pre-NBA card market. Whereby collectors and investors are speculating on future stars via Bowman University Chrome, Topps Now/Bowman U Now, Leaf Metal and other NIL-focused products.

In this comprehensive preview, we’ll break down the top 2025 NBA Draft prospects – both projected first-rounders and notable second-round names. For each prospect, we cover their background and college/international performance, a scouting profile. We also analyze their projected draft position and team fit (with a note on team needs). We also delve into an analysis of the sports card market demand for that player and discuss card market trends. Including which players are hot among collectors, and offer an investor sentiment – whether the player’s cards are a Buy, Hold, or Sell for short-term flips (like draft night spikes) versus long-term holds (based on their NBA upside).

Let’s dive into the class of 2025, starting with the headliner everyone’s chasing.

The NIL-Era Card Boom for 2025 NBA Draft Prospects

Before detailing the players, it’s important to understand how the card landscape has changed for prospects. In previous years, players typically didn’t have mainstream cards until after the draft. Now, however, official licensed cards featuring college stars are widely available. 2024-25 Bowman Chrome University Basketball – released in April 2025 – included many of this draft’s top names in their college uniforms. Offering emblazoned “1st Bowman” prospect cards and autographs for them. For example, Cooper Flagg’s Duke cards (his first pack-pulled autographs) have been huge chases. His one-of-one Superfractor auto was pulled in a hobby shop just a week after release. Similarly, Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey, Derik Queen and others appear in that Bowman Chrome set. And collectors have been eagerly ripping packs hoping to land these future lottery picks.

In addition to Topps/Fanatics products, companies like Leaf have produced unlicensed (no school logos) but autographed cards of high school and college phenoms. For instance, Dylan Harper’s 2023 Leaf NextGen autograph (limited to 272) graded PSA 10 sold for about $175 in May. A fraction of his licensed cards. Hence, showing that even unlicensed cards carry value if the player is coveted. Meanwhile, Topps has created on-demand cards such as Bowman U NOW and Topps Now NIL for big moments. Harper’s Bowman U Now on-card auto (Purple /25) fetched $999 in a PSA 10 slab. And even his Topps Chrome McDonald’s All-American auto /5 hit $710, reflecting massive demand. Even Panini – in its last year of collegiate licensing – included some 2025 prospects in 2023 Prizm Draft Picks; for example, a Tre Johnson 1/1 Black Prizm auto sold for $3,250 on eBay in late 2024.

All of this means that by draft night, many top prospects already have an established card market. Collectors are weighing factors like college performance, draft stock, and hobby hype to determine which prospect’s cards to chase or cash in on. With that context set, let’s explore the players themselves and their outlook – both on the court and in the hobby.

2025 NBA Draft Projected Lottery Prospects (Picks 1–14)

These are the marquee names of the 2025 class, expected to be selected in the lottery. They carry the highest expectations and, correspondingly, the greatest interest from sports card investors.

Cooper Flagg – SF/PF, Duke (Proj. No. 1 Pick)

Background & Profile: A 6’8” forward with a do-it-all game, Cooper Flagg is widely considered a generational talent in this class. After reclassifying and starring as a Duke freshman, Flagg solidified himself as the consensus #1 prospect, showing elite two-way skills. Scouts have called Flagg “objectively one of the four best prospects of the past 15 years”. He’s an intense competitor with a relentless motor, advanced feel, and impact on both ends. Offensively, Flagg can score at all three levels and make plays for teammates; defensively, he’s been dominant – one NBA scout raved that “his defense is generational…he reads plays before they happen”. He’s not quite the unicorn that Wembanyama was last year, but Flagg’s all-around game and basketball IQ make him arguably the best wing prospect in a decade.

Draft Projection & Fit: The Dallas Mavericks won the lottery and are locked in on Flagg at No. 1. Dallas brass has been “all in” on Flagg, seeing him as a franchise cornerstone next to Luka Dončić. Head coach Jason Kidd even hinted at creative ways to use Flagg (such as at shooting guard in big lineups) given his versatility. The Mavericks desperately need a two-way forward. And Flagg’s ability to impact winning immediately is a perfect fit – if he’s not helping Luka and company win games within two years, “something went terribly wrong,” as one analyst put it. Expect Flagg to step into a major role from day one. Filling Dallas’s need for a secondary star who can defend multiple positions and take offensive pressure off Luka.

Card Market Demand: Hobby excitement for Flagg is off the charts. As the projected top pick and a potential Hall-of-Fame caliber talent, Flagg’s cards are already among the most coveted in the hobby. His 2024 Topps Chrome McDonald’s All-American Superfractor auto 1/1 made headlines by selling for $84,500 at auction! A record for a Flagg card. Since March Madness, at least six of his cards have sold for over five figures each. And that was before any NBA announcement. Now with his 1st Bowman Chrome Duke cards out, collectors are chasing everything Flagg. From base refractors to the Holy Grail 1/1 Superfractor auto that Topps confirmed was pulled in early April. The combination of Duke popularity and generational hype means Flagg’s cards are extremely expensive. Hence, likely to spike again on draft night. Investor Sentiment: HOLD – Prices are sky-high (many collectors have already “bought in”). So short-term flipping is risky unless you pull something ultra-rare. That said, Flagg’s long-term upside is so great that if you do own a top-tier Flagg card, holding for his NBA career could pay off handsomely. He’s seen as a player with multiple championship and All-Star potential, so there’s faith he can justify even stratospheric prices long-term.

Dylan Harper – PG/CG, Rutgers (Proj. Top 3 Pick)

Background & Profile: Dylan Harper – a 6’5” combo guard from Rutgers – is the son of former NBA player Ron Harper, and he brings a pro-ready polish to the game. As a freshman, Harper averaged 19.4 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 4.0 APG, flashing an advanced feel as a lead guard. He’s a primary playmaker with great vision, ball-handling, and poise. Scouts laud Harper’s size and pick-and-roll instincts, comparing him to a “Cade-lite” (evoking Cade Cunningham) because of his ability to control the game. His shooting is decent (33% from three) but could improve. Defensively he’s solid, and his pedigree and work ethic suggest he’ll maximize his tools. Harper’s ceiling projects as an All-Star lead guard who can score and facilitate; he has “12-plus-year NBA career” written all over him.

Draft Projection & Fit: Harper is expected to go either #2 or #3 overall. Most mocks slot him at #2 to the San Antonio Spurs, forming a young core with Victor Wembanyama. In fact, it would stun observers if the Spurs don’t take Harper. He’s seen as an ideal fit in San Antonio’s system. Even though the Spurs have young guards (Stephon Castle, De’Aaron Fox in this scenario), Harper’s blend of vision and size would allow him to learn in a complementary role. Then eventually take the reins. If, however, San Antonio passes, the Philadelphia 76ers (picking 3rd) would likely pounce. As reports suggest Philly has explored trading up to ensure they get Harper. Either way, Harper should land on a team that craves a lead guard. In San Antonio, he’d be the primary ballhandler setting up Wemby; in Philadelphia, he could be groomed as an heir to James Harden or as a new focal point. Team needs: Spurs need a playmaking guard to pair with their frontcourt star. And Harper’s unselfish style fits the Spurs’ tradition. Philly (if they got him) would need a young star to rebuild around, and Harper’s maturity and NBA bloodlines make him a safe bet.

Card Market Demand: Harper has quickly become a hobby darling. Despite playing at Rutgers (not a traditional powerhouse), he gained national attention, and card collectors have treated him as the co-star of this class alongside Flagg. Harper’s autographed cards have been selling for top dollar, sometimes even outpacing established NBA players’ cards. For example, a Bowman U Now purple auto /25 (PSA 10) sold for around $1,000 in April, and a Topps Chrome McDonald’s All-American Red /5 auto (PSA 10) went for $710. These are huge prices for pre-NBA cards, indicating collectors are “banking on his upside” as one writer noted. Harper also had Leaf autographs and other cards that, while cheaper (his Leaf NextGen auto was ~$175 PSA 10), show a clear trend: there is strong investor interest in Harper. If he indeed becomes Wemby’s point guard in San Antonio, expect a draft-night hobby frenzy! Spurs fans and prospectors alike will want his cards. Investor Sentiment: BUY/HOLD – Harper’s cards have risen but still trail Flagg’s in value. As a result, there may be room for further growth. Short-term, a Spurs selection could bump his market (imagine the hype of “Wembanyama’s new running mate”), making a flip profitable. Long-term, Harper has legit star potential (All-Star upside noted by scouts). Hence, holding his rarer cards could yield strong returns if he becomes an elite point guard. He’s one of the safer picks in this class with a high floor. Accordingly, many are treating his cards as blue-chip investments.

Ace Bailey – SF, Rutgers (Proj. Top 5 Pick)

Background & Profile: Ace Bailey is a 6’8” freshman forward, a former five-star recruit who, like Harper, chose Rutgers and made history by helping lead them to the NCAA tournament. Bailey is an athletic, scoring-oriented wing. He averaged a solid 17.6 PPG and 7.2 RPG, showcasing three-level scoring ability. When Ace gets hot, “it can be lava-like” – he’s capable of taking over games with streaky shooting and explosive drives. He’s a great leaper and aggressive attacking the rim. However, Bailey also had inconsistency and a tendency to drift; he’s not a natural playmaker (only 1.3 APG) and can coast on defense at times. Scouts view him as a high-ceiling, low-floor prospect. His raw talent could make him the best player in this class if developed, but there’s bust potential if he doesn’t round out his game. Think of him as a potential high-scoring wing in the Andrew Wiggins/Zach LaVine mold – elite tools, needs the right situation to flourish.

Draft Projection & Fit: Bailey is frequently projected at #3 overall, and one likely landing spot is the Philadelphia 76ers. If Philly holds the third pick, they may choose between Bailey and a couple of other top options, but Bailey’s upside as a dynamic scorer could sway them. The 76ers could use an infusion of young talent on the wing, especially with an aging roster or if they’re planning for a post-Embiid future. Bailey would potentially fill the void of a go-to scoring forward, something Philly “doesn’t really have on the roster” currently. Another team that could consider Bailey is any in the top 5 seeking offensive upside – for instance, if a team like Charlotte or Utah picking a bit later wanted a swing-for-the-fences scorer, Bailey fits. Team needs: Philadelphia’s need would be highest-upside talent – Bailey provides that, as his “natural scoring and shooting ability stands out”. They’d bank on his development, hoping he becomes a primary scorer on the wing. There’s risk (as noted, he takes plays off and isn’t a passer), but at pick 3 or 4, that risk is often worth it for a potential star.

Card Market Demand: Ace Bailey’s card market has been a notch below Flagg/Harper, but still quite significant given his projected high draft slot. He appears in Bowman Chrome University (in fact, card #1 in the autograph checklist is Ace Bailey, indicating Topps anticipated demand). Early sales of his 1st Bowman autographs have been in the modest range – for example, some of his Bowman Chrome autos have sold in the $30–$50 range raw (ungraded) on secondary markets. That’s solid but shows that the hobby views him as a tier below the top two. Bailey also has some Leaf cards (e.g. Leaf produced “BallisLife” autos of him), which have traded around the $50–$70 mark on the secondary market. There’s definite interest – he’s a name prospect – but collectors may be a bit cautious due to his inconsistency. A lot will depend on his NBA landing spot. If he ends up in a market like Philly, his hobby profile could rise (big fan base, big stage). A strong Summer League showing could also drive short-term demand, as people would start to see him as a potential star. Investor Sentiment: SELL (Flip) – Bailey is the type of player whose hype might peak on draft night. Short-term flippers could benefit if there’s a spike when he’s picked in the top 3. Long-term, he’s more boom-or-bust; if he only becomes a streaky scorer or struggles with efficiency, his cards might stagnate. Given that his cards are not extremely expensive right now, one strategy is to flip any rare Bailey cards during the draft/media buzz and then perhaps buy back later if you believe in his development. Unless you’re confident he’ll reach that high ceiling, the safer play is to capitalize on the early hype and revisit once he’s had time in the NBA.

Tre Johnson – SG, Texas (Proj. Top 5 Pick)

Background & Profile: Tre Johnson is a sharpshooting 6’5” guard who was the top recruit in his class and played his freshman season at Texas. He averaged ~20 PPG for the Longhorns, immediately showing his scoring prowess. Johnson is one of the best pure shooters and scorers in the draft – he hit nearly 40% from three and has a polished offensive game for a teenager. His work ethic is described as “maniacal,” driving him to constantly improve. In fact, Texas coaches and scouts have likened his dedication to that of a young Kevin Durant – he’s hailed as “the second-best freshman to come out of Texas, the other being Kevin Durant”. That’s high praise, and while Tre isn’t built like KD, he’s a lethal perimeter scorer who can create off the dribble and pull up from deep. He’s also reliable at the foul line and competitive on the floor. There are some knocks – he’s not an elite defender or playmaker – but as a bucket-getter, he’s as advanced as anyone in this class.

Draft Projection & Fit: Johnson is projected in the #4–#6 range. One mock has him at #4 to the Charlotte Hornets, which makes a lot of sense. Charlotte, perpetually rebuilding, could use a dynamic scorer next to LaMelo Ball. Brandon Miller (last year’s pick) is more of a wing, while Tre Johnson could slot in as a two-guard who stretches the floor and provides consistent scoring. The Hornets haven’t had a truly elite shooter in years – Johnson could be that, and his competitive fire would be welcomed on a young team. If not Charlotte, other teams in that range like Utah (picking 5) or Washington (6) would be logical fits – both need scoring guards. In any case, it’s widely agreed that Johnson shouldn’t fall far: “If he falls below No. 5, it would be indefensible,” one analyst quipped. Team needs: Charlotte’s need is scoring and shooting – Johnson addresses that and could easily become a 15-20 PPG scorer by the end of his rookie deal. Utah or Washington would similarly value his shooting to boost their offense. He’s a plug-and-play guy who can space the floor, which is coveted in today’s NBA.

Card Market Demand: Among prospectors, Tre Johnson has a strong following. He had some cards released even before the Bowman NIL products – notably, Panini included him in Prizm Draft Picks as a “Rated Prospect,” and as mentioned earlier, his 1/1 Prizm auto fetched over $3K. That sale indicates serious belief in his future among high-end collectors. In the Bowman Chrome U set, Tre’s inclusion was slightly complicated – Texas was among schools that eventually joined Topps’s licensing, but early on there was talk of some prospects being exclusive to Panini. Still, by draft time, Tre’s cards are out there and desirable. His Topps McDonald’s All-American cards exist (though they might have been limited – some checklists missed him if Panini had rights), and any Bowman University autos that surface will be hot. Overall, Tre is seen as a relatively safe bet to be a good NBA scorer, so his card prices have been healthy, if not as crazy as Flagg/Harper. Investor Sentiment: BUY – Johnson might actually be a bit undervalued in the card market relative to how solid a prospect he is. Because he’s not quite as “flashy” as Flagg or as hyped as Harper, his cards haven’t skyrocketed to the same degree. That presents an opportunity. Short-term, when he gets drafted (especially if to a team like Charlotte where he could shine early), we could see a bump. Long-term, if Tre becomes a 20+ PPG scorer and one of the best shooters in his class, today’s prices will look cheap. He has a high floor (thanks to his shooting, he’ll have an NBA role no matter what), which makes holding his cards lower risk. For those reasons, Tre Johnson is a Buy, with both flip potential (if he has a great rookie season or big games) and solid hold value as a likely NBA starter or better.

VJ Edgecombe – SG, Baylor (Proj. Top 5–10 Pick)

Background & Profile: Victor “VJ” Edgecombe is a 6’4” shooting guard who took a less-traditional path: he’s originally from the Bahamas and played high school ball in New York, then had a somewhat under-the-radar freshman year at Baylor. His stats at Baylor (15.0 PPG, 5.6 RPG) were good but not explosive; however, that belies his talent. Edgecombe is an outstanding guard prospect with top-tier athletic ability and an “unending hunt to score in a variety of ways”. He can slash to the rim aggressively, pull up for jumpers, and finish in transition. At times he was a one-man offense in high school. Baylor’s down season kept him out of mainstream headlines, so casual fans might not know him well. At ~6’4” and 193 lbs, he’s slightly undersized for an NBA 2-guard, but he compensates with toughness and defensive tenacity. Coaches love his pitbull mentality – “he can play up to guys two or three inches taller” and isn’t afraid to mix it up physically. Edgecombe also brings a blend of finesse and grit rarely seen; he can make a finesse euro-step on one play and dive on the floor for a loose ball on the next. The big question is consistency and outside shooting (34% 3PT). If his jumper improves, he could be an excellent two-way NBA guard.

Draft Projection & Fit: Edgecombe is projected anywhere from the top 5 to late lottery. In some mocks he’s as high as #5 – for instance, to the Utah Jazz at pick 5. Utah would covet his athleticism on the wing, as they look to add explosive scoring to their young core. Another possibility is slightly lower, e.g. Washington at #6 if he slips – Washington could use a dynamic guard to pair with last year’s pick (they took a guard in 2024 too, but Edgecombe’s upside might entice them). Teams like Orlando or Memphis could also look at him if he fell toward the end of the lottery, but it seems likely he’ll be off the board by then given his upside. Team needs: Utah’s need is a go-to perimeter scorer; Edgecombe could potentially fill that role and bring defensive toughness. He’d inject energy into a rebuilding Jazz roster. If it were Washington, they simply need talent everywhere – Edgecombe’s competitiveness would set a tone. Essentially, any team picking 5–10 that wants an aggressive scoring guard will give Edgecombe a hard look, especially after seeing recent successes of similarly sized scoring guards in the league.

Card Market Demand: Because Edgecombe wasn’t a household name during the college season (Baylor wasn’t in the spotlight), his card market has been a bit quieter. However, prospecting die-hards know who he is. He was apparently a Panini exclusive for some products (as hinted by some card forums noting he didn’t appear in a Topps set because of Panini rights). This suggests Panini might have an autograph deal – indeed, he could be in Prizm Draft or Leaf. There isn’t as much public sales data on his cards, implying that if you believe in him, now is a good time to acquire before hype catches up. With the draft approaching, some savvy collectors have likely started to target his Bowman Chrome college autos (if available) or Panini draft inserts. Investor Sentiment: HOLD/Speculative – Edgecombe is a bit of a wild card in terms of card value. If he’s picked top 5, suddenly everyone will scramble for his cards, spiking prices – at which point a short-term flip could be lucrative. On the other hand, if he goes more towards pick 10 and doesn’t have immediate buzz, one might hold and wait for a breakout (perhaps during his rookie year). Given his relative obscurity, he’s more of a speculative hold. If you have his autos now (likely acquired cheaply), it might be worth holding through Summer League to see if he flashes star potential – that could double or triple his card prices quickly. Conversely, if you pull a rare Edgecombe on draft night frenzy, you could also sell into that hype. He’s not a sure thing like the top names, but his upside is intriguing enough that many collectors will hold and watch how he develops rather than dump quickly.

Other Lottery Names to Know

Beyond the top 5, the lottery will feature several more prospects worth noting, both for their NBA potential and hobby outlook:

Kon Knueppel – SF, Duke (Proj. mid-lottery): A 6’5” wing from Duke, Knueppel is a coach’s dream type of player. He’s a knockdown shooter (40.6% from 3) with a sturdy frame and high IQ. He does all the little things – great footwork, moves without the ball, and even hustles on defense to force extra possessions. Knueppel was a secondary star at Duke (behind Flagg) but proved himself “outstanding in a team concept” and even capable of guarding multiple positions. NBA scouts see him as one of the safest picks in the draft – his floor is a reliable role player who spaces the floor, and his ceiling could be more if his all-around game continues to blossom. Fit & Team: In the mock, he’s slotted #6 to Washington, which fits – the Wizards need shooting and “will not fail” type prospects. Any team needing a plug-and-play shooter in the 6–10 range (like Orlando or Indiana) could also grab him. Card Outlook: Knueppel’s cards might not be as flashy, but serious collectors love sharp shooters from Duke – think of how Grayson Allen or JJ Redick had niche followings. He is included in Bowman Chrome U and his autos will likely be popular with Duke fans. Not a ton of sales data yet, so he’s a bit under the radar. Investor Sentiment: HOLD – Kon might not see a huge draft-night spike (low-key personality, not a human highlight reel), but long-term he’s almost certain to carve out an NBA career. If you have his card, it’s worth holding to see if he becomes a Klay Thompson-lite down the road, which would drive significant interest.
Khaman Maluach – C, Duke (Proj. late lottery): A truly intriguing story, Maluach is a 7’1” freshman from South Sudan who only started playing basketball a few years ago. At Duke, he was a defensive anchor, averaging 2+ blocks and guarding 1 through 5 at times. Scouts rave that he could be the best defensive player in this class – he “flipped the floor” for Duke with his shot-blocking and agility. Offensively, he’s raw (8.6 PPG, mostly on lobs and put-backs), but he has shown flashes of a jumper. Fit & Team: Often projected around #8–#10. The mock has him #8 to Brooklyn Nets, which desperately needs a defensive big man. Brooklyn would “immediately dial in the pick” if he’s there. He could also attract teams like Dallas (if they trade down for multiple picks) or others valuing defense. Card Outlook: Big men typically get less hobby love, unless they have extraordinary hype (e.g., Wemby). Maluach is more unknown, so his card market is quiet. He is in the Bowman set (Duke licensing), but his cards are sleepers. If he becomes a defensive force like Rudy Gobert or Dikembe Mutombo, he could get hobby respect later. Investor Sentiment: SELL (short-term) – If Maluach gets lottery buzz, you might flip his card to those chasing the next big rim protector. Long-term holds on pure defense centers usually aren’t great in the hobby (defensive prowess doesn’t drive card values). So unless he also develops into a scorer, his ceiling in the card market is limited. Good player, just not a hobby cornerstone, so sell into any initial hype.
Jeremiah Fears – PG, Oklahoma (Proj. late lottery): Fears is a 6’3” point guard, a quick and crafty floor general. He put up 17.1 PPG and 4.1 APG for Oklahoma. He’s a bit polarizing: very skilled offensively with natural scoring instincts, but at times “defense is non-existent” and he’s on the smaller side. Some scouts absolutely love him (hence lottery consideration), others worry about his size and defense (hence he could fall). Fit & Team: The Toronto Raptors at #9 are one spot he’s been linked to. Toronto lost Fred VanVleet and could use a lead guard. They’d be betting Fears can overcome his shortcomings and run an offense. If not Toronto, he could slide to later in the first. Card Outlook: Not a ton of pre-draft hobby buzz around Fears compared to others, perhaps due to Oklahoma not having a deep tourney run. He might have some Leaf cards (his older brother Jeremy Fears Jr. was a prospect too, so name is known in some circles). If he sneaks into the top 10, his cards could see a bump. Investor Sentiment: SELL/HOLD – If you pulled a nice Fears card, monitor the draft. A lottery selection might be a good moment to sell, given the uncertainty around his NBA fit. If he drops to late first or second round, holding might be better since you’d be selling low otherwise. His long-term value will depend on proving he’s more boom than bust.
Carter Bryant – SF, Arizona (Proj. late lottery): Bryant is a 6’7” forward who had modest freshman stats (6.5 PPG) in a limited role at Arizona. Why is he a projected lottery pick then? He has an excellent physical profile and high school pedigree – essentially a classic case of tools and talent not reflected in college numbers. He’s known for being dedicated behind the scenes, and teams see a lot of untapped potential. Fit & Team: The mock draft has him #10 to Houston Rockets. Houston can afford to take a swing on a raw talent since they have a young core developing. Bryant’s athleticism and size could complement their guards if he develops into a reliable wing. Card Outlook: Because he came off the bench in college, Bryant’s name hasn’t been hot in the hobby. That could change if he’s a lottery pick – collectors will scramble to learn about him. He is in the Bowman set (Arizona is a licensed school for Topps), so his first cards exist. Investor Sentiment: HOLD/BUY (speculative) – Bryant is a project, so his cards might not spike huge immediately. This could be a good entry point if you believe in his upside. He might be the type whose value grows in Year 2 or 3 if he blossoms late. Therefore, initial holders might want to sit tight rather than sell at low values.
Derik Queen – C, Maryland (Proj. lottery to mid-1st): Queen is a 6’9” big man who was a star freshman at Maryland, averaging 16.5 points and 9 rebounds. He’s highly skilled for a center – great passer, soft shooting touch, high IQ. His stock rose after he hit a buzzer-beater in the NCAA Tournament and showcased an all-around game. Fit & Team: Mocked at #11 to Portland. Portland, entering a rebuild, would love Queen’s inside-out skill set, potentially pairing him with last year’s rookie Scoot Henderson. He could also appeal to teams like New Orleans or Sacramento in that mid-first range. Card Outlook: Queen has been on the hobby radar since high school (Montverde Academy alum). He’s featured in Bowman Chrome U (named in the chase list), so collectors are aware of him. As a somewhat undersized center without high-flying athleticism, his hobby appeal will depend on production. However, his playstyle is reminiscent of skilled bigs like Domantas Sabonis, who eventually gained hobby respect by putting up big numbers. Investor Sentiment: BUY/HOLD – Queen’s combination of skill and feel for the game makes him one of the “safer” bigs to invest in. He might not be flashy, but if he becomes a nightly double-double with playmaking (think 18-10-4 type stat lines), collectors will take notice. Short-term, he may not be the headliner on draft night, but long-term he could be a rock-solid hold. If his cards are cheap now relative to other lottery guys, it could be a buying opportunity.
Other Lottery-Caliber Players: Egor Demin – a towering 6’8” point guard from BYU, known for his passing vision (5.5 APG); Asa Newell – 6’9” freshman at Georgia with All-Defense upside but still raw offensively; Collin Murray-Boyles – a 6’7” sophomore PF from South Carolina who isn’t athletic but is physically strong and smart. Each of these guys could creep into the late lottery or just beyond. Card-wise, none are huge hobby names yet, though Demin’s unique size/position combo and international background (Russian-born) make him intriguing. Asa Newell had hype from high school (Montverde alum), so his Bowman autos might get attention, especially being picked by a team like the Spurs in the mid-first. Murray-Boyles is more of a grit player – likely limited hobby appeal unless he overachieves in the NBA. Investor Sentiment for these: Generally Hold. They aren’t commanding high prices now, so no rush to sell, but also not sure things to buy heavily. Watch list them and see how their roles develop.

Late First-Round and Second-Round 2025 NBA Draft Prospects to Watch

While the lottery players get most of the buzz, the back end of the first round and the second round (picks 15–60) often produce some hidden gems. In 2025, there’s a feeling that the talent level flattens out after the top 10-15. Meaning picks in the 20s could turn out as good as those in the teens. However, with NIL allowing many borderline prospects to stay in school longer, the second round pool is a bit older and thinner than usual. Hence, expect a run on experienced college players who project as role players. Here are a few names in the late-first/second-round range worth noting:

Danny Wolf – PF/C, Michigan (Proj. mid-1st, ~15): A 6’11” junior who transferred from Yale to Michigan and had a breakout year. Wolf is a unique skill big: he’s a dazzling passer for a near-7-footer and a capable 3-point shooter (33.6%). He nearly averaged a double-double (13.2 PPG, 9.7 RPG) and facilitated offense from the high post. Teams like Oklahoma City (#15 in mock) love these versatile bigs. Card angle: Wolf’s age (junior) and lack of monster athleticism mean he’s under the radar, but if he lands with a team like OKC and thrives, he could become a Draymond Green-like hobby favorite (a guy whose impact is bigger than the stats). For now, he’s a deep sleeper in cards – perhaps only Michigan fans are chasing him. Sentiment: HOLD – If you snagged an auto from a college set, wait to see if he becomes a rotation player. Unlikely to spike on draft night, but long-term could be a sneaky good hold.
Jase Richardson – G, Michigan State (Proj. mid-1st, ~17-20): Jase is the son of former NBA dunk champion Jason Richardson. Unlike his high-flying dad, Jase is a 6’1” guard known for shooting (41% 3PT) and savvy play. As a freshman at MSU he was solid (12 PPG) and showed leadership beyond his years. He’s a bit undersized but has that NBA bloodline and a smooth lefty jumper. Minnesota at #17 is a fit in the mock, and they value pedigree. Card outlook: The Richardson name might attract some collectors. He likely has a few NIL autos (perhaps in Leaf sets). If he goes in the teens, you’ll see some buzz among older fans who remember his dad. Sentiment: HOLD/BUY – Could be worth picking up a cheap auto if available, as he has a decent chance to carve out an NBA role (high floor player). Short-term flipping probably won’t yield much unless he has a signature moment (maybe if he inherits dad’s dunking genes in the Slam Dunk contest someday!).
Cedric “CJ” Coward – SG, Washington State (Proj. late 1st, ~18-25): Perhaps the most unusual path of the class, Coward started in Division III, transferred to Eastern Washington, then to WSU – only to have his season cut to 6 games by injury. Yet in those games (and prior levels) he was extremely productive (nearly 18-7-4 at WSU in that brief stint). At 6’5”, he has an NBA frame and is described as “super-smart” with an “excellent frame”. He’s a mystery box with huge rise in stock this spring – some compare his out-of-nowhere rise to Jalen Williams (who became an NBA All-Rookie First Team). In fact, optimists say Coward’s high-end outcome is NBA All-Star. Fit & Team: The mock had him #18 to Washington. The Wizards (via a trade scenario) would be swinging on upside here. It’s equally possible a playoff team in the 20s takes him as a high-upside gamble. Card outlook: Absolutely under the radar – a classic example of someone whose cards might not exist in major sets yet (WSU isn’t a Topps-partner school to my knowledge, and he wasn’t on preseason radars for card products). If he’s drafted in the first, card companies will rush to get him into NBA rookie sets. Sentiment: BUY (Deep Sleeper) – If you happen to find any card or autograph of Coward (maybe Leaf included him late), it could be worth speculating. He’s the kind of player whose value could multiply if he dazzles in Summer League. It’s a high-risk, high-reward play – he could also flame out if the small sample was misleading. But the Jalen Williams comparison will certainly have some prospectors interested.
Liam McNeeley – SF, Connecticut (Proj. late 1st, ~19-25): McNeeley is a skilled 6’7” forward, a former Montverde Academy standout. At UConn he had an up-and-down freshman year, partly due to a mid-season ankle injury. He averaged 14.5 PPG and is known for being fundamentally sound, with a good shooting stroke and high basketball IQ. He’s not an elite athlete, but he’s tough and has a “hoops DNA” that scouts love. Fit & Team: The Nets at #19 (from a Golden State pick) grabbed him in CBS’s mock, looking for a solid wing. He would fit a team that values smart role-players (Miami, San Antonio, Brooklyn all come to mind if they have mid/late first picks). Card outlook: McNeeley had some hype out of high school (Indiana fans were recruiting him heavily before he chose UConn). He likely appears in Bowman U. His cards might get more attention now that he’s turning pro; UConn fans are a loyal bunch too. Sentiment: HOLD – McNeeley projects as a “glue guy” in the NBA, which usually means modest card interest. But if he sticks in a rotation and hits timely threes, he could be one of those guys who has a cult following. Probably not a flippable asset on draft night, but a name to monitor long-term.
Nique Clifford – SF, Colorado State (Proj. late 1st/early 2nd): Clifford is a 6’5” senior wing who transferred from Colorado to CSU and flourished, nearly averaging a 19-10 double-double. He’s a strong, athletic player (his first name Nique is even reminiscent of Dominique Wilkins). Clifford isn’t elite at any one thing but is very well-rounded – an “undeniable physical presence” who does a bit of everything and competes defensively. His improvement each year in college suggests a good work ethic. Fit & Team: The Miami Heat were projected to snag him at #20, which is fitting – he’s exactly the kind of mature, versatile player the Heat love to find late. If not late first, he’ll be a priority early second-rounder for teams needing a ready-made role player. Card outlook: Being a senior from a mid-major, Clifford has virtually no pre-draft hobby presence. That said, if he ends up in Miami, watch out – a strong playoff performance or two (the way Heat rookies like Max Strus or Caleb Martin gained fame) and his cards, if any exist, could become sought after. Sentiment: SELL (if a spike) – Most likely, Clifford’s cards will remain niche. If he has a moment that causes a spike, it would be wise to sell into it, as his ceiling in the hobby is probably a solid role player (which usually doesn’t sustain high card values).
Early Second-Round Sleepers: A few additional names likely to go in the 20s or 30s: Ryan Kalkbrenner, a 7’1” senior center from Creighton who is an elite shot-blocker and was Big East DPOY (he went #26 in the mock). He’s a plug-and-play defensive backup center in the NBA; hobby interest in him will be mild (bigs need offensive excitement for cards). Drake Powell, a 6’5” wing from UNC (projected late first), is an elite athlete and defender but still raw offensively – if he had stayed another year he might’ve been lottery, but he declared. He’s one for long-term prospecting; if his offense catches up, he could be a steal. Maxime Raynaud, a 7’0” center from Stanford (projected #29), put up big stats (20&10) as a senior and could be NBA-ready as a backup big. And Thomas Sorber, a 6’9” freshman center from Georgetown (projected #25), had a very efficient season before a foot injury – he’s an undersized but skilled big who might slip to Round 2 due to that injury. These players highlight the trend: many second-round candidates are upperclassmen or centers – solid players who might carve out roles but lack the star upside that drives the card hobby. For collectors, these guys might be cheap pickups for team collection or long shots. Occasionally a second-rounder becomes a star (think Nikola Jokić or Draymond Green), but it’s rare – and this year’s crop doesn’t have obvious candidates for that, given the noted lack of upside in the second round pool.

NIL-Era Product Insights and Investment Trends

It’s worth circling back to the overall NIL-era card market now that we’ve assessed the players. The emergence of products like Bowman University Chrome, Bowman’s Best University, Leaf’s NIL sets, and Fanatics/Topps Now offerings has fundamentally changed how collectors approach prospect cards:

Early Access to “Rookie” Cards: Fans can get official cards of players years before their NBA rookie cards now. For example, Cooper Flagg’s first licensed autos (with Duke logos) arrived in 2025 Bowman U Chrome, a full season before he’ll have an NBA Prizm or Hoops rookie card. This has created a new category of “pre-rookie” cards that carry significant value – often labeled with the 1st Bowman logo, akin to baseball prospect cards. Many collectors treat these as true rookies, especially if they’re autographed. The market has embraced this; Flagg’s and Harper’s Bowman Chrome autos are selling in the hundreds or thousands of dollars now, indicating confidence that these will remain key collectibles even after NBA cards release.
Importance of Licensing and Branding: Not all NIL cards are equal. The hobby clearly prefers licensed college cards (with team logos) and recognizable brands. Topps/Fanatics made a splash by signing deals with over 150 schools and 200+ athletes, meaning Bowman U Chrome features official school uniforms for most big names. This has made those cards more attractive than, say, Leaf Metal cards where jerseys are airbrushed or generic. We saw this with Harper: his Topps Chrome and Bowman Now cards fetched far more than his Leaf auto, even though all were signed. Collectors also value continuity – Topps using the Bowman 1st designation, a concept familiar from baseball, gives these cards a pedigree. Panini’s attempt with Prizm Draft Picks got some attention (Tre Johnson’s $3k sale shows there’s interest), but Panini’s loss of NCAA licensing moving forward and lack of the “1st Bowman” cachet means Fanatics/Topps is poised to dominate this space.
NIL Autos and Print Runs: We’re seeing much larger print runs of prospect cards than in the past. For instance, Topps produced Bowman U NOW on-card autos with print runs in the dozens (the Harper purple was /25, presumably there were base versions too). Bowman Chrome boxes guarantee autos, meaning quite a few Flagg/Harper autos exist (plus parallels). This could cap some long-term values – e.g., a base refractor auto isn’t super rare. However, the flip side is that low-numbered parallels (gold /50, red /5, superfractors) become holy grails for prospectors, much like in baseball. We already saw Flagg’s 1/1 auto be chased and pulled immediately, and Topps even highlighted it on social media. This chase dynamic is now part of the college season – a big game by a prospect can cause his /50 auto to jump in value overnight.
Collector Sentiment – Short-term vs Long-term: There’s a split in the hobby between flippers who try to capitalize on peaks (like draft night or March Madness runs) and investors/collectors who stash cards for when the player becomes an NBA star. For example, a flipper might have sold a Cooper Flagg McDonald’s auto for $28k in March, thinking it peaked, only to see another Flagg sell for $84k a couple weeks later. Timing is tricky. Generally, we observe: draft night and the week after is a peak for many prospect cards, especially if they go to a popular team. Another peak often occurs if the player has a great NBA debut or early season performance. Then prices settle until they prove themselves in the league. Long-term holds are usually reserved for those believed to have superstar potential (Flagg, Harper) or those who show early signs of greatness in the NBA.
Team and Market Effects: Which NBA team a player goes to can affect card demand significantly. A prime example from this draft – if Harper ends up in San Antonio, he’ll get a hobby bump (Spurs have an international fanbase and Wemby effect) vs. if he had gone to a smaller market with less excitement. Collectors often pay premiums for players on storied franchises (Lakers, Celtics, Knicks) or with exciting young cores (Thunder, Spurs). In our class: Flagg to Dallas is intriguing because pairing with Luka is a big storyline; Bailey to Philly would mean lots of hobby eyes (big market, comparisons to past Sixers stars); whereas someone like Kon Knueppel to Washington might be more muted due to the Wizards’ lack of national following (until he proves himself). This means there could be buy-low windows for prospects who land in less glamorous spots – sometimes the best long-term holds are those who quietly develop out of the spotlight and then explode (think Giannis in Milwaukee back in 2013). Conversely, from an investing standpoint, if a mid-tier prospect gets drafted by, say, the Lakers in the second round, a short-term flip might yield outsized profit purely from Lakers collectors chasing the new guy.

In summary, the NIL era has brought prospect cards out of niche status into a mainstream, year-round market. Products like Bowman University Chrome and Topps Now have essentially created a “Draft Pick card season” that parallels the college basketball season and predraft process. Savvy collectors now scout players just like NBA teams do, trying to “invest early” in the next big thing. It adds a fun (if sometimes speculative) dimension to card collecting, but also requires careful strategy – knowing when to cash in on hype and when to hold for the long haul.

Top 20 Prospects – Draft & Card Investment Overview

Finally, to wrap up, here’s a comparison table of the top 20 prospects in the 2025 class, summarizing their projected draft range/team fit and our investment grade for their cards:

Prospect (Position, College)	Proj. Draft (Team Fit)	Investment Grade
Cooper Flagg (SF, Duke)	#1 overall – Dallas Mavericks (franchise cornerstone wing)	HOLD (Generational talent – high prices now, hold for long-term upside)
Dylan Harper (PG, Rutgers)	Top 2 – San Antonio Spurs (lead guard to pair with Wemby)	BUY/HOLD (Strong upside but still room to grow; good for both flip and long-term)
Ace Bailey (SF, Rutgers)	Top 3-5 – Philadelphia 76ers (athletic scoring wing)	SELL (Flip on draft hype; high ceiling but volatile – cash out early)
Tre Johnson (SG, Texas)	Top 5 – Charlotte/Utah (elite shooter/scorer for rebuilding team)	BUY (Polished scorer with high floor; undervalued relative to top tier)
VJ Edgecombe (SG, Baylor)	Top 5-10 – Utah/ORL (explosive combo guard, defensive toughness)	HOLD (Athletic upside, but wait-and-see; could spike later with strong play)
Kon Knueppel (SF, Duke)	Lottery – Washington (high-IQ shooter to plug in)	HOLD (Safe prospect – likely solid NBA role; not hype-driven, steady long-term)
Kasparas Jakučionis (PG, Illinois)	Mid-lottery – New Orleans (big 6’5” guard, playmaker/rebounder)	HOLD (Intriguing skill set, but needs to prove himself; monitor development)
Khaman Maluach (C, Duke)	Late lottery – Brooklyn (7’1” defensive anchor, raw offense)	SELL (Defense-first big – limited hobby appeal; sell into any initial hype)
Jeremiah Fears (PG, Oklahoma)	Late lottery – Toronto (crafty scorer, smaller guard)	SELL (If lottery pick, use that bump to sell; some bust risk due to size/defense)
Carter Bryant (SF, Arizona)	Late lotto – Houston (toolsy wing, low college stats)	HOLD (Project player – likely low initial value; hold to see if potential blooms)
Derik Queen (C, Maryland)	Lottery-mid 1st – Portland (skilled big, high IQ)	BUY (Well-rounded game, could produce early; good long-term hold for steady growth)
Noa Essengue (PF, France)	Mid 1st – Chicago (18-year-old int’l forward, raw but athletic)	SELL (International wildcard – flip if hype on draft; stash only if you strongly believe)
Egor Demin (PG, BYU)	Mid 1st – Atlanta (6’8” point guard, Sweet 16 run)	HOLD (Unique size for PG; intriguing but needs development – revisit after rookie year)
Asa Newell (PF, Georgia)	Mid 1st – San Antonio (athletic defender, project offensively)	HOLD (Great defensive upside; hobby uptick if offense improves, so wait on him)
Danny Wolf (PF/C, Michigan)	Mid 1st – OKC (skilled 7-footer, passer/shooter)	HOLD (Unique skillset, but low hype; hold and see if he becomes a versatile rotation piece)
Collin M. Boyles (PF, S. Carolina)	Mid/late 1st – Memphis (strong, savvy forward, limited range)	SELL (If drafted in 1st, take advantage – athletic limitations cap his hobby upside)
Jase Richardson (SG, MSU)	Late 1st – Minnesota (NBA pedigree shooter, needs PG skills)	BUY (Name recognition and solid game – worth a speculative buy, could be a fan favorite)
Cedric Coward (SG, WSU)	Late 1st – Washington (under-the-radar wing, big upside if healthy)	BUY (Sleeper with All-Star upside comp – cheap now, could explode with any success)
Liam McNeeley (SF, UConn)	Late 1st – Brooklyn (smart wing, jack-of-all-trades)	HOLD (Solid but unspectacular – unlikely to boom in value, but safe to hold as he finds role)
Nique Clifford (SF, CSU)	Late 1st – Miami (experienced, physical wing, multi-facet game)	SELL (Capitalize if Miami hype bump; likely an NBA role player which limits long-term value)

(Draft projections based on latest mock drafts and team needs; Investment Grade is our recommendation for card collecting/investing purposes.)

Sources: Connected analyses from CBS Sports’ 2025 Mock Draft, HoopsHype aggregate rankings, and Sports Illustrated hobby market reports have informed the evaluations above. These provide insight into both the on-court potential of each prospect and the current trends in their card values. As always in the hobby, things can change quickly – a great NCAA tournament run, a surprise team workout, or an NBA trade can shuffle perceptions. But with this deep dive, you’re equipped with a solid understanding of the top 2025 prospects and how the sports card community is reacting to them in this new NIL-driven landscape. Happy collecting, and enjoy the draft!

2025 NBA Draft Card Trends Now