Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey, Tre Johnson and VJ Edgecombe — in some order for some, in that exact order for me — represent the (mostly-static) top-five prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft. But the landscape beyond the top five is far from settled in this class as the 2025 NBA Draft Combine kicks off this week in Chicago (May 11-18), setting up what should be a big week to help the dust settle and shake out for decision-makers. The lottery is May 12.
Those top five have little, or nothing, to prove to NBA teams regardless of how the lottery balls fall this week. But the Combine offers a big chance for plenty — and plenty will need to seize the opportunity.
Of the 75 invited participants, I’ve picked out five who I feel could benefit from big weeks and have something to prove. Each of the five are ranked in the top-50 of the CBS Sports Prospect Rankings.
Viewed as the best passer in the class but also seen to have plenty of flaws — namely his shooting and how that projects long-term — which makes this week especially important. Demin’s slipped from a surefire top-five pick early in the season to a range somewhere between 10-20 but he could help himself this week by showing off the other areas of his game beyond his passing.
Oh, and showcasing the passing might not hurt, either.
NBA teams have grown to like and maybe love Bryant’s tangibles: He’s 6-foot-8 with a big frame and broad shoulders. On top of that he shoots a clean ball. He was a role player with Arizona this past season as…
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