The 2025 NBA Draft small ahead class affords each elite expertise on the prime and spectacular depth all through, rivaling the capturing guard group as one of many strongest positional teams within the draft. Headlined by projected excessive lottery picks like Ace Bailey, Kon Knueppel, (pictured) and Egor Demin, this yr’s small ahead crop consists of a mixture of explosive athletes, elite shooters, and polished two means wings able to impacting the sport on each ends. As many as eight small forwards might hear their names known as within the first spherical, with a handful of skilled, battle-tested prospects within the second spherical combine who might stick due to versatility, and NBA-ready roles.
1. Ace Bailey
SF/PF Rutgers Fr.
Age: 19.4 | Peak (barefoot): 6′8.25″ | Wingspan: 7′0.5″ | Weight: 205.0 lbs
Standing Attain: 8′11.0″ | No-Step Vert: 30.5″ | Max Vert: 37.5″
2024–25 Stats: 15.6 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.0 BPG, 34.5% 3PT, 74.1% FT
Bailey is among the most bodily gifted and high-upside forwards within the 2025 draft. He’s a rangy, explosive athlete with elite measurement, coordination, and tantalizing flashes of shot-making and defensive versatility. At 6’9” with a 7’0.5” wingspan and dynamic vertical instruments, he shines in transition and flashes the power to stand up and end over defenders or stretch the ground with a assured capturing stroke. Defensively, he exhibits switchability and instinctual playmaking, utilizing his lengthy body and fast reactions to disrupt passing lanes and defend the rim on the weak facet. Whereas Bailey has the ceiling of a star, his really feel, consistency, and motor nonetheless come and go, and he stays extra reactive than proactive at instances, needing to develop extra assertive and engaged throughout 40-minute stretches. He’s usually thought-about one of the vital situationally dependent wings within the class—regardless of his appreciable upside, he would require a crew with endurance, a powerful tradition, and a high-level developmental workers to succeed in his ceiling, extra so than the common prospect. Including to the uncertainty, Bailey has taken a puzzling strategy to the pre-draft course of, opting to not work out for a number of prime 5 groups, which has sparked hypothesis that he could slide exterior the highest tier of the lottery. Nonetheless, few prospects within the class match his mix of measurement, athleticism, and long-term potential, making him a compelling, if dangerous, guess for groups keen to put money into his improvement.
2. Kon Knueppel
SG/SF Duke Fr.
Age: 19.7 | Peak (barefoot): 6′5.0″ | Wingspan: 6′7.5″ | Weight: 214.6 lbs
Standing Attain: 8′4.0″ | Max Vert: 33.5″
2024–25 Stats: 14.7 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 2.8 APG, 1.4 TOPG, 45.8% 3PT, 84.3% FT
Knueppel is among the most polished and reliable offensive wings within the 2025 class, identified for his elite capturing contact, mature really feel, and excessive basketball IQ. As a freshman at Duke, he knocked down 45.8% from three and emerged as a dependable shot-maker and connective playmaker, thriving in a system that benefited from his decision-making and unselfishness. He’s not essentially the most explosive athlete, his 33.5″ max vertical displays that, however he compensates with glorious footwork, craft, and positional energy. A legendary highschool gymnasium rat who shortly grew to become a breakout faculty star, Knueppel persistently outsmarts and outworks extra bodily gifted opponents. If Ace Bailey is a swing for the fences, Knueppel is the plug and play, strong swing for contact with much less upside, however a far larger flooring. His lack of burst could restrict his famous person ceiling, however don’t guess towards him: his ability stage, toughness, and really feel give him important upside in his personal proper. He’s shaping up as a top-10 choose with an actual probability to leapfrog flashier names, and regardless of not being a standout athlete, stays one of many class’s most entertaining gamers due to how successfully he overcomes his bodily limitations.
3. Egor Demin
SF/SG Actual Madrid (Russia) 2006
Age: 19.3 | Peak (barefoot): 6′8.25″ | Wingspan: 6′10.25″ | Weight: 203.2 lbs
Standing Attain: 8′9.5″ | No-Step Vert: 26.5″ | Max Vert: 32.0″
2024–25 Stats (BYU): 5.2 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 1.9 APG, 41.0% FG, 26.1% 3PT, 70.0% FT
Demin is a protracted, fluid playmaker whose imaginative and prescient and really feel are among the many greatest within the class, drawing comparisons to the likes of Josh Giddey and a smaller Toni Kukoc. At 6’9” with a lean however balanced body, he brings a sophisticated understanding of the sport, working with spectacular poise, timing, and court docket imaginative and prescient. Although he lacks top-end explosiveness, he’s extraordinarily clean with the ball, navigating pick-and-rolls, altering tempo, and controlling tempo in a means that’s uncommon for his measurement and age. Whereas his freshman yr at BYU was inconsistent scoring-wise, highlighted by poor three-point numbers, he’s thought-about a strong shooter going again to his time at Actual Madrid, and it’s no shock he’s stunned on this space in pre-draft exercises. His passing abilities, IQ, and instincts make him a novel long-term guess as a degree ahead, particularly if his shot stabilizes. He’ll must show he can deal with the NBA’s physicality and velocity on each ends, however his really feel, instruments, and worldwide pedigree make him one of many extra intriguing long-term prospects within the 2025 class.
4. Drake Powell
6-6 200 SG/SF North Carolina Fr.
Age: 19.8 | Peak (barefoot): 6′5.25″ | Wingspan: 7′0.00″ | Weight: 200.4 lbs
Standing Attain: 8′7.00″ | No-Step Vert: 37.5″ | Max Vert: 43.0″
2024–25 Stats: 7.4 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 1.1 APG, 0.7 BPG, 0.7 SPG, 48.3% FG, 37.9% 3PT, 64.8% FT
Powell is a protracted, explosive wing with elite defensive potential and rising offensive polish. A former five-star recruit, he introduced toughness and flexibility to a deep North Carolina crew, usually guarding the opposing crew’s greatest scorer. At 6’6” with a 7-foot wingspan and a 43-inch max vertical, Powell stands out as one of the vital athletic perimeter defenders within the class, boasting fast ft, sturdy closeouts, and glorious anticipation each on and off the ball. He’s able to switching throughout a number of positions, contesting pictures on the rim, and disrupting passing lanes. Offensively, Powell stays a piece in progress however confirmed clear progress, pulling down almost 38% from three on restricted quantity and ending performs in transition with lengthy, fluid strides. His mechanics are clear on spot-ups, although his free throw proportion raises questions on capturing consistency long-term. Whereas not a major creator, he flashed connective playmaking instincts and took care of the ball, although he should change into extra assertive to unlock his offensive upside. Powell could by no means be a go-to scorer, however his uncommon athleticism, defensive mindset, and flashes of ability give him actual two-way worth and late first enchantment as a high-upside developmental wing.
5. Carter Bryant
SF/PF Arizona Fr.
Age: 19.6 | Peak (barefoot): 6′6.50″ | Wingspan: 6′11.75″ | Weight: 214.8 lbs
Standing Attain: 8′10.00″ | No-Step Vert: 30.5″ | Max Vert: 39.5″
2024–25 Stats: 6.5 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 1.0 APG, 46.0% FG, 37.1% 3PT, 69.5% FT
Bryant is the epitome of a boom-or-bust wing prospect, an explosive 6’8″ athlete with a clean stroke and prototypical 3-and-D body, but nonetheless uncooked and inconsistent. With a 6′11.75″ wingspan and a 39.5″ max vertical, he passes the attention take a look at from a spotlight reel standpoint, elevating for dunks, recognizing up from three, and sliding laterally on protection. However for all of the flashes, he usually leaves you wanting extra from a competitiveness and consistency standpoint. Was he held again by function or lined up by Arizona’s depth? That seemingly will depend on your view of him coming into the season. Offensively, he’s proven contact (37.1% 3PT) and ending capability, however his really feel, motor, and decision-making stay query marks. He’s not but a dependable shot-creator or playmaker, and his affect tends to return in spurts. Nonetheless, the uncooked instruments are engaging, and his green-room invite indicators lottery-level buzz. If he lands in the best system with a developmental runway, he might exceed his draft slot, however expectations should be tempered. He has starter-level upside, however groups should decide whether or not he’s wired to get there.
6. Liam McNeeley
SF UConn Fr.
Age: 19.7 | Peak (barefoot): 6′6.75″ | Wingspan: 6′8.5″ | Weight: 214.6 lbs
Standing Attain: 8′3.5″ | No-Step Vert: 30.5″ | Max Vert: 36.5″
2024–25 Stats: 14.5 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 2.4 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 44.7% FG, 33.3% 3PT, 86.6% FT
McNeeley is among the most polished and reliable offensive wings within the 2025 class, identified for his strong capturing contact, mature really feel, and excessive basketball IQ. A product of powerhouse Montverde Academy and the main scorer for UConn as a freshman, McNeeley benefited from a well-spaced system and confirmed a powerful capability to learn the ground, transfer off screens, and knock down pictures at a constant clip. He’s a fluid, technically sound scorer with deep vary, glorious footwork, and the power to contribute in spot-up, motion, and secondary creation roles. His passing and decision-making are additionally superior for his age, usually making the best learn briefly rolls or when pressured on the perimeter. Although not a standout athlete, he performs a wise, team-first recreation and competes defensively with good positioning and energy. Nonetheless, his athletic limitations had been evident in UConn’s NCAA Match loss to Florida, the place he struggled to create clear appears to be like off the dribble towards elite defenders. Whereas his lack of velocity and burst raises some concern about his long-term upside and skill to persistently beat NBA athletes, his ability stage, toughness, and competitveness make him one of many safer bets to contribute early. He’s not flashy, however McNeeley’s mixture of capturing, consciousness, and polish might make him a possible long-term flooring spacer and connective piece in an NBA rotation.
7. Cedric Coward
SG/SF Washington State (USA) 2003
Age: 21.8 | Peak (barefoot): 6′5.25″ | Wingspan: 7′2.25″ | Weight: 213.0 lbs
Standing Attain: 8′10.00″ | No-Step Vert: 32.5″ | Max Vert: 38.5″
2024–25 Stats (Washington State): 17.7 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.7 BPG, 0.8 SPG, 55.7% FG, 40.0% 3PT, 83.9% FT (6 video games)
2023–24 Stats (Jap Washington): 15.4 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.7 APG, 1.0 SPG, 56.5% FG, 38.3% 3PT, 89.5% FT
Coward has shortly change into a determine of draft folklore, a near-mythical mix of wingspan, capturing contact, and superior metrics that make it simple to get extraordinarily enthusiastic about his upside. However like with many thriller draft risers, whether or not he’s really pretty much as good as marketed stays to be seen. He passes the attention take a look at in highlights together with his clean, managed recreation, sturdy body, and spectacular effectivity, however scouts are cut up on how a lot to belief the manufacturing, which got here in simply six video games towards the softest a part of Washington State’s schedule earlier than a season-ending shoulder harm. Regardless of phenomenal mix testing, posting a 38.5″ max vert and measuring a legit 7’2.25″ wingspan—it’s arduous to persistently discover that explosiveness on tape. What is evident is Coward’s versatile role-player enchantment: he performs with endurance, sees the ground effectively, defends a number of positions, and brings an expert strategy. A late bloomer and one of many youngest seniors within the draft, he’s drawn actual intrigue as a sleeper who might exceed expectations in a team-oriented function, however evaluators should weigh the small pattern measurement and lower-level competitors earlier than shopping for absolutely into the parable.
8. Noah Penda
SF/PF Le Mans Sarthe (France) 2005
Age: 20.4 | Peak (barefoot): 6′7.25″ | Wingspan: 6′11.5″ | Weight: 242 lbs
Standing Attain: 8′10″ | No-Step Vert: N/A | Max Vert: N/A
2024–25 Stats (LNB Elite): 10.0 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.4 SPG, 51.7% FG, 29.2% 3PT, 75.3% FT
Penda is a troublesome, bodily mature wing who brings grit, vitality, and defensive versatility to the ground. With a powerful construct, 6’11.5″ wingspan and 242-pound body, he thrives in contact-heavy conditions and does quite a lot of little issues that contribute to successful. He’s not flashy, however he defends a number of positions, crashes the glass, makes good reads, and performs with relentless effort, traits which have helped him produce throughout the board in France’s prime league. Offensively, he scores on straight-line drives, cuts, and second-chance performs, whereas additionally exhibiting improved passing instincts (2.5 APG) and simply sufficient capturing contact to maintain defenses sincere. His 29.2% clip from three stays a priority, however he shot effectively from the free-throw line (75.3%) and is thought to be a greater shooter than his numbers recommend. With out one elite ability, his NBA function seemingly hinges on being a glue-guy defender and connector who hits open pictures and strikes the ball. He matches greatest on a veteran roster with an outlined construction, and will return actual worth as a late first- or early second-round choose for a crew needing toughness and a strong mixture of potential and readiness.
9. Micah Peavy
SG/SF Georgetown Sr.
Age: 23.9 | Peak (barefoot): 6′6.25″ | Wingspan: 6′7.25″ | Weight: 211.6 lbs
Standing Attain: 8′5.00″ | No-Step Vert: 30.5″ | Max Vert: 35.5″
2024–25 Stats: 17.2 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 3.6 APG, 2.3 SPG, 48.1% FG, 40.0% 3PT, 65.9% FT
Peavy is a powerful, athletic, and battle-tested two-way wing who capped off a five-year faculty profession with a breakout season at Georgetown. Recognized for his athleticism, toughness, and dedication on the defensive finish, Peavy lastly paired his bodily instruments with environment friendly manufacturing, averaging 17.2 factors, 5.8 rebounds, and a pair of.3 steals whereas capturing 40% from deep on actual quantity. Although his perimeter shot has been inconsistent over his profession, scouts have taken discover of his enchancment and consider he might carve out a 3-and-D function if his jumper holds. He’s good off the ball, aggressive attacking closeouts, and performs with poise and toughness in defensive matchups. His passing and playmaking took a step ahead as effectively, averaging a career-best 3.6 assists. Nonetheless, Peavy’s upside is tempered by his age—he’ll flip 24 earlier than the season—and a few lingering considerations about his capability to create within the halfcourt or rating off the dribble. His free throw proportion and mechanical shot type elevate questions in regards to the sustainability of his capturing. However together with his energy, maturity, and flexibility guarding 1–3, he appears to be like the a part of a plug-and-play rotation wing who can contribute to a crew immediately.
10. Jaxson Robinson
SG/SF Kentucky Sr.
Age: 22.5 | Peak (barefoot): 6′4.75″ | Wingspan: 6′11.25″ | Weight: 188.6 lbs
Standing Attain: 8′7.00″ | No-Step Vert: 29.5″ | Max Vert: 34.0″
2024–25 Stats: 13.0 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 1.7 APG, 43.2% FG, 37.6% 3PT, 76.3% FT
Robinson is a protracted, wiry sharpshooter with one of many cleanest capturing strokes within the 2025 draft class and bonafide NBA vary. He confirmed actual flashes of placing issues collectively at Kentucky, the place his worth as a high-efficiency flooring spacer got here via over stretches, significantly in catch-and-shoot and off-movement alternatives. His near-7-foot wingspan provides him intriguing defensive potential, and he’s a heady passer who makes good reads with out forcing performs. That mentioned, his faculty profession has been marked by inconsistency and frequent transfers, suiting up for 4 totally different applications in 5 years. It’s a curious trajectory for a participant with this stage of expertise, and evaluators nonetheless query how effectively he’ll deal with the physicality of the professional recreation. He doesn’t create a lot off the dribble, struggles to complete via contact, and has by no means been a high-level rebounder or free throw generator. Nonetheless, together with his capturing, size, and really feel, Robinson might carve out a 3-and-D function if he finds the best developmental match and provides energy and consistency.
