2025 NBA Draft: PSN’s consensus big board

NBA Draft
Feb 17, 2025; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Cooper Flagg (2) celebrates with teammates in the final seconds against the Virginia Cavaliers at John Paul Jones Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

The NBA draft is just a day away, and the Sixers are set to make selections with the third and thirty-fifth picks. Ahead of the draft, Philly Sports Network presents our first-ever consensus big board.

Philly Sports Network’s consensus 2025 NBA Draft Big Board

The rules for the big board are simple. In Daryl Morey-esque fashion, Philly Sports Network’s team of NBA writers each submitted their individual big boards, based on the best players available, not necessarily their fit with the Sixers. The results were averaged out, giving the following results.

Below are where each player is most commonly projected, with the average ranking in parentheses. For example, Cooper Flagg was projected to go first overall by our staff in a unanimous selection.

Note: All ties were settled via a secondary vote.

No. 1-5

Sixers
Jan 20, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Dylan Harper (2) and guard/forward Ace Bailey (4) stand on the court prior to the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Bryce Jordan Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images

1. Cooper Flagg (1)

The unquestioned top pick in this draft, there is little doubt that Cooper Flagg is a generational two-way talent, but some wonder if he has what it takes to become a dominant force.

2. Dylan Harper (2)

A powerful lead guard with a high IQ for the game, Dylan Harper has strong two-way potential and is a consistent jump shot away from being an elite talent.

3. Ace Bailey (3)

The most polarizing player in the draft, Ace Bailey boasts one of the widest ranges between his ceiling and floor. He is a clearly talented shotmaker, but struggles as a decision maker, ball handler, and driver.

“On talent and potential alone, which is how PSN’s team graded out this exercise, Ace Bailey should be a no-brainer as the consensus third pick. Where this exercise ends and reality begins is in the fact that Bailey has essentially done everything within his power to tank his value. While his character is reportedly upstanding, it’s fair to question whether Bailey’s desire for greatness is focused on championships or individual accolades.” — Zach Ciavolella

4. VJ Edgecombe (5.2)

One of the hardest workers and most athletic prospects in the draft, VJ Edgecombe is a culture-setting pick as much as he is a productive two-way talent.

5. Kon Knueppel (5.4)

An elite shooter who is a far better athlete than he is given credit for, Kon Knueppel has the potential to look like a Klay Thompson impersonator on his best day, but he’ll need to continue to make strides defensively to live up to that potential.

No. 5-10

Feb 15, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns guard Tre Johnson (20) reacts after scoring during the second half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Moody Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

6. Tre Johnson (5.6)

An elite scoring threat or a microwave shot-maker off the bench? That’s the major question for Tre Johnson, who also needs to decide to give a care defensively to truly reach his potential.

“Tre Johnson made headlines this season when he broke Kevin Durant‘s freshman single-game points record for the University of Texas when he scored 39 points in an overtime loss to Arkansas. The young guard wasn’t just a one-game phenom either, as he led the SEC in both minutes played (34.7) and points per game (19.9). While Johnson isn’t in the same stratosphere as players like Flagg or Harper, he should be an elite offensive threat sooner rather than later at the next level.” — Trey Barnett

7. Khaman Maluach (6.8)

A mountain of a prospect, Khaman Maluach is admittedly raw for now, but has the potential to be among the NBA’s most elite defenders while also possessing offensive upside.

“For the life of me, I can’t figure out why Khaman Maluach isn’t universally viewed as a top-five prospect in this class. At first glance, you look at his towering presence, seemingly limitless reach, and defensive timing and immediately think of Rudy Gobert. Then, you notice that his hands are much softer, his feet much quicker, and his jumpshot a lot smoother and wonder if Gobert might be a low-end outcome for him. If he’s already this good with just five years of experience under his belt, what heights will he reach in another five?” — Andy Quach

8. Jeremiah Fears (8.8)

Another polarizing player, Jeremiah may be undersized, but he shows no Fears when attacking the rim, giving hope to his ability to thrive as a lead guard for a team willing to bet on his offensive upside.

9. Noa Essengue (10.8)

An impressive athlete with strong physical tools and a growing offensive game, Noa Essengue will undoubtedly be a project for whatever team drafts him, but at the rate his game has grown so far, they may not need too much patience.

10. Kasparas Jakučionis (10.8)

A strong facilitator with some size and shot-making skill, Kasparas Jakučionis is an intriguing option for a team looking for additional play-making, though he has much to work on defensively to avoid being played off the court in postseason situations.

No. 11-15

Sixers
Mar 23, 2025; Seattle, WA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Carter Bryant (9) reacts against the Oregon Ducks in the first half at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

11. Carter Bryant (12.4)

Initially one of the draft’s fastest risers, Carter Bryant‘s stock has cooled, seemingly with the perception that he could very well develop into a legitimate 3&D weapon, but may not possess the shot-creating skills necessary to be an elite talent.

12. Derick Queen (12.6)

An offensively versatile big who can even operate from the high post, Queen boasts extreme upside on that end of the court, but has notable defensive and athletic shortcomings that could ultimately hold him back.

13. Nique Clifford (14.4)

Not every team is looking to draft a 23-year-old rookie, but Nique Clifford has made the most of his experience and has become one of the draft’s most well-rounded wing prospects, who has a legitimate chance to contribute from Day One thanks to his shot-making, rebounding, playmaking, and general IQ for the game.

14. Egor Demin (15.2)

Another polarizing prospect, Egor Demin’s main appeal is his strong, potentially elite passing ability. Floor generals of Egor’s height do not grow on trees, but his shooting and defense leave much to be desired.

15. Collin Murray-Boyle (16)

It could be argued that Collin Murray-Boyles is a jump shot away from stardom. Unfortunately, there has been no indication of said shot developing, leaving a forward who otherwise is an immensely talented defender and passer with a pretty noticeable red flag.

“Collin Murray-Boyle may have a lower ceiling when compared to Ace Bailey or Tre Johnson, but in terms of what he can provide a hopeful contender, Murray-Boyle is arguably among the most adept to do so from Day One. Murray-Boyles is both one of the draft’s best defenders and its most versatile, while possessing the passing acumen to operate in the high or low post as a facilitator. A non-existent jump shot is certainly discouraging, but there remain flashes of a Draymond Green-type.” — Zach Ciavolella

No. 16-20

Jan 31, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Georgetown Hoyas forward Thomas Sorber (35) celebrates during the second half against the Butler Bulldogs at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

16. Cedric Coward (18.8)

Cedric Coward qualifies as both a fast riser and a polarizing player. There’s little in the scouting report on Coward due to a lack of high-end collegiate play, but an elite frame and impressive workout display has shot him up draft boards across the league.

17. Thomas Sorber (18.8)

“Thomas Sorber is perhaps the most underrated center prospect in this draft. Standing over 6’9″ barefoot, equating to nearly 6’11” in shoes, Sorber provides a combination of size and skill at the center position that many teams will clamor for. With his 7’6 “wingspan, Sorber projects to be an intimidating defender who has the potential to operate in the high post and possibly stretch the floor one day.” — Zach Ciavolella

18. Will Riley (20.4)

A skilled wing with size and the potential to grow into a three-level scorer, Will Riley is likely to be a hot ticket prospect despite his athletic shortcomings.

19. Jase Richardson (20.4)

An undersized spark plug, Jase Richardson will likely spend some time in the G League next season, but his shooting, decision-making, and finishing ability are all intriguing enough to warrant huge praise and interest within the top 20.

20. Rasheer Fleming (20.4)

An eye-popping 7’5″ wingspan, an NBA-ready body, and a shooting stroke worth believing in, there’s a lot to like in Rasheer Fleming, though he needs to continue to grow in his understanding of the nuances of the game.

No. 21-25

Feb 25, 2025; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs forward Asa Newell (14) gets fouled by Florida Gators forward Alex Condon (21) late in the game during the second half at Stegeman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

21. Asa Newell (21)

The key to Asa Newell reaching his potential is tied to his developing jump shot. There’s little question that he can impact the game as a defender and rebounder, but he’ll need to find his footing offensively.

22. Liam McNeeley (21.4)

The intrigue in Liam McNeeley is that he can shoot, and he can do some work in the pick-and-roll game. The issue is that he can’t do much more at this stage of his career.

23. Nolan Traore (21.4)

Nolan Traore was once one of the draft’s top prospects but remains a bit more raw than initially expected. A recent combined measurement, though, left many encouraged about his continued growth, as did his play as the season developed.

24. Drake Powell (22.6)

A raw but intriguing talent, Powell projects as a potential two-way threat thanks to his measurements, gifted athleticism, and an impressive shooting display in his lone season at UNC (37.9% from deep).

25. Danny Wolf (23.4)

An offensively versatile big, it’s not hard to see a team fall in love with Danny Wolf‘s game on that end, though he is closer to his ceiling than most.

No. 26-30

Apr 7, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Florida Gators guard Walter Clayton Jr. (1) holds up the trophy after winning the national championship game of the Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

26. Hugo Gonzalez (25.4)

An impact defender, questions around his shooting and ball handling potential limit his outlook, as does his current deal with Real Madrid, which would require either stashing him or buying him out.

27. Noah Penda (25.4)

Noah Penda may not have world-beating upside, but at the end of the day, he’s a capable long-range stationary shooter, passer, cutter, and defender.

28. Joan Beringer (26.8)

A particularly raw center prospect, Beringer has the potential to one day grow into an elite defensive anchor for an NBA team.

“A raw offensive product with elite defensive potential and NBA-ready size and athleticism, Joan Beringer is one of the most intriguing prospects in this year’s draft class. Defensively, his awareness and instincts allow him to defend the post, blocking and altering shots down low. His energy, motor, and speed will allow him to succeed in transition and quick scoring strikes inside the paint.” — Tim Sullivan

29. Walter Clayton (27.2)

The lead guard for last season’s NCAA Champions, there’s a lot to like from a shotmaking, toughness, and character perspective with Clayton. Due to size and athletic restrictions, he will heavily rely on the hope that his three-point shot carries over into the league.

30. Maxime Raynaud (27.4)

Another offensive weapon of a center not wholly unlike Derick Queen and Danny Wolf, Raynaud would provide any team with a floor-spacing big with some creation from the high post.

Narrowly missed the cut

Ben Saraf (28.8)

Tyrese Proctor (29.4)

Hansen Yang (30)