We analysed the five main contenders for the top five spots, comparing them to current stars in the league. These comparisons help us understand each player’s potential and imagine how they might fit into different teams’ systems.
Cooper Flagg (SF/PF, Duke) — a future superstar?
Draft projection: No. 1 (Dallas Mavericks)
Best-case scenario: Jayson Tatum with better defence
Worst-case scenario: Andre Iguodala with better offence
Flagg is the undisputed number one pick in the upcoming draft. His game combines versatility on offence with outstanding defensive skills, making him the ideal modern forward. Some experts compare him to Scottie Pippen, while he himself names Tatum as his idol.
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If Flagg continues to progress in developing his shot, he could become a J.T.-level scorer. If his offensive skills remain at their current level, he will still be a very valuable ‘second star’ player thanks to his defence and passing.
2. Dylan Harper (PG/SG, Rutgers) — a new generation playmaker
Draft projection: No. 2 (San Antonio Spurs)
Best-case scenario: Jalen Branson, but taller (206 cm)
Worst-case scenario: D’Angelo Russell
Harper is a powerful playmaker with excellent offensive skills and court vision. His main advantage is his size (206 cm, 98 kg), which allows him to dominate defenders. If he improves his three-point shot, he could become a star on the level of Jalen Bronson.
In the worst-case scenario, scouts predict that he could become a good, but not elite, point guard like D’Angelo Russell.
3. Ace Bailey (SG/SF, Rutgers) — the draft’s top shooter
Draft projection: No. 3 (Philadelphia 76ers)
Best-case scenario: Michael Porter Jr.
Worst-case scenario: Andrew Wiggins
Bailly is the best shooter in this draft, capable of making difficult shots from anywhere on the court. However, his dribbling and passing skills are still lacking. If he ends up on a team with strong playmakers (like Porter in Denver), he could become a key scorer.
But if he doesn’t develop his versatility, he risks remaining just a good, but not stellar, forward, like Wiggins.
4. V.J. Edgcomb (SG, Baylor) — athleticism and energy
Draft projection: No. 4 (Charlotte Hornets)
Best-case scenario: Victor Oladipo
Worst-case scenario: Jaden Ivey
Edgcomb is one of the most athletic players in the draft with an explosive first step and outstanding athleticism. If he improves his scoring and ball control, he could become a star on par with Oladipo.
Otherwise, experts see him as a very energetic defender, like Ivy.
5. Jeremiah Fears (PG, Oklahoma) — an old-school point guard
Draft projection: No. 5 (Utah Jazz)
Best-case scenario: Monta Ellis
Worst-case scenario: Jerrid Bayless
Fears is an old-school offensive point guard who prefers to drive to the basket rather than shoot from beyond the arc. If he improves his three-point shooting (currently only 28%), he could become a dangerous scorer.
