2025 NBA Draft Combine: Updated Prospect Rankings and Five Players With Most to Prove in Chicago

Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey, Tre Johnson, and VJ Edgecombe are widely recognized as the consensus top five prospects for the 2025 NBA Draft, though the specific order might vary among analysts. For me, that exact sequence holds true. While the top spots appear relatively stable, the rest of the draft class picture is still very much in flux. This uncertainty sets the stage for the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, taking place in Chicago from May 11-18, to be a pivotal week that will help scouts and decision-makers gain clarity. The draft lottery is scheduled for May 12.

These projected top-five players have minimal, if anything, left to demonstrate to NBA teams, regardless of the lottery outcome this week. However, the Combine presents a significant opportunity for many other prospects, and capitalizing on it will be essential.

Out of the 75 players invited to participate, I have highlighted five individuals whom I believe could significantly benefit from strong performances this week and who have the most to prove. Each of these five players is currently ranked within the top 50 of our prospect rankings.

Egor Demin

Considered perhaps the best passer in the class, Egor Demin is also seen as having notable weaknesses, particularly regarding his shooting and its long-term NBA potential. This makes his performance at the Combine especially critical. Demin`s stock has slipped from a potential top-five lock earlier in the season to somewhere in the 10-20 range. He could improve his standing this week by showcasing the other facets of his game beyond his exceptional passing.

That being said, continuing to display his playmaking vision certainly wouldn`t hurt his cause either.

Carter Bryant

NBA teams have developed a strong appreciation for Carter Bryant`s physical profile: he stands 6-foot-8 with a sturdy build and broad shoulders. Additionally, he possesses a smooth shooting form. However, as a true freshman at Arizona last season, he played primarily a role-player role, meaning there is still some mystery surrounding his full capabilities, despite delivering promising performances late in the year. Bryant was ranked as the No. 28 prospect in the 2024 high school class.

Yaxel Lendeborg

Yaxel Lendeborg, ranked as the top player in the transfer portal and committed to Michigan, has the chance this week to complete a remarkable transition: from a mid-major standout at UAB, to a highly sought-after high-major recruit, potentially culminating in becoming a first-round draft pick – all within a few months. Lendeborg is a long forward whose defensive instincts and ability to anticipate plays stood out on film at UAB. Teams are keen to evaluate him in a new environment against higher-caliber competition, and the Combine provides that stage. Michigan is likely hoping Lendeborg performs well enough to boost his draft stock but perhaps decides returning to college for further development is still his best path.

Milos Uzan

Milos Uzan had a breakout junior season for the national runner-up Houston Cougars, serving as a crucial contributor during their dominant late-season run, which included winning 31 of their final 33 games. He is a versatile guard capable of impacting the game in multiple ways, featuring a significantly improved jump shot and diverse passing skills that could make him a valuable asset for NBA teams needing backcourt depth. Returning to Houston makes sense for Uzan – where he`d be a featured player on a team potentially ranked No. 1 preseason – but a strong showing this week could elevate him into consideration as a top-30 prospect. He is currently ranked No. 44 on my board.

Tyrese Proctor

Tyrese Proctor`s year-over-year improvement as a shooter, highlighted by a jump from 35.2% to 40.5% from three-point range last season, has positioned him where NBA teams might feel comfortable investing in his long-term shooting potential. This area had been a primary concern that may have previously prevented him from being viewed as a guaranteed first-round prospect.

How he performs this week will be intriguing not only regarding his shooting but also to observe his play when not operating alongside Duke star Cooper Flagg, who is widely expected to be the No. 1 pick in this year`s draft and was arguably the best player in college basketball last season.

Proctor`s assist rate decreased last year as he adapted to a new role to accommodate Flagg`s presence. Getting back to demonstrating his natural playmaking abilities while continuing to showcase the improved shooting that has teams interested would greatly benefit his draft stock.

Top 10 Prospects: 2025 NBA Draft

For a more extensive list, see our top 50 prospects.