2025 NBA Draft: Top 10 Power Forwards

The 2025 NBA Draft power forward class is headlined by Cooper Flagg, a generational prospect and the consensus top player in the draft. Behind him, the group is solid and well-rounded, with five projected first rounders who all carry lottery upside. Several more power forwards in the second round range bring real intrigue as developmental bets. This class offers a strong mix of size, athleticism, and versatility, with players who can defend multiple positions, stretch the floor, and fit into modern NBA schemes. With Flagg headlining the group, the overall depth at the position makes it one of the stronger positions in the draft.

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1. Cooper FlaggSF/PF Duke Fr.Age: 18.5 | Height (barefoot): 6′7.75″ | Wingspan: 7′0.00″ | Weight: 221.0 lbsStanding Reach: 8′10.50″ | No-Step Vert: 29.0″ | Max Vert: 35.5″2024–25 Stats: 19.2 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.6 SPG, 1.2 BPG, 49.0% FG, 35.0% 3PT, 80.0% FT

Flagg enters the draft as the clear No. 1 prospect, a 6’9” Swiss-army forward with a 7-foot wingspan, elite motor, and rare two-way playmaking. His game blends advanced feel with explosive, fluid athleticism. He initiates offense off the glass, punishes defenses as a roll man or cutter, and already reads the floor like a veteran with a 4.1 assist to 2.6 turnover ratio. Defensively, he is a sideline-to-sideline menace who switches, erases shots at the rim, and jumps passing lanes while setting the tone with relentless competitiveness. The jumper at 35 percent from three and 80 percent from the free throw line suggests long-term range, and he is comfortable rising into mid-range pull-ups or popping for threes. Some debate whether he is a true wing or a modern four, but in today’s positionless NBA those lines are blurred and Flagg’s versatility is a strength. Like Jayson Tatum, look for Flagg to evolve into a modern-day four who can anchor both ends of the floor. Still just 18 and having led Duke in every major category, he projects as a franchise cornerstone with versatile scoring, high-level passing, and defensive impact that gives him legitimate superstar upside. He could also inject new life into a league where many of its most marketable stars are entering the twilight of their careers. In Dallas’s case, lucking into Flagg after a highly questionable decision to move Dončić serves as a reminder that sometimes it is better to be lucky than good.

2. Noa EssengueSF/PF France InternationalAge: 18.5 | Height (barefoot): 6′9.00″ | Wingspan: 6′11.00″ | Weight: 198 lbsStanding Reach: 9′3.25″ | Max Vert: 35.5″2024–25 Stats (BBL): 9.4 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 1.3 APG, ~45% FG, ~25% 3PT, ~62% FT

Essengue is a long, athletic forward with defensive versatility, intriguing physical tools, and growing confidence for Ratiopharm Ulm. Still just 18 years old, he’s held his own in both EuroCup and German BBL play, flashing switchability, active hands, and the kind of upside that translates well to NBA defensive schemes. Offensively, he’s a straight-line driver, opportunistic cutter, and transition finisher with some soft touch and glimpses of a developing face-up game. He’s also an intriguing ball handler for his size, showing flashes of coordination and control in space. His shot remains the swing skill, but there were signs of real improvement toward the end of the season under pro instruction. His standing reach (9′3+) allows him to play bigger than his listed size, giving him defensive versatility across the frontcourt. That said, his half-court offense remains limited. The shot is still coming along and he’s not yet a reliable creator. Still, Essengue projects as a high-floor, energy big who can impact games with defense, activity, and smart movement, with upside to grow if the jumper and skill level continue to develop.

Newell is a springy left-handed four who pairs high-end run-jump athleticism with an increasingly polished offensive skill set. A product of powerhouse Montverde Academy, he flashed stretch-four potential at Georgia, hitting 26 threes and showing smooth mechanics on pick-and-pop jumpers while also punishing the rim as a lob target, transition finisher, and second-jump tip-dunker. His face-up quickness and soft touch yielded 15.4 PPG in the rugged SEC, highlighted by back-to-back 20-point efforts versus Oklahoma and Gonzaga to close the year. Defensively he covers ground, slides on switches, and piles up blocks and steals with his 6′11″ length and timing, hinting at multi-positional upside. The swing factors are strength and consistency: he still shies from contact inside, is a below-average defensive rebounder for his size, and his 29 percent three-point clip underscores the work left on his jumper. That said, his shooting might be better than advertised, as his mechanics are fluid and he shows confidence pulling up, which suggests real room for growth. Adding muscle and refining pick-and-roll reads will be key to unlocking a modern stretch-big ceiling, but Newell’s combination of motor, lift, and budding shooting touch gives him late-lottery to mid-first intrigue as a high-energy, versatile forward with room to grow.

4. Rasheer FlemingPF/C St. Joseph’s Jr.Age: 20.9 | Height (barefoot): 6′8.25″ | Wingspan: 7′5.25″ | Weight: 232.4 lbsStanding Reach: 9′1.00″ | No-Step Vert: 27.0″ | Max Vert: 32.5″2024–25 Stats: 13.8 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 1.3 APG, 1.5 BPG, 1.4 SPG, 47.5% FG, 39.0% 3PT, 70.2% FT

Fleming is one of the biggest risers in the 2025 class thanks to his elite physical profile, defensive activity, and a major leap as a floor-spacing forward. With a 7′5″ wingspan and agile frame, he excels as a high-motor rebounder, rim protector, and versatile defender who can switch, contest, and disrupt across positions. Offensively, he transformed from a raw athlete into one of the best stretch bigs in the country, knocking down 62 threes at a 39 percent clip and flashing real comfort popping off screens or trailing in transition. He brings rare two-way versatility as a modern four or small-ball five, combining shot-blocking, perimeter shooting, and high-level effort. However, his offensive game still leans heavily on others to create for him. He is limited off the bounce, can drift off-ball, and occasionally forces tough passes or shots. His shooting growth and rare length are undeniable tools, but the combination of mid major competition and inconsistency make him more of a boom or bust swing. Still, Fleming’s defensive versatility and improved jumper give him strong rotational value, and if he continues trending upward, he could carve out a long-term role as an energy big with both spacing and shot-altering ability. Putting Fleming over CMB is going out on a limb, but we are fine with rolling the dice here. Situation will be the key.

5. Collin Murray-BoylesPF/C South Carolina So.Age: 20.0 | Height (barefoot): 6′6.50″ | Wingspan: 7′0.75″ | Weight: 239.2 lbsStanding Reach: 8′10.00″ | No-Step Vert: 29.5″ | Max Vert: 34.5″2024–25 Stats: 16.8 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.5 SPG, 1.3 BPG, 55.2% FG, 26.5% 3PT, 70.7% FT

Murray-Boyles is a tough, undersized big with an old-school game, impressive production, and an intriguing blend of power, feel, and versatility. He plays with an edge, willing to scrap inside, defend multiple positions, and mix it up on both ends. Though just 6’6.5″ barefoot, he offsets his tweener size with a near 7’1″ wingspan, enormous hands that let him control the ball like a seven-footer, excellent anticipation, and notable strength. He was highly productive as a freshman and brings strong belief in himself along with clear determination. He’s also leveraged frequent Draymond Green comparisons into a lofty draft projection. Offensively he thrives in the mid-post and short roll, using touch, footwork, and vision to score or find cutters, and is comfortable driving from the perimeter, finishing efficiently at the rim where most of his attempts come. One of the more creative passing forwards in the class, he brings a high-motor, winning mentality. Concerns about NBA translation remain: he lacks vertical pop, lateral quickness, and outside shooting touch. His jumper is a work in progress at 26.5 percent from three, and he becomes turnover-prone when forced into heavy creation. While his statistical output and toughness are undeniable, his long-term role hinges on improving his shooting efficiency and defending against NBA speed. He currently projects as a utility forward or small-ball big whose niche could expand if his overall skill set continues to develop.

6. Bogoljub MarkovicPF Serbia (Mega MIS Belgrade)Age: 19.9 | Height (barefoot): 6′11″ | Wingspan: 7′0″ | Weight: 212 lbsStanding Reach: 8′11.75″ | No-Step Vert: N/A | Max Vert: N/A2024–25 ABA Stats: 13.7 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 2.7 APG, 0.8 BPG, 53.8% FG, 37.0% 3PT, 61.2% FT

Marković is a skilled 6-11 stretch-four who pairs smooth shooting mechanics with rare grab-and-go polish for a teenager, earning ABA League Top Prospect honors while anchoring Mega MIS’s frontcourt. Offensively, he thrives in pick-and-pop and trail situations, knocks down 37 percent of his threes with a clean high release, and flashes advanced vision (2.7 APG) to find cutters out of the post. He runs the floor fluidly, shows finesse on face-ups and floaters, and uses his 8′11¾″ reach to finish with touch around the rim. A light-hearted personality off the court, Marković brings a competitive edge in games, and his consistent shooting mechanics reflect the hours he’s invested in skill development. Defensively, his length and timing offer weak-side shot-blocking upside, but a lean 212-pound frame and average lateral burst leave him vulnerable to physical post scorers and quick switches. Strength, rebounding toughness, and foul discipline remain swing areas, as he’s prone to being bumped off his spots (3.0 FPG) and can coast when his usage dips. If the body fills out and the release speeds up, Marković projects as a modern floor-spacing 4/5 who can pass, stretch, and defend in space—an enticing mid-to-late-first upside play for teams betting on long-term development.

Broome is a productive, high-IQ interior anchor whose strength, touch, and timing allowed him to dominate SEC play, but questions linger about how his below-the-rim style translates to today’s NBA. A reliable post scorer with crafty footwork and varied hooks, he also punished the glass for 3.7 offensive boards a night and protected the rim with disciplined positioning and 2+ blocks in each of his five college seasons. He’s flashed short-roll reads and the occasional face-up drive, yet his slow shooting mechanics (28% from three, 59% FT) and limited lift cap his spacing value and finishing upside against NBA length. Lateral quickness is another swing factor: he excels in drop coverage but may struggle on switches. At nearly 23, Broome projects as a plug-and-play reserve big whose floor comes from rebounding, post offense, and paint defense. Unlocking a stretch element or quicker feet would determine whether he’s more than a sturdy second-unit center. Could hear his name in the first third of the second round.

Thiero is an athletic hybrid forward who brings energy, defensive tools, and straight-line slashing value with room to grow as a role player. He impressed at Arkansas with his activity and toughness, averaging 15.1 points and 1.6 steals per game while consistently outclassing lesser athletes with his speed and physicality. Measured with a 7-foot wingspan and strong 218-pound frame, Thiero excels at covering ground defensively, generating deflections, and converting in transition. He’s a physical cutter and slasher who makes the most of his athletic tools, and while he’s a bit small for a traditional four, his explosiveness and motor help bridge the gap. There’s some combo forward intrigue if his playmaking continues to develop, but the shooting remains a clear area of need. His regression from deep (25.6% from three, 68.6% FT) and limited ball skills raise real questions about his long-term offensive fit. While he doesn’t profile as a floor spacer or halfcourt creator, he plays with purpose and edge, traits that give him a pathway to stick in the NBA as a low-usage defender and energy wing if the shot comes around.

Dixon is a productive, physically strong stretch forward who led the nation in scoring, made all the more impressive by doing so in a high-major conference, and put together one of the most impressive offensive seasons in college basketball. A fifth-year senior at Villanova, he averaged 23.3 points per game while shooting over 40% from three on 253 attempts, showcasing legitimate floor-spacing ability at 260 pounds. His thick frame allows him to absorb contact and score in the paint, but he’s equally comfortable operating as a face-up scorer or pick-and-pop weapon. Smart, experienced, and tough, Dixon has the offensive IQ to thrive in structured systems and the motor to compete on the boards and draw fouls. That said, he’s one of the oldest prospects in the draft and lacks ideal athleticism, with limited lateral quickness, below-the-rim finishing, and minimal defensive versatility. He projects more as a plug-and-play stretch four than a developmental piece, with clear limitations guarding in space or switching onto quicker wings. Still, for teams in need of frontcourt shooting, strength, and maturity, Dixon could carve out a valuable rotational role early in his career.

10. Mohamed Diawara 6-9 223 SF/PF France 2005Age: 20.3 | Height (barefoot): 6′7.0″* | Wingspan: 7′4.00″ | Weight: 223 lbsStanding Reach: 9′2.25″ | No-Step Vert: 28.3″ | Max Vert: 35.8″2024–25 Stats (Cholet, LNB Élite): 5.8 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 31.0% 3PT, 48.8% FT

A big-time athlete with a prototype modern-forward frame, Diawara flashes the length, mobility, and leaping ability NBA teams covet on the wing. He covers ground effortlessly, switches across multiple positions, and disrupts passing lanes with his wingspan and anticipation. Offensively, he’s still learning the nuances of the game, but his tools are beginning to show flashes, particularly as a slasher and lob finisher. He’s also a good passer for his position. His shooting remains inconsistent, though he’s shown growth as a catch-and-shoot option from the corners. The free-throw line remains a red flag, however, as he converted just 48.8% of his attempts during the season. Diawara’s handle and processing speed need refinement, and he can struggle to make quick reads under pressure. Still, his time with Cholet in France’s top league gave him valuable reps against professionals, averaging 5.8 points and 3.1 rebounds in under 20 minutes per game. With his defensive versatility, high motor, passing flashes, and long-term physical tools, he remains an intriguing late-second-round swing or priority UDFA. If the fundamentals continue to improve, he has the framework to become a switchable, energy wing with two-way impact potential.