2025 NBA Draft: Prospects ready to make immediate impact

With the 2025 NBA Draft just weeks away, it is time to take a deeper dive on the prospects which fit into each team’s plan. Some franchises are looking for young development projects with a long runway toward long-term success, while others are looking for role players who can make an immediate impact.

The players who fit into the second category are among the most fascinating to follow leading up the draft night. It is well known that rookies rarely have an impact on success at the highest level, but are often the best way to fill gaps on contending teams.

Beyond this, there is also a sliding scale between the player’s talent level on NBA Draft boards and the readiness to play meaningful minutes. Players drafted inside the Top 10 can often contribute to success if put in the right scenario, but contending teams face challenges getting them.

Here is an in-depth look at several 2025 NBA Draft prospects ready to make an impact. Whether on a contending team or playoff hopeful, they can quickly enter the rotation.

Cooper Flagg

Cooper Flagg is the No. 1 prospect in the draft class by a wide margin, putting him in a class of projected stars which rivals the top young players across the NBA. Now set to play for a team with playoff vision, he seems likely to jump straight into stardom and provide positive impact toward winning.

Even as he grows into his full potential, the combination of defensive instincts at a valuable position and base offensive package set him up well to contend for Rookie of the Year and plenty other honors along the way.

Carter Bryant

Carter Bryant brings the most pedigree to this list, entering the NBA Draft after his freshman season at Arizona. While he did not serve as the team’s star — even as a former five-star recruit — there was plenty to like about his impact.

Perhaps the most important and translatable thing Bryant brings is a willingness to play the role needed for his team. He starred in his role as a 6-foot-8 wing who solidified the defense and provided complementary scoring to the established veterans.

Cedric Coward

Cedric Coward only has a limited number of reps against top college competition, suffering an injury setback while at Washington State. However, his limited body of work and physical measurements had scouts at the college and NBA level lining up.

Coward has great size and length on the wing, with two-way upside as he continues to make the most of his late leap to the top-tier. His trajectory, age and skillset all suggest he could acclimate quickly to professional basketball.

Rasheer Fleming

Rasheer Fleming slowly grew from a role player to a star at the mid-major level, turning into an NBA prospect while growing his game at St. Joseph’s. Set up for success by teammates who complemented his game, he knows which area of the floor brings the best success and projects to continue in that role.

His defense — a staple of almost all NBA-ready players — is also a plus at the power forward position. Questions about his versatility on both ends will determine his ceiling, but the floor is clearly high.

Ryan Kalkbrenner

While he does not have the largest upside of the center class, Ryan Kalkbrenner brings the experience and skillset which immediately puts him in the mix to play serious minutes. Whether as a third option or backup center, his high floor starts from Day One.

Interior defense is not a direct translation from college to the NBA based on the rule changes, but rim protection is something that every team values from a backup center. Paired with interior touch on offense, he will certainly become a regular season option.

Honorable mentions

Nique Clifford, Sion James, Tyrese Proctor, Maxime Raynaud, Alex Toohey

Nique Clifford impacts the game in almost every area, from perimeter defense to scoring, and off-ball movement to rebounding, the statsheet was always full at Colorado State. Scaling his production to the NBA game will require work, but alongside talented players he can defer easily. The question mark for Clifford, and the biggest obstacle to early NBA minutes, is his 3-point shot.

Sion James took a big leap toward an NBA career when he transferred from Tulane to Duke last offseason. While he did not take on the same offensive role he became used to, it was an opportunity to play alongside a group of star players. His success on the defensive end, thanks in part to his projectable length and positional size, creates instant value.

Tyrese Proctor brings multiple years of experience as a Duke role player to the table, constantly showing growth. As a guard with size, he promises to work on and off the ball, bringing a 3-point shot to the table as well.

Maxime Raynaud spent multiple seasons developing his game at the college level, going from walk-on to draft prospect. His offensive package and size project quickly into a backup center role.

Alex Toohey has grown his game in Australia, going from fringe draft prospect to potential first-round candidate thanks to big development. The forward has a well-rounded game on both ends of the floor, already bringing professional experience to the floor.