NBA Draft Insights: Evaluating Prospects

Navigating the NBA Draft is a blend of art and science. While many first-round picks may stand out in ideal scenarios, key factors like character, work ethic, injuries, and fit with a team significantly influence a player’s future in the league.

Draft analyses often invite a flood of casual observers, as rival tactics and decisions in the NBA are frequently overlooked. Take, for example, Hasheem Thabeet being selected before Stephen Curry and James Harden in 2009 or Deandre Ayton and Marvin Bagley III going ahead of Luka Doncic in 2018. It’s all a bit baffling when reflecting on hindsight.

Since 2013, I’ve been lucky to engage with the SB Nation NBA draft coverage. My own draft ratings over the years have been a mix of successes and flops; at times, my boards have outperformed others. With just two weeks until the 2025 draft, I want to share a few prospects I’m skeptical about versus how mainstream evaluations position them. Stay tuned for my take on underrated players in the near future.

Egor Demin, G, BYU

ESPN Rankings: 11 | Consensus Big Board: 14

At the start of the season, Demin seemed poised for a top-five spot. However, as competition intensified, his shortcomings became clearer, particularly with inconsistent performances against tougher opponents.

He’s got an impressive combination of size (around 6’8 barefoot) and passing ability. Unfortunately, those strengths are somewhat diminished by his lack of strength, explosiveness, and inability to command attention as a scorer. Averaging just 10.6 points per game with a true shooting percentage of 50.6, he’s well below average in scoring efficiency. His driving ability is hindered by his lack of burst, and he often struggles against tougher on-ball defenders. This leads him to settle for outside shots when he can’t create better looks. His shooting metrics took a hit at BYU, finishing with a three-point percentage of just over 30% on 154 attempts, and his free throw percentage was a mediocre 69.5%. He also lacks a mid-range game and is not a factor on the boards.

Demin may not emerge as a primary playmaker unless he improves his driving skills. He’s not the reliable floor spacer teams look for and also falls short defensively, which doesn’t bode well for his forward prospects. Even if he becomes a better shooter, his issues in drawing fouls and the challenges he faces could limit his upside.

Still, there’s a possibility that everything could align for him. His height for a guard and his creative passing could make him intriguing. He’s clearly visible over defenders, and he seemed personable during our conversation at the Combine. But ultimately, his poor production against top talent and athletic limitations likely push him into the first-round outskirts rather than a lottery selection.

Liam McNeeley, F, UConn

ESPN Rankings: 16 | Consensus Big Board: 17

I was impressed by McNeeley when he played at Montverde, a team full of top-tier talent. He seemed to fit seamlessly with other future first-rounders while showcasing his shooting and off-ball skills. I anticipated he’d do well at UConn, especially with their impressive track record.

However, UConn’s season veered off course, largely because McNeeley didn’t meet expectations. It was particularly surprising to see him struggle with his shooting, finishing at just 31.7% on 145 attempts from deep. Without a solid three-pointer, he found it tough to finish at the rim, posting only a 48.6% success rate. His tendency to create his own shot didn’t yield great results either, and he ended with more turnovers than assists. Interestingly, UConn’s offensive efficiency saw improvement when he was benched compared to when he played.

While he’s got decent size, he’s not an explosive athlete, making him a target defensively. He recorded minimal steals and blocks this past season. He struggles against stronger players and lacks the length or speed needed to close out effectively. Becoming just an average defender in the league may feel like a win given his current limitations.

Yet, McNeeley’s freshman year represents a small sample size. When I saw him in January, he didn’t seem quite himself physically, which could explain some of his struggles. If he can regain his elite shooting form seen in high school, there may be a pathway for him in the league. However, with his lack of consistent shooting this season, translating to a first-round pick looks challenging.

Danny Wolf, F, Michigan

ESPN Rankings: 19 | Consensus Big Board: 22

This past year, Wolf was one of the more captivating players in college hoops. The 7-foot, 250-pound big man showcased point guard skills and played a key role in Michigan’s offense, leveraging his size in pick-and-rolls.

However, I have concerns about his NBA fit. His college role may not translate well to the professional level, and I’m wary about his potential as a complementary piece. The rarity of a 7-foot point guard raises eyebrows, but it also comes with challenges; defenders can put pressure on his dribbling. He encountered significant turnover issues at Michigan, boasting a high turnover rate of 23.9%. Even as a pick-and-roll handler, he averaged just 0.77 points per possession, which is concerning for the NBA.

Wolf’s flash in shot-making was evident, but I question how that will hold up in the league. He shot only 33.6% from three-point range, and his free throw shooting was abysmal, landing at 59.4% this season. His shooting release raises doubts about his effectiveness at the next level.

Moreover, he’s not particularly physical or explosive. As a 7-footer, he only recorded a handful of dunks, and his defensive presence does not reassure me that he can reliably guard in the post. He also feels a bit too late to handle the quicker wings in the NBA.

Still, teams are always searching for players with unique combinations of size and skill. With his strong frame and potential for shot-blocking, there’s a chance he could find a way to contribute defensively. If he can establish a presence on that end, he might just carve out a niche as an efficient offensive player. Given his shooting touch and if he can stabilize his three-point shooting, Wolf might end up proving to be an unexpected asset.