Every year during the NBA Draft season, the actual playoffs are in full swing, and a number of former late first-round, second-round, and undrafted players are making real winning plays. This year is no different, as several players from the Finals teams have proven their worth on the court. For instance, Andrew Nembhard (31st in 2022) is a key starter for the Indiana Pacers, while point guard T.J. McConnell is in his 10th season and still playing bench minutes after going undrafted in 2015. Similarly, Pascal Siakam just won East Finals MVP as a late first-rounder (27th in 2016) who transformed from an energizing backup to an all-around star. In the West finals, Oklahoma City Thunder received massive contributions from three undrafted players: Lu Dort, Kenrich Williams, and Alex Caruso. This followed a series win in which Jaylin Williams (34th in 2022) played crucial minutes. The Thunder’s starting center Isaiah Hartenstein (43rd in 2017) and backup wings Isaiah Joe (49th in 2020) and Aaron Wiggins (55th in 2021) have also made significant contributions. These players are not lottery picks but rather prospects who might be the reason a team wins a playoff series sooner than later. Here are seven sleepers to keep an eye on in the 2025 draft class:
- Drake Powell, age 19.8, North Carolina freshman wing: Powell was originally projected as a lottery pick but struggled as a Tar Heels freshman, averaging only 7.4 points. However, with a chiseled 6-foot-5 frame, a 7-foot wingspan, and a motor that doesn’t quit, Powell projects as the kind of playoff-viable role player every contender can’t have enough of. As a North Carolina freshman, opponents shot only 38.1% from 2-point range when defended by Powell, and he was both a switchable perimeter defender and an effective helper at the rim. Offensively, he’s a connective passer, a straight-line slasher who finishes through contact and a reliable shooter off the catch.
- Ryan Nembhard, age 22.3, Gonzaga senior point guard: Nembhard is a classic old-school floor general who ran the show for Gonzaga, averaging 9.8 assists to just 2.5 turnovers. He plays with a veteran’s poise, throws bull's-eye passes to shooters, and makes smart decisions. He also finishes well for his size, using crafty angles and a soft touch off the glass. And he made progress as a shooter during his senior season.
- Koby Brea, age 22.6, Kentucky senior wing: Brea has a bankable NBA skill with his shooting. He drilled 43.4% of his 3s over five college seasons and moves like a pro relocating
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