As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, scouts and fans alike are zeroing in on the forward position—a spot that boasts this year’s most dominant and well-rounded talent. The forward group is headlined by none other than Cooper Flagg, the consensus No. 1 overall prospect and arguably the most complete two-way player to enter the draft in years. Below, we break down the best forwards in this class, detailing what makes each one special—and what they need to refine to thrive at the next level.
1. Cooper Flagg, Forward (Big Board Rank: 1)
Height: 6-9 | Weight: 200 | Age: 18
Cooper Flagg isn’t just the top forward in this draft—he’s the best overall player, full stop. A high-energy competitor who blends hustle, IQ, and skill, Flagg has all the makings of a franchise cornerstone. He defends at a high level, makes smart passes to elevate teammates, and has sharpened his jumper into a legitimate weapon. Whether he’s rotating for a block or initiating the offense, Flagg impacts the game in every way imaginable.
What separates Flagg from other top picks of recent years is how advanced he is on both ends of the court. Defensively, he’s already elite. Offensively, he continues to grow as a shot creator, and his ceiling could stretch as far as the Hall of Fame. At worst, he’s an All-Star. At best? He’s a generational superstar.
2. Ace Bailey, Forward (Big Board Rank: Top 5)
Height: 6-10 | Weight: 207 | Age: 19
Ace Bailey brings old-school scoring flair to the modern game. He can hit contested jumpers from anywhere on the court and plays with the fearless confidence of a pure bucket-getter. His ability to create space and knock down tough shots makes him one of the most electrifying offensive players in the draft.
However, Bailey still needs polish in key areas. His shot selection can be erratic, and his defensive effort isn’t always consistent. Still, if he can improve as a creator for others and lock in defensively, Bailey has all the tools to become a high-scoring NBA star.
3. Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina (Big Board Rank: 9)
Height: 6-7 | Weight: 239 | Class: Sophomore | Age: 20
Few forwards defend like Murray-Boyles. A defensive ace who guards every position, uses his hands like surgical tools to poke balls loose, and gobbles up rebounds with ferocity, he’s a coach’s dream on that end of the floor. Offensively, he brings a powerful inside game, combining brute strength with clever passing instincts.
Where Murray-Boyles needs work is his perimeter shooting. His current lack of a reliable jumper pegs him as a potential tweener, but if he can stretch the floor even modestly, he could quickly graduate from defensive specialist to two-way All-Star.
4. Noa Essengue, Ratiopharm Ulm (Big Board Rank: 13)
Height: 6-9 | Weight: 198 | Age: 18.5
Essengue is one of the most intriguing international prospects in the draft. With a smooth handle, fluid athleticism, and an explosive finishing game, he checks nearly every box as a modern NBA forward. His defensive potential is through the roof—he can switch onto guards, protect the rim, and move laterally with ease.
But as with many young, toolsy prospects, the swing skill is his jumper. If his shot develops, Essengue could become a dynamic two-way weapon. If it doesn’t, he’ll need his defense to be elite enough to justify significant minutes. Either way, he’s got lottery-level upside.
5. Carter Bryant, Arizona (Big Board Rank: 16)
Height: 6-7 | Weight: 215 | Class: Freshman | Age: 19.5
Bryant is an athletic and fluid wing who brings versatility and intelligence to the court. While still developing as a ball-handler, he excels as a spot-up shooter and makes smart, timely cuts that create easy buckets. His defensive instincts are solid, and with his length and agility, he projects as a multi-positional stopper.
Though not as flashy as other forwards on this list, Bryant has a high floor as a role player and could become much more if he tightens his handle and grows as a creator. Think of him as a glue guy with upside—a player every good team needs.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 forward class is brimming with talent, versatility, and long-term promise. Cooper Flagg stands in a tier of his own, but there’s plenty of intrigue beyond him. Whether it’s Bailey’s offensive brilliance, Murray-Boyles’ defensive intensity, or Essengue’s upside, this group will shape the future of several NBA franchises.
For full scouting reports, two-round mock drafts, and in-depth breakdowns of every prospect, be sure to check out the complete 2025 NBA Draft Guide.
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