While this draft was long considered one centered around Cooper Flagg, there is suddenly some competition at the top with Dylan Harper.
After a blazing start to the season for the Rutgers freshman, the 6-foot-6 guard is beginning to get some buzz to potentially enter the conversation at No. 1 overall in the 2025 NBA Draft.
As of right now, Flagg is still the overwhelming favorite to hear his name called with the first overall pick. But whatever team lands the second pick should not feel disappointed, either, especially if Harper keeps playing this well.
The latest projections from Jonathan Wasserman has the Morgan Wootten National Player of the Year and McDonald’s All-American Game MVP at No. 2 overall to the Pelicans (via Bleacher Report):
“Dylan Harper has begun to separate himself from the No. 3 prospect, whoever it may be come draft night.
He’s coming off a buzzer-beater pull-up three to beat Seton Hall and continuing to sell scouts on his potential star capabilities.
Despite receiving unreliable support from Rutgers role players, Harper is leading all freshmen in scoring on an impressive efficiency (59.5 percent 2PT, 61.9 percent true shooting) while also still assisting on 29.2 percent of teammates’ field goals and taking excellent care of the ball.
He’s in a tough spot to be a No. 1 option and shoot a high percentage or limit the forced plays/decisions, but he’s averaging 23.5 points, 4.4 assists and 2.3 turnovers on 52.0 percent from the floor.
Three-point shooting consistency will inevitably come up when scouting Harper and perimeter players in general. But what we’ve seen feels different from the conversations around highly drafted, weaker shotmaking guards such as Scoot Henderson, Stephon Castle, the Thompson twins, Anthony Black, Jaden Ivey or Killian Hayes.
He’s at least putting pressure on Cooper Flagg in the No. 1 overall discussion.”
This would be a fantastic return in the draft for the Pelicans, who have had a season otherwise decimated by health.
While they traded for Dejounte Murray, his immediate injury made it a tough pill to swallow.
DYLAN HARPER: Rutgers star is the most exciting offensive prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft
New Orleans could add a potential franchise cornerstone in their backcourt with Harper as the future remains uncertain with both Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram.
Harper would have the highest offensive box plus-minus (9.8) among all freshmen in the NCAA since Williamson (12.8) in 2019.
Here is our latest NBA mock draft at For The Win, where Harper goes to the Washington Wizards.
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