The dust has finally settled on a busy first round of the 2025 NBA Draft. However, there are still plenty of picks yet to be made. Day Two of the draft kicks off tonight at 8:00 PM, with several intriguing prospects available.
DraftKings Sportsbook is offering some enticing NBA props before the start of the second-round. Let’s break down which players could hear their name called early tonight.
C Maxime Raynaud, Stanford
At this point in the draft, there’s two directions teams can go: high-upside, or ready to play. Maxime Reynaud falls more into the latter category. The All-Pac-12 team selection was a beast on an otherwise lackluster Cardinal squad. Over 35 games played, the center averaged 20.2 points and 10.6 rebounds. He also shot well from beyond the arc, knocking down 34.7% of his three-point shots.
Despite the gaudy statistics, it’s unlikely Raynaud ever develops into a star at the NBA level. A lack of athleticism also means the Frenchman’s contributions will remain primarily on the offensive end. Still, there’s a good chance the seven-footer can slot into a rotation from day one. Any contender looking for a backup big, such as the Celtics and 76ers, should consider Raynaud.
F Rasheer Flemming, St. Joseph’s
Despite playing at a smaller school, Rasheer Fleming fits the profile of what scouts are looking for. The 6’8″ forward has an NBA-ready frame, highlighted by his 7’5″ wingspan. In addition, he has a fairly polished offensive game. Over 35 games last season, the junior averaged 14.7 points while connecting on 53.1% of his shots (39.0 3PT%).
The biggest challenge for Fleming at the next level will be his changing role. Going from ‘the guy’ to a supporting piece is never easy, especially for a rookie. Still, that’s an easy fix with proper coaching. Numerous draft pundits expected the St. Joe’s star to go near the end of the first round. Whoever selects the forward tonight could be getting a steal.
G Tyrese Proctor, Duke
It’s been a Duke-heavy draft so far. Three different players from the program went inside the top ten: Cooper Flagg (#1), Kon Knueppel (#4) and Khaman Maluach (#10). However, the Blue Devils’ offense was orchestrated by none other than Tyrese Proctor. The junior’s numbers from last season don’t stand out (12.4 PPG, 3.0 REB, 2.2 AST). However, that’s a result of playing on college basketball’s most star-studded roster.
With that being said, there are some clear weaknesses in Proctor’s game. He’s not a true distributor right now; it’ll take some time to improve his ball-handling and passing skills. Last season’s free-throw struggles (68.0%) may have been an aberration, but it’s something to monitor. Regardless, elite three-point shooting (40.5%), an ability to play under pressure, and basketball IQ are all plus-attributes. Don’t be shocked if Proctor quickly carves out a role for himself.
C Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton
If the NBA Draft was based solely off of what players did in college, Ryan Kalkbrenner would be a top-five pick. During his final four years at Creighton, the center averaged 16.4 points, 7.5 rebounds and a whopping 2.6 blocks per game. In each of those years, he managed to win Big East Defensive Player of the Year.
Kalkbrenner isn’t the most athletic big, nor is he a potent scorer. Still, you know what you’re getting here. The seven-footer offers elite interior defense, consistent finishing around the rim, and plenty of experience. Prospects with higher upside will entrance teams, but there’s something to be said about a safe pick. For front offices looking to add a quality contributor, this is someone worth targeting.
G/F Adou Thiero, Arkansas
At this point in the draft, teams will prioritize two-way difference makers. Few names fit the bill better than Adou Thiero. The Arkansas alum delivered solid numbers last season, averaging 15.1 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. Beyond the box score, it’s the wing’s athleticism that’s sure to catch some eyes. A seven-foot wingspan and high energy makes Thiero a potentially disruptive defender. Look no further than his 1.6 steals and 0.7 blocks per game last season in Fayetteville.
Thiero offers a stark contrast to some of the other names on this list. Despite his massive potential, the 21-year-old is far from polished on offense. As a junior, he shot just 25.6% from three-point range. While every coaching staff believes they can fix a player’s shooting mechanics, it’s easier said than done.
