Heading into the 2025 NBA draft, there are plenty of exciting prospects for teams to look at. Fans are eagerly awaiting the debut of potential superstars like Duke’s Cooper Flagg because of their offensive flair. However, not every player is drafted because of their dynamic offensive ability. Teams also need to be effective on the defensive side of the ball, especially after the first few picks.
Not every player will become a star, and as a result, teams often put their focus on looking for players who can fill a role. If a player can be an effective defender while providing spot offense, there is a decent chance they will have a long NBA career. Here is a look at the three best defensive prospects in the 2025 NBA draft.
Top 3 Defensive Prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft
#1 Collin Murray-Boyles
One of the most underrated skills a player can have on the defensive side of the ball is their ability to defend off the ball. Off-ball defending is when a player is not directly defending the player who has the ball. Former South Carolina forward Collin Murray-Boyles is arguably the best player in the 2025 draft class in that area.
He has outstanding awareness, strong hands and shows good timing in making decisions. He is effective and switching positions and does a good job of reading plays. He knows when it is time to rotate for a block, swipe at the ball or act as a deterrent.
Collin Murray-Boyles has a chance to be an NBA All-Defensive Team type of player.
An elite off-ball defender that has high defensive IQ, great awareness, impressive instincts and overall a great understanding on positioning.
On the ball he can defend multiple positions, very… pic.twitter.com/3NlbxwJbYB
— Global Scouting (@GlobalScouting_) May 21, 2025
#2 Joan Beringer
Over the past decade, the NBA has become a league that is about scoring from under the basket and beyond the 3-point line. As a result, strong rim protectors are premium assets in the NBA. French center Joan Beringer is possibly the best rim protector in the draft. At 6′ 11,” he has the size to contest other NBA centers. His 7-4 wingspan means he should not have trouble contesting shots from even the league’s biggest players.
Beringer can move effectively for a big man. He also has the ability to succeed in many different screen coverages.
#3 Drake Powell
North Carolina’s Drake Powell is one of the most effective on-ball defenders in the 2025 NBA draft class. While he is not expected to go early in the first round, he could be a defensive steal for a team drafting late in the first round or late in the second round. He pressures attackers with relentless aggression and moves through screens effectively. He is also a run-jump shot blocking threat.
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