The 2025 NBA Draft class includes a standout collection of forwards, all bringing distinct skill sets and upside. South Carolina’s Collin Murray-Boyles headlines the group, drawing NBA interest with his blend of strength, versatility and two-way potential as a power forward.
While history shows top-three or even top-five picks don’t always meet expectations, this year’s projected elite group may buck that trend. The class showcases a wide range of talent, with each forward offering something different, raising the possibility that multiple future stars emerge from this cohort. Murray-Boyles is considered the early favorite to lead this dynamic pack.
2025 NBA Draft: Ranking the Top Five Forward Prospects
The 2025 NBA Draft features a deep pool of frontcourt talent, with several forwards emerging as legitimate early-round prospects. Here’s a breakdown of the top five forwards expected to make waves at the next level:
1. Collin Murray-Boyles
Murray-Boyles is gaining traction as a top-10 selection, largely due to his blend of strength, skill and defensive versatility. He put up 16.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks per game, converting 58.6% of his field goals.
While he hit just 26.5% from three, his inside-the-arc efficiency and physicality make him a difficult cover. Ranked fourth among power forwards in the 2025 NBA Mock Draft 4.0, his best and worst rankings are 8 and 30, respectively.
2. Asa Newell
Newell’s high-energy play and efficient scoring have made him one of the draft’s most talked-about bigs. Leading Georgia in both points and rebounds, he averaged 15.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 1.0 steal and 1.0 block per contest.
He shot 54.1% from the floor and 29.9% from deep, finishing with a 62% true shooting mark. Ranked second among power forwards, he peaked at No. 6 in some mocks, with a floor of No. 20.
3. Rasheer Fleming
Fleming ranks fifth among power forwards and continues to rise thanks to his rebounding presence and defensive flexibility. He posted 14.9 points, 8.7 boards, 1.3 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.6 blocks per game, shooting 53.8% from the field and a promising 40.0% from long range.
His best and worst rankings sit at 12 and 28. Represented by Octagon, he’s viewed as a physical forward capable of evolving into a two-way contributor, earning comparisons to Kyle Kuzma.
4. Danny Wolf
Though listed as a center in most rankings, Wolf’s skill set aligns well with modern power forwards. Averaging 13.1 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.3 blocks, he shot 50.3% from the field and 33.7% from three.
5. Carter Bryant
Primarily slotted as a small forward in mock drafts, Bryant is nonetheless considered by many evaluators as a power forward prospect. While detailed stats weren’t included, he’s recognized for his strong frame, defensive versatility and promising outside shot.
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He recorded a best ranking of No. 19 and was unranked in others. Bryant’s stock could improve with strong pre-draft workouts, as teams value his athletic tools and off-ball efficiency.
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