Ranking Top 5 Power Forwards From 2025 NBA Draft: Assessing Elite PF in Current Available Picks
The 2025 NBA Draft, held June 25, is already gaining acclaim for its historic depth across all positions. Though Cooper Flagg, the generational 6′9″ Duke phenom, is widely projected as the No. 1 pick, it’s the quality of the power forward class that’s turning heads. According to Sports Illustrated, this year is packed with high-IQ, versatile four men who can defend multiple positions, shoot from the perimeter, and initiate offense. Supported by Babcock Hoops’ top rankings, these forwards represent the modern NBA archetype. Meaning? Lengthy, switchable athletes with multi-faceted skills. Here’s a breakdown of the top five power forwards in the 2025 NBA Draft class.
Top 5 Power Forwards From 2025 NBA Draft
Dirk Nowitski, Tim Duncan, and Charles Barkley are a few of the power forwards who made a mark in the NBA playing at the elite level. The stars were critical member of their sides and a few even won the NBA Finals MVP awards for their impact on the court. Check out the top 5 power forwards from the 2025 NBA draft below,
1. Cooper Flagg (Duke) — The Generational Two-Way Talent
At 6′9″ with a 7′0″ wingspan, Duke freshman Cooper Flagg offers an unparalleled blend of two-way versatility and consistent production, averaging 19.2 ppg, 7.5 rpg, and 4.2 apg on 48.1% FG, 38.5% 3P. His impact transcends stats. makes him a defensive disruptor, showcasing a rare ability to guard multiple positions with elite anticipation and mobility. He is seen as the top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
In transition, Flagg is a force—posting 1.302 PPP on the break—and moving fluidly as a cutter and spot-up threat. Yet despite star billing, he’s humble about his craft, fine-tuning his isolation scoring and creation skills.
HoopsHype’s staff scored him a consensus top pick, calling him “the safest bet in the draft…His floor is All‑Star, ceiling franchise cornerstone”. A pro scout emphasized, “His defense is generational…he’s dominating college ball when he should still be in high school”.
Babcock Hoops ranked him as the premier power forward prospect, cementing his clear-cut status atop the class. Simply put, Cooper Flagg enters the NBA as a generational talent with two-way brilliance, positional versatility, and star-making upside—even beyond Rookie of the Year expectations.
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2. Collin Murray‑Boyles (South Carolina) — The Defensive Paint Anchor
At 6′7″ and 239 pounds, South Carolina sophomore Collin Murray‑Boyles excels as a physical, high-IQ interior presence. He averaged 16.8 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 2.4 apg, 1.5 spg, and 1.3 bpg on a staggering 58.6% FG—showing dominance in paint scoring and rebounding despite a modest 26.5% from three.
His strengths lie in his defensive versatility—aggressive shot-blocking, strong rebounding, and on-ball physicality. He’s lauded as a premier rim protector and switch defender, mixing strength and instinct effortlessly.
A pro scout mentioned, “He can guard multiple positions and is a great rebounder…productive right away”. Murray‑Boyles earned Babcock Hoops’ spot in the top five PFs and was highlighted by SI as a top-tier defensive talent. While his jump shot is underdeveloped, his dominant interior play and quick hands leave room for offensive growth.
Early projections place him in the top 10, counterbalanced by upside versus shooting polish. He could be a defensive-intense, paint-dominant force with midrange upside. Murray‑Boyles arrives as a potential two-way starter with a high ceiling. A perfect fit for the number two in the power forwards from the 2025 NBA Draft.
3. Asa Newell (Georgia) — The Athletic Lob Threat
Georgia freshman Asa Newell is a 6′9″ athletic marvel, combining rim-protection, lob threat abilities, and motor-grade energy. He posted 15.4 ppg and 6.9 rpg at 54% FG, while projecting as an elite defender and highlight-maker.
Known for his bounce and timing, Newell is a natural rim-runner and roll man, with extractive finishes above the rim. His length allows him to contest shots and strip the ball effectively. Sports Illustrated ranks him as a top-7 PF prospect, acknowledging his dynamic two-way toolkit.
His physical tools place him as a top-20 potential pick. While he guards bigger threats and thrives in transition, his outside jumper remains raw and must improve to translate upwards. In all, Asa Newell is an explosive, athletic four-man who dominates the glass and rim; his offensive ceiling will grow with shooting and strength development.
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4. Rasheer Fleming (Saint Joseph’s) — The Switchable Stretch Four
Saint Joseph’s junior Rasheer Fleming stands out as a 6′8″ “stretch four” with a 7′5″ wingspan, blending perimeter shooting and defensive scheme-switching. He averaged 14.7 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 1.5 bpg, and shot 39% from deep.
Babcock Hoops ranked him among the top PFs, lauding his versatility and impact. Liberty Ballers highlighted his wingspan, perimeter defense, and efficient shooting: “a 6‑foot‑9 forward that’ll stretch the floor and guard in space”.
His rebounding and help defense are next-level. Analysts project him as mid-lottery to late-first-round talent. One Mavericks redditor called him a “monster… Potential to actually defend 1–5”. Weaknesses include his physical frame and late-season defensive lapses, but his multi-positional size and shooting floor are rare growth assets. His ability to play explosive basketball puts him at the third position in the top 5 power forwards in the 2025 NBA Draft.
5. Noah Penda (Le Mans, France) — The Two-Way International
Completing the top five is French forward Noah Penda, a 6′8″, 240-lb two-way talent who averaged 9.8 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 1.0 bpg, and shot 31.4% from three (earlier 39.5%). He’s noted for his physical strength, defensive aggression, and perimeter shooting ability.
Scouts note his capability to guard multiple positions, disruptive instincts, and perimeter handling—alongside a consistent catch-and-shoot threat. Challenges include inconsistent shooting and decision-making. But his physicality, defensive impact (4+ stocks in six of 11 games), and strength make him appealing as a rotational big.
The 2025 power forward class is reshaping how frontcourts are built: longer, switchable, multi-skilled, and two-way. Cooper Flagg tops the class as a projected generational star. Murray‑Boyles brings defensive intensity and paint control; Newell offers highlight athleticism; Fleming blends spacing and length; and Penda delivers tough, rotational versatility.
On draft night, teams must balance upside, fit, and floor readiness. Whether choosing a franchise cornerstone or a specialized role player, this PF group gives franchises transformative options. Expect all five to be selected by the end of Round 1, with Flagg—and possibly Murray‑Boyles and Fleming—forming a new generation of NBA forward talent.
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