NBA Draft sleepers: 5 potential steals in 2025 including Ryan Nembhard, Tyrese Proctor and Drake Powell

While there is an undisputed top two in the 2025 NBA Draft class, the talent runs much deeper than that.

Year after year, fans are reminded that talent is dispersed throughout both rounds of the NBA Draft, and it is not uncommon to see second-rounders earn All-Rookie team honors. For many reasons, prospects often slip through the cracks and fall to fortunate teams willing to take a risk that ultimately pays off. Those players are often considered the biggest sleepers in a draft class.

📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

The 2025 draft landscape is interesting in that players like Colorado State’s Nique Clifford and Washington State’s Cedric Coward have quickly shed the “sleeper” label to become fast-rising draft darlings due to their measurements and NBA readiness. But there are several players outside of those two who still fit the bill.

Here is a closer look at some of the names to monitor as sleepers in the 2025 NBA Draft.

MORE 2025 NBA DRAFT NEWS

2025 NBA Draft sleepers to know

Ryan Nembhard, Gonzaga | Canada

Age: 22, Senior

Position: Guard

Measurements: 6-0, 180 pounds

Nembhard is being slept on because of his size—or lack thereof—but there’s no denying his presence as a floor general. That should translate well to the next level.

The name and school are no coincidence: Ryan is the younger brother of Pacers standout, Andrew. After starting at Creighton, the younger of the two Nembhard brothers spent his last two seasons at Gonzaga, where he led Division I with 9.8 assists per game as a senior.

There’s always a place for pure point guard play, and a team will be fortunate to add Nembhard’s playmaking. The 22-year-old may need some polishing, but he’ll have a role at the next level.

Chaz Lanier, Tennessee

Age: 23, Fifth year

Position: Guard

Measurements: 6-5, 206 pounds

After three years as a limited contributor at North Florida, Lanier turned in a senior season worthy of consideration to finish his college career at Tennessee. The leap from the ASUN to the SEC was seamless for Lanier, who averaged 18.0 points while shooting 39.5 percent from 3 on 8.2 attempts per game for the Vols in 2024-25.

Lanier will turn 24 this year and is one of the older players in this draft class, but his sharpshooting ability is an NBA-ready skill — he knows what he does well, and doesn’t back down from doing it. Add in an impressive 6-5 frame, and Lanier has the tools to make another seamless transition to a higher level of competition.

Tyrese Proctor, Duke | Australia

Age: 21, Junior

Position: Guard

Measurements: 6-5, 183 pounds

Public opinion on Proctor appears to be mixed but he fits the bill of the modern-day toolsy player capable of doing the little things at a high level.

Proctor improved as a shooter each year of his college career, shooting 40.5 percent on nearly six attempts per game as a junior. He’s a 6-5 guard with length and is a difference-maker on the defensive end as well. Derrick White is a lofty goal to reach, but Proctor can fit that archetype for a team.

Drake Powell, UNC

Age: 19, Freshman

Position: Guard/Forward

Measurements: 6-6, 200 pounds

The list of one-and-dones from North Carolina isn’t long, meaning the freshmen who look to leave Chapel Hill for the league are often overlooked. Powell should not be overlooked.

There’s a reason Powell was a consensus five-star recruit just one year ago — he’s got a pro-ready build and the potential to be a two-way ace at the NBA level. He sometimes played out of position for the undersized Tar Heels in 2024-25, so an opportunity to get back to his roots on the wing should benefit Powell in the league.

Maxime Raynaud, Stanford | France

Age: 22, Senior

Position: Forward

Measurements: 7-1, 237 pounds

Raynaud may have emerged from “sleeper” talks, but he is one of the most fun prospects in this year’s draft. The 7-footer turned in 25 double-doubles over 35 games last season at Stanford and also shot 34.7 percent from 3 on high volume.

He’s a multifaceted player with great skills as a passer and his feel for the game is undeniable. Raynaud has risen up on draft boards but time could prove that he may have needed to rise even higher.