The NBA season is well underway, and the start of the NCAA season is just around the corner. Now that we’ve revved up our engines with our Conference Previews, we’re ready to kick things into another gear with our 2026 Preseason NBA Draft Guide.

In other words…

DRAFT SEASON IS OFFICIALLY BACK.

Let’s go over everything below before you dive into the beast.

• Prospects are listed in Alphabetical Order by Last Name. (You’ll get our Big Boards VERY Soon)

• Measurements are based on Team Websites

• Background and Analysis of each prospect from our No Ceilings panel of evaluators

• Prospect Chemistry (Our twist on Pro Comparisons)

• Pros and Cons (Strengths and Improvement Areas)

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT OVER THE YEARS.

ENJOY, NO CEILINGS FAMILY!

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Every year at No Ceilings, the Draft Guide is our pride and joy.

We take a serious amount of pride in trying to push the envelope each cycle to give you, the fans, the type of draft content YOU deserve.

This year, we got tired of taking baby steps. Instead, we strived to take a couple of giant leaps forward. That’s just what we did, as this year’s guide is officially three times bigger than before.

We think that you’re going to be happy with the results.

The 2025 No Ceilings NBA Draft Guide is officially live and for sale.

What’s New This Year? We thought you’d never ask…

• 80,000+ words.

  • After ending up around 18,000 words last year, we felt like we needed to dream a little bigger. New format. Breakdowns everywhere. Get pumped.

• 100 in-depth scouting reports

  • Each player profile has three pages of analysis, graphics, etc.

• INTRODUCING: Player Badges

  • We created 33 badges that will be assigned to players throughout the guide. Think of these as “skill” areas that spotlight what the player could bring to the next level. Yes, if you play NBA2K…you should be excited.

• INTRODUCING: “Sell Me This Pen”

  • We gave a section of the draft guide to one of our favorite segments here at No Ceilings. Need to get sold on a prospect? We’ve got a section for that.

• NEW ANALYTICS LAYOUT

  • We completely overhauled our analytics section of the Draft Guide. Each player will have Synergy percentiles, advanced statistics, shooting charts with hot/cold areas, and more.

• INTRODUCING: “Notes”

  • Want to know some more behind the scenes background information about each prospect? We got you covered, with important details about each prospect’s journey throughout their early basketball careers to the present day.

• PLAYER COMPS

  • We overhauled the player comps section of our guide as well. We all “love” pro comps.

NC+ subscribers, make sure to keep scrolling below for a special message and gift.

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WELCOME TO THE NO CEILINGS 2025 PRESEASON NBA DRAFT GUIDE

After slipping into hibernation mode this offseason, we are BACK, folks. You’ve felt the buzz and heard the hype. The 2025 NBA Draft class is shaping up to be a special one. There’s no shortage of exciting talent this year, with plenty of players who can get you foaming at the mouth quickly.

We’ve got some eye-opening freshmen adding their names to the mix—not to mention a plethora of returning players who look poised to take another step this year.

The international season has previously gotten underway, and there’s plenty of talent overseas that requires your attention throughout the year. With the college basketball season opening up this week, it’s officially time to hit the switch.

DRAFT SEASON IS OFFICIALLY BACK.

Let’s go over everything below before you dive into the beast.

• Prospects are listed in Alphabetical Order by Last Name. (You’ll get our Big Boards VERY Soon)

• Measurements are based on Team Websites

• Background and Analysis of each prospect from our No Ceilings panel of evaluators

• Prospect Chemistry (Our twist on Pro Comparisons)

• Pros and Cons (Strengths and Improvement Areas)

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT OVER THE YEARS.

ENJOY, NO CEILINGS FAMILY!

Subscribe now

• Name: Izan Almansa

• Position: F/C

• Date of Birth: June 7th, 2005 (19)

• Hometown: Murcia, Spain

• Measurements: 6’10”, 230

• Year: 2005 Born

• Previous Team: Real Madrid B (2020-21), Overtime Elite (2021-2023), G League Ignite (2023-24)

Izan Almansa stands out not just because of his measurements (measured at 6’9” barefoot, with a 7’1” wingspan at the NBA Combine), but also because of the elite coordination and fluidity that he possesses for his size. This mix allows him to create mismatches in the perimeter, as he’s able to get by slower centers while also bullying smaller wings and forwards.

Almansa also utilizes his fluidity and coordination around the basket, where his footwork, handling ability, and post moves allow him to create space and convert tough shots against defenders. Despite not being extremely strong, Almansa’s size, agility, and knack for finding open space have allowed him to develop into a prolific rebounder on both ends of the floor.

The Spanish big, however, has shown that he can also create shots for teammates, whether that is passing out of the post to open shooters, finding cutters, or utilizing his gravity as a ball-handler to find teammates in the perimeter with simple drive-and-kicks.

The lack of shooting is one of the limitations for Almansa, as he shot just 7-of-35 during the 2023-24 season. Even more concerning for his size, however, is the lack of elite rim protection. Almansa does have the size and the measurements, but the production has simply never been there at any level of competition.

Ultimately, Almansa is an interesting case study of where NBA teams fall on players who aren’t able to shoot or protect the rim at an elite level. He won’t be an archetype that every NBA team is looking for, but he could thrive in the right environment as a big with decent size who can provide value by finishing plays around the basket, rebounding, exploiting mismatches as a driver and making plays for teammates with his vision and unselfish approach to the game.

Prospect Chemistry (Shades of): Mason Plumlee, Kevon Looney, Tiago Splitter

Strengths: Feel for the Game, Fluidity/Coordination, Interior Scoring, Rebounding

Weaknesses: Rim Protection, Shooting

• Name: Airious “Ace” Bailey

• Position: F

• Date of Birth: August 13, 2006 (18)

• Hometown: Powder Springs, Georgia

• Measurements: 6’10”, 200

• Year: Freshman

• Previous Team: McEachern High School (Powder Springs, Georgia)

Ace Bailey is a unique offensive talent who stands out for his shot-making versatility and impressive physical tools. Bailey, attending Rutgers to pair up with fellow five-star freshman Dylan Harper, is poised to be one of the most electric prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft. 

The Chattanooga, Tennessee product is an extraordinary tough shot maker. His range extends out to the logo; when he gets hot, there is little that can be done to cool him off. Bailey loves getting busy in the midrange, where his in-between game is already quite dynamic. With his listed 6’10” height, Bailey can simply rise over defenders with smooth pull-up jumpers and already has a Dirk-esque one-legged fader in his bag. However, he often relies too heavily on these difficult shots early in possessions rather than driving or extending his range to the three-point line. Still, he can shoot with ease from anywhere on the court, showing balance and composure even against the toughest contests.

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Congratulations to the Boston Celtics on title number 18, but it is officially draft season for all 30 NBA teams. That means that the official No Ceilings NBA Draft Guide is officially live and for sale. The guide includes:

• 18,000+ words

• 60 in-depth scouting reports

• Advanced stats on each prospect

• Prospect Chemistry aka player comps

NC+ subscribers, make sure to keep scrolling for a special message and a token of our appreciation. Get the guide here: https://noceilingsnba.bigcartel.com/product/2024-nba-draft-guide

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WELCOME TO THE NO CEILINGS 2024 PRESEASON DRAFT GUIDE

It’s shaping up to be another glorious year in the world of scouting. The 2024 NBA draft class has drawn some early tales of “caution” around it. With no “surefire” top prospect, fans might hear plenty of noise about this being a weaker class compared to others.

BUT NOT SO FAST, MY FRIENDS.

This is why you’re here. This is why we do what we do. There’s plenty of talent around the basketball world to get excited about for the upcoming 2024 draft cycle. We have more than 23,000 words for you below about some players who are generating buzz as we get ready for the “official” beginning of the upcoming draft year.

Let’s go over everything below before you attempt to tackle this monster.

• Prospects are listed in Alphabetical Order. (You’ll get our Big Boards VERY Soon)

• Measurements are based on Team Websites

• Background and Analysis of each prospect from our No Ceilings panel of evaluators

• Prospect Chemistry (Our twist on Pro Comparisons)

• Pros and Cons

Thank You All For Your Continued Support Over the Years.

Enjoy, No Ceilings Family!

• Name: Melvin Ajinca

• Position: Wing

• Date of Birth: June 26th, 2004 (19)

• Hometown: Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, France

• Measurements: 6’8”, 200

• Year: 2004 Born

• Previous Team: Centre Federal Du Basket-Ball (19-22)

Analysis: A 6’7” native of France, Melvin Ajinca has been on NBA radars for some time. In France’s second-tier pro league last season, he shot 38.8% from three and 84.8% from the charity stripe. During the FIBA U19 World Cup, he posted a super-efficient 19.3 PPG, further solidifying his reputation. Now, he’s competing in the top league in France, and he’s been holding his own.

Everything starts with the outside shot. Ajinca is a tremendous three-point shooter who has always posted strong results behind the arc. While the high percentages from distance are encouraging, the tape and process behind those results are downright exciting. Ajinca brings dynamism as a movement shooter. He’s able to hit off NBA-type actions, and he can often get his shot off without even the slightest hint of a dip in his motion. Additionally, Ajinca can make quick decisions with the ball, he has good size to him, and he’s light on his feet.

Where things get dicey for Ajinca is that, outside of his shooting, there’s a sense of “and what else?” permeating his game. While he moves well and isn’t a slouch physically, he’s not a very productive defender. His offensive game is almost entirely perimeter-oriented, taking few shots outside the arc. He makes little impact on the glass. If nothing else, the marriage of Ajinca’s movement shooting and size will give him life as a viable, genuine prospect. How the rest of his game rounds into form throughout the season will determine where he ultimately ends up on boards come draft time. If he can become an above-average defender, he’d bring value as a 3-and-D prospect rather than simply as a shooter. Should he get there, Ajinca could climb into the lottery conversation. 

Prospect Chemistry: Duncan Robinson, Saddiq Bey, Anthony Morrow

Pros: Size, movement shooting, quick decision-making

Cons: Driving, defensive production, rebounding

• Name: Trey Alexander

• Position: Guard

• Date of Birth: May 2nd, 2003 (20)

• Hometown: Midwest City, Oklahoma

• Measurements: 6’4”, 190

• Year: Junior

• Previous Team: Heritage Hall High School (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)

Analysis: Trey Alexander grew up in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He attended Heritage High School and was named Oklahoma Gatorade Player of the Year after averaging 23.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 2.1 steals per game as a senior. Alexander was rated as a four-star recruit and originally committed to play for Auburn. Eventually, Alexander would decommit before later signing on to play at Creighton. 

During his freshman year, Alexander was named to the Big East Conference All-Freshman team after averaging 7.4 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. Fast forward to the 2022-23 season, and Trey has become one of the most underrated combo guards in college basketball. Trey is coming off a sensational season in which he averaged 13.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 44.7% from the field and 41.0% from three-point range. After initially testing the waters for the 2023 NBA draft, Alexander is back at Creighton for his junior year with lofty expectations.

The hope is that Alexander can keep his efficiency while taking on a bigger role for the Blue Jays. If that can happen, Alexander can be a name that climbs up the rankings in NBA draft circles. Alexander measured in at the 2023 NBA draft combine at 6’4.25” with an impressive 6’10” wingspan. He’s a crafty combo guard who has shown the ability to be patient and navigate traffic, getting to his spots on the floor. After shooting just 28.1% from three-point range as a freshman, Alexander improved to 41.0% from three last year. If that number can improve, with an uptick in attempts, then Alexander is going to have the attention of NBA scouts. 

Prospect Chemistry: Malcolm Brogdon, Corey Joseph, Shaun Livingston

Pros: Offensive Versatility, Playmaking, Defensive Upside

Cons: Finishing, Athleticism 

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