2025 Preseason NBA Draft Guide
With the NBA season now underway and the college basketball season's start on the horizon, the No Ceilings team shares their Preseason Draft Guide for the 2025 NBA Draft.
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!
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.