The 4 best 3&D players facing the NBA Draft 2025
We know the importance of this type of players in current basketball, and many important teams will set their sights on men with this profile
The importance of players who can excel as three-point shooters and play defense cannot be underestimated. These players can easily fit into any team and play an essential role. As a result, 3&D players are highly coveted commodities in terms of trades and free agency. The easiest way to acquire and retain these players is to find one in the draft. The upcoming draft features several of these players who have the potential to become 3&D assets. Here are the top 3&D prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Carter Bryant
Despite limited playing time at Arizona, small forward Carter Bryant is one of the top 3&D prospects in the draft. He possesses the ideal size and athleticism to be a versatile wing defender. Specifically, Bryant has the potential to be a multi-positional defender who can block guards and forwards. Not only that, he is also adept at using his length to disrupt passes or shots. Offensively, Bryant has shown good shooting form, enabling him to shoot 37.1% from three this year. Moreover, he is a capable and willing cutter when playing off the ball. Although Bryant has uncertainties in other aspects of his game, especially on offense, his core skills align well with a 3&D role. Given his skill set and physical tools, there is no doubt that teams would pursue Bryant in the first round.
Rasheer Fleming
Another talented 3&D small forward is Rasheer Fleming from Saint Joseph. This forward boasts an excellent combination of size, athleticism, shooting, and defense that any team would covet. While he is built to defend threes and fours, Fleming can also play as a five. He effectively utilizes his length and athleticism as a weakside shot-blocker and tenacious rebounder. Additionally, Fleming plays defense with immense energy and motor, traits any team would desire. Offensively, he has vastly improved as a shooter, hitting 39% from beyond the arc and 74.3% from the free-throw line. Furthermore, Fleming moves well off the ball, adding more offensive value.
Nique Clifford
Colorado State shooting guard Nique Clifford is one of the top high-class players in this year's draft and someone with 3&D potential. Specifically, his height and athleticism make him the prime candidate to defend wings. Clifford is a solid defender who can disrupt perimeter players and defend multiple positions. Additionally, he battles well on the boards for his size. Offensively, Clifford can play both on and off the ball. He may be inconsistent as a shooter, but he is solid enough to be a threat. For someone like Clifford, he has the skills to be more than just a 3&D player but can fulfill that role if his team needs him to.
Miles Byrd
Although his shooting cooled off as the season progressed, San Diego State shooting guard Miles Byrd has the skills to be a 3&D player at the next level. Standing at two meters tall, he has the size and athleticism to defend both wings and guards. Moreover, Byrd is one of the top defenders in the draft, generating blocks and steals at a high rate. He excels at being a disruptive pest on and off the ball. Byrd has the potential to be a defensive stopper in the NBA.
Offensively, Byrd moves well without the ball and is a solid playmaker in transition. As for his shooting, he has the potential to be a floor spacer. Unfortunately, his shooting is still theoretical as he hasn't been an efficient shooter. However, Byrd makes triples off the dribble, showcasing his confidence as a shooter. If he can combine all these aspects and improve as a shooter, he will undoubtedly be a great 3&D player.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Los 4 mejores 3&D de cara al NBA Draft 2025
