The anticipation surrounding the 2025 NBA Draft is reaching a fever pitch, and with just days to go, the final list of green room invitations has been released—24 players in total. Each year, the green room becomes the epicenter of dreams realized, emotions unleashed, and futures forever altered. This year’s final batch of invitees represents a compelling mix of one-and-done sensations, international prodigies, seasoned college veterans, and rising stars whose talents and potential have captivated scouts, executives, and fans alike.
The green room is more than just a physical space. It’s a symbol of basketball royalty—a gathering place for those expected to hear their names called early on draft night. To be invited is to be validated, to be seen as a lock or near-lock for a first-round selection, often in the lottery. While many talented players will be selected outside this elite group, receiving that green room invitation is a nod of confidence from league executives, signaling that a player’s path to the NBA is not only clear but imminent.
This year’s crop of green room invitees includes familiar names that have dominated headlines since the start of the college basketball season. Players like Duke’s Cooper Flagg, who has transcended the expectations even for a No. 1 prospect, are poised to go at the very top of the draft. Flagg’s invitation was inevitable, and barring a monumental surprise, he will be the first to walk across that stage and shake the commissioner’s hand. His blend of shot-blocking, high basketball IQ, shooting touch, and intensity make him a franchise cornerstone in the making. But he’s far from alone in the spotlight.
Joining Flagg are several other high-profile college freshmen who declared for the draft after just one season. Kentucky’s Carter Knox, UConn’s Stephon Castle, and USC’s Isaiah Collier have all been widely projected to go in the top 10 and were obvious choices for green room inclusion. Knox, with his athletic explosiveness and scoring prowess, has been a darling of pre-draft workouts. Castle’s defensive instincts and championship experience under Dan Hurley make him one of the most NBA-ready wings in the class. Collier, a powerful guard with playmaking flair, showed flashes of brilliance despite a tumultuous year for the Trojans.
Also invited is French forward Zaccharie Risacher, another name that’s been in the mix for the top overall pick. The international pool this year may not be as deep as it was in years past, but the talent at the top is undeniable. Risacher, with his size, positional versatility, and professional polish, has been drawing comparisons to NBA wings like Michael Porter Jr. and Franz Wagner. His performances in France’s top league and throughout the international circuit have solidified his standing as one of the premier prospects globally. He will likely be one of the first European players off the board and potentially one of the top three picks.
Another international prospect joining the list is Serbian guard Nikola Topić, who has steadily risen up draft boards over the last six months. Topić offers a unique blend of size, passing vision, and poise, which have turned heads throughout European competitions. His injury in the months leading up to the draft didn’t deter NBA executives, many of whom still view him as a long-term foundational piece. His green room invitation suggests that teams remain bullish on his upside.
While freshmen and international stars dominate the list, it’s also peppered with upperclassmen who have steadily climbed the ranks. Dalton Knecht, the breakout star from Tennessee, has become one of the feel-good stories of this draft. A former JUCO product who transferred from Northern Colorado, Knecht turned in an All-American season in the SEC, showcasing elite shot-making, leadership, and toughness. His path hasn’t been linear, but it’s emblematic of the kind of persistence and grit that NBA teams value. Knecht’s green room inclusion is well-deserved and a testament to his rise.
Another upperclassman receiving an invite is Providence’s Devin Carter, whose rugged, all-around game has earned rave reviews from front offices. Carter, the son of former NBA veteran Anthony Carter, is known for his defense-first mentality, unrelenting motor, and improved offensive skill set. Though slightly undersized for a shooting guard, his athleticism and competitiveness have pushed him firmly into first-round territory. His presence in the green room signals that teams see him as more than just a role player—many believe he could be a defensive anchor in the backcourt for years to come.
Big men have also made their mark on the list. Yves Missi of Baylor, Kel’el Ware of Indiana, and Donovan Clingan of UConn represent the top centers in this year’s class, and all three received green room invitations. Missi, a high-upside athlete with rim protection ability and a developing offensive arsenal, has been a favorite among teams looking for modern bigs who can run the floor and switch defensively. Ware, who rebounded from a difficult stint at Oregon to put together an efficient season at Indiana, showed improved maturity and expanded his offensive game. Clingan, fresh off another national championship run with UConn, has cemented himself as a lottery pick due to his size, footwork, and elite defensive instincts.
One of the more intriguing storylines involves Colorado’s Cody Williams, the younger brother of Oklahoma City Thunder wing Jalen Williams. Cody, taller and smoother than his brother at the same stage, has drawn interest as a long-term project with considerable two-way upside. His green room invite reflects the league’s confidence in his trajectory and potential to evolve into a high-level perimeter player.
Miami’s Kyshawn George, Baylor’s Ja’Kobe Walter, and Ron Holland of the G League Ignite are among other wings and guards who round out the 24-player list. George and Walter are late risers with sharp shooting ability and positional versatility, while Holland has remained a top prospect despite the Ignite’s struggles. Holland, once projected to be the No. 1 overall pick in early mock drafts, has maintained lottery buzz thanks to his athleticism and defensive tools. His green room invite is a sign that teams still view him as a possible top-10 pick, especially in the right developmental system.
A notable addition to the list is Colorado guard KJ Simpson, who caught fire in the second half of the season and had a stellar showing during the NCAA Tournament. While many saw him as a fringe first-rounder, his invite to the green room suggests that teams higher in the draft order are giving him serious consideration. Simpson’s dynamic scoring ability, paired with his growing maturity as a floor general, make him a potential steal late in the first.
Rounding out the list are Tidjane Salaun, Tyler Smith, and Matas Buzelis—three forwards with vastly different paths but equally intriguing upside. Salaun, another French prospect, has grown into a tantalizing long-term piece with his size and feel. Smith, a former Overtime Elite standout, impressed scouts with his shooting range and physical profile. Buzelis, once the top-ranked recruit in his high school class, spent the past year with G League Ignite and has remained a steady presence in the lottery conversation.
