The importance of players who can space the floor as a three-point shooter and play defense cannot be understated. Those players can be easily slotted on any team and play an essential role. Due to that, 3-and-D players are an expensive commodity in terms of trade and free agency. The easiest way to obtain and retain these players is to find one in the draft. The upcoming draft has several such players who can develop into 3-and-D guys. Here are the best of the 3-and-D prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Best 3-And-D Prospects In The 2025 NBA Draft
Carter Bryant

Despite limited playing for Arizona, six-foot-eight forward Carter Bryant is one of the better 3-and-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 lock down guards and forwards. Not only that, but he is great at using his length to impact passes or shots. On offense, Bryant has demonstrated a smooth shooting form, allowing him to shoot 37.1% from three this year. Additionally, he is a capable and willing cutter when playing off the ball. While Bryant does have questions surrounding other parts of his game, especially offensively, his core skills lend themselves well to a 3-and-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-and-D forward is Saint Joseph’s forward Rasheer Fleming. The six-foot-nine forward has an excellent blend of size, athleticism, shooting, and defense that any team would want. While he is built to guard threes and fours, Fleming can certainly play small-ball five. He also uses his length and athleticism well as a weakside shot-blocker and tenacious rebounder. Furthermore, Fleming plays defense with immense energy and motor, something any team would want. Offensively, he has vastly improved as a shooter, knocking down 39% from beyond the arc and 74.3% from the free-throw line. Additionally, Fleming moves well without the ball, adding more offensive value.

Nique Clifford

Colorado State guard Nique Clifford is one of the best upperclassmen in the draft this year and someone with 3-and-D potential. Specifically, his six-foot-five frame and athleticism make him a prime candidate to guard the wings. Clifford is a good defender who can be disruptive against perimeter players and guard multiple positions. Plus, he battles well on the boards for his size. Offensively, Clifford can play both on and off the ball. He can be streaky as a shooter, but is solid enough to be a threat. For someone like Clifford, he has the skills to be more than just a 3-and-D player, but he can fill that role if his team needs him to.

Miles Byrd

Despite cooling off as a shooter as the season went on, San Diego State guard Miles Byrd has the skills to be a 3-and-D player at the next level. Standing at six-foot-seven, he has the size and athleticism to defend both wings and guards. Furthermore, Byrd is one of the better defenders in the draft, generating blocks and steals at a high rate. He is so good at being a disruptive pest on and off the ball. Byrd definitely has the potential to be a defensive stopper at the NBA level.

Offensively, Byrd can move without the ball and be a solid connective playmaker. As for his shooting, he does have the potential to be a floor-spacer. Unfortunately, his shooting is still on the theoretical side, as he hasn’t been an efficient shooter. However, Byrd does take off-the-dribble threes, which shows his confidence as a shooter. If he can put all those aspects together and improve as a shooter, he will undoubtedly be a big-time 3-and-D player.

 

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