It is a wrap on Round 1 of the 2025 NBA Draft. There are going to be several surprises in the second round, with some quality prospects still on the board but falling faller than expected. Many were left undrafted on the first day, including Rasheer Fleming, who many anticipated would go well before the end of Round 1.
The St. Joseph’s prodigy, Fleming was an obvious name for Philly, especially if the 76ers traded back into Round 1. Philadelphia didn’t pick the Camden native, but why didn’t anyone else?
Rasheer Fleming Falls Out of 2025 NBA Draft’s First Round
Without a doubt, Fleming is a tremendous talent who can help whoever drafts him on Thursday. He is among the better prospects in the 2025 NBA draft. He’s built a reputation as a long, high-motor forward with legitimate upside. Standing at 6’8″ with a staggering 7’5″ wingspan, Fleming averaged 14.7 points and 8.5 rebounds while shooting 39% in his last three seasons.
Scouts often praised his defensive instincts, floor-spacing ability, and athleticism, a few attributes that had him projected anywhere from the late lottery to mid-20s in various mock drafts.
Despite his exceptional skills, he is still a work in progress. His offensive abilities were limited. Many scouts reported that his on-ball creation, playmaking, and vertical explosion were a cause for concern. One analyst even noted that he definitely needs to work on his ball-handling and decision-making skills to be a role player. These skill gaps might have given teams pause when considering him as a good first-round investment.
Rasheer Fleming is generating plenty of interest from teams with early second-round picks.
After not going in Round 1, Fleming could go as early as No. 31 overall with a team looking to move up.
The Timberwolves will be fielding multiple offers while on the clock tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/u1iKmoyMg5
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) June 26, 2025
Playing in the Atlantic 10 for a mid-major school, Fleming had to repeatedly prove himself against opponents. While he did show flashes of brilliance, innumerable scouting reports stated that he didn’t always dominate late in the season, leaving room for improvement. As a result, Fleming may have been seen as a developmental prospect, more suitable for the second round.
It wasn’t just his need for improvement; the NBA Draft is inherently unpredictable, especially later in the first round. Quick decision-making is key to picking a good prospect as teams move up and down the board. How much teams are ready to invest in their depth of talent could be another factor in Fleming’s positioning.
MORE: 2025 NBA Draft Trade Grades
While many front offices prioritize positionless shooters, others prefer higher-scoring wings. Fleming may have simply been collateral damage.
So did Fleming take a slide or a fall? Not necessarily, at least not due to his flaws. His slip to the second round says more about external factors than his profile. He is still among the top prospects available in Round 2. He’s had valuable feedback on his size, shooting, motor skills, and defense. The Boston Celtics, for example, have reportedly expressed interest in him. The Timberwolves could be interested, too.
In the second round, Fleming is a low-risk, high-reward proposition. Expect him to go early on Thursday night.
