A new champion will be crowned after the NBA Finals, but soon enough, the 30-team race will begin again. The 2025 NBA Draft will be the first chance for underachieving teams to look to the future, and this 2025 NBA Mock Draft explores how teams can capitalize.
Is the top three set in stone? Who will the first guard off the board be after Dylan Harper? And which new players are surging into lottery range? This 2025 NBA Mock Draft explores all of that and more.
1) Dallas Mavericks
Cooper Flagg, SF/PF, Duke
Not enough time has passed to fully judge the Luka Dončić trade, but it’s already looking like a loss for the Dallas Mavericks. Dallas rolled the dice on an older, oft-injured star in Anthony Davis, while their former franchise player has returned to form in Los Angeles. The Mavs need a new young cornerstone, and Cooper Flagg can be that guy.
Dončić had a level of offensive control that’s tough to replicate, but Flagg’s all-around game is extremely complete. At 6-foot-9 and 205 pounds, he can score in a variety of ways, hit from 3, defend on the ball, switch, and process space. He also elevates the players around him and can help Dallas build back strong.
2) San Antonio Spurs
Dylan Harper, PG/SG, Rutgers
De’Aaron Fox’s extension is the variable here, but Dylan Harper could be a core piece for the San Antonio Spurs no matter what. A long, sturdy combo guard with championship pedigree, Harper has the skills to round out San Antonio’s full-court setup with Victor Wembanyama back from injury.
Even as Rutgers struggled in 2024, Harper impressed with his deep bag of space-creating moves and scoring craft. He’s not as explosive as Fox, but he plays with pace and poise. His size and length blend with smooth control to dictate how defenses play him, opening opportunities all over.
3) Philadelphia 76ers
Ace Bailey, SF, Rutgers
At just under 6-foot-10 and 203 pounds, Ace Bailey is a long, wiry presence with a wild mix of athletic and scoring tools. His build is unconventional — in a good way. He’s unnaturally agile for his size and coordinated enough to score in ways that frustrate defenders.
Bailey has the tools to hit step-backs, fadeaways, spins, and more. His jumper is smooth, and his upside is massive. He’s still raw in spots and needs to bulk up, but his potential to be a go-to scorer is legit.
4) Charlotte Hornets
Tre Johnson, SG, Texas
Tre Johnson is an offensive weapon through and through. As a freshman at Texas, the 6-foot-6 guard — with a nearly seven-foot wingspan — averaged close to 20 points and shot nearly 40% from deep. He posted a 37.5-inch max vertical and a 10.49-second lane agility time.
Tre Johnson is 1000% worth a top 5 pick in this year’s NBA draft to me.
One of the best pure scoring prospects I have ever seen/evaluated. Ridiculous offensive weapon that will thrive in the NBA – could be an All Star in 4-5 years⭐️ pic.twitter.com/gD2ZrvxLbA — Ryan Hammer🔨 (@ryanhammer09) May 5, 2025
Johnson has explosiveness, agility, length, range, and driving ability. He needs to grow more as a passer and lock in more defensively, but he’s a scoring machine.
5) Utah Jazz
Jeremiah Fears, PG, Oklahoma
The Utah Jazz tried Collin Sexton at point guard before, but he’s best used as a scoring weapon. Utah has talent, but the team needs a true pace-setter — someone who keeps defenses guessing.
Jeremiah Fears fits that mold in this class. He’s got explosive speed and attacks with constant pressure. Fears’ quickness in tight spaces is top-tier, and his scoring efficiency is still developing. That will define how high he climbs, but he fills a key need for Utah with upside to spare.
6) Washington Wizards
Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
The Washington Wizards experimented with Alex Sarr at center, but giving him more space to operate could help. Drafting Khaman Maluach (a true paint anchor) could do just that.
At 7-foot-2 and 252 pounds, Maluach has the biggest wingspan in the class (7’6 3/4″). His size is overwhelming, and he brings great recovery, violent lob finishing, rim protection, and pick-and-roll impact. He’s an old-school big with modern range.
7) New Orleans Pelicans
Kasparas Jakučionis, PG/SG, Illinois
The New Orleans Pelicans saw Trey Murphy III break out in 2024, and Zion Williamson still looks like part of their future. But they could use another guard, and Kasparas Jakučionis is an intriguing fit.
Jakučionis is a 6-foot-5 combo guard with a high-level feel for both scoring and passing. He understands how to balance those two roles and plays beyond his age. His shot selection needs polish, but Jakučionis is a smart shooter and creative ball-handler.
8) Brooklyn Nets
Carter Bryant, SF/PF, Arizona
As a freshman, Carter Bryant put up modest numbers — 6.5 points and 4.1 rebounds per game — and didn’t flash much playmaking. But he’s just 19 and loaded with physical tools.
At 6-foot-8, 220 pounds, with a seven-foot wingspan and 39.5-inch vertical, Bryant is a prototype wing. He’s strong, bouncy, and shot 37% from 3. He could help right away in a 3-and-D role and grow into much more in Brooklyn’s rebuild.
9) Oklahoma City Thunder (via TOR)
VJ Edgecombe, SG, Baylor
Projected Trade: Thunder receive No. 9 overall; Raptors receive Nos. 15 and 24 overall
Trades will shape this draft. And if someone like VJ Edgecombe falls, the Oklahoma City Thunder have the pieces to trade up.
Hornets fans, please witness the versatility of VJ Edgecombe. Baylor used him as POA defender, a helpside man on the block, a corner defender in the 2-3 zone (“Clifford” defense), and as the fall guy IN DROP COVERAGE. The kid is a 6’5″ shooting guard…
(C: @NoCeilingsNBA) pic.twitter.com/JTAkbfmBro — Jack (@J_Hooper_) May 27, 2025
Edgecombe would be a strong fit for Oklahoma City’s title-contending core. He’s just under 6-foot-5 and 193 pounds, so he could add muscle, but Edgecombe is already a defensive ace with burst and closing speed. He fits OKC’s identity and would thrive next to MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
10) Houston Rockets
Kon Knueppel, SF, Duke
Kon Knueppel isn’t the most dynamic athlete, and there’s a fair argument that he benefited from having Flagg and Maluach alongside him in Duke’s 2024 lineup. That supporting cast no doubt opened up clean looks, but Knueppel still stands on his own with a sharp feel for spacing and timing.
A 6-foot-7, 217-pound sharpshooter, Knueppel has some of the best 3-point efficiency in the class. He’s also a good enough ball-handler and playmaker to take advantage of the attention his shooting draws and pay it off with solid reads. For a Houston Rockets team that needs shooting and offensive spark, he’s a strong fit.
11) Portland Trail Blazers
Egor Demin, PG/SG, BYU
Egor Demin’s profile is one of the more polarizing in this class. He’s more smooth than explosive, and his shooting is still a work in progress. But at 6-foot-8, 200 pounds, with a near seven-foot wingspan, Demin has the length and feel to attack inside the arc and distribute with veteran savvy.
Demin won’t stretch the floor early on, but his strengths lie elsewhere. He competes well in physical matchups and moves the ball instinctively. For a Portland Trail Blazers team with established scorers, Demin can be the connector they need.
12) Chicago Bulls
Derik Queen, PF/C, Maryland
Derik Queen is a bit of a tweener — a top-10 talent who’s slightly undersized for a true NBA center and lacks 3-point range at the moment. Still, when it comes to producing in the post, Queen does it all. He can score, rebound, and create with impressive polish.
Derik Queen’s footwork is ELITE, look at his counters man pic.twitter.com/JQimipctcK
— Mo (@Mo___Wrld) May 14, 2025
If the Chicago Bulls are eyeing a future replacement for Nikola Vučević, Queen could be the pick. He’ll need to grow defensively, but he’s already a skilled interior scorer with excellent footwork, a soft touch, and solid rebounding instincts.
13) Atlanta Hawks
Cedric Coward, SF/PF, Washington State
Cedric Coward is one of the fastest risers in this draft class. The 21-year-old played just six games for Washington State in 2024 before a shoulder injury shut him down. But in that short stretch, he averaged 17.7 points and seven rebounds, shooting 40% from 3.
At 6-foot-6 and 213 pounds, with a 7-foot-2 wingspan and a 38.5-inch vertical, Coward has the tools to be a problem on both ends. His shot-making is reliable, and he brings solid rebounding and defensive versatility. If healthy, Coward could be the steal of the class.
14) San Antonio Spurs
Nique Clifford, SG/SF, Colorado State
The Spurs landed their point guard in Harper and already have their post centerpiece in Wembanyama. Next up: solidifying the wing.
Nique Clifford, while older than most prospects, fits the mold as a two-way contributor who can help right away. A rugged 6-foot-6, 200-pound wing, Clifford brings defensive smarts and toughness. Offensively, he has solid creation skills and can score from multiple levels. He won’t be a lead option, but in a structured Spurs system, he’ll thrive in a defined role.
15) Toronto Raptors (via OKC)
Joan Beringer, PF/C, Cedevita Olimpija
With one of the first-round picks they landed from Oklahoma City in this projected trade, the Toronto Raptors take a swing on raw upside. Joan Beringer, a 6-foot-10, 230-pound big from Cedevita Olimpija, is long, lean, and spring-loaded.
Beringer’s athleticism shows on shot blocks and lobs, and he has fluid movement across the court. He averaged just over five points per game in 2024-25, so scoring and polish will take time, but at just 18, he has the raw tools to grow.
16) Orlando Magic
Nolan Traoré, PG, Saint Quentin
Nolan Traoré checks several boxes physically. He’s 6-foot-3 and 175 pounds with a 6-foot-8 wingspan. He’ll need to get stronger and more consistent, but Traoré’s burst, length, and versatility at the point guard spot stand out.
The Orlando Magic need someone who can get the ball to Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner while still creating on their own. Traoré’s playmaking is still developing, but he’s shown flashes of using his gravity to open up chances for others. His speed is a real weapon.
17) Minnesota Timberwolves
Collin Murray-Boyles, PF/C, South Carolina
The Minnesota Timberwolves could lose Naz Reid in free agency, and outside of Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert (who’s a modest plus at best), they need a soft reset. A position-flexible player with scoring polish and high-level defensive chops like Collin Murray-Boyles could jumpstart that next phase.
Murray-Boyles isn’t a complete chess piece yet. He still needs to develop his 3-point shot and improve as a playmaker. But at 6-foot-7, 245 pounds, with a 7-foot-1 wingspan, he’s strong, long, competitive, and smart in the post. He rebounds well and uses that same strength and feel to finish around the rim.
18) Washington Wizards
Jase Richardson, PG, Michigan State
Some teams may pass on Jase Richardson due to his size. At just under 6-foot-1, he’s a small guard without a clear track record as a volume facilitator. But he might be a case where you trust the tape, traits, and efficiency — because the rest of his profile is special.
Jase Richardson put together one of the most efficient off-ball scoring + perimeter shotmaking seasons in recent memory.
41.2% 3P (7.3 3PA/100 poss) — 93rd %-ile on spot-up scoring + 95th %-ile on C&S PPP (1.34). Truly an outlier basketball talent. https://t.co/GALOtpcpMK pic.twitter.com/EwCBJMKnoE — Mohamed (@mcfNBA) May 31, 2025
Richardson is just 19, but he already has the polish of a vet, the stroke of a sharpshooter, and the handle of a central scorer. Bub Carrington was inefficient as a rookie and might profile better as a 2-guard. If so, Richardson could emerge as the Wizards’ backcourt leader.
19) Brooklyn Nets
Thomas Sorber, C, Georgetown
Nic Claxton is a good rotation piece, but the Brooklyn Nets need to look at long-term upgrades in the paint.
Thomas Sorber fits the mold. At 6-foot-10 and 255 pounds, he brings an old-school frame with modern touch. He’s physical, can pass out of the post, and has the tools to anchor a defense from Day 1.
20) Miami Heat
Asa Newell, PF/C, Georgia
At 6-foot-11 and 220 pounds, with a seven-foot wingspan, Asa Newell is a fluid athlete with tools to mold. He’s known for his energy and rebounding on second-chance plays. His 3-point shot isn’t consistent yet (just under 30%), but he’s confident and willing.
In Miami, Newell could thrive as a versatile big alongside Bam Adebayo.
21) Utah Jazz
Noah Penda, SF/PF, Le Mans Sarthe
Noah Penda checks many boxes on defense. At 6-foot-8 and 225 pounds, he’s built well and plays smart basketball.
Penda is a strong post scorer and can facilitate a bit, but he really shines as a defender who closes gaps and makes smart reads. If he can add shooting range, he’ll be a valuable piece.
22) Atlanta Hawks
Danny Wolf, PF/C, Michigan
The Atlanta Hawks are thin on frontcourt depth, and Danny Wolf could help immediately. At 6-foot-11 with a wingspan over 7-foot-2, Wolf is a mobile big who can handle, create, and space the floor. His defense needs work, but Wolf’s offensive versatility stands out. He’s a unique fit with long-term upside.
23) Indiana Pacers
Noa Essengue, SF/PF, Ratiopharm Ulm
Noa Essengue is still raw, but his physical traits are hard to ignore. At 6-foot-9 and 194 pounds, he brings length and bounce. His overall game needs refining, but signs of growth — like improved scoring, rebounding, steals, and shooting in 2024 — make him an intriguing long-term pick.
24) Toronto Raptors (via OKC)
Ben Saraf, PG/SG, Ratiopharm Ulm
The Raptors don’t have long-term security at either guard spot, and Ben Saraf gives them a chance to hedge both. At 6-foot-5 and 200 pounds, Saraf has twitch, burst, and excellent passing vision. He needs to improve as a shooter to lock in starter-level consistency, but his feel and spark as a facilitator stand out.
25) Orlando Magic
Will Riley, SG/SF, Illinois
The Magic add to their wing depth with Will Riley. At 6-foot-8 and under 190 pounds, he’ll need to bulk up to hold his own defensively. Offensively, he could use more discipline, but Riley is comfortable attacking tight windows and has strong off-ball instincts.
26) Brooklyn Nets
Rasheer Fleming, PF, St. Joseph’s
Bryant has more upside, but Rasheer Fleming offers a high-floor, 3-and-D frontcourt option with real paint presence. At 6-foot-9 and 240 pounds, with a 7-foot-5 wingspan and a 39% 3-point clip, Fleming has the body and game to thrive in NBA physicality.
27) Brooklyn Nets
Walter Clayton Jr., PG, Florida
The Nets already have scoring, and Walter Clayton Jr. adds even more. The Florida star — and national title standout — shoots nearly 40% from deep and brings a fast-paced offensive style. He’ll need to improve as a playmaker, but he can raise the floor of the second unit.
28) Boston Celtics
Ryan Kalkbrenner, C, Creighton
With Al Horford and Luke Kornet hitting free agency, the Boston Celtics need reliable post depth. Ryan Kalkbrenner fits the mold. He’s 7-foot-1, 257 pounds, with a 7-foot-6 wingspan. In 2024, he averaged 19.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks, and added a workable 3-point shot.
29) Phoenix Suns
Michael Ružić, PF/C, Joventut Badalona
Michael Ružić gives the Phoenix Suns a size-and-skill combo in the post. At 6-foot-11 and 221 pounds, with a wingspan over seven feet, Ružić has the length to hold down the paint. He’s shown flashes as a 3-point shooter, but he’ll need more consistency and volume to stick long term.
30) Los Angeles Clippers
Drake Powell, SF/SG, North Carolina
Drake Powell may be off the board by this point. A former five-star recruit, he averaged just 7.4 points as a freshman but shot 37.9% from 3. At 6-foot-5 and 200 pounds, with a seven-foot wingspan and a 43-inch vertical, Powell offers two-way upside and serious bounce.
2025 NBA Mock Draft | Round 2
31) Minnesota Timberwolves
Kam Jones, PG/SG, Marquette
32) Boston Celtics
Adou Thiero, SF/PF, Arkansas
33) Charlotte Hornets
Maxime Raynaud, C, Stanford
34) Charlotte Hornets
Javon Small, PG, West Virginia
35) Philadelphia 76ers
Max Shulga, PG/SG, VCU
36) Brooklyn Nets
Chaz Lanier, SG, Tennessee
37) Detroit Pistons
Jamir Watkins, SG/SF, Florida State
38) San Antonio Spurs
Grant Nelson, PF/C, Alabama
39) Toronto Raptors
Liam McNeeley, SF, UConn
40) Washington Wizards
Koby Brea, SG/SF, Kentucky
41) Golden State Warriors
Hunter Sallis, SG/SF, Wake Forest
42) Sacramento Kings
Tyrese Proctor, PG/SG, Duke
43) Utah Jazz
Eric Dixon, SF/PF, Villanova
44) Oklahoma City Thunder
Bogoljub Marković, C, Mega Basket
45) Chicago Bulls
Mark Sears, PG, Alabama
46) Orlando Magic
Hansen Yang, C, Qingdao
47) Milwaukee Bucks
Izan Almansa, PF/C, Perth
48) Memphis Grizzlies
Jalon Moore, SF, Oklahoma
49) Cleveland Cavaliers
Dink Pate, PG, Capitanes
50) New York Knicks
RJ Luis Jr., SG/SF, St. John’s
51) Los Angeles Clippers
Jaxson Robinson, SF/SG, Kentucky
52) Phoenix Suns
Sion James, SF, Duke
53) Utah Jazz
John Tonje, SG, Wisconsin
54) Indiana Pacers
Rocco Zikarsky, C, Brisbane
55) Los Angeles Lakers
Johni Broome, C, Auburn
56) Memphis Grizzlies
Jaden Akins, SG/PG, Michigan State
57) Orlando Magic
Hugo González, SF, Real Madrid
58) Cleveland Cavaliers
Mouhamed Faye, PF/C, Pallacanestro Reggiana
59) Houston Rockets
Micah Peavy, SF/PF, Georgetown
You’re welcome
You keep including Sergio De Larrea in your mock, but he withdrew from this year’s draft over a month ago.