With the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery in the rearview, the draft order is officially set. This year’s draft class has generated plenty of buzz, thanks to an impressive lineup of potential All-NBA talent throughout the lottery.
The Dallas Mavericks have won the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes, so the top pick is clear, but with the lottery reshuffling the order, the rest of the first round remains up for grabs. Keep in mind that NCAA players still holding eligibility can withdraw from the draft until June 15 at 5 p.m. ET. As a result, the pool of prospects available for teams is still subject to change.
Here’s how Round 1 shakes out in our latest 2025 NBA Mock Draft.
1) Dallas Mavericks
Cooper Flagg, Duke
No one was happier to see the Dallas Mavericks land the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft than general manager Nico Harrison. After the criticism he fielded after trading away Luka Dončić, Harrison now lands another franchise cornerstone in Cooper Flagg, who will bring excitement back into the building.
Flagg brings an incredibly polished, all-around skill set to the NBA. As the centerpiece of a strong Duke team, he averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game, showcasing elite two-way versatility. He also shot an efficient 48% from the field, 39% from 3, and 84% from the line — numbers that improved as the season progressed. At just 18 years old, he plays with the maturity and poise of a seasoned pro.
Flagg elevates everyone around him, and he thrives in virtually every role. He doesn’t dominate possessions unnecessarily and has a rare feel for spacing, timing, and decision-making that will allow him to mesh well with Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis. The Mavericks are emphasizing size, defense, and positional flexibility — all areas where Flagg excels.
An elite prospect whose advanced metrics reflect one of the most dominant freshman seasons ever, Flagg offers both immediate impact and long-term upside.
2) San Antonio Spurs
Dylan Harper, Rutgers
Dylan Harper may not have overtaken Flagg for the top spot, but in nearly any other draft class, he’d be the consensus No. 1. The son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper, the Rutgers combo guard comes with a legitimate pedigree and an advanced feel for the game. Harper brings size, strength, and scoring instincts to the table, averaging 19.4 points per game in his freshman year while routinely getting to the rim with ease.
Harper’s 3-point shot is still developing, but with improved shot selection and spacing at the NBA level, there’s optimism his jumper will catch up.
At 6’6” with an NBA-ready frame, he is a big guard who doesn’t shy away from contact and already knows how to absorb and finish through it. Even more impressive than his scoring is Harper’s command of the game. He’s already an elite pick-and-roll initiator with exceptional passing skills and strong decision-making.
Defensively, Harper has the tools to become a strong multi-positional defender. While his motor on that end could be more consistent, his frame, strength, and recognition give him a high ceiling in the San Antonio Spurs’ system. San Antonio already has De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and Devin Vassell in the backcourt, but Harper’s size and versatility make him an easy fit in a variety of lineups.
A core of Victor Wembanyama, Fox, Castle, and Harper provides a promising future for Spurs fans to look forward to.
3) Philadelphia 76ers
Ace Bailey, Rutgers
The Philadelphia 76ers may have endured a disappointing season, but it paid off in a major way. Securing the No. 3 overall pick gives them a rare chance to inject elite young talent into a roster that already features Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain, and Paul George. Ace Bailey undoubtedly fits that bill.
Bailey brings dynamic scoring and length to a frontcourt that has long lacked athletic, two-way wings. The 6’10” forward flashed elite shot-making potential during his freshman season at Rutgers. In Philadelphia, Bailey won’t have to shoulder the same offensive load he did in college, which should allow his efficiency and overall impact to grow quickly.
What makes Bailey so appealing is the combination of upside and versatility. He already possesses NBA-caliber shooting mechanics, and he’s displayed an ability to get buckets from nothing.
Bailey’s defensive ceiling is especially intriguing on a team that’s often had to compensate for Embiid’s limitations in space. His ability to guard multiple positions and contest shots on the perimeter or at the rim offers the Sixers a valuable weapon on that end of the floor.
Philadelphia can be patient, giving Bailey time to polish his all-around game while still benefiting immediately from his length, motor, and scoring instincts.
4) Charlotte Hornets
VJ Edgecombe, Baylor
Despite missing out on the top overall pick, the Charlotte Hornets have the opportunity to still land an immediate impact player at No. 4, and VJ Edgecombe fits their needs almost perfectly. Edgecombe, the Big 12 Freshman of the Year, made an instant impression at Baylor. A 6’5” wing with elite athleticism and a relentless motor, he’s arguably the most explosive athlete in this class.
Edgecombe also brings defensive tools that can reshape Charlotte’s defensive identity. Under new head coach Charles Lee, the Hornets are looking to build a defensive foundation around their young core.
With LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Miles Bridges already locked in as offensive focal points, Edgecombe doesn’t need to be a primary scorer right away. Instead, he can thrive as a complementary piece—pressuring opposing ball handlers, switching across positions, and injecting energy into both ends of the floor.
Edgecombe is more than just an athlete — he shows strong instincts on defense and flashes of offensive polish. He’s still developing as a shot creator, and his handle can lag behind his explosiveness, but his feel for the game, passing ability, and willingness to play within the flow of the offense suggest real long-term potential.
He also stood out among NBA talents like DeAndre Ayton and Buddy Hield on the Bahamian national team during the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
In the short term, Edgecombe brings energy, athleticism, and toughness. Long-term, he has the upside to become a dynamic two-way player.
5) Utah Jazz
Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma
A team far away from actual contention, the Utah Jazz are in a position where upside matters, and Jeremiah Fears offers plenty of it. One of the youngest players in the draft, Fears just turned 18 but already plays with the confidence and intensity of a lead guard built for the NBA.
A gifted shot creator, Fears combines a lightning-quick first step with elite ball-handling and a fearless mentality that allows him to get to the rim at will. His ability to change speeds, manipulate defenders, and absorb contact in the paint makes him one of the most dangerous downhill guards in this class. Despite a lean frame and average vertical burst, he consistently gets to the line and creates offense — both for himself and his teammates.
Utah is still in the early stages of its rebuild and has yet to find that centerpiece guard to steer the franchise forward. Fears could grow into that role. While he’s not a finished product, he already shows the instincts and tools of a high-usage lead guard. He led all freshmen in usage rate last season and carried Oklahoma to the NCAA Tournament.
Fears’ thin frame and inconsistent finishing suggest he’ll take time to physically mature, but the foundation is there. If Utah gives him the space to develop, he has the upside to become a long-term offensive engine. Fears may not check every box right now, but he’s a bet on long-term upside.
6) Washington Wizards
Kon Knueppel, Duke
The Washington Wizards are in dire need of a franchise-changing talent, so falling to No. 6 overall in the draft is devastating. But the front office doesn’t have time to throw a pity party. In Kon Knueppel, they can land a high-floor wing who brings elite shooting, toughness, and a polished offensive skill set that complements their young core.
Knueppel is arguably the best shooter in the draft, with deep range, a lightning-quick release, and elite touch. His shooting splits (47.9% FG, 40.6% 3PT, 91.4% FT) speak for themselves.
For a rebuilding Wizards team, Knueppel offers a blend of immediate impact and long-term reliability. He can slot in seamlessly as a floor-spacer, but he’s more than just a spot-up shooter. He thrives in the halfcourt, using ball fakes, footwork, and physicality to create scoring opportunities even without top-tier athleticism.
Knueppel’s lack of top-end athleticism may limit his defensive versatility and shot creation at the next level. But his physical toughness and positioning help mitigate those weaknesses, and his sharpshooting ability opens the floor for others.
Knueppel may not be the flashiest prospect in the lottery, but he’s the kind of player who makes winning plays and can help elevate a team with little direction.
7) New Orleans Pelicans
Khaman Maluach, Duke
After a 21-61 season and a front office overhaul, the New Orleans Pelicans are searching for foundational stability. They are also looking to add size to their frontcourt, and Khaman Maluach could be the long-term answer.
At 7’2” with an incredible 9’8” standing reach, Maluach fills an immediate need for rim protection and interior presence, but his mobility, instincts, and defensive versatility make him such a fascinating upside play for New Orleans.
Despite being relatively new to the game, Maluach’s learning curve has been steep, and his trajectory is still pointing up. He offers rare potential on the defensive end. He has the agility to switch onto smaller players and disrupt pick-and-rolls, as well as the length to recover. The Duke product plays with a high motor and confidence, and he can alter shots from anywhere on the floor.
Offensively, Maluach is still raw, but there are flashes. He finishes well around the rim, shows soft touch on lobs, and has intriguing shooting mechanics for a player his size. While not yet a reliable floor spacer, he may have the tools to develop into a pick-and-pop threat.
Maluach won’t be a finished product on Day 1, but his physical tools, defensive upside, and flashes of offensive growth make him a swing worth taking.
8) Brooklyn Nets
Tre Johnson, Texas
The Brooklyn Nets are in a transitional phase, seeking foundational pieces with long-term upside, and Tre Johnson fits the mold perfectly. While his freshman season at Texas highlighted some ball-dominant tendencies, the NBA environment could actually bring out the best in his game. Johnson thrives as a movement shooter, capable of operating off the ball and punishing defenses with his deep shooting range and high release.
There’s still uncertainty around Brooklyn’s offensive identity. Outside of Cam Thomas and Cam Johnson, the team lacks consistent scoring threats. At 6’6″ with a 6’10″ wingspan, the Texas freshman sensation has ideal size for a two-guard and is one of the most gifted pure scorers in the class.
Johnson can hit tough shots from anywhere on the floor. He led the SEC in scoring as a freshman with nearly 20 points per game, showcasing his elite shot-making ability at all three levels.
There are clear areas for growth in Johnson’s game, particularly when it comes to finishing through contact, shot selection, and defensive consistency. Defensively, he has the tools but needs to improve his effort and awareness.
For the Nets, Johnson offers another high-upside scoring weapon who can stretch the floor immediately and grow into a more complete offensive threat over time. He may not yet be a polished two-way star, but his offensive skill set is NBA-ready.
9) Toronto Raptors
Derik Queen, Maryland
Derik Queen checks a lot of boxes for a Toronto Raptors team that needs to add more skilled and versatile talent to its frontcourt. He’s one of the most polished big men in this class, blending strength and finesse with a uniquely high basketball IQ. While Queen isn’t the most explosive athlete, his game is built around touch, timing, and feel.
At 6’9″ and nearly 250 pounds, Queen plays with force on the block but complements his power with exceptional footwork, soft hands, and a reliable scoring touch around the rim. He’s a legitimate low-post technician who can manufacture space and get creative with his finishes. What separates Queen from many traditional big men is his vision and passing feel. He’s one of the best playmaking bigs in this draft.
While his outside shooting is still developing, there’s reason to believe Queen can eventually stretch the floor. He shows touch from midrange and shoots over 75% from the free-throw line, a good indicator of shooting potential. If he becomes a consistent threat from deep, his offensive ceiling rises even further. On defense, Queen has limitations, but he has enough size and smarts to hold his own in most matchups.
Queen offers Toronto a rare blend of post scoring, passing, and toughness — skills that could complement their core of Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Gradey Dick while adding a new dynamic to their offense.
10) Houston Rockets
Kasparas Jakučionis, Illinois
Kasparas Jakučionis brings the kind of backcourt versatility, IQ, and long-term upside that aligns perfectly with the Houston Rockets’ evolving roster and developmental timeline. At 6’6”, he fits the modern combo guard mold. He’s big enough to defend both backcourt spots and skilled enough to run the offense.
For a team that may soon be pivoting away from veteran point guard Fred VanVleet or evaluating Jalen Green’s long-term fit, Jakučionis offers a potential successor with a high ceiling and valuable on-ball instincts.
Jakučionis’ court vision and passing creativity are among the best in this draft class — cross-court skip passes, finding cutters in stride, or threading the needle in pick-and-roll situations. While he posted a high turnover rate at Illinois, much of that came from ambitious passes and the burden of carrying a large offensive load as a freshman while adjusting to Big Ten physicality.
Scoring-wise, Jakučionis is more advanced than his stats sometimes suggest. Before a mid-season forearm injury, he was connecting on over 41% of his 3s. He’s a confident shooter with the tools to grow into a consistent deep threat. He’s also highly effective at the rim, finishing through contact and drawing fouls at an elite rate.
Jakučionis is relatively unpolished on the defensive end, but the Rockets were one of the best defensive teams in the NBA this season, so he’ll have support. In a deep draft with few sure bets, Jakučionis gives Houston a high-floor, high-IQ guard who fits the international, versatile mold that’s been increasingly successful in today’s league.
11) Portland Trail Blazers
Jase Richardson, Michigan State
Jase Richardson’s mix of poise, scoring instincts, and two-way versatility makes him a compelling fit for the Trail Blazers, especially as they continue to reshape their roster around a young core. A standout one-and-done at Michigan State, Richardson exceeded expectations as a freshman, showcasing maturity beyond his years and an advanced feel for the game.
Despite being the son of a former NBA player, Jason Richardson, he isn’t the flashiest athlete in the class, but his high basketball IQ, refined scoring craft, and ability to thrive both on and off the ball give him a valuable skill set that fits modern NBA guard play. Richardson plays with great balance, footwork, and control, traits that help him create space and scoring chances against bigger defenders.
Defensively, Richardson makes up for his lack of elite size with effort, timing, and awareness. He competes on that end and has the instincts to contribute off the ball.
With speculation that Anfernee Simons could be on the trade market this offseason, investing in a talent like Richardson makes sense. His NBA pedigree, polish, and scoring potential make him an intriguing piece for Portland’s rebuild. He has the tools to be a steady contributor alongside other young backcourt players like Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe.
12) Chicago Bulls
Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina
While Collin Murray-Boyles’ 6’8″ frame doesn’t fit the traditional mold, the South Carolina standout plays far bigger than his listed height, making up for any size concerns with strength, effort, and elite instincts.
Murray-Boyles is a high-motor player with an advanced feel for the game on both ends. Offensively, he’s a powerful finisher who excels in tight spaces and brings underrated playmaking ability from the frontcourt, something the Chicago Bulls currently lack.
Defensively, Murray-Boyles may be one of the most disruptive players in the class. His quick hands, strong lateral mobility, and timing allow him to defend multiple positions, pressure ball-handlers, and rack up deflections and blocks. He’s a relentless presence on that end.
Murray-Boyles is still developing as a shooter, having hit just 26.5% from 3 last season. But even without a reliable perimeter shot, his floor as a high-impact role player is clear. If the shot ever clicks, he could evolve into a rare two-way piece that could mesh well with multiple lineups.
For a Bulls team looking to build a more versatile, defensively sound identity, Murray-Boyles offers plug-and-play value with upside.
13) Atlanta Hawks
Egor Demin, BYU
Egor Demin offers the Atlanta Hawks a unique long-term playmaking prospect with elite vision and positional size — an ideal complement to their current backcourt of Trae Young and Dyson Daniels. Even at 6’9”, Demin is one of the most creative and gifted passers in this draft class. His ability to read the floor, manipulate defenders, and deliver pinpoint passes sets him apart and could elevate Atlanta’s offense.
The Hawks’ offense already features athletic wings and capable shooters who could benefit from Demin’s passing. Demin isn’t a polished scorer yet — he shot just 27% from 3 and 41% from the field during his freshman season at BYU — but with Young on the roster, the BYU product wouldn’t need to carry a heavy scoring load. He could slot in as a secondary creator or run the second unit with his steadiness and feel for the game.
Despite his inconsistency as a scorer, Demin showed flashes of offensive growth and has time to develop. Defensively, he isn’t a lockdown presence due to his average lateral quickness, but his size, instincts, and effort allow him to generate deflections and disrupt passing lanes.
Whether he becomes a high-IQ backup to spell Young or a potential successor should the team look to retool in the coming years, Demin’s elite playmaking upside and positional versatility make him an intriguing bet.
14) San Antonio Spurs
Carter Bryant, Arizona
After solidifying their promising young backcourt with Harper earlier in the round, the Spurs could look to add high-upside talent on the wings with their second lottery pick. Carter Bryant had modest production at Arizona, averaging just 6.5 points per game in a limited role. However, his physical tools and flashes of high-level play suggest much greater upside than his stats might indicate.
At 6’8” with a strong, athletic frame, Bryant brings the size, agility, and defensive versatility that NBA teams covet. He’s already shown the ability to guard multiple positions. His defensive playmaking is one of the most exciting parts of his profile, whether he’s helping as a weakside defender or blocking shots on close-outs.
Bryant is more of a complementary piece on offense. He’s not a shot creator yet, but he plays within the flow of the offense. He moves well off the ball and has shown potential as a spot-up shooter. He doesn’t need a high usage rate to make an impact, which is ideal for a team like San Antonio that’s already shaping its offense around emerging stars.
Bryant’s skill set as a combo forward who can space the floor and defend multiple positions aligns well with the Spurs’ system. He gives them a valuable developmental piece who can grow into a modern-day 3-and-D starter.
15) Oklahoma City Thunder
Asa Newell, Georgia
A product of Montverde Academy, where he played alongside high-level talent like Flagg and Queen, Asa Newell learned early how to make the most of limited touches. That could allow him to mesh well within the Oklahoma City Thunder’s unselfish, high-effort identity.
Newell thrives as an energy big man. He was one of the best offensive rebounders in college basketball and lived above the rim. He’s a threat around the basketball, but you don’t need to run plays for him to be involved. With the offense centered around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren, Newell is an ideal fit.
Where Newell becomes especially intriguing for OKC is on the defensive end. At 6’9” with great mobility and instincts, he can defend all over the floor. He has exceptional lateral quickness, and he offers rare versatility for a forward. While his offensive game is still developing, Newell shows flashes of skill that suggest room to grow.
Newell doesn’t need the ball to make an impact, and he possesses long-term developmental upside that could work well alongside Holmgren. He gives the Thunder another athlete with a strong motor and the tools to contribute across multiple roles.
16) Orlando Magic
Nique Clifford, Colorado State
After a standout fifth season at Colorado State, Nique Clifford has become one of the most polished and dependable wings in this class. While he may not carry the same long-term upside as younger prospects, his all-around skill set and defensive instincts give him a high floor. That’s exactly what the Orlando Magic need as they continue to build around their young core.
Clifford’s experience shows in the details. He’s a smart, tough defender who thrives on making timely plays. He also displays great anticipation and the strength to defend multiple positions.
On offense, Clifford is much more than a spot-up wing. He showed real growth as a pick-and-roll ball handler this past season, generating efficient looks both for himself and teammates. While his 3-point shooting remains inconsistent, he’s shown flashes that suggest he could improve on the perimeter and unlock more offensive value.
Clifford is around the same age as Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner but comes in with valuable college experience and a clear understanding of how to contribute without dominating the ball. He rebounds well for his position, plays with effort, and can comfortably slot into the Magic’s rotation from Day 1.
17) Minnesota Timberwolves
Nolan Traoré, France
While his stock has fluctuated over the past year, Nolan Traoré’s recent strong play has rekindled the intrigue that made him a projected top-10 pick early in the cycle. His combination of speed, size, and creativity at just 18 years old makes him one of the most tantalizing long-term point guard prospects in the class.
Traoré has shown real flashes of lead guard brilliance. He can create off the dribble, manipulate defenses with his ball-handling ability, and find teammates with his exceptional court vision. He also plays with a confident, fearless tempo that’s difficult to teach.
Traoré is still a work in progress, as his efficiency, decision-making, play strength, and shooting consistency are question marks. But the Minnesota Timberwolves are in win-now mode and have a deep roster, so they don’t need him to contribute much right away.
Minnesota has to be preparing for life after the 37-year-old Mike Conley. In Traoré, the Timberwolves would be getting an exciting young international point guard prospect to develop alongside their superstar in the making, Anthony Edwards.
18) Washington Wizards
Thomas Sorber, Georgetown
The Wizards should be very familiar with Thomas Sorber, as he played his college ball in their backyard at Georgetown. This team desperately needs to solidify its plan at the center position, and Sorber could be an interesting fit next to Alex Sarr.
Before a season-ending foot injury in February, Sorber was putting together one of the most productive freshman campaigns in Georgetown history. He’s not just physically imposing with his wide frame and screen-setting ability. He also plays with a high level of poise and basketball IQ that sets him apart from most 19-year-old bigs.
Sorber brings toughness, feel, and defensive presence to a rebuilding team that’s still figuring out its identity. Whether it’s keeping plays alive with offensive rebounds or finding open shooters with quick outlet passes, Sorber makes winning plays that show up beyond just putting the ball in the basket.
While he isn’t an explosive rim-runner or vertical lob threat, he compensates with excellent footwork, soft touch, and signs of a developing jumper.
Defensively, Sorber plays bigger than his listed size. He’s smart, physical, and rarely out of position. If his jumper continues to progress and he rounds out his perimeter defense, he could develop into a solid anchor at the 5-spot.
19) Brooklyn Nets
Danny Wolf, Michigan
Danny Wolf is one of the most polarizing prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft class. At 7 feet tall, he’s not your typical big man. Wolf operated as a point-center at Michigan, showcasing impressive vision, ball-handling, and creation abilities rarely seen at his size. He was a primary playmaker for the Wolverines, nearly averaging a double-double with 13.2 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game.
Wolf’s all-around skill set stands out for a Nets team that lacks versatility in the frontcourt. His ability to stretch the floor as well as facilitate could be a valuable asset for this offense. He’s a smart decision-maker with soft touch around the rim and the footwork to exploit mismatches against both quicker and bigger defenders.
Now, Wolf is far from the perfect prospect. He lacks elite athleticism, and he’s not a rim protector in the traditional sense. He’s also struggled with shooting inconsistency and turnover issues. His mobility and lateral quickness make up for some of his deficiencies on the defensive end.
Wolf may have plenty of untapped potential, and while the Nets may not be the ideal situation to develop it, he’s the type of player they need to add to the fold.
20) Miami Heat
Liam McNeeley, UConn
Liam McNeeley is a high-IQ, tough, team-first wing whose shooting stroke and feel for the game offer real long-term value for the Miami Heat. While his freshman season at UConn came with some growing pains, the foundation of his NBA appeal — size, shotmaking, and competitiveness — remains firmly intact.
McNeeley’s biggest strength is his perimeter shooting. Though he shot just 32% from 3 overall, that number doesn’t tell the full story. In standstill, catch-and-shoot situations, he hit an impressive 43.1%. In an NBA offense with better spacing, his shooting could shine through more consistently.
Off the ball, McNeeley shows promise as a passer. He’s not an elite creator or finisher, and he has some limitations attacking the rim. Defensively, McNeeley isn’t a lockdown stopper, but his size, anticipation, and awareness make him the type of player who can hold his own.
The Heat organization has done a good job of identifying and maximizing the talents of undervalued players. McNeeley’s feel for spacing, ball movement, and defensive discipline could make him a valuable role player in Miami.
21) Utah Jazz
Noa Essengue, France
Noa Essengue is a long-term developmental swing, but he’s one the Utah Jazz should be willing to take. Though he’s extremely raw, the talent is undeniable. Essengue is a forward who comes with modern versatility, elite physical tools, and significant upside.
At just 18 years old, Essengue is one of the youngest players in the draft and has already held his own in a professional environment in Germany, showcasing flashes of two-way potential that could blossom with the right developmental support. He possesses rare physical traits, including the elite length of a center and the mobility of a wing player.
Defensively, Essengue is far from polished but has the kind of tools and instincts that coaches love to mold. He covers ground effortlessly, flashes upside as a help defender, and uses his long limbs to disrupt passing lanes.
If Essengue can develop a reliable shot and space the floor, he should be able to thrive in the modern-day NBA. The Jazz won’t be competitive in the near future, and they could afford to make this long-term bet on upside.
22) Atlanta Hawks
Maxime Raynaud, Stanford
Maxime Raynaud is a prospect who could continue to climb up NBA Draft boards after his standout performance at the Combine. A 7’1″, 237-pound center with soft touch, mature feel, and growing perimeter skill, Raynaud brings immediate production and long-term developmental intrigue.
Coming off a breakout senior year at Stanford, where he averaged 20.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists on 46.7% shooting, Raynaud quietly had one of the most efficient and consistent seasons in college basketball. He’s a true back-to-the-basket big with excellent touch around the rim, crafty footwork, and the ability to score with both hands.
Raynaud has a solid mid-range jumper and the potential to keep developing his outside shot. He doesn’t need a ton of touches to be effective. He’s a capable passer and rebounds consistently on both ends of the floor.
With the Hawks likely looking to stabilize their frontcourt depth behind Onyeka Okongwu and Clint Capela — or eventually replace one of them — Raynaud provides a high-floor option who can contribute early in a limited role and grow into more over time.
Raynaud may not wow with athleticism, but he has an NBA-ready game.
23) Indiana Pacers
Rasheer Fleming, Saint Joseph’s
Rasheer Fleming has a strong bag of tools that would allow him to thrive as an immediate impact role player for the Indiana Pacers. He brings a valuable mix of energy, defensive versatility, and efficient offensive play. A 6’9″ forward with elite defensive numbers, Fleming has quietly become a favorite during the draft process.
Fleming fits well with a Pacers team that needs depth and versatility in the frontcourt. He has the size and mobility to defend both bigger forwards and perimeter-oriented wings, offering a level of switchability that Indiana could use more of. His defensive instincts shine, and he doesn’t need touches to make a difference on the offensive end.
Fleming shot an impressive 39% from 3 this past season, a leap from previous years. If that improvement holds, he offers real floor-spacing potential. Playing in the A-10, he didn’t face elite competition, but he’s a finisher, floor-spacer, and defensive disruptor. Those traits could help an Indiana team ready to contend now.
Yaxel Lendeborg is another potential option for the Pacers in this spot, but he’s still undecided on whether he’ll stay in the draft or transfer to Michigan.
24) Oklahoma City Thunder
Ben Saraf, Germany
The Oklahoma City Thunder have a deep and talented roster, so it’s unlikely that they’ll take two players who they expect to contribute right away. Ben Saraf is a player who, with time and development, could become a valuable Swiss Army knife in their evolving backcourt.
At just 18 years old, Saraf has already handled a high-usage role in Germany’s top professional league and starred on the international stage. His combination of age, experience, and passing skill makes him one of the most intriguing long-term backcourt bets in this draft class.
Saraf thrives with the ball in his hands, and few prospects can match his creativity or consistency in the pick-and-roll game. He may not be a top-tier scorer, but his touch around the basket and in the midrange should keep defenses honest.
Defensively, Saraf is a work in progress, with average lateral quickness and strength that could limit him early on. But at 6’6”, he has the positional size and IQ to eventually become serviceable.
Saraf doesn’t need to be a primary scorer to provide value. With his crafty skill set and experience, he could develop into a solid secondary ball handler for OKC.
25) Orlando Magic
Will Riley, Illinois
At 6-foot-8, Will Riley is a big wing player who operates with a guard’s handle and vision, pairing shot creation, deep pull-up range, and slick passing instincts. The Magic’s front office has emphasized a “win-now” mindset, but to do that, they must improve on the offensive end, specifically on the perimeter, where they took a step back in 2024.
Riley’s 3-point shooting percentages were inconsistent at Illinois, but his confidence and mechanics as a shooter project well. He moves well without the ball, and he’s displayed an ability to create his own outside shots.
Riley can create offense off the dribble and shoot from NBA range, tools that could allow him to develop into a dynamic offensive weapon alongside Banchero, Wagner, and Jalen Suggs. His wiry frame may concern some teams, especially with the physicality of the NBA game. However, if he gets stronger and adds to his frame, Riley could develop into a viable two-way player for Orlando.
26) Brooklyn Nets
Labaron Philon, Alabama
Brooklyn is still searching for its identity and could use some talent and depth at the point guard spot. Labaron Philon was one of the most impactful freshmen in college basketball this past season. He demonstrated an advanced feel for the game, excelling in the pick-and-roll with pace, timing, and vision.
Philon’s skill set fits naturally next to Brooklyn’s scoring-minded perimeter players (Cam Thomas, Cam Johnson, Tre Johnson). He can break down defenses, thanks to his shifty handle and high basketball IQ. He also has an elite floater in his bag.
Philon is a true change-of-pace guard who is capable of dictating the tempo on offense. Defensively, he plays with real intensity at the point of attack, fighting over screens and pressuring the ball. He’ll need to bulk up, but the Nets could benefit from adding a player with that kind of effort on that end of the floor.
Philon’s shooting is a work in progress, but he does have a solid base. After adding Johnson earlier in the draft, Brooklyn could afford to wait for Philon to develop consistency with his shot.
27) Brooklyn Nets
Joan Beringer, France
The Nets dip their toes into international waters with their fourth pick in the first round. Though still relatively new to basketball, Joan Beringer has shown rapid growth, and his physical tools are impossible to ignore. With Brooklyn holding multiple first-round picks and the flexibility to invest in a long-term project, Beringer makes a lot of sense.
Defensively, Beringer already flashes traits that are hard to teach. He’s a mobile 7-footer with quick feet, great lateral movement, and the length to alter shots at the rim or guard in space. Even when he’s out of position, his mobility and timing allow him to recover and contest effectively.
Beringer is raw on the offensive end. He lacks a jumper and often turns the ball over in the post. However, he thrives as a rim-runner with soft hands and the ability to finish above the rim. He’s pretty lean and will need to get bigger to survive in the NBA, but he has the tools and upside to potentially become a productive player down the line with time and development.
28) Boston Celtics
Cedric Coward, Washington State
A late bloomer who rose from Division III to potential first-round pick, Cedric Coward’s path mirrors the kind of gritty, growth-minded profile the Boston Celtics have embraced in recent years. His 3-and-D foundation is already solid, but what separates him is the added playmaking feel and high-level basketball instincts.
At 6’6″ with a solid frame, Coward looks the part of a modern NBA wing. He’s fluid in space, physical on the boards, and not afraid of contact. His willingness to do the little things can help him carve out a role in Boston.
Defensively, Coward offers the type of versatility the Celtics value. He can guard multiple positions, thanks to his quickness and length. His high motor and discipline also make him a strong off-ball defender. On the offensive end, his floor spacing is already reliable. He shot 38.8% from 3 over his Division I career. He has excellent passing vision as well.
Coward’s upside as a two-way player could be a great value-add for a Celtics team looking to re-tool after a disappointing playoff exit.
29) Phoenix Suns
Tahaad Pettiford, Auburn
A confident combo guard with deep range, elite shiftiness, and a fearless mentality, Tahaad Pettiford brings microwave scoring potential and a developing playmaking skill set. He’s one of the most electric off-the-dribble shooters in this class and consistently knocked down tough shots at Auburn.
Pettiford is a three-level scorer with flair, and he possesses a lethal floater. While he doesn’t always finish strong at the rim, he’s explosive in transition and could develop further once he adds strength and refines his decision-making. He comes with plenty of upside as an offensive playmaker.
Defensively, Pettiford compensates for his size with effort and intensity. At just 6’1″, he’ll always be targeted on defense, but he doesn’t shy away from physicality. He plays with a dog mentality, something the Phoenix Suns lacked last season.
Yes, Pettiford is undersized, and his shot selection can be shaky — but he’s young and has plenty of room for improvement. He has tools that you can’t teach, and with Tyus Jones hitting free agency, the Suns could land his replacement at the end of Round 1.
30) Los Angeles Clippers
Walter Clayton Jr., Florida
After a breakout NCAA tournament run, Walter Clayton Jr. has cemented himself as a legitimate scoring threat with the tools to be a microwave guard at the next level. He’s someone who can come in, shift momentum, and pour in points quickly.
Clayton is a tough shot-maker with an advanced feel for the game. He doesn’t need much space to let it fly and has proven capable of knocking down shots from all angles.
Clayton was a volume 3-point shooter last season, yet he hit nearly 39% of his attempts. That ability to hit difficult shots and play with confidence is tailor-made for a veteran team like the Los Angeles Clippers, who could use a bench scorer capable of creating his own looks when the stars are resting.
There are concerns defensively and physically, though. At just 6’2”, Clayton lacks elite burst and strength, which could make him a target on the defensive end. He’s pretty limited as a floor general as well, but with James Harden, LA won’t need him to play that role. He adds immediate scoring depth and offensive insurance on the perimeter.