2025 NBA Mock Draft: Ace Bailey Slides (As He Intended), Nets Land a Steal, and Suns Make No. 10 Pick Count

With the 2025 NBA Draft almost here and this offseason expected to feature plenty of fireworks, let's try to project every pick in the first round.

In the lead-up to the 2025 NBA offseason, numerous executives have been telling league insiders that this could be one of the craziest summers of all time.

People in the NBA circles are expecting plenty of trades this summer, and we’ve already seen several blockbusters: Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets, Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic, and the Jrue Holiday-for-Anfernee Simons swap by the Boston Celtics and Portland Trail Blazers. If these deals are any indication, there could be quite a few fireworks in the coming weeks.

The 2025 NBA Draft is on June 25-26, which means trade talks are officially heating up and the dominoes will begin to fall. With the draft almost here, let’s do our best to project the first round in this 2025 NBA Mock Draft.

1) Dallas Mavericks

Cooper Flagg, SF/PF, Duke

Even Nico Harrison can’t screw up this selection. Cooper Flagg is widely regarded as a generational talent who projects to be a franchise-changing force for years to come. At Duke, he led the Blue Devils in points (19.2), rebounds (7.5), assists (4.2), steals (1.4), and blocks (1.4), while shooting an efficient 48.1% from the field, 38.5% from 3-point range, and 84.0% from the free-throw line.

Also, Flagg has the kind of maniacal competitiveness that many all-time greats possess. Given his ability to impact both ends of the court, his motor and competitiveness, and his extremely well-rounded skill set, Flagg is an extremely safe prospect who simultaneously has a ridiculously high floor and ceiling.

2) San Antonio Spurs

Dylan Harper, PG/SG, Rutgers

Initially, there were rumors that the San Antonio Spurs may look to trade the No. 2 overall selection for a win-now piece, and they’ve reportedly had plenty of suitors interested in the pick. However, recent rumblings suggest that San Antonio will hold onto the selection and draft Dylan Harper.

While the fit initially raises some eyebrows since the Spurs already have De’Aaron Fox and reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle in the backcourt, Harper is clearly the best player available. If he realizes his full potential, he could become San Antonio’s second-best player and a superstar running mate alongside Victor Wembanyama for years to come.

3) Philadelphia 76ers

VJ Edgecombe, SG, Baylor

This is where things get interesting. While Harper’s Rutgers teammate, Ace Bailey, was penciled in as the No. 3 overall pick in early mock drafts, his puzzling pre-draft process has led to questions about where he’ll land.

Bailey has refused to work out for all teams and, as if that weren’t concerning enough, he also canceled a planned workout with the Philadelphia 76ers at the very last minute.

Is it possible that Philadelphia will still select Bailey despite his recent antics just because they believe in his talent? Sure. But there have been credible rumblings that the 76ers are very high on VJ Edgecombe, with the Baylor shooting guard blowing them away in meetings.

The draft really starts at No. 3 because there are a number of directions that Philly could go (including a trade), but Edgecombe feels like the safest pick here.

4) Charlotte Hornets

Kon Knueppel, SF, Duke

Speaking of safe picks, the Charlotte Hornets may select Kon Knueppel simply because he’s the only top prospect they have had a chance to work out. Charlotte reportedly hasn’t been able to get Harper, Edgecombe, Bailey, or Tre Johnson in for a workout — with Knueppel being the only top prospect willing to give them the time of day.

Now, there are certainly examples of teams drafting players who they haven’t worked out — and it’s worth noting that they did get a chance to meet with some of the top prospects in person at the NBA Draft Combine.

But does Charlotte really want to use a top-four selection on a player who has made it clear that they don’t want to be there? There are also rumblings that some prospects are avoiding Charlotte because they don’t want to play alongside LaMelo Ball, which adds an additional wrinkle to this.

Knueppel is an extremely safe prospect whose game is a perfect fit for both today’s NBA and Charlotte’s young core of Ball, Brandon Miller, and Mark Williams, so the Hornets shouldn’t overthink this one.

5) Utah Jazz

Jeremiah Fears, PG, Oklahoma

Jeremiah Fears is one of the youngest players in this draft class, as he doesn’t turn 19 years old until October. The Utah Jazz need a point guard of the future, and Fears is a potential star.

Keyonte George inspired hope during his rookie season but was benched for Isaiah Collier during his second season after issues with turnovers, efficiency, and defense. Collier showed some promise, averaging 6.3 assists per game, but his outside jumper is essentially non-existent.

As a freshman, Fears averaged 17.1 points, 4.1 assists, and 4.1 rebounds, emerging as the Sooners’ go-to option at the end of the season. Utah fans are obviously bummed that they didn’t win the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes, but Fears is a strong consolation prize as a swing-for-the-fences pick at a position of need.

6) Washington Wizards

Ace Bailey, F, Rutgers

So, why is Bailey refusing to work out for every single team? Jonathan Givony of ESPN reported that he prefers to slide out of the top five and land with the Washington Wizards, New Orleans Pelicans, or Brooklyn Nets. While a team may call his bluff and pick him anyway, he gets his wish and joins the Wizards in this mock draft.

Bailey is one of the most intriguing players in this class because his potential is tantalizing, but he’s also incredibly polarizing. He’s extremely talented, and one can imagine him becoming an All-Star-level talent.

However, that would require Bailey to become more efficient and take smarter shots. He also measured in significantly shorter than expected at the NBA Draft Combine, coming in at 6’7.5″ without shoes rather than the 6’10” he was listed at in college.

It will be very interesting to see where Bailey goes on draft night. It also wouldn’t be a surprise if a team trades up into the top five to select him based on his upside.

7) New Orleans Pelicans

Khaman Maluach, C, Duke

The New Orleans Pelicans could decide to select Texas guard Tre Johnson here if they believe in Yves Missi as a long-term solution at center, but Duke center Khaman Maluach seems like a perfect solution to their lack of size and defensive issues. Last season, the Pelicans had the second-worst defense in the NBA (allowing 116.6 points per 100 possessions) behind only the Jazz.

Maluach started playing basketball when he was 13 years old, so he is understandably still raw in many areas, including his offensive feel and floor vision. However, there are very few 7’2” players who also have the mobility to switch and defend smaller ball handlers in space.

Maluach’s instincts on the defensive end are far more developed, as he does an excellent job of stifling driving angles and protecting the rim (as evidenced by his 1.3 blocks per game last season).

8) Brooklyn Nets

Tre Johnson, PG/SG, Texas

Look, it’s very possible that Johnson hears his name called earlier than this on Wednesday night. After all, there are many mock drafts where he comes off the board in the top five, with the Jazz often projected to take him. At No. 8, he’s easily the best available player on the draft board, and the Nets would be thrilled by this outcome.

Johnson could be a steal for Brooklyn, which is searching for a franchise cornerstone and desperately needs to upgrade the backcourt. As a freshman, Johnson led the Longhorns in scoring with 19.9 points per game and made 39.7% of his 3-pointers. And there’s a case to be made that Johnson is the best scorer in the class.

9) Toronto Raptors

Carter Bryant, SF/PF, Arizona

Carter Bryant is another prospect who enters the 2025 NBA Draft with a very wide range of outcomes because he’s extremely polarizing. His draft stock is soaring over the last month, and the question is: how high will he go?

In Ian Cummings’ latest mock draft for PFSN, he floated the idea that Bryant could go as high as No. 3 to the 76ers (!), while other analysts have him falling to the late teens. In this mock draft, we fall somewhere in the middle.

So, why is Bryant such a tough player to evaluate? Well, at Arizona, he averaged just 6.5 points and 4.1 rebounds in under 20 minutes per game. However, teams aren’t interested in him based on his past production — they are falling in love with his potential.

Since Bryant shot 37.1% from 3-point range and has a 6’8″, 225-pound frame, the thought is that he could develop into a perfect 3-and-D wing. Toronto is known for developing prospects and helping them reach their full potential, so this feels like a perfect landing spot for Bryant.

10) Phoenix Suns

Collin Murray-Boyles, PF/C, South Carolina

This is the Phoenix Suns’ first-round pick, but they re-acquired it from the Houston Rockets as part of the Durant trade that went down on Sunday afternoon. Given Jalen Green’s inefficiency and defensive issues, his trade value has plummeted, so make no mistake: this No. 10 overall pick was the centerpiece of the Rockets’ package.

The Suns need to hit on this draft pick, and Collin Murray-Boyles feels like a safe bet given his all-around game. Murray-Boyles possesses an advanced offensive feel, and he does the dirty work on both ends of the floor. As a sophomore, he averaged 16.8 points and 8.3 rebounds on 58.6% shooting for the Gamecocks. His athleticism and effort also translate to excellent defense, as he averaged 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks.

Murray-Boyles’ 3-point shooting is a weakness, as he shot just 26.5% from deep last season after attempting only five total 3s during his freshman year. His defensive impact gives him a high floor, though, and he makes a lot of sense for a Suns team that is trying to improve defensively and change their culture under new head coach Jordan Ott.

11) Portland Trail Blazers

Kasparas Jakučionis, PG/SG, Illinois

The Portland Trail Blazers pulled off a blockbuster trade days before the 2025 NBA Draft, shipping out Simons and two second-round picks for two-time NBA champion Holiday. So, why would they take Kasparas Jakučionis here?

Well, Holiday is 35 years old, so the Blazers could still try to find a long-term solution alongside Scoot Henderson in the backcourt.

Holiday feels like the perfect mentor for Henderson and Jakučionis, who averaged 15.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game at Illinois. The 6’6″ combo guard is more of a table-setter, so he provides a different skill set than Portland’s other guards. Jakučionis could be exactly what Portland needs after posting the third-lowest assist rate last season.

12) Chicago Bulls

Derik Queen, C, Maryland

Nikola Vučević’s name has surfaced in trade rumors as of late, and even if he isn’t dealt this offseason, he only has one more year on his contract with the Chicago Bulls. Selecting Vučević’s replacement makes sense, and Derik Queen could be exactly what Chicago’s frontcourt needs going forward.

After strong showings in March Madness and the pre-draft process, Queen has seemingly climbed into the lottery. At 6’10” and 246 pounds, he has an NBA-ready body along with advanced handles and a soft touch around the rim. There are concerns about Queen’s interior defense, but he averaged 16.5 points and 9.0 rebounds per game, while shooting 56% on his 2-point field-goal attempts.

13) Atlanta Hawks (via Kings)

Egor Demin, PG/SG, BYU

Egor Demin’s positional versatility is his most enticing attribute. At 6’9″ and 190 pounds, the BYU standout is a massive point guard who smartly leverages his size advantage on offense. He demonstrates terrific ball-handling skills and vision for a player of his size.

The biggest concern with Demin is his 3-pointer, as he shot just 27.3% from deep and 69.5% from the free-throw line last season. Demin is active off-ball as a cutter, and his athleticism allows him to finish at the rim, but that’s the extent of his offensive productivity right now.

Still, his size, versatility, and athleticism make him an intriguing lottery ticket who could play alongside Trae Young or, if needed, replace him if the Hawks’ new regime decides to move on from the star guard.

14) San Antonio Spurs (via Hawks)

Noa Essengue, PF, Ratiopharm Ulm

While there have been some promising offseason videos of Jeremy Sochan’s improved shooting form, it’s hard to say if offseason clips will translate to NBA production. To this point, Sochan has failed to develop a reliable outside shot, so the Spurs may look to find a new power forward of the future to put alongside Wembanyama.

Enter Noa Essengue. The young power forward is very raw, as he is still only 18 years old, but Essengue is a freak athlete with a ton of upside. He will take some time to develop, but if he’s able to realize his full potential, he could form a French Twin Towers with Wembanyama.

15) Oklahoma City Thunder (via Heat)

Joan Beringer, C, Cedevita Olimpija

Joan Beringer is also extremely raw. He started playing basketball just three years ago, and he averaged just 4.9 points per game in 18.3 minutes per game for Košarkarski klub Cedevita Olimpija (a team in Slovenia’s top league) this season. However, he is a 6’11” French center with impressive athleticism, defensive versatility, and movement skills.

Beringer doesn’t turn 19 years old until December, and he is intriguing as either a stateside project or a draft-and-stash option. Given the Oklahoma City Thunder just won the NBA championship with a loaded roster, they can afford to be patient with Beringer in hopes that someday he can become a standout rim protector (and potentially more).

16) Memphis Grizzlies (via Magic)

Cedric Coward, SG, Washington State

Few players have seen their stock rise as much throughout the pre-draft process as Cedric Coward, who initially considered transferring to Duke and then helped his stock enough to stay in the draft. Now, some mocks even have Coward going in the lottery.

The Memphis Grizzlies acquired this pick from the Orlando Magic as part of the Desmond Bane trade, and perhaps they will use it to land Bane’s replacement. Like Bane, Coward is a bit of an older prospect (he turns 22 years old in September), but he’s also viewed as an NBA-ready contributor who can make an impact right away — particularly as a shooter.


Coward averaged 17.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.0 3-pointers, and 1.7 blocks last season, while shooting 55.7% from the field, 40% from 3, and 83.9% from the free-throw line. He has the size, frame, wingspan, and skill set to be a Day 1 rotation player.

17) Minnesota Timberwolves (via Pistons)

Liam McNeeley, SF, Connecticut

Liam McNeeley is a bit confusing as a prospect. He projects as a sharpshooting 3-and-D threat, but his college stats don’t match that description. He shot 31.7% from 3 on 5.4 attempts per game last season for UConn. While this stat is concerning, he’s a much better shooter than his percentage indicates, as he was asked to step into a starring role.

In high school, McNeeley shot 43.9% from 3-point range and was known as one of the best shooters in the nation. At the NBA Draft Combine, he drilled 24 of 30 shots from long range, and he’s had the opportunity to prove himself during pre-draft workouts with teams. If the Minnesota Timberwolves believe in his shooting stroke, he could be their pick at No. 17.

18) Washington Wizards (via Grizzlies)

Asa Newell, PF, Georgia

Asa Newell averaged 15.4 points and 6.9 rebounds per game for Georgia this season, earning All-SEC Freshman honors. The 6’11” forward demonstrates explosive athleticism, which should enable him to impact rebounding and defense right away.

Newell had the third-highest offensive rebounding percentage in the SEC at 13.9% while also averaging a block per game. It’s worth noting that his jumper isn’t there yet, as he shot 29.2% on 3s, but his solid 74.8% free-throw percentage hints at untapped potential there.

19) Brooklyn Nets (via Bucks)

Thomas Sorber, PF/C, Georgetown

Entering this draft, the goal for the Nets should be to select the best players available and try to find multiple potential franchise cornerstones. Thomas Sorber is 6’9.25″ (without shoes) and boasts a 7’6″ wingspan, and he projects as a long-term solution at center.

As a freshman at Georgetown, Sorber averaged 14.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 2.0 blocks, and 1.5 steals, while shooting 53.2% from the field. The 19-year-old is versatile and has a ton of untapped potential.

20) Miami Heat (via Warriors)

Nique Clifford, SG, Colorado State

Nique Clifford is a versatile 6’6” wing who can defend multiple positions, making him a malleable player who can fit on virtually any roster. He’s a versatile defender and excellent rebounder, averaging 9.6 per game last season for Colorado State.

Clifford has also displayed the ability to score from everywhere. He averaged 18.9 points per game on 49.6% shooting for the Rams last season, including 37.7% from 3 on nearly five attempts per game. Also, he improved his free-throw percentage from 53.2% two years ago to 77.7% this past season.

Clifford is an older prospect at 23 years old, and some will question his level of competition in the Mountain West. However, the Heat just spent a first-round pick on Jaime Jaquez Jr. two years ago, and Clifford could have a similarly immediate impact for Miami.

21) Utah Jazz (via Timberwolves)

Will Riley, SF, Illinois

Will Riley is a 6’7” wing who is still a little raw after one season in college. Illinois asked a lot of him, which allowed Riley to develop his passing and creation off the dribble as a slash-and-kick player. He averaged 12.6 points per game for the Illini, with a strong assist-to-turnover ratio for a wing (roughly 2-to-1).

Riley’s shooting splits aren’t particularly impressive (43.2% from the field, 32.6% from 3, 72.4% from the free-throw line), though some of that stemmed from his high usage. Continuing to develop his game off the dribble will be key, since his jumper currently isn’t reliable enough to be his main contributing skill on offense.

Riley could also use more weight at 195 pounds, which is not an uncommon issue for teenage prospects. Still, he projects to be a versatile two-way wing.

22) Atlanta Hawks (via Lakers)

Danny Wolf, PF/C, Michigan

Danny Wolf is one of the tougher players to evaluate in this draft because of his unorthodox skill set. The 7’0” Michigan center excels as a ball handler and passer while also creating more on-ball than most bigs. He nearly averaged a double-double for the Wolverines this season with 13.2 points and 9.7 rebounds per game, while adding just under four assists per game as one of the primary playmakers as well.

Wolf isn’t an efficient 3-point shooter (33.6% for his collegiate career), but some of that is due to his shot selection. In the NBA, it’s highly unlikely Wolf will be given the green light to take step-back and off-the-dribble 3s, at least initially. That could help improve his percentage while also cutting down on his unsightly 3.2 turnovers per game. Defensively, Wolf’s lack of high-end athleticism means he won’t be a great rim protector.

With Clint Capela expected to move on from Atlanta in free agency, perhaps the Hawks look to bring in Wolf since he provides a different skill set from Onyeka Okongwu.

23) New Orleans Pelicans (via Pacers)

Jase Richardson, SG, Michigan State

After being projected as a lottery pick early in the pre-draft process, Jase Richardson’s stock has been falling throughout the pre-draft process. At the NBA Draft Combine, he measured in at 6’0.5″ without shoes and weighed in at 178.4 pounds. This was a surprise, as he was listed as 6’3″ at Michigan State.

While the concerns about his size are real, the son of 13-year NBA veteran Jason Richardson is a good shooter with a strong feel for the game. He finished his freshman season averaging 12.1 points per game on 49.3% shooting, including 41.2% from deep.

After the Pelicans opted to go Maluach over Johnson with their lottery pick, perhaps they’ll take the sliding Richardson here to address their backcourt.

24) Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers)

Nolan Traoré, PG, Saint Quentin

It’s tough to say if the Thunder will keep this pick, as they already have a loaded roster and may prefer to trade the selection for a win-now piece or future picks (as Sam Presti loves to do). If they do stand pat, taking a young player they can be patient with and develop over time makes sense.

OKC has always been excellent at finding projects and putting them on custom development plans — working with them on the court and off (with things like their nutrition and sleep).

Could Nolan Traoré be their next success story? He’s one of the youngest prospects in the draft at 18 years old, but he’s already 6’4″ and an effective playmaker.

Traoré has a lethal first step and terrific speed, which enables him to get to the rim at a high rate and keep his offense afloat. That’s important since his jump shot isn’t polished yet, as he shot just 37% from the field and 26.9% from 3 this season for Saint-Quentin Basket-Ball in LNB Élite (France’s top basketball league).

However, if the Thunder view last year’s No. 12 pick Nikola Topić as a point guard (since that is what he played overseas), perhaps they go in a different direction.

25) Orlando Magic (via Nuggets)

Walter Clayton Jr., PG, Florida

The Magic initially had two first-round picks in this year’s draft, but they shipped out the No. 16 overall pick in a win-now move for Bane, as previously mentioned. That trade was about adding shooting, improving spacing, and finding a perfect piece who complements Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner on offense.

The Magic are clearly desperate for shooting after finishing last in the NBA in 3-point percentage last season; in fact, Orlando’s 31.8% shooting from deep was the worst of any NBA team over the last nine years.


Well, Walter Clayton Jr. would give the Magic another shooter. Clayton averaged 18.3 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.0 3-pointers per game on 38.6% shooting from deep, while leading the Florida Gators to the national title.

The Magic could use a scoring point guard who can stretch the floor to complement Jalen Suggs and Anthony Black. This marriage just makes too much sense, which is why Clayton is so commonly mocked to Orlando.

26) Brooklyn Nets (via Knicks)

Rasheer Fleming, PF, Saint Joseph’s

Rasheer Fleming showed promise as a big scorer for St. Joseph’s. He averaged 14.7 points per game on an impressive 39% from deep during his junior season, a meaningful jump from his 32.4% 3-point shooting percentage last season.

Defensively, Fleming’s motor allows him to win on the glass, as he averaged 8.5 rebounds per game this season and 1.5 blocks per game each of the past two seasons. His wingspan measures in at 7’4”, allowing him to have more defensive value and rim protection than you’d expect from a 6’9” player.

27) Brooklyn Nets (via Rockets)

Noah Penda, SF, Le Mans

Passing is Noah Penda’s best trait, as he has excellent vision for a 20-year-old. Playing for Le Mans Sarthe Basket in the LNB Élite, he averaged 10.2 points per game on 44.9% shooting (though that included a 31.4% 3-point field goal percentage). Unlike many young players, Penda also comes with an NBA-ready frame at 6’8” and 225 pounds, which should enable him to hold up on defense and as a rebounder.

Penda is unselfish enough to handle the little things (screening, cutting off-ball) that could help him contribute on offense while his jumper develops. His 75.3% free-throw percentage suggests there’s projectable improvement on that front, which could pay off in a couple of years as he matures.

28) Boston Celtics

Maxime Raynaud, PF, Stanford

The Celtics kicked off a crucial offseason by trading Holiday to the Blazers, but they aren’t done making moves. They continue to discuss trades regarding several key players, which makes it tough to say what they will do in the draft.

Kristaps Porziņģis is on the books for $30.7 million in 2025-26, but his name has surfaced in trade rumors after he dealt with a mysterious illness that sidelined him for several months and reemerged in the playoffs, where he was essentially a non-factor.

Al Horford, 39, has mulled retirement for the past couple of seasons and will need to be replaced soon. Backup big man Luke Kornet is an unrestricted free agent and may be too pricey for the Celtics to re-sign after outperforming his veteran’s minimum contract this season.

As a result, Boston may look to get younger and cheaper in their frontcourt, and Maxime Raynaud could be a perfect fit. He averaged 20.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.9 3s, and 1.4 blocks as a senior at Stanford. Given how the Celtics value spacing and shooting, they could be intrigued by the 7’1″ stretch power forward.

29) Phoenix Suns (via Cavaliers)

Ryan Kalkbrenner, C, Creighton

The Suns desperately want to upgrade their center position. Throughout the Durant trade talks, they reportedly tried to target Rudy Gobert, Kel’el Ware, and other big men to address their lack of size and rim protection. Given this glaring need, Ryan Kalkbrenner could be the pick for Phoenix at No. 29.

The four-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year profiles as a plus rim protector in the NBA. The 7’1″ Kalkbrenner blocked 399 shots during his five-year collegiate career (2.4 per game). Impressively, he never fouled out in 169 college games, and that combination of basketball IQ and body control could allow him to impact games more than most young bigs.

Kalkbrenner showed steady offensive improvement in college, increasing his scoring average in all five seasons and topping out at 19.2 points per game in 2024-25. It’s also worth noting that Kalkbrenner improved his 3-point percentage from 29.6% last year to 34.4% this season (albeit still on a low volume of attempts at 1.7 per game).

30) Los Angeles Clippers (via Thunder)

Ben Saraf, PG, Ratiopharm Ulm

The Los Angeles Clippers don’t have any clear and immediate needs within their starting lineup, but with point guard James Harden entering his age-36 season, they’ll need to plan for when he retires, stumbles, or is ineffective.

Selecting Ben Saraf and having him learn under Harden to take over in a couple of seasons would make a lot of sense. Saraf is a tall guard (6’6″ without shoes) and a terrific playmaker whose footwork turns heads. The biggest concern is his jumpshot, but the hope is that the 19-year-old can improve his shooting over time.

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