The NBA lottery is in the books, meaning that we officially know the order for all 59 picks in the 2025 NBA Draft. This year’s class is particularly anticipated for its star power, with potential All-NBA prospects littered throughout the lottery.
The top overall pick won’t be much of a mystery after some stunning lottery results shook up the top of the draft order, but what about the rest of the first round? Note that NCAA players with remaining college eligibility may still withdraw from the draft until June 15 at 5 p.m. ET. Therefore, the actual prospect pool teams will have to pick from is still evolving.
1) Dallas Mavericks
Cooper Flagg, Duke
It’s been preordained for years that Cooper Flagg would become a franchise-changer and the top overall pick. And after the Dallas Mavericks tore out their fanbase’s collective heart with one of the most shocking trades ever, that same fan base is getting a massive reprieve after shockingly winning the lottery for their new franchise player.
Flagg was every bit the five-tool player everyone expected, serving as the engine of an excellent Duke team. He averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game during his lone collegiate season. His shooting also surged as the season went on, and he finished with sparkling 48/39/84 shooting splits.
There are no red flags with Flagg, which extends to his highly competitive mentality that turned heads at Team USA’s training camp for the 2024 Summer Olympics. Beyond his totally polished all-around skill set, Flagg plays a style conducive to winning and is a potential culture-changer in the locker room as well.
The Mavericks have their new franchise foundation just over three months after trading their previous one. The only question is if Commissioner Adam Silver will request that the Mavs use their entire allotment of time on the clock before they hand in the card.
2) San Antonio Spurs
Dylan Harper, Rutgers
Rutgers combo guard Dylan Harper would be the top overall pick in the majority of draft classes. As is, he’ll have to settle for the clear silver medal on the podium behind Flagg, though the San Antonio Spurs will benefit from one of the best consolation prizes in recent memory.
Harper was a very effective scorer at Rutgers, pouring in 19.4 points per game during his freshman season. His athleticism allowed Harper to get to the rim whenever he wanted, allowing him to shoot 48.4% from the field despite a mediocre 33% 3-point percentage. His touch around the rim is extremely impressive and will make for a fun highlight package throughout his career.
At 6’6”, Harper is a bigger guard with an NBA-ready frame who should also hold up reasonably well on defense. He shot 75% from the free-throw line on nearly six attempts per game, so perhaps fewer pull-up 3s and more catch-and-shoot attempts at the NBA would aid Harper’s accuracy from long range.
Even with De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle already in the backcourt, there’s no sense in the Spurs passing on the clear second-best prospect in this year’s class.
3) Philadelphia 76ers
Ace Bailey, Rutgers
The Philadelphia 76ers suffered through one of the most disappointing seasons of any team this season. However, the Sixers’ tank to keep their top-six protected pick was rewarded handsomely. Philly will now have a chance to add another terrific young star next to Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain, with injured but established vets Joel Embiid and Paul George still on the roster as well.
Ace Bailey would help round out Philly’s young trio with a frontcourt option. The other half of Rutgers’ freshman star duo, Bailey, also lived up to the hype for the Scarlet Knights. He averaged 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game on 46% shooting, including a respectable 34.6% from 3.
His ability to hit difficult shots is enticing, as his shooting efficiency could easily improve in an environment where he’s not being relied on to create as much as he was in college.
At 6’10” and 200 pounds, Bailey is a big yet smooth mover. That gives him an excellent chance to provide significant defensive value, as evidenced by his 1.3 blocks per game and glimpses of play where he held up when switched onto guards. Any big man capable of playing defense at every level and shooting is a premium asset, and might be a refreshing change of pace for a 76ers team that has had to work around Embiid’s mobility limitations.
4) Charlotte Hornets
V.J. Edgecombe, Baylor
V.J. Edgecombe averaged 15.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game en route to Big 12 Freshman of the Year and All-Big 12 Second Team honors. The 6’5” Baylor wing is arguably the best athlete in the whole class, and combines that with a relentless motor to wreak havoc on defense.
Edgecombe ranked fourth in the Big 12 with 2.1 steals per game. His ability to defend on-ball with significant pressure should translate immediately, allowing him to guard multiple positions and provide significant defensive value early in his career. Playing off-ball more could also allow Edgecombe to improve his 34% 3-point percentage from college.
If he falls to No. 4, Edgecombe would be a beautiful fit for the Charlotte Hornets. The Hornets already have their primary offensive options in LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, and are trying to build a defensive identity under Charles Lee. Edgecombe would lean heavily into improving that side of the floor and give this young team a clearer identity.
5) Utah Jazz
Tre Johnson, Texas
After finishing with the NBA’s worst record, the Utah Jazz were hoping for better luck with the ping pong balls. But while Flagg won’t be headed to Salt Lake City, the Jazz can still draft their next offensive fulcrum in Tre Johnson.
Johnson led Texas in minutes (34.7) and points (19.9) per game as a freshman. He could threaten for the title of best shooter in this class after hitting 39.7% of his 3s, many of which were off the dribble. That gives him massive offensive upside, which should keep Johnson from falling out of the top five.
Johnson’s shot selection will need better judgment in the NBA, as the 6’6” wing could have a harder time generating clean looks against bigger defenders. However, the Longhorns’ lack of spacing also hampered Johnson’s ability to get into the paint, and he certainly has the athleticism to do damage around the rim in a more functional offensive environment. The Jazz can provide more spacing, enhancing Johnson’s skill set.
6) Washington Wizards
Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma
Jeremiah Fears doesn’t turn 19 until October, which has him as a likely lottery pick after an impressive season at Oklahoma. The freshman point guard averaged 17.1 points, 4.1 assists, and 4.1 rebounds, emerging as the Sooners’ go-to option at the end of the season.
Fears is only 6’4” but gets downhill easily with his quickness and terrific handle. That allowed him to break down defenses with drive-and-kicks, a staple in today’s NBA offenses. Fears’ athleticism helped keep his offense afloat amid shaky shooting, as he hit only 28.4% of his 3s (on 3.9 attempts per game).
The Washington Wizards fell four spots from the pre-draft lottery position but could still end up with a foundational backcourt piece in Fears. Washington ranked last in offensive efficiency this season, and Fears would be a significant boost to getting the Wizards out of the basement.
7) New Orleans Pelicans
Khaman Maluach, Duke
The New Orleans Pelicans are at a crossroads after a 21-61 disaster. Head coach Willie Green figures to be on a short leash with Joe Dumars named the new head of basketball operations. Zion Williamson continued his pattern of alternating healthy seasons with injury-marred ones, potentially leaving the Pelicans in search of a more stable foundation for their franchise.
One major problem for the Pelicans was their total lack of size. They could fix that with Duke center Khaman Maluach, who has seen his stock skyrocket since the start of the college basketball season. The Blue Devils freshman started playing basketball when he was 13, and understandably is still raw in a lot of areas, including offensive feel and floor vision.
However, there are very few 7’2” humans 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. That makes him an easy projection to become an all-defense candidate someday, with the potential for more if his offense improves.
8) Brooklyn Nets
Derik Queen, Maryland
Derik Queen has seen his stock rise throughout the pre-draft process, to the point where the Maryland big looks like a clear lottery pick. At 6’10” and 246 pounds, Queen has an NBA-ready body for any frontcourt, along with advanced handles and a soft touch around the rim.
There are concerns about Queen’s interior defense, but his offense is ready to go. The freshman averaged 16.5 points and 9.0 rebounds per game, shooting 56% on 2-point field goal attempts. His jumper showed signs of improvement down the stretch, and his mobility means that he shouldn’t be a total liability on defense due to his ability to move with ball-handlers in the spread pick-and-roll game.
Queen is only 20 years old, so it’s a good sign that he’s already able to hang his hat on interior scoring and rebounding. The Nets have a bigger paint-bound center in Nic Claxton, who could provide some of the rim protection that Queen might not supply and make for a well-rounded frontcourt duo.
9) Toronto Raptors
Kon Knueppel, Duke
Kon Knueppel won’t turn 20 years old until August, but the Duke wing has one of the clearer projections of any prospect this year. Knueppel should provide excellent 3-point shooting right away, giving him an avenue to immediate playing time.
During his freshman season, Knueppel shot 40.6% from 3 and 91.4% from the free-throw line. He profiles as a player who could threaten the 50/40/90 club during his career, and his 6’7” frame made him harder to attack on defense than many expected.
That point about his frame is the key, as Knueppel absolutely has the potential to grow into more than a one-tricky sharpshooter. The Toronto Raptors like to collect players with above-average size for their positions and could use Knueppel’s accuracy to improve their 23rd-ranked 3-point shooting.
10) Houston Rockets (via PHX)
Jase Richardson, Michigan State
The son of 13-year NBA veteran Jason Richardson, Jase Richardson isn’t as explosive but has the type of well-rounded shot profile that his father didn’t discover until the latter half of his career. Richardson improved as his freshman season went on and finished with 12.1 points per game on 49.3% shooting, including 41.2% from deep.
Richardson led the Spartans in points in six of the team’s final eight games of the regular season as well as during the Sweet 16 win over Ole Miss. His feel for the game is fairly advanced, and while he’s not a great passer just yet, Richardson was able to mitigate his downside with only 0.8 turnovers per game.
The Houston Rockets had a wildly successful second season under Ime Udoka but bowed out in the first round after their halfcourt offense repeatedly stalled against the Warriors. Adding offensive creation is a must this offseason, and Richardson would represent a solid investment on that front.
11) Portland Trail Blazers
Kasparas Jakučionis, Illinois
Kasparas Jakučionis only played a single season at Illinois. However, after a high-usage freshman season in which he demonstrated strong playmaking upside, Jakučionis could complement the Portland Trail Blazers’ backcourt with a different skill set than some of their existing youngsters.
Jakučionis filled up the stat sheet for the Illini, averaging 15.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game. The 6’6″ combo guard was probably overstretched with his usage, which led to spates of turnovers and struggles from deep (31.8% from 3). However, he shot 84.5% from the free-throw line, suggesting the potential for better accuracy from deep over time.
With Anfernee Simons potentially on the move and Scoot Henderson improving but still inefficient, the Blazers could use more of a table-setter in the backcourt to accentuate their pre-existing talent. Even with some defensive deficiencies, Jakučionis would be greatly helpful to a Portland team that had the third-lowest assist rate this season.
12) Chicago Bulls
Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina
Collin Murray-Boyles is a little undersized for a frontcourt player at 6’8″. However, the South Carolina product is one of the more skilled offensive bigs in the draft, which gives him a reasonable chance at ending up in the lottery.
Murray-Boyles possesses an advanced offensive feel and tenacity to do the dirty work on both ends of the floor. As a sophomore this past season, Murray-Boyles 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.
His largest flaw is the lack of a 3-point jumper. Murray-Boyles shot 26.5% from deep this season after attempting only five total 3s during his freshman season. The defensive impact gives him a high floor, though, and the Chicago Bulls could use a more diverse offense after leaning heavily on the backcourt of Coby White and Josh Giddey this season.
13) Atlanta Hawks (via SAC)
Asa Newell, Georgia
The Atlanta Hawks got this pick from the Sacramento Kings by the thinnest of margins, as it was top-12 protected. Now the Hawks have a pair of first-rounders after also getting the Los Angeles Lakers’ original pick, a nice consolation prize for a disappointing non-playoff season.
With their lottery selection, the Hawks could look to inject some athleticism into their frontcourt. 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. His work on the offensive boards would help an Atlanta team that is likely losing Clint Capela in free agency, and fell from fifth in offensive rebounding rate last season to 13th this season. Newell’s 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.
14) San Antonio Spurs (via ATL)
Nolan Traore, France
One of the youngest prospects in the draft, 18-year-old Nolan Traore, will need some time to develop. However, he’s already 6’4″ and an effective playmaker, which gives him the type of upside that the Spurs can wait on.
Traore 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, the good news is that he improved his free-throw percentage from 60.7% last year to 73.7% this season, a notable leap that suggests some overall shooting improvement is on the horizon. Any teenager with Traore’s combination of size and athleticism has a shot at entering the lottery. San Antonio can afford to wait for Traore to grow and join the team on fellow countryman Victor Wembanyama’s timeline.
15) Oklahoma City Thunder (via MIA)
Egor Demin, BYU
Egor Demin’s positional versatility is his most enticing attribute, and no team is more familiar with having massive switchable players than the Oklahoma City Thunder. 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, in the mold of what former Thunder lottery prospect Giddey was as a prospect.
Unfortunately, that comparison extends to Demin’s jumper. He shot just 27.3% from 3 and 69.5% from the free throw line this season, a troubling sign for his development in that area. 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.
Regardless, his body type and athleticism fit what the Thunder typically look for. Oklahoma City had success developing Luguentz Dort from a non-shooter when he first entered the NBA into a capable 3-and-D stud. If he approaches his ceiling, Demin could be another stingy cog in the NBA’s best defensive machine.
16) Orlando Magic
Liam McNeeley, Connecticut
UConn wing Liam McNeeley will need more seasoning after shooting 38.1% from the field and 31.7% from 3 as a freshman. However, he actually profiles as a sniper from long range, and his 86.6% free-throw percentage is more indicative of what scouts expect his long-term shooting accuracy to look like.
Thus, the shooting-starved Orlando Magic could be getting a big wing who fits into their defensive scheme while also addressing their woeful 3-point shooting. McNeeley would be allowed to play off-ball more than he did at UConn, with Jalen Suggs and Paolo Banchero taking care of most of the ball-handling, which might unlock some improved shooting.
McNeeley may not reach his ceiling right away, but he’s worth an upside swing for a Magic team that had less spacing than any other. He’ll see more open catch-and-shoot looks in the NBA than he did in college, which should enable McNeeley to shoot far better than he did at UConn.
17) Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET)
Will Riley, 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.
He could also use more weight at 195 pounds, not an uncommon issue for teenage prospects. Still, the Minnesota Timberwolves could target him as their next versatile two-way wing, in the mold of what they’ve rolled out with Jaden McDaniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker in recent seasons.
18) Washington Wizards (via MEM)
Carter Bryant, Arizona
The Wizards were the second-worst 3-point shooting team this past season at 33.5%. That figure would be in the basement most years (they were saved by Orlando’s horrific shooting), so Washington needs to add multiple 3-point threats this offseason in both the draft and free agency.
Carter Bryant isn’t a clear-cut solution to that problem, but the seeds are there for him to turn into a 3-and-D wing. He certainly possesses the prototypical frame for it at 6’8” and 225 pounds. Bryant’s athleticism should translate to defense first, as he was a fearsome on-ball defender for the Wildcats.
Bryant is still a projection because of his role at Arizona. He averaged just under 20 minutes per game and wasn’t asked to do much on offense, hence his 6.5 points per game. However, he also garnered 4.1 rebounds per game while shooting 37.1% from 3, suggesting there’s upside on a team like the Wizards that can afford him more opportunities.
19) Brooklyn Nets (via MIL)
Danny Wolf, Michigan
Danny Wolf is one of the tougher players to gauge 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 PPG and 9.7 RPG, 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. However, his mobility lets him survive in space, which could make him a nice complement to current Nets center Claxton (who is a more traditional paint-bound rim protector and rebounder).
20) Miami Heat (via GS)
Nique Clifford, 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. The Miami Heat would appreciate Clifford’s defensive multiplicity, as well as his superb rebounding (9.6 per game last season for Colorado State) despite not being a particularly large player.
Clifford is no slouch on the offensive end either, as he showed the ability to score from everywhere. He averaged 18.9 points per game on 49.6% shooting for the Rams this season, including 37.7% from 3 on nearly five attempts per game. Importantly, he’s no longer a hackable player after improving 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 college senior Jaime Jaquez Jr. two years ago, and Clifford could have a similarly immediate impact for Miami.
21) Utah Jazz (via MIN)
Noah Penda, France
French forward Noah Penda may or may not end up as a draft-and-stash pick, as reports are mixed about Penda’s willingness to remain overseas. If he does want to come over, the Jazz would represent a team that could use his playmaking.
Passing is 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.
22) Atlanta Hawks (via LAL)
Ben Saraf, Germany
With their second first-rounder, the Hawks can afford to take a home run swing on a draft-and-stash prospect. Ben Saraf won’t contribute to a team in 2025-26, but the 18-year-old Israeli guard would be an investment with Trae Young’s long-term future in Atlanta uncertain.
Saraf currently plays for Ratiopharm Ulm in Germany. If he develops, the 6’6” combo guard would be a plus offensive playmaker capable of scoring and creating as a pick-and-roll ballhandler. Unlike many teenage draft-and-stash prospects, Saraf isn’t a toolsy bundle of athleticism. However, he compensates for that with crafty finishing and advanced footwork for his age.
Saraf does need to improve his shooting off the dribble, as that was a big reason why he shot just 22.2% on 3s this past season. However, he did see his free-throw percentage jump from 69.4% last year to 78.0% this season. Continuing that progression could determine whether Saraf can eventually leap NBA contributor.
23) Indiana Pacers
Adou Thiero, Arkansas
Adou Thiero is a 6’8”, 220-pound wing who certainly looks the part of an NBA rotation player. Thiero followed John Calipari from Kentucky to Arkansas and more than doubled his scoring average, from 7.2 PPG as a sophomore to 15.1 in his junior season.
Thiero’s shooting is extremely suspect, as much of that damage came around the rim. He shot just 25.6% from 3 for the Razorbacks and 28.4% for his career, never averaging more than 1.6 3-point attempts per game. More concerningly, his free-throw percentage regressed from 80% during his final season at Kentucky to 68.6% on a higher volume at Arkansas.
Still, his explosiveness and NBA-ready frame give Thiero an intriguing ceiling if his jumper comes around. His athleticism would allow Thiero to fit in with the Pacers’ up-tempo offense, and his defensive versatility could give Indiana a matchup weapon on the other end of the floor.
24) Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC)
Bogoljub Marković, Serbia
No team is more likely to take a draft-and-stash player than the Oklahoma City Thunder. The 68-win Thunder have the most stacked rotation in the NBA, making it difficult to imagine the majority of rookies contributing to their rotation right away.
That makes a prospect like 19-year-old Bogoljub Marković a logical pick for OKC with their second first-rounder. At 6’11” and 195 pounds, Marković needs to add significant weight but is a precocious shooter and ball-handler for a young center.
Playing for Košarkaški klub Mega Basket in Serbia, Marković averaged 13.8 points per game and 6.7 rebounds per game on 53.4% shooting, including 39.7% from 3 (albeit on fewer than three attempts per game).
Marković would represent a shot at an extremely raw big with massive upside. The Thunder have the luxury of waiting out his maturation process with Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein holding down the frontcourt in the short-to-medium term, assuming Holmgren gets the extension everyone expects.
25) Orlando Magic (via DEN)
Joan Beringer, France
While everyone focuses on the Magic’s desperate need for shooting, a better long-term center option is a sneaky need as well. Wendell Carter Jr. is a cromulent option who doesn’t really excel at any one area, and Orlando’s big-man depth is lacking behind him.
Joan Beringer certainly wouldn’t help initially in 2025-26, but the 6’11” French center should at least become a standout rim protector on defense someday. It’s hard to project when that will happen, as Beringer just started playing basketball three years ago and 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.
Still, the defensive versatility and movement skills are enticing. Beringer is only 18 years old until November, giving him plenty of time to grow into his frame and develop a feel for setting screens and touch around the rim. Orlando has loved taking chances on toolsy athletic players with plus size for their position, and Beringer fits that mold as a draft-and-stash option.
26) Brooklyn Nets (via NY)
Noa Essengue, France
With four first-round picks, the Nets can afford to take some draft-and-stash home run swings that won’t pay off in the short term. Noa Essengue is the second-youngest player in the draft behind Flagg, as he’ll be 18 years old until December. A bundle of athleticism, the 6’9” French wing has the energy and versatility to eventually become a two-way weapon..
Essengue is still developing his handle, which hampers his ability to score or create reliably. And yet, his raw athleticism still led to a very respectable 12.4 points per game and 5.3 rebounds per game for Ratiopharm Ulm in the EuroCup league this season. Essengue averaged 5.6 free-throw attempts per game as well (shooting 73% from the charity stripe), an impressive total for his age.
He’ll need to smooth out his jumper after shooting only 29.4% on 3s and taking less than two a game. Regardless, his size and defensive versatility give him a decent floor while he smooths out the rough edges in his game..
27) Brooklyn Nets (via HOU)
Labaron Philon, Alabama
Brooklyn needs a high-volume ball-handler with both Cam Thomas and D’Angelo Russell potentially departing in free agency. Although he only played one season at Alabama, Labaron Philon could be ready to step into that role fairly quickly in the NBA.
Philon averaged 3.8 assists with just 1.7 turnovers per game for the Crimson Tide this season, a nice assist-to-turnover ratio that shows his developed playmaking and handling. Those represent a strong foundation of traits to build upon, and Philon showed a willingness to play a variety of roles for a national title contender.
There are questions about his shooting, as he finished 31.5% from 3-point range. However, his 76.2% free-throw percentage seems to be more indicative of what scouts expect from him as a shooter. For now, Philon’s ability to facilitate and finish at the rim gives him a solid floor with upside for more.
28) Boston Celtics
Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton
A year after taking Creighton fifth-year senior Baylor Scheierman, could the Boston Celtics repeat the process with his Bluejays teammate Ryan Kalkbrenner? With reserve center Luke Kornet potentially pricing his way out as an unrestricted free agent, Kalkbrenner could enter a contending team’s rotation right away, the way Scheierman did by the end of his rookie season.
The four-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year profiles as a plus rim protector in the NBA. At 7’1″, Kalkbrenner blocked 399 shots during his five-year collegiate career, an average of 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 PPG in 2024-25. And for a Celtics team that values spacing, Kalkbrenner isn’t necessarily a zero in that area, though he comes with questions. He 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).
29) Phoenix Suns (via CLE)
Rasheer Fleming, St. 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, his 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 at 7’4”, allowing him to have more defensive value and rim protection than you’d expect from a 6’9” player.
The Phoenix Suns will need someone to soak up minutes on the wing if Kevin Durant is moved as widely expected. While no one can really replace Durant’s shooting (let alone a rookie), Fleming would help Phoenix stay afloat in that area while also impacting one of the NBA’s most disappointing defenses.
30) Los Angeles Clippers (via OKC)
Kam Jones, Marquette
Kam Jones was a terrific scorer at Marquette, averaging 19.2 points per game on 48.3% shooting en route to Second Team AP All-America honors this season. Jones is an older prospect after playing all four college seasons. Coupled with his concerning dip in 3-point accuracy (31.1% this season after 40.6% last year), that makes Jones a borderline first-round prospect.
Still, he shot 36.6% from deep for his career, and was at 38.3% his first three seasons before his rough senior season from 3. Jones isn’t an oversized player at 6’5”, but that’s still enough for him to play off-ball without serving as a liability in terms of size (though his defensive awareness could use improvement).
The Los Angeles Clippers are a veteran-laden team whose time to win is now. After a disappointing first-round exit, the Clippers will likely be looking to bolster their depth to alleviate the burden off their trio of Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and Norman Powell (all of whom will be 32 or older next season). Jones is one of the few prospects at the tail end of Round 1 who could feasibly play rotation minutes for a playoff team right away.