The 2025 NBA Draft will take place June 25–26 in Brooklyn, New York, and 60 players will realize their dreams by hearing their names called during the event. One of those draft hopefuls is Florida Gators guard Alijah Martin — a potential second-round pick.
Martin isn’t a five-star, can’t-miss prospect, and he doesn’t have millions of followers on social media. Still, the super senior has stood out in college with a steady, blue-collar mentality. By quietly and consistently outhustling opponents on both ends of the court, he’s likely drawn enough attention to be on the radar of NBA general managers.
As the 2025 NBA Draft comes into focus, Martin is a prime example of how you don’t need to be a hyped-up high school recruit to chase NBA dreams. The guard is projected to go late in the second round or possibly undrafted in June.
5 Potential NBA Destinations for Alijah Martin in the 2025 Draft
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are the defending champions, and with All-Stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown entering their primes, the team is expected to stay in the title hunt for years.
Martin is one of the few players in NCAA history to reach the Final Four with two programs (Florida and Florida Atlantic). With that winning background, he may fit right into Boston’s culture.
Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz are very likely to finish this year with the worst record in the NBA. And assuming Duke standout Cooper Flagg declares for the draft, the team is widely projected to select him if they land the No. 1 pick.
But Round 2 could get interesting.
Utah has a crowded backcourt, so Martin would need to fight for a roster spot in training camp. Still, when a team is rebuilding like the Jazz, the goal is to gather as much young talent as possible and bet on untapped potential.
New York Knicks
New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau loves grinders — guys who bring their hard hats to work every night. But guards Landry Shamet, Cameron Payne, and Delon Wright will be unrestricted free agents this summer, and MarJon Beauchamp will be a restricted free agent.
Thus, Thibodeau could take a shot on a productive three-and-D player like Martin, who takes pride in his defense.
Miami Heat
This one’s a bit of a stretch from a draft standpoint. That’s because the Miami Heat have two first-round picks but no second-round selections. It’s tough to imagine them trading for a second-rounder just to select Martin — but on paper, the guard fits Heat culture.
Miami also enters the offseason with veteran guard Alec Burks (UFA) and Davion Mitchell (RFA) hitting free agency. While getting drafted by Miami may be unlikely, Martin could land an invite to play for the Heat’s summer league team as an undrafted free agent.
Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards are slogging through a rough season, with a record only slightly better than Utah’s.
Martin started 34 games for the Gators this season, averaging 14.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. With over 100 career starts in college, Washington might view him as a reliable option to add depth behind guard Jordan Poole.
Florida will face off against Auburn in a Final Four matchup on April 5. A win would send Martin to the NCAA Championship Game and give him one more chance to impress NBA scouts.