With the 2025 NBA Draft rapidly approaching, speculation about where each prospect will land is in full swing. While the No. 1 overall pick is a lock, there are quite a few players with a wide range of outcomes who will spend the days leading up to the draft trying to improve their stock in workouts and meetings.
With just two-and-a-half weeks until the draft gets underway, let’s try to project every first-round pick.
1) Dallas Mavericks
Cooper Flagg, F, Duke
A lock to be the No. 1 pick in this draft, Cooper Flagg has the potential to be very special in the NBA. He checks all the boxes necessary to be a superstar and plays with a tremendous motor. After trading Luka Dončić in one of the most shocking trades ever, the Dallas Mavericks have a new phenom and potential face of the franchise in Flagg.
2) San Antonio Spurs
Dylan Harper, G, Rutgers
Dylan Harper is the clear-cut second-best player in this year’s draft class. Harper has no holes in his game, as he can score from all three levels, facilitate well, and participate effectively on defense. The San Antonio Spurs are gaining another big guard who will fit smoothly with their new play style under head coach Mitch Johnson.
3) Philadelphia 76ers
Ace Bailey, F, Rutgers
In what used to be a yearly occurrence, the Philadelphia 76ers find themselves in the lottery once again. This year, they have a chance to land another difference-maker in Ace Bailey. Bailey is a long, athletic wing who can score at will, and he has a lot of upside defensively. He has a few things to tighten up in his game, but he has high star potential.
4) Charlotte Hornets
V.J. Edgecombe, G, Baylor
V.J. Edgecombe has one of the highest motors in this draft class. A guard with freaky athleticism and the ability to get to the basket at will, Edgecombe has all the makings of a star. However, he needs his skill to catch up to his athleticism. The Charlotte Hornets will add tenacity and energy to their backcourt with this pick.
5) Utah Jazz
Jeremiah Fears, G, Oklahoma
An impressive young prospect who plays with maturity, Jeremiah Fears is NBA-ready at 18 years old. He can contribute on both ends, but his best attribute is his feel for the game. Fears can sometimes be loose with the ball and he needs to improve his 3-point shot, but the Utah Jazz are getting a guard with the potential to run their offense for years.
6) Washington Wizards
Tre Johnson, G, Texas
Tre Johnson has one of the highest ceilings in this year’s draft. He can create his own shot, and he knocked down nearly 40% of his 3-point attempts last season. Not to mention, he has all the tools to be an elite defender. The issues for Johnson are his strength and his commitment to defense. If the former Texas guard can clean up those aspects of his game, he could become a star.
7) New Orleans Pelicans
Kon Knueppel, F, Duke
Kon Knueppel is a terrific shooter with a high basketball IQ. He can stretch the floor and create plays for his teammates at an elite level. Knueppel’s lack of athleticism is a concern, as he might struggle to defend wings at the next level. However, the New Orleans Pelicans are adding a mature, well-rounded offensive player.
8) Brooklyn Nets
Kasparas Jakučionis, G, Illinois
Kasparas Jakučionis is a perfect fit for today’s NBA. A combo guard with great feel for the game and the ability to get to his shot, he can score from all three levels but lacks quickness to impact the game defensively. Jakučionis’ length can help him be an adequate defender. The Brooklyn Nets are getting a player who could be a long-time starter.
9) Toronto Raptors
Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
Khaman Maluach is a player with a ton of talent and upside. He is one of the best rim protectors in the draft, and he can run the floor well. His 7’2″ frame makes him a perfect rim-running big. His outside shot has potential, but still needs work. The Toronto Raptors are adding a big man with star-level two-way potential.
10) Houston Rockets
Carter Bryant, F, Arizona
An ideal player for today’s NBA, Carter Bryant is a 6’8″ wing with long arms, impressive athleticism, and a good 3-point stroke. On defense, Bryant has all the tools to be a star, but he sometimes lacks consistency, physicality, and attention to detail. The talent and frame are there; his work ethic will determine his ceiling.
11) Portland Trail Blazers
Egor Demin, G, BYU
Egor Demin is a 6’9″ point guard who has excellent court vision and the ability to make plays for himself and teammates. Defensively, the big guard uses his length well, but he is not extremely athletic. Whether he reaches his full potential will likely come down to whether he can develop an outside shot, as he knocked down just 27.3% of his 3-point attempts last season at BYU.
12) Chicago Bulls
Derik Queen, C, Maryland
The Chicago Bulls need to add skill and talent to their frontcourt, and March Madness hero Derik Queen checks both boxes. Queen has a decent handle, can score inside 18 feet, and can affect the game defensively. The big question is where his talents will be best suited in the NBA and how his well-rounded skill set will translate to the pros.
13) Atlanta Hawks
Collin Murray-Boyles, F, South Carolina
Collin Murray-Boyles is a force, despite being undersized for the position. A high-energy player on both ends, he can score around the basket with an array of post moves. His 6’7″ stature could cause problems defending in the post, while his lack of lateral quickness might be problematic on the perimeter.
14) San Antonio Spurs
Cedric Coward, G/F, Washington State
Cedric Coward’s stock has risen more than anyone’s during the pre-draft process due to what he possesses. He is a 6’6″ athlete with long arms, a good shooting touch, and a defensive engine. Coward is not explosive, but he is smart and plays at a good pace. The Washington State guard fits today’s NBA style, and he should be a solid contributor at the next level.
15) Oklahoma City Thunder
Noa Essengue, F, Germany
The Oklahoma City Thunder are in a great spot. They have a championship-level team, two first-round picks thisyear, and a ton of future draft capital still. Noa Essengue would be perfect for their long-term future. He is a gifted athlete with massive defensive upside. Developing a jump shot will be key, and he will have time to do so since the Thunder can afford to be patient with him.
16) Orlando Magic
Nique Clifford, G, Colorado State
Nique Clifford has a build that’s ready for the NBA. At 6’6″ and 200 pounds, he is one of the more polished players in the draft. While he needs to become a more consistent shooter, he made 37.7% of his 3-pointers last season and 37.6% the year before. There aren’t many holes in his game, and the Orlando Magic could benefit from adding a ready-now guard with shooting ability. Clifford is 23 years old, which may scare some teams off. However, last year, Orlando drafted 23-year-old Tristan da Silva with the No. 18 overall pick.
17) Minnesota Timberwolves
Thomas Sorber, F, Georgetown
Thomas Sorber can do a little bit of everything. He has a decent touch, can finish around the basket, and protect the rim. With the Minnesota Timberwolves potentially losing Naz Reid to free agency, Sorber can provide some of the punch Reid supplied off the bench.
18) Washington Wizards
Will Riley, F, Illinois
Will Riley is another player who is perfect for today’s NBA. He is long, athletic, and can shoot from the perimeter. He has nice mechanics and seems poised to develop into a good outside shooter. Riley will need to add strength to translate in the NBA, but he has potential as a rotational player.
19) Brooklyn Nets
Joan Beringer, C, France
Joan Beringer is one of the most gifted athletes in this draft, and he possesses great length. He is a 6’10” frontcourt player who can switch onto guards and protect the rim. He doesn’t have much of an offensive game, but those skills can be worked on. He has the measurables to make an impact.
20) Miami Heat
Jase Richardson, G, Michigan State
Jase Richardson is a swing player with a wide range of outcomes on draft night. He could be drafted in the lottery or fall out of the teens altogether. The Miami Heat are getting a talented guard who doesn’t do much wrong. The son of two-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion Jason Richardson has elite quickness, which helps him on both ends, and he can shoot it from deep.
21) Utah Jazz
Liam McNeeley, F, UConn
Liam McNeeley is a smart player who shoots well from beyond the arc. He uses his basketball acumen and offensive skill set to create shots. McNeeley lacks athleticism, which could cause defensive issues in the NBA.
22) Atlanta Hawks
Nolan Traoré, G, France
Nolan Traoré is a taller guard who facilitates and makes plays at a high level. The 6’5″ floor general plays at a great pace and remains under control — skills that should translate well to the next level. With that said, he needs to develop a consistent jump shot and improve his defensive discipline.
23) Indiana Pacers
Danny Wolf, C, Michigan
Danny Wolf is a highly skilled 7’0″ big man. He can shoot from beyond the arc, make plays off the dribble or out of the post, and he has excellent mobility for his size. He is a good rim protector with good feet. His biggest adjustment will come as he tries to find his role in the NBA since he’s used to having the ball in his hands.
24) Oklahoma City Thunder
Noah Penda, F, France
Noah Penda is a physically gifted wing with a high motor who plays aggressively on both ends. He can guard multiple positions and plays well within team concepts. Improving his outside shot would boost his impact, but he arrives as a “connector-type” player with upside.
25) Orlando Magic
Walter Clayton Jr., G, Florida
Walter Clayton Jr. might be the most professional player in this draft. A high-character guy who can lead a team and shows up in big moments, Clayton is an elite 3-point shooter with great range who can create for himself and others. He offers intangibles and shooting with quality-starter upside.
26) Brooklyn Nets
Ben Saraf, G, Israel
Ben Saraf is a smart, creative combo guard with an excellent feel for the game. The 6’6″ guard has veteran-like instincts and a high basketball IQ, especially for a 19-year-old. His slight frame and lack of lateral quickness could hurt him defensively. Saraf can be a high-level offensive player if he develops as a shooter.
27) Brooklyn Nets
Rasheer Fleming, F, Saint Joseph’s
Rasheer Fleming is a talented 6’9″ player with a 7’5″ wingspan. He can stretch the floor and hit 3s regularly. Though athletic, his lateral quickness is not elite. He competes on defense due to his impressive IQ and effort. The 20-year-old’s draft position will likely come down to how much untapped potential teams see in him.
28) Boston Celtics
Maxime Raynaud, C, Stanford
Maxime Raynaud is a high-IQ big from Stanford who can stretch the floor. He has impressive size at 7’1″ and decent mobility, but his quickness could be a concern. Raynaud is well-rounded, which fits the Boston Celtics’ style of play. He’s 22 years old, so he is a bit older than some of his peers in the draft.
29) Phoenix Suns
Drake Powell, G, North Carolina
Drake Powell is a highly talented athlete who stands at 6’6″ and weighs about 200 pounds. He is a two-way wing with plenty of upside. His shooting and offensive game must develop, but he provides defensive versatility. At North Carolina, he showed flashes of offensive talent, though limited minutes at the next level may hinder him from honing those flashes.
30) Los Angeles Clippers
Asa Newell, F, Georgia
Asa Newell’s appeal lies in his athletic ability. He has great bounce and plays with energy. Newell can run the floor and finish well in transition or on second-chance opportunities. Defensively, he has good lateral quickness and plays smart. He must improve as a shooter and add muscle to absorb contact in the paint on both ends.