Although the 2025 NBA Draft is still a few months away, the Washington Wizards have a reason to feel hopeful. The team struggled this season and is widely viewed as one of the worst in the league. They even traded one of their top players, Kyle Kuzma, to the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Wizards currently sit at 17–59, putting them in the lottery with a strong chance to land a high draft pick. While things could still shift between now and draft night, early mock drafts suggest Washington has a real shot at adding a high-impact player to its roster.
Washington Wizards to Select Dylan Harper in the 2025 NBA Draft
Right now, most mock drafts agree that Cooper Flagg will be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. The Duke standout has been turning heads, helping the Blue Devils become a powerhouse and establishing himself as the top prospect. He’s widely expected to go first overall to whatever team is lucky enough to land that pick. If the season ended today, the best odds would belong to the Utah Jazz.
According to one recent mock draft, a team could use the second pick to select Dylan Harper, a standout guard from Rutgers. While Flagg has dominated headlines, Harper and several other prospects haven’t gotten as much national attention — at least not yet.
Listed at 6-foot-6, Harper brings a lot of upside. He’s the son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper, who carved out a solid career as a dependable role player. That NBA lineage, combined with Dylan’s skill set, makes him one of the most intriguing prospects in this class.
Scouting reports describe Dylan as a poised, left-handed playmaker who controls the pace well. His shooting is still developing, but it hasn’t held him back at the college level.
This season, Dylan averaged 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4 assists for Rutgers. That production, along with his high basketball IQ and upbringing around the game, makes him a strong candidate to go in the top two.
Of course, things can still change. Harper could rise or fall slightly, depending on team needs and late-season performances. Ace Bailey, another projected top-three pick, is also on the Wizards’ radar and could make a late push with a strong finish to his season. But for now, Washington is expected to target Harper with the second overall pick.
Other top prospects include Baylor guard VJ Edgecombe, Flagg’s Duke teammate Khaman Maluach and Maryland center Derik Queen.