The 2025 NBA Draft is set for Wednesday, June 25. With the college and international seasons wrapped up and the lottery order finalized, it’s time to take our first full swing at how the first round could unfold. This mock draft looks at team needs, player fits, and upside potential as front offices prepare to reshape their rosters.
1. Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg (SF/PF)
Stats: 19.2 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 4.2 APG, 48.1 FG%
In a shocking move to about nobody, the Dallas Mavericks select Cooper Flagg with the first overall pick. Flagg was the most dominant freshman in the country, leading Duke in scoring, rebounding, and blocks while showcasing his defensive instincts and an improving outside shot. With Luka Dončić gone and Anthony Davis now anchoring the frontcourt, Flagg becomes the face of the Mavericks’ rebuild. His ability to guard multiple positions, be the main ball handler, and stretch the floor makes him a modern two-way forward who can elevate teammates and compete on both ends of the floor.
2. San Antonio Spurs: Dylan Harper (PG/SG)
Stats: 19.4 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 4.0 APG, 48.4 FG%
Harper’s strength, pace control, and playmaking made him a star while at Rutgers. He joins a Spurs backcourt that already features players like De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle. While some might question the immediate fit, Harper’s size and playmaking ability will allow him to play either the point or the shooting guard. Also, with the second pick in the draft, it is not about immediate fit; it’s about taking the best available player. The Spurs will form a trio of versatile guards who can defend, create, and share the ball. Harper’s ability to operate in the pick-and-roll and finish through contact complements Victor Wembanyama’s interior presence, giving San Antonio a balanced, young offensive core.
3. Philadelphia 76ers: Ace Bailey (SF)
Stats: 17.6 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 1.3 APG, 46.0 FG%
Bailey’s athleticism and shot-making ability give the Sixers a high-upside wing to pair alongside Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain, and Joel Embiid. Bailey dominated in transition and showed three-level scoring while at Rutgers. However, many questioned Bailey’s shot selection, but on a team where he won’t look to be the primary scorer, I doubt we see this at the level we did at Rutgers. Bailey’s length and mobility give him defensive versatility at the NBA level. His ceiling as a two-way star makes Bailey a valuable long-term piece for a team looking to stay in contention.
4. Charlotte Hornets: Kasparas Jakucionis (PG)
Stats: 15.0 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 4.7 APG, 44.0 FG%
Jakucionis brought poise to Illinois, showing maturity beyond his years. His size and feel for the game make him a strong fit next to LaMelo Ball, and with Ball’s inability to stay healthy, Jakucionis could be the primary ball handler for a good amount of next season. Charlotte for a long time now has lacked structure in their backcourt, and Jakucionis provides a stabilizing presence who can grow into a star.
5. Utah Jazz: Jeremiah Fears (PG)
Stats: 17.1 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 4.1 APG, 43.4 FG%
Fears was a dynamic scorer at Oklahoma last year. He used his quickness and creativity to generate offense. His outside shot is still developing, but his ability to get downhill and finish through contact gives Utah a spark in the backcourt. He fits well alongside Keyonte George and Collin Sexton, offering a scoring punch and long-term upside.
6. Washington Wizards: Tre Johnson (SG)
Stats: 19.9 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 2.7 APG, 42.7 FG%
Johnson is the best shooter in the class and has one of the most polished offensive games of any freshman. He led Texas in points while shooting nearly 40% from deep. His smooth mechanics and shot-making ability make him a natural fit for a Wizards team in need of perimeter scoring. He’ll bring a reliable scoring punch to the nation’s capital.
7. New Orleans Pelicans: Khaman Maluach (C)
Stats: 8.6 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 0.5 APG, 71.2 FG%
Maluach was a defensive anchor at Duke. While many looked at Cooper Flagg’s ability on the defensive side, many missed that Maluach was the rim presence that kept everything outside the paint. His mobility and 9’6” standing reach make him one of the best shot-blockers in the class. For the Pelicans, he’s a long-term solution at center who fits perfectly next to Zion Williamson, providing rim protection and scoring without needing touches.
8. Brooklyn Nets: VJ Edgecombe (SG/SF)
Stats: 15.0 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 3.2 APG, 43.6 FG%
Edgecombe thrived as a slasher and perimeter defender. His athleticism and motor make him a strong fit for Brooklyn’s rotation. He adds defensive toughness, rebounding, and transition scoring to a team in need of an identity. Many have Edgecombe much higher in their mock drafts. However, his lack of ball-handling ability scares me in terms of his ability to score at the NBA level. I believe he will need to develop a tighter handle and a more efficient pull-up jumper in order to see the same success he saw while at Baylor.
9. Toronto Raptors: Kon Knueppel (SF)
Stats: 14.4 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 2.7 APG, 47.9 FG%
Knueppel was one of the most efficient shooters in the country last year while at Duke. He combines elite touch with high basketball IQ. He plays with the strength and feel of a modern wing. One of the most slept on aspects of Knueppel’s game was his playmaking ability. The pick-and-roll between Knueppel and Khaman Maluach was one of Duke’s greatest offensive sets last year. Toronto adds a plug-and-play shooter who can space the floor for Scottie Barnes.
10. Houston Rockets: Colin Murray-Boyles (PF)
Stats: 16.8 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 2.4 APG, 58.6 FG%
Murray-Boyles was a breakout star in the SEC. He fits Ime Udoka’s system as a physical forward who can defend multiple positions and finish inside. With Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Şengün in the frontcourt, Murray-Boyles adds toughness and rounding to a young, competitive roster.
11. Portland Trail Blazers: Noa Essengue (PF)
Stats: 12.4 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 1.1 APG, 56.0 FG%
Essengue was a player I didn’t know much about until doing some research. He impressed me in the German Bundesliga with his energy, athleticism, and defensive versatility. Though he didn’t participate in the NBA Combine, his tape shows a mobile forward who thrives in transition and defends multiple positions. For Portland, he fits as a high-upside developmental piece who can grow alongside Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Donovan Clingan. His motor and instincts give him a chance to become a valuable two-way player.
12. Chicago Bulls: Derrick Queen (C)
Stats: 16.5 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 1.9 APG, 52.6 FG%
Queen was one of the most productive bigs in the country last year as a freshman. He anchored Maryland’s frontcourt with his post game and rebounding. His soft hands, footwork, and underrated passing ability make him a modern low-post player. With Nikola Vučević aging and the Bulls unsure of what’s next, Queen offers a solution at center who can contribute immediately. His feel for the game and interior scoring give Chicago a reliable frontcourt presence.
13. Atlanta Hawks: Asa Newell (PF)
Stats: 15.4 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 0.9 APG, 54.3 FG%
Newell had a strong freshman season at Georgia, showcasing his length, mobility, and touch around the rim. His physical tools and defensive potential make him a great fit for Atlanta, where he can slot in alongside Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu. Newell’s ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim gives the Hawks a versatile frontcourt piece who can grow into a starting role in a switch-heavy defensive scheme.
14. San Antonio Spurs: Carter Bryant (SF)
Stats: 6.5 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 1.0 APG, 46.0 FG%
Bryant was one of the players who debated heading back to school and forgoing the NBA Draft. He didn’t put up huge numbers while at Arizona, but his shooting efficiency and physical tools stood out and make him a first-round pick. He measured well at the combine and flashed a 39.5” max vertical. The Spurs need someone who can space the floor, and Bryant can do just that. The Spurs take a swing here, betting on his size, shooting ability, and defensive potential. With Wembanyama, Harper, Fox, and Castle already in place, Bryant can grow into a 3-and-D role on a deep, young roster.
15. Oklahoma City Thunder: Egor Demin (SG)
Stats: 10.6 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 5.5 APG, 41.2 FG%
Demin is one of the most unique players in the class. He is a 6’8” guard with elite vision and feel. At BYU, he showed the ability to initiate the offense, defend multiple positions, and rebound from the wing. His shooting remains a work in progress, but his size and passing fit perfectly in Oklahoma City’s system. It will be hard for Demin to crack the roster initially, but it will allow him the time to work on his shot.
16. Orlando Magic: Liam McNeeley (SF)
Stats: 14.5 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 2.3 APG, 38.1 FG%
McNeeley had a strong freshman season at UConn. He showcased his offensive game and high basketball IQ. He is a skilled wing with a smooth shooting stroke and excellent off-ball movement. He fits Orlando’s need for a knock-down shooter on the wing. While McNeeley is not an elite athlete, his feel for the game and shooting touch make him a strong fit alongside Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. McNeeley also competes on the defensive end and is a solid defender.
17. Minnesota Timberwolves: Nique Clifford (SG/SF)
Stats: 18.9 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 4.4 APG, 49.6 FG%
Clifford had a breakout season at Colorado State, emerging as one of the most versatile wings in the country. Clifford is a strong rebounder for his height, and he showed real growth as a playmaker and a shooter. For Minnesota, which needs wing depth behind Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels, Clifford brings toughness and maturity. His ability to defend multiple positions and contribute without needing the ball fits perfectly in Minnesota’s system.
18. Washington Wizards: Danny Wolf (C)
Stats: 13.2 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 3.6 APG, 49.7 FG%
Wolf was one of the most skilled bigs in the Ivy League before transferring to Michigan last season. He combines size, touch, and floor spacing. His ability to shoot from deep and pass out of the high post makes him a modern offensive center and has drawn comparisons from players like Nikola Jokić. For the Wizards, who are rebuilding and need frontcourt versatility, Wolf offers a high-IQ big who can stretch the floor. His offensive game and rebounding give Washington a valuable long-term piece.
19. Brooklyn Nets: Thomas Sorber (C)
Stats: 14.5 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 2.4 APG, 53.2 FG%
Sorber was a defensive anchor for Georgetown, using his massive frame and elite wingspan to protect the rim and control the paint. Brooklyn adds him as an interior presence who can complement their roster. His physicality and shot-blocking fit the Nets’ need for rim protection alongside Nic Claxton.
20. Miami Heat: Nolan Traoré (PG)
Stats: 11.6 PPG, 1.7 RPG, 5.1 APG, 39.2 FG%
Traoré is one of the most polished international guards in the class. He showed poise and creativity in France’s top league. His ability to change speeds, create off the dribble, and shoot off the move makes him a strong fit for Miami’s roster. With Tyler Herro in place, Traoré can develop as a secondary ball-handler and spark plug scorer.
21. Utah Jazz: Will Riley (SG/SF)
Stats: 12.6 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 2.2 APG, 43.2 FG%
Riley is a smooth-scoring Canadian wing who impressed in his lone season at Illinois. His ability to shoot off the catch, attack closeouts, and make smart reads gives Utah a high-upside perimeter scorer to develop alongside Keyonte George and Taylor Hendricks. Though his frame needs to fill out, Riley’s offensive game and size make him a strong investment for a Jazz team building through youth and versatility.
22. Atlanta Hawks: Rasheer Fleming (PF/C)
Stats: 14.7 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 1.3 APG, 53.1 FG%
Fleming was one of the most underrated forwards in the A-10. He combines shot-blocking, rebounding and has improved his perimeter shooting. His 7’1.5” wingspan and defensive instincts make him a strong fit for Atlanta’s frontcourt. Fleming’s ability to protect the rim gives the Hawks a hybrid power-forward and center with upside on both ends.
23. Indiana Pacers: Yaxel Lendeborg (PF)
Stats: 17.7 PPG, 11.4 RPG, 4.2 APG, 52.2 FG%
Lendeborg was a dominant force in the AAC, showcasing elite rebounding, defensive versatility, and playmaking from the forward spot. His physical tools and motor make him a great fit for Indiana’s up-tempo system, where he can thrive as a transition finisher and switchable defender. With his ability to guard multiple positions, Lendeborg brings versatility and toughness to the Pacers.
24. Oklahoma City Thunder: Maxime Raynaud (C)
Stats: 20.2 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 1.7 APG, 46.7 FG%
Raynaud was one of the most productive bigs in the Pac-12. He has incredible touch and shooting range for a player at his size. At over 7 feet tall with a 7’3.5” wingspan, he gives OKC another true center with floor-spacing ability and rebounding presence. Similar to Egor Demin, it will be hard for Raynaud to crack OKC’s rotation, but his fit alongside Chet Holmgren could allow the Thunder to bounce between two-big and stretch lineups.
25. Orlando Magic: Tahaad Pettiford (PG)
Stats: 11.6 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 3.0 APG, 42.1 FG%
One of my favorite players in all of college basketball last year, Pettiford, was a spark plug for the Auburn Tigers. He brings speed, shot-making ability, and toughness to Orlando’s backcourt. Though undersized, his 6’5.5” wingspan and quickness allow him to compete on the defensive end, and his ability to create off the dribble gives Orlando a great guard behind Anthony Black and Jalen Suggs. Pettiford’s scoring instincts and confidence make him a strong bench weapon with upside as a microwave scorer.
26. Brooklyn Nets: Walter Clayton Jr. (SG)
Stats: 18.3 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 4.2 APG, 44.8 FG%
The March Madness legend, Walter Clayton Jr. Clayton was one of the most efficient scoring guards in the SEC. He can shoot it from deep range, but he is still an extremely tough and poised player, as we saw in March. His ability to play on or off the ball makes him a strong fit for the Nets, who need secondary creation behind Cam Thomas.
27. Brooklyn Nets: Cedric Coward (SG/SF)
Stats: 17.7 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 3.7 APG, 55.7 FG%
Coward only played in a couple of games, a total of six, last year at Washington State, but he showed enough to get himself drafted late in the first round. Coward is a big guard who can score, rebound, and defend. It makes him a strong fit for Brooklyn’s rotation, where he can contribute as a floor-spacer and secondary playmaker. With the Nets adding multiple picks in this draft, Coward gives them a high-IQ player who can contribute early and grow into a valuable two-way piece.
28. Boston Celtics: Ben Saraf (PG/SG)
Stats: 12.8 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 4.6 APG, 41.9 FG%
Saraf is a skilled combo guard who impressed with his shot-making and pick-and-roll creativity. Boston adds him as a developmental guard who can grow behind Jrue Holiday and Derrick White. His ability to be a floor general and shoot off balance gives the Celtics another backcourt option.
29. Phoenix Suns: Jase Richardson (SG)
Stats: 12.1 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.9 APG, 49.3 FG%
Richardson, son of former NBA guard Jason Richardson, showed flashes of dynamic scoring and athleticism at Michigan State. Phoenix adds him as a developmental piece who can grow behind Bradley Beal and Devin Booker. His length and defensive potential fit the Suns’ need for youth and energy in the backcourt.
30. Los Angeles Clippers: Labaron Philon (PG)
Stats: 10.6 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 3.8 APG, 45.2 FG%
Philon was a steady hand for the high-powered offense of the Alabama Crimson Tide last year. He showed poise as a lead guard and flashes of shot-making abilities. His feel for the game and defensive activity give him a chance to carve out a role as a two-way floor general, especially if the Clippers are forced to transition to a younger core.
The draft is still a few weeks away, and plenty can change between now and June 25. Team workouts, medicals, trades, and intel will all play a role in how the final board shapes up. Check back here for updates and deeper breakdowns as we get closer to draft night.
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