The 2025 NBA Draft is fast approaching, and a few ping pong balls had a major influence over the next six weeks of the draft cycle and, most likely, the next six years of the league.
On Monday, May 12, the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery took place in Chicago, one day after the 2025 NBA Draft Combine opens nearby. And while Cooper Flagg is expected to be the first name off the board in late June, fans eagerly anticipate the lottery results to see where Duke’s star will land.
Beyond Flagg’s superstar potential, there are several talented prospects capable of making an immediate impact at the NBA level. Flagg is among several one-and-done prospects headlining this class, which also includes Rutgers’ duo of Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper, Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe and a pair of other Dukies in Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Where will these players land? Ahead of the NBA Draft Lottery, here’s an updated NBA Mock Draft based on declarations and reporting since our last mock during March Madness.
NBA PLAYOFFS HQ: Live NBA scores | NBA playoff schedule | NBA playoff bracket
NBA Mock Draft 2025
1. Mavericks: Cooper Flagg, Duke
Age: 18
Position: Guard/Forward
Measurements: 6-9, 205 pounds
This draft isn’t quite “Cooper Flagg and everyone else,” but it’s close. That said, Flagg was expected to go No. 1 regardless of who won the pick. It just so happens that the Mavericks benefited unprecedented lottery luck to move up.
He’s a dynamic talent with menacing two-way potential and projects to be a superstar in the NBA sooner rather than later. He’s going to make an immediate impact in Dallas and star alongside two former No. 1 overall picks in Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving.
NOH: Why Cooper Flagg is a can’t-miss No. 1 prospect
2. Spurs: Dylan Harper, Rutgers
Age: 19
Position: G
Measurements: 6-6, 220 pounds`
Harper is the best guard in this class and the clear-cut second-best player available. In an era where big guards are in, Harper is set to thrive.
Team success came at a premium in Piscataway, N.J. last year, but Harper’s got an amazing feel for the game and an ability to create for himself and others. The NBA DNA from his dad, Ron, helps, too. Keep an eye on if this pick is actually going to be made for the Spurs.
3: 76ers: Ace Bailey, Rutgers
Age: 18
Position: G/F
Measurements: 6-8, 210 pounds
Philadelphia got some lottery luck and now hopes to parlay that into injury luck in 2025-26. When healthy, the 76ers are playoff-ready and can go for the best talent here.
Bailey is certainly not lacking for talent. At 6-8, Bailey has guard skills and the ability to knock down tough shots consistently. There are concerns about his shot selection at times, but that can be corrected in the right situation. He also has the physical tools to be a game-changer on defense.
4. Hornets: VJ Edgecombe, Baylor | Bahamas
Age: 19
Position: G
Measurements: 6-4, 180 pounds
Charlotte’s roster is not lacking talent, but it has been dealt an awful hand with injuries in the past few seasons. Understanding the Hornets’ needs, Edgecombe is the best fit based on his competitive nature, athleticism, and scary potential on the defensive end.
He can run the floor, benefit from the playmaking of LaMelo Ball, and can grow alongside Brandon Miller, forming a nice triumvirate for the future.
5. Jazz: Tre Johnson, Texas
Age: 19
Position: G
Measurements: 6-6, 190 pounds
Falling to fifth isn’t ideal for the Jazz, but they have an opportunity to address the need for a scoring punch in a major way.
Johnson may be the best scorer in this draft class, but where he lands was heavily dependent on how the lottery shapes up. Utah needs a blue-chip prospect and Johnson can be that. He was prolific in college and his game may be even better suited for the NBA level.
6. Wizards: Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois | Lithuania
Age: 19
Position: G
Measurements: 6-6, 205 pounds
Jakucionis is a box-office attraction thanks to a game that is equal parts style and substance. Washington was probably expecting to get a big guard in this year’s draft and it can do so with the Lithuanian maestro.
Bub Carrington is the point guard of the future in D.C. but Jakucionis’ size allows him to play multiple positions. The Wizards are stockpiling talent quickly and will be fun to watch.
7. Pelicans: Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma
Age: 18
Position: G
Measurements: 6-4, 182 pounds
It’s an interesting time in New Orleans, but the franchise is in need of some answers for the future. It gets one in Fears.
With Dejounte Murray recovering from a torn Achilles and C.J. McCollum getting one year older, backcourt depth is needed. Fears is a big-time young guard who can step into a big role immediately.
8. Nets: Kon Knueppel, Duke
Age: 19
Position: G/F
Measurements: 6-7, 217 pounds
Knueppel is an elite shooter who can also make plays off the bounce, a combination of skills that would allow him to find time in a variety of potential lineups
MORE: Latest Sporting News big board of 2025 NBA prospects
9. Raptors: Khaman Maluach, Duke | South Sudan
Age: 18
Position: C
Measurements: 7-2, 250 pounds
In some ways, Maluach to the Raptors has felt like an inevitable match, and it happens here for good reason. Maluach can slide in as Jakob Poeltl’s backup until he’s ready to take over as a starter. It’s a win-win: The Raptors develop their future center and can eventually benefit from the developing trade market for Poeltl.
10. Rockets (via Suns): Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina
Age: 19
Position: F
Measurements: 6-8, 245 pounds
When considering Murray-Boyles’ strengths as a versatile defender who can create offensively, he feels like the type of player Ime Udoka would value for an up-and-coming Rockets team with an identity.
11. Trail Blazers: Noa Essengue, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany) | France
Age: 18
Position: F
Measurements: 6-10, 194 pounds
Things looked bleak for a brief moment, but the Trail Blazers’ resurgence in 2024-25 is proof that the franchise has a bright future. Chauncey Billups has given his team an identity on both ends of the floor and as a lanky forward with scary two-way potential, Essengue fits the vision.
12. Bulls: Derik Queen, Maryland
Age: 20
Position: C
Measurements: 6-10, 246 pounds
After winning over the hearts of fans during March Madness, the next stop for Baltimore’s finest is the Windy City. With Nikola Vucevic entering a contract season and Chicago leaning into its youth movement, Queen would fortify the frontcourt and be another piece for the present and future.
13. Hawks (via Kings): Carter Bryant, Arizona
Age: 19
Position: F
Measurements: 6-8, 225 pounds
Bryant is one of the more intriguing prospects in this year’s draft class — his role at Arizona grew as the season progressed and he fits the archetype of a Hawks player. He’s got great size, is athletic and also showed potential as a shooter, knocking down 39 3s at a 37.1 percent clip for the Wildcats.
14. Spurs (via Hawks): Liam McNeeley, UConn
Age: 19
Position: F
Measurements: 6-7, 210 pounds
San Antonio sticks with its vision to build around Wembanyama with McNeeley, a connective player known for his 3-point shooting. He didn’t rip the nets as expected during his lone season at UConn (31.7 3P%), but McNeeley brings scoring, rebounding and playmaking.
15. Thunder (via Heat): Asa Newell, Georgia
Age: 19
Position: F
Measurements: 6-11, 220 pounds
After winning 68 games, the Thunder essentially get to add a lottery pick as they pick 15th in this year’s draft. In these spots, OKC goes for the best talent available and here, that’s Newell, a bouncy 6-11 big with floor-spacing potential.
Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
16. Magic: Will Riley, Illinois | Canada
Age: 19
Position: F
Measurements: 6-8, 195 pounds
Orlando desperately needs shooting, and Riley is one of the best shooters in this draft class. He’s got great size at 6-8 and knocked down 47 3s at a 32.7 percent clip last season, including six games with three or more 3-pointers. Those splits should increase with NBA spacing.
17. Timberwolves (via Pistons): Jase Richardson, Michigan State
Age: 19
Position: G
Measurements: 6-3, 185 pounds
Minnesota can use size but it has an early second-round pick where that need is better addressed. Here, they go with Richardson, a guard who can come in to help soften the blow of the potential departure of free agent reserve guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker. It’s not one for one, but it makes sense.
18. Wizards (via Grizzlies): Egor Demin, BYU | Russia
Age: 19
Position: G
Measurements: 6-9, 190 pounds
By the end of the draft process, Demin could end up in lottery discussions, as his standing as a 6-9 lead guard makes him an intriguing prospect. The playmaking is there but this hinges on his shooting and defensive development. The perimeter is getting crowded in D.C., but the Wizards must also go best pick available.
19. Nets (via Bucks): Nolan Traoré, Saint-Quentin | France
Age: 18
Position: G
Measurements: 6-3, 175 pounds
Early in the draft process, Traoré was considered among the top-five prospects, but his stock has fluctuated due to the ups and downs associated with playing professionally as a teenager. He’s a bes tpick available type guy for Brooklyn, which needs to stockpile talent first and ask questions later.
20. Heat (via Warriors): Thomas Sorber, Georgetown
Age: 19
Position: F/C
Measurements: 6-10, 255 pounds
The Heat are not going to run things back after a rough year in 2024-25. While there are questions about who will stay and who will go, the need for frontcourt depth is clear. Sorber did undergo season-ending foot surgery, but concerns aside, he has traditional big-man skills mixed with modern playmaking ability
21. Jazz (via Timberwolves): Hugo González, Real Madrid | Spain
Age: 19
Position: F
Measurements: 6-6, 205 pounds
González has an NBA-ready frame and could develop into a valuable rotation player. A team like Utah needs players with potential, and the 19-year-old has plenty of it.
22. Hawks (via Lakers): Rasheer Fleming, Saint Joseph’s
Age: 20
Position: F
Measurements: 6-9, 240 pounds
Fleming will turn 21 a few weeks after the draft, but the Saint Joseph’s junior has a skillset that is prioritized at the pro level. In addition to his athleticism, Fleming is great in help-side defense, and shot 62-of-155 (40.0 percent) from 3 this season.
23. Pacers: Danny Wolf, Michigan | USA/Israel
Age: 20
Position: F/C
Measurements: 7-0, 250 pounds
Wolf is a fun prospect as a 7-footer who averaged 13.2 points, 9.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game during his lone season at Michigan after playing at Yale. He adds depth to an Indiana frontcourt and would be a good get as he is comfortable sharing the frontcourt with another big man.
24. Thunder (via Clippers): Adou Thiero, Arkansas
Age: 21
Position: F
Measurements: 6-8, 220 pounds
It’s the best pick available again, as OKC goes for Thiero. He’s a super athletic wing that could use some development from the perimeter, but the Thunder can afford to be patient and reap the benefits of the player development he is sure to make.
25. Magic (via Nuggets): Walter Clayton Jr., Florida
Age: 22
Position: G
Measurements: 6-3, 195 pounds
Orlando is loaded at the guard position, but it is more than fair to assume that some of its guard depth will take a hit from a trade this offseason. More than just the Florida connection, Clayton is a winner, a floor general and a career 38.6 3-point shooter who would help with some of Orlando’s shooting woes.
26. Nets (via Knicks): Ben Saraf, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany) | Israel
Age: 18
Position: G
Measurements: 6-6, 200 pounds
It’s an international selection here for Brooklyn, which takes a big guard who can be effective both on and off the ball in Saraf. The Nets’ guard-heavy approach here is again based on the uncertainty around the lottery, but the franchise is likely to make some major moves this offseason.
27. Nets (via Rockets): Noah Penda, Le Mans Sarthe | France
Age: 20
Position: F
Measurements: 6-8, 225 pounds
Penda is the type of player who can be a connector and a great complementary asset for a star-laden team. The Nets don’t have the star power yet, but his standing as a versatile forward with size and shooting ability (34.7 3P%) means he’ll be valuable once they do.
28. Celtics: Maxime Raynaud, Stanford | France
Age: 22
Position: F
Measurements: 7-1, 245 pounds
Boston’s got the present covered and given financial obligations, savvy drafting is the way to sustain success. Raynaud is 7-1 and uber skilled, averaging 20.2 points, 10.6 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game while canning 67 triples at a 34.7 percent clip as a senior. He’s the perfect understudy for Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis.
29. Suns (via Cavaliers): Boogie Fland, Arkansas
Age: 18
Position: G
Measurements: 6-2, 175 pounds
Phoenix is at a crossroads and an offseason of movement could shift the focus to something more future-oriented. Fland is super talented and could develop into the solution for the Suns’ longstanding point guard problem.
30. Clippers (via Thunder): Drake Powell, UNC
Age: 19
Position: G/F
Measurements: 6-6, 195 pounds
LA didn’t have quite enough in the first round against Denver, and while it can’t address all of its issues with a late-round pick, it can add a former five-star recruit with big-time two-way potential in Powell.
Second round
Note: The draft features 59 picks as the Knicks forfeited their 2025 second-round pick after a 2022 tampering investigation around the free-agency signing of Jalen Brunson.
31. Timberwolves (via UTA): Ryan Kalkbrenner, C, Creighton
32. Celtics (via WAS): Nique Clifford, G, Colorado State
33. Hornets: Tyrese Proctor, G, Duke | Australia
34. Hornets (via NOP): Joan Beringer, C, Cedevita (Serbia) | France
35. 76ers: Tahaad Pettiford, G, Auburn
36. Nets: Alex Condon, F/C, Florida | Australia
37. Pistons (via TOR): Milos Uzan, G, Houston
38. Spurs: Yaxel Lendeborg, F, UAB
39. Raptors (via POR): Cedric Coward, G, Washington State
40. Wizards (via PHX): Alex Toohey, F, Sydney Kings | Australia
41. Warriors (via MIA): Chaz Lanier, G, Tennessee
42. Kings (via CHI): Miles Byrd, G, San Diego State
43. Jazz (via DAL): Michael Ruzic, F, Joventut (Spain) | Croatia
44. Thunder (via ATL): Labaron Philon, G, Alabama
45. Bulls (via SAC): Bogoljub Markovic, F, Mega Beograd | Serbia
46. Magic: Darrion Williams, F, Texas Tech
47. Bucks (via DET): Rocco Zikarsky, C, Brisbane Bullets | Australia
48. Grizzlies (via GSW): John Tonje, G, Wisconsin
49. Cavaliers (via MIL): Kam Jones, G, Marquette
50. Knicks (via MEM): Sion James, G, Duke
51. Clippers (via MIN): Dink Pate, G, Mexico City Capitanes (G League) | USA
52. Suns (via DEN): Hunter Sallis, G, Wake Forest
53. Jazz (via LAC): Koby Brea, G, Kentucky | USA/Dominican Republic
54. Pacers: Karter Knox, G, Arkansas
55. Lakers: Vladislav Goldin, C, Michigan | Russia
— Knicks forfeited second-round pick
56. Grizzlies (via HOU): Eric Dixon, F, Villanova
57. Magic (via BOS): RJ Luis Jr., F, St. John’s
58. Cavaliers: Javon Small, G, West Virginia
59. Rockets (via OKC): Hansen Yang, C, Qingdao Eagles | China
