NBA Draft week is upon us, and the anticipation is rising as the draft gets nearer.
The top of the draft order was sorted out during the NBA Draft Lottery, as the Mavericks’ lottery luck effectively put an end to the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes, as the Duke standout is destined to go first overall to Dallas. Under the radar is San Antonio’s lottery luck, as its move up to second will likely make Rutgers’ Dylan Harper a Spur.
From there, however, everything is seemingly up in the air.
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The week leading into the draft provided a glimpse of what to expect on draft night, as the Grizzlies, Magic, Pacers, Pelicans, Rockets and Suns each engaged in trades involving first-round picks. More deals could come, as various franchises are eager to do whatever it takes to select the prospect they feel best fits their identity.
With the draft quickly approaching and the order potentially subject to change, The Sporting News has put together one final mock draft, taking pre-draft intel and team needs into account, though no trades are mocked below.
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NBA Mock Draft 2025
1. Mavericks: Cooper Flagg, Duke
Age: 18
Position: Guard/Forward
Measurements: 6-9, 205 pounds
Flagg has been considered the top prospect in this class for some time. That his spot at No. 1 was never threatened is a major compliment to him and his body of work at Duke last season.
The Mavs are coming off an injury-riddled season that ended in the Play-In Tournament — it’s not often that a 38-win team adds the No. 1 overall pick. Flagg won’t be expected to save the franchise but will be looked upon to become a complementary piece that grows into stardom next to a pair of former top picks in Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving.
This is a no-brainer, and Flagg will be the Rookie of the Year favorite in Dallas.
MORE: Why Cooper Flagg is a can’t-miss No. 1 pick | Inside Cooper Flagg’s top NBA comparisons
2. Spurs: Dylan Harper, Rutgers
Age: 19
Position: G
Measurements: 6-6, 220 pounds
San Antonio already has plenty of backcourt talent with De’Aaron Fox and Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle, but that won’t stop them from taking Harper second overall. The franchise has been gifted an organic “two-timeline” approach and an opportunity to add more talent through the draft, which, based on recent champions, is the blueprint for NBA success.
All signs indicate that the Spurs intend to add Harper and figure things out later. Considering the franchise’s timeline, a 19-year-old dynamo with an innate feel for the game is the right choice given the ages of Castle (20) and Victor Wembanyama (21) going into the 2025-26 campaign.
Harper’s feel for the game is natural, and if there’s any franchise capable of navigating this good problem, it’s the Spurs.
3: 76ers: VJ Edgecombe, Baylor
Age: 19
Position: G
Measurements: 6-4, 180 pounds
Philadelphia also benefited from some lottery luck and, after a year of misfortune, will look to add a win-now player to add to the core headlined by Joel Embiid, Paul George, Tyrese Maxey, and Jared McCain. Edgecombe has what it takes to be that player.
He’s an elite athlete with a frame as strong as his competitive nature. While his offensive skills still need some polish, Edgecombe has the tools to be a difference-maker defensively on Day 1, and that is how a young player carves a role for themselves on a playoff hopeful.
MORE: How VJ Edgecombe’s athleticism sets him apart from other draft prospects
4. Hornets: Kon Knueppel, Duke
Age: 19
Position: G/F
Measurements: 6-7, 217 pounds
Knueppel’s been a riser in this class and for good reason. He’s an elite shooter with the ability to create for himself and others off the bounce as well. Given the current state of the Hornets franchise, they need to take a known commodity capable of making a Day 1 impact.
With Knueppel, Charlotte knows exactly who they’re getting, and his shooting could pop alongside the playmaking of LaMelo Ball, provided he stays healthy.
MORE: How Kon Knueppel proved his standing as a lottery pick at Duke
5. Jazz: Tre Johnson, Jazz
Age: 19
Position: G
Measurements: 6-6, 190 pounds
Utah’s been down on its luck in recent years and doesn’t have a blue-chip draft prospect to show for it. Johnson would immediately fit that bill and immediately addresses the need for a scoring punch.
After leading the SEC as a freshman, Johnson enters this class as its best pure scorer and has a case for being the best shooter in the draft as well. Johnson’s talent makes him a player worthy of getting the keys to the franchise.
6. Wizards: Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma
Age: 18
Position: G
Measurements: 6-4, 182 pounds
After winning 18 games, Washington thought it’d be picking near the top of the draft. Falling to sixth isn’t what the Wizards expected, but it should still allow them to select a primary ballhandler in Fears, who joins a group full of young talent.
Fears would grow into playmaking duties and join a young core headlined by Bub Carrington, Kyshawn George, A.J. Johnson, and Alexandre Sarr. There’s a development system in place that can work on some of Fears’ flaws, while he grows alongside his peers.
7. Pelicans: Ace Bailey, Rutgers
Age: 18
Position: G/F
Measurements: 6-8, 210 pounds
Bailey’s draft stock is the most volatile, as he could wind up going as high as third overall and could fall towards 10th, as he does here. New Orleans is reportedly enamored with Bailey and could wind up trading up to select him.
In this scenario, the uncertainty around Bailey pushes him to seventh, where he joins a Pelicans team likely to make a few moves this offseason. Adding a wing with Bailey’s potential would soften the blow of a potential trade involving one of New Orleans’ other starting-caliber wings.
8. Nets: Khaman Maluach, Duke | South Sudan
Age: 18
Position: C
Measurements: 7-2, 250 pounds
The Nets are selecting in the top 10 for the first time since 2009, a wild fact considering some of the franchise’s misfortunes over the past 16 years. With Nic Claxton potentially on the way out, Maluach can step into a big role as the centerpiece of a team in a uniquely aggressive rebuild.
Brooklyn will make four first-round selections in 2025, and in Maluach, it gets a malleable player who is still learning the game and has limitless potential. Player development will be crucial to determine what Maluach could become, but his ceiling could be franchise-altering.
MORE: How Khaman Maluach’s measurements compare to Victor Wembanyama
9. Raptors: Noa Essengue, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany) | France
Age: 18
Position: F
Measurements: 6-10, 194 pounds
Essengue has risen on draft boards and did a lot to help himself toward the end of this season with Ratiopharm in the German BBL.
He’s a lanky forward with the skillset to become a scary two-way player, fitting the Raptors’ identity from years past. This is all, of course, assuming Toronto holds on to this pick and does not move.
10. Suns: Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina
Age: 19
Position: F
Measurements: 6-8, 245 pounds
The pick has changed hands, but the selection remains the same. After re-acquiring the 10th pick, Phoenix is expected to prioritize its frontcourt in this year’s NBA Draft.
Murray-Boyles’ profile as an offensive creator and versatile defender makes him fit the bill as a player who can help contribute right away. The Suns are looking to actively retook and remain competitive in the Western Conference, and they can put together a fearsome defensive unit with Murray-Boyles, Dillon Brooks and Ryan Dunn.
11. Trail Blazers: Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois | Lithuania
Age: 19
Position: G
Measurements: 6-6, 205 pounds
Should Portland prioritize ballhandling and primary creation in this draft, it would get both with Jakucionis. He’s got plus size at the guard position and provides a different backcourt look next to Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, while Anfernee Simons days with the franchise may be winding down.
12. Bulls: Derik Queen, Maryland
Age: 20
Position: C
Measurements: 6-10, 246 pounds
The Bulls have entered the area of perpetual Play-In Tournament berths, but they’ve found something with the trio of Matas Buzelis, Josh Giddey and Coby White. As the older players begin to phase out, Chicago addresses the need for a young big with Queen, whose unique skill, touch and feel for the game as a center are undeniable.
13. Hawks (via Kings): Egor Demin, BYU | Russia
Age: 19
Position: G
Measurements: 6-9, 190 pounds
This feels like the era of big guards, and Atlanta goes for one with Demin, a 6-9 guard with an intriguing skillset. There’s room for improvement on the defensive end and in the shooting department, but Demin is a great passer who could lead the Hawks’ second unit while learning from Trae Young, one of the game’s best playmakers.
14. Spurs (via Hawks): Carter Bryant, Arizona
Age: 19
Position: F
Measurements: 6-8, 225 pounds
If San Antonio does select 14th overall, Bryant feels like a player whose defensive potential is enough for the braintrust to go with him. He’s an athletic wing who can develop into an impactful shooter, and his player profile gives the Spurs roster flexibility in potential trades moving forward.
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15. Thunder (via Heat): Thomas Sorber, Georgetown
Age: 19
Position: F/C
Measurements: 6-10, 255 pounds
This is a pick with the big picture in mind, as Sorber is an ideal understudy to eventually become OKC’s next big man capable of making plays, a la Isaiah Hartenstein. Sorber’s got traditional big man skills and modern playmaking ability and can step into a bigger role when the Thunder inevitably have to move on from certain players for financial reasons.
16. Grizzlies (via Magic): Nique Clifford, Colorado State
Age: 23
Position: G/F
Measurements: 6-6, 200 pounds
Memphis recently acquired this pick and will employ it to select a player that fits the identity that the franchise has long held. Clifford is 23 and comes to the league ready to contribute as a shooter, scorer, playmaker, and defender. The Grizzlies are looking to move back toward the top of the West and need win-now players to do it.
17. Timberwolves (via Pistons): Joan Beringer, Cedevita (Serbia) | France
Age: 18
Position: C
Measurements: 6-11, 240 pounds
Beringer is a trendy name in this draft class and for good reason. He’s a shot-blocking big man who won’t turn 19 until the 2025-25 season is underway. He’s got a year of professional experience under his belt and would fill a void that could soon open up in Minnesota’s frontcourt.
18. Wizards (via Grizzlies): Asa Newell, Georgia
Age: 19
Position: F
Measurements: 6-11, 220 pounds
Washington is also looking to bolster its frontcourt in this draft, and Newell is another fun fit for the young Wizards. He’s bouncy and has the potential to space the floor. And while there may be some overlap with Sarr’s strengths, it also adds some continuity across lineups.
19. Nets (via Bucks): Will Riley, Illinois | Canada
Age: 19
Position: F
Measurements: 6-8, 195 pounds
Riley’s one of the class’ best shooters, and Brooklyn would be wise to use one of its four first-round picks to grab a player with that key skill. The 6-8 Riley would immediately become an understudy of sharpshooter Cam Johnson and could one day become his successor.
20. Heat (via Warriors): Cedric Coward, Washington State
Age: 21
Position: G/F
Measurements: G
Coward measured extremely well at the combine and continues a relatively unprecedented ascent to being a draft prospect after starting his college career at the Division III level. He’s the type of player the Heat select and then mold into becoming an impact player for years to come.
21. Jazz (via Timberwolves): Liam McNeeley, UConn
Age: 19
Position: F
Measurements: 6-7, 210 pounds
He didn’t shoot as well as expected during his lone season at UConn, but McNeeley has size, a great feel for the game, and is a connector capable of shooting well with NBA spacing. The Jazz must add players with defined skills to move in the right direction, and McNeeley has that.
22. Hawks (via Lakers): Danny Wolf, Michigan | USA/Israel
Age: 20
Position: F/C
Measurements: 7-0, 250 pounds
Atlanta will also look to bolster its frontcourt in the draft and has an opportunity to take a one-of-a-kind prospect in Wolf. The 7-footer did some of everything last season with the Wolverines and brings a unique skillset that differs from Onyeka Okongwu’s more traditional big-man profile.
23. Pelicans (via Pacers): Maxime Raynaud, Stanford | France
Age: 22
Position: F
Measurements: 7-1, 245 pounds
Raynud has helped himself tremendously throughout the draft process as he’s showcased the skillset that makes him one of the most unique prospects in the class. If the Pelicans stay here, a versatile, floor-spacing big man provides some lineup flexibility and would give Zion Williamson room to work in the half court.
24. Thunder (via Clippers): Nolan Traoré, Saint-Quentin
Age: 19
Position: G
Measurements: 6-3, 175 pounds
At the beginning of the draft process, Traoré was regarded by many as a top-five prospect. Some of his flaws were exposed during the LNB Elite season, but he’s still a young player with great potential. OKC can afford to take a swing on the potential here to add another playmaker worth developing.
25. Magic (via Nuggets): Jase Richardson, Michigan State
Age: 19
Position: G
Measurements: 6-3, 185 pounds
Orlando’s draft strategy has somewhat changed with the acquisition of Desmond Bane, but the team is still in need of capable contributors on the perimeter. Richardson’s skills on and off the ball make him the ideal type of player to play off of playmaking forwards like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.
26. Nets (via Knicks): Rasheer Fleming, Saint Joseph’s
Age: 20
Position: F
Measurements: 6-9, 240 pounds
At the NBA Draft Combine, Fleming measured at just over 6-8 without shoes and had an insane 7-6 wingspan. With his incredible measurements comes great athleticism and instincts on the floor. He also shot 62-of-155 (40.0%) from 3 last season.
27. Nets (via Rockets): Hugo González, Real Madrid | Spain
Age: 19
Position: F
Measurements: 6-6, 205 pounds
With four first-round picks, Brooklyn can afford to invest in potential in the late first round. Gonzalez has an NBA-ready frame and can grow into a valuable rotation player for the rebuilding Nets.
28. Celtics: Walter Clayton Jr., Florida
Age: 22
Position: G
Measurements: 6-3, 195 pounds
Was Al Horford foreshadowing when he said, “Maybe [Clayton will] be with us, who knows?” after Florida’s national championship win? The Celtics are entering a transitional offseason, and a winner like Clayton could provide flexibility as the backcourt could undergo changes.
29. Suns (via Cavaliers): Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton
Age: 23
Position: C
Measurements: 7-1, 252 pounds
Phoenix’s focus on the frontcourt doesn’t stop with its lottery pick, as it can close out the first round by selecting Creighton’s Kalkbrenner. He’s one of the older prospects in this class, but he’s a known commodity capable of contributing immediately and getting solid minutes at the 5.
30. Clippers (via Thunder): Adou Thiero, Arkansas
Age: 21
Position: F
Measurements: 6-8, 220 pounds
The Clippers have an identity that revolves largely around their defense, and Thiero has the physical tools to be a tenacious defender across multiple positions. He’s a skilled player and could develop into a key rotational piece for a team that is getting older.
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): Chaz Lanier, G, Tennessee
32. Celtics (via WAS): Drake Powell, G/F, UNC
33. Hornets: Noah Penda, F, Le Mans Sarthe | France
34. Hornets (via NOP): Yanic Konan Niederhauser, F, Penn State | Switzerland
35. 76ers: Alex Toohey, F, Sydney Kings | Australia
36. Nets: Ben Saraf, G, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany) | Israel
37. Pistons (via TOR): Bogoljub Markovic, F, Mega Beograd | Serbia
38. Spurs: Hansen Yang, C, Qingdao Eagles | China
39. Raptors (via POR): Rocco Zikarsky, C, Brisbane Bullets | Australia
40. Wizards (via PHX): Tyrese Proctor, G, Duke | Australia
41. Warriors (via MIA): Jamir Watkins, G, Florida State
42. Kings (via CHI): Kam Jones, G, Marquette
43. Jazz (via DAL): John Tonje, G, Wisconsin
44. Thunder (via ATL): Koby Brea, G, Kentucky | USA/Dominican Republic
45. Bulls (via SAC): Alijah Martin, G, Florida
46. Magic: Eric Dixon, F, Villanova
47. Bucks (via DET): Johni Broome, F, Auburn
48. Grizzlies (via GSW): Javon Small, G, West Virginia
49. Cavaliers (via MIL): Sion James, G, Duke
50. Knicks (via MEM): Dink Pate, G, Mexico City Capitanes (G League) | USA
51. Clippers (via MIN): Hunter Sallis, G, Wake Forest
52. Suns (via DEN): Micah Peavy, G, Georgetown
53. Jazz (via LAC): Chucky Hepburn, G, Louisville
54. Pacers: Lachlan Olbrich, C, Illawarra Hawks | Australia
55. Lakers: Vladislav Goldin, C, Michigan | Russia
— Knicks forfeited second-round pick
56. Grizzlies (via HOU): Ryan Nembhard, G, Gonzaga | Canada
57. Magic (via BOS): Kobe Sanders, G, Nevada
58. Cavaliers: Brice Williams, G, Nebraska
59. Rockets (via OKC): Mouhamed Faye, C, Pallancestro Reggiana (Italy) } Senegal
