The NBA combine and the early entrant withdrawal deadline for NCAA players have come and passed, leaving less than a month until the 2025 draft. It’s time for another mock draft, projecting selections for all 59 picks.
As usual, we’ll determine picks primarily on what I project to happen, with some of my own player analysis baked in throughout.
2025 NBA Mock Draft
1. Dallas Mavericks - Cooper Flagg, F, Duke
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Flagg will help revive hope for a reeling Mavericks fanbase after trading away Luka Doncic. He’ll have his chance to play a featured offensive role early on before Kyrie Irving returns from injury, working to sharpen his ball handling and finishing at the hoop. As a third option, Flagg should start immediately, impacting winning through elite passing, shotmaking and defensive play.
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2. San Antonio Spurs - Dylan Harper, G, Rutgers
If the Spurs don’t trade the second pick, Harper feels like a no-brainer even with De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle on the roster. Harper has true All-NBA potential, fueled by his devastating driving and plenty of passing, shooting and defensive upside. Regardless of how the Spurs mold their roster, adding a player with Harper’s ceiling shouldn’t be a difficult decision
3. Philadelphia 76ers - Ace Bailey, F, Rutgers
The 76ers will have quite a few options here, but Bailey presents a safe option due to his elite shotmaking and defensive upside. Bailey’s creation and passing limitations wouldn’t harm him as much in Philadelphia, where he can lean into his off-dribble shooting, floor spacing and rim protection. As he develops, Bailey can gradually take on a heavier on-ball role.
4. Charlotte Hornets - VJ Edgecombe, G, Baylor
Edgecombe’s nuclear athleticism helped him thrive in college, showcasing the potential that has NBA scouts enamored with his game. The Hornets would immediately benefit from his physical gifts on defense, as well as finishing plays from LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. If Edgecombe can improve his handle and finishing, his offensive ceiling could be quite high.
5. Utah Jazz - Kon Knueppel, F, Duke
After spending tons of picks on toolsy projects in recent history, the Jazz would immediately benefit from Knueppel’s elite shooting and processing with the ball. We shouldn’t discount his ceiling, though, as Knueppel has the feel and skill to develop into a star on offense. Even if he can’t reach those heights, Knueppel’s floor spacing and decision-making make him an extremely safe prospect.
6. Washington Wizards - Jeremiah Fears, G, Oklahoma
Fears starred for Oklahoma this season as one of the youngest players in the nation. He’s a true lead guard prospect, bringing elite advantage creation, scoring touch and strong passing to the table. Washington has plenty of intriguing complementary pieces already in place, but they eventually need to develop a future offensive engine.
7. New Orleans Pelicans - Tre Johnson, G, Texas
Johnson is one of the best shotmakers in the class, starring as a deep-range pull-up shooter, off-screen shooter and post-fadeaway artist. The Pelicans could benefit from his elite shotmaking and secondary passing skills. His slashing, finishing and defensive concerns could lower his ceiling, but the Pelicans have the wing room to help him out on both ends.
8. Brooklyn Nets - Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
Maluach’s giant frame will help him win on both ends, letting him protect the basket, crash the offensive glass, and finish with his special touch. He’ll need to improve physically and continue to progress his decision-making on both ends, but the Nets could use a defensive anchor in the middle, especially if they trade Nic Claxton this offseason.
9. Toronto Raptors - Noa Essengue, F, Ulm
Essengue matches Toronto’s type exactly, offering them another large, toolsy forward to develop. Essengue’s youth, size and production in the German League have scouts intrigued and could entice a team like the Raptors to bet on his development. He’ll need to refine his offense in the half-court, but the Raptors have developed athletic wings like Essengue before.
10. Houston Rockets - Kasparas Jakucionis, G, Illinois
Jakucionis struggled after a mid-season injury, but he’s a talented lead guard prospect with bankable NBA skills. He’ll need to tighten his handle and cut down turnovers, but Jakucionis’s shotmaking potential, great finishing and excellent playmaking feel are high-end traits. The Rockets need more offense in the backcourt and Jakucionis can bring that.
11. Portland Trail Blazers - Carter Bryant, F, Arizona
The Blazers love their long, toolsy wing players and Bryant fits that description as well as any prospect in this class. His lack of offensive skill outside of shooting causes some concern, but Bryant brings a potential 3-and-D skillset that NBA teams covet. His shot-blocking prowess from the wing can help Bryand develop into a high-level pro defender.
12. Chicago Bulls - Egor Demin, G, BYU
Demin might overlap to some extent with Josh Giddey, but the Bulls could fall in love with his elite playmaking potential. He’s a passing virtuoso, blending size and playmaking like few prospects in this class. If Demin can improve his shaky jumper and handle and add strength, a smart team could find plenty of value in his passing.
13. Atlanta Hawks - Thomas Sorber, C, Georgetown
Sorber helps fill Atlanta’s gap at center, especially as Clint Capela continues to age. He’s a towering presence in the paint who will wall off the rim, but lacks great perimeter mobility. His great touch, skill and floor processing will help him add value as a play finisher and connector for Trae Young.
14. San Antonio Spurs - Derik Queen, F/C, Maryland
The Spurs would be thrilled to land a player as talented as Queen in the late lottery. Wembanyama’s shot blocking and floor spacing help cover for Queen’s major weaknesses, letting him shine on offense. His elite advantage creation, handle and passing feel for a big man give him one of the highest ceilings in the entire class.
15. Oklahoma City Thunder - Collin Murray-Boyles, F/C, South Carolina
Even after signing Isaiah Hartenstein, the Thunder could use more long-term depth in the frontcourt. Murray-Boyles would help tremendously with Oklahoma City’s rebounding problem, adding another elite on-and-off-ball defender to the roster. His 3-point shooting must improve for him to reach his offensive ceiling, but the Thunder wouldn’t need to rely on him early on.
16. Orlando Magic - Jase Richardson, G, Michigan State
Richardson perfectly addresses Orlando’s desperate need for shotmaking and offensive juice in the backcourt. They’d love to add a hyper-efficient shotmaker from all levels like Richardson, who has no problems playing off the ball. His size has led to some skepticism around his game, but a Magic team full of long, tall players can help insulate him if needed.
17. Minnesota Timberwolves - Noah Penda, F, Le Mans
Penda is already a phenomenal wing defender who creates tons of turnovers, commands the back line and defends the ball at a high level. An improving 3-point shot adds to his impressive passing and driving flashes, making for a high offensive ceiling. He’s a worthwhile upside swing for a Wolves team with plenty of free agent decisions upcoming.
18. Washington Wizards - Rasheer Fleming, F, Saint Joseph’s
Fleming’s defense upside is incredibly high — he’s an incredibly long, fast wing who shuts down smaller players on ball and wrecks plays off-ball. His offense is still a work in progress, but Fleming shot the ball well on catch-and-shoot threes this year, providing some optimism for his eventual 3-and-D role for a promising Washington defense.
19. Brooklyn Nets - Cedric Coward, F, Washington State
Coward’s incredible length and shooting prowess make for an obvious 3-and-D bet. His lack of experience against high-level competition means he probably won’t be ready for meaningful NBA minutes, but a rebuilding Brooklyn team is an ideal environment for him to develop his defensive consistency and off-dribble game.
20. Miami Heat - Will Riley, F, Illinois
The Heat are a perfect destination for a physically raw player like Riley, who oozes talent on the offensive end. He’s a dynamic shotmaker with developed counters off the dribble and live-dribble passing acumen. Riley must add strength to hold up on both ends, but tall shooters with real ball skills can outplay their draft slot.
21. Utah Jazz - Asa Newell, F/C, Georgia
Newell adds another versatile defender to a weak Utah defense. He’s capable of switching out onto the perimeter and guarding a variety of players as well as defending the basket. Without great size, passing feel, or offensive skill, Newell’s ceiling isn’t high, but his defense, rebounding and play finishing should help him add some value on an NBA floor.
22. Atlanta Hawks - Adou Thiero, F, Arkansas
The Hawks bolster an already promising perimeter defense with Thiero, who brings elite size, explosion and strength on the wing to block shots and defend the ball. He’ll need to improve his 3-point shot, but Thiero’s explosive, power driving and mid-range creation will help keep him afloat on offense.
23. Indiana Pacers - Johni Broome, C/F, Auburn
Early season injuries thinned out Indiana’s center room and they should look to upgrade their depth this offseason. Broome will bring experience and two-way value to the Pacers as a competent shooter with excellent fluidity and passing. He doesn’t bring traditional center size, but Indiana has extracted value from unorthodox players all season.
24. Oklahoma City Thunder - Nique Clifford, F, Colorado State
Clifford’s lottery-caliber talent will present some team a major steal as teams overlook him because of his age. The Thunder certainly don’t need more capable rotation pieces, but Clifford could step in from day one and impact winning on both ends with his great shotmaking, driving, manipulative passing and on-ball defense.
25. Orlando Magic - Liam McNeeley, F, UConn
NBA teams often covet tall wing shooters like McNeeley. Orlando badly needs floor spacing and McNeeley brings high-volume shooting off movement. His defensive and athletic limitations won’t hurt Orlando as much as other teams because of their incredible defensive infrastructure already in place.
26. Brooklyn Nets - Ben Saraf, G, Ulm
After addressing wing and center earlier in the draft, the Nets round out their haul with Saraf late in the first. He’s one of the draft’s best dribblers, well-equipped to run pick-and-rolls and find teammates all over the floor. Continuing to improve his scoring and consistency defending off-ball can help Saraf become a difference-making guard.
27. Brooklyn Nets - Hugo Gonzalez, F, Le Mans
Gonzalez executed his role for Real Madrid this season, showing promise as a wing defender, play finisher and secondary slasher. The Nets can always use more wing defenders and Gonzalez should help them on the ball and as a back-line defender. Improving his shot will help Gonzalez slot into lineups as a 3-and-D wing.
28. Boston Celtics - Danny Wolf, C/F, Michigan
The Celtics love big men who can dribble, pass and space the floor, and Wolf fits that description. He must cut down on turnovers and keep shooting the three efficiently, but Wolf boasts rare ball skills and pick-and-roll vision for a center. Wolf can find a rotation home in the NBA if he can effectively scale down to a smaller role.
29. Phoenix Suns - Drake Powell, F, North Carolina
Powell tested like an elite athlete at the combine, and his physical tools will entice NBA teams to bet on his upside. He’ll need to improve his 3-point volume and offensive consistency, but Powell’s elite explosion, length and lateral quickness suggest a high defensive ceiling. He’d add another high-upside player to a porous Phoenix wing room.
30. Los Angeles Clippers - Nolan Traore, G, Saint Quentin
The Clippers could benefit from some long-term guard depth. Traore’s elite speed, great passing and improving jumper present an intriguing offensive upside case, especially considering his heavy usage for a strong professional team. Even if his offense underwhelms, Traore’s size, lateral quickness and range help him add value on defense.
31. Minnesota Timberwolves - Ryan Kalkbrenner, C, Creighton
Naz Reid and Julius Randle’s impending free agency should make adding more frontcourt depth a priority for the Wolves. Kalkbrenner’s massive stature helps him finish at an elite clip at the basket, but he’s expanded his shooting range as his career progressed. His polished two-way skill set should help him become a valuable rotation center.
32. Boston Celtics - Walter Clayton Jr., G, Florida
Clayton’s magical NCAA Tournament run should help NBA scouts feel confident about his ability to take over games and impact winning. Even in a smaller role in Boston, Clayton would thrive as an off-ball shooter and driver. He’ll add more long-term guard depth for the Celtics with the potential to develop into a great NBA starter.
33. Charlotte Hornets - Bogoljub Markovic, F, Mega Basket
Markovic’s size and offensive versatility should intrigue NBA teams looking for a stretch forward. He’s an excellent processor with legitimate off-movement shooting capabilities, making for a fairly rare skillset. Charlotte could stash him overseas until he can develop into an NBA contributor.
34. Charlotte Hornets - Maxime Raynaud, C/F, Stanford
Mark Williams’ scary injury track record could lead the Hornets to seek out more frontcourt depth. Raynaud won’t add much defensive value, but the seven-footer brings a rare offensive skillset as a floor-spacing center with great driving fluidity. He has the tools to develop into a useful offensive piece for the Hornets.
35. Philadelphia 76ers - Jamir Watkins, F, Florida State
Watkins developed into a genuine primary initiator in college, which should help him scale down into a complementary role at the NBA level. His development will help him thrive as an off-ball shooter, closeout attacker and aggressive defender. Philadelphia can bank on Watkins providing solid minutes early on in his career.
36. Brooklyn Nets - Alex Toohey, F, Sydney
Toohey’s defensive versatility will be attractive to an aggressive, attacking Nets defense. He’s an excellent defensive playmaker with great instincts, size and mobility. Toohey must improve his 3-point shot to best fit into a 3-and-D forward role, but his funky creation based on pace and strength will help him add some offensive value.
37. Detroit Pistons - Kam Jones, G, Marquette
Drafting Jones would bring Detroit more secondary creation next to Cade Cunningham. He’s a ready-made NBA handler, boasting some of the best rim finishing, ball-handling and playmaking in the entire draft. Jones might not have a star ceiling, but he should help his future team on offense.
38. San Antonio Spurs - Koby Brea, F, Kentucky
The Spurs finally add more shooting in the form of the best pure shooter in the entire draft. Brea won’t bring much outside of shooting and solid passing, but he’s one of the best wing shotmakers in recent college basketball history. He’ll immediately add value as a high-volume floor spacer in San Antonio.
39. Toronto Raptors - Joan Beringer, C/F, Cedevita Olimpija
Beringer, once again, matches Toronto’s tendency to draft raw, toolsy players. Beringer must develop plenty of basketball feel and skill on both ends to contribute, but he’s a monstrous vertical athlete with tantalizing physical tools. A Raptors organization with a solid history of development could bet on Beringer in the long term.
40. Washington Wizards - Dink Pate, G, Capitanes
Pate has flashed intriguing athleticism, off-dribble shooting and pick-and-roll passing throughout his time in the G League. He’ll need plenty of development on both sides of the floor before he can contribute winning NBA minutes, but the Wizards have plenty of time to wait on him to improve.
41. Golden State Warriors - Chaz Lanier, G, Tennessee
Lanier was one of the country’s best scorers this season, lighting up the scoreboard at Tennessee. He’s an excellent shooter off the dribble and movement with enough burst to occasionally attack the hoop. Lanier won’t bring much outside of his scoring, but the Warriors could benefit from another dynamic spacing option.
42. Sacramento Kings - Sion James, F, Duke
The Kings badly need physical defenders on the wing, and James fits that description, even if he lacks the height Sacramento may desire. He’s a strong, sturdy on-ball defender who easily guards multiple positions. If James continues to shoot the ball well, his passing and that shot can help him add complementary offensive value.
43. Utah Jazz - Max Shulga, G, VCU
Shulga’s long track record of excellent outside shooting should help him slot into an NBA rotation early. He’s more than just a shooter, bringing more handling skill, passing and finishing craft than most shooting specialists. It’s easy to imagine a creative coach like Will Hardy extracting the most from a player like Shulga.
44. Oklahoma City Thunder - Javon Small, G, West Virginia
Small would add to Oklahoma City’s cavalry of guard defenders, adding another quick, tenacious on-and-off-ball defender to the mix. His excellent efficiency this season as a pull-up shooter from range and finisher at the basket should inspire some optimism for his offensive translation.
45. Chicago Bulls - Hansen Yang, C, Qingdao
Chicago badly needs to add to their frontcourt depth, making Yang a logical pick halfway through the second round. Yang’s size, scoring skill and playmaking prowess make him an intriguing offensive bet. If he can continue improving his mobility, Yang could find himself making an impact early on in a rotation.
46. Orlando Magic - Yanic Konan Niederhauser, C, Penn State
Niederhauser boosted his stock tremendously throughout the pre-draft process, dominating the combine with his great measurables and athletic testing. He’s a project player with plenty of room to grow before he can impact the NBA game, but his size and vertical explosion present big upside as a shot blocker and play finisher.
47. Milwaukee Bucks - Neoklis Avdalas, F, Peristeri BC
Avdalas made a name for himself at the NBA combine, bringing shotmaking, ball skills and playmaking flashes in a wing’s body. He’ll need to improve athletically and add more strength to hold up on the defensive end, but Avdalas profiles like a future NBA wing, something Milwaukee desperately needs more of.
48. Memphis Grizzlies - Eric Dixon, F, Villanova
Dixon posted an elite scoring season at Villanova this year, dominating on offense with great outside shooting and face-up scoring. He won’t add much outside of scoring, but a half-court offense needing Memphis team could benefit from his offensive punch.
49. Cleveland Cavaliers - Vladislav Goldin, C, Michigan
Regardless of what direction the Cavs take their roster this offseason, adding viable backup center play will be key. Goldin should provide rotation minutes early on if given a chance, adding value with great interior defense, scoring and enough passing and handling mix-ups to keep defenses honest.
50. New York Knicks - John Tonje, G/F, Wisconsin
Tonje broke out this season at Wisconsin as one of the best scorers in college basketball, winning with great strength as a slasher and shot-making skill. The Knicks need more wing help and Tonje’s strength and physicality should provide some defensive help as well in the back end of the rotation.
51. Los Angeles Clippers - Rocco Zikarsky, C, Brisbane
Los Angeles hasn’t had a viable backup center behind Ivica Zubac in quite some time. Zikarsky makes sense as a long-term project despite a disappointing season in the NBL. His youth, size and shot blocking potential could help him add another imposing frontcourt presence to the Clippers roster.
52. Phoenix Suns - Amari Williams, C, Kentucky
Williams improved his offense during his final Kentucky year, flashing the passing and handling that many modern NBA bigs bring. He isn’t much of a scorer, but Williams’s hub passing, driving flashes and shot blocking could help him find minutes in a barren Phoenix frontcourt.
53. Utah Jazz - Hunter Sallis, G, Wake Forest
Sallis presents another 3-and-D option for the Jazz down the line, adding another capable scorer in the backcourt. He’ll defend guards with strong lateral quickness and make shots off the dribble and off the catch, hopefully helping him develop into a rotation guard.
54. Indiana Pacers - Curtis Jones, G, Iowa State
The Pacers add another Iowa State guard to their backcourt mix. Jones is one of the better shotmakers in the class, scoring efficiently from outside and thriving in the intermediate. His athleticism could limit his defense and on-ball creation, but Jones’s shooting, passing skills and length would fit in Indiana’s fast-paced system.
55. Los Angeles Lakers - Michael Ruzic, F, Joventut
Ruzic is one of the draft’s youngest players, boasting two-way upside as a rim-protecting stretch big man. The Lakers badly need frontcourt depth and will address this via trade or free agency, but it won’t hurt to add depth in the draft, especially with an international player whom they could stash like Ruzic.
56. Memphis Grizzlies - Mark Sears, G, Alabama
Sears’s lack of size and slightly disappointing final college season lowered his stock, but he’s still a talented player with the ball in his hands. A Grizzlies team lacking in half-court offensive creation could benefit from his versatile shooting, advantage creation and pick-and-roll operation.
57. Orlando Magic - Will Richard, F, Florida
Richard thrived as a two-way complementary wing for the national title-winning Gators. His 3-point shooting, finishing at the rim and defensive playmaking can help him get on an NBA floor, especially for a shooting-needy team like the Magic.
58. Cleveland Cavaliers - RJ Luis, F, St. John’s
After a rocky end to his college career, Luis decided to remain in the draft instead of transferring and returning to college. His shooting and scoring efficiency must improve, but Luis’s great perimeter defense and handling flashes should be enough for a team to bet on him at some point.
59. Houston Rockets - Kobe Sanders, F, Nevada
Sanders’ shotmaking and live dribble processing in a forward’s body make him an intriguing upside swing. His lack of explosive athleticism could limit his NBA ceiling, but Sanders’ fluidity, passing and shooting skills should have NBA teams intrigued enough to swing on him in the second round.
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