NEW YORK -- The 2025 NBA Finals are in the books, which means it’s officially time to shift our full attention to one of the most exciting weeks in basketball — NBA Draft week. With top-tier prospects like Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper showcasing legitimate superstar upside, this year’s draft is loaded from top to bottom with elite talent and potential future All-Stars.
Many analysts and scouts agree: the 2025 NBA Draft class is deeper and more talented than last year’s 2024 draft. While the first two picks appear locked in, things could get chaotic as early as the third overall pick. According to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, top prospect Ace Bailey is reportedly refusing to work out for teams unless he receives a draft-day promise, despite being ranked No. 3 on most draft boards. This opens the door for names like Baylor star VJ Edgecombe or Texas freshman Tre Johnson to crash the top-three.
After Philadelphia makes its pick at No. 3, expect a ripple effect across the rest of the lottery. The top 10 is filled with upside, but players who shined in March Madness — like Walter Clayton Jr. and Nique Clifford — could also hear their names called in the lottery. International talent will be well represented, too, with Noa Essengue, Joan Beringer, and Nolan Traore from France all drawing buzz.
Wednesday night promises drama, surprises, and future NBA stars. Here is my official 2025 NBA Mock Draft, featuring detailed scouting reports, team fits, and upside breakdowns:
1. Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg – 6’9” F, Duke
Flagg is a generational NBA Draft prospect with elite two-way upside. He combines explosive athleticism, high-level playmaking, and elite defensive versatility (can guard 2–4). While his shooting needs refinement, his feel for the game is off the charts. Think Scottie Pippen or Andrei Kirilenko with modern tools. Flagg has legitimate potential to be the No. 1 or 2 option on a championship team. The future face of the Mavericks.
2. San Antonio Spurs: Dylan Harper – 6’5” PG, Rutgers
Harper plays with the maturity and poise of a seasoned pro. His offensive game is well-rounded — a true three-level scorer with elite playmaking instincts and high basketball IQ. Defensively, he projects as solid, but it’s his potential to be a 25+ PPG, 6+ APG lead guard that has teams excited. The Spurs land a franchise backcourt partner for Victor Wembanyama (even though they already have one in Stephon Castle).
3. Philadelphia 76ers: Tre Johnson – 6’5” SG, Texas
Johnson is the best shotmaker in the 2025 NBA Draft. His ability to create off the dribble and score at all three levels makes him a potential future star. With Ace Bailey hesitant to work out for teams and VJ Edgecombe reportedly underwhelming in his workout with Philly (according to Jonathan Givony), the 76ers go with a high-upside scorer who complements Tyrese Maxey perfectly. Some backlash may happen if Johnson is the pick because then the 76ers would have 3 similar shooting guards on the same team, but Maxey can play PG when needed to. Johnson has immense upside and I don't think fit should matter in the top 5.
4. Charlotte Hornets: VJ Edgecombe – 6’5” SG, Baylor
Edgecombe is one of the most athletic prospects in the draft — a true A+ athlete with elite burst and slashing ability. He has a powerful first step, finishes strong at the rim, and is a menace in transition. His jump shot needs work, but he projects as a strong defender and perfect off-ball partner for LaMelo Ball on the Hornets.
5. Utah Jazz: Kon Knueppel – 6’7” G, Duke
Knueppel is flying up draft boards thanks to his elite shooting and basketball IQ. He’s the best shooter in the class and rarely makes mistakes. Utah lacks perimeter shot creators and Knueppel brings instant offense with size and poise. He’s not a blow-by athlete, but his skillset fits what the modern NBA demands from wings.
6. Washington Wizards: Ace Bailey – 6’8” F, Rutgers
Bailey was once considered the likely No. 3 pick, but concerns over workout availability and shot consistency caused a slight slide. Still, he’s an explosive athlete with defensive upside and star potential if he develops. He only shot 34% on pull-up twos and 24% on pull-up threes, but the Wizards can afford to swing big here.
7. New Orleans Pelicans: Khaman Maluach – 7’1” C, Duke
Maluach is the best rim protector and interior defender in the 2025 class. He projects as a multiple-time All-Defensive team player and a key anchor for any defense. Offensively, he’s limited — more of a lob threat than a shot creator — but the Pelicans need a true defensive center to pair with Yves Missi inside. Safe pick with elite defensive value.
8. Brooklyn Nets: Jeremiah Fears – 6’4” G, Oklahoma
Fears is a dynamic scorer and shot creator who plays with flair and confidence. Brooklyn desperately needs offensive firepower, and Fears offers instant shotmaking and playmaking upside. His fit alongside Cameron Johnson is intriguing, and he could develop into a high-usage, high-upside backcourt star.
9. Toronto Raptors: Derik Queen – 6’9” F/C, Maryland
Queen is a highly skilled low-post scorer with great footwork and offensive instincts. He can stretch the floor a bit, passes well out of the post, and holds his own defensively. Toronto has been looking for frontcourt talent, and Queen gives them a polished, high-floor big who could start early in his career.
10. Phoenix Suns: Carter Bryant – 6’8” F, Arizona
Bryant is a modern 3-and-D wing with high-level athleticism and upside. He can guard multiple positions, is developing into a consistent three-point shooter, and has untapped offensive potential. With Kevin Durant gone, Phoenix needs young forwards who can grow into high-usage roles. Bryant fits the mold perfectly.
11. Portland Trail Blazers: Colin Murray-Boyles – 6’6” F, South Carolina
Undersized for a power forward, but don’t let the height fool you — Murray-Boyles does everything right on the court. He’s got an advanced feel for the game, he's a great playmaker, and an extremely versatile defender, not to mention his athleticism gets overlooked as well (great lob threat, offensive rebounder, and has nice burst as well). Portland needs long-term contributors, and Murray-Boyles projects as a 10-year NBA role player who could thrive in a championship rotation.
12. Chicago Bulls: Thomas Sorber – 6’11” C, Georgetown
Sorber was dominant as a freshman before a season-ending injury. He averaged 14.5 PPG, 8.5 RPG, and 2 BPG and brings a physical interior presence the Bulls sorely lack. His offensive game is solid, though his shooting needs improvement. With Nikola Vucevic aging, Sorber gives Chicago a potential long-term anchor down low.
13. Atlanta Hawks: Asa Newell – 6’10” F/C, Georgia
Newell is an ultra-athletic big with a ton of upside. While still raw offensively, he can finish above the rim and be a lob threat in pick-and-rolls. With Clint Capela likely on his way out, Atlanta grabs a young, high-energy backup big who fits well alongside Trae Young in transition and the half court.
14. San Antonio Spurs: Cedric Coward – 6’6” F, Washington State
Coward’s elite defensive tools and comparisons to Kawhi Leonard (yes, really) make this pick fascinating. Offensively, he’s a bit raw (even though he improved his scoring immensely each year in College) but shows flashes of shot creation and open-court playmaking. Coward started at a Division 3 program and has gotten dramatically better at basketball each year in college, which leads me to believe he has much more development to come. The Spurs are the perfect developmental fit for a player who could become a top-five guy in this class if everything clicks.
15. Oklahoma City Thunder: Nique Clifford – 6’6” F, Colorado State
Clifford is one of the most NBA-ready prospects in the draft. At 23 years old, he brings three-level scoring, strong defensive versatility, and an advanced feel for the game. OKC needs role players who can contribute in playoff situations, and Clifford checks every box. He could crack the rotation immediately.
16. Memphis Grizzlies: Walter Clayton Jr. – 6’2” G, Florida
No prospect helped himself more during the NCAA Tournament. Clayton Jr. won Most Outstanding Player and proved himself as an elite shotmaker and clutch performer. Though undersized and older, he projects as a rotation-ready guard with high-end 3-point shooting — something Memphis badly needs after they traded Desmond Bane. Perfect fit in the Grizzlies’ up-tempo system.
17. Minnesota Timberwolves: Kasparas Jakucionas – 6’6” G, Illinois
Jakucionas is a crafty ball-dominant guard with high-level passing vision and creation ability. He orchestrates offense with poise and has shades of Luka Doncic in his approach, though he’s not as polished yet. The Timberwolves need guard depth, and with Mike Conley aging and NAW a free agent, Jakucionas makes a lot of sense as a long-term bet.
18. Washington Wizards: Egor Demin – 6’9” PG, BYU
Demin is a 6’9” point guard with real shooting touch and playmaking upside. He impressed in the NCAA Tournament and fits Washington’s timeline perfectly. While he’ll have to earn minutes behind Bub Carrington and Kyshawn George, the upside is tantalizing. High-reward developmental pick for a rebuilding Wizards team.
19. Brooklyn Nets: Noa Essengue – 6’10” F, France
Essengue is one of the best defenders in this draft — long, athletic, and disruptive. While his offensive game is still very raw, he offers immediate defensive value. Some scouts are high on his potential, but questions about his frame and skill development linger. The Nets can afford to take a big swing here.
20. Miami Heat: Will Riley – 6’8” F, Illinois
Riley brings two-way upside and a strong physical profile. He’s a versatile defender who’s improving as a shooter and shot creator. The Heat love wings who can compete on both ends, and Riley fits that identity. He may not be their dream pick, but he offers value and upside in this range.
21. Utah Jazz: Joan Beringer – 6’11” C, France
Beringer is one of the most athletic shot blockers in the 2025 NBA Draft. While he's raw offensively and had the lowest usage rate of any projected first-rounder (per ESPN’s Jonathan Givony), his defensive upside is massive. Utah could use more rim protection, and with multiple first-round picks, they can afford to take a flyer on a high-ceiling project like Beringer.
22. Atlanta Hawks: Jase Richardson – 6’1” G, Michigan State
Richardson is undersized but plays with a ton of pace, skill, and basketball IQ. He changes speeds effortlessly and can get downhill to create offense. Defensively, he competes and has solid instincts. He’s a smart fit behind Trae Young and Dyson Daniels as a developmental combo guard with high upside.
23. New Orleans Pelicans: Nolan Traore – 6’4” PG, France
Traore is a high-level passer who creates offense for others at an elite rate. His shooting is the concern, but he sees the floor better than most guards in this class. The Pelicans need point guard depth and a potential successor to Dejounte Murray, and Traore could be that with time. Think Killian Hayes with better decision-making.
24. Oklahoma City Thunder: Liam McNeely – 6’7” F, UConn
McNeely is a smooth-shooting wing who plays within himself and makes winning plays. While he may never be more than a high-IQ role player, he projects as a Corey Kispert-type with better playmaking. OKC is preparing for a tighter cap situation in the future, so adding low-maintenance shooters on rookie deals is a smart move.
25. Orlando Magic: Rasheer Fleming – 6’9” F, Saint Joseph’s
Fleming is one of the most intriguing defensive wings in the draft. He has a 7’5” wingspan, can guard multiple positions, and shot 39% from three last season. His feel for the game is still developing, but his physical tools and 3-and-D upside are elite. The Magic could mold him into a lockdown NBA defender.
26. Brooklyn Nets: Maxime Raynaud – 7’0” C, Stanford
Raynaud is a skilled stretch big who can space the floor and score inside. He averaged 20.6 PPG in the ACC and is one of the most polished offensive centers in the class. His defense is still a work in progress, but with his size and shooting touch, Raynaud fits today’s NBA perfectly. Brooklyn adds a versatile frontcourt weapon here.
27. Brooklyn Nets: Ben Saraf – G, Israel
Saraf is one of the best scorers still on the board — a three-level offensive talent who can also distribute. His perimeter shooting and defense need polishing, but his scoring instincts are advanced. He’s a Deni Avdija-type prospect with more offensive upside. Nets could get major value here late in the first round.
28. Boston Celtics: Danny Wolf – 7’0” C, Michigan
Wolf is a skilled, high-IQ big who draws light comparisons to Nikola Jokic for his passing and feel — though he lacks Jokic’s elite tools. He can shoot from deep and run some offense through the high post. His lack of lateral quickness and defensive ability are concerns, but Boston needs center depth and Wolf offers offensive versatility at that position.
29. Phoenix Suns: Ryan Kalkbrenner – 7’1” C, Creighton
Kalkbrenner brings legit rim protection and the ability to stretch the floor. He’s one of the best two-way centers available this late in the draft, with rebounding, shot-blocking, and pick-and-pop shooting ability. Phoenix is thin at the five and needs someone who can contribute quickly. Strong value at No. 29.
30. Los Angeles Clippers: Chaz Lanier – 6’4” G, Tennessee
Lanier is a polished scorer and ready-made offensive contributor. He may not have star upside, but his ability to create shots and space the floor gives the Clippers something they desperately need — consistent shot creation behind their aging stars. In the past the Clippers have gone higher upside picks (like Cam Christie and Moussa Diabate), but I think they go with a player more NBA-ready here considering they will be a 50+ win team again next season. With James Harden’s contract expiring after next season and Leonard's health uncertain, Lanier could play a key role immediately.
In conclusion, the 2025 NBA Draft is shaping up to be one of the deepest and most talent-rich classes in recent memory. From generational talents like Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper at the top to high-upside sleepers like Ben Saraf, Walter Clayton Jr., and Rasheer Fleming in the late first round, this class is stacked with potential future stars and long-term contributors.
What makes this draft especially intriguing is the uncertainty beyond the top two picks. With questions surrounding Ace Bailey, mixed evaluations on several international prospects, and a number of high-floor veterans ready to contribute immediately, teams will have to decide between raw upside and NBA-ready talent.
As always, fit will matter just as much as talent. The best organizations — like Oklahoma City, San Antonio, and Miami — are primed to develop these young prospects into meaningful contributors, while other franchises will need to hit big to accelerate their rebuilds.
Whether you're a fan of scouting, fantasy basketball, or just love the chaos of draft night, the 2025 NBA Draft promises drama, surprises, and the first step toward building the next generation of NBA stars. Buckle up — Wednesday night is going to be fun.
