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With conference play beginning, we’re learning more about prospects against better competition. This class still is especially strong at the top with plenty of depth throughout the lottery and into the later first round.
Our first mock draft of 2025 will feature writeups for all 59 picks. Selections are based mostly on what I would do, but we’re gaining a better understanding of what the consensus may look like.
1. New Orleans Pelicans - Cooper Flagg, F, Duke
A disastrous season has sent the Pelicans plummeting to the bottom of the standings. That brings silver linings, though, notably high odds in an elite draft class. The chance to land Cooper Flagg could help change the course of the Pelicans’ franchise. His special defense, excellent passing and scoring upside would pair beautifully with former Blue Devil Zion Williamson as the Pelicans hope to return to relevance.
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2. Washington Wizards - Dylan Harper, G, Rutgers
Harper has separated himself from the pack to this point of the season, looking like a virtual top-2 lock. He’s having a special driving season, capable of pressuring the rim at will while countering with strong passing and shooting. The Wizards are constructing a promising core but still need their primary initiator of the future. Harper projects as a superstar lead guard if everything breaks right with the potential to vault Washington into the next phase of their rebuild.
3. Charlotte Hornets - Derik Queen, C, Maryland
Charlotte lands in a bit of a tough spot here, as most of the best prospects on the board are guards and centers. Mark Williams is an excellent player when healthy, but he’s struggled to stay on the floor consistently. That could lead the Hornets to swing on a prospect like Queen, who’s been one of college basketball’s best players as a freshman. His special handling, creation and passing skill at his size make him a possible star bet which the Hornets could use greatly.
4. Utah Jazz - Kasparas Jakucionis, G, Illinois
The rudderless Jazz desperately need a franchise star to build around and establish some direction. Despite their collection of young guards, Jakucionis’s upside may be too great to pass on here. He’s proving himself an elite live dribble passer and off-dribble shooter, setting the foundation for a star package. Leaning on his foul-drawing skill will help him maintain efficiency inside the arc as he hopefully develops into a star.
5. Toronto Raptors - Jeremiah Fears, G, Oklahoma
Jeremiah Fears’s play has rightfully vaulted him into the top 10 conversations. He’s powered a 13-1 Oklahoma team, commanding historic offensive usage while scoring efficiently. That bodes well for his upside as a star lead guard, something the Raptors still need. His elite paint pressure would mesh well with Gradey Dick’s off-ball spacing goodness and Scottie Barnes’ passing ability.
6. Portland Trail Blazers - Ace Bailey, F, Rutgers
Bailey has become one of the more polarizing prospects in the class. He’s an undeniably gifted shotmaking talent and a possible defensive star with significant limitations as an interior scorer and a playmaker. The Blazers need more offensively slanted wings to develop alongside defensive stalwarts like Toumani Camara and Donovan Clingan. If he embraces an off-ball shotmaking role, he could become a valuable scoring piece for a Blazers core needy for more offensive juice.
7. Brooklyn Nets - Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
The Nets, like many teams this season, will hope to find their next franchise cornerstone. Maluach makes sense as a high-upside bet, as his elite physical tools and mobility suggest sky-high defensive upside. He projects as a possible defensive anchor with the movement skills to help him develop on offense. Maluach will need plenty of time to develop his feel and offensive polish, but the Nets can afford to wait and reap the benefits down the line.
8. Oklahoma City Thunder - Collin Murray-Boyles, F/C, South Carolina
It feels unfair to give this Thunder team another lottery pick, but Philadelphia’s upward trend has earned them one for this mock draft. Oklahoma City could use more long-term depth in the frontcourt to pair with Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein. Murray-Boyles’ elite strength and power would mesh beautifully with Holmgren’s strengths. Developing a solid 3-point shot could fuel Murray-Boyles’ development into a true star.
9. Chicago Bulls - Labaron Philon, G, Alabama
Chicago hasn’t rostered a drafted star since Jimmy Butler left town. Philon could be that star — he’s an exceptional driver and advantage creation with next-level passing feel and defensive chops. He’ll need to improve as a shooter to thrive as a lead guard initiator, but Philon has too many positive traits to ignore. His ceiling may be the highest of anyone left on the board.
10. Sacramento Kings - Noah Penda, F, Le Mans
At just 19 years old, Penda has been one of the French League’s best defensive players. His frame, movement skills and instincts are all preternatural, suggesting tons of defensive upside. An improved jumper will help him unlock his great connective passing and driving flashes. Sacramento needs more size and especially defensive help in the frontcourt and Penda will be that.
11. Detroit Pistons - Tre Johnson, G, Texas
Cade Cunningham has fueled the Pistons’ turnaround this season carrying a substantial offensive burden. The Pistons would love to add a complementary creator and shooter like Johnson, who might be the draft’s best shooter both on and off of the ball. Johnson likely isn’t a primary option at the next level, but he wouldn’t need to be that on the Pistons next to Cunningham and Ivey. His defensive play has been solid this season, painting a promising picture of Johnson’s eventual two-way impact.
12. Houston Rockets - VJ Edgecombe, G, Baylor
After a slow start to the season, Edgecombe managed solid performances against power conference teams. He’s an unbelievable athlete and will add to Houston’s deep arsenal of perimeter defenders and transition attackers. Edgecombe isn’t shooting well to begin the season but his volume and high school shooting track record should provide some optimism for shooting development, which could help him become a star in Houston.
13. Golden State Warriors - Boogie Fland, G, Arkansas
Fland’s NBA case is easy, built on his elite shooting, shifty handling and passing chops. He’s struggled immensely as an interior scorer and creator, but Fland could develop into a potent offensive option. Golden State would have no problems slotting him off of the ball given his shooting and could mold his pick-and-roll game as Stephen Curry ages. He could fit their desire to maintain a competitive roster around Curry and Draymond Green while adding pieces for the future.
14. San Antonio Spurs - Nolan Traore, G, Saint Quentin
Traore’s stock has fallen after an excellent summer of play given his struggles in the French League. He’s been unable to score or shoot efficiently, but Traore’s elite burst, solid passing and defensive work have been strong. The Spurs may trade these picks to add stars around Victor Wembanyama, but it wouldn’t hurt to add a guard with star upside once Chris Paul eventually leaves town. Traore might not reach his ceiling but his potential makes him worth a lottery selection.
15. Indiana Pacers - Thomas Sorber, C, Georgetown
Sorber has been one of the NCAA’s most productive freshmen this season, adding value in all facets of the game. The 6’10 big is a high-level shot blocker with the mobility to defend multiple pick and roll coverages at the NBA level. Despite lacking traditional center height, his excellent finishing, rebounding and passing should all help him compensate on the offensive end. The Pacers need more frontcourt depth, especially defensively, and Sorber will bring that.
16. Utah Jazz - Hugo Gonzalez, F, Real Madrid
Gonzalez hasn’t produced or played much in the Euroleague this season, but we shouldn’t punish him too much for that given his age. He still defends his tail off when he sees the court, rotating to block and contest shots and hounding offensive players with his aggressive on-ball defense. Utah desperately needs more defensive talent on the roster, especially on the wing. Gonzalez may not develop into a star but should carve out a solid NBA career as a wing defender and slasher nonetheless.
17. San Antonio Spurs - Kon Knueppel, F, Duke
The Spurs drafted a shaky shooter in Traore earlier, so the addition of a high level shooter in Knueppel makes sense. His shooting indicators are elite despite average efficiency so far as a result of his volume, free throw shooting and high school shooting sample. Knueppel’s pick-and-roll passing makes him an ideal Spurs fit and a match with Wembanyama. He’s a limited defender and interior scorer, but Wembanyama’s presence alone lessens the burden on everyone else.
18. Oklahoma City Thunder - Jase Richardson, G, Michigan State
Oklahoma City won’t ever complain about adding more high-level decision-makers and shooters on the perimeter. They’ll likely have to shop some of their picks, but Richardson fits their ethos. Richardson rarely makes mistakes, shoots efficiently and defends smartly on and off of the ball. The Thunder certainly wouldn’t need to rely on Richardson any time soon, but it doesn’t hurt to add complementary depth and possible insurance policies for the future.
19. Brooklyn Nets - Ben Saraf, G, Ulm
Saraf sports one of the better combinations of ballhandling and playmaking in the class. He’s a high-level pick and roll initiator, capable of whizzing skip passes and laydowns in tight windows with manipulation. Teams may worry about Saraf’s shooting and lack of explosive athleticism, especially at the basket, but he’s undeniably skilled enough for the NBA. The Nets can afford to wait for Saraf to improve his jumper and interior scoring as he matures.
20. Oklahoma City Thunder - Liam McNeeley, F, UConn
NBA teams will always covet versatile shooters and McNeeley fits that archetype. At 6’7, McNeeley’s ability to drain threes off of movement at a high volume is hard to find, especially paired with his decision-making chops. McNeeley might not have as high a ceiling as some prospects in this class but Oklahoma City could toss him into the rotation early on the wing and expect solid contributions.
21. Orlando Magic - Kam Jones, G, Marquette
Arguably the best guard in all of college basketball, Jones has taken leaps in nearly every area of his game. He’s still not an imposing presence in the paint without great explosion, but Jones’ veteran craft, speed and crafty handling let him work and score downhill. He’s a phenomenal shooter, passer and off-ball defender and should thrive as an off-ball guard at the next level. The Magic need more creation and scoring, especially in the guard room, which Jones would provide.
22. Atlanta Hawks - Rocco Zikarsky, C, Brisbane
Zikarsky hasn’t lived up to the high expectations he set for himself after his previous NBL season. He hasn’t taken the playtime or impact leap scouts expected, but he’s still an intriguing center prospect given his sheer size, rim protection technique and touch. Atlanta’s lack of size on the interior is a limiting factor, especially given Clint Capela’s athletic decline. Zikarsky could slot in as the Hawks’ anchor of the future if he develops well.
23. Dallas Mavericks - Nique Clifford, F, Colorado State
Clifford’s versatile skillset on the wing should entice teams, especially given his talent with the ball. Clifford passes with the manipulation and timing of a point guard with an improved 3-point shot. His efficiency dipped this season in a higher usage role but should bounce back in the NBA with less responsibility. He’d never have to run offense in Dallas, focusing solely on secondary scoring, cutting and defense next to Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
24. Orlando Magic - Tahaad Pettiford, G, Auburn
After drafting Kam Jones earlier in the round, the Magic double-dip on electric lefty guards. Pettiford has every tool an NBA guard could want aside from size, standing at just six feet tall. He’s a shifty creator, audacious passer and a deep-range shooter all while generating turnovers on defense. His size will limit him somewhat at the NBA level but Pettiford is an NBA-level talent and the Magic could desperately use his offensive services.
25. Brooklyn Nets - Egor Demin, G, BYU
Demin has struggled quite a bit to acclimate against Power Five competition. His athletic limitations and ball control don’t let him flex his other skills. He’s a legitimately gifted passer with wing size, processing the floor and tossing high-level reads all over. If his shooting rounds out, he could thrive as a connecting wing option. For the Nets, they can afford to wait on Demin to improve physically.
26. Memphis Grizzlies - Will Riley, F, Illinois
Riley has struggled with the physicality and speed at higher competition levels, limiting the impact of his scoring. And he’s a talented scorer with ridiculous shotmaking touch and shooting versatility at his height. Memphis’s depth will allow them to prioritize a long-term contributor in Riley, who sports real upside as a tall shotmaking wing if he can win on the interior and hold up on defense.
27. Brooklyn Nets - John Mobley Jr., G Ohio State
Mobley’s shooting the leather off of the ball to begin his Ohio State career, bombing away on high volume from wel beyond the college line. He’s flashing the ability to score and create off of the dribble, a necessary counterpunch to his attention-demanding shooting. His size could limit him defensively, but the NBA loves elite shooters and Mobley is a special one. He’s worth a bet late in the first for a Nets team with plenty of bites at the apple.
28. Boston Celtics - Darrion Williams, F, Texas Tech
Williams broke out in his second season at Texas Tech and deserves legitimate draft consideration. He’s an efficient scorer on the wing who makes excellent decisions with an uptick in usage and passing load this season. That high usage creation paired with excellent on and off-ball defense makes Williams an intriguing handling wing bet. He’d fit well in Boston’s egalitarian offense, making decisions and creating off of the bounce
29. Los Angeles Clippers - Chaz Lanier, G, Tennessee
Lanier has usurped Dalton Knecht’s throne as Tennessee’s transfer in primary initiator. He’s a dynamic shooter on the wing with enough of a first step to pressure the rim. He’d fit well as an off-ball option off of James Harden and possibly Kawhi Leonard. LA’s defense has been phenomenal this season and could cover for Lanier’s defensive deficiencies.
30. Utah Jazz - Noa Essengue, F, Ulm
Essengue is the youngest player in the 2025 NBA Draft, not turning 19 until December. He’s an impressive athlete and defender at his age, size and gargantuan wingspan and standing reach. Those athletic tools coupled with impressive defensive versatility and excellent foul-drawing ability present some upside, even if he’ll need to develop more. Utah will not rush for Essengue to mature into an NBA contributor.
2025 NBA Mock Draft: Full First Round
31. Charlotte Hornets - Miles Byrd, F, San Diego State
Byrd’s one of the nation’s breakout players, starring for the Aztecs on both ends of the court. He’s a tenacious defender, racking up steals and blocks and defending off of the ball cerebrally. Byrd’s 3-point shooting has been excellent this season and he’s flashed NBA-caliber passing vision and manipulation. Charlotte’s wing room needs a boost and Byrd can bring that.
32. Boston Celtics - Alex Karaban, F, UConn
The Celtics churn out high feel, shooting wings and Karaban could be the next of them. He’s taken a defensive leap this season in tandem with his stellar off-ball shotmaking and quick decision-making chops. It would be reasonable to expect Karaban to crack the rotation in his first or second season.
33. Minnesota Timberwolves - Asa Newell, F/C, Georgia
Newell’s athleticism lets him dominate at the rim, dunking the ball more than most college bigs. He projects as a play finishing big with the mobility to switch out onto the perimeter while protecting the rim. Minnesota could develop Newell to bolster their frontcourt depth with a high-upside talent.
34. Charlotte Hornets - Anthony Robinson II, G, Missouri
Robinson’s sophomore leap vaulted him into draft conversations, thriving as a complementary guard for the Tigers. He’s an elite foul drawer with excellent passing numbers, defensive indicators and scoring efficiency. Robinson isn’t much of a shooter yet, but developing a shot could see him developing into a two-way rotation guard.
35. Detroit Pistons - Rasheer Fleming, F, St. Joseph’s
The Pistons’ frontcourt defense has been a sore spot this season, so it makes sense to add an athletic defender like Fleming. He’s enormous, explosive and fluid on the perimeter, projecting him as a versatile next-level defender. He’ll need to continue shooting the ball well to stick in the league, but his defensive ceiling is worth the risk.
36. Toronto Raptors - Brandon Garrison, C, Kentucky
Toronto adds another high-upside big man with the athletically gifted Garrison. His mobility separates hiim from most center prospects along with his interior defensive skills. He’s flashed enough passing, dribbling and creation to make him an intriguing offensive prospect as well.
37. Brooklyn Nets - Michael Ruzic, F, Joventut
Ruzic projects as a stretch four with shot versatility and secondary paint protection. He could stash away in Europe for a few seasons, which could be an attractive option for a Brooklyn team with a copious amount of picks in this draft.
38. Dallas Mavericks - Xaivian Lee, G, Princeton
Lee is one of the draft’s most dynamic creators, winning with excellent shift, quickness and touch all over the court. Importantly for Dallas, he’s a skilled off-ball mover, comfortable working next to other ballhandlers. His spacing, cutting and secondary creation would fit him snugly with Doncic and Irving.
39. Chicago Bulls - Tomislav Ivisic, C, Illinois
The Bulls keep Ivisic in the state, adding a spiritual successor to Nikola Vucevic in the stretch-five mold. Outside of his shooting, Ivisic is a strong interior scorer and playmaker off of the dribble. His versatile, perimeter-based skillset fits with the modern NBA’s centers and Chigago’s run-and-gun offense.
40. San Antonio Spurs - Tucker DeVries, F, West Virginia
The Spurs add another shooter on the wing in DeVries, capable of shooting off of movement and off the dribble. He’s a limited downhill creator without great burst or power, but he’s a crafty and poised handler with live dribble passing chops. Adding another versatility offensive piece in the second round often returns value.
41. Washington Wizards - Ian Jackson, G, North Carolina
Jackson has found recent success as an off-ball creator for the Tar Heels, working second-side actions to shoot and drive. His well-rounded skillset makes him a good bet to develop into a solid guard contributor in a backcourt next to another high-level creator.
42. Washington Wizards - Milan Momcilovic, F, Iowa State
Momcilovic is an elite shooting talent on the wing, posting stellar numbers throughout his career with NBA-level confidence and shot versatility. His lack of explosion will make it tougher for Momcilovic to score efficiently at the NBA level, but his shotmaking and size alone make him an intriguing prospect.
43. Indiana Pacers - Jamir Watkins, F, Florida State
Watkins profiles as a high-usage college creator who should be able to scale down at the NBA level. He can focus on his phenomenal defense, sliding stoutly on the ball and creating turnovers off of the ball. The Pacers need more wing defense, especially players as strong and physical as Watkins.
44. Atlanta Hawks - Drake Powell, F, North Carolina
The Hawks love lanky, athletic wings with moldable tools and Powell fits that. His incredible explosive twitch and movement skills elevate his defensive ceiling. If he improves as a spot-up shooter and taps into his athleticism, Powell could develop into a 3-and-D contributor for Atlanta in the near future.
45. San Antonio Spurs - Johni Broome, C/F, Auburn
Broome has been the best player in all of college basketball, dominating as an interior scorer, post creator and paint defender. Teams may question if he’ll translate to the NBA given his lack of perimeter skills as a shorter big, but he’s an undeniably good basketball player.
46. Washington Wizards - Adou Thiero, F, Arkansas
Thiero’s scoring has taken a leap in his first Arkansas season. He’s still not a reliable 3-point shooter, but Thiero destroys defenses as a power driver, foul drawer and passer. If Thiero becomes a reliable catch and shooter, he could find a home as a versatile wing with his excellent defensive event creation.
47. Oklahoma City Thunder - PJ Haggerty, G, Memphis
The Thunder love funky creators like Haggerty who play at a unique pace. He’s an effective downhill creator and craft finisher, adding another decision-maker and scorer on the perimeter to supplement OKC’s stalwart defense.
48. Cleveland Cavaliers - Joson Sanon, G, Arizona State
Sanon’s scoring lands him on draft raiders. He’s a movement shooter and pull-up shotmaker with exceptional intermediate craft. Sanon doesn’t bring much value outside of scoring, but there’s a chance he will develop into a useful second-unit scorer.
49. Golden State Warriors - Maxime Raynaud, F/C, Stanford.
Raynaud’s taken a substantial step forward this season, showcasing the full cupboard of his ball skills as a seven-footer. He’s skilled enough to attack closeouts and drive himself into the post if defenses respect his shot enough to close out. Adding another skilled big will help the Warriors maintain depth and versatility on both ends.
50. Los Angeles Lakers - Dink Pate, G, Capitanes
Dink Pate’s pick-and-roll passing coupled with impressive pull-up shooting skill makes him an intriguing long-term prospect. Despite his shortcomings as a decision-maker and defender, Pate’s talent should have a team intrigued, especially if he keeps up strong play.
51. Orlando Magic - Koby Brea, F, Kentucky
Brea is the best shooter in all of college basketball, shooting above 52% on high volume from deep this season. His immense shooting gravity opens up driving and passing lanes even if Brea is a limited creator. He’ll add a new element on the wing for Orlando as a high-volume, high-difficulty shooter.
52. Los Angeles Lakers - Mark Sears, G, Alabama
Though Sears hasn’t been the National Player of the Year level guard he was last season, he’s still an interesting prospect for those same reasons. His shooting should bounce back and if it does, he could develop into a useful rotation guard for the Lakers who can play both on and off of the ball.
53. Dallas Mavericks - RJ Luis, F, St. John’s
Late second-round swings should be reserved for fun creator bets like Luis, who wins with an excellent handle, footwork and poise as a driver. He’s not an effective shooter yet, but Luis’s defense, passing and advantage creation could lead to some interesting outcomes.
54. Charlotte Hornets - Isaiah Evans, F, Duke
In his limited minutes for the Blue Devils this season, Evans’ scoring talent has popped. He’s a tall movement shooter with difficult shotmaking ability. He’ll need plenty of physical and strength development to survive on defense and in the paint, but he’s talented enough to stash in the G League and see what he can become.
55. Memphis Grizzlies - Walter Clayton Jr., G, Florida
Clayton Jr. projects as a high-octane shooter both on and off of the ball. He’s a phenomenal off-ball mover with some pick-and-roll creation chops, making him a great scalable guard bet. Memphis loves drafting solid basketball players without standout tools and Clayton Jr. fits.
56. New York Knicks - Donnie Freeman, F, Syracuse
The Knicks swing on a wing creator in Freeman, who can create his own shot off of the dribble and flashes solid driving with his strength and flexibility. His tools make him an intriguing flier late in the draft if he can increase his defensive activity and develop into a consistent outside shooter.
57. Orlando Magic - Danny Wolf, C, Michigan
No draft would be complete without Orlando drafting another Michigan Wolverine. Wolf is a point center, operating pick and rolls, tossing flashy passes and scoring off of the dribble. His high skill level as a seven-footer could suggest an intriguing upside as an offensive hub big.
58. Houston Rockets - Ryan Kalkbrenner, C, Creighton
Kalkbrenner’s towering presence at the rim will add a new element to Houston’s center room as a true shot-blocking seven-footer. He’s shown the ability to space out and shoot occasional threes alongside his excellent post-scoring. Players as tall and technically sound as Kalkbrenner often develop into useful NBA players.
59. Cleveland Cavaliers - JT Toppin, F/C, Texas Tech
Toppin’s an electric, explosive vertical athlete, scoring efficiently at the rim, on the glass and defending the basket. The Cavs could use a part-time energy big who can finish plays and defend to spell Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen when needed.
2025 NBA Mock Draft: Full draft picture, first and second round
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