The 2025 NBA Draft is finally here. Rumors and mock drafts will end, and players’ dreams will become realities. This draft has a chance to be hectic after the top two picks, and it is extremely exciting. Fans will fall in love with whoever their team picks, even if they didn’t like the player, and players will have new homes.
To keep this mock draft simple, there will be no trades, but there is expected to be a lot of action during the draft. The Nets alone have five first-round picks, and it would be a stunner if they don’t make at least one deal, if not multiple.
Cooper Flagg has been the projected number one pick since the beginning of the season, and now it will become a reality. He will give the Mavericks a new face of the franchise for years to come. He can do it all on offense, and he is an elite defender with versatility. Flagg plays the game the right way, and he is one of the best prospects in recent memory. Dallas should run the pick in as soon as they are on the clock.
The Spurs don’t need a point guard, but Dyan Harper is too good to pass up. He is a wicked pick and roll player with his decision making, as well as his ability to get downhill and finish or spray the ball out to shooters. He has great size for the position as he is 6’6, and it shows on the court. Harper would be the best playmaker on the Spurs when he gets drafted, and he would be a perfect fit with Victor Wembenyama for the foreseeable future.
The 76ers are the toughest team to figure out at the top of the draft, as no one is a seamless fit, but VJ Edgedcombe makes the most sense. He is an elite athlete who profiles as a juiced-up 3-and-D guard. He is at his best when getting downhill and attacking the basket, but he can shoot from distance as well. Edgecombe is a great fit next to Tyrese Maxey as he won’t demand the ball, and he can help make up for the star guard’s defensive weaknesses.
The Hornets strike out on Edgecombe, but Kon Knueppel is a great consolation prize as he is a great fit in Charlotte. He is an elite shooter, but he is also capable of creating for himself as well as others. With both LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller being ball-dominant players, adding a player in Knueppel who is arguably most effective playing off the ball is a home run pick. He will make life easier on the two Hornets stars with his spacing and perimeter defense.
The Jazz need to find a dynamic offensive player to lead their backcourt for the foreseeable future, and Jeremiah Fears can do so. He is extremely explosive with the ball, and he thrives when getting downhill. He needs to find consistency with his shot, but he had multiple games this season where he flashed as a shooter. There is a chance that Fears isn’t able to handle the size and physicality at the next level, as he is a smaller guard, but his upside is worth the risk for a team like the Jazz.
The Wizards have done a good job over the past few drafts, landing impactful rotation players, but they are missing an offensive engine. That would change with Ace Bailey, as he is one of the most gifted scorers in the entire draft. He can score from anywhere on the court, no matter how tough the shot is. There are concerns with his overall feel for the game due to his lack of playmaking and defensive lapses, but his talent is undeniable. The Wizards need to find a franchise player, and Bailey has the upside to become one.
If the Pelicans are going to continue building around Zion Williamson, they need to add more shooting, and Tre Johnson is one of the best offensive talents in the class. He is a lethal shooter from everywhere on the court, as well as a pure shot creator. He is arguably the best scorer in the entire draft. Johnson will provide a major boost in the Pelicans backcourt for years to come, and he pairs extremely well with the current roster.
The Nets can go in any direction they want here, but getting a point guard should be a top priority. Kasparas Jackucionas is one of the better lead guards in the class due to his mix of size, playmaking, and shooting. He displayed the ability to play both on and off the ball at Illinois, and that is very valuable at the next level. Jackucionas is great in the open court, and he knows how to create separation and get himself open.
Khaman Maluach feels destined to be a Raptor on Wednesday. He is the prototypical player that Tornot usually targets, as he is a versatile defender who is full of athleticism and upside. Maluach is a raw player at the moment, but he has the upside to become a defensive anchor. Outside of Jakob Poeltl, the Raptors don’t have another reliable center on the roster, so adding the Duke big man makes a lot of sense. Toronto can let Maluach ease into things and turn the keys over to him in a few years.
The Suns need to add defensive-minded players with size in the draft, and that is exactly what Collin Murray-Boyles is. He is a physical forward who can operate as a small-ball five in spurts. CMB isn’t much of a floor spacer on offense, but he has great touch around the basket and great feel for the game as a passer. Defensively is where he will make his money, as he is extremely versatile with his ability to guard multiple positions, and he has great instincts.
The Trailblazers could use another versatile wing, and Carter Bryant is the best one available. He isn’t a flashy player, but he seemingly always makes the right play. He is a playmaker on the defensive end with versatility, and a floor spacer and play finisher on offense. Portland is building a team full of size and athleticism, and Bryant is a perfect fit.
Derik Queen is a perfect successor to Nikola Vucevic for the Bulls. He has the skills of a guard despite being 6’10, and he fits the Bulls fast-paced style to a tee. He can grab the ball and run the fast break, as well as create for himself in the half-court. There are concerns about Queen as a defender, but the Bulls simply need to continue adding talent, and there aren’t many players more talented than the Maryland star.
It is clear that the Hawks are moving forward with Trae Young as their franchise player, so finding pieces that fit around him is the Hawks main priority, and Cedric Coward is a seamless fit. He is a true 3-and-D wing with the potential to become so much more. He won’t offer much more than shooting on day one, but there is a lot of room for him to grow as an all-around shot creator. Defensively, Coward has the chance to become a disruptor who can guard multiple positions if he puts on weight. He won’t need to do to,o much right away for the Hawks given their depth, and that should help him ease into things.
Noa Essengue feels like a typical Spurs pick, as he is a versatile wing with a lot of untapped potential. He is still trying to figure things out on the offensive end, but he is at his best when getting downhill and attacking the basket in transition. Defensively is where he should thrive due to his length and athleticism. The Spurs tend to like these types of players, so it would make a lot of sense for them to take Essengue.
The Thunder don’t have any needs, but they could use another big man, and Thomas Sorber is the best on the board. He is an old-school big as he operates with his back to the basket, but he has great instincts with the ball in his hands as a playmaker. Defensively, he likely won’t be a major rim protector, but he moves his feet well and causes disruptions with his elite processing and feel for the game. The Thunder have the luxury to let Sorber slowly work his way back from his foot injury, and have him at 100% when they need him most.
Jase Richardson is a smooth-scoring guard who can play on and off the ball. With the trade of Demond Bane, the Grizzlies need to add some offensive juice, and the Michigan State freshman can add some. He is undersized, so it is unclear what his exact role will be at the next level, but he showed he can hold his own on defense. Richardson feels like a Grizzlies player, and he fills a major need on offense for Memphis.
The Timberwolves love size and athleticism, and that is a perfect way to describe Joan Beringer. He is an extremely raw athlete who is still trying to figure out how to play the sport. While he likely wouldn’t make much of an immediate impact, he has the upside to become a dominant defensive anchor. Berniger would get to sit and learn from Rudy Gobert and eventually take over as his successor. If he can figure out how to put his athleticism and size to use, he should become an elite defensive player.
The Wizards added a scorer earlier, and now they get an elite playmaker to set him up for easy looks. Egor Demin has elite size for a point guard as he is 6’9, and it shows when he is dicing up opposing defenses. His scoring is a work in progress as he is a streaky shooter at best, and he doesn’t put much pressure on the rim. If Demin can become a more consistent shooter or scorer, he will become a franchise point guard, as his passing is already elite, and he has the size that every team wants.
Danny Wolf is a fun player as he has one of the most unorthodox play styles in the draft. He is a skilled big man who can function as a secondary playmaker at the next level, as well as handle the ball and space the floor. Wolf would be a fun fit next to Nic Claxton, as he is a vastly different player, and they would complement each other well as their strengths make up for each other’s weaknesses. To fulfill his potential, Wolf will need to limit his turnovers and improve around the basket; otherwise, he likely won’t be much more than a backup big.
The Heat need an offensive spark, and Walter Clayton Jr. catches fire as quickly as anyone in the draft. He is a ridiculous shooter off the ball and one of the toughest shot makers in the draft. His fit with Tyler Herro would be a bit odd, as neither is a true playmaker, but they are both capable decision-makers, and they will take pressure off each other. Clayton Jr. has been rising up boards all season, and his magical March Madness run may have solidified his spot in the top twenty.
The Jazz are likely to trade John Collins, and Asa Newell is a seamless replacement. He isn’t as skilled as the former Hawks big man, but he is a springy athlete who lives on the glass and brings defensive versatility. He would give Utah a fun frontcourt group with Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler, and Taylor Hendricks. Newell will need some time to develop, but the Jazz aren’t contending anytime soon, so they can give him the necessary time to grow.
The Nets need to continue adding talent, regardless of the position, and Liam McNeeley is one of the best players still available. He will primarily be a shooter at the next level, as that is his bread and butter on offense. Defensively, he won’t be a stopper by any means, but he is a good team defender and connector. McNeeley will be a nice fit in between fellow rookies Jackucionas and Danny Wolf, as he will open up the floor for them.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a great fit at center for the Pelicans here, but Rasheer Fleming gives New Orleans the ability to run small ball. He is a 3-and-D wing who will likely be a connector and play finisher at the next level. He has good size and strength that will allow him to play the five in smaller lineups. Fleming’s three-point shot will determine how effective he is at the next level, but his recent improvement is a great sign for his long-term development.
It would be a stunner if Nique Clifford was still on the board this late, but he is in this scenario, and the Thunder can’t make the pick fast enough. He is a versatile defensive wing who has improved as an offensive player every year. He fits Oklahoma City’s style of play as he is at his best when he is out in transition, and the Thunder thrive when they get out and run. Clifford is an older prospect who will be able to contribute right away, but his role will be determined by how well his shot carries over from college to the pros.
The Magic still don’t have a traditional playmaking point guard on their roster, but Nolan Traore would fix that. He was projected to be a top-five pick before the season began, but a rough start caused him to plummet down draft boards. As his season went on, he began playing much better, and he showcased what made him a first-round talent over the summer. Figuring out how Traore will score at the next level is the hardest part right now, as he is an up-and-down shooter, but at worst, he will be a backup playmaking guard.
The Nets get to reunite the Illinois star freshman by taking Will Riley here. He is an intriguing prospect due to his upside as a shooter with size, but right now, he is still up-and-down from beyond the arc. Brooklyn will be able to give him the on-ball reps that he needs to continue his development as an all-around player. Riley has the upside to wind up being one of the better players from this class down the road, but he is still very raw at the moment and needs time to reach his full potential.
The Nets have added a lead guard, a shooter, a versatile wing, and a big so far, and now they add a defensive monster in Adou Thiero. He is an athletic wing with an elite motor. Thiero is at his best on offense when getting downhill in transition, but in the half-court, he is still trying to figure out a true plan. If he can improve as a shooter, he will be a very impactful player at the next level due to his defense and rebounding.
The Celtics need a center, and Ryan Kalkbrenner fits perfectly. He is an elite rim protector and a great pick-and-roll player. Luke Kornet is set to be a free agent, and the Creighton star is very similar in how he plays. Kalkbrenner would be able to make an immediate impact as a defender and become a core rotation player for Boston for years to come.
Maxime Raynaud is a very skilled offensive big who has defensive questions. With the addition of a defensive-minded big in Collin Murray-Boyles earlier in the draft, Phoenix can now add an offensive-minded center. Raynaud can space the floor, as well as play in the post, as he is a true 7-footer. The Suns need to add complementary pieces alongside Devin Booker and Jalen Green, and Raynaud gives them one on the offensive end.
Ben Saraf is a work in progress as a scorer, but he has great size for a point guard, and he is one of the best passers in the class. The Clippers could use some backcourt depth behind James Harden, and Saraf is a good fit as he can replicate some of the playmaking. This pick is also a potential solution for eventual life without Harden, if he develops into a starting-caliber guard.
The 2025 NBA Draft has a chance to be wild in terms of action and surprises. After the top two picks, everything is up in the air, and it should make for a very eventful draft. The storyline of where Ace Bailey will land will be a major topic of discussion all night long. Everyone will be watching the Nets to see how aggressive they are with their five first-round picks. People will be wondering if the Thunder will make an aggressive move up with all of their draft capital. There are countless storylines to pay attention to on draft night, and it should be full of excitement.
For more 2025 NBA Draft content, check out these articles: Analyzing The Big 2025 NBA Draft Prospects: Ideal Matches For Each Team. 2025 NBA Draft My Guys- Derik Queen, Egor Demin, And More Big Names
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