NBA mock draft 2025: Massive adjustments to first spherical projection after Cooper Flagg goes No. 1

The 2025 NBA Draft class is absolutely coming into focus with March Insanity across the nook. Whereas the hype of this class has worn off barely because the season has gone on, it’s nonetheless a robust group of incoming expertise outlined by excessive upside swings all through the lottery.

Duke’s Cooper Flagg is the apparent No. 1 choose. He’s lived as much as the hype throughout his freshman yr with the Blue Devils, and might be anticipated to be an All-NBA participant by the point he reaches his prime. Behind Flagg, there are a selection of prospects who’ve a pathway to NBA stardom but additionally have scary draw back eventualities in the event that they don’t hit.

There’s been numerous adjustments since our final mock draft. Oklahoma’s Jeremy Fears and Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe are among the many risers, whereas BYU’s Egor Demin is the largest faller. Right here’s how we see the 2025 NBA Draft class proper now, with brief scouting reviews on each potential first-round choose.

1. Washington Wizards – Cooper Flagg, F, Duke

Flagg resides as much as the ‘generational’ tag, and proving for sure that he’s in a tier of his personal on this class. Flagg appears like a team-building cheat-code: at 6’9 with a 7-foot wingspan, he’s a virtually elite run-and-jump athlete with a continuous motor with supreme versatility on each ends of the ground. He’s a dominant defensive prospect who can defend the rim and routinely make large performs off-ball. Offensively, Flagg is already a killer play-finisher, transition menace, and offensive rebounder who’s flashing potential a jumbo on-ball creator. This can be a legit franchise-changing prospect who will ceaselessly bolster the trajectory of the fortunate staff that wins the lottery to land him.

2. Utah Jazz – Dylan Harper, G, Rutgers

Harper is a large lead guard with a particular talent for getting downhill. At 6’6, 215 kilos with a reported 6’10 wingspan, the Rutgers freshman can strain the rim at will and has proven spectacular crowning glory regardless of not being an explosive above-the-rim athlete.His capability to separate pick-and-roll defenders is mesmerizing to observe, and thus far he’s proven great craft on his capability to hit layups. Harper is extra of a scorer than a playmaker for the time being, however he’s proven he can deal with the keys to an offense with a virtually 30 p.c help charge and near a 2:1 help to turnover ratio. With solely common explosiveness, Harper might want to show he’s higher than the common shooter he’s been to date at Rutgers. Nonetheless, his capability to get to the basket, hound smaller guards defensively, and deal with major utilization with above-average scoring effectivity has made him the clear No. 2 prospect on this class behind Flagg.

3. New Orleans Pelicans – V.J. Edgecombe, G, Baylor

Edgecombe is essentially the most athletic guard the category, and currently he’s making actual strides along with his talent stage. Whereas he’s a bit of undersized at 6’3 with a reported 6’6 wingspan, Edgecombe has absurd explosion that he makes use of to drive turnovers, end on the rim, and create benefits in opposition to a set protection. Lengthy-term, he has the instruments to develop right into a lead shot creator with a depraved first step and next-level hangtime across the basket to transform layups or draw fouls. Edgecombe’s protection ought to translate to the league instantly. He’s an superior off-ball playmaker, with an enormous 3.3 p.c block charge fora guard and a 4.2 steal charge, and likewise has the potential to lock up on the ball. The massive query right here his capturing, however even that has improved: he’s making 47.4 p.c of his threes on 5.2 makes an attempt per sport over his final 11 video games. On a spaced out NBA ground, Edgecombe’s pace and athleticism ought to really feel much more spectacular.

4. Charlotte Hornets – Ace Bailey, F, Rutgers

Bailey is essentially the most polarizing participant within the class, but nonetheless looks as if a lock for the top-5 because of his mixture of dimension, youth, shot-making, and athleticism. At 6’10 with a 7-foot wingspan, Bailey performs with a relentless inexperienced gentle, which ends up in him taking and making some ridiculous pictures from the perimeter. One of many youngest gamers on this class with an Aug. 2006 birthday, Bailey is oozing with uncooked expertise however nonetheless must discover ways to truly play basketball. He is without doubt one of the most reticent passers I’ve ever scouted, and has solely recorded 16 assists in his first 16 video games. His lack of really feel exhibits up defensively at instances too, however his bodily instruments are so good that he can typically get well to the ball. A wager on Bailey this excessive would require a staff believing they’ll proceed to show him the sport, which isn’t a nasty wager for a participant this younger and this proficient.

5. Brooklyn Nets – Khaman Maluach, C, Duke

Maluach has performed a slim position in his freshman season at Duke, nevertheless it appears like he’s simply scratching the floor of his long-term potential. The Duke heart has elite bodily instruments for an NBA heart at 7’2, 250 kilos with a reported 9’8 standing attain. He’s primarily been in a catch-and-dunk position to date, however he’s additionally placing up one of the environment friendly scoring seasons a draft prospect has ever had. Via his first 20 video games, the South Sudan native is capturing a surprising 75.6 p.c from the sphere. He’s a monster on the offensive glass and has critical upside as a rim protector, although his timing feels a half-second late as a shot blocker proper now. Maluach has unhealthy fingers and is completely incapable of constructing performs for his teammates, which might considerably cap his upside if it doesn’t enhance. Nonetheless, he’s flashed sufficient ball dealing with and capturing capability within the BAL earlier than enrolling at Duke to make groups suppose he has one other stage to get to along with his talent.

6. Toronto Raptors – Kasparas Jakucionis, G, Illinois

Jakucionis’ excellent manufacturing throughout his freshman season ought to earn him seems within the draft beginning at No. 3. The Illini level guard has best-in-class imaginative and prescient and creativity as a passer, with a uncommon capability to move his teammates open and ship dimes from all angles. Jakucionis additionally places strain on opposing defenses as a scorer: his stepback three going left is a deadly weapon, and he’s proven an unimaginable knack for attending to the foul line this season. His 64 p.c true capturing is an unbelievable quantity for a guard — particularly one like Jakucionis who lacks elite athletic traits. It’s truthful to marvel if the foul drawing will translate to the subsequent stage, as a result of the Lithuanian is proscribed along with his burst. He additionally wants to chop down on his turnovers and his fouls on protection. Up to now, Jakucionis is a significantly better capturing off the dribble than he’s off the catch, which limits his capability as a ground spacer. He isn’t defensive prospect regardless of having good power for his age. There’s a pathway for Jakucionis to be a very good place to begin guard within the NBA, however his margins might be slim as a result of his lack of athletic explosion.

7. Portland Path Blazers – Asa Newell, F, Georgia

Newell is an enormous ahead who can end performs with energy across the rim and supply some paint safety defensively. At 6’10, the Georgia freshman has hammered residence 43 dunks in his first 21 video games whereas capturing 73 p.c on the rim. He’s been a monster on the offensive glass with a 15.2 p.c o-board charge that ranks top-30 in America, per KenPom. Newell has been attempting to point out off his three-point stroke for NBA groups, and whereas he’s not a shooter but (13-for-47 from deep to date), it’s encouraging that he’s not scared to take them. Scouts will query Newell’s really feel for the sport with nearly as many turnovers as assists, and they’re going to marvel if he’s lengthy sufficient (7-foot wingspan) to capably maintain down minutes on the 5. Newell might must be in a extra restricted play-finishing position to be at his finest, but when he finds the proper entrance courtroom match, he has the instruments to be a productive participant.

8. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder (through 76ers) – Jeremy Fears, G, Oklahoma

Fears confirmed a number of indictors for star potential throughout his purple scorching begin as a freshman at Oklahoma. He’s cooled down a bit in convention play in opposition to a troublesome SEC schedule, however there’s nonetheless a lot to love about his long-term projection. The 6’4 guard has actual shot creation potential with a decent deal with and the power go move into pull-up jumpers. He’s carried a sky-high utilization charge (31 p.c) at a younger age (he turned 18 in Oct.) with above-average scoring effectivity (58 p.c true capturing). Fears’ three-ball hasn’t been falling currently and his lack of power can get him in some unhealthy spots, however he’s a worthy long-term creation wager after the highest prospects are off the board.

9. Chicago Bulls – Collin Murray-Boyles, F/C, South Carolina

Murray-Boyles bypassed the draft final yr to return to South Carolina for his sophomore season, and has pulled off the uncommon feat of accelerating his utilization whereas enhancing his scoring effectivity and sustaining his elite stage defensively. There might be skepticism about how he’ll deal with the NBA as a 6’7 large man and not using a dependable outdoors shot, however his manufacturing and flashes of translatable talent ought to give groups optimism. Murray-Boyles is highly effective 245-pound athlete who assaults the opposition aggressively at each ends of the ground. He’s the among the best defensive prospects on this class as an enormous who can blow up pick-and-rolls, drive turnovers on digs, and supply stout paint safety regardless of his lack of dimension. On offense, Murray-Boyles can play within the brief roll along with his spectacular passing capability whereas producing energy as a downhill scorer. He’s been capable of create seems for himself at instances along with his mixture of power, dealing with, and contact. He’s additionally a strong screener. His manufacturing is tough to argue with, however it will likely be fascinating to see how groups view his projection come draft time.

10. San Antonio Spurs – Tre Johnson, G, Texas

Tre Johnson’s upside is tied to how his nuclear capturing capability interprets to the best ranges. The 6’6 freshman wing is hitting 38 p.c of his threes on 6.6 makes an attempt per sport, exhibiting a fast launch and the power to hit pictures after off-ball motion. The issue is Johnson simply doesn’t have a well-rounded sport: he’s restricted as a ball handler and infrequently will get to the foul or foul line, and he additionally almost as many turnovers as assists. If Johnson can survive on the defensive finish, he ought to have sufficient gravity as a shooter to present himself actual offensive utility even along with his flaws.

11. San Antonio Spurs (through Hawks) – Derik Queen, C, Maryland

It will be straightforward to write down off Queen’s NBA translation as an undersized large man with solely common athleticism and no actual three-point shot, however that will overlook all the pieces that’s made him particular as a freshman for Maryland. The beefy 6’10 large man can create offense with the ball in his fingers with a sophisticated deal with for his participant his dimension. He can use his large body to create house when he will get going downhill, and he’s proven comfortable contact (72.5 p.c on the rim) when he will get in shut. Queen might want to minimize down his turnovers and become a greater passer, however there might be extra consideration on his capturing projection. He’s been strong from the foul line this yr (76 p.c), however is just 2-of-22 from three. A novel participant who would require a exact match to hit his highest finish outcomes, Queen’s projected vary might be one of many wider on this class.

12. Golden State Warriors – Ben Saraf, G, Ulm

The 6’5 level guard out of Israel is placing collectively a powerful season within the German league at 18 years outdated. Saraf has full management of the sport as a lead guard, exhibiting nice passing imaginative and prescient and a strong mid-range pull-up jumper he can use as a scoring weapon. The problem with Saraf is his three-point shot hasn’t been falling and he falls beneath the NBA common in run-and-jump athleticism for a guard. Nonetheless, Saraf has sufficient similarities to Kasparas Jakucionis to demand lottery seems if the Illini freshman goes top-5.

13. Atlanta Hawks – Labaron Philon, G, Alabama

Philon struggles to shoot from deep and is proscribed athletically, however nonetheless leaves an indelible imprint in each sport. The 6’4 freshman from Alabama has plus power and instincts and makes use of it to make all types of profitable performs. He’s rebounder for his place, he can lock down defensively, and his flashes of bullying his method via defenses as a pick-and-roll ball handler are spectacular. Philon has showcased good contact inside and a capability to self-create seems off the dribble, so his sub 30 p.c three-point stroke shouldn’t be too scary for his professional projection. He simply seems like a task participant who does all of the little issues to assist groups compete.

14. Dallas Mavericks – Kon Knueppel, G, Duke

Knueppel’s manufacturing hasn’t fairly matched his preseason hype, however there’s nonetheless participant right here with translatable NBA expertise. The thick 6’7 wing can play on- or off-the-ball offensively, with spectacular poise working within the pick-and-roll and the power to bomb away from three-point vary off the catch. Knueppel lacks the size and explosion you normally see out of NBA wings, which makes his defensive projection an enormous query mark and places extra emphasis on his must shoot at a excessive stage. Whereas the thought some had of him as a possible top-5 choose feels too optimistic, his dribble-pass-shoot talent set turns into extra interesting regardless of his limitations in direction of the center of the primary spherical.

15. Minnesota Timberwolves – Liam McNeely, F, UConn

McNeeley’s case for a top-20 choose begins along with his capability to be among the best shooters on this draft class. The 6’7 freshman wing is making 38 p.c of his threes on 9.5 makes an attempt per 100 possessions. He’s displayed connective passing traits and has simply sufficient ball dealing with juice to beat a scrambling shut out. McNeeley is proscribed athletically which can damage his protection and rim ending (he solely has one dunk this yr), however he’s a excessive ground prospect with sufficient offensive expertise to remain on the ground.

16. Orlando Magic – Jase Richardson, G, Michigan State

Jase Richardson has gone from legacy recruit to immediate impression freshman at Michigan State. Richardson is a bit of small (listed at 6’3) and doesn’t have his father’s elite athleticism, however he’s an extremely sensible participant who is aware of choose his spots on the ground. Richardson is a ridiculously environment friendly scorer making 64 p.c of his two-pointers, 41 p.c of his threes, and 82 p.c of his free throws. Whereas he’s not an incredible playmaker, he additionally not often makes errors, boasting a virtually a 2:1 assist-to-turnover ratio. Richardson has performed with low utilization (17.6 p.c) to date, and it’s arduous to say how he’d scale as much as an even bigger position in opposition to greatest and extra athletic competitors. If nothing else, Richardson simply is aware of play, and has confirmed he’s already rattling good in opposition to outdated competitors in school.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL: JAN 25 Georgetown at Providence

17. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder (through Warmth) – Thomas Sorber, C, Georgetown

Sorber has been among the best freshmen surprises of the season, going from the No. 40 total recruit within the RSCI to a possible top-20 choose throughout his debut season with at Georgetown. The 6’10 large man has performed with imposing physicality at each ends of the ground. He’s an excellent rebounder, a troublesome display screen setter, and might take in contact within the paint defensively whereas nonetheless difficult the shot. He’s flashed the connective passing traits that NBA groups love out of their large males, and he seems like a strong finisher inside. Sorber doesn’t have a three-point shot for the time being, he’s a bit undersized for a middle, and he’s not a fast twitch athlete, however his highly effective and environment friendly sport will get the job carried out.

18. Houston Rockets (through Suns) – Nolan Traore, G, France

Traoe was thought-about a possible top-5 choose coming into the season, however an up-and-down yr for Saint-Quentin within the high French professional league has out of the blue made him one of many class’ most divisive prospects. The 6’5 guard has an intriguing mixture of pace, playmaking, and rim strain that might translate effectively because the NBA pushes the tempo to new heights yearly. The problem is that he isn’t an inefficient scorer proper now (47 p.c true capturing) with simply common vertical pop across the basket and a shaky three-point shot. The 18-year-old is dealing with an infinite utilization charge (31 p.c) whereas going through harder competitors than any school participant, so possibly the concept that he’s sliding on this draft is totally overblown.

19. Utah Jazz (through Timberwolves) – Noah Penda, F, Le Mans

Penda is a protracted and beefy ahead out of France who has proven nice two-way versatility in a troublesome league as a 20-year-old. At 6’8 with a reported 7-foot wingspan, Penda seems like an incredible defensive prospect who has made some strides on offense. Whereas he’s restricted when it comes to each his pace and explosion, Penda is tremendous sturdy and at all times appears to know the place to be defensively. He’s put up monster defensive playmaking stats (3.3 p.c steal charge and 5.4 p.c block charge) that showcase his phenomenal defensive consciousness. Penda isn’t going to beat many gamers off the dribble, however he has some stuff you possibly can work with offensively if he can shoot it at a league-average stage. He’s a wise cutter and good passer who contributes on the offensive glass. Each staff desires lengthy forwards with sturdy really feel for the sport, and Penda checks these packing containers.

20. Indiana Pacers – Noa Essengue, F, Ulm

Essengue is a 6’9 French ahead who deserves first spherical seems for his athletic instruments, constantly excessive motor, and strong productiveness as an 18-year-old within the German league. He has a particular talent for drawing fouls along with his capability to deal with the ball a bit within the open ground and discover openings on cuts across the basket. He’ll present some supplemental shot-blocking however can even get buried by stronger and longer gamers. His three-point shot (23.3 p.c on his first 60 makes an attempt) is his large swing talent.

21. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder (through Clippers) – Ian Jackson, G, UNC

Jackson is a microwave scorer who has been on hearth to start out convention play for North Carolina. The 6’5 guard is a blur with the ball in his fingers who shines in transition and might create scoring alternatives for himself within the halfcourt. He’s been a strong shooter from deep to date at 39 p.c from three, however nearly all of his makes are assisted. Jackson doesn’t move a lot and his skinny body will give groups pause defensively. He’s additionally a lot older than a typical freshman, turning 20 in Feb. Jackson definitely has some purple flags as a prospect, however simply turning into a greater pull-up shooter would assist his projection immensely. Groups will at all times want guards who can create a bucket, and Jackson can do this.

22. Atlanta Hawks (through Lakers) – Johni Broome, C, Auburn

Broome has been the perfect participant in school basketball this yr, and it’s introduced renewed curiosity in his professional projection. The 6’10, 235-pound large man is an absolute bulldozer as an inside scorer, has confirmed nice shot-making contact from mid-range (almost 50 p.c on his first 63 mid-range twos), and he’s a adequate passer and decision-maker to be the hub of an offense. Broome has been a unbelievable rim protector (10 p.c block charge) and rebounder on each ends of the ground, and people expertise aren’t going to vanish simply because he’s a bit undersized for an NBA 5. As a fifth-year school participant there’s certain to be loads of skepticism about Broome’s NBA potential, however he’s been so rattling good this yr that he deserves an opportunity.

23. Brooklyn Nets (through Bucks) – Egor Demin, G, BYU

I used to be responsible of shopping for the early hype on Demin throughout his scorching begin in opposition to a cupcake schedule. His manufacturing plummeted as BYU entered convention play, exposing his lack of pace and explosiveness and his shaky outdoors shot. The thought of Demin as a 6’9 level guard with panoramic imaginative and prescient continues to be intriguing long-term, however he’s going to wish to up his talent stage and alter his physique to beat the considerations about his instruments.

24. Orlando Magic (through Nuggets) – Miles Byrd, San Diego State

Miles Byrd’s breakout season at San Diego State has marked him as among the best potential 3-and-D wings within the class. Byrd has made main strides as a shooter, going from 31.1 p.c on 2.2 makes an attempt per sport from three final season to 35.8 p.c on 6.2 per sport this yr. His defensive markers are much more encouraging: his 5.2 p.c block charge and 4.4 p.c steal charge are monster numbers that present his athleticism, motor, and instincts. The 6’7 wing can proceed to point out extra off the dribble, however he appears like he could be an impactful participant with out sucking up a ton of utilization on an NBA ground. Whereas he’s technically in his third yr of school basketball. Byrd doesn’t flip 21 years outdated till Sept. and is already exhibiting he might be a late bloomer.

25. Memphis Grizzlies – Rasheer Fleming, F, Saint Joseph’s

Fleming has been a revelation throughout his junior season, catching the NBA’s consideration for his huge body, spectacular defensive playmaking, improved capturing, and powerful ending on the rim. Fleming has splendid dimension for an NBA 4 at 6’9, 220+ kilos with a reported 7’5 wingspan. He’s been capable of leverage these extremely lengthy arms to get blocks (5.1 p.c block charge) and steals (3.1 p.c steal charge) all season within the Atlantic-10. He’s additionally been cleansing the glass at each ends of the ground this yr, together with a 24.9 p.c defensive rebound charge that almost ranks top-50 within the nation. Fleming has made an enormous leap as a three-point shooter this yr (40.4 p.c on his first 89 makes an attempt), however he’s principally recognized for his inside scoring. He’s making 69 p.c of his pictures on the rim to date, and has hammered in 29 dunks in his first 20 video games. Fleming doesn’t create off the bounce a lot and groups would possibly nonetheless have skepticism about his shot given his non-existent mid-range sport and poor free throw capturing numbers. His mixture of dimension and manufacturing ought to nonetheless be sufficient to get him seems later within the first spherical.

26. Brooklyn Nets (through Knicks) – Kam Jones, Marquette

Jones has a case as being the perfect guard in school basketball this yr after his important enchancment as a playmaker within the wake of Tyler Kolek’s departure from Marquette. The 6’5 senior guard has upped his help charge type 16.6 p.c final yr to 40.3 p.c this season, which ranks top-10 within the nation. As Jones has soaked up extra utilization, it’s come at the price of his capturing: he was a 40.6 p.c three-point shooter final yr, and thats dipped to 32.7 p.c this yr. Jones can shoot it so groups shouldn’t be too fearful about that. He’s a strong worth late in spherical one as a possible backup guard.

27. Boston Celtics – Hugo González, F, Actual Madrid

Gonzalez has been on the NBA’s radar for some time after some sturdy showings at FIBA youth tournaments in recent times. Enjoying time has been arduous to return by this season for the soon-to-be 19-year-old on among the best golf equipment in Europe, however he nonetheless has the bodily instruments that attraction to scouts. An athletic 6’6 ahead with a robust body, Gonzalez makes vitality performs defensively and on the glass, and has proven some progress along with his three-point stroke. If groups imagine in his shot (which has solely hit at 28.6 p.c this yr on low quantity), he may go a lot larger than this.

28 Brooklyn Nets (through Rockets) – Donnie Freeman, F, Syracuse

Freeman has had an up-and-down season and is out proper now with a foot harm, however he’s intrigued each since his standout run on the McDonald’s All-American Recreation practices. Freeman has tons of expertise as a protracted and athletic 6’10 ahead with a straightforward capturing stroke. He’s been a monster on the defensive glass this yr, and his contact from the foul line (80 p.c) and deep vary ought to give groups assured he’ll shoot the three ball higher than he did earlier than the foot harm. Freeman is one thing of a lottery ticket choice, however he’s acquired the instruments groups desires.

29. Phoenix Suns (through Cavs) – Drake Powell, F, North Carolina

It’s straightforward to see what NBA like about Powell’s long-term projection as a protracted and athletic 6’6 wing who could make performs on protection and hit some catch-and-shoot threes. His manufacturing has been inconsistent a lot of the season, making him a premium candidate to return to highschool for sophomore yr in an try to spice up his draft inventory. If he does declare, groups may nonetheless speak themselves into him as a long-term high-energy wing who can maintain the ground spaced with a 37.5 p.c three-point stroke to date.

30. Los Angeles Clippers (through Thunder) – Flory Bidunga, C/F, Kansas

Bidunga was a 5-star recruit who gained an even bigger position on Kansas throughout KJ Adams’ current harm. An excellent bouncy 6’9 large man, Bidunga can end performs with energy above the rim on each ends of the ground. He doesn’t provide any capturing or creation, however he’s finisher inside and an absurdly fluid athlete.