2025 NBA Mock Draft 7.0: Predicting all 59 picks, with Ace Bailey sliding
The 2025 NBA Draft is less than one week away, which means we will soon know exactly where each of the top prospects will begin their NBA careers.
While there is near certainty toward the top of the draft with Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper, it gets a bit murkier surrounding where Ace Bailey may eventually land. There a wide range of outcomes, including many possible trade scenarios that could change the landscape. These projections are based on the order as it stands, however, and it does not project trades.
We expect at least a couple transactions on draft night, though, with teams like the Houston Rockets as well as the Toronto Raptors and Brooklyn Nets expected to make some moves.
The following mock draft is based on our research and contains original reporting with quotes from prospects including Dylan Harper, Kon Knueppel, Jeremiah Fears, Cedric Coward, Asa Newell, and Thomas Sorber.
All heights are listed without shoes measured at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine in Chicago or Treviso.
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1. Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg
TEAM: Duke
POSITION: Wing
HEIGHT: 6' 7.75''
DRAFT AGE: 18.5
The 2025 NBA Draft Lottery was effectively a launching ground for Duke sensation Cooper Flagg to find out what team he will play for next season and beyond. It was the Mavericks who shockingly got the opportunity, and we shouldn't expect them to trade the pick.
Flagg was long considered the favorite at No. 1 overall (we wrote about it when he was 15 years old) and he made that even more clear when he dominated against Team USA during a friendly scrimmage before they won gold at the Olympics. He then exceeded all expectations while he was in college, accomplishing just about everything except winning a national championship.
Something that NBA fans should adore about Flagg: While the Mavericks reportedly decided long before they met with him that he was their pick at No. 1 overall, according to The Stein Line, he still 'insisted' that he still work out on the court for the team and he 'made a very favorable' impression.
'He doesn't turn it off. That's one of the best compliments I can give,' Kon Knueppel, his Duke college roommate and teammate, recently told For The Win. 'He is just a humble dude who loves basketball.'
More: The Mavericks reportedly plan to select Cooper Flagg, not make another controversial trade
2. San Antonio Spurs: Dylan Harper
TEAM: Rutgers
POSITION: Guard
HEIGHT: 6' 4.50''
DRAFT AGE: 19.3
While the Spurs could have plenty of suitors if they wanted to shop this pick, it isn't worth it to make a move unless it could land them Giannis Antetokounmpo, and such a trade is seeming more and more unlikely. Instead, they could get someone with legitimate star potential to pair with Victor Wembanyama.
For The Win spoke to Harper earlier this year and he described how he developed his fantastic ability to become such a dynamic scorer at the rim. Harper should bring that skill set with him to the pros after earning Big Ten All-Freshman honors.
Q&A: Meet Dylan Harper, the best NBA Draft prospect who did not make March Madness tourney
3. Philadelphia 76ers: V.J. Edgecombe
TEAM: Baylor
POSITION: Wing
HEIGHT: 6' 4.00''
DRAFT AGE: 19.9
After a strong performance for the Bahamas during the Olympic qualifiers last year, V.J. Edgecombe became a name to watch for scouts and evaluators.
At the start of the NCAA season, he showed a lot of promise as a defensive player, though that actually slowed down a bit as his freshman campaign progressed. However, while at Baylor, he also showed promise as one of the bounciest scorers.
While the Philadelphia 76ers have reportedly not met with Ace Bailey yet, Edgecombe did travel for a private workout. He 'impressed' during this environment, per The Philadelphia Inquirer. The organization liked his 'work ethic, personality and interviews' during the visit, via The Stein Line.
The Big 12 Freshman of the Year joined Flagg as the only first-year collegiate players with at least 30 dunks and 3-pointers recorded, per Bart Torvik.
4. Kon Knueppel
TEAM: Duke
POSITION: Wing
HEIGHT: 6' 5.00''
DRAFT AGE: 19.9
In the event that the 76ers do not pick Edgecombe and he is still on the board, the organization may target him over Bailey as a defensive anchor. He reportedly had an 'excellent' interview for the team during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, per Yahoo's Kevin O'Connor.
But assuming he is off the board, Duke's Kon Knueppel is an ideal candidate. The Hornets 'appear to have interest' in the ACC tournament MVP, according to ESPN's Jonathan Givony.
"I try to focus on all the little things," Knueppel recently told For The Win. "I'm going to make it as hard on the guy that's got the ball that I'm guarding. I'm going to make it super hard on him. I'm going to box out. I'm going to rebound. I'm going to get a loose ball. Those things add up. It all goes into having a good plus-minus or making winning plays on the court."
The Blue Devils outscored opponents by 625 points when Knueppel was on the court this season, per CBB Analytics, which was the highest plus-minus among all men's college basketball players.
More: Meet NBA draft prospect Kon Knueppel, the other Duke star you're not talking enough about
5. Utah Jazz: Tre Johnson
TEAM: Texas
POSITION: Wing
HEIGHT: 6' 4.75''
DRAFT AGE: 19.3
It is hard to predict what kind of decisions Austin Ainge will make in his new role as an executive for the Jazz. For example, Duke big man Khaman Maluach is considered a 'potential draftee' for Utah, via The Stein Line. This would give Utah the flexibility to potentially trade center Walker Kessler.
Texas freshman Tre Johnson, however, is another player who is reportedly gaining significant momentum in the pre-draft process so far.
Johnson was named SEC Freshman of the Year because he is such a natural scorer whose passing is better than his assist stats might suggest. He is very difficult to stop in the open-court and led all freshmen in 3-pointers made in transition (21) and above the break (65) this season, per CBB Analytics.
He measured with a nearly plus-six (6-foot-10) wingspan at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, which should help him in the pros. Johnson also recorded the fastest lane agility time (10.49 seconds) at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine and his upside makes him a good option for a franchise like the Jazz.
6. Washington Wizards: Jeremiah Fears
TEAM: Oklahoma
POSITION: Guard
HEIGHT: 6' 2.50''
DRAFT AGE: 18.7
Oklahoma freshman Jeremiah Fears has reportedly had multiple workouts with the Jazz, who are on the clock immediately before the Wizards. But if Utah decides to go a different direction, don't expect Fears to wait long to hear his name called. His mentality helps explain why.
"Whoever picks me on draft night, you guys are going to be getting a dog," Fears recently told For The Win. "Somebody that's going to come in, work hard, bring star power, and give it his all every time they step on the court."
Fears gave fans some amazing highlights as he climbed up draft boards this season. He deservedly received SEC All-Freshman honors, can score at multiple levels from the floor, and he is a fantastic playmaker on both offense and defense as well.
The guard is the second-youngest NCAA prospect we have projected in the first round behind only Flagg and was still one of the best overall performers in March Madness.
He was one of the fastest players at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, recording a 3.05-second three-quarter sprint.
7. New Orleans Pelicans: Derik Queen
TEAM: Maryland
POSITION: Big
HEIGHT: 6' 9.25''
DRAFT AGE: 20.5
The New Orleans Pelicans are another difficult team to predict in the 2025 NBA Draft because they have a new front office led by Joe Dumars. But the Pelicans do have rumored interest in Queen and he was one of the 'headliners' of a workout with the organization, per NBA Big Board's Rafael Barlowe.
Queen was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year and proved his versatility and eye-catching skill set as a big man who is incredibly fun to watch. Then after recording perhaps the biggest moment of the NCAA men's basketball tournament, Queen skyrocketed his draft status.
While his athletic testing was less than desirable at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, he plays at his own speed and could provide a unique addition for any roster.
Yahoo's Kevin O'Connor reported that "most front-office executives" believe Ace Bailey is their target, even if it means they need to make a trade. However, per The Stein Line, the interest is "overstated" and that they are not "actively" trying to trade up for the Rutgers standout.
More: Derik Queen's game-winner just cemented his NBA Draft status
9. Brooklyn Nets: Ace Bailey
TEAM: Rutgers
POSITION: Forward
HEIGHT: 6' 7.50''
DRAFT AGE: 18.9
There is a lot to unpack about why Ace Bailey's draft stock is apparently plummeting lately, especially after he measured a bit shorter than expected at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine.
While this is much lower than where he was projected in our latest consensus rankings at No. 3 overall earlier this month, fans shouldn't expect him to fall much lower than this. It's possible that Bailey's representation wants him to land in a big market where he can get a lot of playing time, and the Nets would provide exactly that.
Back when For The Win spoke to his teammate Dylan Harper, he said that his favorite thing about Bailey is how much joy he plays with on the court. Harper described him as tall, lanky, twitchy and a nearly constant presence because of his ability to get a bucket.
While some evaluators feel that he might take a bit too many mid range shots, his ability to shoot at his size is something that is going to entice every team in the NBA. His consistency will define just how much success he has, though, as will any development as a passer or as a defensive playmaker.
More: The alarming reasons why Ace Bailey's NBA draft stock is plummeting
9. Toronto Raptors: Khaman Maluach
TEAM: Duke
POSITION: Big
HEIGHT: 7' 0.75''
DRAFT AGE: 18.8
South Sudan's Khaman Maluach enjoyed an excellent, efficient campaign and earned ACC All-Freshman honors for Duke.
As a lob threat, per CBB Analytics, he had the second-most alley-oops completed (38) among all players in college basketball. He is raw on both ends of the court but has a strong defensive presence thanks to his nearly 7-foot-7 wingspan and 9-foot-6 standing reach measured at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine.
Other teams that could have interest include the Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards, Brooklyn Nets, and Atlanta Hawks.
10. Houston Rockets (via PHX): Collin Murray-Boyles
TEAM: South Carolina
POSITION: Big
HEIGHT: 6' 6.50''
DRAFT AGE: 20.1
No one expects the Rockets to actually use this pick and are likely candidates to make a trade, but if they do, expect them to look at versatile defensive forward like South Carolina sophomore Collin Murray-Boyles.
Murray-Boyles is perhaps the most enticing collegiate player who was not a one-and-done prospect. According to ESPN's Jeremy Woo, the Rockets are considered a "team that makes sense as a fit" for the the forward.
He who averaged 16.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.5 steals, as well as 1.3 blocks per game this season. He is ready to contribute in many ways at the next level. Murray-Boyles is a bit undersized for someone who is virtually a non-threat from beyond the arc but he can offer enough impact as a defender to potentially make up for it.
11. Portland Trail Blazers: Carter Bryant
TEAM: Arizona
POSITION: Forward
HEIGHT: 6' 6.50''
DRAFT AGE: 19.6
Arizona freshman Carter Bryant is a former McDonald's All-American forward who had a strong collegiate debut despite a relatively limited role.
He was the only freshman aside from Flagg with at least three dunks and 3-pointers during the NCAA men's basketball tournament, per Bart Torvik. Bryant is unselfish, he works hard on defense, he measured with a wingspan just short of 7-foot, he recorded a 39.5-inch max vertical and 3.07-second three-quarter sprint.
Bryant plays with a high IQ, and already looks like one of the biggest risers during the pre-draft process. It was a no-brainer for him to stay in the 2025 NBA Draft. He told The Athletic that he studies Portland's Toumani Camara and he could soon become his teammate on the Trail Blazers.
12. Chicago Bulls: Kasparas Jakučionis
TEAM: Illinois
POSITION: Guard
HEIGHT: 6' 4.75''
DRAFT AGE: 19.1
Lithuania's Kasparas Jakučionis was briefly one of the hottest names in draft circles and he eventually earned Big Ten All-Freshman honors.
He has an effective pull-up jumper and led all high-major freshmen in unassisted 3-pointers made (34), per CBB Analytics. As a distributor, in the same group, he also had the most assists finished at the rim (76) this season. Jakučionis needs his jump shot to look more like it did in the first two months of the season than it did in the final three for this pick to work out.
13. Atlanta Hawks (via SAC): Noa Essengue
TEAM: ratiopharm ulm (Germany)
POSITION: Wing
HEIGHT: 6' 10.00''
DRAFT AGE: 18.5
NBA teams have had a slightly difficult time evaluating France's Noa Essengue because he is still playing in the postseason while overseas.
Essengue is the second-youngest player in the draft but has still managed impressive productivity in one of the more competitive basketball leagues. He ranks fifth-best among all players in Defensive Statistical Impact (DSI) among those with at least seven games played in the Eurocup, per Cerebro Sports.
Essengue is an interesting prospect who a variety of teams should have on their radar and, per ESPN's Jeremy Woo, has "drawn increasing interest from teams in the 9-to-15 range" in the 2025 NBA Draft. He is seen as one of the "potential candidates" for the Hawks, according to Woo.
14. San Antonio Spurs (via ATL): Joan Beringer
TEAM: KK Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia)
POSITION: Big
HEIGHT: 6' 11.00''
DRAFT AGE: 18.6
If the Spurs decide to keep their second lottery pick, France's Joan Beringer is one of the names they will consider.
Beringer was not able to participate in the 2025 NBA Draft Combine in Chicago because he was playing overseas but he is a great rim runner and legitimate vertical lob threat.
He has a strong defensive presence with a high upside who can impact the game defensively right away. Beringer led the ABA League in blocks this season and ranks third overall in Defensive Statistical Impact (DSI) in his league, per Cerebro Sports.
15. Oklahoma City Thunder (via MIA): Cedric Coward
TEAM: Washington St.
POSITION: Forward
HEIGHT: 6' 5.25''
DRAFT AGE: 21.8
Perhaps the most fascinating player in the 2025 NBA Draft is Cedric Coward, who was originally committed to Duke in the transfer portal before deciding to turn pro.
"I think I can play anywhere because I'm adaptable," Coward recently told For The Win. "I know who I am as a player and I know who I am as a person and all I want to do is impact winning. I don't care about individual accolades, all of that stuff. That stuff comes with it. But for me, I just want to win. That's all I want to do. I want to win and I want to get better ... Whatever team is looking for that in a player has it right here with me."
He shot 40.0 percent on his 3-pointers while averaging 17.7 points per game before getting hurt last season. Coward is one of the hottest names in draft circles right now after measuring with a 7-foot-2 wingspan with a 38.5-inch max vertical and 3.06-second three-quarter sprint at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine.
Coward reportedly met with the Thunder for a private one-on-zero workout, per ESPN's Jonathan Givony.
16. Memphis Grizzlies (via ORL): Nique Clifford
TEAM: Colorado St.
POSITION: Forward
HEIGHT: 6' 5.25''
DRAFT AGE: 23.4
Colorado State senior Nique Clifford is the oldest player we have projected in the first round but he looks ready to contribute to an NBA rotation.
Teams are betting on the assumption that the do-it-all forward is going to make an impact on winning right away in the NBA. He led an upset in the first round of the NCAA tournament and averaged a productive 18.9 points. 9.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game during his final collegiate campaign.
He has reportedly "received positive feedback" from his workouts and is drawing interest from teams picking in the teens, per ESPN's Jeremy Woo. Perhaps that team is Memphis now that they have traded back into the first round.
Clifford fits a statistical profile that the Grizzlies have valued in previous draft cycles under executive Zach Kleiman, which we have written about in the past. Other prospects who fit this description include Collin Murray-Boyles and Adou Thiero.
17. Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET): Asa Newell
TEAM: Georgia
POSITION: Forward
HEIGHT: 6' 9.00''
DRAFT AGE: 19.7
Georgia's Asa Newell, who was named SEC All-Freshman, is recorded the second-most layups and dunks combined this season among freshmen, per CBB Analytics. But he is also developing his 3-pointer after changing his shooting motion.
'I've always been extremely confident in my jump shot from high school to college and now in the NBA,' Newell recently told For The Win. 'You have to have a 3-point shot to survive in the NBA.'
He trailed only his high school teammate, Flagg, among all freshmen in Player Efficiency Rating (PER) last season.
'I know I play with a lot of energy,' Newell added. 'I'm a match waiting for some gasoline and causing a whole fire … That is very contagious when you have someone who plays very hard, with a motor, and doesn't take plays off.'
Newell has worked out with the Timberwolves, per Rookie Wire's Cody Taylor.
Q&A: Asa Newell pitches his 'contagious' energy as NBA draft prospect
18. Washington Wizards (via MEM): Thomas Sorber
TEAM: Georgetown
POSITION: Big
HEIGHT: 6' 9.25''
DRAFT AGE: 19.5
Georgetown freshman big Thomas Sorber, who has a 7-foot-6 wingspan, was an analytics darling before he suffered a season-ending foot injury. He could provide an exciting young piece to a developing young core and defensive presence for a team that could use a spark on that end of the floor like the Wizards.
"You never hear a lot of people say that their favorite joy is playing defense. I think that's one thing that's rare about me," Sorber recently told For The Win. "I know that defense wins games, so I basically just put my all into the defensive end and try my best to not let my opponent score or anybody on the other team score because that can also start breaks and also get my team quick, easy points."
It made a lot of sense for him to stay in the 2025 NBA Draft considering that, per ESPN's Jeremy Woo, he "has solid interest inside the top 20" for this class.
19. Brooklyn Nets (via MIL): Nolan Traoré
TEAM: Saint-Quentin (France)
POSITION: Guard
HEIGHT: 6' 3.00''
DRAFT AGE: 19.1
After a slow start to his season in France, based on his priors before this season, it was only a matter of time before Nolan Traoré eventually started to heat up.
He averaged 13.8 points and 5.0 assists per game while shooting 42.7 percent on 3-pointers over the course of his last ten games, per RealGM. Traoré was named 2025 Best Young Player of the Basketball Champions League and is inarguably one of the best playmakers in the 2025 NBA Draft.
If he is more consistent at the next level, he could become something special as a point guard of the future. Other teams that may have interest include the Washington Wizards, Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat, and Phoenix Suns (especially if they land an additional pick as part of their trade return for Kevin Durant).
20. Miami Heat (via GSW): Will Riley
TEAM: Illinois
POSITION: Wing
HEIGHT: 6' 8.25''
DRAFT AGE: 19.3
Canada's Will Riley "could be very much in the Heat's wheelhouse at 20" in the 2025 NBA Draft, per Miami Herald.
Riley had multiple big performances during his freshman campaign for Illinois, including a debut in which he had 31 points while shooting 5-of-6 on 3-pointers. He also had 21 points with 7 rebounds and 5 assists during a win over Iowa in the Big Ten tournament and had another great game against Xavier shooting 3-of-4 on 3-pointers during March Madness. Riley was named Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year. Any team drafting Riley is betting on his continued development.
He has reportedly worked out with the Heat, per Rookie Wire's Cody Taylor.
21. Utah Jazz (via MIN): Egor Demin
TEAM: BYU
POSITION: Guard
HEIGHT: 6' 8.25''
DRAFT AGE: 19.3
Russia's Egor Demin was initially having one of the strongest freshman campaigns of anyone in the nation for BYU. But his relatively poor overall performance and shooting against top-100 competition causes some room for concern.
He measured at 6-foot-8 barefoot at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine and his playmaking still makes him intriguing. especially if he stays in the same state where he went to college.
Demin "has a relationship with" Jazz governor Ryan Smith and executive Danny Ainge, per The Salt Lake Tribune.
Jazz decision makers Ryan Smith and Danny Ainge, both BYU alums. Ainge often attends BYU games as a former player, whose jersey is retired at the Marriott Center.
22. Atlanta Hawks (via LAL): Maxime Raynaud
TEAM: Stanford
POSITION: Big
HEIGHT: 7' 0.25''
DRAFT AGE: 22.2
TEAM: Stanford
POSITION: Big
HEIGHT: 7-1
DRAFT AGE: 22.2
Every team in the NBA should want a guy like France's Maxime Raynaud, who measured with a wingspan above 7-foot-1 and a standing reach above 9-foot-2. Those are excellent numbers for a player who averaged 20.2 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. But is even better when also considering he made nearly two 3-pointers per game. Raynaud was easily one of the biggest standouts during five-on-five scrimmages at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine.
Raynaud has reportedly worked out with the Hawks, per Rookie Wire's Cody Taylor.
More: 2025 NBA Draft Combine: 5 biggest winners, including Maxime Raynaud
23. New Orleans Pelicans (via IND): Walter Clayton Jr.
TEAM: Florida
POSITION: Guard
HEIGHT: 6' 2.00''
DRAFT AGE: 22.3
ne enough to earn first-round consideration. As we wrote then: The archetype of undersized players who are a bit older relative to the other players in their draft class are typically not early draft picks. Clayton, however, could provide a legitimate exception to this rule after winning NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player. It makes a lot of sense for the Magic to find someone who can get a bucket as easily as Clayton.
More: Is Walter Clayton Jr. an NBA Draft first-round pick after his incredible March Madness?
24. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC): Rasheer Fleming
TEAM: Saint Joseph's
POSITION: Forward
HEIGHT: 6' 8.25''
DRAFT AGE: 21.0
One of the most pleasantly surprising prospects in this class is Saint Joseph's Rasheer Fleming, who has great positional size and shooting feel. He was the only player in college basketball to record at least 40 dunks and 50 shots from beyond the arc, per Bart Torvik. He measured with a wingspan above 7-foot-5 and a standing reach above 9-foot-1 at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine.
25. Orlando Magic (via DEN): Liam McNeeley
TEAM: Connecticut
POSITION: Wing
HEIGHT: 6' 6.75''
DRAFT AGE: 19.7
UConn freshman Liam McNeeley won Big East Freshman of the Year and showed flashes during his freshman campaign, like when he had 38 points with 10 rebounds while making five 3-pointers against Creighton on Feb. 11. He also had a solid performance against the eventual national champions during the NCAA men's basketball tournament, recording 22 points while adding 2 rebounds as well as 3 assists and 2 steals. McNeeley is solid value at this point in the draft but should get consideration even higher.
26. Brooklyn Nets (via NYK): Jase Richardson
TEAM: Michigan St.
POSITION: Guard
HEIGHT: 6' 0.50''
DRAFT AGE: 19.7
Michigan State freshman Jase Richardson earned Big Ten All-Freshman honors after a solid collegiate campaign. He averaged 16.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 0.9 steals per game while shooting 42.0 percent on 3-pointers after moving into the starting lineup for Michigan State. However, he measured small for a traditional two-guard and may not have the playmaking skills as a floor general to run point.
He has reportedly worked out with the Nets, per HoopsHype.
27. Brooklyn Nets (via HOU): Alex Toohey
TEAM: Sydney (Australia)
POSITION: Forward
HEIGHT: 6' 7.75''
DRAFT AGE: 21.2
Australia's Alex Toohey is a fascinating prospect who contributes well on both sides of the floor. He is a legitimately strong wing defender whose Defensive Statistical Impact (DSI) ranks as the best among those who have played more than one game in Australia's NBL this season, per Cerebro Sports. He measured just short of 6-foot-8 barefoot at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine with a wingspan nearly 6-foot-11 and played well during five-on-five scrimmages.
28. Boston Celtics: Drake Powell
TEAM: North Carolina
POSITION: Wing
HEIGHT: 6' 5.25''
DRAFT AGE: 19.8
North Carolina freshman Drake Powell was one of the biggest winners at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, measuring with a 43-inch max vertical and a standing vertical four inches higher than any other prospect. Although he had a relatively limited role during his time in the NCAA, you're betting on upside by selecting Powell in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft.
He has reportedly worked out with the Celtics, per Rookie Wire's Cody Taylor.
29. Phoenix Suns (via CLE): Danny Wolf
TEAM: Michigan
POSITION: Big
HEIGHT: 6' 10.50''
DRAFT AGE: 21.2
Michigan's Danny Wolf is a do-it-all big man who has averaged 13.2 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game this season. Wolf had the most assists (132) of any college player who is 6-foot-10 or taller, per CBB Analytics.
The big man is an incredibly gifted and skilled playmaker considering his height, even though there are questions about how it may translate in the NBA. According to ESPN's Jeremy Woo, feedback on Wolf has been "mixed" in the pre-draft process.
He has reportedly worked out with the Suns, per Rookie Wire's Cody Taylor.
30. L.A. Clippers (via OKC): Adou Thiero
TEAM: Arkansas
POSITION: Wing
HEIGHT: 6' 6.25''
DRAFT AGE: 21.1
After transferring from Kentucky last season, Arkansas junior Adou Thiero had a well-rounded season in which he averaged 15.1 points and 5.8 rebounds with 1.9 assists and 1.6 steals per game. While his 3-pointer was inefficient at just 25.6 percent, he missed time due to a knee injury in February and that factored into why he stopped getting as much buzz as the season progressed. However, he still showed enough to decide to stay in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Second Round
31. Minnesota Timberwolves (via UTA): Noah Penda (Le Mans)
32. Boston Celtics (via WAS): Chaz Lanier (Tennessee)
33. Charlotte Hornets: Hugo González (Real Madrid0
34. Charlotte Hornets (via NOP): Ben Saraf (Ulm)
35. Philadelphia 76ers: Ryan Kalkbrenner (Creighton)
36. Brooklyn Nets: Hansen Yang (Qingdao)
37. Detroit Pistons (via TOR): Johni Broome (Auburn)
38. San Antonio Spurs: Yanic Konan Niederhauser (Penn State)
39. Toronto Raptors (via POR): Jamir Watkins (Florida State)
40. Washington Wizards (via PHX): Bogoljub Marković (Mega)
41. Golden State Warriors (via MIA): Tamar Bates (Missouri)
42. Sacramento Kings (via CHI): Tyrese Proctor (Duke)
43. Utah Jazz (via DAL): Rocco Zikarsky (Brisbane)
44. Oklahoma City Thunder (via ATL): Kam Jones (Marquette)
45. Chicago Bulls (via SAC): Mark Sears (Alabama)
46. Orlando Magic: Koby Brea (Kentucky)
47. Milwaukee Bucks (via DET): Hunter Sallis (Wake Forrest)
48. Memphis Grizzlies (via GSW): Kobe Sanders (Nevada)
49. Cleveland Cavaliers (via MIL): Eric Dixon (Villanova)
50. New York Knicks (via MEM): Sion James (Duke)
51. L.A. Clippers (via MIN): Javon Small (West Virginia
52. Phoenix Suns (via DEN): John Tonje (Wisconsin)
53. Utah Jazz (via LAC): Alijah Martin (Florida)
54. Indiana Pacers: Ryan Nembhard (Gonzaga)
55. Los Angeles Lakers: Izan Almansa (Perth)
56. Memphis Grizzlies (via HOU): RJ Luis Jr. (St. John's)
57. Orlando Magic (via BOS): Vlad Goldin (Michigan)
58. Cleveland Cavaliers: Amari Williams (Kentucky)
59. Houston Rockets (via OKC): Grant Nelson (Alabama)
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an hour ago
- USA Today
What is Sixers prospect Ace Bailey looking for ahead of the NBA Draft?
The Philadelphia 76ers hold a lot of the cards in the 2025 NBA draft by holding the No. 3 pick. A lot of projections have Cooper Flagg going No. 1 to the Dallas Mavericks and Dylan Harper going No. 2 to the San Antonio Spurs, but what is going on with the Sixers at No. 3? There doesn't seem to be a clear idea of what the Sixers are doing with their pick. They can trade down and acquire more draft assets or they can trade up and try to select a guy like Harper at No. 2. The consensus seems to be that Rutgers star Ace Bailey should go No. 3 and he did have a workout scheduled with the Sixers, but he canceled it last minute ahead of the draft so one has to wonder what he is looking for. Per Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer, Bailey is looking for a number of things: Multiple league sources said Bailey's agent, Omar Cooper, wanted the Sixers to commit to him before his scheduled Friday workout. One league executive believes that Bailey, once a consensus top-three pick, probably will drop in the draft because of his agency's tactics. Bailey remains the only American-based draft prospect to not visit any teams for a workout. Another league executive said the agency wants Bailey to remain on the East Coast and play somewhere between Atlanta and New York. It is important to note a couple of things here. First off, the Sixers are in that East Coast category that he is looking for as Philadelphia is settled between Atlanta and New York. Another one is just because he did not work out for the Sixers doesn't mean they won't select him. President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey selected Tyrese Maxey in 2020 and Jared McCain in 2024 without a workout from either player. Bailey has a lot of question marks, but there is also a lot of upside. He can do so much on the floor in terms of scoring the ball whether he is able to take players off the dribble or knock down tough shots. The ability to make tough shots has been something that is attributed to his poor shot selection, and the criticism is that he can make those shots over college players, but it's different in the NBA. Either way, if he can tap into his potential, then he figures to be a full-time star in this league. So, he may be worth the risk at No. 3 regardless.
New York Times
an hour ago
- New York Times
A timeline of the Lakers' success (and challenges) under Buss family leadership
In 1979, when Dr. Jerry Buss purchased his $67.5 million stake in the Los Angeles Lakers — which included a 13,000-acre ranch in the Sierra Nevada Mountains — there was little indication the franchise's profile would globalize as it has in the decades since. With Wednesday's news that the late Buss' daughter, Jeanie, is spearheading a record-breaking, $10 billion sale of the Lakers to prominent financier Mark Walter, the franchise once again finds itself setting new standards for basketball, on and off the court. Advertisement As The Athletic's Mike Vorkunov notes, although Walter will eventually take over the team operations, Buss is expected to 'run the team for a significant number of years after the deal closes.' Even once the deal is complete, the Buss family trust will maintain an 18 percent stake in the franchise while Buss remains the team's governor. Nonetheless, the sale marks a drastic shift for the league because arguably its most prominent franchise will get a boost in resources after already enjoying unmatched success under Buss ownership. In the 46 years since the acquisition, the Lakers' prominent peaks and gloomy valleys helped reshape a relatively fledgling league before Buss' vision for 'Showtime' basketball breathed new life into the NBA. The franchise's success under the Buss family actualized in the form of 11 championships, 17 NBA Finals appearances, a tradition of acquiring Hall of Famers and landmark moments — good, bad and vulnerable — that have left indelible marks on the league's history. Let's review a timeline of the Lakers' biggest moments under the leadership of the Buss family: Although Jerry Buss paid big bucks for the Lakers, his acquisition would be worth very little without the apt star power to actualize his vision. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was already in the fold, but drafting Earvin 'Magic' Johnson in 1979 provided the ultimate building block for arguably the most successful championship stretch in the league's post-ABA-NBA merger era. The immediate payoff of Johnson's arrival remains unmatched. How many 20-year-olds enter the league with a statistical baseline of 18 points, 7.7 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 2.4 steals per game? Is it worth mentioning that arguably the greatest point guard of all time technically played out of position during his rookie season? (Shout out to the early Norm Nixon days!) It probably wouldn't surprise you, seeing as Johnson replaced an injured Abdul-Jabbar in Game 6 of the 1980 NBA Finals by playing center, securing the championship with his junior sky hook and becoming (and remaining) the youngest NBA Finals MVP. 45 years ago today… Rookie point guard Magic Johnson filled in for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar AT CENTER in Game 6 of the 1980 NBA Finals 🤯 The result? 42 PTS, 15 REB, 7 AST, & 3 STL as the Lakers secured the title 🏆 — NBA History (@NBAHistory) May 16, 2025 Although the Lakers found great success with their new-look roster and ambitious ownership, changes still needed to be made. Six games into the 1981-82 season, Johnson expressed dismay over then-coach Paul Westhead, which paved the way for a 36-year-old Pat Riley to take over as head coach. Buss initially wanted Lakers legend (and NBA logo) Jerry West to accept the lead spot, but his refusal opened Riley's lane to lead 'Showtime' basketball. Under Riley, the Lakers went 50-21 en route to the 1982 championship and found a new identity. The story of the greatest players in NBA history. In 100 riveting profiles, top basketball writers justify their selections and uncover the history of the NBA in the process. The story of the greatest players in NBA history. The Lakers' 17 championships trail only the rival Boston Celtics for most in league history, but that title-hungry prestige wasn't established until Buss took over. Their 11 titles since 1979 are by far the most of any team, but it took distinct tweaks to place the Lakers atop the NBA hierarchy after decades of chasing the dynastic Celtics, who notched eight consecutive championships during Bill Russell's days. Advertisement Prior to Buss' acquisition, the Lakers hadn't notched consecutive titles since relocating to Los Angeles from Minneapolis. The arrivals of prospects like James Worthy (drafted No. 1 in 1982) and Byron Scott (No. 4 in 1983) breathed life into the Showtime paradigm. Veteran acquisitions like former NBA MVP Bob McAdoo bolstered a bench that supported an increasingly strong starting lineup. Swiss-Army knives like Michael Cooper were the difference between the Lakers being good and being unbeatable. During Riley's eight-plus seasons as Lakers coach, including the playoffs, they led the NBA in win percentage (.725), total wins (635), playoff victories (102), NBA Finals appearances (seven) and championships (four). That included a run of four consecutive 60-win seasons as Johnson, Abdul-Jabbar and Worthy each enjoyed finals MVP honors across different title runs via a high-octane offense centered on flashy passes, treasured transition scores and an unmatched celebrity presence on the sidelines, headlined by actor Jack Nicholson. Despite such success, the Lakers eventually needed a change of guard. Abdul-Jabbar retired in June 1989, mere days after Los Angeles lost the finals to the upstart Detroit Pistons. That was the first of several falling dominoes for the Lakers, who bid farewell to Riley once he felt he'd done enough in Los Angeles. On June 11, 1990, despite earning Coach of the Year honors for the 1989-90 season, Riley stepped down as Lakers head coach with two seasons left on his deal. Johnson remained in the fold as the face of the franchise, even if for only a bit longer. For the 1990-91 season, he finished second in MVP voting, earned the final First Team All-NBA nod of his brilliant career and led the Lakers to the NBA Finals before a life-altering announcement shocked the sports world. Advertisement Months after a young Michael Jordan experienced championship glory at the Lakers' expense, Johnson discovered he was HIV positive during a physical examination preceding the 1991-92 season, leading him to announce his immediate retirement from the NBA. Buss and the Lakers stuck by his side as he became the face of combating the disease. At the time, the world was not aware of the impact of HIV. Johnson faced questions about his participation in the 1992 NBA All-Star Game and his sexuality while facing the greatest challenge of his personal and professional life. Johnson remains in good health and has been a huge resource for HIV/AIDs education, having returned to the court for the end of the 1995-96 season to show the world he could still command a basketball game. In his absence, the Lakers struggled to resemble anything close to their championship form. A string of first-round playoff exits and postseason absences returned Buss to the drawing board as he and West, then the general manager, sought a new title-winning formula. The summer of 1996 remains arguably the most impactful in NBA history. The league itself remains spoiled by the riches of that year's draft class. The true gem remains 17-year-old Kobe Bryant, who was selected 13th by the Charlotte Hornets before West acquired the prospect via trade (shout out to Vlade Divac!). On July 18, 1996, the Lakers signed Shaquille O'Neal to a seven-year, $120 million contract, establishing arguably the most potent one-two punch the NBA has ever seen, even if it took some time to find its footing. In O'Neal and Bryant's first season together, O'Neal played in only 51 games but finished ninth in MVP voting as the Lakers went 56-26 during the regular season under head coach Del Harris. That season marked the franchise's most successful since 1990-91, but it ended humbly as a rookie Bryant shot four airballs in Game 4 of the Lakers' semifinals series against the Utah Jazz, who went on to win the matchup in five games. Buss remained steadfast in re-establishing championship basketball in Los Angeles. The Lakers experienced a couple more premature postseason exits before hiring Phil Jackson — then of six championships with Jordan's Chicago Bulls — as head coach before the 1999-00 season. Veteran additions of Brian Shaw, Ron Harper and A.C. Green (a former Showtime member, no less) helped round out the Lakers' roster. By the end of that 1999-2000 season, O'Neal established himself as the league's MVP, and Bryant began flourishing into an All-NBA mainstay as the Lakers won their first championship since 1988. Their 67-15 regular-season record was their best single-season mark since a 69-win campaign in 1971-72, signaling the early beginnings of a dynasty. Advertisement At season's end, though, Jackson took over the franchise's team operations and West stepped down from his front-office position. The Lakers won 11 fewer games in the 2000-01 season, but their run through the 2001 playoffs remains a standard-bearer for basketball dominance. They went 15-1 that postseason en route to consecutive championships. Their .938 win percentage remains the second-best ever for a single playoff run, surpassed only by the 2017 Golden State Warriors. Notching a third consecutive title by 2002 placed the Lakers in distinct company, as they became the first franchise since Jordan's Bulls to do so. They remain the NBA's most recent three-peat champions, which could remain the case for a while, given the league's newfound second-apron penalties. On this day 25 years ago… KOBE TO SHAQ. The iconic alley-oop from the @Lakers duo was part of a 15-point 4th quarter comeback in Game 7 of the WCF! LA would go on to win the first championship in their three-peat 🏆 — NBA History (@NBAHistory) June 4, 2025 As those championship days subsided, new challenges arose, ranging from contract disputes, fighting among players and coaches, free-agency acquisitions gone wrong and a four-peat bid that fell short in the 2004 finals against the Pistons. One of the Lakers' most glaring challenges was Bryant's sexual assault case stemming from a 2003 accusation in Eagle, Colo., where he was arrested after a complaint by a 19-year-old hotel employee. The complaint accused him of a Class 3 felony, which is the second-most serious sexual assault charge in Colorado. Bryant turned himself in to Eagle County's sheriff's office on July 4, getting released roughly an hour after posting $25,000 in bond. Before the trial, Bryant's accuser's name was erroneously leaked. Once the jury selection was complete, she decided against participating in the trial, leading to the criminal charges being dropped. Bryant apologized to his accuser and her family but denied the allegations. A civil case was settled out of court after a 20-month legal battle. Moreover, by the end of the 2003-04 season, it was evident the O'Neal and Bryant duo had run its course, leading to O'Neal being traded to the Miami Heat and Jackson stepping down as head coach before penning a tell-all book about the Lakers' chaotic campaign, deeming Bryant 'uncoachable.' The Lakers' front office disputed Jackson's interpretation. The Lakers' immediate window after O'Neal's departure was fragile. Bryant got his own team, and Jackson spent a season away from the Lakers before returning to the sidelines with Lamar Odom and Caron Butler helping bridge the gap to a new era. Advertisement Like the early 1990s, a couple of first-round playoff exits made the Lakers look in the mirror before making a move. Everyone remembers Bryant demanding a trade in the middle of a shopping plaza, which Buss was open to, but he convinced Bryant to stay. By then, Bryant was playing arguably the best basketball of his career (averaged 35.4 points and finished fourth in MVP voting in 2005-06, finished third in MVP voting in 2006-07), but the Lakers' final product remained uninspiring, an incredible feat for a team featuring a player capable of dropping 81 points or outscoring an opposing team through three quarters. On Feb. 1, 2008, the Lakers acquired All-Star big man Pau Gasol in a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies, bolstering a core jostling for a top-four seed in the West to an immediate championship contender. By the end of the 2007-08 season, barely a year after Bryant demanded to be dealt, he earned MVP honors for the first time in his career as the Lakers made their first finals appearance in almost half a decade, losing to those pesky Celtics yet again but re-establishing another window for contention. Over the next two seasons, Bryant put the finishing touches on his championship résumé by leading the Lakers to back-to-back titles and notching the only two NBA Finals MVP awards of his career. Jackson's return to the sidelines reignited the Lakers' championship glory, but those flames started to flicker shortly after. On May 9, 2011, just after the Lakers' three-peat bid was upended by a first-round sweep at the hands of the Dallas Mavericks, Jackson stepped down as Lakers coach, paving the way for the front office to bring in Mike Brown as the new lead voice. In the ensuing seasons, the Lakers remained ambitious with roster moves — acquiring Steve Nash and Dwight Howard, bringing in former Phoenix Suns coach Mike D'Antoni for a cup of coffee on the sidelines — but it wasn't enough to put them over the top one last time. The Lakers' path became even more uncertain on Feb. 18, 2013, when Jerry Buss passed away at the age of 80 after an 18-month battle with cancer. In the month preceding his death, the Lakers were valued at $1 billion, making them the NBA's second-most valuable team behind only the New York Knicks ($1.1 billion). Although Buss' death shook the franchise and league, he was prepared to ensure the Lakers remained in the family, equally dividing his 66 percent controlling ownership across his 11 children and deeming Jeanie the Lakers' governor at league meetings. Advertisement When Bryant finished his playing career, he did so in a style only he knew: scoring 60 points on 50 shots against the Utah Jazz and setting an NBA record for the most points by any player in their final game. He had 37 points through three periods but caught fire in the final frame, adding 23 points on 16 shots, as Utah totaled only 21, to close out his career. The moment was electric, especially after he recovered from a career-altering Achilles rupture, a rare bright spot in an otherwise dark period for the Lakers. On this day in 2016… Kobe Bryant capped off his legendary career with 60 points in his final game. #NBA75 — NBA History (@NBAHistory) April 13, 2022 For the Lakers, 'dark' is graded on a curve, but missing the playoffs in five consecutive seasons is a rough stretch for any franchise, especially one that missed the postseason only five times in its first 64 years of existence. In that time, the Lakers cut their teeth trying to bring more star power to Los Angeles until LeBron James signed in 2018. From 2013 to 2018, the Lakers ranked 28th in the NBA in win percentage (.348) but made sound use of their scouting department, which helped them stockpile promising talent via the draft. The list of intriguing prospects to don a Lakers jersey in the last 10 to 15 years is deep, headlined by Julius Randle, Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Jordan Clarkson, Ivica Zubac and Larry Nance Jr. Although few would consider those players franchise-altering names, their developments were promising enough to help the Lakers retool their roster to not only entice James to go West, but build around him for one last window of contention under the Buss family's watch. When the Lakers acquired Anthony Davis on July 6, 2019, championship hopes were immediately restored, continuing the franchise's long-standing tradition of chasing titles. The duo of Davis and James helped re-establish the Lakers as title contenders during one of the most challenging seasons ever. On Jan. 25, 2020, James passed Bryant for third place on the NBA's all-time scoring list. The celebration was short. Bryant died in a helicopter crash hours later. The Lakers used the power of the moment to chase their 17th (and most recent) championship while in the NBA's COVID-19 bubble in Orlando, Fla. There, James became the first player in NBA history to win NBA Finals MVP with three different franchises as the Lakers re-established their title-winning ways. Davis etched his name in league lore thanks to his longstanding value as a two-way force, leading him to join James, Bryant, Johnson, Abdul-Jabbar and other legends on the NBA Top-75 list. Advertisement Davis' presence also helped them snatch another franchise-altering player off the trade market. The Lakers' blockbuster acquisition of Luka Dončić in exchange for Davis on Feb. 2, 2025, encapsulated why Buss acquired the franchise decades ago. No matter how much money one has, vision is paramount. The bright lights of Hollywood would appeal to any big-name star, but it is hard to think of a franchise in any sport that better balances entertainment, star power and results than the Lakers. And all that while the team itself, no matter its global prominence, was a relative mom-and-pop shop until this week's record-breaking, $10 billion sale to Los Angeles Dodgers majority owner Mark Walter. How will the Lakers look in the coming years? Dončić will be due a new contract soon, JJ Redick is establishing himself among the league's most promising coaches and James remains an unmatched draw even in his advanced years. The NBA's upcoming collective bargaining agreement will also have its say — its newfound financial penalties will ensure that. Walter will have to adjust to leading a basketball franchise's payroll. Repeat bids are harder with roster-construction limitations. Keeping big-name players for long is tougher because there are so many opportunities for them away from the court, broadening their career horizons. For the recent gripes about small markets and boring basketball, it's hard to argue the NBA has established an unmatched global presence. That doesn't happen without the Buss family crafting the Lakers into a premier sports franchise, one ambitious idea at a time. A no-look pass from Magic Johnson couldn't match that vision.
