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NBA Mock Draft 3.0: Top prospects returned to college, but plenty of talent remains. Here's our latest look at every pick
If you're just here for the mock draft, scroll down. Or check out my 2025 NBA Draft Guide with a full two-round mock and scouting reports for every prospect. The depth of the 2025 NBA Draft class just took a massive blow. In the final 24 hours before the withdrawal deadline, 10 of my top 70 ranked prospects decided to return to college. In total since the end of the college season, 32 of my original top 100 all decided to run it back. Advertisement 'This year's draft class, more than any ever, has been affected by the NIL and the new pay-for-play,' Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens told NBC Sports Boston. 'The money can be higher in some of these schools than the bottom of the 20s in the draft. Good for them.' Staying in school isn't just about development or team loyalty anymore. It's about real money. Why go be the 42nd pick and grind in the G League when you can drive a Tesla around campus and drop 25 in front of a packed student section? And in the process of having that unique college experience, ideally improve for next year's draft? Good for the players, indeed. Some of the returns weren't a shock. Tahaad Pettiford, Yaxel Lendeborg, and Alex Condon were always 50/50 bets to stay in the draft. But within one hour of the deadline, Labaron Philon announced he was heading back to Alabama. That one stung for teams hoping to get a steal in the late first round, and was a shocker to the draft sickos who thought he was a lottery talent. But for Philon? This is the right move. Mark Sears is gone. The ball is his now. He'll be the guy on a strong team with national title hopes. The online draft community is absolutely in the right to feel Philon is a lottery talent, but he wasn't getting picked in the top 14 this year. He might next year, and he'll have plenty of opportunities to work his way even higher. So yes, the pool got way shallower. But this class still has juice in the 20 to 45 range with role players, rotation guys, and long-term keepers. And as always, the defining variable isn't just talent. It's fit, opportunity, and the randomness of NBA development curves. Let's get into my two-round mock draft. Advertisement For full scouting reports of every player, check out my draft guide. (Taylar Sievert/Yahoo Sports Illustration) All indications are that the Mavericks will indeed keep the first pick, select Flagg, and take a two timelines approach. I still wonder: Is there any deal the Mavericks would take to trade away Flagg: Giannis Antetokounmpo? A haul of draft picks to move down one spot? Luka Dončić? Just kidding on that last one. Anyway, odds are Flagg is in Dallas next year because he can help in both the short-term and long-term as a do-it-all forward who hustles like a madman, makes his teammates better as a passer, and has dialed in a knockdown jumper. He's both the best offensive and defensive prospect in this draft class, making him the safest No. 1 pick in ages. As long as his jumper falls, he could play as a small forward next to Anthony Davis and another big. It's his growth as a shot creator that will decide if he reaches his All-Star floor or soars to his Hall of Fame ceiling. If the Spurs keep the second pick and don't trade out of this position, it seems like Harper will be the pick. Harper is a big-bodied lefty combo guard with NBA blood in his veins, as the son of Ron Harper, who was a 20/5/5 guy before winning five titles as a role player. Like his father, Harper has a high floor with the skill, poise and playmaking instincts to dictate the game at his pace. He isn't an ideal fit, though, next to De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle because of questions about his jumper. Harper made only 36.8% of his catch-and-shoot 3s and just 28.7% of his dribble jumpers as a Rutgers freshman. Fox and Castle are more interior-focused guards, too, and so is Jeremy Sochan in the frontcourt. How many shaky shooters can the Spurs really put around Victor Wembanyama? No matter what the Spurs are signaling ahead of the draft, I'm not convinced taking Harper is Plan A. Sixers fans are already at war over Bailey. On one side of the debate, the Rutgers freshman is viewed as a ridiculous shot-making machine, capable of splashing contested jumpers from every spot on the floor and with the swagger of a throwback bucket-getter. And at his size, he fits next to Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain in the years to come. While his upside is clear, the other side of the debate rightfully wonders: Can the Sixers afford to wait on Bailey to maybe turn into something when the clock is ticking on the Joel Embiid era? And how realistically will Bailey accept a backseat role? In Chicago he was asked about his wild shot selection and said: 'That might be a bad shot to you, you don't work on it. I work on it.' The issue is he made only 36.4% of his midrange pull-ups and 24.4% of his pull-up 3s. If he's willing to change his shot diet, then concerns about his short-term fit in Philly would be alleviated. But not entirely. Bailey's shooting inconsistency, plus his raw edges as a shot creator and defender, need sanding down. So at the least, the expectation around the league is the Sixers will look around and see if there are any offers worth taking for this pick, whether it's a trade down or out. Edgecombe had an excellent interview with the Hornets, league sources say. And while there are no locks he'll be the pick, plenty of executives believe he's the favorite if he makes it to the fourth pick. And it's understandably so because Edgecombe perfectly fits alongside LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller as an explosive, high-motor wing who flies out of nowhere for poster dunks and chase-down blocks. He pairs his elite athleticism with a knockdown spot-up jumper and fearless slashing. Edgecombe needs to improve his shot creation to become more of a primary creator, but that'll matter less in Charlotte as long as Ball is healthy. It's unclear which direction the Jazz will go in here. They have Keyonte George and Isaiah Collier on the roster, and tons of players occupy the frontcourt. Odds are, the current roster will have no impact on which way Utah leans. And Johnson very well could be the best player available. He is a clutch shot-maker who can catch fire from all over the floor, drilling step-backs and off-screen jumpers with ease. But he needs to continue developing his point guard skills while also honing his shot selection and dramatically improving his defense. For my interview with Johnson, you can check it out on YouTube, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. The Wizards have some talent in the backcourt, but no one has emerged as a true primary playmaker. That's why they're seemingly focusing on Fears, Tre Johnson, and Egor Demin. Fears has the skills to become the lead playmaker for them as a dynamic guard with a twitchy attacking style and a knack for coming through as a clutch shooter. He was one of college basketball's youngest freshmen, and it showed with his shaky decision-making as a shooter and passer. But he has a feel for shot creation and a handle that lets him get anywhere on the floor, so he may only need time to emerge as a star. There are no untouchables in New Orleans. League sources say the Pelicans are gauging the market for everyone on their roster. They very well could end up keeping their core pieces, namely Zion Williamson, but it appears the Pelicans are looking into taking different paths this summer depending on what opportunities become available. For now, let's give them Knueppel in this mock draft because he could fit on any roster with his skill-set. Knueppel brings more than just a sharpshooter's stroke thanks to his brainy pick-and-roll playmaking and crafty scoring feel. He's got a slick midrange bag and strength scoring inside, but to become a player that takes over games he'll need to overcome his average athleticism. For my interview with Knueppel, you can check it out on YouTube, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. You can also read a written version here. Essengue is a toolsy forward with a fluid handle, dynamic finishing package, and highly versatile defense. Though he's a raw Frenchman, he's starting to string together his best run of the season. Over the last two months, he's making 80% of his free throws. Though his success isn't translating to beyond the arc (29% over this same stretch), it's at least encouraging his shooting is continuing to progress. Because it's his one big flaw. Otherwise, the 6-foot-9 forward has clear upside across the board, and that's why he's rising up draft boards. Brooklyn has a clean slate of a future, so it'd only make sense to take a big swing. Many executives around the NBA expect the Raptors to lean toward selecting a player that can help the team win games in the short-term with this pick, rather than a raw project. A number of choices would make sense here, but none more than Coward, who will be 22 years old as a rookie and has the maturity of a grown man, in part due to his fascinating journey: Coward has gone from a Division III player to a potential first-round pick in just a few years behind his rapid development into a prospect with a valued 3-and-D skill-set. At the draft combine, he was one of the biggest risers measuring in at 6-foot-5 barefoot with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, while shooting the hell out of the ball. And Coward brings even higher upside thanks to his passing vision. For more on Coward, watch or listen to my one-on-one interview with him. Selecting Bryant would be on brand for the Rockets, since he's a rangy, athletic forward who projects as a highly versatile defender. And though he's raw as a ball-handler, he's a skilled spot-up shooter and a hyper-aware cutter. This means he could help the Rockets in the short-term as a role player, but he'd still retain the upside to someday be much more than that. With that said, the Rockets have a pretty deep roster as is and minutes could be hard to come by for an incoming freshman like they were for Reed Sheppard last year. So league sources expect the Rockets to look into trading this pick, whether it's a trade way up, a trade out for a star, or a trade out for a group of future picks similar to what the Spurs received from the Timberwolves when they moved up for Rob Dillingham last year. The Trail Blazers could be targeting a shooter with this pick after ranking 24th in 3-point percentage and in the middle of the pack in attempts last season. McNeeley is a sharpshooting wing with superb instincts moving without the ball, and the touch to splash from deep ranges. Though he doesn't project as a primary shot creator, his feel as a connective passer gives him the skill to fit into any type of offense. Powell worked out for the Bulls this week, as I reported Monday on my podcast. And he seems to be dramatically rising throughout this draft process, as he began to remind teams (and me) at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago why he was ranked as a lottery prospect entering his season at North Carolina. With a chiseled frame that he uses to barrel into defenders at the rim and to contain opponents when he's on defense, Powell posted arguably the best athletic testing numbers, and shot well. That shooting success has continued on through pre-draft workouts. He's a switch-everything defender who plays with a high motor, and if his spot-up jumper translates, he checks all the boxes to be a 3-and-D role player at a minimum. Richardson has been connected to the Hawks throughout the pre-draft process, in addition to other teams drafting in the late lottery. This is despite measuring at only 6-feet at the NBA Draft Combine. Richardson is a skilled combo guard with a lethal midrange game and a poised pick-and-roll feel, looking like he downloaded the experience of his NBA veteran father, Jason Richardson. Jase didn't inherit his father's height or dunk contest athleticism, though, so his smaller stature caps his upside. But does that matter? Look at the way the Pacers and Thunder play, with tons of players who can fly around the floor and make quick decisions. That's Richardson's exact style. It wouldn't be the biggest shocker if Maluach ends up slipping to the back half of the lottery with wings on the rise. And the Spurs could be a good landing spot for him since he could play both next to Victor Wembanyama and behind him as a much-needed backup center. Malauch is a towering rim protector with switchable mobility, erasing shots at the rim and shadowing quick guards on the perimeter. But beyond dunking lobs, he's a work in progress on offense with a lack of seasoning as a screener, shooter, and creator. Such a raw skill-set should come as no surprise since the South Sudan native didn't start playing basketball until he was 13. The Spurs can be patient with him, though, letting him play a focused role as he grows in those fundamental areas of the game. The Thunder had an all-time great defensive rating in the modern era, and if they win the NBA Finals they will go down as one of the greatest defenses in the history of sports. But with this pick, they do need to think ahead: Isaiah Hartenstein, Chet Holmgren, and Jaylin Williams all have only one guaranteed year remaining on their contracts. Maybe all three will be retained (Hartenstein has a team option for an additional year, and Holmgren and JayWill are coming off their rookie deals). But maybe not? OKC's advantage with so many picks is to plan for all potential scenarios, and Newell would fit the Thunder's style of play. He has springs in his legs, regularly slamming lobs and swatting shots, and his energetic style suggests he'll someday become a highly versatile defender. Clifford is a tough-as-nails wing who does it all. He defends multiple positions, crashes the boards, and scores from everywhere. As a super senior with only Mountain West pedigree, he lacks experience against high-level competition despite his age. But his skill-set would in theory allow him to fit right away on Orlando's roster, providing shooting to a team that ranked 25th in 3-point attempts and last in percentage. The Timberwolves got blasted by the Thunder in the Western Conference finals, and it's time for the franchise to take a long, hard look in the mirror at what's missing. Anthony Edwards is only 23 and should conceivably get better. Head coach Chris Finch's position will also be reevaluated. But the frontcourt is aging and getting pricy. And the backcourt desperately needs a reliable shot creator. Minnesota traded for Rob Dillingham last year, so he should help. But finding another one would be beneficial. If Jakučionis falls this far, he'd make perfect sense since he's a slick shot creator with a creative passing gene and a fearless scoring ability. He carves up defenses with crafty finishes, step-back jumpers, and jaw-dropping passes. As a freshman he'd follow up those highlights with turnover brain-farts that derail the hype train. But the Timberwolves would put him in a ball-sharing situation, which could put him in a better position to succeed. Queen's draft stock got dinged in Chicago with some executives expressing concern over his conditioning and his lack of progress as a shooter. And with wings rising up draft boards, he could be one of the casualties who falls out of the lottery. Maybe it'd end up a blessing in disguise for him landing with the Wizards, his hometown team as a native of Maryland. And he'd fit next to Alex Sarr in the frontcourt as a burly big with guard-like handles who dazzles with spin moves and crafty finishes, like his game-winning leaning jumper to send Maryland to the Sweet 16. If he translates his velvet touch to the perimeter he has offensive star upside, though his interior scoring, playmaking chops, and magnetic rebounding alone give him tantalizing potential. Check out my full interview with Queen on YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Demin has one of the widest ranges in this draft class with people around the league seeing him as an option from anywhere in the mid-lottery to the late teens. The Nets would certainly be happy to take a swing on his rare ability at his size to make dazzling passes. Even though he struggled to shoot and create his own shot against lengthy defenders, he did perform well at the draft combine and is said to be excelling in pre-draft workouts with his tweaked shooting mechanics. Pat Riley said he has no plans to retire and that '80 is the new 60,' so it's hard to imagine the Heat going with a raw project in the draft. But would a talent like Traoré be too much to pass up on? The Frenchman oozes upside with his size, blazing speed, and shiftiness off the bounce. Inefficient scoring and erratic decision-making are the big concerns with him, but he's played his best basketball in recent months by shooting nearly 40% from 3 and 80% from the line. Riley may want to win now, but maybe he should think about the long-term future of the franchise too. Murray-Boyles could (and should) go much higher on draft night, but this is the way the board fell in this mock. The Jazz would benefit adding a much-needed defender to their team; Murray-Boyles operates like a defensive savant the way he locks down every position, uses his ninja-quick hands to swipe at the ball, and inhales rebounds. He's a special defensive presence, and offensively he's a bulldozer finisher with a playmaking feel. Improving his jumper would move him out of tweener territory and into All-Star status. Penda plays like a veteran with a winning mentality, offering connective playmaking, switchable defense and high-level feel. He'll need to improve his jumper to stick long-term, but his unselfish game and defensive utility give him a strong foundation to contribute in Atlanta. With Myles Turner entering free agency this offseason, the Pacers could be in need of a center. Even if he does return, Raynaud could serve as a backup center or give Indiana a versatile option for a two-big look. Raynaud has leveled up every year at Stanford, turning into a player who pops 3s, slashes to the rim with a smooth handle and makes eye-popping passes. As a talented passer who also offers solid defense, there's little reason to think the Frenchman won't carve out an NBA role. 24. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LA Clippers): Will Riley, F, Illinois Riley has dynamic driving ability and playmaking instincts that scream upside as a jumbo-sized, shot-creating wing. But his jumper is streaky, and his defense is unreliable since he is so lean physically and lacks fundamentals. The Thunder can be patient, though. With a loaded team that could win the NBA Finals, Riley can spend some time in the G League and develop until he's ready to shine. Here's another shooter for the Magic. Fleming is a hustler who drains spot-up jumpers and brings energy on defense, swatting shots and snagging boards. He has some real warts as a ball-handler with a lack of experience against high-level competition, but this would matter less for an Orlando team that would place him in a defined role. 26. Brooklyn Nets (via New York): Thomas Sorber, F/C, Georgetown Sorber has a brick-house frame and the throwback skill-set to match with strong screens, soft-touch finishes, and gritty drop-coverage instincts. But to be more than a role player, he needs to tap into the flashes he shows as a shooter while also improving his perimeter defense. Sorber may not make it this far on draft night, but he'd end up giving the Nets a center for the long-term. The Nets have five top-36 picks. Are they really going to keep all of these? I doubt it. But regardless of what Brooklyn does, drafting one or multiple guards could make some sense since this roster is a clean slate. Saraf is a crafty lefty playmaker who relies on guile, footwork, and body control. Limited shooting and athleticism could cap his upside, but his positional size and skill could be hard to pass up. Thiero is a slasher with a jacked frame and an explosive first step, but he has severe limitations on offense as a shooter. If he's able to figure out the shot, then his length and versatility would make him a classic 3-and-D role player. The Celtics have had good success at improving shooters, so he'd be a fair bet at this choice considering his other strengths are tailor made for their system. The Suns could absolutely use a big man, since Nick Richards is merely a backup. Kalkbrenner is a throwback 7-footer who owns the paint, swatting shots with his giant wingspan and dunking everything in sight. It's a bit strange he isn't a better rebounder. But as a super senior, he's also developed some sneaky passing and shooting skills that hint at higher upside. 30. LA Clippers (via Oklahoma City): Walter Clayton Jr., G, Florida James Harden can't be the only source of playmaking for the Clippers. They need someone who can allow him to operate off-ball, if he's willing. Clayton is a fearless shooter with the versatility to take any shot at any moment, as we saw when he led Florida to the national championship. But his limitations as a defender hold him back from being an elite prospect. SECOND ROUND 31. Wolves: Yanic Konan Niederhauser Konan Niederhauser would make for an excellent Rudy Gobert understudy. He is an elite athlete who lives above the rim as a finisher and shot blocker, and he displays some intriguing upside as a 7-foot shot creator. But he needs to improve his fundamentals to make it all click. Perhaps this is far too low for Gonzalez, who has seen his minutes tick up to nearly 20 per game in recent weeks and just had one of his best overall games with 13 points in 23 minutes. He is a high-motor wing with great defensive tools and a slashing style on offense. If his jumper and handle develop, he could be a versatile two-way starter. The Hornets were 28th in 3-point percentage last season, so finding more shooting is a must in this draft. Marković is a modern stretch forward who also offers skill as a passer and post scorer. But to handle the rigors of the NBA and become a positive defender, he needs to add a ton of muscle. Mark Williams must not have a future in Charlotte, so drafting a big would only make sense. Beringer began playing basketball only three years ago, which makes him a raw project, but also makes his natural talents all the more impressive. He's a center but has the quickness of a guard, giving him immense defensive versatility to build on for years to come. The Sixers could use a backup big man and Wolf would be a quirky choice that'd give them a different look. Wolf is a 7-footer who ran point for Michigan, playing a slick style with risky passes and step-back jumpers that made him a highlight factory. But he's also a turnover machine and his shooting numbers are shaky, making him more of a raw bet who needs time to prove he can match his flash with substance. Toohey is a jack-of-all-trades Australian forward who grinds on defense and loves to dish the ball around. But his scoring comes and goes with his streaky jumper since he's not someone who generates many of his own shots. The Nets drafted plenty of guys who can do a lot with the ball. Toohey would fit as a role player. This is Detroit's lone pick in this draft. How will they build on what was such a promising step forward this season? Sallis would make tons of sense since he could add both creation and shooting. He is a poised, efficient scorer with body control, defensive tenacity, and the passing feel to hint at more upside. If the jumper proves real, he could play a much larger offensive role than his current projection. The Spurs need more shooters and Brea projects as a shooting specialist who has a clear path to becoming a rotation player because of his highly sought after skill. But in order to avoid being a weak link on defense, he'll need to make improvements to his athleticism. Yang is a massive Chinese 7-footer who scores with old-school craft, passes well, and cleans the glass. But how much his slow feet and lack of shooting range can be improved will determine whether he can stick in the pros. Jakob Poeltl has only two years remaining on his deal (with a player option on the second year), so by the time Yang is ready to contribute it may come at a perfect time. Fears, Queen, and Watkins would be one hell of a haul for the Wizards to make up for the disappointment of lottery night. Watkins is a versatile player who can run the show, slash to the paint, and switch across positions on defense. But the development of his jumper is stuck in quicksand, which raises questions about his ability to excel in a less prominent on-ball role. The Warriors need more shooting, which explains everything about this pick. Lanier transferred to Tennessee after four years at North Florida and immediately thrived as a knockdown shooter with shot-making creativity. But without great size or playmaking at his age, he's a second-round prospect. Jones offers crafty combo guard skills with advanced shot creation and a blossoming playmaking feel. But his so-so athleticism and streaky shooting paint him as just a cog rather than the rare star upperclassmen set to enter the league. Still, the Kings could use more creation especially if they have some departures this summer, such as DeMar DeRozan or Domantas Sabonis in a trade. Proctor is a tall combo guard with great passing vision that was expected to go one-and-done, but has taken until his junior year to look ready for the NBA. At this point, he's sharpened his jumper and become an even better defender. Danny Ainge has a history of fancying top high school prospects that end up falling in the draft, so Proctor would fit that same profile. Sandfort has a beautiful jumper and, off the catch, he's capable of knocking down shots from anywhere. And though his numbers slipped last season, he was playing with a broken wrist and torn labrums to both of his shoulders. The Thunder will someday want some cheap replacements that offer shooting so he would make perfect sense. Tonje will enter the NBA at age 24 with some readymade skills as an off-ball movement scorer and shooter. But his athletic ceiling and defense will determine if he's more than just a backup. It wouldn't be so bad if that's all he tops out as for the Bulls, who have Coby White currently leading the backcourt. So far in this mock the Magic have drafted a guard (Clifford) and a forward (Fleming). Both of them can shoot. Here, they get a wing in James, who after years of laying bricks has worked hard to become a dead-eye, spot-up shooter. And he brings much more than shooting as a crafty playmaker who keeps the ball moving. He's also a versatile defender who sets a tone with his hustle. No matter what happens with Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks will need some shot creation next season with Damian Lillard sidelined for most, if not all, of next season. Nembhard is an excellent floor general who excels in pick-and-roll situations and made great progress as a scorer during his senior year. 48. Grizzlies: Javon Small, G, West Virginia With Ja Morant being as injury prone as he's been, it wouldn't hurt the Grizzlies to add another guard in the system. Small is an undersized guard who plays bigger than his body thanks to his excellent athleticism and gritty nature. He's a knockdown shooter off the catch and a solid lead guard, though his lack of size puts a natural cap on his upside. Martin is a hyper-athletic, high-energy guard who plays bigger than his size and impacts the game with his toughness, rebounding, and defensive grit. His positional tweener status, streaky shooting, and limited creation ability complicate his ability to carve out a specialized role. But his positive traits are exactly what the Cavaliers were missing in their series loss against the Pacers. Mitchell Robinson is a great interior defender, but his limitations as a free-throw shooter can put a strain on the Knicks offense. New York needs another option to play at center. Broome is a super senior who brings a ready-made game as an interior finisher with a passing feel and tone-setting defense. Though his shaky jumper hasn't progressed as much as NBA teams had hoped, playing next to Karl-Anthony Towns would allow Broome to take the interior role. Advertisement Williams is a big wing who thrives on making tough midrange jumpers and movement 3s off the catch. He's an older prospect at age 24, but still belongs on the draft radar because of his spark-plug scoring skill set, which is why the Clippers could draft him. Dixon is a burly forward who brings a toughness and physicality to the game. As Villanova's all-time leading scorer, he showed versatile scoring skills, but in the NBA his lack of athleticism will put a limit on the type of usage he can receive. The pros outweigh the cons for a team in need of a tone-setter like the Suns though. 53. Jazz: Vladislav Goldin, C, Michigan Goldin is a large Russian center who excels at scoring at the rim with soft touch, and as a senior he began to shoot jumpers. Concerns about his defense and athleticism put him in the second round, but he has the overall skills to be a rotation big, giving the Jazz more flexibility with how they build out their frontcourt. 54. Pacers: Rocco Zikarsky, C, Brisbane Here's another big for the Pacers, possibly to stash overseas or let develop in the G League. Zikarsky is a big Australian center who plays a traditional role as an interior finisher and rim protector. He doesn't offer much else at this stage of his career, though, and hasn't shown many signs that he will. As the Lakers build out their roster around Luka Dončić, they're going to need rugged wings like Luis who can set a tone on defense with his versatility and intensity. At this point of the draft, every player has their flaws though. Luis got benched in St. John's final game because his shaky shooting and decision-making on offense became such an issue. If he can improve those concerns though, his downhill attacking style could become an asset. Ružić projects as a knockdown shooter with passing feel, though at only 18 until October, he is incredibly raw physically. With so many young players already on the roster, the Grizzlies could stash him and let him continue to develop overseas. 57. Magic: Neoklis Avdalas, F, Panathinaikos The Magic can't go a whole draft without drafting one guy with a questionable jumper, can they? Avdalas is a 6-foot-8 Greek forward with playmaking skill and versatility. His combination of size and court vision makes him an intriguing prospect, though questions about his defense and shooting remain. See, Orlando? If the Cavaliers make a big change this offseason by trading Jarrett Allen, they could use another big on the roster for two-big lineups. Almansa is an accomplished international big who projects as a versatile offensive hub and prolific rebounder, though sooner than later his production will need to start matching his flashes of upside. 59. Rockets: Dink Pate, G/F, Mexico City Pate looks the part of an athletic wing who can handle the ball, but he hasn't produced effectively in two G League seasons. Any team that takes him is rolling the dice that he someday develops his skills. Considering how deep the Rockets are, maybe they'd decide to take a patient swing with the final pick of this draft. Check out my 2025 NBA Draft Guide with a full two-round mock and scouting reports for every prospect.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
2025 NBA Draft scouting report: Payton Sandfort, F, Iowa
Payton Sandfort #20 of the Iowa Hawkeyes brings the ball up court during the game against the Illinois Fighting Illini in the Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament Second Round at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 13, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by) For a two-round mock draft and a big board with full scouting reports, check out my NBA Draft Guide. Payton Sandfort, F, Iowa Height: 6-8 • Weight: 215 • Class: Senior • Age: 22 Summary: Sandfort is a beautiful shooter off the catch capable of knocking down shots from anywhere. Even though his numbers dipped as a senior at Iowa, he played through a fractured wrist and torn labrums on both of his shoulders! But when he's healthy, he could provide a spark as a member of the Clippers bench. Advertisement Comparisons: Sam Hauser Strengths Shooting: Elite spot-up shooter who relocates into open space and hits from deep with quick, confident mechanics. Defenses can't lose track of him. He's also capable of hitting side-step jumpers and midrange pull-ups with a smooth release. Passing: Never plays outside of himself as a good decision-maker with the ball in his hands. But with a growing role each season, he showed he's more than just a basic decision-maker with his feel for passing to open teammates off of drives. Effort: Brings consistent intensity on defense and rebounds well for his position. Concerns Shot creation: Not a primary creator and can struggle generating clean looks against length. Advertisement Defense: He has limitations defending in space and doesn't change direction too well. He could be hunted in switches at the next level. For a two-round mock draft and a big board with full scouting reports, check out my NBA Draft Guide.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Which players are on the rise after the draft combine? The latest projections for every pick
If you're just here for the mock draft, scroll down. Or check out my 2025 NBA Draft Guide with the full mock plus scouting reports for every prospect. While in Chicago this past week at the NBA Draft Combine, I kept thinking about the last time I was there in 2019. I was inside the private lottery room when the balls bounced New Orleans' way, giving the Pelicans the first pick and a shot at Zion Williamson. Alvin Gentry stood up and did the 'ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?' routine from Gladiator. It was incredible. Executives literally high-fived him. Everyone thought it was the turning point. The league's most cursed franchise had finally landed the guy. Zion was supposed to be the next Charles Barkley. Maybe even the next LeBron. But six years later, the Pelicans still haven't won a playoff series with him. He's played just 214 games. They've averaged 35 wins and shuffled through roster constructions like it's fantasy basketball. Gentry didn't even last a full season after his big lottery night celebration, and David Griffin, who drafted Zion, got canned last month. The team hit the jackpot and somehow ended up right back in the lottery. There's a buzz now over Dallas landing Cooper Flagg, who is a much safer prospect than Zion, but there's still no guarantee he becomes a star. You can land the most hyped prospect and still end up right back where you started. Talent matters, of course. But so do health, development, culture, fit, timing, coaching, and a dozen other factors. That's why teams aren't just focused on the top of the board. They're digging for prospects that might outplay their slot and look like the true prize when we do re-drafts years from now. That's what teams use Chicago for: seeing players up close, asking them questions, and collecting information that doesn't show up on Synergy clips. In a year where eight teams hold multiple first-round picks, a ton of movement is expected. Teams with ammo to make trades will be targeting the player they define as the likely steal of the draft. After a week in Chicago, a few of those names are rising in this mock draft. Could the draft night steal be Carter Bryant, the versatile Arizona freshman forward who began to blossom to close the season? Or Cedric Coward, who's gone from Division III to projected first-rounder? Or maybe it's a guy who wasn't even in Chicago, like French forward Noa Essengue, who's shining to close his season overseas. Zion is a reminder that the top of the draft doesn't always deliver a franchise cornerstone, and that the best player in a class is often found further down the board. So with that in mind, after a week of interviews, front office whispers, and recalibrated evaluations, here's my latest mock draft. All indications at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago are that the Mavericks will indeed keep the first pick and select Flagg. With that said, Nico Harrison did say at his end-of-season press conference: 'You'll see when our team is healthy again, we're going to be competing for a championship.' Does a rookie actually help that mission? Flagg would but not as much as a proven star. So if a significant offer is on the table, wouldn't Nico at least listen? Even if so, perhaps other powers that be in Dallas wouldn't allow it to happen because Flagg is someone that can still help in both the short-term and long-term as a do-it-all forward who hustles like a madman, makes his teammates better as a passer, and has dialed in a knockdown jumper. He's both the best offensive and defensive prospect in this draft class, making him the safest No. 1 pick in ages. As long as his jumper falls, he could play as a small forward next to Anthony Davis and another big. It's his growth as a shot creator that will decide if he reaches his All-Star floor or soars to his Hall of Fame ceiling. If the Spurs keep the second pick and don't trade out of this position, it seems like Harper will be the pick. Harper is a big-bodied lefty combo guard with NBA blood in his veins, as the son of Ron Harper, who was a 20/5/5 guy before winning five titles as a role player. Like his father, Harper has a high floor with the skill, poise, and playmaking instincts to dictate the game at his pace. He isn't an ideal fit, though, next to De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle because of questions about his jumper. Harper made only 36.8% of his catch-and-shoot 3s and just 28.7% of his dribble jumpers as a Rutgers freshman. Fox and Castle are more interior-focused guards, too, and so is Jeremy Sochan in the frontcourt. How many shaky shooters can the Spurs really put around Victor Wembanyama? No matter what the Spurs are signaling ahead of the draft, I'm not convinced they'd be happy taking Harper unless he shows dramatic progress as a shooter in workouts. Sixers fans are already at war over Bailey. On one side of the debate, the Rutgers freshman is viewed as a ridiculous shot-making machine, capable of splashing contested jumpers from every spot on the floor and with the swagger of a throwback bucket-getter. And at his size, he fits next to Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain in the years to come. While his upside is clear, the other side of the debate rightfully wonders: Can the Sixers afford to wait on Bailey to maybe turn into something when the clock is ticking on the Joel Embiid era? And how realistically will Bailey accept a backseat role? In Chicago he was asked about his wild shot selection and said: 'That might be a bad shot to you, you don't work on it. I work on it.' The issue is he made only 36.4% of his midrange pull-ups and 24.4% of his pull-up 3s. If he's willing to change his shot diet, then concerns about his short-term fit in Philly would be alleviated. But not entirely. Bailey's shooting consistency, plus his raw edges as a shot creator and defender, need sanding down. So at the least, the expectation around the league is the Sixers will look around and see if there are any offers worth taking for this pick, whether it's a trade down or out. Edgecombe is an explosive, high-motor wing who flies out of nowhere for poster dunks and chase-down blocks. He pairs his elite athleticism with a knockdown spot-up jumper and fearless slashing. Edgecombe needs to improve his shot creation to become more of a primary creator, but that'll matter less in Charlotte as long as LaMelo Ball stays healthy. It's a major blow to the Jazz to fall four slots, especially this year when there's no obvious pick here that fits the remainder of the roster. With Utah sitting on a mountain of young players and 12 first-round picks, the team could realistically put together an offer to trade up. Or maybe if there's a favored prospect who could still be available a few slots down, trading down would be logical too. But if the Jazz stay put, Knueppel makes some sense since he brings more than just a sharpshooter's stroke thanks to his brainy pick-and-roll playmaking and crafty scoring feel. Pairing him with the existing young backcourt plus Lauri Markkanen at forward works because Knueppel can simply fit with anyone. There could be some untapped upside in him, too, since he's got a slick midrange bag and strength scoring inside. To become a player that takes over games, though, he'll need to overcome his average athleticism. As crushing as it is for the Wizards to get leapfrogged in the draft, maybe it could end up a blessing in disguise. The Wizards were last in offensive rating this season, so they are badly in need of scoring punch from someone like Johnson. At Texas, Johnson showed he's a clutch shot-maker who can catch fire from all over the floor, drilling step-backs and off-screen jumpers with ease. But he needs to continue developing his point guard skills while also honing his shot selection and dramatically improving his defense. Before Dejounte Murray ruptured his Achilles in January, the Pelicans were 9-22 with him in the lineup. Granted, only 103 of his minutes came with Zion Williamson on the floor, but Murray didn't exactly look like the long-term answer at point guard. And with his tragic injury, the Pelicans could use someone that does fill that void. Fears has the skills to become that for them as a dynamic guard with a twitchy attacking style and a knack for coming through as a clutch shooter. He was one of college basketball's youngest freshmen, and it showed with his shaky decision-making as a shooter and passer. But he has a feel for shot creation and a handle that lets him get anywhere on the floor, so he may only need time to emerge as a star. Essengue is a toolsy forward with a fluid handle, dynamic finishing package, and highly versatile defense. Though he's a raw Frenchman, he's starting to string together his best run of the season. This week, he had 21 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals against Euroleague team Alba Berlin in the German league playoffs. At 6-foot-9 with upside across the board, that's why he's rising up draft boards. But he isn't without concerns, since he's made only 26.2% of his jump shots this season. Brooklyn has a clean slate of a future, though, so it'd only make sense to take a big swing after not moving up into the top four. Maluach is a towering rim protector with switchable mobility, erasing shots at the rim and shadowing quick guards on the perimeter. In the long-term he could be the anchor of the Raptors' defense. But beyond dunking lobs, he's a work in progress on offense with a lack of seasoning as a screener, shooter, and creator. He also grabbed zero rebounds in his final game at Duke. Such a raw skill-set should come as no surprise since the South Sudan native didn't start playing basketball until he was 13. The tools are obvious, though, and at the draft combine he once again showed his flashes of a 3-point jumper. A team that can afford to be patient, such as the Raptors, could be in for a great reward down the line. The Reed Sheppard selection one year ago signaled that the Rockets were looking for a future shot creator that can someday take over for Fred VanVleet. Taking Jakučionis would give them another guy in the developmental pipeline. The Illinois freshman is a slick shot creator with a creative passing gene and a fearless scoring ability, carving up defenses with crafty finishes, step-back jumpers, and jaw-dropping passes. But he'd follow up those highlights with turnover brain-farts that would derail the hype train. So, much like Sheppard, he might need time to figure things out in the G League. The Blazers trended way up on defense in the second half of the season, so taking Bryant would serve as a double-down on the team's newfound identity. Bryant is a rangy, athletic forward who projects as a highly versatile defender. He's raw on offense, but he shot the hell out of the ball for Arizona in the conference tournament and NCAA tournament. And his success continued at the draft combine, where he was a standout and is widely considered as a lock to stay in the draft. At this point, it'd be surprising if he returned to Arizona for his sophomore year. If his shooting sustains throughout pre-draft workouts before the early entry deadline on May 28, he'll cement his status as a lottery prospect. Queen is a burly big with guard-like handles who dazzles with spin moves and crafty finishes like his game-winning leaning jumper to send Maryland to the Sweet 16. But his draft stock did get dinged in Chicago with some executives expressing concern over his conditioning and his lack of progress as a shooter. In the early part of his career, he'll likely need to make an impact with his interior skills. And if he did indeed go to the Bulls, once Nikola Vučević walks in free agency in 2026 (or gets traded prior) then he'd be able to contribute in a larger role. The question is how long, if ever, it'll take to translate his velvet touch to the perimeter. If he does that, he has an offensive star upside. But his interior scoring, playmaking chops, and magnetic rebounding alone give him tantalizing potential. Those traits make him a fascinating fit as a two-man threat with Coby White and the existing Chicago core. Clint Capela is a free agent this summer, so minutes at center could be open for the Hawks next season. Newell would fill in immediately because he has springs in his legs, regularly slamming lobs and swatting shots. Trae Young would find him for a ton of easy shots, and with Onyeka Okongwu extending his range more and more each season, there'd be less pressure on Newell to effectively shoot 3s as he begins his career. On defense, Newell projects as a highly versatile defender that'd fit in with Atlanta's very switchable group. McNeeley is a sharpshooting wing with superb instincts moving without the ball, and the touch to splash from deep ranges. Though he doesn't project as a primary shot creator, his feel as a connective passer gives him the skill to fit into any type of offense. He's exactly the type of player the Spurs need next to Victor Wembanyama, De'Aaron Fox, and Stephon Castle, plus Dylan Harper if he is indeed the pick at No. 2. The Thunder had an all-time great defensive rating in the modern era, so taking Murray-Boyles would serve as a double-down on the team's identity while also offering a new ingredient to the foundation. Murray-Boyles operates like a defensive savant the way he locks down every position, uses his ninja-quick hands to swipe at the ball, and inhales rebounds. He's a special defensive presence whose size would give OKC even more versatility. And offensively he's a bulldozer finisher with a playmaking feel. Improving his jumper would move him out of tweener territory and into All-Star status. It would be a gift from the basketball gods if Richardson lands in Orlando's lap at this pick. The Magic ranked 25th in 3-point attempts and last in percentage. It'd be a shocker if they didn't draft someone who can shoot at this spot. And Richardson is one of the best shooters in the class after making 45.7% of his catch-and-shoot 3s at Michigan State. Beyond that, he is a skilled combo guard with a lethal midrange game and a poised pick-and-roll feel, looking like he downloaded the experience of his NBA veteran father, Jason Richardson. Jase didn't inherit his father's height or dunk contest athleticism, though, so his smaller stature could cap his upside. Coward has gone from a Division III player to a potential first-round pick in just a few years behind his rapid development into a prospect with a valued 3-and-D skill-set. And in Chicago, he was one of the biggest risers measuring in at 6-foot-5 barefoot with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, while shooting the hell out of the ball. Coward has a choice to attend Duke next season, but league sources widely expect him to stay in the draft and possibly rise into the top 20. With Nickeil Alexander-Walker set to hit free agency, Minnesota might need someone to fill his minutes, which would make Coward a great fit here. But Coward brings even higher upside thanks to his passing vision. For more on Coward, watch or listen to my one-on-one interview with him on The Kevin O'Connor Show. Demin has a rare ability at his size to make dazzling passes. At 6-foot-9, he'd add a unique ingredient to the Wizards frontcourt. But he's no guarantee to thrive in the NBA. At BYU, Demin struggled to shoot and create his own shot against lengthy defenders, making him more of a love-him or hate-him prospect than a sure thing. With Tre Johnson, Bub Carrington, and Jordan Poole in Washington's backcourt, Demin could slowly develop as a creator while leaning into his existing strengths as a cutter, screener, and defender. Traoré oozes upside with his size, blazing speed, and shiftiness off the bounce. And it's starting to manifest into actual production: In his last game, he dropped 21 points with seven assists to only two turnovers. And he continued to shoot the heck out of the ball too. Over his last six games, he's made 50% of his 3s. And over his last 10 games, he's made 82% of his free throws. Inefficient scoring and erratic decision-making are the big concerns with Traoré, but if he keeps this up there's a chance he won't even make it to this pick for Brooklyn to pair him with a French teammate in Essengue. Pat Riley said he has no plans to retire and that '80 is the new 60,' so it's hard to imagine the Heat going with a raw project in the draft. Which is why Clifford makes a ton of sense: He is a tough-as-nails wing who does it all. He defends multiple positions, crashes the boards, and scores from everywhere. As a super senior with only Mountain West pedigree, he lacks experience against high-level competition despite his age. But he has the skills to help Miami win games right away. After taking Knueppel with their lottery pick, the Jazz go with Riley here to add even more versatility to the roster. Riley has dynamic driving ability and playmaking instincts that scream upside as a jumbo-sized, shot-creating wing. His jumper is streaky, and his defense is unreliable since he's so lean physically and lacks fundamentals, but Utah can afford to be patient. Penda plays like a veteran with a winning mentality, offering connective playmaking, switchable defense, and high-level feel. He'll need to improve his jumper to stick long-term, but his unselfish game and defensive utility give him a strong foundation to contribute in Atlanta. With Myles Turner entering free agent this offseason, the Pacers could be in need of a center. Even if he does return, Raynaud could serve as a backup center or give Indiana a versatile option for a two-big look. Raynaud has leveled up every year at Stanford, turning into a player who pops 3s, slashes to the rim with a smooth handle, and makes eye-popping passes. As a talented passer who also offers solid defense, there's little reason to think the Frenchman won't carve out an NBA role. Lendeborg fills the stat sheet in every category, showing off athletic shot creation, dominant rebounding and versatile defense. There really isn't anything he can't do, it's just a matter of whether what he does in a weaker conference can translate to the pros. Some NBA teams hope he returns to school, since he'd face a much higher level of competition as a Michigan transfer. But what if he gets promised by a team such as OKC, where he'd be in a great player developmental program? It'd be a tough choice for Lendeborg, and certainly the Thunder would be wise to take a big swing with one or two of their firsts. Here's another shooter for the Magic. Fleming is a hustler who drains spot-up jumpers and brings energy on defense, swatting shots and snagging boards. He has some real warts as a ball-handler with a lack of experience against high-level competition, but this would matter less for an Orlando team that would place him in a defined role. Wolf is a 7-footer who ran point for Michigan, playing a slick style with risky passes and step-back jumpers that made him a highlight factory. But he's also a turnover machine, and his shooting numbers are shaky, making him more of a raw bet who needs time to prove he can match his flash with substance. The Nets are exactly the type of team that would be wise to take a swing for the fences with him. The Nets have five top-36 picks. Are they really going to keep all of these? I doubt it. But regardless of what Brooklyn does, drafting one or multiple guards could make some sense since this roster is a clean slate. Clayton is a fearless shooter with the versatility to take any shot at any moment, as we saw when he led Florida to the national championship. But his limitations as a defender hold him back from being an elite prospect. Al Horford turns 39 this summer and Kristaps Porziņģis can't stay on the floor. The Celtics need to start thinking about the future of the center position, and Sorber could absolutely be a steal at this part of the draft. Sorber is unlikely to participate in on-court workouts due to a foot injury that ended his freshman year at Georgetown after just 24 games, but he still projects as a first-round pick due to his brick-house frame and the throwback skill-set to match. He sets strong screens, scores with soft-touch finishes, and has gritty drop-coverage instincts. Saraf is a crafty, lefty playmaker who relies on guile, footwork, and body control. Limited shooting and athleticism could cap his upside, but his positional size and skill could be hard to pass up at this point of the first round, especially for a playmaking-needy team like the Suns. James Harden can't be the only source of playmaking for the Clippers. They need someone who can allow him to operate off-ball, if he's willing. Pettiford is a combo guard with a sniper's touch, raining 3s and lethal floaters while flashing playmaking savvy and a bulldog mentality on both ends. But his smaller size means he'll need to clean up his shot selection and decision-making to max out his game at the next level. Might it be time to find a cheap big man? Both Naz Reid and Julius Randle have player options this summer, and Rudy Gobert will be 33 next season with only two guaranteed seasons remaining on his contract. Kalkbrenner is a throwback 7-footer who owns the paint, swatting shots with his giant wingspan and dunking everything in sight. It's a bit strange he isn't a better rebounder. But as a super senior, he's also developed some sneaky passing and shooting skills that hint at higher upside, making him a worthy gamble despite his age for a win-now team like Minnesota. With Jayson Tatum out for most if not all of next season, the Celtics will need more shot creation. Especially if the Celtics are indeed going to make big moves to cut down on their salary number this offseason. Philon is a shifty point guard with a buttery floater, advanced pick-and-roll playmaking, and a deceptive handle that lets him control the tempo. His feathery touch teases untapped shooting potential, but he's got to prove it to become an offensive maestro. The Hornets were 28th in 3-point percentage last season, so finding more shooting is a must in this draft. Marković is a modern stretch forward who also offers skill as a passer and post scorer. But to handle the rigors of the NBA and become a positive defender, he needs to add a ton of muscle. Another shooter here for Charlotte. Brea projects as a shooting specialist who has a clear path to becoming a rotation player because of his highly sought after skill. But in order to avoid being a weak link on defense, he'll need to make improvements to his athleticism. The Sixers could use more wing defense and Powell is a switch-everything defender who plays with a high motor. If his spot-up jumper translates he checks all the boxes to be a 3-and-D role player at a minimum. Without the guarantee of a jumper, he at least has a chiseled frame that he uses to barrel into defenders at the rim and to contain opponents when he's on defense. Brooklyn will likely consolidate some of its five picks this year. But if the Nets keep this pick, Gonzalez could fit anywhere as a high-motor wing with great defensive tools and a slashing style on offense. If his jumper and handle develop, he could be a versatile two-way starter. But he barely even played off the bench overseas. This is Detroit's lone pick in this draft. How will they build on what was such a promising step forward this season? Adding another creator next to Cade Cunningham would make sense, especially someone like Uzan, who has long been a high-IQ combo guard who knits teams together with his playmaking skills and defensive hustle. After transferring to Houston, he honed his jumper to give him an even stronger skill-set to excel for many years in the NBA. So far in this mock the Spurs have taken a guard (Harper) and a wing (McNeeley). Now it's time for a big in Condon, who could play next to Wembanyama. Condon is a high-octane Aussie big with a relentless motor, versatile defense, and the playmaking pizzazz for no-look dimes. But most modern bigs need either a reliable jumper or immense interior size, leaving him as a bit of a tweener at this stage. After selecting Maluach in the lottery, it wouldn't hurt to add a wing to the roster like Byrd. At San Diego State, Byrd made a tremendous statistical impact turning defense into offense on a regular basis. But he's got a loose handle and a shaky jumper, making him more of a raw project with a lot to prove. The Raptors should be the type of team willing to take a swing on him, given they aren't in a win-now situation. Yang is a massive Chinese 7-footer who scores with old-school craft, passes well, and cleans the glass. But how much his slow feet and lack of shooting range can be improved will determine whether he can stick in the pros. The Wizards should roll the dice because Alex Sarr could in theory help Yang on defense, while Yang's offense could lift all the other talent already on the roster. What's become apparent watching the Warriors without Stephen Curry is the need for more reliable shot creation. Jones offers crafty combo guard skills with advanced shot creation and a blossoming playmaking feel. But his so-so athleticism and streaky shooting paint him as just a cog rather than the rare star upperclassmen set to enter the league. That's perfectly fine for the Warriors, as long as he's able to find better consistency as a shooter. It's the end of an era in Sacramento. De'Aaron Fox is gone. Domantas Sabonis could be next. It's time to take a big swing instead of playing it safe: Beringer is a center but has the quickness of a guard, giving him immense defensive versatility to build on for years to come. He began playing basketball only three years ago, which makes him a raw project, but also makes his natural talents all the more impressive. There's a chance he doesn't even make it all the way to Sacramento, but someone is always bound to fall. Thiero is a slasher with a jacked frame and an explosive first step, but he has severe limitations on offense as a shooter. If he's able to figure out the shot, then his length and versatility would make him a classic 3-and-D role player. Utah could use energizers like him, making him more than worth the bet at this stage of the draft. Lanier transferred to Tennessee after four years at North Florida and immediately thrived as a knockdown shooter with shot-making creativity. But without great size or playmaking at his age, he projects as more of a role player. And the Thunder could use someone like him in the developmental pipeline because an organization can never have enough shooting. Tonje will enter the NBA at age 24 with some readymade skills as an off-ball movement scorer and shooter. But his athletic ceiling and defense will determine if he's more than just a backup. It wouldn't be so bad if that's all he tops out as for the Bulls, who have Coby White currently leading the backcourt. So far in this mock the Magic have drafted a guard (Richardson) and a forward (Fleming). Both of them can shoot. Here, they get a wing in James, who after years of laying bricks has worked hard to become a dead-eye, spot-up shooter. And he brings much more than shooting as a crafty playmaker who keeps the ball moving. He's also a versatile defender who sets a tone with his hustle. The future of Giannis Antetokounmpo looms, making this mid-second-rounder feel like an afterthought for Milwaukee. But with or without Giannis, the franchise's limited assets means hitting these picks matters a lot. It would be on brand for general manager Jon Horst to take a swing, and granted not many swings are available at this point of the draft, but Sallis might qualify. Even though Sallis is a senior, he's a midrange bucket-getter and a spark-plug scorer who has flashed high-level skills. If he can put the pieces together in the NBA, then perhaps he could end up an even better pro than he was a college player. Williams is potentially transferring to Kansas, the potential top-ranked team in the nation next season. It wasn't exactly a big week for him at the draft combine. So he's got a tough decision to make whether to stay in the draft or go back to college. If he goes pro, then Memphis would be a strong mutual fit. Williams is a broad-shouldered wing with the versatility to slide from point guard to power forward, always showing the ability to make a positive impact no matter what his team needs. A lack of top-end athleticism puts him in a role player bucket, but he brings more than enough winning qualities. The season was a crash landing finish for Cleveland. And now, the franchise faces big questions this summer. Ty Jerome is an unrestricted free agent and it could be incredibly difficult to keep him, so finding a role player who can also handle a little bit could be a priority in the draft. Watkins is a versatile player who can run the show, slash to the paint, and switch across positions on defense. But the development of his jumper is stuck in quicksand, which raises questions about his ability to excel in a less prominent on-ball role. Mitchell Robinson is a great interior defender, but his limitations as a free throw shooter can put a strain on the Knicks offense. New York needs another option to play at center. Broome is a super senior who brings a ready-made game as an interior finisher with a passing feel and tone-setting defense. Though his shaky jumper hasn't progressed as much as NBA teams had hoped, playing next to Karl-Anthony Towns would allow Broome to take the interior role. Sandfort is a beautiful shooter off the catch capable of knocking down shots from anywhere. Even though his numbers dipped as a senior at Iowa, he played through a fractured wrist and torn labrums on both of his shoulders! But when he's healthy, he could provide a spark as a member of the Clippers bench. Dixon is a burly forward who brings a toughness and physicality to the game. As Villanova's all-time leading scorer, he showed versatile scoring skills, but in the NBA his lack of athleticism will put a limit on the type of usage he can receive. The pros outweigh the cons for a team in need of a tone-setter like the Suns though. Utah's fourth and final pick in this mock lands them Proctor, a former projected lottery pick who had three up-and-down years at Duke. But his progress as a junior offers plenty of room for optimism. Proctor is a tall combo guard with great passing vision that was expected to go one-and-done, but has taken until his junior year to look ready for the NBA. At this point, he's sharpened his jumper and become an even better defender. Toohey is a jack-of-all-trades Australian forward who grinds on defense and loves to dish the ball around. But his scoring comes and goes with his streaky jumper since he's not someone who generates many of his own shots. He could fit right into Indiana's versatile roster. As the Lakers build out their roster around Luka Dončić, they're going to need rugged wings like Luis who can set a tone on defense with his versatility and intensity. At this point of the draft, every player has their flaws though. Luis got benched in St. John's final game because his shaky shooting and decision-making on offense became such an issue. If he can improve those concerns though, his downhill attacking style could become an asset. Ružić projects as a knockdown shooter with passing feel, though at only 18 until October he is incredibly raw physically. With so many young players already on the roster, the Grizzlies could stash him and let him continue to develop overseas. Nembhard is an excellent floor general who excels in pick-and-roll situations and made great progress as a scorer during his senior year. But with his small stature, he has natural limitations that put a cap on his upside. For the Magic, he'd bring value as a set-up man for the stars. If the Cavaliers make a big change this offseason by trading Jarrett Allen, they could use another big on the roster to continue allowing for two-big lineups. Almansa is an accomplished international big who projects as a versatile offensive hub and prolific rebounder, though sooner than later his production will need to start matching his flashes of upside. Martin is a hyper-athletic, high-energy guard who plays bigger than his size and impacts the game with his toughness, rebounding, and defensive grit. But his positional tweener status, streaky shooting, and limited creation ability complicate his path to carve out a specialized role. If the Rockets end up making some trades this summer, then Martin can help maintain their elite defense as a member of bench lineups. Check out my 2025 NBA Draft Guide with the full two-round mock, plus scouting reports for every prospect.
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19-05-2025
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NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Which players are on the rise after the draft combine? The latest projections for every pick
If you're just here for the mock draft, scroll down. Or check out my 2025 NBA Draft Guide with the full mock plus scouting reports for every prospect. While in Chicago this past week at the NBA Draft Combine, I kept thinking about the last time I was there in 2019. I was inside the private lottery room when the balls bounced New Orleans' way, giving the Pelicans the first pick and a shot at Zion Williamson. Alvin Gentry stood up and did the 'ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?' routine from Gladiator. It was incredible. Executives literally high-fived him. Everyone thought it was the turning point. The league's most cursed franchise had finally landed the guy. Zion was supposed to be the next Charles Barkley. Maybe even the next LeBron. But six years later, the Pelicans still haven't won a playoff series with him. He's played just 214 games. They've averaged 35 wins and shuffled through roster constructions like it's fantasy basketball. Gentry didn't even last a full season after his big lottery night celebration, and David Griffin, who drafted Zion, got canned last month. The team hit the jackpot and somehow ended up right back in the lottery. There's a buzz now over Dallas landing Cooper Flagg, who is a much safer prospect than Zion, but there's still no guarantee he becomes a star. You can land the most hyped prospect and still end up right back where you started. Talent matters, of course. But so do health, development, culture, fit, timing, coaching, and a dozen other factors. That's why teams aren't just focused on the top of the board. They're digging for prospects that might outplay their slot and look like the true prize when we do re-drafts years from now. That's what teams use Chicago for: seeing players up close, asking them questions, and collecting information that doesn't show up on Synergy clips. In a year where eight teams hold multiple first-round picks, a ton of movement is expected. Teams with ammo to make trades will be targeting the player they define as the likely steal of the draft. After a week in Chicago, a few of those names are rising in this mock draft. Could the draft night steal be Carter Bryant, the versatile Arizona freshman forward who began to blossom to close the season? Or Cedric Coward, who's gone from Division III to projected first-rounder? Or maybe it's a guy who wasn't even in Chicago, like French forward Noa Essengue, who's shining to close his season overseas. Zion is a reminder that the top of the draft doesn't always deliver a franchise cornerstone, and that the best player in a class is often found further down the board. So with that in mind, after a week of interviews, front office whispers, and recalibrated evaluations, here's my latest mock draft. All indications at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago are that the Mavericks will indeed keep the first pick and select Flagg. With that said, Nico Harrison did say at his end-of-season press conference: 'You'll see when our team is healthy again, we're going to be competing for a championship.' Does a rookie actually help that mission? Flagg would but not as much as a proven star. So if a significant offer is on the table, wouldn't Nico at least listen? Even if so, perhaps other powers that be in Dallas wouldn't allow it to happen because Flagg is someone that can still help in both the short-term and long-term as a do-it-all forward who hustles like a madman, makes his teammates better as a passer, and has dialed in a knockdown jumper. He's both the best offensive and defensive prospect in this draft class, making him the safest No. 1 pick in ages. As long as his jumper falls, he could play as a small forward next to Anthony Davis and another big. It's his growth as a shot creator that will decide if he reaches his All-Star floor or soars to his Hall of Fame ceiling. If the Spurs keep the second pick and don't trade out of this position, it seems like Harper will be the pick. Harper is a big-bodied lefty combo guard with NBA blood in his veins, as the son of Ron Harper, who was a 20/5/5 guy before winning five titles as a role player. Like his father, Harper has a high floor with the skill, poise, and playmaking instincts to dictate the game at his pace. He isn't an ideal fit, though, next to De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle because of questions about his jumper. Harper made only 36.8% of his catch-and-shoot 3s and just 28.7% of his dribble jumpers as a Rutgers freshman. Fox and Castle are more interior-focused guards, too, and so is Jeremy Sochan in the frontcourt. How many shaky shooters can the Spurs really put around Victor Wembanyama? No matter what the Spurs are signaling ahead of the draft, I'm not convinced they'd be happy taking Harper unless he shows dramatic progress as a shooter in workouts. Sixers fans are already at war over Bailey. On one side of the debate, the Rutgers freshman is viewed as a ridiculous shot-making machine, capable of splashing contested jumpers from every spot on the floor and with the swagger of a throwback bucket-getter. And at his size, he fits next to Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain in the years to come. While his upside is clear, the other side of the debate rightfully wonders: Can the Sixers afford to wait on Bailey to maybe turn into something when the clock is ticking on the Joel Embiid era? And how realistically will Bailey accept a backseat role? In Chicago he was asked about his wild shot selection and said: 'That might be a bad shot to you, you don't work on it. I work on it.' The issue is he made only 36.4% of his midrange pull-ups and 24.4% of his pull-up 3s. If he's willing to change his shot diet, then concerns about his short-term fit in Philly would be alleviated. But not entirely. Bailey's shooting consistency, plus his raw edges as a shot creator and defender, need sanding down. So at the least, the expectation around the league is the Sixers will look around and see if there are any offers worth taking for this pick, whether it's a trade down or out. Edgecombe is an explosive, high-motor wing who flies out of nowhere for poster dunks and chase-down blocks. He pairs his elite athleticism with a knockdown spot-up jumper and fearless slashing. Edgecombe needs to improve his shot creation to become more of a primary creator, but that'll matter less in Charlotte as long as LaMelo Ball stays healthy. It's a major blow to the Jazz to fall four slots, especially this year when there's no obvious pick here that fits the remainder of the roster. With Utah sitting on a mountain of young players and 12 first-round picks, the team could realistically put together an offer to trade up. Or maybe if there's a favored prospect who could still be available a few slots down, trading down would be logical too. But if the Jazz stay put, Knueppel makes some sense since he brings more than just a sharpshooter's stroke thanks to his brainy pick-and-roll playmaking and crafty scoring feel. Pairing him with the existing young backcourt plus Lauri Markkanen at forward works because Knueppel can simply fit with anyone. There could be some untapped upside in him, too, since he's got a slick midrange bag and strength scoring inside. To become a player that takes over games, though, he'll need to overcome his average athleticism. As crushing as it is for the Wizards to get leapfrogged in the draft, maybe it could end up a blessing in disguise. The Wizards were last in offensive rating this season, so they are badly in need of scoring punch from someone like Johnson. At Texas, Johnson showed he's a clutch shot-maker who can catch fire from all over the floor, drilling step-backs and off-screen jumpers with ease. But he needs to continue developing his point guard skills while also honing his shot selection and dramatically improving his defense. Before Dejounte Murray ruptured his Achilles in January, the Pelicans were 9-22 with him in the lineup. Granted, only 103 of his minutes came with Zion Williamson on the floor, but Murray didn't exactly look like the long-term answer at point guard. And with his tragic injury, the Pelicans could use someone that does fill that void. Fears has the skills to become that for them as a dynamic guard with a twitchy attacking style and a knack for coming through as a clutch shooter. He was one of college basketball's youngest freshmen, and it showed with his shaky decision-making as a shooter and passer. But he has a feel for shot creation and a handle that lets him get anywhere on the floor, so he may only need time to emerge as a star. Essengue is a toolsy forward with a fluid handle, dynamic finishing package, and highly versatile defense. Though he's a raw Frenchman, he's starting to string together his best run of the season. This week, he had 21 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals against Euroleague team Alba Berlin in the German league playoffs. At 6-foot-9 with upside across the board, that's why he's rising up draft boards. But he isn't without concerns, since he's made only 26.2% of his jump shots this season. Brooklyn has a clean slate of a future, though, so it'd only make sense to take a big swing after not moving up into the top four. Maluach is a towering rim protector with switchable mobility, erasing shots at the rim and shadowing quick guards on the perimeter. In the long-term he could be the anchor of the Raptors' defense. But beyond dunking lobs, he's a work in progress on offense with a lack of seasoning as a screener, shooter, and creator. He also grabbed zero rebounds in his final game at Duke. Such a raw skill-set should come as no surprise since the South Sudan native didn't start playing basketball until he was 13. The tools are obvious, though, and at the draft combine he once again showed his flashes of a 3-point jumper. A team that can afford to be patient, such as the Raptors, could be in for a great reward down the line. The Reed Sheppard selection one year ago signaled that the Rockets were looking for a future shot creator that can someday take over for Fred VanVleet. Taking Jakučionis would give them another guy in the developmental pipeline. The Illinois freshman is a slick shot creator with a creative passing gene and a fearless scoring ability, carving up defenses with crafty finishes, step-back jumpers, and jaw-dropping passes. But he'd follow up those highlights with turnover brain-farts that would derail the hype train. So, much like Sheppard, he might need time to figure things out in the G League. The Blazers trended way up on defense in the second half of the season, so taking Bryant would serve as a double-down on the team's newfound identity. Bryant is a rangy, athletic forward who projects as a highly versatile defender. He's raw on offense, but he shot the hell out of the ball for Arizona in the conference tournament and NCAA tournament. And his success continued at the draft combine, where he was a standout and is widely considered as a lock to stay in the draft. At this point, it'd be surprising if he returned to Arizona for his sophomore year. If his shooting sustains throughout pre-draft workouts before the early entry deadline on May 28, he'll cement his status as a lottery prospect. Queen is a burly big with guard-like handles who dazzles with spin moves and crafty finishes like his game-winning leaning jumper to send Maryland to the Sweet 16. But his draft stock did get dinged in Chicago with some executives expressing concern over his conditioning and his lack of progress as a shooter. In the early part of his career, he'll likely need to make an impact with his interior skills. And if he did indeed go to the Bulls, once Nikola Vučević walks in free agency in 2026 (or gets traded prior) then he'd be able to contribute in a larger role. The question is how long, if ever, it'll take to translate his velvet touch to the perimeter. If he does that, he has an offensive star upside. But his interior scoring, playmaking chops, and magnetic rebounding alone give him tantalizing potential. Those traits make him a fascinating fit as a two-man threat with Coby White and the existing Chicago core. Clint Capela is a free agent this summer, so minutes at center could be open for the Hawks next season. Newell would fill in immediately because he has springs in his legs, regularly slamming lobs and swatting shots. Trae Young would find him for a ton of easy shots, and with Onyeka Okongwu extending his range more and more each season, there'd be less pressure on Newell to effectively shoot 3s as he begins his career. On defense, Newell projects as a highly versatile defender that'd fit in with Atlanta's very switchable group. McNeeley is a sharpshooting wing with superb instincts moving without the ball, and the touch to splash from deep ranges. Though he doesn't project as a primary shot creator, his feel as a connective passer gives him the skill to fit into any type of offense. He's exactly the type of player the Spurs need next to Victor Wembanyama, De'Aaron Fox, and Stephon Castle, plus Dylan Harper if he is indeed the pick at No. 2. The Thunder had an all-time great defensive rating in the modern era, so taking Murray-Boyles would serve as a double-down on the team's identity while also offering a new ingredient to the foundation. Murray-Boyles operates like a defensive savant the way he locks down every position, uses his ninja-quick hands to swipe at the ball, and inhales rebounds. He's a special defensive presence whose size would give OKC even more versatility. And offensively he's a bulldozer finisher with a playmaking feel. Improving his jumper would move him out of tweener territory and into All-Star status. It would be a gift from the basketball gods if Richardson lands in Orlando's lap at this pick. The Magic ranked 25th in 3-point attempts and last in percentage. It'd be a shocker if they didn't draft someone who can shoot at this spot. And Richardson is one of the best shooters in the class after making 45.7% of his catch-and-shoot 3s at Michigan State. Beyond that, he is a skilled combo guard with a lethal midrange game and a poised pick-and-roll feel, looking like he downloaded the experience of his NBA veteran father, Jason Richardson. Jase didn't inherit his father's height or dunk contest athleticism, though, so his smaller stature could cap his upside. Coward has gone from a Division III player to a potential first-round pick in just a few years behind his rapid development into a prospect with a valued 3-and-D skill-set. And in Chicago, he was one of the biggest risers measuring in at 6-foot-5 barefoot with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, while shooting the hell out of the ball. Coward has a choice to attend Duke next season, but league sources widely expect him to stay in the draft and possibly rise into the top 20. With Nickeil Alexander-Walker set to hit free agency, Minnesota might need someone to fill his minutes, which would make Coward a great fit here. But Coward brings even higher upside thanks to his passing vision. For more on Coward, watch or listen to my one-on-one interview with him on The Kevin O'Connor Show. Demin has a rare ability at his size to make dazzling passes. At 6-foot-9, he'd add a unique ingredient to the Wizards frontcourt. But he's no guarantee to thrive in the NBA. At BYU, Demin struggled to shoot and create his own shot against lengthy defenders, making him more of a love-him or hate-him prospect than a sure thing. With Tre Johnson, Bub Carrington, and Jordan Poole in Washington's backcourt, Demin could slowly develop as a creator while leaning into his existing strengths as a cutter, screener, and defender. Traoré oozes upside with his size, blazing speed, and shiftiness off the bounce. And it's starting to manifest into actual production: In his last game, he dropped 21 points with seven assists to only two turnovers. And he continued to shoot the heck out of the ball too. Over his last six games, he's made 50% of his 3s. And over his last 10 games, he's made 82% of his free throws. Inefficient scoring and erratic decision-making are the big concerns with Traoré, but if he keeps this up there's a chance he won't even make it to this pick for Brooklyn to pair him with a French teammate in Essengue. Pat Riley said he has no plans to retire and that '80 is the new 60,' so it's hard to imagine the Heat going with a raw project in the draft. Which is why Clifford makes a ton of sense: He is a tough-as-nails wing who does it all. He defends multiple positions, crashes the boards, and scores from everywhere. As a super senior with only Mountain West pedigree, he lacks experience against high-level competition despite his age. But he has the skills to help Miami win games right away. After taking Knueppel with their lottery pick, the Jazz go with Riley here to add even more versatility to the roster. Riley has dynamic driving ability and playmaking instincts that scream upside as a jumbo-sized, shot-creating wing. His jumper is streaky, and his defense is unreliable since he's so lean physically and lacks fundamentals, but Utah can afford to be patient. Penda plays like a veteran with a winning mentality, offering connective playmaking, switchable defense, and high-level feel. He'll need to improve his jumper to stick long-term, but his unselfish game and defensive utility give him a strong foundation to contribute in Atlanta. With Myles Turner entering free agent this offseason, the Pacers could be in need of a center. Even if he does return, Raynaud could serve as a backup center or give Indiana a versatile option for a two-big look. Raynaud has leveled up every year at Stanford, turning into a player who pops 3s, slashes to the rim with a smooth handle, and makes eye-popping passes. As a talented passer who also offers solid defense, there's little reason to think the Frenchman won't carve out an NBA role. Lendeborg fills the stat sheet in every category, showing off athletic shot creation, dominant rebounding and versatile defense. There really isn't anything he can't do, it's just a matter of whether what he does in a weaker conference can translate to the pros. Some NBA teams hope he returns to school, since he'd face a much higher level of competition as a Michigan transfer. But what if he gets promised by a team such as OKC, where he'd be in a great player developmental program? It'd be a tough choice for Lendeborg, and certainly the Thunder would be wise to take a big swing with one or two of their firsts. Here's another shooter for the Magic. Fleming is a hustler who drains spot-up jumpers and brings energy on defense, swatting shots and snagging boards. He has some real warts as a ball-handler with a lack of experience against high-level competition, but this would matter less for an Orlando team that would place him in a defined role. Wolf is a 7-footer who ran point for Michigan, playing a slick style with risky passes and step-back jumpers that made him a highlight factory. But he's also a turnover machine, and his shooting numbers are shaky, making him more of a raw bet who needs time to prove he can match his flash with substance. The Nets are exactly the type of team that would be wise to take a swing for the fences with him. The Nets have five top-36 picks. Are they really going to keep all of these? I doubt it. But regardless of what Brooklyn does, drafting one or multiple guards could make some sense since this roster is a clean slate. Clayton is a fearless shooter with the versatility to take any shot at any moment, as we saw when he led Florida to the national championship. But his limitations as a defender hold him back from being an elite prospect. Al Horford turns 39 this summer and Kristaps Porziņģis can't stay on the floor. The Celtics need to start thinking about the future of the center position, and Sorber could absolutely be a steal at this part of the draft. Sorber is unlikely to participate in on-court workouts due to a foot injury that ended his freshman year at Georgetown after just 24 games, but he still projects as a first-round pick due to his brick-house frame and the throwback skill-set to match. He sets strong screens, scores with soft-touch finishes, and has gritty drop-coverage instincts. Saraf is a crafty, lefty playmaker who relies on guile, footwork, and body control. Limited shooting and athleticism could cap his upside, but his positional size and skill could be hard to pass up at this point of the first round, especially for a playmaking-needy team like the Suns. James Harden can't be the only source of playmaking for the Clippers. They need someone who can allow him to operate off-ball, if he's willing. Pettiford is a combo guard with a sniper's touch, raining 3s and lethal floaters while flashing playmaking savvy and a bulldog mentality on both ends. But his smaller size means he'll need to clean up his shot selection and decision-making to max out his game at the next level. Might it be time to find a cheap big man? Both Naz Reid and Julius Randle have player options this summer, and Rudy Gobert will be 33 next season with only two guaranteed seasons remaining on his contract. Kalkbrenner is a throwback 7-footer who owns the paint, swatting shots with his giant wingspan and dunking everything in sight. It's a bit strange he isn't a better rebounder. But as a super senior, he's also developed some sneaky passing and shooting skills that hint at higher upside, making him a worthy gamble despite his age for a win-now team like Minnesota. With Jayson Tatum out for most if not all of next season, the Celtics will need more shot creation. Especially if the Celtics are indeed going to make big moves to cut down on their salary number this offseason. Philon is a shifty point guard with a buttery floater, advanced pick-and-roll playmaking, and a deceptive handle that lets him control the tempo. His feathery touch teases untapped shooting potential, but he's got to prove it to become an offensive maestro. The Hornets were 28th in 3-point percentage last season, so finding more shooting is a must in this draft. Marković is a modern stretch forward who also offers skill as a passer and post scorer. But to handle the rigors of the NBA and become a positive defender, he needs to add a ton of muscle. Another shooter here for Charlotte. Brea projects as a shooting specialist who has a clear path to becoming a rotation player because of his highly sought after skill. But in order to avoid being a weak link on defense, he'll need to make improvements to his athleticism. The Sixers could use more wing defense and Powell is a switch-everything defender who plays with a high motor. If his spot-up jumper translates he checks all the boxes to be a 3-and-D role player at a minimum. Without the guarantee of a jumper, he at least has a chiseled frame that he uses to barrel into defenders at the rim and to contain opponents when he's on defense. Brooklyn will likely consolidate some of its five picks this year. But if the Nets keep this pick, Gonzalez could fit anywhere as a high-motor wing with great defensive tools and a slashing style on offense. If his jumper and handle develop, he could be a versatile two-way starter. But he barely even played off the bench overseas. This is Detroit's lone pick in this draft. How will they build on what was such a promising step forward this season? Adding another creator next to Cade Cunningham would make sense, especially someone like Uzan, who has long been a high-IQ combo guard who knits teams together with his playmaking skills and defensive hustle. After transferring to Houston, he honed his jumper to give him an even stronger skill-set to excel for many years in the NBA. So far in this mock the Spurs have taken a guard (Harper) and a wing (McNeeley). Now it's time for a big in Condon, who could play next to Wembanyama. Condon is a high-octane Aussie big with a relentless motor, versatile defense, and the playmaking pizzazz for no-look dimes. But most modern bigs need either a reliable jumper or immense interior size, leaving him as a bit of a tweener at this stage. After selecting Maluach in the lottery, it wouldn't hurt to add a wing to the roster like Byrd. At San Diego State, Byrd made a tremendous statistical impact turning defense into offense on a regular basis. But he's got a loose handle and a shaky jumper, making him more of a raw project with a lot to prove. The Raptors should be the type of team willing to take a swing on him, given they aren't in a win-now situation. Yang is a massive Chinese 7-footer who scores with old-school craft, passes well, and cleans the glass. But how much his slow feet and lack of shooting range can be improved will determine whether he can stick in the pros. The Wizards should roll the dice because Alex Sarr could in theory help Yang on defense, while Yang's offense could lift all the other talent already on the roster. What's become apparent watching the Warriors without Stephen Curry is the need for more reliable shot creation. Jones offers crafty combo guard skills with advanced shot creation and a blossoming playmaking feel. But his so-so athleticism and streaky shooting paint him as just a cog rather than the rare star upperclassmen set to enter the league. That's perfectly fine for the Warriors, as long as he's able to find better consistency as a shooter. It's the end of an era in Sacramento. De'Aaron Fox is gone. Domantas Sabonis could be next. It's time to take a big swing instead of playing it safe: Beringer is a center but has the quickness of a guard, giving him immense defensive versatility to build on for years to come. He began playing basketball only three years ago, which makes him a raw project, but also makes his natural talents all the more impressive. There's a chance he doesn't even make it all the way to Sacramento, but someone is always bound to fall. Thiero is a slasher with a jacked frame and an explosive first step, but he has severe limitations on offense as a shooter. If he's able to figure out the shot, then his length and versatility would make him a classic 3-and-D role player. Utah could use energizers like him, making him more than worth the bet at this stage of the draft. Lanier transferred to Tennessee after four years at North Florida and immediately thrived as a knockdown shooter with shot-making creativity. But without great size or playmaking at his age, he projects as more of a role player. And the Thunder could use someone like him in the developmental pipeline because an organization can never have enough shooting. Tonje will enter the NBA at age 24 with some readymade skills as an off-ball movement scorer and shooter. But his athletic ceiling and defense will determine if he's more than just a backup. It wouldn't be so bad if that's all he tops out as for the Bulls, who have Coby White currently leading the backcourt. So far in this mock the Magic have drafted a guard (Richardson) and a forward (Fleming). Both of them can shoot. Here, they get a wing in James, who after years of laying bricks has worked hard to become a dead-eye, spot-up shooter. And he brings much more than shooting as a crafty playmaker who keeps the ball moving. He's also a versatile defender who sets a tone with his hustle. The future of Giannis Antetokounmpo looms, making this mid-second-rounder feel like an afterthought for Milwaukee. But with or without Giannis, the franchise's limited assets means hitting these picks matters a lot. It would be on brand for general manager Jon Horst to take a swing, and granted not many swings are available at this point of the draft, but Sallis might qualify. Even though Sallis is a senior, he's a midrange bucket-getter and a spark-plug scorer who has flashed high-level skills. If he can put the pieces together in the NBA, then perhaps he could end up an even better pro than he was a college player. Williams is potentially transferring to Kansas, the potential top-ranked team in the nation next season. It wasn't exactly a big week for him at the draft combine. So he's got a tough decision to make whether to stay in the draft or go back to college. If he goes pro, then Memphis would be a strong mutual fit. Williams is a broad-shouldered wing with the versatility to slide from point guard to power forward, always showing the ability to make a positive impact no matter what his team needs. A lack of top-end athleticism puts him in a role player bucket, but he brings more than enough winning qualities. The season was a crash landing finish for Cleveland. And now, the franchise faces big questions this summer. Ty Jerome is an unrestricted free agent and it could be incredibly difficult to keep him, so finding a role player who can also handle a little bit could be a priority in the draft. Watkins is a versatile player who can run the show, slash to the paint, and switch across positions on defense. But the development of his jumper is stuck in quicksand, which raises questions about his ability to excel in a less prominent on-ball role. Mitchell Robinson is a great interior defender, but his limitations as a free throw shooter can put a strain on the Knicks offense. New York needs another option to play at center. Broome is a super senior who brings a ready-made game as an interior finisher with a passing feel and tone-setting defense. Though his shaky jumper hasn't progressed as much as NBA teams had hoped, playing next to Karl-Anthony Towns would allow Broome to take the interior role. Sandfort is a beautiful shooter off the catch capable of knocking down shots from anywhere. Even though his numbers dipped as a senior at Iowa, he played through a fractured wrist and torn labrums on both of his shoulders! But when he's healthy, he could provide a spark as a member of the Clippers bench. Dixon is a burly forward who brings a toughness and physicality to the game. As Villanova's all-time leading scorer, he showed versatile scoring skills, but in the NBA his lack of athleticism will put a limit on the type of usage he can receive. The pros outweigh the cons for a team in need of a tone-setter like the Suns though. Utah's fourth and final pick in this mock lands them Proctor, a former projected lottery pick who had three up-and-down years at Duke. But his progress as a junior offers plenty of room for optimism. Proctor is a tall combo guard with great passing vision that was expected to go one-and-done, but has taken until his junior year to look ready for the NBA. At this point, he's sharpened his jumper and become an even better defender. Toohey is a jack-of-all-trades Australian forward who grinds on defense and loves to dish the ball around. But his scoring comes and goes with his streaky jumper since he's not someone who generates many of his own shots. He could fit right into Indiana's versatile roster. As the Lakers build out their roster around Luka Dončić, they're going to need rugged wings like Luis who can set a tone on defense with his versatility and intensity. At this point of the draft, every player has their flaws though. Luis got benched in St. John's final game because his shaky shooting and decision-making on offense became such an issue. If he can improve those concerns though, his downhill attacking style could become an asset. Ružić projects as a knockdown shooter with passing feel, though at only 18 until October he is incredibly raw physically. With so many young players already on the roster, the Grizzlies could stash him and let him continue to develop overseas. Nembhard is an excellent floor general who excels in pick-and-roll situations and made great progress as a scorer during his senior year. But with his small stature, he has natural limitations that put a cap on his upside. For the Magic, he'd bring value as a set-up man for the stars. If the Cavaliers make a big change this offseason by trading Jarrett Allen, they could use another big on the roster to continue allowing for two-big lineups. Almansa is an accomplished international big who projects as a versatile offensive hub and prolific rebounder, though sooner than later his production will need to start matching his flashes of upside. Martin is a hyper-athletic, high-energy guard who plays bigger than his size and impacts the game with his toughness, rebounding, and defensive grit. But his positional tweener status, streaky shooting, and limited creation ability complicate his path to carve out a specialized role. If the Rockets end up making some trades this summer, then Martin can help maintain their elite defense as a member of bench lineups. Check out my 2025 NBA Draft Guide with the full two-round mock, plus scouting reports for every prospect.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
2025 NBA Mock Draft: How the first round is shaping up after regular season ends
The Florida Gators cut down the nets, and now, with the NBA regular season barreling toward its finish line, the spotlight will shift fast toward the NBA Draft. For lottery teams, top-ranked freshmen like Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper present a chance to change the trajectory of a franchise. And for playoff teams, seasoned upperclassmen such as Walter Clayton and Nique Clifford could help bolster their future title odds. There are also a number of international prospects still completing their seasons that are scattered throughout the draft class. Below is the first round for my mock. You can find this mock, plus a full second round and scouting reports for every single prospect in our 2025 NBA Draft Guide. Let's get to the first round: All that tanking and a $100,000 fine would be more than worth it if Utah lands the first pick to select Flagg. The Duke freshman is a do-it-all forward who hustles like a madman, makes his teammates better as a passer, and has dialed in a knockdown jumper. While leading Duke to the Sweet 16, he's showing why he's both the best offensive and defensive prospect in this draft class. In Utah, he'd slot in perfectly alongside Lauri Markkanen, forming a versatile frontcourt duo that can stretch defenses and lock down opponents. His playmaking also complements Isaiah Collier and Keyonte George. But what Utah really needs is a cornerstone to uplift all of its existing talent, and it's Flagg's growth as a shot creator that will decide if he reaches his All-Star floor or soars to his Hall of Fame ceiling. Harper is a big-bodied lefty combo guard with the skill, poise and playmaking instincts to dictate the game at his pace, which makes him quite a great consolation prize for the point guard-needy Wizards if they land the second pick. Harper also has NBA blood in his veins, as the son of Ron Harper, who was a 20/5/5 guy before winning five titles as a role player. Like his father, Dylan Harper has a high floor. But the fate of his jumper will determine whether he's an All-Star or just one of the league's many solid guards. Bailey is a ridiculous shot-making machine, capable of splashing contested jumpers from every spot on the floor with the swagger of a throwback bucket-getter. Placing him alongside LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller would create an absurd scoring trio. But would it lead to winning basketball? Bailey's raw edges as a shot creator and defender, plus his shooting inconsistency, need sanding down to turn him into a full-on star. The Hornets might have no choice to take the swing though, given how well he'd potentially fit next to a fully realized Ball and Miller. Zion Williamson was looking more and more like his prime self before a low back bone contusion sidelined him for the remainder of the season. But no matter how much his injury history is lingering in the back of everyone's minds, he still remains the cornerstone of the Pelicans. Pairing him with players who can space the floor is paramount, especially if those players also offer similar explosive talents like Edgecombe does as a high-motor wing who flies out of nowhere for poster dunks and chase-down blocks. The Baylor freshman pairs his elite athleticism with a knockdown spot-up jumper and fearless slashing. Though he needs to improve his shot creation to become more of a primary creator, he'd be entering a ball-sharing offense in New Orleans. The Sixers have a 64% chance of keeping their pick this year, unless they improve those odds by somehow catching the tanking Pelicans. If they land with the fifth or sixth pick (21.8% chance) it's obviously a win that they wouldn't lose the selection to the Thunder. But there's really no clear prospect that would make sense in this slot. Do the Sixers take an unproven big like Khaman Maluach or Derik Queen? Is another guard like Tre Johnson or Jonathan Fears really needed? Not really, which is why I find myself wondering if they'd reach for Murray-Boyles, who operates like a defensive savant the way he locks down every position, uses his ninja-quick hands to swipe at the ball, and inhales rebounds. CMB would add something completely different to the Sixers' rotation. And though Murray-Boyles is an unproven shooter, he's a bulldozer finisher with a playmaking feel. If he fixes his jumper, there's All-Star upside. With D'Angelo Russell, De'Anthony Melton, and Cam Thomas all entering free agency, guard will be an area of need in the present and future in Brooklyn. Maybe Johnson is just Thomas 2.0 since he still needs to develop his point guard skills and shot selection. But he's shown more playmaking upside than Thomas did in college, and he's taller. Johnson is a clutch shot-maker who can catch fire from all over the floor, drilling step-backs and off-screen jumpers with ease. The Nets could use a bucket-getter and be patient helping him develop those other qualities. Jakučionis is a slick shot creator with a creative passing gene and a fearless scoring ability, carving up defenses with crafty finishes, step-back jumpers and jaw-dropping passes. And the Raptors need a point guard of the future who can thrive with and without the ball. That's why KJ makes sense. But he's not a sure thing. As a freshman, Jakučionis would follow up his highlights with turnover brain-farts that derailed the hype train. But he's shown enough highs to warrant a top-10 selection. Queen's leaning buzzer-beating game-winner to send Maryland to the Sweet 16 is one of the highlights of March Madness, and it captured why he's such a highly touted prospect as a burly big with guard-like handles who dazzles with spin moves, and crafty finishes. Can you imagine pairing him with Victor Wembanyama in the Spurs' frontcourt? Wemby would cover for all the concerns about Queen's interior defense, instead allowing Queen to do what he's better at and roam the perimeter and help inside. And offensively, Wemby's shooting prowess eases the pressure on Queen to develop his own jumper. But if Queen translates his velvet touch to the perimeter, he very well could become a centerpiece. For now, his interior scoring, playmaking chops and magnetic rebounding alone give him tantalizing potential. Scoot Henderson has made some progress this season, but it's still not clear if he's capable of being the point guard of Portland's future. Knueppel makes sense as a selection in this regard since he brings more than just a sharpshooter's stroke thanks to his brainy pick-and-roll playmaking and crafty scoring feel. While he's not a primary creator, he can be one of the team's creators alongside Deni Avdija on the wing, Donovan Clingan from the high post, and Scoot in ball screens. Of all two-man lineup combinations to play at least 150 minutes this season, Steven Adams and Alperen Şengün rank No. 1 in the NBA in both net rating and defensive rating. But Adams is 31 and will become a free agent this summer, so having a rim protector in the developmental pipeline would be wise for Houston. Maluach is a towering rim protector with switchable mobility, erasing shots at the rim and shadowing quick guards on the perimeter. But beyond dunking lobs, he's a work in progress on offense with a lack of seasoning as a screener, shooter and creator. His strength must improve too, which was made clear in the Final Four when he grabbed zero rebounds in a loss against Houston. Such a raw skill set should come as no surprise since the South Sudan native didn't start playing basketball until he was 13. Tyler Herro became an All-Star this season, showing his ability as a combo guard. But he needs a backcourt partner. Fears is a dynamic guard with a twitchy attacking style and a knack for coming through as a clutch shooter. He was one of college basketball's youngest freshmen, and it showed with his shaky decision-making as a shooter and passer. But he has a feel for shot creation and a handle that lets him get anywhere on the floor, so he may only need time to emerge as a star in Miami's system. The Bulls are trending up this season behind the ascent of Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis and Coby White. Adding another guard could make some sense, especially someone like Richardson who could thrive in two-man game actions with Giddey and Buzelis, while complementing White in the backcourt. The Michigan State freshman is a skilled combo guard with a lethal midrange game and a poised pick-and-roll feel, looking like he downloaded the experience of his NBA veteran father, Jason Richardson. Jase didn't inherit his father's height or dunk contest athleticism though, so his smaller stature could cap his upside. But he has an "it factor" about him that could blossom in Chicago. Kyrie Irving will miss a chunk of next season thanks to a torn ACL, so the Mavericks need to add some more playmaking. Demin has a rare ability at his size to make dazzling passes, so he can play more on-ball until Irving returns before sliding into more of an off-ball role where his cutting feel and defensive versatility would still bring value. But long-term, Denim needs to prove he can shoot and create his own shot against lengthy defenders, which makes him more of a love-him or hate-him prospect than a sure thing. Clifford nearly led Colorado State to the Sweet 16, slinging a bullseye pass from the low post to his teammate for a 3, before Maryland hit a buzzer-beater to rip their hearts out. But the play was emblematic of Clifford's game as a do-it-all wing who can pass when he needs to, which would make him a perfect fit with the Hawks alongside Trae Young. Clifford defends multiple positions, crashes the boards, and scores from everywhere. As a super senior with only Mountain West pedigree, he lacks experience against high-level competition despite his age; his NCAA tournament success began to minimize that concern though. Another French guy in San Antonio. And why not? Essengue is a toolsy forward with a fluid handle, dynamic finishing package, and highly versatile defense. But his long-term upside hinges on the jumper clicking. The Spurs are developing a strong track record of helping shooters. And if it doesn't, his finishing and versatile defense are enough to make him a great French fit next to Wemby. McNeeley didn't close the season the way he would've wanted to, making only 14 of his final 49 shots, which included a loss to Creighton in the Big East tournament semifinal and a loss to Florida in the second round of the NCAA tournament. But despite his poor shooting percentages, scouts still believe in his upside as a sharpshooting wing with superb instincts moving with the ball, and the touch to splash from deep ranges. The Magic rank 25th in 3-point attempts and 30th in 3-point percentage, so this pick needs to be used on a shooter and McNeeley should be able to get back to his knockdown ways next to Orlando's core stars. The Timberwolves took a huge swing for Rob Dillingham in last year's draft. Traoré would present a similar type of opportunity. Traoré oozes upside with his size, blazing speed and shiftiness off the bounce. But he's an inefficient scorer all over the floor who needs to improve his erratic decision-making to prove he's worth the big swing. In Minnesota, he'd have plenty of time to learn good habits from the bench on a team trying to compete for a championship. Bryant is a rangy, athletic forward who projects as a highly versatile defender. He's raw on offense though, as shown by his up-and-down performances with Arizona throughout the tournament and all season long. Beyond his cutting, he needs to improve as a shooter to earn minutes in high-leverage games. But there's tantalizing upside that could have appeal for a young team like the Nets willing to take a risk. Beringer would be a classic Sam Presti pick. Beringer began playing basketball only three years ago, which makes him a raw project, but also makes his natural talents all the more impressive playing this season in the ABA League and the EuroCup. The Thunder don't really need him to contribute today considering how deep the roster is. But he's a massive, long-term swing as a center with the quickness of a guard, giving him immense defensive versatility to build on for years to come. If the Wizards don't end up with Flagg, perhaps they look for a frontcourt fit next to Alex Sarr with this second first-round pick. Wolf is a 7-footer who helped lead Michigan to the Sweet 16 by playing a slick style with risky passes and step-back jumpers that made him a highlight factory. But he's also a turnover machine and his shooting numbers are shaky, making him more of a raw bet who needs time to prove he can match his flash with substance. Riley has dynamic driving ability and playmaking instincts that scream upside as a jumbo-sized, shot-creating wing. Selecting him would follow the same philosophy that the Heat took with Kel'el Ware, betting that their culture and developmental success could maximize Riley's talents. But his jumper is streaky, and his defense is unreliable since he is so lean physically and lacks fundamentals. Jazz fans, are you totally certain that one of Isaiah Collier or Keyonte George is the franchise's point guard of the future? I like both, but I'm not. Adding another point guard into the mix like Pettiford might be a wise move, especially if the Jazz are fortunate enough to land Flagg with the first pick. Pettiford came off the bench for Auburn and helped lead the team to the Final Four, showing his skill as a combo guard with a sniper's touch. Pettiford rains 3s and lethal floaters while flashing playmaking savvy and a bulldog mentality on both ends. But his smaller size means he'll need to clean up his shot selection and decision-making to max out his game at the next level. After selecting McNeeley earlier in the first round, here's another shooter for the Magic. The best shooter in all of March Madness. Clayton hit some of the clutchest shots all tournament long, leading Florida to the NCAA championship game before playing with great effort on defense and making some slick passes to help lead them to the title. Throughout his collegiate career, he showed major limitations as a defender and as a decision-maker. But he's a fearless shooter with the versatility to take any shot at any moment. And that's precisely what the Magic need. The Pacers have been one of the league's best teams for a few months now, posting the seventh-best net rating ever since the NBA Cup. But looking ahead, Myles Turner will be a free agent this summer, which means finding another big man could be a priority. Newell has springs in his legs, regularly slamming lobs and swatting shots. Tyrese Haliburton would find him more than anyone ever has. Even though his discipline reflects his youth, his energetic style suggests he'll someday become a highly versatile defender that could help fortify this Pacers defense. Clint Capela is an upcoming free agent, so even though Onyeka Okongwu is a quality center the Hawks will need to find another one. Sorber has a brick-house frame and the throwback skill set to match with strong screens, soft-touch finishes and gritty drop-coverage instincts. Trae Young could make his life easier than it has ever been, just like Trae does for all his bigs. But to be more than a role player, Sorber needs to tap into the flashes he shows as a shooter while also improving his perimeter defense. Gonzalez is a high-motor wing with great defensive tools and a slashing style on offense. If his jumper and handle develop, he could be a versatile two-way starter. The Nets can afford to be patient with a player who barely even played off the bench overseas, instead valuing the upside he showed playing for his youth teams. Another overseas pick here for the Nets. Saraf is a crafty lefty playmaker who relies on guile, footwork and body control. Limited shooting and athleticism could cap his upside, but his positional size and skill could be hard to pass up. Following the sale of the franchise, outgoing Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck has been open about how second-apron penalties, not rising luxury tax penalties, are what will force the team to make some changes. Even without them though, the Celtics need to sure up the frontcourt. Al Horford is old. Kristaps Porzingis is injury prone. Fortunately there are a ton of options in the late first round that fit the bill, including Raynaud, who has leveled up every year at Stanford, turning into a player who pops 3s, slashes to the rim with a smooth handle, and makes eye-popping passes. As a talented passer who also offers solid defense, there's little reason to think the Frenchman won't carve out an NBA role. The Suns still need more bigs after making multiple changes at the trade deadline. Kalkbrenner is a throwback 7-footer who owns the paint, swatting shots with his giant wingspan and dunking everything in sight. As a super senior, he's mature enough to plug into Phoenix's rotation right away and earn minutes. With his years in college, he's also developed some sneaky passing and shooting skills that hint at higher upside. At the least, he can help facilitate as a big in the Suns' offense. Fleming is a hustler who drains spot-up jumpers and brings energy on defense, swatting shots and snagging boards. But he has some real warts as a ball-handler with a lack of experience against high-level competition, so teams will have to feel real confident his role player skill set will translate. With Kawhi Leonard and James Harden handling the rock in Los Angeles, Fleming's positive qualities could allow him to slot in right away. View the full second round and scouting reports for every single prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft Guide, which you can find .
