2025 NBA mock draft: Projecting all 59 picks post-lottery

1. Dallas Mavericks

Cooper Flagg, SF/PF, Duke
Freshman | TS%: 60.0

Scouting report: Cooper Flagg solidified his position as the consensus top prospect through an impressive freshman campaign, considered among the best in the one-and-done era. Statistically, his college performance compares favorably to top college wings of recent years, underscored by his consistent play and leadership for the young Duke team.

While some NBA scouts view Flagg as a potential franchise cornerstone, others see him more as an elite secondary star. This range of projections highlights his standing as the top player in this draft class. His rapid skill development, versatile two-way influence, unusual focus, and competitive drive for an 18-year-old make him a truly special prospect. — Woo

NBA intel and fit: Securing the No. 1 pick with just 1.8% odds is a momentous and highly unlikely triumph for the Mavericks, simplifying their draft decision. Dallas has aimed to capitalize on their current competitive window alongside Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving (who are approaching their mid-30s), and Flagg`s immediate readiness and adaptable skills should significantly enhance their roster.

With Irving recovering from an injury, Flagg might initially take on substantial ball-handling and shot-creation duties, providing him an excellent chance to develop his playmaking and potentially evolve into an offensive star. This lottery outcome drastically alters the Mavericks` future, as they were facing uncertainty after trading away Luka Doncic and seemingly shortening their window to contend for championships. — Woo

2. San Antonio Spurs

Dylan Harper, PG/SG, Rutgers
Freshman | TS%: 59.3

Scouting report: Dylan Harper kept the conversation for the top pick interesting at times throughout the season with his advanced skill set, shot creation ability, and scoring proficiency. He also demonstrates an excellent ability to drive to his desired spots on the court and showcases strong passing vision.

The increased physicality seen in the NBA playoffs underscores the value of a robust playmaker like Harper. His capacity to finish effectively through contact and consistently draw fouls is a significant draw, along with his well-rounded statistical contributions and high basketball IQ. — Givony

NBA intel and fit: The Spurs were already in an enviable draft position with two potential lottery picks (in the top 14) to strengthen a roster featuring back-to-back Rookie of the Year winners in Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle. Their jump from pick No. 8 to No. 2 in the lottery is a huge stroke of luck.

While Harper`s fit alongside De`Aaron Fox and Castle might not appear immediately seamless, it would be highly surprising if San Antonio`s forward-thinking front office passes on Harper, who is widely seen as the second-best prospect after Flagg. This high pick also creates a possibility for a team needing a primary scorer to trade up, potentially offering the Spurs additional shooting, which their roster critically needs to complement Wembanyama. — Givony

3. Philadelphia 76ers

Airious `Ace` Bailey, SG/SF, Rutgers
Freshman | TS%: 54.0

Scouting report: Ace Bailey has generated more varied opinions among scouts than is typical for a top-five prospect. He displayed flashes of significant scoring potential at Rutgers but is still developing in crucial areas. Lottery teams are eager to assess him during the pre-draft process, including interviews, to gauge how close he is to positively impacting an NBA team.

Wings possessing Bailey`s combination of size, athletic talent, and shooting potential are uncommon. This sought-after profile has helped maintain his draft stock despite inconsistencies in decision-making, ball-handling, and defense. Some teams are cautious about the risks in these areas, but his scoring talent holds appealing star potential for front offices seeking offensive firepower. — Woo

NBA intel and fit: The Sixers can breathe a sigh of relief, and indeed celebrate, after their pick moved up to No. 3, avoiding falling out of the top six and conveying to Oklahoma City. A high lottery pick offers a genuine positive outcome after a 24-58 season, as they balance competing around Joel Embiid with building for the future.

Bailey`s shot-making prowess and considerable scoring upside would provide Philadelphia with another strong piece for the long term, complementing their developing backcourt of Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain. — Woo

4. Charlotte Hornets

VJ Edgecombe, SG, Baylor
Freshman | TS%: 56.1

Scouting report: VJ Edgecombe, named Big 12 Freshman of the Year, had a largely successful season, demonstrating his physicality, intensity, and rapid progress as a ball-handler, finisher, and perimeter shooter. Edgecombe is the most explosive athlete in this draft class, possesses a genuine feel for the game, and showed exceptional defensive moments, indicating significant potential for growth.

Some questions remain among NBA teams regarding his optimal position, the extent of his shot creation and overall scoring ability, and whether he played somewhat reservedly during the season. — Givony

NBA intel and fit: Although the Hornets aimed for the top spot, staying in the top four while teams like Utah and Washington dropped is still a favorable outcome. Charlotte is in the early stages of its rebuilding process, with LaMelo Ball coming off his best scoring season (25.2 points per game) and Brandon Miller continuing to emerge.

However, the roster as a whole is still developing, particularly after both stars missed considerable time due to injuries last season. Edgecombe`s defensive capabilities and athletic driving skills would integrate well alongside them. He could play effectively with Ball in the short term and potentially take on more significant shot-creation responsibilities if the franchise decides to move in a different direction regarding Ball. — Woo

5. Utah Jazz

Jeremiah Fears, PG, Oklahoma
Freshman | TS%: 57.0

Scouting report: Jeremiah Fears, 18, had a standout freshman season, leading Oklahoma to the NCAA tournament despite being one of the youngest players in college basketball. His blend of size, speed, pace, shot-making, and shot creation suggests considerable long-term potential. He can penetrate the defense effectively to create for teammates while passing on the move, finish creatively in the lane, or get to the free-throw line.

Fears` youth, slender build, and inconsistent finishing and decision-making will likely require patience from his drafting team. Nevertheless, there`s potential for significant star power, which could see him drafted much higher than this spot. — Givony

NBA intel and fit: Falling out of the top four is a significant disappointment for the Jazz, who face a more complex evaluation process after dropping to fifth. The Jazz organization is committed to a patient internal rebuild under CEO Danny Ainge but has yet to draft a player with the kind of homegrown star potential that could accelerate their return to contention.

They will now aim to find that player at No. 5. Fears, with his shot-creation capabilities, might be appealing even with other young guards already on the roster. — Woo

6. Washington Wizards

Tre Johnson, SG, Texas
Freshman | TS%: 56.1

Scouting report: Tre Johnson is recognized as one of the premier scorers in this draft class, capable of hitting difficult shots from various spots on the floor with a primary focus on scoring. He needs to develop several aspects of his game, including finishing around the basket, playmaking for teammates, and defensive consistency. However, NBA teams are attracted to his shooting, length, and overall skill level. He possesses a solid fundamental skill set for a shooting guard, and if he can refine some tendencies over time, Johnson could become a valuable foundational piece for the future. — Woo

NBA intel and fit: The Wizards, the NBA`s youngest team, have undergone a complete overhaul of their roster, front office, and coaching staff in the last two years. They still have considerable room for development, though they have some promising young players in place. Dropping four spots to the No. 6 pick is undoubtedly a major disappointment for their fanbase, especially after enduring an 18-64 season, which followed the previous year`s league-worst record (15-67) that only resulted in the No. 2 pick.

The Wizards will likely need to take a chance on the scoring talent offered by a player like Johnson at this spot and then hope for better luck in next year`s potentially strong lottery class. — Givony

7. New Orleans Pelicans

Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
Freshman | TS%: 74.7

Scouting report: Khaman Maluach is the top defensive center prospect in this draft, providing an appealing combination of length, mobility, finishing ability around the rim, and paint protection at a young age. The recent NBA playoffs have served as a reminder for some teams that having size and the ability to rotate versatile big men onto the floor remains valuable in the postseason, with traditional centers like Rudy Gobert and Steven Adams making significant impacts.

Maluach`s ability to deter opponents near the basket and his strong intangible qualities should provide him with immediate rotational value, along with ample potential for further improvement. — Woo

NBA intel and fit: Coming off a challenging season marked by injuries and significant changes in the front office, the Pelicans are in need of star power to build around Zion Williamson, who has played in only 130 games over the last four seasons due to injuries.

Unfortunately, that task became considerably more difficult when the Pelicans unexpectedly dropped four spots to the No. 7 pick, complicating their draft strategy. It will be interesting to see if the change in front office leadership gives the Pelicans a mandate from ownership to shift towards a true rebuild, potentially focusing on the talented 2026 draft class. — Givony

8. Brooklyn Nets

Kon Knueppel, SG/SF, Duke
Freshman | TS%: 64.8

Scouting report: Despite his modest athletic profile, Kon Knueppel`s appeal grew among NBA teams as the season progressed. He demonstrated consistent production and delivered several strong performances in the NCAA tournament, highlighting his value as a skilled and versatile wing capable of contributing across multiple facets on both ends of the court.

He converted 41% of his three-point attempts in various situations and also showed his ability to handle the ball and pass effectively out of pick-and-roll actions, while holding his own defensively. NBA teams are keen to see his physical measurements and get a clearer understanding of how much his relative lack of explosiveness and quickness might limit his ultimate potential, although his excellent basketball IQ should help him succeed. — Givony

NBA intel and fit: The Nets initiated a new direction at last year`s trade deadline with the Mikal Bridges trade and are now equipped with four first-round selections and significant salary cap flexibility to earnestly begin their rebuilding process. It remains to be seen which path the Nets will take this offseason; they have the flexibility to pursue immediate competitiveness but could also opt for a more prolonged rebuild, especially with a potentially strong draft class anticipated in 2026.

They may be disappointed to slip a few spots from No. 6 to No. 8, but they still hold a pick in the range where clear talent is available. They also possess assets that could potentially allow them to move up the draft board if they choose to be aggressive. — Givony

9. Toronto Raptors

Collin Murray-Boyles, PF/C, South Carolina
Sophomore | TS%: 64.0

Scouting report: Collin Murray-Boyles has been on the radar of NBA teams for the past couple of seasons, with his statistical performance strongly appealing to analytics models and the eye test confirming much of his production. Although he is somewhat undersized for his position, his toughness, finishing around the basket, passing skills, and defensive abilities are attractive traits.

Teams will be particularly interested to see his shooting performance in workout settings. The three-point shot is not yet a consistent part of his game but is a critical factor for his future development. His existing strengths suggest he could be a player who can immediately contribute in specific roles. — Woo

NBA intel and fit: Toronto has started transitioning out of its multiyear rebuilding phase, signaled by acquiring Brandon Ingram at the February trade deadline. Scottie Barnes remains the team`s foundational player, and this pick provides the Raptors one more chance to select a high-potential talent before potentially intensifying their efforts to compete for a playoff spot moving forward.

Murray-Boyles would provide them with a genuine power forward who could enhance their lineups defensively, fitting onto a roster that otherwise consists mostly of offensive-minded players. — Woo

10. Houston Rockets (via Phoenix)

Kasparas Jakucionis, PG, Illinois
Freshman | TS%: 59.8

Scouting report: Kasparas Jakucionis significantly boosted his draft stock at Illinois, taking on a substantial role as an 18-year-old debuting at the Division I level and putting together a strong season. Despite the expected challenges and inconsistencies inherent in that adjustment, NBA teams remain largely optimistic about his toughness, playmaking instincts, size, and versatility at either guard position, believing these qualities will lead to a promising professional career.

While there have been concerns regarding his ability to create separation off the dribble, Jakucionis` effectiveness in ball-screen situations and potential for growth as a shooter should allow him to contribute as part of an NBA team`s rotation at minimum. — Woo

NBA intel and fit: The Rockets acquired swap rights to Phoenix`s draft pick in a trade with the Nets last summer, and the Suns` underwhelming performance made it a valuable asset. After a solid regular season ending in a first-round playoff exit, this pick offers Houston an opportunity to enhance its already deep roster, either by drafting a prospect or using the selection as a trade asset.

Jakucionis might not directly address an immediate need, but he would provide the Rockets with valuable backcourt depth as they consider the future composition of their roster, particularly if they decide to move on from Jalen Green and/or Fred VanVleet and transition towards Reed Sheppard and potentially the player they select here. — Woo

11. Portland Trail Blazers

Derik Queen, C, Maryland
Freshman | TS%: 60.0

Scouting report: Derik Queen might be the most technically skilled big man in this draft class. He is an excellent target in pick-and-roll actions, can create his own shot facing the basket using a diverse set of moves, and possesses intriguing passing capabilities.

NBA teams picking in this range (or potentially higher) will want to get a clearer assessment of Queen`s conditioning, occasional defensive lapses, and limited shooting range during the pre-draft evaluation process. Interviews, workouts, and additional background checks will influence whether he is drafted higher or lower, as there isn`t a clear consensus among scouts regarding his unique profile`s long-term outlook. — Givony

NBA intel and fit: Portland`s rebuilding effort is progressing faster than anticipated. The Blazers finished strong, going 23-18 over their final 41 games, with Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara, and Donovan Clingan showing significant promise and forming a solid foundation. This unexpected success reduced the Blazers` lottery odds, placing them in a position to select from a group of prospects with noticeable talent but also clear weaknesses.

Queen`s limited shooting might not seem ideal on paper for a Portland team that already struggled from the perimeter. However, his overall talent might be too significant to pass up, especially if Clingan can improve his shooting, showing flashes of that potential in limited minutes as a rookie. — Givony

12. Chicago Bulls

Egor Demin, PG/SG, BYU
Freshman | TS%: 51.3

Scouting report: Egor Demin is a prospect who elicits varied opinions, being more theoretical in terms of his early NBA productivity, consistency, and reliable skills. Yet, he is exceptionally talented: a 6-foot-9 point guard capable of making every read and pass out of the pick-and-roll, often in highlight-reel fashion.

The development of his shooting is a critical factor for his progression. However, he showed encouraging improvements in several areas as the season wore on and clearly possesses significant upside to grow into at 19 years old. — Givony

NBA intel and fit: The Bulls continued their pattern of treading water this season, losing in the initial play-in tournament round after a 39-43 campaign, a decade removed from their last playoff series win. Chicago will likely need to make more substantial changes to its roster to have a realistic chance of avoiding the play-in tournament in the near future. However, the team has limited options for internal improvement, making this draft pick an important asset for the front office. — Givony

13. Atlanta Hawks (via Sacramento)

Jase Richardson, PG/SG, Michigan State
Freshman | TS%: 63.2

Scouting report: Jase Richardson unexpectedly emerged as a one-and-done prospect at Michigan State, earning a significant role and impressing with his composure and versatility in the backcourt. Evaluators have noted some discrepancy between his strong analytical profile and the eye test, highlighting excellent all-around production alongside average physical attributes and questions about his long-term suitability as a full-time point guard.

Richardson has many admirers among league executives, but his potential draft range might be broader than some other players projected in this area of the draft. — Woo

NBA intel and fit: The Hawks showed encouraging progress this season, with the additions of Dyson Daniels and Zaccharie Risacher injecting youth and depth into their starting lineup. Atlanta changed leadership in the offseason and is still seeking a president of basketball operations. The team should look to continue building depth through the draft in a similar fashion.

Richardson`s basketball IQ and versatility at either guard spot would provide the Hawks with a useful connective piece to integrate alongside their young core. — Woo

14. San Antonio Spurs (via Atlanta)

Carter Bryant, SF/PF, Arizona
Freshman | TS%: 59.9

Scouting report: Carter Bryant is the type of player who could significantly improve his draft position during the pre-draft process as teams evaluate him more closely in workout settings. He possesses several qualities highly sought after by NBA teams at his position. His desirable combination of size, length, perimeter shooting, passing ability, and defensive versatility makes him an easy fit. He played various roles for the Wildcats this season, spending time at both forward spots.

Bryant was not consistently productive coming off the bench for Arizona, averaging just 6.5 points per game, as he is not a primary shot creator and needs to improve on both ends of the floor. However, he has significant untapped potential for the long term. — Givony

NBA intel and fit: With their second lottery pick in this draft, it will be interesting to see the San Antonio Spurs` appetite for adding another rookie to an already young roster, especially as the team likely aims to contend for a playoff berth, nine years after their last playoff series victory. The direction the Spurs take with their first pick will likely influence their decision here. However, the possibility of trading one of these picks for more immediate help might appeal to the front office, depending on how the draft unfolds.

If the Spurs retain the pick, a young combo forward like Bryant, who can space the floor and defend multiple positions, makes considerable sense. — Givony

15. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Miami)

Nolan Traore, PG, Saint-Quentin
France | TS%: 51.0

Scouting report: Nolan Traore began the year projected firmly within the top 10 but saw his stock drop somewhat during an inefficient season marked by turnovers, inconsistent defense, and streaky shooting and finishing. He has been on a significant upward trajectory lately, delivering some of his best performances as the season concludes. This recent form reminds teams of why he was initially so highly regarded, showcasing his ability to get to his spots on the floor and create a high volume of shots for himself and teammates.

The 18-year-old offers significant talent, flashing moments of brilliance with his ball-handling, passing, and overall offensive creativity. His scoring ability and shot-making skills have been more evident recently, with many NBA teams in attendance. — Givony

NBA intel and fit: The Oklahoma City Thunder possess three first-round picks, but with 14 players expected to be under contract next season, it`s unclear how much roster space is available for additional rookies. Potential strategies the front office might consider include packaging picks to move up in the draft, trading non-rotation players to other teams, or deferring assets by swapping this year`s picks for future first-rounders.

The Thunder might not have an immediate need for a player like Traore, but they have very few needs in general that this draft class is poised to directly address. The team will likely adopt a best-player-available approach if they decide to use all their selections. — Givony

16. Orlando Magic

Will Riley, SG/SF, Illinois
Freshman | TS%: 53.8

Scouting report: While far from a finished product, Will Riley is viewed by NBA teams as possessing significant long-term talent. He is a versatile scorer with excellent shot-making ability from all areas of the court, demonstrating impressive flashes of creating shots for himself and others. His refined passing creativity is also highly intriguing for a 19-year-old.

Adding physical strength and becoming a more consistent shooter and defender are the next crucial steps in his development. However, he showed promising improvements for Illinois as the season progressed. — Givony

NBA intel and fit: After consecutive playoff appearances, the Orlando Magic`s front office appears focused on helping the team win its first playoff series since 2010, stating their intention to “look through a more win-now lens.”

This suggests a potential willingness to trade one or both of the team`s first-round picks (the Magic also hold pick No. 25) if “proven offensive help” becomes available. This search will likely continue throughout the offseason. — Givony

17. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Detroit)

Danny Wolf, PF, Michigan
Junior | TS%: 56.6

Scouting report: Embracing the versatility of an unconventional prospect like Danny Wolf could be appealing. He handled significant playmaking responsibilities for Michigan as a 7-footer. Wolf`s skill level, creativity, and overall instincts on both offense and defense give him a higher ceiling than a typical 21-year-old prospect, especially considering the positive developmental trajectory he has shown over the past three years. — Givony

NBA intel and fit: The Pistons reaching the playoffs meant this pick conveyed to the Timberwolves, giving Minnesota a good opportunity to add talent after trading away most of their draft assets since Tim Connelly took over as president. Wolf would provide them with a versatile frontcourt player capable of contributing relatively soon.

Minnesota will also evaluate using this pick to enhance its roster as it aims to contend around the developing star Anthony Edwards. — Woo

18. Washington Wizards (via Memphis)

Noa Essengue, PF, Ratiopharm Ulm
Germany | TS%: 61.1

Scouting report: Noa Essengue, one of the youngest prospects in this class at 18, has had an excellent season in Germany and positioned himself to potentially be the first international player drafted. His size and positional versatility at forward align well with current NBA trends. He demonstrates strong off-ball awareness and can also create plays when needed.

He needs to add considerable strength to his frame, but Essengue possesses the potential for two-way impact that teams are eager to develop. Performing well in workouts could elevate him into the lottery discussion, depending on how the draft board unfolds. — Givony

NBA intel and fit: With four picks in the top 40 and no immediate pressure to win just two years into a comprehensive roster teardown, the Wizards have numerous options in this part of the draft. Their selection at No. 18 will be a primary focus. — Givony

19. Brooklyn Nets (via Milwaukee)

Joan Beringer, C, Cedevita Olimpija
Adriatic | TS%: 61.5

Scouting report: Joan Beringer, not yet 19, showed significant development this season. His late-blooming trajectory, excellent physical profile, and intriguing long-term potential have boosted his draft stock. While likely still some time away from being a positive contributor in the NBA, Beringer offers significant developmental appeal as a mobile, defense-focused center. He is quite raw offensively and would greatly benefit from joining a team that can provide patience and dedicated developmental minutes. — Woo

NBA intel and fit: This represents the second of Brooklyn`s four first-round selections. The team is expected to be very active in trade discussions as it looks to maximize value from its strong position in this draft. However, Beringer`s long-term potential as a mobile interior defender would make him a good fit for the Nets, who can afford to give him the necessary time and attention to improve. — Woo

20. Miami Heat (via Golden State)

Liam McNeeley, SG/SF, UConn
Freshman | TS%: 53.6

Scouting report: Liam McNeeley`s size, shooting ability, feel for the game, and toughness are valuable traits that NBA teams prioritize in wing players. However, he will need to reinforce his winning qualities throughout the pre-draft process. He had some notable moments as a freshman at UConn but struggled with scoring efficiency, hitting only 44% of his two-pointers and 32% of his three-pointers, and sometimes appeared defensively out of position.

He is likely to play a different role in the NBA, relying more heavily on his dynamic perimeter shooting, which was more consistent in other settings before college. Strong workout performances will be crucial for McNeeley to remind teams of the skills that made him highly regarded entering the season, particularly his shooting, which is the foundation of his NBA appeal. — Givony

NBA intel and fit: By advancing out of the play-in tournament, Miami forfeited its lottery-protected first-round pick (No. 15) to Oklahoma City. This pick was a residual asset from the 2019 trade to acquire Jimmy Butler III. Six years later, sending Butler to Golden State secured this selection, providing the front office another chance to demonstrate its talent evaluation skills, an area where the Heat have had considerable success in the draft over the years.

The Heat conveying their 2025 first-rounder and fulfilling their draft capital obligations to Oklahoma City (the pick would have been unprotected in 2026) gives them complete flexibility regarding their offseason direction, potentially allowing them to eye the talented top of next year`s draft class. — Givony

21. Utah Jazz (via Minnesota)

Asa Newell, PF/C, Georgia
Freshman | TS%: 62.0

Scouting report: Asa Newell`s college production and high school reputation make him an intriguing developmental prospect. He offers size, effort, and mobility but needs to refine his offensive skills and overall basketball awareness to become an impactful NBA player.

Teams will be interested in how his perimeter skills translate in workout environments, as he likely projects best as a power forward long-term and will need to be able to consistently make shots and confidently handle the ball to succeed in that role. He was highly rated coming out of high school and had a solid season at Georgia, profiling more as a project pick for an NBA team that doesn`t require immediate significant minutes from him. — Woo

NBA intel and fit: The Jazz acquired this second first-round pick from Minnesota as part of the Rudy Gobert trade. While Utah`s lottery pick will be their most significant decision, they found value with their later selections last season (Isaiah Collier and Kyle Filipowski) and could do so again at this spot. — Woo

22. Atlanta Hawks (via Los Angeles Lakers)

Thomas Sorber, C, Georgetown
Freshman | TS%: 58.7

Scouting report: Thomas Sorber is not expected to participate extensively in on-court activities during the pre-draft process due to recovering from foot surgery in February. However, his strong feel for the game, defensive versatility, length, physicality, and skilled finishing ability as a pick-and-roll threat are attractive qualities for a 19-year-old that should draw considerable interest in this range of the draft. — Givony

NBA intel and fit: The Hawks obtained the Lakers` pick as part of the Dyson Daniels-Dejounte Murray trade, giving them their second selection in the first round. With Clint Capela set to become an unrestricted free agent, it makes strategic sense for the Hawks to consider drafting a potential successor to back up Onyeka Okongwu at the center position. — Givony

23. Indiana Pacers

Nique Clifford, SG, Colorado State
Super Senior | TS%: 60.9

Scouting report: Nique Clifford has generated positive buzz this spring, drawing consideration from teams potentially within the top 20 and having the opportunity to rise further in the coming weeks. The limited availability of experienced, reliable older college wings will boost Clifford`s stock after a versatile, do-it-all season at Colorado State. As an above-average athlete capable of fulfilling various roles, he is projecting as a player who can immediately contribute for teams looking to address a specific need with their draft pick. — Woo

NBA intel and fit: Indiana has effectively utilized the draft to build depth in recent years and is now entering a phase focused on winning, driven by Tyrese Haliburton`s ascension.