2025 NBA Mock Draft: Round 2 Analysis & Player Predictions

Strengths: Fleming is a skilled forward with impressive highlights who has significantly improved over the past three years. He developed into a very efficient scorer both inside and out, complementing his exceptional 7-foot-5 wingspan, which provides potential for defensive growth.

Weaknesses: A major concern is his feel for the game; he doesn`t process situations quickly on either end of the court. He sometimes struggles with simple passes and is very prone to off-ball defensive errors.

The verdict: The NBA values length, shooting, and potential defensive versatility, and Fleming could offer all three to a team willing to invest time in developing his defensive awareness and technique, hoping the game slows down for his offense. Despite struggling late in the season, his youth and development arc at St. Joseph`s offer optimism for his potential.

Strengths: Raynaud started playing basketball full-time late in high school but blossomed into a skilled 7-footer over four seasons at Stanford. He can stretch the floor and competes well on the boards.

Weaknesses: The main questions surrounding his game pertain to defense, where he sometimes lacks physicality and explosiveness, although his motor seemed improved at the NBA draft combine.

The verdict: Having played alongside Victor Wembanyama in his youth in France, Raynaud has evolved into a legitimate NBA prospect. He might be a late bloomer, but his size and shooting ability fit a desirable profile, offering a quicker path to an NBA role than some earlier picks. His defensive performance early on will be crucial, as floor-spacing bigs are important in the league.

Strengths: Kalkbrenner is an experienced center known for his ability to operate in pick-and-roll situations, execute plays offensively, protect the rim, and occasionally make 3-pointers, making him a dependable backup option.

Weaknesses: While his 7-foot-6 wingspan is an asset, he isn`t exceptionally physical or explosive, and his defensive rebounding numbers were underwhelming for much of his college career.

The verdict: One of the most effective and valuable players in college basketball recently, leading Division I in dunks, Kalkbrenner is a known quantity whose occasional perimeter shooting flashes add a valuable dimension. Despite limitations, his size, length, and consistency will appeal to teams seeking rookie-contract depth at center.

Strengths: Penda is a physically strong wing-forward with excellent court awareness, a 6-foot-11½ wingspan, and defensive versatility. He contributes across the board with rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks.

Weaknesses: He possesses more strength than vertical explosiveness and remains inconsistent from the perimeter, using unorthodox shooting mechanics. He converted less than 30% of his 3-pointers this season and over his career.

The verdict: Penda transitioned smoothly from Pro B to Pro A, having an excellent season for a French playoff team. He made defensive plays and utilized his physique and intelligence to create for himself and others off the dribble. His shooting consistency is a critical factor for his NBA prospects, as he otherwise fulfills many requirements as a two-way player.

Strengths: Proctor is a guard with a good shooting touch who adapted to various roles in college, demonstrating his capability both on and off the ball.

Weaknesses: With a thin frame that didn`t develop significantly in college and average physical tools, he has consistently lacked assertiveness and physicality on both ends, particularly in high-pressure situations.

The verdict: Proctor`s size for his position, improved spot-up shooting, and flashes of creation from pick-and-rolls over three college seasons are intriguing. However, he never fully emerged as a pure point guard. To secure a meaningful off-ball role in the NBA, he will need to add toughness.

Strengths: Thiero is arguably the most explosive player in this draft. He creates defensive events and is a significant mismatch when attacking in a straight line or open court, frequently drawing fouls and finishing with highlight-reel plays.

Weaknesses: Somewhat stuck between forward spots, Thiero is still refining his skills, basketball IQ, and defensive focus. He struggled with consistent shooting and missed much of the pre-draft process due to a persistent knee issue.

The verdict: Thiero showed substantial improvement as a junior but needs to advance his shooting and overall consistency to play an NBA role. His physical tools suggest defensive upside, and his progress over three college seasons makes him an interesting developmental prospect.

Strengths: Lanier is a dangerous shooter off the move with solid physical attributes. He established himself as a prolific scorer in the SEC after transferring from North Florida.

Weaknesses: He faces questions regarding his basketball intelligence, passing, and defensive effectiveness, particularly struggling to impact games when his perimeter shots weren`t falling.

The verdict: A genuine late bloomer who averaged just 3.7 points over his first three college seasons, Lanier significantly improved his shooting as an upperclassman, complementing his good size, frame, and 6-foot-9 wingspan. He isn`t a primary ball handler and needs to better utilize his physical tools defensively, but his clear ability to space the floor and shoot off screens provides a specific valuable skill.

Strengths: Watkins is a strong defender with an excellent build and a 6-foot-11 wingspan. He impressively filled the stat sheet at Florida State.

Weaknesses: At 23, he was effective as a secondary ball handler last season but has never achieved consistency with his outside shot, hitting only 32.5% of his career college 3-pointers.

The verdict: Few players boosted their stock at the NBA combine as much as Watkins, showing physicality and high defensive intensity while making plays across the court. Turning 24 soon, his NBA-ready frame and tools provide an immediate skill. However, finding consistent half-court scoring will be vital for his long-term success.

Strengths: Tonje is a sturdily built wing with good size, length, and assertiveness. He had a breakout season at Wisconsin, becoming one of the top scorers in college basketball.

Weaknesses: He isn`t a strong passer and lacks great defensive tools. He often relies on a `bully-ball` style that might be less effective against NBA opponents compared to college competition at age 24.

The verdict: Tonje had a tremendous season for the Badgers, consistently getting to the free-throw line and making 39% of his 3-pointers on high volume. His 41-point game against Arizona was a season highlight. His maturity could be beneficial in the right role, but he still needs to prove himself for the NBA, as the historical track record for older players of this type is mixed.

Strengths: Markovic is a skilled big man who scored from all areas with impressive efficiency in his debut Adriatic League season, earning rookie of the year honors.

Weaknesses: With a 6-foot-11 wingspan and slender build, he struggles to consistently impact the game defensively and on the glass. He often appears slightly slow in his awareness on both ends.

The verdict: Markovic had a breakout year capped by a strong performance at the Nike Hoop Summit. At his best, his ability to space the floor, rebound defensively, and finish skillfully near the basket is intriguing. However, he must improve his physicality, court awareness, and toughness to succeed at the highest level.

Strengths: Zikarsky is young (18) with immense size, developing skills, and clear defensive potential thanks to his 9-foot-6½ standing reach.

Weaknesses: While his size is a major advantage in the paint, he doesn`t move his feet particularly well in open space and lacks the desired physicality, often appearing a step behind due to awareness issues.

The verdict: Zikarsky`s second NBL season wasn`t as productive as scouts hoped. Although he was a consistent offensive rebounder, he struggled with scoring efficiency, missing layups and free throws, which tempered optimism about his floor-stretching. His ability to alter shots with his exceptional length is appealing, but he`s still developing as a rim protector away from the basket. Nevertheless, his size and youth make him an interesting gamble for a team confident in its player development, aiming to help him process the game faster as his physique matures.

Strengths: Brea has been the premier shooter in college basketball over the last two seasons, hitting 47% of his 3s and possessing solid physical attributes.

Weaknesses: Despite being an effective floor spacer, his negative wingspan, average defense, and explosiveness limit his potential as a role player.

The verdict: Following a season where he made 50% of his 3s at Dayton (2023-24), Brea delivered another excellent shooting performance for Kentucky (2024-25). He stands out as a floor spacer and movement shooter in an era where these skills are highly valued. His ability to contribute beyond shooting will determine how quickly he finds a niche in the NBA.

Strengths: James played a crucial role for Duke with his composed ball handling, selflessness, defensive versatility, and timely scoring. His sturdy frame brought much-needed experience and toughness.

Weaknesses: He has never been a high-volume scorer, lacking exceptional length or dynamic shot creation. His shooting is questionable due to unconventional mechanics and his reluctance to shoot perimeter shots.

The verdict: James performed a role for the Blue Devils similar to what he`d likely do at the next level: guarding multiple positions, staying active off the ball, and doing the little things. While not exceptionally long, his unique physical profile could be an asset for a team seeking a versatile player, especially if he improves as a spot-up threat.

Strengths: Broome is a physical and highly productive inside-out threat with good basketball IQ. A Wooden Award finalist, he was arguably the best player in college basketball at times last season.

Weaknesses: Lacking length and explosiveness, Broome relied on timing and tenacity in college. He might be a more situational fit in the NBA, especially if his unconventional shooting form and career 30% 3-point percentage don`t translate.

The verdict: It`s hard to overstate Broome`s effectiveness this season. Minor late-season injuries hampered him, but his instincts as a scorer, passer, and rebounder were evident. His inconsistent shooting and limited defensive tools complicate his NBA fit, but he is among the most proven prospects available.

Strengths: Toohey is an intelligent, versatile forward whose maturity was evident in the NBL and at the NBA combine.

Weaknesses: He is only an average athlete and, while his shooting has improved, he will need to become more consistent from deep to carve out an NBA role.

The verdict: Toohey checks several boxes with his feel for the game, consistent effort, length, and defensive anticipation. He has sharp basketball instincts but needs to become a more consistently assertive and impactful offensive player to leverage them in an NBA role – something he made progress on this past year.

Strengths: Jones had an effective, efficient season orchestrating Marquette`s spread offense, hitting crucial shots and scoring prolifically en route to a first-team All-Big East selection.

Weaknesses: He isn`t the most explosive guard and saw his shooting percentage decline in an expanded role last season. He has questions to answer about his defense and ability to create effectively in a more limited capacity.

The verdict: As a senior, he embraced the lead guard role, ranking among the nation`s top pick-and-roll creators after primarily playing off-ball previously. His decisiveness in passing and scoring stood out, but his inconsistent perimeter shooting and moderate defensive impact highlight areas for improvement as he aims to prove his game translates to higher competition levels.

Strengths: Small is a tough, well-rounded guard who displayed strong role-playing qualities, leading an undermanned West Virginia team with his defense and ability to create off the dribble.

Weaknesses: While he maximizes his frame, he lacks ideal size, length, or bulk by NBA standards.

The verdict: Small had a standout Big 12 season, showing the ability to score in bursts and set up teammates on a roster that heavily relied on him. Successfully managing that responsibility while providing defensive energy makes him appealing for teams needing guard depth. His potential to improve as a shooter, finisher, and decision-maker is key, as he isn`t large enough to rely solely on defense.

Strengths: Peavy is a versatile wing with solid size who defends with high intensity. He made notable progress in 3-point shooting as a fifth-year senior.

Weaknesses: Peavy has unorthodox shooting mechanics, hitting 32% from 3 and 61% from the free throw line in his college career, with poor efficiency inside the arc. While his high motor translated well in college, he lacks great length for NBA purposes with an even wingspan. He turns 24 in mid-July.

The verdict: In his third college destination, Peavy sometimes kept Georgetown competitive last season with his assertive, timely scoring. He showed versatility in passing and making more shots from outside than expected. His career free-throw struggles, occasionally questionable decision-making, and age are concerns. Still, the scarcity of players with his defensive motor and versatility will give him chances to demonstrate his game translates to higher levels.

Strengths: Goldin is a physically imposing center with great size and length whose motor and production were vital to multiple NCAA tournament runs.

Weaknesses: Goldin moves adequately and can finish above the rim with momentum, but he lacks quickness guarding in space and pursuing rebounds. His limited perimeter skills restrict his versatility; he isn`t a strong passer and currently lacks shooting range. At 24, he is one of the older players in this draft class.

The verdict: Goldin was a dominant force rolling to the rim and on the offensive glass. His intensity and size at the rim can be intimidating, even if he isn`t the most fluid or coordinated athlete. While he experimented with a jumper as a fifth-year senior, the center with a 7-foot-5 wingspan fits a more traditional mold. His ability to anchor a defense and rebound consistently will be key at the next level.

Strengths: Olbrich is a traditional big man with a strong motor and good court awareness. His improvement this season was instrumental in the Illawarra Hawks winning the NBL championship.

Weaknesses: Lacking the length for a center (6-foot-11 wingspan) and floor-spacing ability for a power forward, he is somewhat caught between positions on both ends and doesn`t have great explosiveness to compensate.

The verdict: Olbrich returned to Australia after a productive freshman year in the Big West. He has come a long way since, showing excellent passing, strong interior skills, and the effort and physicality needed defensively. His ability to develop a reliable perimeter shot will likely be crucial for his NBA chances given his physical limitations on defense.

Strengths: Dixon is a wide-bodied power forward who had an incredibly productive season, leading the nation in scoring as a sixth-year senior. He has made a significant leap as a shooter.

Weaknesses: His 6-foot-11½ wingspan, average physical attributes, and inconsistent defensive impact are limiting factors.

The verdict: Scoring prolifically from the perimeter this season at 259 pounds, Dixon transformed from a reluctant shooter into the most dynamic shooting big man in college over his career. Reestablishing some of the physicality and toughness he showed earlier as a rebounder and defender in a more limited role would greatly help him carve out a spot in the NBA.

Strengths: Martin is a strong, explosive wing whose shotmaking and defensive versatility were key to Florida`s championship run.

Weaknesses: While he has a 6-foot-7½ wingspan, Martin isn`t a great ball handler or passer for his size. He has shown streaks of inconsistency from the perimeter.

The verdict: Bouncy, physical, and tough, Martin had strong two-way performances, especially when his shot was falling well. Playing bigger than his listed height defensively and making impressive plays in open space, his physical tools were an asset in college. However, he will need to become a more reliable shooter or effective playmaker to ease his transition to the NBA.

Strengths: Williams is a British center with an interesting blend of length (7-foot-6 wingspan), rebounding skill, shot-blocking timing, and passing feel.

Weaknesses: He isn`t much of a scorer outside of drawing fouls using his size and lacks shooting range. He never improved as a free-throw shooter (career 63%) and doesn`t offer as much defensive versatility as desired. He struggled when forced to defend outside the paint and wasn`t consistently intense or aware.

The verdict: Williams might not excel at quick defensive rotations or perimeter defense, but he possesses excellent physical tools and was among the nation`s best rebounders in his sole season at Kentucky. Combined with his ability as a passer in handoffs and finishing above the rim on the move, he presents an interesting situational fit for some teams.

Strengths: Pate, 19, is a swingman with intriguing physical attributes and a strong high school background, offering long-term upside.

Weaknesses: Pate is still early in his development regarding shooting, defense, decision-making, and overall consistency. He was miscast as a point guard early on and faced a challenging environment in the G League as the youngest player there for two years.

The verdict: Pate had a few productive games for the Mexico City Capitanes after facing an uphill battle with the G League Ignite last season. He showed flashes of driving to the rim in transition, making simple plays off the dribble, and having hot shooting streaks. However, he needs significant refinement on both ends as he remains raw. Despite this, his youth and potential make him appealing to teams confident in their player development capabilities.

Strengths: Lakhin is a versatile big man and fifth-year senior who significantly improved as a shooter, complementing his interior skills, passing ability, and defensive timing.

Weaknesses: He isn`t particularly fast or explosive and is somewhat stuck between positions. He relied on timing and craftiness in college, which may not translate smoothly against better athletes. He`s also dealt with several injuries, missing most of the pre-draft process with a ligament tear in his foot that will sideline him for months.

The verdict: Lakhin had an excellent season, contributing across the board with his court awareness, finishing touch, and defensive maturity. His improvement as a floor spacer is notable. However, the limited sample size of his jumper means he must stay healthy and prove this aspect of his game is real to secure a meaningful NBA role.

Strengths: Sallis is a slender guard with a 6-foot-10 wingspan, strong confidence in his pull-up jumper, and solid defensive effort.

Weaknesses: After shooting an excellent 41% from 3 a year ago, he struggled significantly this season (28%). He finished his college career converting just 33% of his total attempts over four years, while also not being a strong shot creator or passer.

The verdict: Sallis didn`t make the leap scouts hoped for after declining second-round opportunities to return to Wake Forest. He played a high-usage role relatively inefficiently but still found ways to impact the game with defensive and rebounding energy. There are admirable aspects to his length and versatility, but improving his physique and consistently demonstrating outside shooting ability will be crucial for him to find a long-term niche.

Strengths: Sanders possesses excellent size for a guard who handled the ball as much as he did in his single season at Nevada.

Weaknesses: He has a negative wingspan and average overall skills, which were most apparent on the defensive end and sometimes in poor shot selection.

The verdict: Sanders had a terrific season as a grad transfer, utilizing his size and pace to create off the dribble. He was one of the country`s top mid-range scorers but needs to improve his decision-making and spot-up shooting to ease his NBA transition. At the next level, he will face another defensive learning curve if he doesn`t add more toughness and physicality to his game.

Strengths: Niang is a physically gifted wing on an impressive developmental path. He emerged from obscurity to become an impactful player in Italy`s league and the EuroCup for Trento.

Weaknesses: His offensive profile is limited. He has little shooting range, making only 11 3-pointers in 45 games, and his turnovers outnumbered his assists.

The verdict: Niang`s defensive versatility, rebounding, and intensity allowed him to contribute against high-level competition this season, finding ways to impact both ends despite lacking significant offensive refinement. He will likely need to develop some form of shooting range to have any chance of playing an NBA role, but he has upside based on the improvement shown over the past two years.

Strengths: Nembhard is a cerebral point guard who led Division I in assists. His playmaking vision was clearly demonstrated in the G League Elite Camp and NBA combine scrimmages.

Weaknesses: At 6-foot (in shoes), he lacks ideal size, strength, length, and explosiveness. This limits him as a finisher in the paint and defensively.

The verdict: Nembhard may be physically underdeveloped, but he is arguably the most established floor general in this draft class. His impressive 3.9 assist-to-turnover ratio and ability to create open looks for teammates stood out constantly last season. His polish as a distributor alone should secure him a niche at the next level, but becoming more than just an opportunistic shooter would help solidify his position.