The 2025 NBA Draft has plenty of hype leading into the NCAA season. Cooper Flagg drew rave reviews during Team USA camp this summer, and the top five are all projecting to be elite. There will be plenty of jockeying to get a top selection and add a potential game-changer to their roster.
The Chicago Bulls are in a tricky position. They owe their pick to the Spurs with a top-ten protection this season. Chicago is not a title contender but wants to push for the playoffs. The franchise should get a top-ten pick, despite the front office's ideas to the contrary and spotty track record in the draft. The Bulls own the Blazers first-rounder, but it is top 14 protected and unlikely to convey. They control their destiny and should think long-term over a first-round playoff exit.
What if the Bulls keep their pick? Here is a mock draft of the entire first round heading into the college season. The order was based on ESPN’s preseason standing projections. It is way too early to determine how things will shake out and plenty will change. This is just a first look at the prospects and what teams might look to add from this class.
1. Washington Wizards select Cooper Flagg
The Wizards are in the middle of a total rebuild and hoping for some lottery luck. They got the number two overall pick in the 2024 draft and have some exciting young pieces. Washington needs their superstar and may find it in this class.
Flagg is a 6’9 forward who can do it all. His ability to defend multiple positions and rebound, while playing with a high motor and basketball IQ immediately jump out. Flagg could instantly change the Wizards' defense and is a lights-out scorer and floor spacer to go with it.
The 17-year-old is one of the youngest players in this class and has a massive ceiling. His performance for Team USA’s Select Team put him in pole position to go number one, but Flagg will need a strong freshman season at Duke to cement his status. There is massive upside and already multiple intriguing skills to get teams excited.
2. Portland Trail Blazers draft Ace Bailey
The Blazers are loaded with guards, but still navigating a rebuild. It makes it a no-brainer to grab Bailey. The 6’9 forward is drawing Paul George comps for his potential on both ends of the floor. He is a bucket but will need a strong freshman season at Rutgers to hold this spot.
Bailey’s ball-handling and shot selection are question marks. The 18-year-old will score, but must do it efficiently. There will be plenty of highlights and some monster performances, but scouts will look at his all-around game when comparing him to the top prospects in this class.
Ace Bailey and college teammate Dylan Harper will challenge Cooper Flagg for the number one overall pick. Dethroning him will be difficult, but Bailey becoming an elite scoring two-way force gives him a strong case to be the top prospect in this class.
3 Brooklyn Nets snag Dylan Harper
Harper will be the Scarlet Knights’ top playmaker this season. He is a strong scorer and creator who will wow fans with his incredible skill. The 6’5 guard has a high basketball IQ and will have the ball in his hands plenty. Expect some monster stat lines as Rutgers is pushed into the spotlight with two of the three projected talents.
Harper’s defense, efficiency, and all-around game will determine his draft stock. He is an unquestioned top-five selection heading into the year but needs to prove he can get buckets, make plays, and defend at a higher level to stay in that mix.
The Nets entered a full-scale rebuild after trading Mikal Bridges to the Knicks. They are shopping several other veterans and need a franchise cornerstone. Harper would give them a lead ball-handler to build their roster around, and the teenager could blossom into an NBA superstar.
4. Detroit Pistons choose V.J. Edgecombe
Edgecombe had a breakout summer for the Bahamas in their Olympic qualifying tournament. The teenager was getting buckets, spacing the floor, and making plays on both ends against professional competition. He cemented himself in the top five and could move up boards with a strong freshman season at Baylor.
The 6’3 guard must showcase his playmaking, ball-handling, and defense to cement his status. He cannot just be a score-first guard and walking highlight reel. Edgecombe will get plenty of buckets in the NCAA but needs more to go early on draft night with several highly rated prospects in this class.
The Pistons are in a difficult spot. They have Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey in the backcourt but are stuck in a rebuild. Another top-five pick may force a direction shift and getting the best player available is always a wise strategy near the top of the draft.
5. Utah Jazz take Nolan Traore
The 18-year-old guard has struggled early for Saint-Quentin in France. He is averaging 12.1 points, 5.3 assists, and 1.7 rebounds in 24.1 minutes per game while shooting just 38.8 percent from the field and 33.3 percent on his threes over nine contests. Traore is committing 2.9 turnovers per game but is a teenager playing professional basketball.
His jumper is a massive question mark after making just 28.3 percent of his 413 3-point attempts over the last three years. Non-shooting point guards struggle, especially in the playoffs, but there is room for growth. Traore must focus on increasing his efficiency if he wants to reach his ceiling.
The Jazz should be searching for the best player available. They are in the middle of a rebuild and still looking for their lead ball-handler. Nolan Traore could fill that role and would have young talent around him to develop. Utah hopes to land a top-five pick and a potential game-changer like Traore.
6. Charlotte Hornets select Kon Knueppel
Duke has a strong roster heading into the 2024-25 season with three potential lottery picks at the top. Flagg will be the superstar, but Knueppel’s shooting, size, and scoring punch could make him a top-five pick. The 6’6 wing will sink jumpers and get buckets for the Blue Devils. The added eyes from Flagg could boost his stock.
The Hornets have Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball but would love to improve their versatility with a floor-spacing wing. Charlotte wants to get back to contention and getting an elite role player around their stars could be the quickest route.
7. Toronto Raptors draft Drake Powell
Powell is a plus-defender at 6’6 with the potential to blossom into a coveted 3-and-D wing. He can guard multiple positions but must prove he can consistently hit jumpers and attack closeouts. His defense alone will have teams interested, but Powell’s path to going in the top ten features him displaying a strong offensive game as a freshman at UNC.
The Raptors love drafting rangy wings with upside. They are not afraid to select a talented prospect with shooting questions, and Powell could be their next developmental success story. Toronto will take the top player on their board, which is likely between a handful of wings if they end up in this position.
8. Chicago Bulls take Kasparas Jakucionis
Jakucionis is drawing plenty of buzz ahead of his freshman season at Illinois. The teenager showcased a versatile game at the Under-18 European Championships this summer, which has scouts dreaming about his fit on their roster. The 6’5 wing can score, make plays, sink open shots, and defend multiple positions.
Teams can let him operate with or without the ball. Jakucionis could fill several roles and has the upside to become the perfect modern NBA role player.
The Bulls would love to add a versatile wing to their roster. They may play their way out of the lottery, but passing up a top-ten pick in this class will be difficult. Kasparas Jakucionis could blossom into the type of wing every NBA team covets, and he is already playing in Illinois.
9. San Antonio Spurs (via Hawks) select Ben Saraf
The Spurs are looking for connective pieces around Victor Wembanyama and project to have two top-ten picks in this mock draft. Expect them to target versatile options, and Saraf fits that mold.
The 6’6 wing is showcasing plenty of Ulm in Germany so far. He averaged 13.7 points, 4.6 assists, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 24.0 minutes per game over 11 contests. His shooting is a question mark, but Saraf has made 12 of his first 35 3-point attempts this season. He has the size to guard multiple positions and improved his stock by winning MVP at the Under-18 European championships this summer.
Saraf has a few drawbacks, including an overreliance on using his left hand. Teams are already forcing him to go right. The 18-year-old needs his jumper and playmaking to outshine his flaws if he wants to be a top-ten pick on draft night.
10. San Antonio Spurs choose Liam McNeeley
The 6’6 wing joins the two-time defending NCAA champion UConn Huskies for his freshman season after playing with Cooper Flagg at Montverde Academy last season. McNeeley is an elite shooter with a high basketball IQ. There will be no shortage of interest, especially if he shines at UConn.
The Spurs desperately need shooting around Wemby. They’ve been in the bottom five in 3-point percentage since 2023, and it has been a catalyst of their offensive struggles.
Improving their floor spacing is a must, and McNeeley will get high-level reps playing in Dan Hurley’s system this season. He has the size and IQ to become a versatile threat with upside. If he takes another step forward this season, expect McNeeley to be a top-ten pick come June.
11. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers) draft Asa Newell
Newell hopes to become the third Montverde Academy player taken in the top ten. The 6’9 forward is at the University of Georgia and hopes to follow in Anthony Edwards’ footsteps. Newell has size and a versatile game. He should get plenty of opportunities as a freshman but needs to show growth.
His jumper, scoring ability, and defense are question marks. Newell was not the star in high school but will get a shot to be the top option at Georgia. Does his game blossom? The 19-year-old has a wide range and his draft stock will be dependent on the tape he throws down in college.
The Thunder love versatile options, and Asa Newell fits that mold. He could be the next steal for Oklahoma City as they continue to build out the best young roster in the NBA. The 6’9 teenager’s development is worth watching closely this season.
12. Houston Rockets take Jalil Bethea
Bethea is an absolute bucket with shooting range. He profiles as one of the top scorers in the freshman class and should get plenty of chances to shine at the University of Miami. The 6’3 guard has plenty to prove but is capable of making shots and getting to his spots.
Is Bethea a score-first option in the mold of Bradley Beal or an on-ball creator? Improving his playmaking and efficiency, while proving he is an elite shooter and scorer are the goals for the teenager. He has upside to keep climbing draft boards, but must realize it on the court.
The Rockets are loaded with young talent and should take the best player available. Bethea may struggle to find minutes, but partnering with Reed Sheppard and Jalen Green in the backcourt could give Houston an elite young position group.
13. Miami Heat snag Hugo Gonzalez
Gonzalez’s stock is one of the toughest to pinpoint in this class. The 6’6 wing was fantastic in the Under-18 European championships where he averaged 20.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 2.7 steals, and 2.0 blocks in seven games. He showed incredible two-way potential, but he is barely playing for Real Madrid.
After seven games, Gonzalez is getting just 10.5 minutes per contest and struggling mightily. He likely won’t play much this season and won’t have a chance to prove his jumper and offensive game have taken a leap. Gonzalez is a stout defender, but a team must trust in the limited tape for him to go in the lottery.
The Miami Heat are never afraid to go against consensus to draft a prospect they believe in. Hugo Gonzalez is a 6’6 wing with significant upside. The Heat would have to believe his jumper improves, but Miami is no stranger to developing talent.
14. Atlanta Hawks (via Kings) select Donnie Freeman
Freeman is already climbing draft boards and the 6’8 forward has immense upside. He will look to use his versatile skill set and athletic ability to be a lottery selection. Freeman will create highlights at Syracuse, but can he show enough to be a high selection? There is a wide range here and much will depend on his play and continued growth.
The Hawks should be looking for upside as they improve their roster. If they plan on building around Trae Young, Atlanta needs size and defense. Freeman’s athletic ability should allow him to offer both with some potential to further blossom. His shooting, defense, and playmaking will determine his stock, but the Hawks could certainly bet on his upside.
15. New Orleans Pelicans draft Khaman Maluach
The Pelicans drafted Yves Missi in 2024, but are searching for their answer at the five next to Zion Williamson. Missi may win the job, but adding another seven-footer with upside could allow the Pelicans to match the Mavericks one-two punch of Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford.
The 7’2 big man could be the third Duke player drafted in the lottery. He will be a drop coverage center, but his rim protection, size, and developing game have scouts intrigued. The 18-year-old needs to showcase his skill as a roll man and dominate the paint. If he blossoms as a freshman, Maluach could be a top-ten selection.
16. Atlanta Hawks (via Lakers) select Collin Murray-Boyles
Murray-Boyles is a lockdown defender with lottery potential. It depends on how his offensive game blossoms in year two at South Carolina. The 6’7 wing did not make a 3-pointer and averaged just 0.6 more assists than turnovers per game as a freshman. He is strictly a defense-first wing at this stage and must improve to climb boards.
The Hawks get two versatile wings with size in the middle of this first round. It should help them build out their roster around Young, Jalen Johnson, and Dyson Daniels. Defense must be a focus for Atlanta, and Murray-Boyles profiles as one of the top options in this class.
17. Golden State Warriors choose Alex Karaban
Karaban is back for his third season at UConn and searching for a third NCAA championship. The 6’8 sharpshooter has been a starter for two straight years and is a career 38.9 percent 3-point shooter. He will certainly space the floor and sink open looks. Karaban profiles as a role player with a high basketball IQ that should go in the first round.
The Warriors want to keep Stephen Curry’s contention window open. Adding a strong shooter certainly gives Golden State another rotation option. Alex Karaban is a winner who has played in the biggest games in college basketball. He would be ready immediately and could turn into a difference-making role player in the Bay Area.
18. Orlando Magic pick Tre Johnson
Johnson is an absolute bucket that is lighting it up the Longhorns’ scrimmages. He can score at all three levels and should be the number one option for Texas this season, but what else does he offer?
Scouts will be watching his playmaking, defense, shot selection, and efficiency closely this season. The 6’6 wing’s draft profile ranges from projected sixth man to All-Star. It is all based on how the ancillary parts of his game develop. If he becomes an inefficient shot-first option, Johnson may slip out of the first round entirely.
The Magic need shooting around Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Adding another scorer could unlock Orlando’s offense and make them a true contender, but the franchise must help Tre Johnson reach his ceiling to get there.
19. Indiana Pacers select Motiejus Krivas
Krivas should have an expanded role in his second season at the University of Arizona. He averaged 5.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 0.5 blocks in 12.2 minutes per game as a freshman. There were flashes of potential, but the 7’2 big man must show more on offense to improve his draft stock.
Scouts are excited about his potential as a rim protector and defensive anchor, but he must set screens and become a threat as a roll man to be a lottery selection.
Krivas did not attempt a 3-pointer last season, but he did shoot 77.8 percent from the free-throw line. Some teams may believe they can develop his jumper to further unlock his upside.
The Pacers may have a center problem as Myles Turner heads to free agency. Drafting Motiejus Krivas could give them a developmental backup capable of blossoming into a starter in a few years.
20. Memphis Grizzlies draft Dink Pate
Pate played for the G League Ignite last season and operated in a playmaking role the team desperately needed. He shot just 35.8 percent from the field and committed 2.5 turnovers to 3.6 assists every night. The teenager was overmatched in his role, but there were positives.
Pate will remain in the G League with the Mexico City Capitanes after the Ignite folded. The 18-year-old will get another chance to showcase his versatile game against professionals. He must improve his jumper, shot selection, efficiency, and defense to draw serious lottery buzz.
The Grizzlies are never afraid to bet on upside and have a history of developing talent. Dink Pate has room to grow and fits the versatility Memphis loves to target.
21. Utah Jazz (via Cavaliers) take Egor Demin
Demin is drawing plenty of buzz as a 6’8 ball-handler. The 18-year-old spent the last two years developing at Real Madrid before joining BYU. Does he operate as the Cougars' primary creator? Can Demin make shots and defend well enough to be a lottery selection? He has a wide range after virtually only playing for Real’s Under-18 team the last two years.
The Jazz need playmaking and are not afraid to take a raw prospect. If Egor Demin’s shooting, playmaking, and defense blossom, Utah could be getting the steal of the draft.
22. Brooklyn Nets (via Bucks) grab Kwame Evans Jr.
The 6’8 forward is a force on defense who must develop his jumper to exceed at the next level. He averaged 1.2 steals and 1.0 block in just 22.5 minutes per game as a freshman but shot just 26.7 percent from 3-point range. Evans Jr. made nearly 80 percent from the foul line. Translating that success into his jumper is a must to stick in an NBA rotation.
The Nets have multiple 3-and-D wings on their roster and would love to add another. Kwame Evans Jr. should eventually hit shots and will be a desired rotation option when he does. Brooklyn is just starting a total rebuild and can afford to give him plenty of time to develop.
23. Brooklyn Nets (via Suns) take Hunter Sallis
Sallis was getting plenty of first-round draft buzz in 2024 but decided to return for his senior season at Wake Forest. He averaged 18.0 points per game and shot over 40 percent from 3-point range as a junior after transferring from Gonzaga. The 6’5 guard must prove his shooting was real and increase his playmaking to move up draft boards.
The Nets need ball-handlers. Dennis Schroder and Ben Simmons are not long for their roster. Sallis may be best as a secondary creator, but he gives Brooklyn a capable wing with two-way potential. The franchise likely has four first-rounders in 2025, including one near the top of the draft to completely remake their roster. Sallis is a strong fit on a young team needing versatility.
24. Utah Jazz (via Timberwolves) snag Alex Toohey
The 20-year-old wing is in his second season with the Sydney Kings in the NBL where he is displaying a significantly improved jumper. Through 12 games, Toohey averaged 12.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.8 blocks in 24.1 minutes per contest, while shooting 38.1 percent from downtown. Finding a 6’7 wing with defensive and shooting upside is always desirable.
The Jazz have three first-round picks in this draft and will be looking to add to their young core. Alex Toohey offers size and versatility on the wing. Danny Ainge helped build the Celtics by drafting skilled wings and will likely do the same in Salt Lake City.
25. Dallas Mavericks select Michael Ruzic
Ruzic is in his second season of professional basketball in Spain. The 6’10 forward shot over 40 percent from 3-point range in a 17.7-minute per game role in 2024. He is filling a similar spot early this season but has made just four of his first 15 long-range attempts.
The Mavericks want shooting and versatility around Luka Doncic. They added Klay Thompson after making the NBA Finals in 2024 and are primed to be in contention. Michael Ruzic’s professional experience should lessen the learning curve, and he could quickly be spacing the floor in Dallas.
26. Oklahoma City Thunder (via 76ers) choose JT Toppin
Toppin is a breakout candidate after transferring to Texas Tech. The 19-year-old was All-Mountain-West last season when he averaged 12.4 points, 9.1 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 1.9 blocks in 26.6 minutes per game for New Mexico. How will he fare in the Big 12? His versatile two-way game may push him into the lottery if everything breaks right.
The Thunder want players who can dribble, pass, and shoot. Finding a 6’9 forward capable of protecting the rim, creating turnovers, rebounding, and sinking over 34 percent from 3-point range will draw buzz. Oklahoma City knows how to develop talent and would love it if JT Toppin fell to them in the draft.
27. Orlando Magic (via Nuggets) draft Rocco Zikarsky
Teams are excited about Zikarsky’s defensive potential as a rim-protector, rebounder, and shot deterrent. The 7’2 big man has seen a limited role for Brisbane in his native Australia but averaged 1.0 block in just 7.4 minutes per game in 2024. This would be a developmental selection based on upside, but finding a dominant paint force is never easy.
The Magic have a ton of talent and the luxury of keeping a young talent on the end of their bench. Orlando can give him a couple of years to develop before putting him into the rotation, which is what Rocco Zikarsky needs to reach his ceiling.
28. Brooklyn Nets (via Knicks) take Noa Essengue
The 6’9 forward is averaging 10.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 0.8 steals, and 0.7 blocks in 23.1 minutes over his first 12 games for Ulm this season. He has primarily come off the bench but did start three times. His shooting is worth watching. Essengue has attempted 232 3-pointers since 2022 but has made just 23.2 percent.
Brooklyn is searching for upside, and the 17-year-old is one of the youngest players in this class. He turns 19 just days before the cutoff to be eligible. If his shooting comes around, Noa Essengue could be an intriguing two-way force that every team desires. The Nets would love the chance to develop him.
29. LA Clippers (via Thunder) choose Jarin Stevenson
The 6’11 forward feels like a breakout player in his second season. He must shoot better than 31 percent from 3-point range, but his showing in the Elite Eight that lifted Alabama to the Final Four may have been his breakout. Getting a stretch big man and versatile defender would be a plus for any roster.
The Clippers need talent with high upside as they face an uncertain future. Their roster is aging, so getting a young versatile forward like Jarin Stevenson could inject some much-needed youth. Tyronn Lue would have a talent to develop and may be able to help him reach his immense ceiling.
30. Boston Celtics select Kam Jones
Jones has improved every year and is ready for a monster season at Marquette. He averaged 17.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.1 steals in 29.1 minutes per game as a junior. The 6’4 wing shot over 50 percent from the field and 40 percent on his threes.
The Celtics are never afraid to select an older productive prospect, and Kam Jones may quickly be able to boost their depth. Having another talented and versatile option off the bench is just what Boston needs as they try to ease their luxury tax concerns.
The 2025 NBA Draft is loaded with talent and more players will emerge this season. This is just a first look at the prospects and how they project. There will be a larger sample and more data as the college season kicks off. Expect breakouts and busts to happen, so stay tuned and enjoy the ride.