For what has felt like the last decade, the Chicago Bulls have been stuck in NBA mediocrity. The Bulls have not won a playoff series since the 2014-15 season, and after (finally) pivoting away from the Zach LaVine era, this franchise has a pretty big offseason in front of them. Not only does a huge decision on Josh Giddey await them to begin the summer, but they will also have a golden opportunity in front of them with a projected top-10 pick.
It may prove to be difficult for the Bulls to find a franchise-changing player selecting No. 10 overall, but, in a loaded draft class, the opportunity could be there for Chicago to find a true diamond in the rough. As Chicago prepares for such a challenge, let's explore our latest NBA Mock Draft.
1. Washington Wizards - Cooper Flagg, F, Duke
Cooper Flagg may have suffered an injury, and his availability for the start of the NCAA Tournament could very much be in doubt. However, at this point, there's not much that is going to stand in the way of Flagg being selected with the No. 1 overall pick. The Washington Wizards continue to be in a position to have one of the best odds to land Flagg.
Considering what Flagg has been able to accomplish during his freshman season at Duke, there's a reason why he's considered the unanimous No. 1 pick in a loaded draft class. Flagg will put the Wizards back on the map and on the right path back to relevancy in the Eastern Conference.
2. Utah Jazz - Dylan Harper, G, Rutgers
There's so much about the Utah Jazz's outlook that would change if they could find a way to enter the 2025 NBA Draft with a top-3 pick. If Utah can come away with Dylan Harper with the No. 2 overall selection, it could make way for this team to take a huge step forward in their overall development heading into the 2025-26 NBA season.
Harper is a dynamic offensive player who has all the tools any team would want from a generational lead guard. If he can reach his ceiling as a prospect in the NBA, there's no question that he's going to shift the narrative for the struggling Jazz. A Harper-Lauri Markkanen duo could be exactly what Utah desires.
3. Charlotte Hornets - Ace Bailey, F, Rutgers
Even though there remains some hesitance revolving around Ace Bailey as an overall prospect heading into the 2025 NBA Draft, you can't argue with his talent. As one of the best top-to-bottom offensive players in the draft, it's easy to see why Bailey is projected to go in the top-3. As the Charlotte Hornets look to add more foundational pieces to their roster, Bailey seems like a natural fit - especially with Flagg and Harper already off the board.
There could be some questions about fit, especially with Miles Bridges and Brandon Miller already on the roster. However, at this point, I'm not sure that's something the Hornets should be all that worried about. They need talent and potential, and Bailey would give the Hornets plenty of that.
4. New Orleans Pelicans - VJ Edgecombe, G, Baylor
After the top-3, the argument could be made that this is when the NBA Draft officially begins. The New Orleans Pelicans are currently in a spot where they can go several different ways with this selection. However, in the end, I do believe that VJ Edgecombe has continued to put himself in the best position to carve out the No. 4 overall spot in this draft.
He's one of the most athletic wings in this class, and with his improving offensive skill set, that makes him one of the players (outside of the top 3) with the most potential and highest ceilings. The Pelicans could look to Edgecombe as a prospect who could help alter this team's outlook moving forward.
5. Brooklyn Nets - Tre Johnson, G, Texas
If the Brooklyn Nets are interested in a player who could bring some immediate interest and hope for the franchise, Tre Johnson could be their target. Even though there are clearly some questions about his defensive capabilities, especially as he prepares to make the jump to the NBA level, Johnson is one of the most electric offensive players in this draft.
Offense isn't the only side of the court that matters, but it's the one that sells hope (and tickets). As the Nets look to start a new era for the franchise, Johnson could be considered a big part of that as the first cornerstone.
6. Philadelphia 76ers - Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
The Philadelphia 76ers have failed to turn their season around and look like a team that is going to focus on keeping their top-6 protected first-round pick heading into the 2025 NBA Draft. If they can do that, it could go a long way in helping this team bounce back next season. The more I think about the Sixers and their possibilities with the No. 6 overall pick, the more I like Khaman Maluach as a target.
The verdict is still out on how good Maluach can be in the future, but if there's even a small chance that he can be a franchise-changing player, this has to be the move for the Sixers - especially considering the uncertainty surrounding Joel Embiid's health.
7. Toronto Raptors - Egor Demin, G, BYU
The Toronto Raptors made a big move by acquiring Brandon Ingram at the NBA Trade Deadline. As they continue to build out their roster, adding another playmaking threat could be a smart move for the Raptors. One potential target at this point in the first round is Egor Demin. As one of the more versatile players outside of the top-3, Demin would give the Raptors another player who could possibly play all over the floor.
Demin must continue to prove that he has a salvageable 3-point shot, but his playmaking ability with his size may be too much for a team like Toronto to pass up late in the top 10. The potential could be worth the risk with Demin.
8. Portland Trail Blazers - Kasparas Jakucionis, PG, Illinois
I'm not sure anyone expected the Portland Trail Blazers to show as much promise as they have over the past two months of the season. Despite that, it continues to be clear that this team still has work to do. Starting at the 2025 NBA Draft, the Blazers will be able to add another talented prospect to their roster. Kasparas Jakucionis could be the selection here for Portland. A player who realistically can be selected in the top-5 based on pure talent, the Blazers could be getting a steal here at No. 8.
Because of his overall completeness as a prospect, it'd be surprising if Jakucionis wasn't selected in the top 10. The Blazers could look to Jakucionis to add a more all-around element in the backcourt next to Scoot Henderson.
9. San Antonio Spurs - Liam McNeeley, SG/SF, UConn
Even though the San Antonio Spurs are going to enter the 2025 NBA Draft with a top 10 pick, this is a team that is going to enter next season with one of the most talented rosters in the league. With De'Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama leading the way, adding a potential wing contributor like Liam McNeeley could make a ton of sense for the Spurs.
Picking late in the top 10, McNeeley could be exactly what the Spurs need from a draft selection. McNeeley could fill a role that the Spurs need on the perimeter and will work well next to Fox and Wemby.
10. Chicago Bulls - Jeremiah Fears, G, Oklahoma
After another disappointing season, one which finally led them to move past Zach LaVine, I can't help but wonder if there's a "right" move for the Chicago Bulls at this point in the first round. I'm not sure there is. At this point, many of the big names are off the board, and Chicago would be taking a flier on any player here. One prospect that could emerge as a fit is Jeremiah Fears.
Because of his position and playstyle, I do believe the Bulls would be betting on star potential here. Fears certainly needs to work on his overall efficiency as a player, but the tools are there for him to thrive at the next level.
11. Miami Heat - Kon Knueppel, SG/SF, Duke
The Miami Heat will enter the NBA offseason at somewhat of a crossroad. It's clear that they need a star player, but it's going to be increasingly difficult to find one this late in the lottery. The best the Heat can do at this point is find a player that could fit with what they're building. Kon Knueppel could make sense on that front for multiple reasons. The biggest reason is that he could emerge as somewhat of a Duncan Robinson replacement.
If the Heat does make a big move for a veteran star player this offseason, Robinson would almost certainly be involved one way or another (for salary purposes). The addition of a sharp-shooting wing like Knueppel could help soften that blow for the Heat.
12. Houston Rockets (via PHO) - Nolan Traore, G, France
Even though the Houston Rockets have taken a clear step forward this season as a franchise, this is a team that does have some pretty big questions to answer about their future. One of the biggest revolves around what the plan will be moving forward at the point guard position. For as good as Fred VanVleet has been for the team, he can't be viewed as much more than a stopgap at this point.
Taking a chance on a guard prospect like Nolan Traore could be the path forward that Houston needs. Traore has good size, has shown the ability to effectively get to the rim, and has promise as an all-around lead guard. He could be another valuable piece to this impressive young core.
13. Dallas Mavericks - Noa Essengue, F, France
There may not be a team in the league that has had a worse season than the Dallas Mavericks. Even though it's hard to envision how a potential lottery selection will significantly change things for the team, especially if it's outside the top 10, Noa Essengue could be an intriguing selection for the Mavs.
Essengue is the type of versatile player that is initially going to make his waves in the NBA on the defensive end of the floor. If he can consistently develop offensively, he'll have the chance to be a very good player down the line. I'm not sure what the future holds for the Mavs, but they'll have the opportunity to land a really good player with this pick.
14. Atlanta Hawks (via SAC) - Hugo Gonzalez, F, Spain
The Atlanta Hawks may be fooling the rest of the league, but I can see that this team is attempting to build a young foundation on the fly. One prospect who continues to get plenty of love in this pre-draft process is Hugo Gonzalez. The 6-foot-7 wing is one of those players who can be taken in the lottery or outside of the first round.
Until there's more clarity on his draft stock, which we probably won't get until he starts his pre-draft process, it's going to be impossible to predict where he'll land. That said, Gonzalez does have the size, versatiliity, and work ethic to be a promising pro.
15. Orlando Magic - Derik Queen, C, Maryland
As the Orlando Magic attempt to bounce back after a somewhat disappointing season, making a smart and calculated selection with their projected No. 15 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft could go a long way. Even though I wouldn't say they have a huge need in the frontcourt, Derik Queen could be a player that's too talented to pass up here.
Queen has been extremely productive during his freshman season at Maryland, and if he has the ability to match the NBA's speed and quickness at the position, there's no reason to believe he can't be an impactful player in Orlando.
16. San Antonio Spurs (via ATL) - Collin Murray-Boyles, F, South Carolina
With another top-20 pick in a deep NBA Draft, there's reason to believe that the San Antonio Spurs will be able to add another valuable piece to their roster. Looking for added versatility to the roster, taking a player like Collin Murray-Boyles would make sense for San Antonio with this selection. Murray-Boyles is also one of the more experienced players in this class.
The decision to return for a sophomore season has worked out well for him, and he's proven he can be an effective player on both ends of the floor. If San Antonio is looking for another swiss army knife type of prospect, Murray-Boyles would make a ton of sense here at No. 16.
17. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC) - Carter Bryant, F, Arizona
Because the Oklahoma City Thunder is already one of the most complete rosters in the league, there won't be a ton of need for the team heading into the 2025 NBA Draft. However, the Thunder could view it worthwhile to take a gamble on a high-ceiling prospect like Carter Bryant. I don't think we've seen the best of his abilities during his freshman season at Arizona, and the sky is the limit as he makes the leap to the NBA.
Bryant would give the Thunder another developmental project that they could invest in. Because the Thunder are already a contender, Bryant would have the ability to develop for a few years in the shadows. To be completely honest, that may be considered the best plan for him as he prepares for the pro game.
18. Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET) - Joan Beringer, C, France
Even though I wouldn't say definitively that this is the time when the Minnesota Timberwolves have to start thinking about life without or after Rudy Gobert, you'd have to imagine that moment is certainly inching closer. Taking a center prospect with the No. 18 overall pick in this year's NBA Draft could go a long way in accomplishing that. Joan Beringer is a player who continues to rise up draft boards that could be in play for the Wolves.
Beringer is still very much a work in progress on the offensive end of the floor but the abilities he's shown defensively this early in his career are what is going to put him in position to be a fringe-lottery pick in this draft. Beringer could be exactly what the Wolves are looking for in a future Gobert replacement.
19. Indiana Pacers - Danny Wolf, C, Michigan
Even as the Indiana Pacers continue to play some of their best basketball of the season, there remains an uncertainty revolving around the future of Myles Turner. Set to hit the free-agent market this summer, but there's no guarantee the Pacers will be able to afford him with Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton already on the books.
Taking a potential Turner replacement could be exactly what the Pacers end up doing with this projected top-20 pick, One player who has gained some recent traction is Michigan big man Danny Wolf. More of an offensive-minded big man, Wolf could be an intriguing option for Indiana.
20. Utah Jazz (via MINN) - Will Riley, F, Illinois
After adding Dylan Harper with the No. 2 pick, the Utah Jazz could shift their attention on the wing. Will Riley could be a solid option for the Jazz. Even though Riley has had an inconsistent freshman season at Illinois, his mix of size, athleticism, and offensive upside is what's going to make him an appealing prospect late in the first round.
Riley would give the Jazz another potnetial young foundational piece for the future. He may not have the star power of some of the bigger names in this draft, but Riley could be a rotational piece if he does reach his ceiling as a prospect.
21. Brooklyn Nets (via MIL) - Ben Saraf, G, Germany
Looking to continue to build out their backcourt, Ben Saraf is a player who could be in play for the Brooklyn Nets late in the first round. Still a relatively unproven prospect, Saraf could be considered a risky pick even for the rebuilding Nets. Nevertheless, his overall potential as a combo guard will make him an appealing gamble.
At this point in the NBA Draft, with a couple of late first-round selections, the Nets will be looking to take a few risks. There's no guarantee that the gamble on Saraf will pan out, but he's certainly worth the look for Brooklyn.
22. Miami Heat (via GS) - Rasheer Fleming, F, Saint Joseph's
With a second first-round selection, courtesy of the Jimmy Butler mid-season trade, the Miami Heat could look to a late riser. Rasheer Fleming is a player who has garnered more and more draft love over the last few weeks. At this point, Fleming may be here to stay. If the Heat are looking for some added frontcourt depth, Fleming could be a potential target.
As he prepares to make the leap to the NBA, Fleming could be viewed as the ultimate complementary player. Even though the Heat still has big questions about their core, adding a prospect like Fleming would be worth the gamble.
23. Brooklyn Nets (via HOU) - Drake Powell, F, North Carolina
Looking to make a move almost entirely based on potential, Drake Powell could end up being a potential option for the Brooklyn Nets here late in the first round. A highly touted prospect coming out of high school, Powell has left much to be desired during his freshman season at North Carolina.
However, there is hope that he could potentially emerge as a high-risk, high-reward type of prospect as he makes the jump to the NBA. The Nets, at the bottom floor of a rebuild, could be the perfect landing spot for Powell.
24. Atlanta Hawks (via LAL) - Thomas Sorber, C, Georgetown
Preparing for the potential loss of Clint Capela, it would make sense for the Atlanta Hawks to make a selection that would add some depth to their frontcourt. I'm not entirely sure Thomas Sorber is going to declare for the 2025 NBA Draft, but if he does, he could be in play at this point in the first round.
Sorber is currently dealing with a foot injury that cost him the end of his freshman season at Georgetown. Depending on how that recovering looks, that will certainly play a huge role in whether he declares or not. Sorber is coming off a season in which he averaged 15 points and nine rebounds per game.
25. Orlando Magic (via DEN) - Boogie Fland, G, Arkansas
After looking to add to their frontcourt early in this draft, the Orlando Magic could look to take a flier on a prospect like Boogie Fland. Somewhat of a polarizing prospect because of his potential shortcomings as somewhat of an undersized guard and his overall offensive efficiency, I believe there's a chance Fland could emerge as a true steal in the first round.
As the Magic look forward to what the future could hold at the guard position, Fland could emerge as a potential long-term answer for the team. Orlando would be looking ahead with this type of move.
26. Washington Wizards (via MEM) - Asa Newell, F, Georgia
Looking to take a big swing with the No. 26 pick, Asa Newell is sitting right there for the Washington Wizards to select. Newell is the type of talent that could be selected in the lottery, but also one that could fall toward the bottom of the first round. His peaks are great, and his lows are certainly concerning.
At this point in the first round, though, the Wizards should feel comfortable with this level of gamble. Newell is so talented, especially on the offensive end of the floor, that he could end up being one of the best players to emerge from this year's loaded class.
27. Brooklyn Nets (via NY) - Adou Thiero, F, Arkansas
Rounding out what could be the Brooklyn Nets' third and final pick of the first round, Adou Thiero could be an option. After transferring to Arkansas, Thiero has averaged 16 points and six rebounds per game on 55 percent shooting from the field. With his strong athletic and raw measurables, there's a lot to like about Thiero as a prospect.
With the Nets, Thiero would have the opportunity to continue to develop as a prospect at a comfortable pace. Even though he's played three years of college basketball, I'd imagine there's still going to be a developmental process for Thiero over the next couple of seasons.
28. Boston Celtics - Jase Richardson, G, Michigan State
The Boston Celtics already have a championship-worthy roster and could be coming off a second-straight NBA Championship by the time the 2025 NBA Draft rolls around. With this selection, the Celtics could look to target a center with upside, but I do believe they could be pushed toward Jase Richardson if he's still available.
As a prospect who is just scratching the surface of the level of player he can be, it may be worth taking a gamble on Richardson at this point in the first round. Richardson has been much more consistent over the course of the last two months, and he could find himself in a position to make a big move up draft boards as the pre-draft process quickly approaches.
29. LA Clippers (via OKC) - Ian Jackson, G, North Carolina
Looking for some added depth in the backcourt, especially with as much uncertainty as this franchise has heading into the future, Ian Jackson is a prospect who could naturally be on the LA Clippers' radar. Carolina had a truly forgettable year by their standards, but Jackson was one of the few standout players on the roster.
During his freshman season, Jackson averaged 13 points and three rebounds on 40 percent shooting from 3-point range. Jackson leaves much to be desired as a playmaker but has a knack for finding the bottom of the net.
30. Phoenix Suns (via CLE) - Nique Clifford, F, Colorado State
The Phoenix Suns are looking at some big changes to their roster and adding a potential new contributor in the 2025 NBA Draft would significantly help this team heading into next season. That's far from a guarantee with the final pick in the first round, but one intriguing prospect that could be on the team's radar is Nique Clifford.
As an experienced player who is experiencing a breakout final season at Colorado State, Clifford is one name to keep a closer eye on as we inch closer and closer to the draft process. Playing off a couple of stars in Phoenix, Clifford could find a role right away off the bench.