The NCAA tournament showcased much of the new talent of the NBA, featuring some of the best up-and-coming players the college game offers. With the international expansion of basketball, the global talent keeps increasing yearly. The 2025 NBA Draft is full of prospects who look to have their dreams come true, being drafted to the NBA.
This year has star potential and a clear superstar headliner in Cooper Flagg, but where do the rest of these young men fall? Is Dylan Harper a lock at the No. 2 pick? How high did Derik Queen skyrocket his draft stock with an outstanding tournament performance? Is NCAA champion Walter Clayton a top-20 pick?
Keenan Warner details all that in a full 2-Round NBA Mock Draft. This draft is based on the talent of each player, the team’s needs, and organizational tendencies.
Round 1
1) Utah Jazz: F, Cooper Flagg, Duke
Cooper Flagg, the most talked-about prospect in this year’s draft, has all of the makings of a star. He has excellent size at around 6’10″. Though his frame is slight, he has strength around the basket and can finish around the basket with either hand.
Flagg’s defensive versatility and motor make him one of the more intriguing prospects the NBA has had over the last decade. The Duke star has an Andrei Kirilenko floor with superstar potential and is the clear number one prospect in this draft.
2) Washington Wizards: G, Dylan Harper, Rutgers
Dylan Harper is a 6’6″ lefty guard with great size and plays with excellent pace. He can stretch the floor, create his own offense off the bounce, and create shots for his teammates. Harper is very talented in the pick and roll.
Defensively, he can slide his feet well, uses his physicality to beat the opposition to their spots, and is not careless. Though his ceiling potential isn’t as high as that of someone like Cooper Flagg, his floor potential is higher than most prospects in the draft.
3) Charlotte Hornets: G, Ace Bailey, Rutgers
Ace Bailey is one of the more interesting prospects in this year’s draft. He is a player who can play off the ball and be effective, but can also create with the ball. His handle will need to tighten, with the NBA driving lanes getting smaller and the margin for error dwindling, but Bailey’s long athletic build poses great potential for him to grow.
He can potentially mimic a player like Paul George in the league.
4) New Orleans Pelicans: G, V.J. Edgecombe, Baylor
V.J. Edgecombe is a gifted athlete with elite lateral quickness and an excellent first step. He has played international basketball with the Bahamian national team and played well there. With Edgecombe, the one thing that could be a concern is whether he can remain under control and match his skill to his athleticism.
This pick for the Pelicans will give them backcourt explosiveness, and the young guard has star potential.
5) Philadelphia 76ers: F, Kon Knuppel, Duke
Kon Knuppel is one of the more well-known players in this year’s draft. He is a high-level shooter and a well-rounded offensive player. Knuppel showed how valuable he can be at multiple points last season with his veteran-style presence and IQ, though he was just a freshman.
His overall quickness and athleticism are the biggest concerns in the NBA. His ability to guard in the half-court and create in isolation are two things that could hinder him at the next level.
6) Brooklyn Nets: G, Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois
Kasparas Jakucionis fits perfectly in the modern NBA. He is a combo guard with a great natural feel for the game. Offensively, he can finish through contact, is crafty around the basket, has good mechanics, and can step out and hit from range. He makes up for his lack of athleticism defensively with his length and IQ.
Jakucionis has the potential to be an excellent three-level scorer while holding his own on defense.
7) Toronto Raptors: C, Khaman Maluach, Duke
Khaman Maluach is a talented big with much potential in the NBA. He has a 9’8″ standing reach and excellent defensive instincts around the rim. Maluach can get up and down the floor well, making him the perfect defensive rim runner for the NBA. How good he can be all depends on how well he develops.
There is a possibility of becoming a stretch big, but he needs improvement with his shot. Defensively, he lacks foot speed, which could be a target on switches for guards, but overall, Maluach has high upside in the NBA.
8) San Antonio Spurs: G, Tre Johnson, Texas
Tre Johnson can potentially be a top-three player in this year’s draft. He is 6’6″ with a 6’10″ wingspan, shot nearly 40% from three this year, and can create offense off the bounce. Johnson has long arms and good lateral quickness. Johnson has two main concerns: his overall strength and decision-making on both ends.
If Johnson can develop his body to absorb the physicality of the NBA and gain consistency, he has the potential to be an elite two-way player in the NBA.
9) Houston Rockets (via PHO): G, Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma
Jeremiah Fears is a talented guard with all the skills to lead at the next level. He has a well-rounded and mature skill set, a natural feel for the game, and competes at a high level. Fears can create for himself and his teammates, but sometimes can be careless with the ball.
For the Oklahoma guard to be highly successful at the next level, he will need to improve from outside the arc and cut out some turnovers, but overall, he is an impressive young prospect.
10) Portland Trail Blazers: F, Carter Bryant, Arizona
Carter Bryant fits the mold perfectly for the NBA in 2025. He is an athletic 3-and-D wing with good size at 6’8”. He is not refined in creating offense off the dribble, but he can be a good cutter and slasher.
Defensively, he has the talent to be a three-position defender. Bryant’s work ethic and motor skills will determine his impact in the NBA, but he has a high upside.
11) Dallas Mavericks: G, Jase Richardson, Michigan State
Jase Richardson is a talented guard with few offensive holes. His elite quickness and change of pace allow him to get to the basket, and he has a nice mid-range game and can shoot from distance accurately.
Defensively, his smaller frame could be exploited, but he works hard and has excellent lateral quickness. There is much potential for Richardson to develop into a star two-way player, but his floor is a 3-and-D wing.
12) Chicago Bulls: C, Derik Queen, Maryland
Derik Queen is an athletic frontcourt player who will transition well to the NBA. The biggest question for Queen is how he will best be able to affect the game. He is a good defender, but will he be able to anchor a defense? Will he be able to improve his shooting ability? Can he be a consistent playmaker?
Queen has some questions, but he can potentially be a high-level player in the NBA.
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13) Atlanta Hawks: F, Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina
Collin Murray-Boyles is undersized, but a force. He can score with various moves around the basket and is a high-energy offensive and defensive player. His 6’7″ height may lead him to guard bigger wings, and his lack of lateral quickness could be problematic. Murray-Boyles has the potential to be a starting-level player in the NBA.
14) San Antonio Spurs (via ATL): F, Noa Essengue, Germany
Noa Essengue is a gifted athlete with defensive prowess. He has the potential to be an elite versatile defender, standing at 6’9″ with long arms and good lateral quickness. His ability to stretch the floor and improve his offensive game will determine how much he can grow in the NBA.
Essengue is still a raw prospect but can potentially be a difference maker in the league with the addition of a consistent jump shot and improved decision-making.
15) Oklahoma City Thunder (via MIA): F, Liam McNeely, UConn
Liam McNeely is a skilled, smart wing who can shoot with range efficiently. Offensively, he takes advantage of the defense with his feel for the game and intelligence on breaking down the defense; this shows in his playmaking ability and shot creation.
McNeely does not possess the best athleticism, which could lead to him being beaten off the bounce by faster wings and limit his ability to create in isolation off the bounce.
16) Orlando Magic: G, Nique Clifford, Colorado State
Nique Clifford is one of the most polished players in this year’s draft. Clifford is an athletic 6’6″ wing who can create offense for himself. He can finish at the rim with both hands and play quality defense. Clifford can come into the NBA and make an instant impact with his playmaking, athleticism, and size. He has the upside of being a quality starter in the NBA.
17) Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET): G, Nolan Traoré, France
Nolan Traoré is a talented guard with a good feel for the game and good potential. He is an athletic guard who can work well in tight spaces and the open court, making plays for others. Defensively, he has the tools to succeed, but sometimes lacks discipline.
Traoré’s potential can be met if he develops a consistent outside jump shot and adds upper-body strength to help fend off defenders and absorb contact.
18) Washington Wizards (via MEM): F, Thomas Sorber, Georgetown
Thomas Sorber is of excellent size and talented around the basket. He is a good playmaker for a big and has potential defending at the rim. Though he does have great size, he lacks high-end athleticism and a consistent jump shot.
Sorber should be able to be a quality big, similar to Greg Monroe in the league, but he has higher potential if he can develop a jump shot and improve his footwork in the pick-and-roll defensively.
19) Brooklyn Nets (via MIL): G, Egor Demin, BYU
Egor Demin is a 6’9″ guard with great vision and a skilled playmaker. Defensively, he can read passing lanes and does a solid job of using his long arms to disrupt the offense. Demin can reach his full potential if he can become a consistent jump shooter. He works well with the ball in his hands, but doesn’t worry the defense off-ball.
20) Miami Heat (via GSW): G, Ben Saraf, Israel
Ben Saraf is a brilliant, innovative combo guard with an excellent feel for the game. He is 6’6″ and has great instincts and IQ, especially for someone who is only 19. His slight frame and underwhelming lateral quickness could get him in trouble defensively, but he needs to develop a consistent outside jump shot.
Saraf can potentially be a high-level offensive player if he can develop as a shooter.
21) Utah Jazz (via MIN): F, Will Riley, Illinois
Will Riley is a prospect who fits the mold of the modern-day wing. He is 6’6″ with good athleticism and moves fluidly throughout the court. His offensive game is still raw. He needs to tighten his handle and become a more consistent three-point shooter.
Defensively, the tools are there; he needs to become more consistent as he gains strength and experience. Riley has good upside as a 3-and-D wing.
22) Atlanta Hawks (via LAL): C, Danny Wolf, Michigan
Danny Wolf has excellent skill for a man nearly seven-feet tall. He can stretch out and hit the three, a great playmaker, and has tremendous mobility for his size. Defensively, he can protect the rim and can slide. The question for Wolf is how easily he can transition to the NBA.
At Michigan, they built an offense that catered to his skill set, and in the NBA, he will have to adjust. His floor is a talented pick-and-pop big, but he has high upside.
23) Indiana Pacers: C, Joan Beringer, France
Joan Beringer is a hyper-talented athlete with great length. At 6’10”, he can switch onto guards defensively while still being an elite rim protector. The worry with him is his offensive game. He doesn’t have anything solidified on offense.
Beringer must improve his hands, jump shot, handle, and footwork. He is a boom-or-bust prospect who, if refined, can carve an impactful lane in the NBA.
24) Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC): F, Noah Penda, France
Noah Penda is a physically gifted wing player with high motor skills who plays aggressively on both ends. He can guard multiple positions and plays well within team concepts. He can attack downhill, in transition, and get the hustle points.
Improving his outside shot would go a long way toward his ability to impact the game, but he comes into the league as a “connector-type” player with upside.
25) Orlando Magic (via Denver): G, Walter Clayton Jr., Florida
Walter Clayton Jr. might be the most professional basketball player in this draft. He conducts himself with high character, is a true leader, and a big-time player. Clayton can stretch the floor at an elite level and is a good shot creator. Defensively, he can slide well and works hard.
Clayton Jr’s concern at the next level is his lack of size, but he makes up for it with some great athleticism. Overall, he will be able to impact teams with his intangibles and shooting ability, with quality starter upside.
26) Brooklyn Nets (via NYK): F, Asa Newell, Georgia
Asa Newell’s appeal is in his athletic ability. He has got great bounce and plays with energy. Newell can run the floor and finish well in transition or on second-chance opportunities. Defensively, he has good lateral quickness and plays smart.
To excel, he must add muscle to absorb contact inside the paint on both ends. Developing as a shooter would increase his versatility offensively and give him the potential to be a starter in the league.
27) Brooklyn Nets (via HOU): F, Rasheer Fleming, Saint Joseph’s
Rasheer Fleming is a talented player who stands 6’9″ with a 7’5” wingspan. He can stretch the floor and hit the three-ball with regularity. On defense, he is versatile and competitive. Fleming has a great IQ and understands positions on the defensive end.
Though athletic, his lateral quickness is not elite, and he doesn’t create offense at a high level. Fleming has high upside and can potentially be a high-level player in the NBA.
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28) Boston Celtics: F, Hugo González, Spain
Hugo González is a strong wing who is 6’6″. He can beat some bigs off the dribble and finish with both hands around the basket. Defensively, he is a smart defender with good hands and reads passing lanes well. His lateral quickness is a question for him defensively, and offensively, his ability to create offense is a bit of a question mark.
González is a well-rounded player who can play solid bench minutes initially in the NBA.
29) Phoenix Suns (via CLE): G, Labaron Philon, Alabama
Labaron Philon is an athletic, twitchy guard with a great burst and change of pace. He can handle the ball well and has been growing as a playmaker. Going to the basket, he has good control and is solid defensively. Philon needs to improve his defensive consistency and become a more confident and consistent outside jump shooter.
Philon has the potential to be a quality player in the NBA.
30) Los Angeles Clippers (via OKC): G, Kam Jones, Marquette
Kam Jones is a good-sized guard who can create shots at a high level. He has potential as a shooter, but at the moment, he is a streaky shooter.
Defensively, he slides his feet well and works hard to get stops. Jones lacks elite athleticism, and at the guard position, that could hinder him because, at the moment, he does not have a consistently reliable jump shot. Jones has the potential to be a quality 3-and-D player with good shot-creator upside.
Round 2
31) Minnesota Timberwolves (via UTA): G, Cedric Coward, Washington State
32) Boston Celtics (via WAS): C, Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton
33) Charlotte Hornets: F, Adou Thiero, Arkansas
34) Charlotte Hornets (via NOP): G, Drake Powell, North Carolina
35) Philadelphia 76ers: F, Yaxel Lendenborg, UAB
36) Brooklyn Nets: G, Tahaad Pettiford, Auburn
37) Detroit Pistons (via TOR): G, Tyrese Proctor, Duke
38) San Antonio Spurs: F, Johni Broome, Auburn
39) Toronto Raptors (via POR): C, Maxime Raynaud, Stanford
40) Washington Wizards (via PHO): F, Bogoljub Markovic, Serbia
41) Golden State Warriors (via MIA): F, Alex Toohey, Sydney
42) Sacramento Kings (via CHI): C, Alex Condon, Florida
43) Utah Jazz (via DAL): F, Sion James, Duke
44) Oklahoma City Thunder (via ATL): G, Chas Lanier, Tennessee
45) Chicago Bulls (via SAC): F, Isaiah Evans, Duke
46) Orlando Magic: G, Milos Uzan, Houston
47) Milwaukee Bucks (via DET): G, John Tonje, Wisconsin
48) Cleveland Cavaliers (via MIL): F, Alex Karaban, UConn
49) New York Knicks (via MEM): G, Sergio De Larrea, Spain
50) Memphis Grizzlies (via GSW): G, Jamir Watkins, Florida State
51) Los Angeles Clippers (via MIN): C, Hansen Yang, China
52) Utah Jazz (via LAC): G, Boogie Fland, Arkansas
53) Phoenix Suns (via DEN): SF, Darrion Williams, Texas Tech
54) Indiana Pacers: G, Koby Brea, Kentucky
KEEP READING: 11 Early NBA Draft Entrants Every College Basketball Fan Should Be Watching in 2025
55) Los Angeles Lakers: C, Rocco Zikarsky, Austrailia
56) Memphis Grizzlies (via HOU): F, Dink Pate, Mexico City (G League)
57) Orlando Magic (via BOS): F, Grant Nelson, Alabama
58) Cleveland Cavaliers: G, Brice Williams, Nebraska
59) Houston Rockets (via OKC): G, Hunter Sallis, Wake Forest
The Knicks forfeighted its 2025 second-round pick after the NBA’s investigation into the signing of Jalen Brunson.
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