The deadline for early entrants to declare for the draft is Wednesday, April 26, and the NBA lottery draw is now less than a month away, taking place Monday evening, May 12.
With the draft itself still more than two months down the road, and the NBA G League and Draft Combines more than three weeks off, below is our latest mock draft as players continue declaring, and some withdrawing.
Where will the best available players land, and who will your favorite NBA team select? Let’s have a look. The draft order is established via the NBA standings at the end of the regular season, as of April 14.
2025 NBA Mock Draft: Lottery Order Still Unclear
1. Utah Jazz: Cooper Flagg, Duke
While the Washington Wizards appeared to be a sure bet to secure the NBA’s worst record for most of the season, the Jazz came through at the end with a dismal run-in, losing 9 of 10 to close the season with a 17-65 record.
The lottery next month will ultimately determine who selects first, but for now, the Jazz can daydream about Duke’s Cooper Flagg in their starting lineup for the next decade plus. That’s their hope at least, after tanking and enduring by far the worst season in franchise history, surpassing the 23-59 mark of the 1974-75 New Orleans Jazz in their inaugural NBA campaign.
Flagg graduated high school a year early — he should be getting ready for his senior prom right now in fact — and all he did was lead the Blue Devils in every major category while guiding coach Jon Scheyer’s team to the Final Four. He averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while also pacing the team in steals and blocks.
In a 70-67 defeat to Houston in a national semifinal, Flagg concluded his one-season collegiate cameo with 27 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. His all-around skill set would be more than welcome in Salt Lake City.
2. Washington Wizards: Dylan Harper, Rutgers
The Wizards are in the midst of yet another rebuild, something quite common for a franchise that has missed the playoffs 12 of the past 17 seasons and hasn’t made it past the second round since losing the NBA Finals in 1979.
However, despite finishing an Eastern Conference-worst 18-64, Washington does have a trio of promising youngsters to build around in Alex Sarr (13 ppg, 6.5 rpg), Bilal Coulibaly (12.3 ppg, 5 rpg), and Bub Carrington (9.8 ppg, 4.4 apg). None of those three will be older than 21 by the start of the 2025-26 season.
Although the Wizards would love to add Flagg to the mix, they’ll be just fine with a 6-foot-6, 215-pound consolation prize with incredible length and NBA championship DNA. He spent one year at Rutgers, leading the team in points (19.4), assists (4.0), and steals (1.4) per game. The Scarlet Knights are an annual disappointment, so Harper would be moving to a similar situation with the hopes of breaking out.
3. Charlotte Hornets: V.J. Edgecombe, Baylor
This is the ninth straight postseason the Hornets are missing out on. Yet, in all that time, they have failed to add healthy talent through the draft.
LaMelo Ball only played 47 games this season, which is right around his yearly average, so take his 25.2 points per game with a grain of salt. Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, and Mark Williams all feel like they could be key pieces to a playoff team, but only Bridges (20.3 ppg) played more than 44 games.
Edgecombe emerged in Waco as Baylor’s season progressed, and his elite athleticism is not in dispute. He finished second on the team in scoring with 15 points per game, and his team-high 2.1 steals per contest were just a small piece of the defensive prowess he will bring to the table at the next level.
4. New Orleans Pelicans: Ace Bailey, Rutgers
Bailey and Edgecombe go back-and-forth between the third and fourth picks in mock drafts across the board, so it will most likely come down to the teams involved and their specific needs.
That being said, Bailey has the chance to be every bit as special as his Rutgers teammate Harper at the next level. He led the Scarlet Knights in rebounds (7.2) and blocks (1.3) and was second to Harper with 17.6 points per game for a Rutgers side that was forgettable outside those two.
The 6’10” Chattanooga native could be an absolute menace on the perimeter at both ends of the court with his size and handle. And the Hornets, just a year removed from a 49-33 campaign, could be the perfect landing spot for Bailey. Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, CJ McCollum, and Dejounte Murray combined to play less than 200 games this year.
A healthy season from each of those players, more growth from youngsters Jordan Hawkins and Yves Missi, and adding Bailey to the roster could be just what New Orleans needs to get back into the postseason.
5. Philadelphia 76ers: Tre Johnson, Texas
No franchise asks its fans to “trust the process” more than the 76ers. But the team hasn’t gotten past the Eastern Conference semifinals in 24 years. And now, after a disastrous 24-58 that resulted in Philly missing the playoffs for the first time in eight years, some fresh blood is needed.
Johnson could be just the right blend of talent and youth to inject into a roster that was the oldest in the NBA this season. He led the Longhorns, and the conference, in scoring, going for 19.9 per on 42.7% from the floor. He also made nearly 40% of his nearly seven 3-point attempts per game, a stat that should be particularly attractive to a 76ers team that ranked fourth worst in the NBA (34.1%) from that range.
With Tyrese Maxey and the return of last year’s first-round pick, Jared McCain, from a season-ending left knee injury, Johnson’s presence would help solidify an exciting young backcourt that could have Philadelphia back in the Eastern Conference’s top tier in no time.
6. Brooklyn Nets: Kon Knueppel, Duke
It’s one thing to be bad. And the Nets were bad, going 26-56 and missing the postseason for the second straight year. But they were boring as well, tied with the Hornets for lowest scoring average (105.1 ppg) in the league.
Knueppel, the Duke freshman phenom that almost always got second billing to Flagg, could help change that. The second-team All-ACC selection showed he could carry a team when Flagg went down in the quarterfinals of the ACC Tournament. He averaged 21 points on 48.7% shooting, adding 6.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists in three games — wins over Georgia Tech, North Carolina, and Louisville — to earn tournament MVP.
The Milwaukee native finished second to Flagg in scoring on the season and shot 40.1% from beyond the arc. He can score from just about anywhere on the court and has a sturdy, 6-foot-7 frame that will hold up through the NBA grind, something his potential future Nets teammates sure could use more of.
7. Toronto Raptors: Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma
That 2019 NBA title feels like decades away at this point for the Raptors, who missed the playoffs for the third straight season in a miserable 30-52 campaign. Toronto native RJ Barrett (team-high 21.1 ppg), Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, and Jacob Poeltl, as well as the recently acquired Brandon Ingram, give Toronto a solid scoring base to work from.
8. San Antonio Spurs: Derik Queen, Maryland
A handful of players send their draft stock soaring with bravura NCAA Tournament performances every spring. Queen was one of those who did so this year, guiding the Terrapins to their first Sweet 16 in nine years.
The baby-faced Baltimore native exhibited a wealth of moves in his arsenal, powering his way inside, nailing runners with ease, thriving with his mid-range game, and even nailing a 3-pointer or two. He had 31 points in a Big Ten Tournament semifinal matchup with Michigan, scored a team-high 17, including the buzzer-beating game winner over Colorado State in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, and had 27 against Florida in the Sweet 16.
He’s quick, agile, and nimble with his 6-foot-10, 250-pound frame and led the Terrapins with 16.5 points a game, while also grabbing nine boards per contest. The Spurs, who have fallen on hard times and missed the postseason six straight years, will want to see more consistency on the boards in big games from the Big Ten Rookie of the Year.
The Spurs coaching staff has to love the idea of pairing Queen up inside with Victor Wembanyama.
9. Houston Rockets: Kasparis Jakucionis, Illinois
Jakucionis had an impressive lone season in Champaign, averaging 15.0 ppg, 5.7 rpg, and 4.7 apg while shooting 44.0% from the floor for the 22-win Fighting Illini. The 6-foot-6 Lithuanian had previously excelled for FC Barcelona, and he exhibits the Euro game that is en vogue in the NBA right now.
The Rockets, the second seed in the Western Conference, are having their best season in years, making the playoffs for the first time since 2020. With youngsters like Jalen Green, Alperen Segun, Amen Thompson, and Jabari Smith Jr., coach Ime Udoka has the makings of a regular contender for years to come. Jakucionis could easily complement that rotation with his pick-and-roll prowess.
Houston got this pick from Phoenix and could turn it into that one final complementary piece that puts the franchise over the top and back into the NBA Finals for the first time in over 30 years.
10. Portland Trail Blazers: Khaman Maluach, Duke
The Trail Blazers have not made the postseason in any of coach Chauncey Billups’ four seasons at the helm. Maluach, the 7’2″ South Sudanese product who excelled in flashes with Duke this season, is very much a raw prospect, but one who could complement DeAndre Ayton and Donovan Clingan inside.
Ayton and Robert Williams III only played a combined 60 games this season, so Portland could use more inside help. Maluach can do all the dirty work for the team early on as he gets his feet wet in the NBA. He grabbed 6.8 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game in his lone season in Durham. There, he was asked to do what was needed to complement Flagg, Knueppel, and Tyrese Proctor at both ends of the court, and he played his role perfectly.
11. Miami Heat: Jase Richardson, Michigan State
This is one of those picks that just feels right ahead of the draft. The Heat are in desperate need of another scoring guard. And Richardson, who averaged 12.1 points and was selected to both the Big Ten All-Rookie Team and East Region All-Tournament Team, looks to be a perfect fit.
Richardson’s game mirrored coach Tom Izzo’s most successful teams in East Lansing, slow at first, but picking up steam around the postseason. The Heat recovered from all the Jimmy Butler to earn the No. 8 seed and a date with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round, but shooting guard is a glaring need this offseason. And Richardson could slide right in.
12. Dallas Mavericks: Asa Newell, Georgia
Newell has shot up in mock drafts after leading Georgia to its first NCAA Tournament in a decade. The potential lottery pick is one of four 2024 Montverde Academy graduates, along with Flagg, Queen, and UConn’s Liam McNeeley, expected to be drafted in the first round.
After pacing the Bulldogs with 15.4 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, Newell could be a great fit for a Dallas Mavericks team that needs some good press following the trade of cornerstone Luka Doncic. His size, 220 pounds despite being 6’11” would concern a lot of teams, but when healthy, Dallas will have Anthony Davis inside. Newell can complement him, not take the load inside by himself.
13. Chicago Bulls: Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina
Murray-Boyles was overshadowed by virtually every other SEC prospect due to the fact his Gamecocks were one of just two conference teams that failed to reach the NCAA Tournament.
Despite South Carolina’s last-place finish, Murray-Boyles’ attributes are obvious. The Columbia native improved every facet of his game as a sophomore and led the team in scoring (16.8 ppg), rebounding (8.2 rpg), steals (1.5 spg), and blocks (1.3 bpg).
The Bulls just got knocked out in the Eastern Conference Tournament and could use another big body to pair with Nikola Vucevic inside.
14. Atlanta Hawks: Egor Demin, BYU
Trae Young is one of the NBA’s elite point guards. He averaged 24.2 points and led the league with 11.6 assists this season. However, he is now seven years into a career and Atlanta has just two playoff series wins to show for it. Young needs help, someone that can ease the grind a bit on 36+ minutes a game.
Demin, a Moscow native who earned All-Big 12 Freshman Team honors with BYU, could be a sneaky good selection for Atlanta here. He led the 26-win Cougars with 5.5 assists and, like Young, is an excellent passer. Plus, at 6’9″, Demin would give opponents a much different look than Young, and he would pair nicely with big guards Dyson Daniels and Caris LeVert.
15. San Antonio Spurs: Liam McNeeley, UConn
McNeeley, a 6’7″ freshman with outside shooting ability, just feels like a Spur. He has the perfect mix of athleticism and maturity that gave UConn the confidence they could actually somehow three-peat until falling two points short against eventual champ Florida in the NCAA Tournament’s second round.
As the season progressed, McNeeley became the Huskies’ No. 1 scoring option, overtaking Alex Karaban and others in the process.
McNeeley and Queen would be quite a rookie duo in San Antonio, with the former teammates coming together with Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox to give the Spurs their next great core.
16. Orlando Magic: Nolan Traore, France
This would be quite a different draft from the last two years, when international players were picked right away (Victor Wembanyama 2023, Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr 2024). Another Frenchman, Tarore, is the favorite to be the first international player off the board in June.
Orlando has Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner each averaging more than 24 points this season, but the Magic were still near the bottom in scoring offense, averaging just 105.4 points a game, barely better than the abysmal Hornets and Nets.
The Magic have some exciting young players on the perimeter, including Jalen Suggs and Cole Anthony. Traore, a 19-year-old who can run for days, averaged 11.5 points and 4.7 rebounds for Saint-Quentin and could be the boost Orlando needs to get its offense in motion.
17. Minnesota Timberwolves: Noa Essengue, France
The French are destined to be Olympic Gold medal threats for years to come. Right after Traore comes Essengue, a 6-foot-9, 194-pounder who averaged 10.6 points and 4.8 rebounds for Ratiopharm Ulm in Germany last season.
The Timberwolves, led by superstar Anthony Edwards, took a step back this season after trading Karl-Anthony Towns. Julius Randle came from the Knicks in the trade and averaged 18.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists. Essengue is not built like Randle, so the two could be on the court at the same time and aid Edwards at both ends of the court.
18. Miami Heat: Will Riley, Illinois
The Heat need multiple young pieces this offseason, and Riley, who was named the Big Ten’s Sixth Man of the Year, would complement Jase Richardson in this draft nicely.
The Illinois product averaged 12.6 points and was probably most impressive late in the season, when he topped 20 points three times in his final five games, including a 22-point effort in a victory over Xavier in the NCAA Tournament.
Like Richardson, Riley is aggressive and willing to take the ball to the hole. Miami needs more of that throughout its roster. His ability to maneuver through contact and finish around the rim despite his slight frame could portend a strong future under the leadership of coach Erik Spoelstra and his staff.
19. Washington Wizards: Rasheer Fleming, St. Joseph’s
The Wizards need to add as many gamers as they can, and Fleming fits the bill. The St. Joseph’s junior grew throughout his three years in Philadelphia, earning first-team All-Atlantic 10 honors this spring. At 6’9″ and 220 pounds, he has the build Washington wants right now — rangy big men that can shoot from deep and move the ball up and down the floor with ease.
20. Brooklyn Nets: Carter Bryant, Arizona
The Nets could get themselves a superstar early in Knueppel. It can take a risk on a bit of a moonshot here in Bryant, a 6’8″ guard who was short on stats (6.5 ppg, 4.1 rpg) but long on potential after just one year at Arizona.
Brooklyn needs athletic bodies to stay healthy and spark the offense forward. Bryant has all of those capabilities — he showed them in spurts in Tucson — he just needs the opportunity to prove he can do it on a more consistent basis.
21. Utah Jazz: Nique Clifford, Colorado State
Clifford got five years of college experience and is still just 23, so his age should not be a concern this late in the first round. He can play, the two-time All-Mountain West selection really shot up this year for the Rams. He nearly averaged a double-double, going for 18.9 points and 9.6 rebounds, adding 4.4 assists for good measure.
The honorable mention AP All-American could come in with Flagg and immediately give the Jazz two uber-talented wings to play with.
22. Atlanta Hawks: Ben Saraf, Israel
The Hawks could really go guard-heavy in this draft with one of the most intriguing prospects available. Saraf played with Essengue in Germany with Ratiopharm Ulm last season, averaging 12.3 points and 4.3 assists. He is an excellent handler with the size — 6’6″ and 206 pounds — that can handle either guard slot in the NBA.
It would be a choice, but a Denim-Saraf guard combo in this draft gives the Hawks a ridiculously fast small lineup they can use to wear opponents down should they decide to go for a faster tempo style.
23. Indiana Pacers: Danny Wolf, Michigan
Wolf starred at Michigan after coming over from Yale, earning second-team All-Big Ten honors a year after making the Ivy League’s first team. The 7-footer thoroughly enjoys contact as he showed with 21 points and 14 rebounds in a Big Ten Tournament semifinal win over Maryland.
He averaged 13 points and nearly 10 points a game for the Wolverines, including more than 14 points and nearly nine rebounds in three NCAA Tournament games.
The Pacers have Myles Turner inside, but Wolf would be a great asset coming off the bench at the start for an Indiana team looking to make a second straight run to the Eastern Conference finals and more.
24. Orlando Magic: Hugo Gonzalez, Spain
Once considered a potential lottery pick, the 19-year-old Gonzalez has been seated on the bench for Real Madrid as they compete for a EuroLeague title. His 6’7″, 190-pound frame is ideal once he can add a little bit of mass, but it’s been hard for him to show scouts what he can do while college and other international prospects have been in more featured roles this past year.
When he has been scouted on World Cup teams, he’s shown the requisite skills in nearly every aspect of his game. A three-and-D role may be his calling, with the potential to grow more offensively, but he’s still a relative unknown before he can go through the draft process in the US. Orlando would be a good spot for his potential.
25. Oklahoma City Thunder: Thomas Sorber, Georgetown
The Georgetown big man is the kind of player back in the day who would benefit from another year, or even two, in college. But he flashed more than enough potential — 14.5 points and a team-high 8.5 rebounds — in 24 games on the Hilltop.
At 6’10” and 255 pounds, the Trenton, New Jersey native has the size that will make him attractive at the next level. He needs to show that he can produce inside against talented and mobile bigs. His soft touch is similar to Queen’s, without a few of the added moves in the midrange area.
Sorber would be perfect insurance for the Thunder when it comes to Chet Holmgren. The 7-footer missed 50 games this season. The team also has Isaiah Hartenstein inside, so Sorber could develop as needed.
26. Brooklyn Nets: Tahaad Pettiford, Auburn
With their third pick in the first round, the Nets could go after Pettiford, one of the players with the most potential upside in the draft. He often got lost in the mix at Auburn, especially with Johni Broome and Chad Baker-Mazzara in the mix, but its Pettiford that could project as the best NBA prospect of them all.
He averaged 11.6 points and three assists per game for the Tigers, but he lit up Creighton and Michigan during back-to-back NCAA Tournament wins, averaging 21.5 points in those two contests.
The 6’1″, 175-pounder can score points in bunches and would be yet another potential Nets draft pick that could change the face of the team’s sluggish offense.
27. Brooklyn Nets: Joan Beringer, France
With Knueppel, Bryant, and Pettiford in tow, it’s time for the Nets to take their own international shot, a big one at that. Beringer is yet another Frenchman who could make an impact in the NBA. He has only played basketball for three years, but that story is becoming all the more common as the league is taking chances on international players who honed their skills in other sports at a younger age.
The 6-foot-11, 237-pound Beringer is a project — he only averaged 4.9 points and 4.6 rebounds in just 17.9 minutes a game for Slovenian club KK Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana, so the Nets would need to display patience, but the payoff could be incredible.
28. Boston Celtics: Alex Condon, Florida
The Florida big man went for 10.6 points and 7.5 rebounds, modest numbers, but exactly what was needed on a deep national championship-winning team. The sophomore had 12 points and seven rebounds in the title game win over Houston. He also had 27 and 10 against Alabama and 17 and 15 versus Ole Miss to close out the regular season.
His versatility was on display in key moments throughout the NCAA Tournament, and there would be no rushing his development at Boston, where the Celtics, even with cap issues in the offing, would use Condon as a depth piece and nothing more the first couple of seasons.
29. Phoenix Suns: Walter Clayton Jr., Florida
The Suns need a win after they find themselves outside the playoffs for the first time in five years. Clayton Jr. brings the name and the game from the national championship-winning Gators. The first-team All-American was the NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player after averaging 22.3 points in six wins.
For the season, the first-team All-SEC selection averaged 18.3 points and 4.2 assists. He can shoot off the dribble and catch and shoot with anyone with the best of them. The Suns need a take-charge kind of guard running the offense and Clayton Jr. fits the bill.
30. Los Angeles Clippers: Yaxel Lendeborg, UAB
Landeborg has a big decision to make in the coming weeks. The two-time American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year has transferred to Michigan and will need to decide if he is going to head to Ann Arbor or stay in the draft. He has first-round talent but may want one season in the limelight of the Big Ten to improve his draft stock.
The Clippers would love to add this rock (6’9″, 240 pounds) after the Pennsauken, New Jersey native averaged 17.7 points per game and led the AAC for the second straight season in rebounds at 11.4 per.
Round 2
31. Minnesota Timberwolves: Labaron Philon, Alabama
Philon wowed Tide fans with his potential on a stacked roster that almost reached the Final Four for the second consecutive season. He averaged 10.6 points and 3.8 assists on a team that featured All-American Mark Sears. Philon would have been the marquee name in Tuscaloosa his sophomore season, but he is eager to begin his NBA experience.
The Timberwolves want to deepen and strengthen its bench and Philon would be a solid choice to do just that to start the second round.
32. Boston Celtics: Johni Broome, Auburn
The Celtics are looking at Al Horford’s retirement sooner rather than later and may have to say goodbye to such reserve bigs as Luke Kornet to free agency. Broome, the SEC Player of the Year and The Sporting News National Player of the Year could ease some of that pain by immediately restocking the Celtics’ depth inside.
Broome led the Tigers with 18.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks, and averaged 23.5 points and 15 rebounds against Michigan and Michigan State to clinch the South Region for Auburn.
Broome will most likely never star in the NBA, but he could be a valuable reserve for a team like the Celtics that always aims to be in contention and doesn’t like rebuilding.
33. Charlotte Hornets: Alex Karaban, UConn
It’s finally time for the Hornets to stop drafting off of pure potential and start drafting players who can fill roles. They have their core in place, and despite not seeing wins — largely due to injury and lack of cohesion — they need role players to begin filling in the other spots.
Although McNeeley surpassed him in terms of being the Huskies lead scoring option late in the season, Karaban would slide right in as a wing spacer who can knock down open shots, much like he did during his first two seasons with UConn.
34. Charlotte Hornets: Kam Jones, Marquette
From Dwayne Wade to Jae Crowder to Jimmy Butler III to Tyler Kolek, Marquette has pretty consistently turned out productive pros. Jones should be next in line. The Memphis native consistently improved over his four years in Milwaukee. He concluded his career leading the Golden Eagles with 19.2 points and 5.9 assists per game.
After adding Karaban, the Hornets go right back into the Big East pool and add a 6’5″ guard who is a proven scorer, one that has shown in his career that he can be lethal from beyond the arc despite a comparatively down senior season.
35. Philadelphia 76ers: Adou Thiero, Arkansas
Thiero is one of the tougher reads in the draft, with mocks having him ranked anywhere from mid-teens to mid-40s. The Razorbacks guard had a standout season after transferring from Kentucky, leading Arkansas with 15.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game before a knee injury cut short his season and hurt the team’s postseason chances.
After taking Johnson out of Texas with the fifth overall pick, the Sixers can bolster the interior with Thiero who possesses an NBA frame at 6’8, 220 pounds.
A Pittsburgh native, Thiero would get some hometown love from Philly fans, at least for a game or two.
36. Brooklyn Nets: Isaiah Evans, Duke
Evans is a former five-star prospect who got lost among the freshmen phenoms at Duke, a risk every year with several one-and-dones arriving on the scene each season. That said, he did average seven points a game while shooting 41.6% from beyond the arc.
This selection gives the Nets a wealth of possibilities to choose from. They will either have a plethora of young bodies to plug holes on the roster, or they can package a pick or three to send out in hopes of getting a veteran in return. Evans has the kind of potential that will intrigue several teams at this stage of the draft.
37. Detroit Pistons: Boogie Fland, Arkansas
A lot of Thiero’s finishes came off of feeds from Bland, who stood out in his freshman season in Fayetteville. He averaged 13.5 points and 5.1 assists. The problem here is that Fland missed 15 games and had surgery on the Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) on his right thumb. The injury and ensuing surgery has dropped Fland’s draft stock.
The Bronx native is tough, shifty, and quick-footed, something that allowed him to blow by defenders at the college level.
The Pistons made a major move this season, reaching the playoffs for the first time in six years and for just the third time since 2010. They could still use some big wings as well, but if Fland drops here, they’ll want to consider adding the youngster to back up Caden Cunningham and Jaden Ivey.
38. San Antonio Spurs: Noah Penda, France
The Spurs are always willing to look across the pond to enhance their roster, and Penda gives them the chance to do that in the second round. The 6’8″, 225-pounder averaged 10 points and five rebounds a game for Le Mans Sarthe Basket of the LNB Elite.
Penda has a solid shooting stroke and a well-rounded skill set. His prospects may be greatly enhanced in the Spurs’ system, especially next to countryman Victor Wembanyama.
39. Toronto Raptors: Maxime Raynaud, Stanford
The Raptors would love to have the 7-foot-1 Raynaud to back up Poeltl. Or even throw the two towers out together at times in a distinct set that is hardly seen in the league anymore. Raynaud averaged a double double in Palo Alto and the senior from Paris would fit right at home in an international melting pot like Toronto.
40. Washington Wizards: Milos Uzan, Houston
After transferring to Houston for his junior season, Uzan grew into one of the steadiest lead guards in the Big 12. On his way to helping lead the Cougars to a conference title, he averaged 11.6 ppg on 44.5% from beyond the arc while dishing out a team-high 4.4 apg. The Wizards had veterans Malcolm Brogden and Marcus Smart at the point for much of this season, with Carrington possibly the heir apparent, but bringing in Uzan would, at the very least, create competition for bench spots.
41. Golden State Warriors: Chaz Lanier, Tennessee
A sharpshooting prospect is always going to be on Golden State’s radar and Lanier is someone who demonstrates those abilities in this draft. With Stephen Curry’s age, the Warriors will likely be looking to add college veterans who can contribute sooner rather than later.
Lanier spent five seasons in college and shot 39.5% from three-point range on 8.2 attempts per game last season with the Volunteers, leading them in scoring while being a capable defender. Golden State would be happy to land Tennessee’s 6’4″ guard.
42. Sacramento Kings: Johann Gruenloh, Germany
The 6’9″, 220-pound Gruenloh averaged 8.1 points and 5.4 rebounds for SC Rasta Vechta in the Basketball Bundesliga. He turns 20 in August, and the Kings might be the perfect fit for him with Domantas Sabonis and Jonas Valanciunas on the roster to show the way. He’ll need to grow into the role, but Gruenloh’s size and athleticism makes him an attractive option midway through the second round.
43. Utah Jazz: Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton
After adding Clifford, the Jazz could choose to bring in some more maturity and experience with Creighton’s Kalkbrenner, especially on a roster that really only has Walker Kessler as a regular contributor at the five.
With this selection, the Jazz will have addressed several holes going into next season.
44. Oklahoma City Thunder: Drake Powell, North Carolina
A five-star prospect in the high school class of 2024, Powell had high expectations with the Tar Heels yet, like many on the team, failed to meet them, scoring only 7.4 ppg and failing to establish much of a rhythm throughout the season. Despite that, his talent was evident. An athletic wing at 6’6″, 190 pounds, it’s possible Powell’s skill set will translate better in the wide-open game of the NBA than at the college level.
The Thunder can take a chance on the long and rangy freshman.
45. Chicago Bulls: Baye Ndongo, Georgia Tech
A 6’9″, 240-pound Senegalese forward had two productive seasons in Atlanta with the Yellow Jackets. He was second on the team with 13.4 points while leading Georgia Tech with 8.9 rebounds and 1.1 blocks.
This is a draft where the Bulls need to go big with both of their picks. Picking up Murray-Boyles in the first round and Ndongo here would do the trick.
46. Orlando Magic: Bogoljub Markovic, Serbia
A 6’11” center with a thin frame, Markovic has clear talent combined with an innate feel for the game that isn’t seen by many players at his height. He moves well despite not having tremendous athleticism and averaged 14 points and 6.8 rebounds for KK Mega Bemax out of Belgrade. Not a traditional center, Markovic is comfortable playing on the perimeter and has a solid stroke when spotting up from deep.
The Magic are looking for interior bench options at this point in the draft, and the 19-year-old Markovic is an attractive take in this slot.
47. Milwaukee Bucks: Sion James, Duke
Dame Lillard gets the bulk of the minutes at the point in Milwaukee, but James, a 6’6″, 220-pound fifth-year senior would be a strong support option with this pick. He is a bull on defense, consistently using his physicality to shut down opposing ball-handlers. James is agile for his size and stays in front of his man while shutting off driving lanes. He was one of those role players for Duke that helped the Blue Devils to the Final Four.
James brings little to the table offensively, but Lillard will take care of the scoring. They need productive minutes off the bench, something James can give them.
48. Cleveland Cavaliers: Alex Toohey, Australia
This is another difficult-to-read draft prospect. The 6-foot-7 Canberra native is one of Australia’s best, having played two seasons for Sydney in the Australian NBL. The 20-year-old has already established himself as one of the best shooters in the league while possessing NBA athleticism and averaging 11.4 points.
The Cavaliers are looking to stay at or near the top of the Eastern Conference, and Toohey could be one of those surprise picks that keeps them there for the next several years.
49. New York Knicks: Sergio de Lorrea, Spain
The 6’5″, 175-pound Spanish forward played for Vallencia Basket and averaged just 5.9 points this season. This may be the only pick in the draft for New York, which desperately wants to get closer to the Celtics. The selection of de Lorrea may not do that right away, but has the potential of making a difference down the road.
50. Memphis Grizzlies: Michael Ruzic, Croatia
A 6’9″ forward, the 18-year-old Ruzic moves well for his size, and his IQ has been lauded by many scouts. He possesses a soft touch around the rim and has shown improvement with his outside jumper over the years.
He lacks strength and lateral quickness, limiting his ability to become a plus defender in the NBA. Regardless, his size should be attractive to a Memphis squad that wants more of it. The Jovendut Badalona prospect may be a draft and stash candidate who could come of age with the rest of the Grizzlies.
51. Los Angeles Clippers: Rocco Zikarsky, Australia
The Clippers have Ivica Zubac, who has finally emerged in his 10th NBA season. The team could draft his future replacement in Zikarsky, a young, 18-year-old Aussie who stands 7-foot-2. He runs the floor well and finishes high above the rim on lobs.
Zikarsky also protects the rim very well, using every bit of his 7’5″ wingspan to deflect and change shots. Outside of raw talent, he doesn’t possess any elite basketball skills and will likely need seasoning in the G-League for multiple seasons before contributing in the NBA, right at a time when Zubac’s minutes may be waning.
52. Utah Jazz: Tyrese Proctor, Duke
After a disappointing freshman season in 2022, Proctor, a five-star prospect out of high school, improved across his sophomore and junior seasons with the Blue Devils and now poses as a guy who may carve out a role in the league after being picked late in the draft.
He doesn’t do one particular thing at an elite level, but he’s solid all-around. For the Jazz, who may be trading picks out at this point, he’s a mature prospect with hopes of eventually contributing to their second unit.
53. Phoenix Suns: Eric Dixon, Villanova
The three-time All-Big East selection was also a third-team AP and NABC All-American for the Wildcats this season. The 6’8″, 265-pounder led Villanova in scoring with 23.3 points a game. He may need to drop some weight to get into the regular rotation in Phoenix, but Dixon’s experience and maturity could be a good fit in the desert.
54. Indiana Pacers: Koby Brea, Kentucky
The Pacers would love to add another shooter, and Brea gives them just that. The 6’7″ New York native transferred from Dayton and gave new Wildcats coach Mark Pope another reliable outside option. The New York native was third on the team with 11.6 points and shot 43.5% from beyond the arc.
One of the top shooters in college basketball in 2024-25, the former Wildcat nailed six and seven three-pointers in games this season and was a consistent threat from multiple feet behind the line.
55. Los Angeles Lakers: Darrion Williams, Texas Tech
Williams broke out during the Red Raiders’ NCAA Tournament run, averaging 21.0 ppg and nailing six threes in four games while creating much of the team’s offense. At 6’6″, 225 pounds, Williams should be able to adjust to the physicality of the NBA.
Rather, it’s a question of his lateral foot speed, as he may have trouble staying in front of faster players. If he’s able to make an impact, it’ll be with his playmaking skills from the forward position and improved consistency from deep.
56. Memphis Grizzlies: John Tonje, Wisconsin
Tonje was a prolific scorer for the Badgers in his sixth-year senior season, averaging 19.6 ppg on 46.5% shooting from the field. He was one of the best scorers in the Big Ten and created his own shot at an elite level. He has a mature build at 6’5″ and nearly 220 pounds, giving him the potential to be a solid role player with a requisite outside shot.
Just how quickly he can embrace and find comfortability in that role will determine if he can stay in the league. Memphis is known to take prospects similar to Tonje and turn them into productive bench players.
57. Orlando Magic: Igor Milicic Jr., Tennessee
The Volunteers wouldn’t have made it to the Elite Eight if it weren’t for Milicic Jr. His contributions go further than the stat sheet, as he was the ultimate glue-guy that allowed everyone else to flourish.
He competes on both ends of the court and squeezes everything he can out of his frame, which at 6’10” and 225-pounds ends up with him getting pushed around inside — making it a necessity for him to bulk up. Milicic Jr. played four years in college filling numerous roles, potentially giving him a leg up in knowing how to do similar things in the NBA.
58. Cleveland Cavaliers: Bennett Stirtz, Iowa
This is an interesting possibility. Stirtz was named the Missouri Valley Conference’s Player of the Year after leading Drake with 19.2 points and 2.1 steals while dishing out 5.7 assists. The Bulldogs won 31 games and reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Stirtz led Drake in scoring in both tournament games.
Here’s where it gets interesting. Stirtz officially transferred to Iowa, joining Drake coach Ben McCollum in making the move to Ames. However, like Lendeborg, Stirtz could keep his name in the draft and see what happens.
The 6’4″ do-it-all point guard with a sweet shooting touch could be a useful bench weapon for the Cavaliers.
59. Houston Rockets: Ian Jackson, North Carolina
A one-and-done five-star prospect, Jackson had a disappointing season with the Tar Heels relative to expectations. He began the season in the starting lineup and was productive, yet it didn’t translate to wins for UNC. As the Tar Heels made their NCAA Tournament push, Jackson found his minutes and production decreasing.
He only played 10 minutes and scored a single point in their first-round matchup. A fading prospect who some still believe has potential, Houston may take a flyer on his potential.
Note: The New York Knicks forfeited their second-round pick due to illegal contact with Jalen Brunson prior to signing him in 2022. As a result, there will only be 29 second-round picks and 59 overall picks in this draft class.
Intriguing Undrafted Free Agents
- Miles Byrd
- Hansen Yang
- Dink Pate
- Caleb Love
- Igor Milicic Jr.
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