NBA 2025 Mock Draft 2.0
Dallas Mavericks - Cooper Flagg, F, Duke
Flagg & Anthony Davis on defense will be something to watch. Dallas may not necessarily be the greatest fit but it allows Flagg the ability to not be relied upon on a nightly basis. This also allows his development to not be rushed which will pay off in the future. I expect him to stuff the stat sheet and while he may not score 20+ points a game - his impact on both ends will be felt.
How Kidd utilizes Flagg will be intriguing, but I would love to see him with the ball in his hands as an initiator like he was at Duke. They still must address the backcourt concerns without Kyrie - getting a veteran who can help Cooper get some easy shots when he is off ball would be nice. This team’s defense was not good down the stretch but Flagg will change that immediately with his versatility and skillset.
San Antonio Spurs - Dylan Harper, G, Rutgers
Another interesting fit but if anyone can make it work, it’s the Spurs. Harper being versatile offensively helps, but his off-ball movement will need to get better. He shot well on catch and shoot opportunities but when he has the ball in his hands, he is deadly.
Running the second unit will allow him to be more of a point guard and control the game but when they stagger some starters, he could do a little of both. That versatility along with the elite at the rim finishing is why Harper to the Spurs will work.
Philadelphia 76ers - Tre Johnson, G, Texas
The direction that the 76ers want to go with this pick can vary depending on who you ask. They are in one of the more unique situations after injuries derailed their season. I think Tre can slide in and fill an immediate role as a microwave scorer off the bench. Maxey and McCain are guys who play his position – and if they decide to re-sign Grimes, it may seem like a logjam but you can never have too many options.
Tre is a lights out shooter in a variety of ways and the playmaking flashes show he is capable of being a decent passer. 76ers can build quality depth at the guard/wing spot in a league that relies heavily on that position – especially the elite teams like Boston and OKC. Tre does not need the ball to be effective and could play off Embiid, George, or Maxey.
Tre’s catch and shoot ability spaces the floor and allows the two-man game with Maxey (or George) and Embiid. Not to mention if he is in with the second unit, he would be able to create instant offense off the dribble. I know Ace is the consensus at this spot but there is not much he can do better than Tre for the 76ers.
Charlotte Hornets – Ace Bailey, F, Rutgers
If you are the Hornets, this is your dream scenario having Ace fall into your hands at four. New General Manager Jeff Peterson has preached building the right way and having sustained success rather than being a one-year outlier. Adding Ace would be a step forward in that process with his offensive ability and defensive upside.
Charles Lee came from a place that had two dynamic wings and getting Ace to pair with Brandon Miller would be a diet version of that duo he coached in Boston. Health is the biggest concern for the Hornets, especially with their core which is why their offensive numbers were so bad. Bailey helps you offensively and has shown flashes of being a good help side defender while also not being targeted on defense.
I like the fit here for him because he will not need to have the ball in his hands as much and can focus on being better off the ball. The on-ball offense is still something to marvel at but the shot selection is not. In a scaled down role where LaMelo and Miller have the ball in their hands the most – I think Ace can perform well in the Queen City.
Utah Jazz - Kon Kneuppel, F, Duke
There are numerous avenues that Utah can go with this pick. They are pretty loaded in the backcourt but lack depth on the wing, especially shooting. Kon is a low maintenance player who does not need the ball to be effective but has shown he is capable of being a secondary initiator if asked to do so.
Jazz ranked bottom ten in three-point% and lacked a consistent knockdown shooter. With the heavy rotation of playmaking guards - Kon does not have to do a lot of self-creation for his shots, which is a weakness of his. He can run the floor and spot up to knock down shots or be utilized as a screener which Duke did at times when Flagg was not on the floor with him. This is one of my favorite fits just for what Kon would be able to provide offensively with his shooting ability.
Washington Wizards - VJ Edgecombe, G, Baylor
I love the direction the Wizards are going as far as building through the draft and developing throughout the season. It may not be the pick they wanted but adding one of the best athletes in the draft who has all-star potential is something I think they will take.
A strong downhill driver who is electric in transition and can also space the floor with his catch and shoot ability. VJ is a good fit into a team who should look to continue playing at a high pace to help showcase their young athletic core. The Wizards have several playmakers who can get VJ the ball in his spots while also playing off of him if his shot creation can improve.
Despite the lack of recent success, the new front office has come in and done a solid job drafting and developing. I can see the Wizards improving drastically next few years if they can keep developing and growing together with their core.
New Orleans Pelicans - Jeremiah Fears, G, Oklahoma
At times during the season the Pelicans were using forwards as their point guard, The injury bug bit them hard which is why they are selecting here. Nothing is truly perfect BUT this fit is as close as you can get to it. Fears is a day one contributor in New Orleans which instantly improves their team. Why do I say this?
Well, CJ McCollum has been the primary point guard prior to Dejounte Murray being acquired and he is better suited at the two guard. Murray is a combo guard that has developed into more of a point guard while he was in Atlanta but his strength is being a two guard.
Fears had the keys as a freshman in the best conference we have ever seen in college basketball and he thrived. His ability to be a playmaker as well as score the ball at all three levels opens driving lanes for Zion, catch and shoot opportunities for Trey Murphy and lobs for Yves Missi.
Obviously, I don’t expect the Pelicans to give him the keys right away but even without the ball in his hands he can be effective. The shooting was inconsistent but I believe in that improving at this level with the spacing and help from his teammates.
Brooklyn Nets – Noa Essengue, F, Ratiopharm ULM
Cam Johnson is at one wing and could potentially be on the move, which allows Noa to step in and try to produce right away. He has been ultra-productive despite the lack of a consistent jump-shot. He consistently can get to the paint and draw fouls while being switchable on defense.
He relies more on his length and speed to be productive on offense. Needs to gain strength along with a reliable jumper but his skillset and experience should allow for him to be an impact player right away. Brooklyn is low on wing depth and the relentless nature in which Noa plays with on both ends should be something the Nets are intrigued by.
He has put together an impressive playoff run and been efficient in doing so. The jump shot looks more fluid while keeping the same level of aggression attacking the paint. A wing of his caliber is a piece the Nets should be excited about - especially if they have to move off of Cam Johnson.
Toronto Raptors – Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
The Raptors finished the second half of the year on a positive note in my view. They did so without a lot of their core players and their key acquisition (Brandon Ingram) did not play a game. Their backcourt and wing depth is solid but the front line is a bit weak – insert Khaman Maluach to help with that. Maluach brings a different dynamic to the lineup with his defensive versatility and offensive upside.
The shot blocking and rebounding numbers will not blow you away for his size and sometimes it felt like you needed more. He did alter a ton of shots while also being able to hold his own during switches. Raptors ranked 23rd in defensive rebounding%, 27th in blocks per game, and the only true big man they have (Jakob Poeltl) is injury prone. Maluach would slide into a role where he can rim run and be a defensive anchor to a team with a lot of ball handlers. His impact initially will be felt more on the defensive end but if his offensive ceiling hits – this could get the Raptors one step closer to being competitve in the east.
Houston Rockets - Kasparas Jakucionis, G, Illinois
The Rockets are in an interesting place after being a top two seed in the West but getting bounced in the first round. One issue was their lack of creators and backcourt depth. Fred Van Vleet played heavy minutes and while he performed at a high level in the postseason - there was not a lot of backup initiators of the offense. Kasparas has great positional size with high level court awareness and can also orchestrate out of pick and roll sets.
The shooting was horrific for the Rockets in the post season and while Kasparas was streaky in college, with a lower shot diet, he could be more effective with his shooting. Ime does not play young players much, especially ones who do not defend at a high level. Defense is not the strong point of Jakucionis’s game but with his size and the way he can run an offense, that may help him get on the floor with the lack of on ball playmakers on the roster.
Portland Trailblazers – Derik Queen, F/C, Maryland
The Blazers are trending in the right direction and the development of their young players is impressive. That improvement inked Chauncey Billups to an extension and this draft could help elevate them to the next step in this process. Queen is a unique prospect and I think Portland is the perfect place to display that.
The front court may seem crowded but there is a chance that Ayton, Grant, and Robert Williams III could be out in Portland. That opens a lot of minutes and production needed as Clingan would slide into a starter role. Queen could play the small ball five as well as playing the power forward alongside Clingan.
Defensively there may be some concerns with Queen but Portland trended as one of the better defensive teams post all-star break. Clingan would also be in help side to clean up anything that gets by Queen. Offensively with Queens ability to score in the mid post and be a playmaker from anywhere on the floor – this is a solid fit on that side of the ball. The jumper needs to develop so he can help space the floor but I believe he can get there over time with this roster.
Chicago Bulls - Cedric Coward, F, Washington St
One of the biggest risers of the draft this year has been Cedric Coward. A unique story to fit a unique player who is the prototypical wing that teams are looking for. Big, rangy, and athletic but also can be versatile on both ends of the floor. The Bulls need wing depth and Coward fits the description with his skillset.
His ball handling weakness can be somewhat masked here due to the multiple ball handlers the Bulls have at the guard position. Developing a tighter handle along with increasing his playmaking ability will be key but he is unlikely to be asked to do a bunch of that in the beginning.
Defensively is where the Bulls need the most help and Cedric can provide that with his length, IQ, and versatility. On the offensive end he can knock down shots - although it was a smaller sample size, he shot around 40% from three. The shooting does not have to be that great but if he can be mid to high 30’s with his defensive upside - Coward will be one of the steals of this draft.
Atlanta Hawks – Carter Bryant, F, Arizona
There are a lot of decisions that must be made by the Hawks this offseason beginning with what do they want to be in the future. Does that future include Trae Young and will the new GM and front office align on answering that question. With that said – they have a nice young core with Daniels, Johnson, Risacher, and Okongwu. They have a few key free agents to make decisions on as well as that Trae Young discussion.
Carter Bryant is a good fit here with how well he projects as a 3&D wing. In limited minutes his impact was felt on the floor on both ends. The numbers are not eye popping but he starred in his role which is what you will be asking for him alongside the core and possibly Trae Young. They have done well with previous wings and I think Carters upside is something that would fit their timeline.
They were bottom three in points per game allowed and three-point% allowed. Daniels is awesome defensively and adding another high quality on ball defender should help their overall defense. They constantly struggled defending pick and rolls – while also being susceptible to back cuts and off ball screens that lead to easy baskets. Obviously, Carter is not going to solve all those issues but his defensive versatility will help improve those numbers. It also helps that he can knock down an open three when given the chance to do so.
San Antonio Spurs - Maxime Raynaud, C, Stanford
There are a multitude of ways the Spurs could go but why not grab one of the more skilled big men in the draft. Maxime was dominant in the ACC and showed the ability to get better each year - raising his points per game over 13 points from his freshman year to his senior season.
The backcourt is loaded with depth but up front they are a little light. Raynaud not only could provide offense off the bench but he is a better rim protector and perimeter defender than what he is given credit for.
Obviously, the strength will need to get better but the work ethic and willingness is there. Despite his age, he’s a late bloomer with a high ceiling. Let us not forget, San Antonio has had success with French prospects through the years - Maxime would be another added to that list here.
Oklahoma City Thunder – Collin Murray Boyles – South Carolina
When you make the NBA Finals with one of the youngest rosters ever – what can you add to make it better? I have zero idea either but CMB could help with the frontline depth with his defensive versatility. Thunder play a lot of small ball which is where CMB can be most effective in my estimation. His rebounding tenacity and motor are assets that cannot be taught. The development of a jump shot is his swing skill but for what he may be asked to do here, that may be something he can gradually improve on.
Orlando Magic – Jase Richardson, G, Michigan State
Guard play and shooting are two must haves for the Magic. You can kill two birds with one stone by selecting Jase. Orlando was one of the worst shooting teams in the league and were even more one dimensional when it came to the playoffs. Obviously, Paolo and Franz are the cornerstones but who is there to make their life a little easier? Suggs has been better but I think Jase’s offensive ability as far as playmaking and shot creation is a bit better.
The size is the biggest issue but the Magic have been an elite defense for back-to-back seasons. I trust their staff to put him in good spots on defense and it is not like he is a bad defender – he battles every possession but often, bigger guards shoot over him. I can see Richardson playing a Derrick White role for Orlando minus the defensive upside. He can knock down shots, initiate offense, and play off the ball. That type of versatility at the guard position is something the Magic need going forward.
Minnesota Timberwolves - Egor Demin, G, BYU
Mike Conley has been a great fit for this team with his leadership and timely possessions in their back-to-back Western Conference Finals trips. Going into next year it will be a lot to ask for the veteran to continue to play at the level he’s played over the last handful of years. Egor would be a seamless fit with his size and court vision. He will be coming into a team where he can be an initiator rather than a shooter but also being able to showcase his elite passing in transition.
The shooting and consistency will need to be better but both can be developed under a good system that Finch runs. Alexander-Walker is a free agent and could be looking to get more money and minutes next year. That leaves a hole in the depth of the guard position that Egor can fill. I would love to see the aggression we saw in the NCAA Tournament which raises his floor but for what the Wolves need him to be - this is a great fit for both parties.
Washington Wizards - Thomas Sorber, C, Georgetown
How healthy his foot is defines if this position is too low or too high. Sorber was on pace for a record setting freshman campaign until it was derailed by his foot injury. Wizards have a nice defensive anchor in Sarr that progressed well throughout the season and pairing him with Sorber will raise both of their floors. Defensively, Sorber and Sarr could be one of the better young tandems in the East.
The defense is excellent but offensively Sorber is extremely talented. He has good hands and touch around the rim. His ability to be effective as a roller on high pick and rolls needs improvement but if he has post up opportunities, he can capitalize. With the two big lineups being so effective in the playoffs, if Sorber is healthy and medicals are clean – Wizards have themselves a formidable rotation of big men.
Brooklyn Nets – Nique Clifford, G, Colorado State
After taking one of the best international wings in the draft with their lottery pick – I think this is a pick they can establish backcourt depth with. Nets have a Cam Thomas decision to make as he enters free agency but regardless, Nique Clifford is a good pick up here. He can do it all on both ends. He can run the offense, knock down shots off ball, and defend multiple positions. Cam Thomas, we know can score but defensively he is constantly attacked which is one of the reasons the Nets defensive rating with him on the floor is sky high.
Nique’s versatility on both ends raises his value in this spot. He can play with either Russell or Thomas on the floor, or if you need him to be the focal point as a creator for others, he is able to do that as well. Nets need playmaking and shot creation – Clifford showcased that for the last two seasons at Colorado State. He instantly upgrades the defense at the guard position while also helping lower the turnovers per game in which the Nets ranked bottom seven.
Miami Heat - Nolan Traore, G, Saint Quentin
Life post Jimmy Butler was not successful for Miami. They lacked identity and structure which led to their demise in the play-in game. Riley came out and said they are not running it back but this pick should help with a fresh start. Davion Mitchell is a free agent and Nikola Jovic seems to have fallen out of the rotation. Traore was once seen as a lottery talent but was not as effective this past year than the prior.
Traore has a nice blend of speed and agility that allows him to blow by defenders for a good shot or create for his teammates. There was not a lot of shots being created for others on this Miami team. The selection of Traore helps with their playmaking issues while improving their guard depth if they can resign Davion and get productive minutes from Jovic.
Utah Jazz – Will Riley, F, Illinois
With Kon already in a Jazz hat – lets double down here with some shooting from Will Riley. I do think Riley has a lot more to his game than he showed at Illinois. The three-level scoring and ability to create off the dribble are skillsets that Utah needs. Bringing in two more young prospects to an already young core has its pros and cons but when the shooting is this good – you must take it.
We do not know if Lauri will be moved or if Collins will be resigned. That uncertainty is what has me going with Riley here on the wing. The guard depth is solid with Collier, Sexton, and George. Adding a prospect like Riley will make things easier for the guards with his ability to knock down open shots from dribble drives or pick and rolls.
Atlanta Hawks - Asa Newell, F, Georgia
The Hawks have done well with drafting and developing in their front court. De’Andre Hunter, Onyeka Okongwu, Jalen Johnson and John Collins all got better each year under the Hawks development staff. While two of those players are on to other rosters, the leaps that Onyeka and Jalen made justifies why Asa is a good fit for the roster. Clint Capela is a free agent which slides Oneyka to the full-time center and opens a void for a big off the bench. So a need for front-court depth is a priority for the Hawks this draft and off-season.
Asa is a relentless competitor with a high motor and defensive versatility. He can be effective in a role like what he played with four other high level college players in high school – 3 of them in this draft. That shows he is capable of being low maintenance and effective on low usage. Does not need the ball to be effective and is a jump-shot away from being a serious issue for defenses.
A good lob threat for Trae and will be elite on the offensive glass to create second chance opportunities. With the development in Atlanta doing what they do, I would not be shocked to see Asa play a similar role to what Onyeka or Collins did in their first few seasons.
Indiana Pacers – Drake Powell, F, North Carolina
I am and have been higher on Drake this entire cycle. The combine testing and shooting had people buying back into what he was perceived to be prior to the start of the year. A lot of his shortcomings early was more about playing out of position rather than him underachieving. Once he got consistent minutes at his position – he showcased why he was a projected lottery pick coming into the season.
Pacers are three games away from a championship and it is hard to gauge what type of player they would want to bring in. When I look at their wing depth – it can use a two-way prospect like Drake. He defends at a high level and can knock down shots off the catch. His playmaking is a bit underrated along with his shot creation but they have a pretty special guy in Indiana who does most of that already.
Being mentored by Siakam who is a good comparison to the type of player Drake could be would help with his development. Outside of Toppin, there is not another wing with size that can defend at the level Drake will be able to do from day one. They can take their time with him if they please or throw him in the fire and see what they have early on. I think he will outplay his draft position and the Pacers have shown us they have the staff to make that happen.
Oklahoma City Thunder – Danny Wolf, C, Michigan
As stated with the pick of CMB at 15 – what do you add to an already elite team with a core that is 9-10 deep. Doubling down with more size with this pick as CMB is more of an undersized bruiser – Wolf adds some size and length BUT a unique skillset on offense that could look good in OKC. I do not think he will get the offensive freedom he got in college but his ability to create for himself and others is a skillset not many have at his size – not even on OKC’s roster.
Defensively he needs to be a little better but he has shown flashes of being a help side rim protector. The small ball lineup has done wonders for them and while Wolf is not this shot blocking, rim running big man – he can present issues for opposing centers with his speed and agility while also rebounding at a decent clip. Likely will be a piece who develops in the G-League but it would not shock me if he churns out some minutes here and there in due time.
Orlando Magic – Walter Clayton Jr, G, Florida
Adding another shooter never hurt anyone – especially not the Magic. Walter Clayton Jr was a star for Florida – leading them to the national championship and showed all March why he was an All-American. The fit speaks for itself with the need for shooting and some playmaking outside of Paolo and Franz. An older prospect but that is what you want if you are Orlando – especially with the success you have had without particularly shooting the ball well.
Clayton Jr can knock down shots in a bevy of ways. He is versatile as an offensive player and putting him on the floor with Paolo and (or) Franz helps open driving lanes for them. The playmaking is not elite but he is solid in that department and showed that in multiple games where he was the initiator of the offense and was navigating through pick and roll sets as a passer. I think this is the ideal spot for the Florida native and would benefit both parties immediately.
Brooklyn Nets – Liam McNeely, F, UConn
After taking Noa and Nique with their first picks – it is time to add some shooting to the Nets. Liam was once seen as lottery pick and had some injuries that kept him off the floor which did not help. It also did not help that this was a down year for UConn and although he had some big performances – the consistency was a bit off. Adding him to a Nets roster gives them more wing depth but also adds much needed shooting. The Nets were 26th in three-point% and 28th in offensive efficiency.
Liam was in a star role for UConn and I do not think that is what he is or should be casted as. In a much more scaled down role, he would be able to do what he does best which is knock down open shots. He rebounds well for his position and has a huge competitive fire on both ends. If he can work on his movement shooting and downhill finishing – this could be another piece added to the puzzle to put the Nets back together to be competitive for the future.
Brooklyn Nets – Hansen Yang, C, Qingdao Eagles (China)
The fourth pick of the first round to me is a pick they can swing for the fences on. I am not saying do so without proper reasoning but a big swing here would not make or break your draft or franchise. Hansen Yang is worthy of that big swing – the 7-footer out of China has great post moves, soft touch, and can be a passer out of the post. He averaged a double-double during his time with the Qingdao Eagles and showed numerous flashes on both ends in the second scrimmage at the NBA combine.
I have the Nets taking some backcourt help with their three picks prior but now is a time to swing for a big man with a high skill level that can help on both ends. Brooklyn ranked bottom five in points in the paint, rebounding, and blocks per game. All are aspects that Yang has in his game and can help improve. He averaged nearly three blocks and ten rebounds while doing most of his scoring on the block and from put backs.
He must be better when getting hunted on switches as well as being more physically imposing, but at only 19 years old, there is more than enough room to grow. The speed of the game is also something he needs to get better at but with a team like Brooklyn – the reps he would get would help improve that as he progresses through the year. Nets do not have a deep front court – especially not a big who has the size and skillset of Yang. I think he would do well here with the collection of draft picks this year and a holdover like Russell from the prior season.
Boston Celtics – Rasheer Fleming, F, St Joes
The Tatum injury makes this Celtics off season look completely different. The rumblings of a shakeup of the roster have grown louder as the season has progressed. Developing a hybrid wing like Fleming seems like something Brad Stevens and Mazzula would be interested in. There are numerous questions with this entire roster but the front court is where it gets tricky.
Kristaps injury history and lack of productivity this year makes him more expendable. Horford is a year older and certainly could use a smaller role. No Tatum means roles must expand for others and players need to be developed for the future.
Fleming reminds me a bit of Jaylen Brown with his two-way ability and athleticism. He rebounds the ball well and plays with a good motor. An older prospect so he fits the timeline with what Boston is trying to do while Tatum is out and the roster is reshuffled.
Fleming shot the ball well this past season but there are some questions of it was a one-year thing. With his defensive versatility – the shot making is a cherry on top if it translates, especially the catch and shoot numbers.
Phoenix Suns – Ben Saraf, G, Ratiopharm ULM
There is a lot going on in Phoenix and none of it seems to be positive. The direction the team wants to go in is unclear but I think the consensus among NBA pundits would be to blow it up. The roster will obviously be completely different with a likely exit of Beal and Durant but what they get back and add in free agency will be telling. Saraf is a good fit here with his ability to orchestrate an offense while being able to get in the paint consistently
Tyus Jones is a free agent and I doubt he will be returning so a need for a point guard is one of the top priorities. Saraf has good positional size and although the shooting is a concern, he has shown the ability to affect the game despite that. The flashes on defense are there but not consistent. Even with those weaknesses, the upside of Saraf and how well he fits here in Phoenix is something that intrigues me and should intrigue the Suns also.
Saraf has a level of aggression and effort that is needed for this Suns offense. Although the jump shot is inconsistent - he has a knack for knocking them down in timely moments. Once he sees one or two go down, his aggression raises even more when attacking closeouts. He is not a typical table setter as a point guard but his versatility on and off ball adds more options for the Suns on offense.
Los Angeles Clippers – Yanic Konan Niederhauser
The Clippers had another early exit – this time they were as healthy as they have been. They have some Harden contract things to get handled but outside of that, they are in an okay place roster wise. Zubac is coming off an amazing season on both ends of the floor BUT when he was off the floor, the Clippers small ball lineup was not as effective in the playoffs. Yanic is an amazing athlete who can rim run and be effective with Harden in pick and rolls. He also has the defensive versatility to guard all positions but more importantly protect the rim.
He is low maintenance but his skillset is one that would benefit the Clippers. Harden has a track record of raising a big man’s ceiling offensively and Yanic could be next in line. He needs to strengthen up to handle some physicality as well as be a better decision maker in the short roll area. Both are skills that can be developed over the season with reps.