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The 2025 NBA Draft is still over six months away, but things are heating up. Cooper Flagg looks every bit the star he was projected to be and talent keeps emerging. This class has significant upside and depth. NBA teams will soon be tanking to secure a top selection and praying they win the lottery to get the rights to draft Flagg.
2025 is a crucial draft for the San Antonio Spurs. This could be their final time in the lottery for years to come. Victor Wembanyama already has them playing like a contender, and Stephon Castle is displaying tons of potential. The Spurs project to have multiple selections and would love to add young talents to build out their core.
Fans have gotten multiple opportunities to see every prospect, but it is still early. The draft won't happen until late June, but the intel is forming. Here is a look at a mock first round to view where the prospects sit as we enter the holiday season. The order was based on the standings on Oct. 29. There will be plenty of shakeups through the lottery, so consider this an early glance at what teams would do.
1. Washington Wizards select Cooper Flagg
The 6’9 forward is shining on both ends of the floor for Duke. The Blue Devils have already lost twice, but feature tons of talent. Flagg averages 17.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.7 blocks in 31.8 minutes per game. His shooting percentages need to improve, but Flagg has superstar potential.
The 17-year-old shined on the USA Select Team in the summer and is one of the best defenders in the NCAA. He has shown flashes on the offensive end, but teams want to see him grow into an elite scorer and keep improving his playmaking.
The Wizards have the worst record in the league and are just entering a total rebuild. Washington is leading the race to the bottom, but several teams will likely join them to secure a top selection in this loaded class. Getting the number one pick will come down to the ping-pong balls, but the Wizards will likely finish with the worst record this season and are dreaming of adding Cooper Flagg.
2. Philadelphia 76ers draft Ace Bailey
Bailey missed Rutgers’ first two games with a minor hip injury, but the 6’9 wing is already making an impact. He averages 17.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 0.8 blocks in 33.4 minutes per game. Bailey has made nine of his first 21 3-point attempts and has tremendous two-way potential.
His playmaking, shot selection, and scoring are things to watch as the season unfolds. Bailey has committed seven turnovers with just three assists in the first five games. He is known for making tough shots, but improving his selection is key heading into the NBA.
The 76ers do not expect to finish here, but a disastrous start has them in the lottery. Philadelphia only keeps their pick if they land in the top six. Several tanking teams will likely pass them, but getting another future star on the Sixers could be a recipe for building a serious title contender. Everyone will certainly be watching, especially after their disastrous start.
3. New Orleans Pelicans snag Dylan Harper
The 6’5 guard is the lead ball-handler and playmaker for Rutgers this season. Harper averages 24.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.0 steal in 33.6 minutes per game. He is shooting 55.0 percent from the field and has been absolutely unstoppable. His size, scoring, and playmaking have teams excited.
His jumper is worth watching. Harper has made just eight of his first 29 3-point attempts. Teams want their primary creator to be able to knock down long-range attempts consistently. It is the one piece missing from making Harper an unquestioned top-three pick.
The Pelicans have dealt with significant injury issues, but hope to turn things around. If not, they should go best player available as they attempt to completely retool their roster. Dylan Harper could be their point guard of the present and future. He would be a strong starting point for any roster with his size and playmaking chops.
4. Utah Jazz take Egor Demin
Demin has been arguably the best and most impressive player in the NCAA through the first month. The 6’8 guard averaged 15.2 points, 7.2 assists, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.4 steals in 29.4 minutes per game. He is shooting 64.4 percent from the field and 56.5 percent on his 3-point attempts after five games. BYU will face tougher tests, but Demin has shined against lesser competition.
The 18-year-old played for Real Madrid’s B team the previous two years. There are questions about his playmaking and shot selection. Things have been outstanding so far, but will it maintain against stiffer competition? Demin being a 6’8 creator with a versatile skill set will have teams near the top interested.
The Utah Jazz are searching for playmaking and versatility. Danny Ainge built the Celtics around multiple two-way wings. Egor Demin fits that mold, and the Jazz would love to keep him in Utah.
5. Toronto Raptors choose V.J. Edgecombe
Edgecombe has struggled in his first six games with Baylor, but scouts won’t forget his impressive play for the Bahamas in Olympic Qualifying over the summer. The 19-year-old is a streaky shooter who must improve his efficiency, but his athletic ability, playmaking, and potential will have teams interested near the top of the draft.
Edgecombe produced 15 steals and 11 blocks in the first seven games. He missed the second half of their Nov. 27 win over New Orleans with hamstring tightness. Assuming the injury is not serious, teams will continue to be excited by his two-way potential.
The Toronto Raptors are rebuilding around Scottie Barnes and love two-way versatility. Pairing Edgecombe with Immanuel Quickley would create an undersized backcourt, but their athletic ability would wreak havoc. V.J. Edgecombe must improve his shot selection and efficiency, but there is no questioning his upside. The Raptors love drafting for ceiling.
6. Charlotte Hornets select Kon Knueppel
Knueppel missed all eight of his 3-point attempts in Duke's loss to Kansas on Nov. 26 to drop his percentage from 40.6 to 32.5. It is still early, but the 6’5 wing looks like an elite shooter with significant upside. His playmaking has stood out in the early going and Knueppel’s versatility could lock him into the top ten in this class.
The Hornets have been committed to building around Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball. Giving that duo a 6’5 wing capable of shooting north of 40 percent from 3-point range, operating as a secondary creator, and defending multiple positions sounds fantastic as Charlotte attempts to get back into contention.
7. Portland Trail Blazers select Liam McNeeley
McNeeley is a lights-out shooter shining for UConn. The 19-year-old just joined the two-time defending NCAA champions, but he has been outstanding to start the year. He is shooting 50 percent from the field and has made 13 of his 28 3-point attempts. His ability to make shots off the move at 6’6 will have NBA teams interested in the lottery.
McNeeley’s playmaking and defense are question marks, but the teenager has plenty of upside. His versatility and shot-making are enough to earn him lottery consideration.
The Portland Trail Blazers are searching for wings to join their young core. Donovan Clingan and their three guards are building blocks. Getting a sharpshooter should help everyone, which makes Liam McNeeley a strong fit in Rip City.
8. Detroit Pistons draft Nolan Traore
The French point guard is off to a slow start, but could easily be a top-five selection come June. Traore is in his fourth professional season at 18 years old. He averages 11.5 points, 4.8 assists, 1.7 rebounds, and 0.8 steals in 23.5 minutes per game, but is shooting just 36.4 percent from the field and 29.7 percent on his threes.
There have been moments where Traore looks like a top-five pick. He is a dynamic playmaker and shot creator but must improve his shot selection, defense, and efficiency to rise up draft boards.
The Pistons have Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey but should go for the best player available. Getting another playmaker and shot creator may end the years of losing in Detroit. Nolan Traore slipping this far would be surprising, but several teams are set at point guard near the top.
9. Chicago Bulls take Tre Johnson
Johnson has been outstanding in his first six games with Texas. He averages 21.2 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 31.2 minutes per game on 47.8 percent shooting from the field and 46.3 percent on his threes. There were questions about his jumper and shot selection coming into this season, but Johnson has answered them in the early going.
The Bulls have a young backcourt and should be searching for a wing to flank them. Tre Johnson is 6’6 with versatility and could be Chicago’s Zach LaVine replacement if they find a trade for the All-Star guard.
10. San Antonio Spurs (via Hawks) choose Asa Newell
Newell is a 6’11 big man with a versatile skill set. He averages 15.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.0 assist, 1.3 steals, and 1.4 blocks in 27.9 minutes per game for Georgia. The forward has taken 17 3-point attempts in seven games but made just three of them. His defense and versatility are intriguing and a willingness to shoot is the first step in taking his game to the next level.
The Spurs are loaded with young talent and are no strangers to developing jumpers. If they believe Asa Newell can become a stretch four and guard multiple positions, he could wreak havoc playing next to Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle in the Alamo City.
11. Utah Jazz (via Timberwolves) take Ben Saraf
Saraf is a 6’5 point guard starting for Ulm this season. He averages 12.9 points, 4.4 assists, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 23.8 minutes per game. The 18-year-old has made just 14 of his 44 3-point attempts, but there is plenty to be excited about.
There are questions to answer. Saraf is left-hand dominant and must prove he can consistently knock down shots and hold his own defensively. The teenager is playing professionally in Germany and has plenty of chances to prove himself. Saraf has a wide range but could be a top-ten selection if he shines this season.
The Utah Jazz want versatile wings as the foundation of their roster. Drafting Demin and Saraf in the top 12 gives them an infusion of playmaking and offensive punch around Lauri Markkanen. It will take time, but that could be the nucleus of the Jazz’s next contending roster.
12. Sacramento Kings draft Drake Powell
Powell profiles as a 3-and-D wing with immense upside. He is still finding his role at UNC. Through seven games, Powell averages 6.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 0.7 steals, and 1.0 block in 22.3 minutes per game. He has made seven of his first 15 3-point attempts and is capable of guarding multiple positions.
The Kings are looking for two-way contributors to flank De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, and DeMar DeRozan. Powell has upside too. He may slide out of the lottery if his playing time does not increase, but there is plenty to like in his limited role.
13. San Antonio Spurs snag Kasparas Jakucionis
Jakucionis is a 6’6 guard with lead playmaking ability. He averages 12.0 points, 6.3 assists, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.8 steals in 29.2 minutes through six games for the University of Illinois. Expect him to keep filling up the box score, but his jumper is worth watching. Jakucionis is shooting 35.0 percent from three over his first 20 attempts, and his shooting will determine his draft stock.
The Spurs would love to see him fall into the late lottery. Pairing Asa Newell and Kasparas Jakucionis adds two dynamic pieces to one of the most exciting young cores in the NBA. No team is stopping San Antonio if both reach their ceilings.
14. Houston Rockets (via Suns) select Donnie Freeman
Freeman’s production has been up and down, but finding a 6’8 forward with a versatile skill set is never easy. He averages 12.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 26.2 minutes per game so far for Syracuse. His shooting must improve, but his defense and athletic ability will have him drawing lottery interest.
The Rockets are loaded with talent and may take a shot on a developing prospect. If Freeman locks in his jumper and rounds out his game, he could be a top-five player in this class. Houston can afford to wait and continues to have success developing draft picks.
15. Brooklyn Nets draft Khaman Maluach
Maluach is starting for Duke but is not seeing massive playing time. He averages 8.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 19.3 minutes each night. The teenager has attempted three 3-pointers and has shown flashes to excite scouts.
Getting a 7’2 big man with his athletic ability and shooting potential is intriguing. There are questions about his role and defense, but Maluach will have plenty of chances to prove himself for Duke.
The Brooklyn Nets have Nicolas Claxton, Day’Ron Sharpe, and Noah Clowney capable of handling minutes at the five. They are embarking on a rebuild and could decide to move multiple pieces. Getting Khaman Maluach gives them another development project and someone who could be their unquestioned starter if he reaches his ceiling.
16. Indiana Pacers select Derik Queen
The 6’10 big man is turning heads with his start at the University of Maryland. He averages 16.0 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.0 block in 25.4 minutes per game. Queen has missed all nine of his 3-point attempts but offers intriguing potential as a rim-protector, rebounder, playmaker, and finisher.
Myles Turner will become a free agent this offseason and could leave the Pacers. Derik Queen is a potential starting center who needs time to develop. Indiana could use him as a backup for a few years to see if he blossoms. There have been plenty of flashes from the teenager and the best is still yet to come.
17. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Heat) pick Hugo Gonzalez
Gonzalez has plenty of hype, but he has barely played for Real Madrid this season. The 18-year-old averages just 2.9 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 0.7 assists in 8.9 minutes per game over 14 contests. He was outstanding in the Under-18 Euros, but it is hard to say where he will land if his playing time does not improve.
Teams are excited about his potential as a scorer, playmaker, and defender. Gonzalez is a 6’7 wing who must prove he can consistently knock down jumpers. He has made just 32 of his 114 3-point attempts over the last three seasons. Without consistently knocking down shots, Gonzalez’s role may be limited in the NBA.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are loaded with talent and depth. They have experience improving jumpers and could maximize Hugo Gonzalez’s two-way potential. Teams should not let him fall here, but some may be scared away by his lack of playing time for the European power.
18. Brooklyn Nets (via Bucks) choose Collin Murray-Boyles
The 6’7 wing is one of the best defenders in this class. He returned for a second season at South Carolina and is showcasing his improvement. He has made two 3-pointers in six games after missing his only five attempts as a freshman. Murray-Boyles averages 15.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.2 blocks in 28.7 minutes per game.
He draws some Draymond Green comparisons and could climb into the lottery with a breakout second season. His jumper and overall game are worth watching closely. Murray-Boyles must impact the game with his finishing around the rim, defense, and playmaking if he wants to land in the top-14 as a non-shooter.
Collin Murray-Boyles figures to be impactful defensively and needs his offensive game to improve. It is a worth gamble on a 19-year-old as the Nets start building a young core.
19. Brooklyn Nets (via Knicks) grab Noa Essengue
The 6’8 forward averages 10.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.0 assist, and 0.9 steals in 23.0 minutes per game for Ulm this season. There are plenty of highlight plays that make the 17-year-old standout. He has multiple years of professional experience and significant upside.
Essengue’s jumper will determine his NBA ceiling. He has made just 57 of 245 3-point attempts over the last four seasons, but there is notable improvement this year. Can he become a league-average shooter as he defends multiple positions and gets buckets? Some NBA scouts believe he can.
The Brooklyn Nets will shoot for upside in the early stages of a rebuild. Noa Essengue’s size and athletic ability are intriguing. Brooklyn could be getting the steal of the draft if he falls this far and reaches his ceiling.
20. Dallas Mavericks select Will Riley
Riley has been on fire to start his college career. He averages 17.2 points on 50.7 percent shooting from the field so far. The 18-year-old is 17 of 31 from 3-point range and making an impact with his rebounding and playmaking. Riley looks like a breakout option playing next to Kasparas Jakucionis.
The Mavericks want shooting and defense around Luka Doncic. Getting a 6’8 wing capable of making 40 percent from three is just what Dallas needs. Riley has become an intriguing option, but scouts will be watching his jumper and overall impact closely to see how high he climbs in this draft class.
21. Orlando Magic (via Nuggets) draft Boogie Fland
Fland is another early season breakout The 6’2 guard averages 17.2 points, 5.5 assists, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.2 steals in 34.0 minutes per game. He is an undersized guard but is shooting 48.1 percent from 3-point range and creating tons of turnovers. There will be questions about his defense, but his production will have scouts overlooking it.
The Orlando Magic may want a true point guard running their offense when things break down. Boogie Fland has shown an interesting mix of scoring, playmaking, and creating easy buckets to generate first-round buzz. There is much left to prove, but things are looking up for the Arkansas guard.
22. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers) take Jalil Bethea
Bethea has struggled to get minutes for the University of Miami but is a plus shooter and scorer. Fans have not seen much in the early going. The 6’4 guard averages 6.3 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 0.8 steals in 12.2 minutes per game so far.
The Thunder are always searching for players who can dribble, pass, and shoot. Bethea could take a similar path to Jared McCain last season. The current Sixer struggled to get playing time before establishing a role and becoming a mid-first-rounder. Bethea needs more run. Miami has experienced guards ahead of him, but the teenager’s talent should eventually win out.
23. Atlanta Hawks (via Lakers) snag Alex Karaban
The sharpshooter is looking to make it three straight NCAA championships. He was a starter on UConn’s first two and averages 15.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.3 blocks in 31.8 minutes per game so far this season. For his career, Karaban is a 39.6 percent 3-point shooter over 417 attempts.
The Hawks need shooting around Trae Young and are building a versatile group. Alex Karaban is a 6’8 wing who will not miss open looks. Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, and Zaccharie Risarcher provide a strong foundation for Atlanta, but they need a consistent shooter to round out that group.
24. Memphis Grizzlies take Nique Clifford
Clifford returned for a fifth college season and is making the most of it. He averages 18.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.0 block in 36.8 minutes per game. The 6’5 wing is shooting 45.5 percent from 3-point range and has been absolutely unstoppable.
The Grizzles are not afraid to select an older prospect and are always searching for wing depth. Could Clifford be the next Jaylen Wells in Memphis? The potential is there, and Clifford playing off Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. should make him more successful.
25. Orlando Magic select Rocco Zikarsky
Finding a 7’2 big man with NBA potential is never easy. Zikarsky is struggling to get minutes for Brisbane in the NBL but averages 5.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks in 11.9 minutes per game. He is a traditional big man but could be impactful as a finisher inside, rim-protector, and rebounder in the right setting.
The Orlando Magic are loaded with young talent and hope to add a backup big man with this selection. The 18-year-old needs time to develop but could be a paint presence who helps Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner win games for years to come.
26. Golden State Warriors draft KJ Lewis
The 6’4 wing returned for his second season at Arizona where he is averaging 10.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.0 block in 24.2 minutes per game as a starter. Lewis is just three of 11 from 3-point range after shooting 34.1 percent as a freshman. His shooting is a question, but there are plenty of other traits to like.
The Warriors are no strangers to maximizing shooting and see Lewis making a two-way impact. His defense has been impressive, and this could be the perfect landing spot to get the most from his long-term potential.
27. Brooklyn Nets (via Rockets) choose JT Toppin
Toppin is dominating for Texas Tech in the early going. He averages 19.8 points, 10.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.5 steals, and 2.0 blocks in 26.6 minutes per game. The 6’9 forward stuffs the stat sheet and has significant upside. His jumper must improve, but getting his size and athletic ability is not easy.
The Nets are all-in on upside. JT Toppin will be a dominant two-way force if he reaches his ceiling, and Brooklyn certainly has time to wait as they enter a total rebuild.
28. LA Clippers (via Thunder) take Michael Ruzic
The 6’10 forward is a draft and stash option for teams in the late first round. Ruzic averages 4.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks in 16.9 minutes per game for Joventut Badalona in Spain this season. He is currently dealing with a thumb injury that will likely hold him out until January.
Ruzic made over 40 percent from 3-point range last season, and the 18-year-old could be the versatile stretch four every NBA team desires. The LA Clippers are always searching for talent and floor spacing. Head coach Tyronn Lue would find ways to get Ruzic open, and he could be a key piece of the franchise as he reaches his prime.
29. Boston Celtics choose Kam Jones
The 6’4 guard out of Marquette remains a lights-out shooter. He has made 13 of his first 30 this season after shooting over 40 percent as a junior. Jones is asked to create more and has been a force on both ends. This is a chance for a contender to select a two-way option with upside.
The Boston Celtics must use their draft capital to keep their spending in check. Jones will be ready for an NBA role immediately with room to blossom into a key rotation piece.
30. Utah Jazz (via Cavaliers) select Hunter Sallis
The 6’5 guard has struggled to find his jumper but is producing 18.9 points, 4.3 assists, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.1 steals as a senior at Wake Forest. Sallis drew first-round buzz in 2024 before coming back for another college season. There will be interest, but his stock will slip if the 21-year-old proves his 40 percent from 3-point range in 2024 was a fluke.
The Jazz need a playmaker and shot-creator in the backcourt. They could go in several directions, but getting an older more NBA-ready prospect is intriguing as Utah attempts to exit their rebuilding phase in short order.
The 2025 NBA Draft is loaded with talent. There is much to figure out between now and draft night. Cooper Flagg is the favorite to go number one overall but has plenty of challengers. Stay tuned to see if anyone can catch him and how the entire class progresses.