NBA Mock Draft 4.0: Spurs add sharpshooter; hot prospect jumps into top-3

Even though the San Antonio Spurs have made a respectable late-season push (without De'Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama) to carve out one of the final postseason spots in the Western Conference Play-In Tournament, it does seem as if their pursuit is going to fall short.

The Spurs are probably going to end up dropping a few spots in draft positioning because of their play of late, but that may not matter much with how talented of a roster they're expected to head into next season with.

Finding the right complementary piece with their two projected first-round picks could play a key role in whether this team will be able to emerge next season as a legit playoff team or not. With the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament in the books, we explore how things may have shuffled in our latest NBA Mock Draft.

1. Washington Wizards - Cooper Flagg, F, Duke

Cooper Flagg shook off an injury in the ACC Tournament and didn't miss any NCAA Tournament action. Even though he took it slow during his return in Duke's first-round matchup against Mount St. Mary's, Flagg looked just as good as ever. As he prepares for what is likely going to be a deep run in the tournament, the Washington Wizards continue to get an early look at what the possibilities can be at the top of the 2025 NBA Draft.

Flagg has gotten some huge pre-draft comparisons but it's still way too early to place him in a professional box just yet. One thing is for sure, he's an extremely talented prospect.

2. Utah Jazz - Dylan Harper, G, Rutgers

The Utah Jazz have moved back into the second slot of the 2025 NBA Draft. This is far from a guarantee until the NBA Draft Lottery but this could be a miracle potential outcome for the Jazz heading into the draft. Dylan Harper would be a perfect selection for the Jazz as they look to find a worthy star complement next to Lauri Markkanen.

Harper has face-of-the-franchise potential at the guard position and could be exactly what this franchise needs

3. Charlotte Hornets - VJ Edgecombe, G, Baylor

Over the last couple of months, VJ Edgecombe has slowly risen up and gained more traction on draft boards across the league. There's a very real chance he could end up passing up Ace Bailey as the No. 3 overall prospect in this draft class as he continues to build off a strong freshman season at Baylor.

Edgecombe is one of the most athletic players in this draft class and continues to show impressive progress as a prospect, having a few impressive moments for the Bears in the Tournament.

At this point, if Edgecombe continues to show that he can be a promising two-way player at the next level, he could end up being the selection here by the Charlotte Hornets. Especially if the Hornets aren't ready to make a long-term decision on LaMelo Ball, Edgecombe could be an intriguing fit next to the playmaking guard.

4. New Orleans Pelicans - Ace Bailey, F, Rutgers

Getting the opportunity to select Ace Bailey with the No. 4 overall pick wouldn't be a terrible consolation prize for the New Orleans Pelicans. From an offensive standpoint, Bailey certainly carries plenty of star potential at the forward position. He could be an interesting addition next to Zion Williamson, but he could also give the Pelicans some options heading into the future.

If Bailey does emerge as the franchise-changing prospect that many believe him to be, the Pelicans could find themselves in a situation where they could possibly be comfortable with moving on from Zioin while slowly handing over the keys of the offense to Bailey. It may seem like a stretch at the moment, but that's how talented Bailey is as a prospect.

5. Philadelphia 76ers - Khaman Maluach, C, Duke

The Philadelphia 76ers are not only on pace to keep their first-round pick (which is top 6 protected), but they could be on the verge of adding a player who could be the future at the center position. With all the uncertainty that revolves around Joel Embiid's future (mostly because of his health), it would make so much sense for the Sixers to take Khaman Maluach with this draft pick.

Maluach is one of the more intriguing prospects in this class and one that is still just growing into his own. As a true 7-foot rim-protector, Maluach can extend his offensive pressure to the 3-point line while also being a true paint presence. Maluach is not Embiid, but he'd be one great pickup for the Sixers as they figure out what the next couple of years look like.

6. Brooklyn Nets - Kasparas Jakucionis, G, Illinois

As the Brooklyn Nets look to start a new rebuild, there may not be a better prospect to do so than by targeting a playmaking guard. Kasparas Jakucionis could be considered a lock to be taken in the top 6, given how he's closed this season in Illinois. The Nets could be a natural spot for Jakucionis as a big guard who could do a little of everything.

With a plethora of first-round picks in this year's draft, the Nets would be getting a solid initial building block heading into a loaded draft. Jakucionis' top-tier ceiling may be a question but he does seem like a safe pick at this point in the top-10.

7. Toronto Raptors - Tre Johnson, G, Texas

Heading into the offseason, the Toronto Raptors are going to have plenty of options in how they want to continue to improve their roster. After adding the offensive-minded Brandon Ingram at the NBA Trade Deadline, Tre Johnson is another wing prospect who could help sure up that end of the floor for the team.

Johnson is an intriguing prospect with plenty of upside because of his advanced offensive skill set. If the Raptors could add that level of threat off the bench heading into next season, it could help this team take a major step forward in the East.

8. Miami Heat - Jeremiah Fears, G, Oklahoma

As the Miami Heat continue to spiral into irrelevance in the Eastern Conference, it's clear that they need a huge lifeline heading into the 2025 NBA Draft. Maybe that can come in the way of Jeremiah Fears. With the way he looked down the stretch, there's going to be a chance he gets taken in the top-5.

For some reason, if he is still available when they select at No. 8, Fears would be an excellent addition to a team that desperately needs a lead guard to establish the foundation for the future now that the team has moved on from Jimmy Butler. With his pick-and-roll skill set, Fears would be an excellent fit next to Bam Adebayo.

9. Chicago Bulls - Egor Demin, F, BYU

I'm not sure if Egor Demin's skill set matches up too closely with Josh Giddey, but I do believe he can be in play for the Chicago Bulls - especially if it's not a foregone conclusion that the team is going to re-sign Giddey. Demin has proven to be a player who can play in the backcourt or on the wing and brings an advanced level of playmaking and shot creativity.

If Demin can prove that he can develop a consistent 3-point shot, this is the type of prospect that will have plenty of room for improvement heading into this next level of his career. Maybe the Bulls are a good landing spot for Demin, with or without Giddey.

10. San Antonio Spurs - Kon Knueppel, G, Duke

Continuing to set the foundation around De'Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs will look to find a diamond in the rough this late in the first round. One potential fit for the Spurs that could emerge is Kon Knueppel. A prospect that could take a bit of a tumble because of his limited high-end potential, Knueppel's shooting and shotmaking ability is something the Spurs could covet.

San Antonio wouldn't need Knueppel to be an aspiring star for his presence to be felt and his shooting touch would be a great asset next to Fox and Wemby. If Knueppel can prove to be a capable defender on the wing, he could emerge as a key part of this team's future.

11. Portland Trail Blazers - Liam McNeeley, F, UCONN

Even though the UCONN Huskies' attempt to win a third straight NCAA Championship fell flat, Liam McNeeley had a pretty memorable final game in college. Finishing with 22 strong points against Florida, McNeeley's presence and draft stock likely took a bit of a boost. Late in the lottery, a team like the Portland Trail Blazers could make a ton of sense for McNeeley.

Portland could use a versatile wing like McNeeley opposite of Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe as he would give the Blazers another prospect with promise who could help this team take a big step forward next season.

12. Dallas Mavericks - Nolan Traore, PG, France

With as many injuries as the Dallas Mavericks had to battle through this past year, taking a flier on a high-ceiling prospect like Nolan Traore could be exactly what the franchise needs. Though there are concerns about how ready he is to contribute at this point, his raw athleticism and guard skills could be what the Mavs need in their developmental system.

If Traore could spend a couple of seasons learning under Kyrie Irving, it could go a long way in his ability to emerge as a useful player for the Mavs in the future. Traore will need to prove a willingness to compete defensively, but his offensive skills are something to get excited about.

13. Houston Rockets (via PHO) - Derik Queen, C, Maryland

Looking to add some much-needed depth to their frontcourt, the Houston Rockets could turn to a prospect late in the first round like Derik Queen. An offensive-minded big with the potential to be a sound two-way player, Queen could emerge as an interesting option for the Rockets - especially if they have any interest in pairing Alperen Sengun with another big.

Queen is coming off a productive freshman season at Maryland and I'm still not sure we've seen the best he has to offer at the center position. There are questions about his speed and quickness, but Queen has all the tools to be an impactful big at the next level.

14. Atlanta Hawks (via SAC) - Danny Wolf, C, Michigan

As the Atlanta Hawks continue to build out their young core, they could look to find a potential replacement for Clint Capela, who will almost certainly opt for free agency this offseason. One big man who could be in play for the Hawks with the final pick in the lottery is Danny Wolf.

Wolf is a big who has risen up draft boards over the last couple of months and even though he's still considered a polarizing prospect, his natural offensive skill set is hard to deny. The big question about Wolf is whether he's going to be good enough on the defensive end of the floor to be fully effective.

15. Orlando Magic - Jase Richardson, G, Michigan State

Would the Orlando Magic enter the offseason with the hope of landing another playmaking guard? I'd have to think it could be likely. One prospect who could be in play for the Magic at this point in the first round is Jase Richardson. Another prospect who has come on of late, Richardson has the dynamic offensive skill set to fit an emerging young team like the Magic.

Richardson has the athleticism, size, and strength to emerge as a worthy two-way player at the next level. He'll likely need a couple of years to develop, and the Magic could be the perfect spot to help him accomplish that.

16. San Antonio Spurs (via ATL) - Joan Beringer, C, France

With this second first-round pick, the San Antonio Spurs could look to pair another big man with Victor Wembanyama. I'm not sure how much realistic expectations the front office has for that pursuit, but there could be some curiosity from the Spurs to take a flier on a prospect like Joan Beringer.

Beringer is another player who has slowly begun to rise up draft boards of late, and that could continue to be the case heading into the pre-draft process. With his physical skills and flashes of pro potential, Beringer could be a name to watch outside the lottery for a team like the Spurs.

17. Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET) - Asa Newell, F, Georgia

Looking for some high value outside the lottery could prove to be difficult for the Minnesota Timberwolves but Asa Newell could be the high-risk prospect that the team is looking for here at No. 17. Newell certainly still has some developing to do as he prepares for the jump to the pros, but as an offensive-mind ready to contribute, he could be an interesting selection.

As the Wolves look to continue to build around Anthony Edwards, Newell could be a late first-round steal at No. 17.

18. Brooklyn Nets (via MIL) - Hugo Gonzalez, F, Spain

With another first-round pick, the Brooklyn Nets could get creative with their selection here. Taking a flier on somewhat of an unproven prospect, Hugo Gonzalez could be in play at this point in the first round. Gonzalez will have to sell himself in pre-draft workouts but the physical measurables are there for him to be considered a worthy first-round selection.

As the Nets look to take a gamble on some high-risk players late in the first round, Gonzalez is the type of prospect who could be on Brooklyn's board at this point. If he does hit as a prospect, he could emerge as another huge piece of Brooklyn's next build.

19. Utah Jazz (via MINN) - Noa Essengue, F, France

As the Utah Jazz look to add another foundational piece to their core, Noa Essengue could be a worthy gamble late in the first round. If Essengue is still available, he's the type of player that could make a ton of sense as a long-term play. Ready to make a difference defensively, Essengue has a two-way ability that would fall in line with what the Jazz will be in search of.

Essengue may need a couple of years to complete his development, but that shouldn't be too big of an issue for a Jazz team that is going to be considered a few years away from competing in the Western Conference anyway.

20. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC) - Carter Bryant, F, Arizona

The Oklahoma City Thunder don't necessarily need to make a selection on a player who's going to be expected to come in and contribute right away. However, that's why Carter Bryant would make a ton of sense as a prospect. He'll need a couple of redshirt years (at least) and he could learn behind Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams.

Bryant has all the natural abilities in the world and he could find a nice home in OKC as they look to take the final leap in their development.

21. Indiana Pacers - Collin Murray-Boyles, F, South Carolina

There's a very good chance that the Indiana Pacers will be in the market for some frontcourt depth with the possibility that Myles Turner could end up moving on from the team after this season. One prospect who could make sense for the Pacers at this point in the first round is Collin Murray-Boyles.

A versatile big man who still has some room to grow, Murray-Boyles could offer just enough flexibility that the Pacers could be seeking next to Pascal Siakam. His lack of 3-point shooting could be concerning, but his ability to distribute and defend at a high level could be too much to pass up.

22. Miami Heat (via GS) - Tyrese Proctor, G, Duke

Would the Miami Heat double-dip with two guards with their two first-round selections? I do believe there's a possibility. If there's one prospect that has made waves during his performance in the NCAA Tournament so far this season, it's Tyrese Proctor. In two games, Proctor is averaging 22 points and four assists per game.

If Proctor can string a game or two more like this in the tournament, there's no question he's going to cement himself as a potential first-round pick in this year's NBA Draft.

23. Washington Wizards (via MEM) - Ben Saraf, G, Germany

If the Washington Wizards are able to land Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, it may not matter who they end up selecting with this No. 23 pick. However, taking a chance on a guard here late in the first round could be the move for the Wizards. Ben Saraf dropping this low could be considered a steal for Washington.

The 6-foot-6 guard with a knack for finding the lane and his teammates could be appealing to a rebuilding team like the Wizards. If Saraf can develop into the playmaker many scouts believe he can be, this could be a successful first round for the franchise.

24. Orlando Magic (via DEN) - Will Riley, G, Illinois

The Orlando Magic could take a chance on another talented wing with this second first-round pick. Will Riley is an interesting wing who could make sense for Orlando. A player who has the length and versatility to be a two-way contributor at the next level, the Magic would be betting on potential with this selection.

Riley has done just enough to put himself in the first-round conversation and in the right system, there's reason to believe that he could still just be growing into this potential as a player. On the thriving Magic, Riley could find an intriguing home.

25. Brooklyn Nets (via NY) - Thomas Sorber, C, Georgetown

Now that he's officially declared for the NBA Draft, Thomas Sorber is probably going to garner more and more headlines. One of the more well-rounded big men in college basketball this past season, Sorber is coming off a freshman year in which he averaged 15 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and two blocks per game.

Assuming he'll be able to hang against strong and more athletic big men at the next level, there's a chance Sorber could emerge as a prime target outside of the top 20. Much of why he may not be taken higher is because of his late-season foot injury.

26. Atlanta Hawks (via LAL) - Boogie Fland, G, Arkansas

After sitting out the majority of the second half of the season, Boogie Fland did show some solid flashes during Arkansas' run to the Sweet 16. His minutes were limited and he didn't fill up the stat sheet but when he's on the floor, the team looks so much more comfortable on the offensive end of the floor.

There are some concerns about his consistency as he likely makes the move to the NBA level but the pure talent is certainly there with the talented guard. If he declares for the draft, he could be in range for the Atlanta Hawks to take a flier on.

27. Brooklyn Nets (via HOU) - Ian Jackson, G, North Carolina

Looking for another guard with some promise heading into the future, Ian Jackson could be a player on Brooklyn's radar. Even though the Tarheels had a disappointing end to their season, Jackson was one of the few bright spots for the team. A big guard with a natural habit for finding the bottom of the net, he'll have to prove to be a much better playmaker to carve out a first-round grade.

However, if Jackson can show his passing ability more during the pre-draft process, the Nets could be one of the late first-round teams interested in such a move.

28. Boston Celtics - Rasheer Fleming, F, Saint Joseph's

No matter what happens between now and the end of the season, the Boston Celtics are likely going to be in the market for some help in the frontcourt. One prospect late in the first round that could fit what the Celtics could be on the lookout for is Rasheer Fleming. A late riser up draft boards, the Celtics could have use for a productive and experienced player like Fleming.

Even though he's considered a bit undersized for a more traditional big man, Fleming is a good rebounder and defender for his position. If he can carry that toughness to the NBA level, he should be just fine in finding a professional home.

29. Phoenix Suns (via CLE) - Nique Clifford, G, Colorado State

The Phoenix Suns will be looking to make some changes during the offseason and perhaps that could start with taking a proven scorer late in the first round. Nique Clifford, coming off an impressive senior season at Colorado State, could be a natural fit for an underwhelming team like the Suns.

Phoenix doesn't want to take a big swing on a player that will need a few years of development. Instead, the Suns would greatly benefit from a player who could be considered more ready to contribute from day one. That could be Clifford.

30. LA Clippers (via OKC) - Kam Jones, G, Marquette

As one of the most productive players in college basketball this season, I'm interested to see what Kam Jones' draft value ends up being. I'd have to imagine he'll have to hit some pre-draft workouts out of the park but could there be a chance he sneaks into late in the first round? If so, the LA Clippers could be a fit.

Jones averaged 19 points, six assists, and five rebounds per game on 48 percent shooting from the field. A big guard as talented as Jones should get a shot in the NBA. LA could offer him exactly that as they look for more backcourt depth heading into the offseason.