NBA Mock Draft: Spurs thrive with two very different approaches with lottery picks

Now that it’s officially confirmed that the San Antonio Spurs will have two lottery picks in the 2025 NBA Draft, it becomes that much easier to begin to dream about what the plan will be for the team this offseason. The Spurs are projected to select No. 8 and 14 overall, but that will ultimately be decided by the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery, which is slated for May 12.

In a loaded draft class, there’s a reasonable chance that the Spurs could emerge from the NBA Draft with two rotational pieces. In an ideal world, the Spurs would be able to hit on one of these picks in a big way. But, at worst, the Spurs should be able to add a couple of talented developmental projects.

As we inch closer and closer to the draft festivities, we take another look at how the board could end up falling in our latest NBA Mock Draft. In this edition, the Spurs make one safe selection and one that could be considered somewhat polarizing.  

1. Utah Jazz - Cooper Flagg, F, Duke 

Earning the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft Lottery would go a long way in clarifying the Utah Jazz’s future. Being able to add Copper Flagg to their talented core and alongside Lauri Markkanen would help this team reemerge next season as a dark horse playoff contender in the Western Conference.

They’re probably still a few pieces away from being a real player in the conference, but a 1-2 punch of Flagg and Markkanen could be quite an appealing foundation for the Jazz moving into the future. 

2. Washington Wizards - Dylan Harper, G, Rutgers 

It would hurt if the Washington Wizards’ pursuit of the No. 1 overall pick fell short at the NBA Draft Lottery, but being able to come away with Dylan Harper with the No. 2 overall pick could still go a long way in helping this franchise continue to establish a new path forward.

Harper has the potential to be a franchise superstar for the Wizards and very much brings everything you want in a natural lead guard. In many other NBA Draft classes, Harper would probably be the unanimous No. 1 overall prospect. The Wizards would still get a really, really great player by selecting Harper here at No. 2. 

3. Charlotte Hornets - Ace Bailey, F, Rutgers  

If the Charlotte Hornets want to keep their young core relatively intact for another season, it would make a ton of sense for the team to take a flier on a talented offensive prospect like Ace Bailey. Sure, there are concerns about his defensive capabilities and about whether he can translate into a winning player at the next level, but he’s a pretty good “fit” on paper next to LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.

If nothing else, this move would bring added excitement to the franchise next season. And if this move does pan out, the Hornets could quickly develop into one of the most exciting young teams in the East. 

4. New Orleans Pelicans - V.J. Edgecombe, G, Baylor 

In theory, there wouldn’t be much of a decision for whichever team ends up selecting No. 4 overall. This is probably the safest place to be in the top 4. The New Orleans Pelicans would simply take whichever prospect is projected to be selected in the top 4 that is still available. In this case, it would be V.J. Edgecombe.

The standout guard’s athleticism and offensive versatility could be exactly what the Pelicans need as they explore the possibility of some big changes this offseason. Whether or not Zion Williamson is on the roster or not next season, Edgecombe would be a great consolation prize for the Pelicans here at No. 4. 

5. Philadelphia 76ers - Kasparas Jakucionis, G, Illinois 

At this point, it’s almost impossible to predict what the Philadelphia 76ers will end up doing with this pick at No. 5. In most minds, this is where the 2025 NBA Draft will truly begin. There’s a case to be made that the Sixers should look to draft a big man to help solidify their frontcourt, but this may be too high for that type of reach.

That’s why I believe a playmaking guard like Kasparas Jakucionis could make more sense for the Sixers. He’s a player who could fit next to Tyrese Maxey, if they are open to playing him more off-ball in the future. 

6. Brooklyn Nets - Tre Johnson, G, Texas 

Looking for a prospect that could inject excitement and promise into the franchise heading into the future, Tre Johnson is one name to keep a close eye on. As an offensive-minded guard with a high ceiling, Johnson checks a lot of boxes of what the Nets could be looking for in a top 10 pick. Johnson may not be a No. 1 cornerstone of a franchise type of player, but he could be a strong building block for a team that desperately needs talent. 

7. Toronto Raptors - Khaman Maluach, C, Duke 

With a less-than-stellar showing in his final collegiate basketball game, Khaman Maluach’s draft stock is quite messy at the moment. However, the thought is that he could go a long way in resurrecting it by having a good showing in pre-draft and individual workouts over the next couple of months.

Assuming that will be the case, Maluach is probably going to be the first pure center to be talent off the board. The Toronto Raptors at No. 7 would make a ton of sense, considering they need to find their long-term answer at the position. 

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

With two lottery picks, the San Antonio Spurs will have plenty of options heading into the 2025 NBA Draft. While there is a chance they could get cute with this draft pick, I do believe we’re going to see this team take a much safer approach when it’s all said and done. One prospect that would fit that line of thinking for the Spurs is Kon Knueppel.

A prospect who fits exactly what the Spurs could be looking for in a complementary player on the wing next to De’Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama, this is the type of pairing that would make a ton of sense. 

9. Houston Rockets (via PHO) - Egor Demin, F, BYU 

The Houston Rockets are going to find themselves in an interesting spot heading into the offseason. Coming off a truly successful season, the Rockets aren’t in a position where they necessarily need to make a big move. They’d surely like to, but I don’t believe the fan base would be all that upset if they decided to continue to allow this young core to keep developing at their pace while adding another talented rookie via their top 10 pick.

One player who could make sense, especially with the uncertainty revolving around Fred VanVleet, is Egor Demin. A playmaking wing who could play all over the floor, Demin has the potential to develop into a valuable secondary facilitator down the line. 

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

As the Portland Trail Blazers look to take another big step forward next season, finding a player who could contribute right away in the 2025 NBA Draft could be a key toward accomplishing that. Liam McNeeley has to be considered quite the polarizing draft prospect at the moment, but he could be viewed as a pretty safe pick here at No. 10 for Portland.

McNeeley may never develop into a star player, but he seems to be in the right place at the right time. He has the potential to be a solid player on both ends of the floor and, perhaps more importantly, play a valuable contributing role for a good team at the next level.

11. Dallas Mavericks - Jeremiah Fears, G, Oklahoma 

There is plenty of smoke surrounding the possibility of the Dallas Mavericks giving Kyrie Irving a long-term extension this offseason, despite the fact that he’s dealing with a torn ACL injury, but I still believe a prospect like Jeremiah Fears could make some sense if he’s still around at No. 11. If nothing else, Fears would give the Mavs options moving forward at the point guard position.

And if Fears is ready to contribute right away, he could help carry the load during the first half of the season without Kyrie. In a best-case scenario outcome, Fears would emerge as the long-term answer for the Mavs in the backcourt post-Kyrie. 

12. Chicago Bulls - Derik Queen, C, Maryland 

The Chicago Bulls could use a big man to add to their evolving young core. While the argument could be made that Khaman Maluach would be the near-perfect fit for the team, Derik Queen could be a strong option for the Bulls late in the lottery. Queen is a much different player than Maluach and is more of an offensive-minded threat.

After a huge freshman season at Maryland, Queen has emerged as an intriguing option at the center position. Offensively, there’s a ton to like about Queen’s game. The biggest questions, of course, revolve around whether he’ll have enough quickness and explosion to not be a huge liability on the other end of the floor. 

13. Atlanta Hawks (via SAC) - Jase Richardson, G, Michigan State 

With a new leader in the front office, it’s hard to predict what could await the Atlanta Hawks this offseason. That includes predicting what they may do with the No. 13 overall pick in the NBA Draft. However, Jase Richardson, a superb shooter and offensive player, could make some sense for the Hawks.

Even if Atlanta continues to build around Trae Young, Richardson could give the team a nice change of pace piece off the bench. Young and Dyson Daniels have probably solidified themselves as the starting backcourt for the foreseeable future, but Richardson could give this team an added offensive threat off the bench. 

14. San Antonio Spurs (via ATL) - Thomas Sorber, C, Georgetown 

After making a much “safer” selection with their first lottery pick, I don’t believe it would be that shocking to see the San Antonio Spurs roll the dice a bit with this second pick. One prospect who could be an intriguing fit next to Victor Wembanyama in the frontcourt is Thomas Sorber.

If the Spurs are interested in recreating some twin-tower lineups, Sorber could be a player in the mix late in the lottery. Sorber may be the perfect option as he has proven to have an impressive offensive game and pace. If Wemby and Sorber could click as a duo, they could develop into quite a fearful frontcourt in the Western Conference. 

15. Oklahoma City Thunder (via MIA) - Asa Newell, F, Georgia 

The Oklahoma City Thunder aren’t going to enter the 2025 NBA Draft with a ton of need, but taking a flier on a high-ceiling prospect could be the plan for the team. Asa Newell is one prospect who could fit that role for the Thunder.

After a productive freshman season at Georgia, Newell’s athleticism and offensive appetite could catapult him into evolving into an appealing prospect. As a versatile big man, the Thunder could use their excellent developmental system to bring him along slowly over the next couple of seasons.

16. Orlando Magic - Nique Clifford, F, Colorado State 

In an attempt to continue to build out a stronger supporting cast around Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, the Orlando Magic could target a player like Nique Clifford just outside the lottery. One of the more productive players in college basketball this past season, there’s reason to believe that Clifford could be considered a ready-to-contribute prospect the moment he steps into camp.

In the right role off the bench, there’s a scenario in which Clifford emerges as a home run selection for the Magic as soon as this upcoming season. 

17. Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET) - Rasheer Fleming, F, Saint Joseph’s 

As long as Anthony Edwards is healthy, the Minnesota Timberwolves are always going to have a shot to make a playoff series interesting. However, if they want to emerge as a championship contender, the Wolves are going to have to continue to upgrade the supporting cast around their superstar. One player who could be a natural fit at No. 17 for the Wolves is Rasheer Fleming.

Even though he’s considered a bit undersized for his position, there’s reason to believe that Fleming could be a mainstay in the NBA because of his versatility on both ends of the floor. And if he can prove to be an elite defender, he should be able to carve out a significant role for a team sooner rather than later. 

18. Washington Wizards (via MEM) - Noa Essengue, F, France 

If the Washington Wizards land one of the top 2 picks in the 2025 NBA Draft, it may not matter who else they select with this second first-round pick. One prospect that could be worth the gamble in the long run is Noa Essengue.

A player who is further along in his defensive development than he is offensively, Essengue could be an intriguing option for the rebuilding Wizards. In Washington, Essengue would have time to develop at his own pace, and with his talent and athleticism, there’s hope he could emerge into a two-way force down the line. 

19. Brooklyn Nets (via MIL) - Collin Murray-Boyles, F, South Carolina 

Continuing to build out the new foundation of the franchise, the Brooklyn Nets could take a flier on one of the more polarizing prospects still on the board - Collin Murray-Boyes. Coming off a strong two years at South Carolina, he’s still considered a huge uncertainty heading into the NBA Draft.

If there weren’t huge questions about his 3-point shooting ability, there’s no question that Murray-Boyles would be getting more hype in this year’s class. But even with those concerns, there’s a chance that Murray-Boyles could emerge as one of the most versatile two-way players in this class. He could be another strong piece for the Nets’ next chapter. 

20. Miami Heat (via GS) - Nolan Traore, G, France 

Even in one of their worst seasons in recent history, the Miami Heat still found a way to make the postseason. Whether that was good or bad for the franchise remains to be seen, but the Heat should be looking to find another hidden gem with this late first-round pick.

One prospect who could be identified as just that for the Heat is Nolan Traore. The 6-foot-5 guard prospect out of France will likely need a few years to develop, but there’s a chance he could emerge as a potential long-term answer for the Heat in the backcourt. 

21. Utah Jazz (via MINN) - Ben Saraf, G, Germany 

The Utah Jazz may have gotten the best prospect in this draft class with their selection of Cooper Flagg, but they still need a primary ball-handler as they look to build out this roster. One prospect late in the first round who could potentially be an answer to those concerns is Ben Saraf.

Even though he’s far from a finished prospect, Saraf’s size and playmaking ability may be too much to bypass at this point in the draft. He’s not a can’t-miss prospect by any means, but he has all the tools a team would be looking for in a late first-round pick. 

22. Atlanta Hawks (via LAL) - Johni Broome, C, Auburn 

After taking a guard earlier in the first round, the Atlanta Hawks could turn around and use this selection to add to their frontcourt. With the high likelihood that Clint Capela is going to move on in free agency this summer, the Hawks could have a need at the center position. One prospect who could make sense for the Hawks late in the first round is Johni Broome.

Coming off a truly strong final season with the Auburn Tigers, Broome averaged 19 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists on 51 percent shooting from the field. With the run he had in the NCAA Tournament, Broome may have done just enough to carve out a first-round draft grade for himself. 

23. Indiana Pacers - Danny Wolf, F, Michigan 

The Indiana Pacers have been on quite a run during the second half of the season and are off to a strong start in the NBA Playoffs, but there is at least a chance they will be looking for some added depth to the frontcourt this offseason. One prospect who could fit a need for the Pacers in the NBA Draft is Danny Wolf.

Still somewhat of a polarizing figure because of his defensive concerns, Wolf brings a lot to the table as a versatile offensive player. With the potential to stretch defenses to the 3-point line and his strong playmaking skills, Wolf could be worth the gamble for the Pacers late in the first round.  

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

The Oklahoma City Thunder aren’t a team that necessarily needs a second first-round pick, but Carter Bryant could be too good of a gamble to pass up on here at No. 24. Much like their first selection, the Thunder could put Bryant on a 2-3 year developmental plan. Bryant is a great athlete and has a strong raw skill set as a versatile forward.

However, he still needs to hone his skill set if he’s going to be able to reach his ceiling as a prospect. On the Thunder, Bryant would have the time and support system to continue developing at his own pace. 

25. Orlando Magic (via DEN) - Boogie Fland, G, Arkansas 

Taking a flier on a playmaking guard with this second late first-round pick, Boogie Fland could be a fit for the Orlando Magic here at No. 25. Fland had an up-and-down freshman season and missed a good portion of the season because of injuries. The hope is that he’s put that behind him and that he could have a strong showing in the pre-draft process.

If he accomplishes that and proves that he can be a multi-faceted lead guard, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t carve out a spot in the first round. The Magic could use another potential option in the backcourt, especially one that could help take some of the playmaking pressure off of Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero. 

26. Brooklyn Nets (via NY) - Walter Clayton Jr., G, Florida 

Walter Clayton Jr. had a great showing as he helped lead the Florida Gators to a National Championship this season. He probably did just enough to cement himself as a potential first-round pick. The Brooklyn Nets, who have four first-round selections, could be a nice landing spot for Clayton.

If Clayton can bring his dynamic offensive skill set and knack for coming up big in clutch moments to the Nets, this is a move that could pay off dividends down the road. A slightly undersized offensive-minded guard, Clayton could be part of the insurance in the event the Nets lose Cam Thomas in free agency this summer.  

27. Brooklyn Nets (via HOU) - Joan Beringer, C, France 

With their final first-round pick, the Brooklyn Nets could take a flier on an intriguing big man prospect out of France. Joan Beringer still has plenty to prove as a prospect, but he does have all the measurables a team is going to be looking for in a developmental project at this point in the NBA Draft.

Still fairly new to the game of basketball, because of Beringer’s size and athleticism, the sky is the limit for Beringer. In the right developmental system, there’s reason to believe that Beringer could develop into a very good player down the line. As an ultimate project, the Nets could find value in taking a gamble on Beringer late in the first round. 

28. Boston Celtics - Labaron Philon, G, Alabama 

The Boston Celtics are hoping to win a second-straight NBA Championship, but their future is far from a certainty. Eventually, the CBA is going to catch up with the Celtics, and they’ll have to start shedding some salary to just survive.

Finding the right depth to balance out the loss of some key players could go a long way in keeping this team's momentum going. One prospect who could make a ton of sense for the Celtics is Labaron Philon. As a prospect who likely hasn’t even begun to play his best basketball, Philon could be an intriguing backcourt developmental project for the Celtics. 

29. Phoenix Suns (via CLE) - Will Riley, F, Illinois 

There’s a great expectation that the Phoenix Suns are going to undergo some big changes this offseason. At the NBA Draft, they could look to target a wing player to help be a part of their new look next season. One intriguing prospect with some two-way potential still on the board is Will Riley.

As a player who could theoretically fit on any team build, Riley will give the Suns some added flexibility heading into the offseason. Riley is not going to replace a Kevin Durant or Bradley Beal, but could offer the Suns some added depth on the wing, or perhaps another trade piece. 

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

The LA Clippers may have caught lightning in a bottle late in the season, especially with a healthy Kawhi Leonard. However, heading into the offseason, the Clippers will still be looking for effective ways to improve their supporting cast around their star core.

One promising prospect who was extremely productive during his time in college is Kam Jones. As one of the more experienced prospects in this draft class, the Clippers could take a flier on Jones with the hopes of him being a ready-to-contribute prospect from the opening jump.