After securing the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft Lottery, the Mavericks have the opportunity to select Cooper Flagg. Let’s dive into a two-round mock draft now that the draft order has been set.
Below is my projection for the draft. You can access this mock draft and detailed scouting reports for all prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft Guide here.
Congratulations to the Mavericks on winning the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes! This marks a significant moment for the team, especially after trading Luka Dončić just a few months ago. Flagg is a versatile forward known for his hustle, passing skills, and shooting ability. He is considered the top prospect in both offense and defense in this draft class, making him a safe choice as the No. 1 pick. Flagg’s potential as a shot creator will determine whether he reaches his All-Star potential or even surpasses it to achieve a Hall of Fame career.
The Spurs, with the option to trade this pick for Giannis Antetokounmpo, might consider their next move. Harper, a left-handed combo guard with NBA lineage, could be an option. He brings a high basketball IQ, playmaking abilities, and a solid skill set. However, the Spurs already have depth in the guard position, which might lead them to explore other trade opportunities.
As the Sixers aim to address their offensive struggles, drafting Bailey could be a solution. Bailey is known for his exceptional shot-making abilities and scoring prowess. While he complements players like Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain, the Sixers need to weigh the option of waiting for his development against the urgency to capitalize on Joel Embiid’s prime years.
Edgecombe, an explosive wing with a diverse skill set, could be a valuable addition for Charlotte. His athleticism, shooting prowess, and defensive capabilities make him a promising prospect, especially alongside LaMelo Ball.
Knueppel’s smart playmaking and scoring abilities could benefit the Jazz, particularly when paired with Lauri Markkanen. While he brings a sharpshooter’s touch, his overall athleticism might limit his potential to take over games.
The Wizards, despite missing out on higher draft picks, have the opportunity to select Johnson. A clutch shot-maker with scoring abilities, Johnson’s presence could address Washington’s offensive woes. However, his development in point guard skills and defensive improvements will be crucial for his success.
The Pelicans, in need of a future point guard, could turn to Fears. Fears’ dynamic playing style, shooting skills, and shot-creating abilities make him a potential star in the making. With time and development, he could emerge as a key player for New Orleans.
Queen, a versatile big man with guard-like handles, offers unique skills to the Nets. His interior scoring, playmaking, and rebounding make him an intriguing prospect, especially for a team like Brooklyn with a fresh start.
Maluach, a rim protector with mobility, could anchor the Raptors’ defense in the long run. While he excels defensively, his offensive game requires refinement and experience. Patience will be key for Toronto as Maluach continues to develop.
Jakucionis, a creative shot creator with passing abilities, could be a valuable asset for the Rockets. His scoring instincts and playmaking skills make him a potential offensive engine. With room for growth and development, Jakucionis could become a key player for Houston.
The Blazers, emphasizing defense, could consider Murray-Boyles to bolster their lineup. His defensive prowess, combined with his scoring and playmaking abilities, could elevate Portland’s defensive capabilities. Improving his shooting could further enhance his impact.
Richardson, a skilled combo guard with a lethal midrange game, might fit well alongside Josh Giddey in Chicago. His scoring abilities and off-ball movement could complement the Bulls’ roster. Although his height and athleticism might pose challenges, Richardson’s attributes could thrive in the Bulls’ system.
Essengue, a toolsy forward with a developing jumper, offers versatility to the Hawks. His defensive potential and overall skill set make him an appealing prospect. However, his long-term success hinges on his shooting consistency and defensive improvements.
14. San Antonio Spurs (via Atlanta): Egor Demin, G, BYU
Demin’s unique passing abilities could bring a new dimension to the Spurs’ frontcourt. While he faces challenges in shooting and shot creation, his potential as a playmaker could benefit San Antonio’s roster.
The Thunder, known for drafting raw forwards, could consider Bryant as a versatile addition. Bryant’s shooting improvements and defensive versatility make him a valuable prospect. With room for growth, he could become a key player for Oklahoma City.
The Magic, in need of shooting, might turn to McNeeley for his sharpshooting abilities. McNeeley’s scoring instincts and passing skills make him a valuable asset for Orlando. While he may not be a primary shot creator, his offensive contributions could enhance the Magic’s offense.
17. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Detroit): Nique Clifford
Clifford’s toughness and all-around skills make him a versatile wing for the Timberwolves. His defensive abilities, rebounding, and scoring make him a valuable addition to Minnesota’s roster.
Newell, known for his athleticism and shot-blocking, could provide defensive depth for the Wizards. His energy and defensive capabilities could complement Washington’s existing lineup.
Traoré’s scoring potential and speed offer upside for the Nets. His recent performance and shooting improvements make him an intriguing prospect for Brooklyn. With further development, Traoré could become a key player for the Nets.
Pat Riley’s desire to continue coaching could influence the Heat’s draft strategy. Penda, with his playmaking skills and defensive utility, could be a solid addition to Miami. While he needs to improve his shooting, his overall game could benefit the Heat’s roster.
Riley, a shot-creating wing, might enhance the Jazz’s versatility. His offensive abilities and potential as a scorer could add depth to Utah’s lineup. While his defense and shooting consistency require improvement, Riley’s skills could thrive in the Jazz’s system.
Coward’s rise from Division III to a potential first-round pick showcases his development. His 3-and-D skill set, passing vision, and shooting abilities make him a promising prospect. With continued growth, Coward could become a valuable player for the Hawks.
Raynaud, a talented passer and shooter, could provide depth at center for the Pacers. His playmaking skills and defensive capabilities make him a valuable asset for Indiana. With room for growth, Raynaud could contribute significantly to the Pacers’ lineup.
Lendeborg’s all-around skills and dominant performances offer promise for the Thunder. His scoring abilities, rebounding, and defensive versatility make him a valuable prospect. With further development, Lendeborg could become a key player for Oklahoma City.
Pettiford, a combo guard with shooting skills, could bolster the Magic’s backcourt. His scoring abilities and playmaking instincts make him a valuable asset for Orlando. While he needs to improve his shot selection and decision-making, Pettiford’s potential could benefit the Magic’s offense.
Wolf’s versatility and playmaking abilities offer a unique skill set for the Nets. His creativity and scoring potential make him a valuable addition to Brooklyn’s roster. With room for improvement in shooting and ball-handling, Wolf could become a key player for the Nets.
The Nets’ roster overhaul could lead to multiple guard selections in the draft. Saraf, with his playmaking skills and size, could complement Brooklyn’s lineup. While his shooting abilities need refinement, Saraf’s potential as a playmaker makes him a valuable prospect for the Nets.
Al Horford’s future and the need for center depth could influence the Celtics’ draft strategy. Sorber, with his interior scoring and passing skills, could provide depth at center for Boston. While his shooting and defensive improvements are essential, Sorber’s potential as a versatile big man could benefit the Celtics.
Clayton, a fearless shooter, could add scoring depth to the Suns’ lineup. His shooting abilities and versatility make him a valuable asset for Phoenix. While his size and athleticism might limit his upside, Clayton’s scoring prowess could benefit the Suns’ offense.
Fleming, known for his shooting and defensive capabilities, could provide depth for the Clippers. His spot-up shooting and defensive prowess make him a valuable prospect for Los Angeles. While his ball-handling skills need improvement, Fleming’s potential as a 3-and-D player could benefit the Clippers.
SECOND ROUND
Kalkbrenner, a traditional 7-footer with shot-blocking abilities, could bolster the Timberwolves’ frontcourt. His presence in the paint and development in passing and shooting skills make him a valuable asset for Minnesota.
Thiero, an athletic wing with slashing abilities, could add depth to the Celtics’ wing rotation. His scoring potential and defensive versatility make him a promising prospect for Boston. While his shooting needs improvement, Thiero’s length and versatility offer value to the Celtics.
Marković, a modern stretch forward, could provide shooting depth for the Hornets. His shooting abilities and passing skills make him a valuable asset for Charlotte. While his physical development is crucial for NBA competition, Marković’s potential as a stretch forward could benefit the Hornets.
Brea, a shooting specialist, could bolster the Hornets’ shooting depth. His sharpshooting skills and passing instincts make him a valuable asset for Charlotte. While his athleticism and defense need improvement, Brea’s shooting abilities offer value to the Hornets.
Powell, a switch-everything defender, could provide defensive depth for the Sixers. His defensive capabilities and spot-up shooting make him a valuable prospect for Philadelphia. While his overall game requires refinement, Powell’s defensive intensity and scoring potential could benefit the Sixers.
Gonzalez, a high-motor wing with defensive tools, could offer versatility for the Nets. His defensive capabilities and slashing style make him a valuable addition to Brooklyn’s roster. While his playing time overseas was limited, Gonzalez’s potential as a two-way player could benefit the Nets.
This concludes Detroit’s lone pick in the draft. Philon, a shifty point guard with scoring abilities, could contribute to the Pistons’ backcourt. His scoring instincts and playmaking skills make him a valuable asset for Detroit. While his shooting consistency is crucial for long-term success, Philon’s potential as a playmaker could benefit the Pistons.
The Spurs, aiming to enhance their core, could turn to Uzan for his playmaking skills. Uzan’s high basketball IQ and defensive hustle make him a valuable prospect for San Antonio. With improved shooting abilities, Uzan’s potential as a connector could benefit the Spurs.
Byrd, known for his defensive impact, could provide depth for the Raptors. His defensive abilities and transition game make him a valuable prospect for Toronto. While his handle and shooting need refinement, Byrd’s potential as a defensive contributor could benefit the Raptors.
Tonje, an athletic guard with scoring abilities, could provide depth for the Bucks. His scoring potential and defensive versatility make him a promising prospect for Milwaukee. While his athleticism and defense are areas of improvement, Tonje’s scoring prowess offers value to the Bucks.
Jones, a crafty combo guard with shot-creating abilities, could add scoring depth to the Warriors’ lineup. His scoring instincts and playmaking skills make him a valuable asset for Golden State. While his shooting consistency needs improvement, Jones’ potential as a scorer could benefit the Warriors.
Beringer, a center with defensive versatility, could provide solutions for the Kings. His defensive abilities and scoring potential make him a valuable addition to Sacramento’s roster. While his development as a free throw shooter is crucial, Beringer’s potential as a defensive anchor could benefit the Kings.
Martin, a high-energy guard with toughness, might fit well in the Cavaliers’ lineup. His rebounding, defense, and scoring abilities make him a valuable prospect for Cleveland. While his shooting and creation abilities need refinement, Martin’s energy and defensive intensity could benefit the Cavaliers.
Yang, a scoring forward with passing skills, could provide versatility for the Lakers. His scoring abilities and passing instincts make him a valuable addition to Los Angeles’ roster. While his slow feet and shooting range need improvement, Yang’s potential as a playmaker offers value to the Lakers.
After missing out on bigs in the lottery, the Bulls might consider Condon for frontcourt depth. His motor, defensive abilities, and passing skills make him a valuable prospect for Chicago. While his shooting and interior size require development, Condon’s potential as a versatile big man could benefit the Bulls.
Toohey, a versatile forward with all-around skills, could add depth to the Magic’s roster. His hustle, passing abilities, and defensive capabilities make him a valuable prospect for Orlando. While his shooting and decision-making need refinement, Toohey’s versatility offers value to the Magic.
The future of Giannis Antetokounmpo might influence the Bucks’ draft strategy. Fland, a point guard with shot-making abilities, could provide playmaking depth for Milwaukee. While his paint finishing and shooting consistency need improvement, Fland’s potential as a playmaker could benefit the Bucks.
Williams, an all-around forward with versatility, might fit well in the Grizzlies’ system. His scoring abilities, rebounding, and defensive versatility make him a valuable prospect for Memphis. While his athleticism and defense are areas of development, Williams’ winning qualities offer value to the Grizzlies.
James Harden’s need for support in playmaking could lead the Clippers to consider Nembhard. His floor general skills and scoring potential make him a valuable addition to Los Angeles’ backcourt. While his size and playmaking abilities need improvement, Nembhard’s potential as a facilitator could benefit the Clippers.
Dixon, a physical forward with toughness, could add depth to the Suns’ lineup. His defensive abilities and scoring potential make him a valuable prospect for Phoenix. While his athleticism and shooting consistency require development, Dixon’s toughness and defensive contributions offer value to the Suns.
Utah’s final pick lands them Proctor, a former lottery pick with potential. Proctor’s shooting improvements and playmaking skills make him a valuable asset for the Jazz. While his shooting and defense need refinement, Proctor’s potential as a playmaker could benefit Utah.
Watkins, a versatile player with scoring and defensive abilities, could provide depth for the Pacers. His offensive capabilities and defensive versatility make him a valuable prospect for Indiana. While his shooting and defensive improvements are essential, Watkins’ potential as a two-way player could benefit the Pacers.
Luis, a rugged wing with defensive intensity, could bolster the Lakers’ lineup. His defensive capabilities and versatility make him a valuable addition to Los Angeles’ roster. While his shooting and decision-making need refinement, Luis’ defensive intensity and versatility offer value to the Lakers.
Ružić, a sharpshooting forward with passing skills, could provide depth for the Grizzlies. His shooting abilities and passing instincts make him a valuable asset for Memphis. While his physical development is crucial for NBA competition, Ružić’s potential as a shooter offers value to the Grizzlies.
Toohey, a jack-of-all-trades forward with hustle and defensive abilities, could add depth to the Magic’s rotation. His hustle, passing skills, and defensive capabilities make him a valuable prospect for Orlando. While his shooting and decision-making require refinement, Toohey’s versatility offers value to the Magic.
If the Cavaliers make changes to their roster, Almansa could provide frontcourt depth. Almansa’s scoring abilities and rebounding make him a valuable prospect for Cleveland. While his development and physical growth are crucial, Almansa’s potential as a big man could benefit the Cavaliers.
The Rockets, in need of scoring options, might consider Williams for his scoring prowess. Williams’ shot-making abilities and offensive skills make him a valuable addition to Houston’s lineup. While his age might be a factor, Williams’ scoring ability offers value to the Rockets.