2025 NBA Mock Draft: Pre-Combine & Lottery Edition
- Matt Babcock
- 1 day ago
- 7 min read
With the G League Elite Camp, NBA Draft Combine, and Lottery just around the corner, prospects are preparing for one of the most pivotal stretches of the pre-draft process.
This year’s class offers a compelling blend of elite freshmen, rising international standouts, and seasoned college players looking to solidify or elevate their draft stock. While the draft order remains uncertain, here’s how I currently project the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft, factoring in team needs, individual talent levels, and long-term potential:
Top 10
1. Utah Jazz – Cooper Flagg | F | DukeÂ
Flagg started the season as the top prospect, and nothing has changed. He possesses elite athleticism and a versatile two-way game. He is the favorite to become the No. 1 pick. We probably shouldn't overanalyze this one.
2. Washington Wizards – Dylan Harper | G | RutgersÂ
Harper is a savvy combo guard known for his scoring and playmaking ability as a 6'6" on-ball creator—a play style that should translate well to the NBA. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, as he is the son of former NBA player Ron Harper.
3. Charlotte Hornets – Ace Bailey | F | Rutgers
A terrific athlete, standing 6-foot-10, Bailey possesses raw talent and dynamic and tough shot-making ability that screams upside. His star potential is off the hook.
4. New Orleans Pelicans – VJ Edgecombe | G | BaylorÂ
Although he started the season slowly, he went from teasing with potential to producing at a high level. His explosive scoring and exceptional athleticism highlight his star potential.
5. Philadelphia 76ers – Tre Johnson | G | TexasÂ
A big two-guard, Johnson excels in scoring at all levels. His smooth shooting and alpha mentality make him a standout prospect. He can flat-out score, and that's valuable.
6. Brooklyn Nets – Jeremiah Fears | G | OklahomaÂ
A tough, well-rounded scoring lead guard, Fears was impressive this past season. He's hard to guard as he constantly puts pressure on opposing defenses, especially in the pick-and-roll. He possesses an NBA-type game.
7. Toronto Raptors – Derik Queen | C | MarylandÂ
Derik Queen is a polished and versatile big man. His impressive overall skill set makes him a multifaceted, big-bodied post player, and he may just be scratching the surface of his potential.
8. San Antonio Spurs – Kon Knueppel | G/F | DukeÂ
Knueppel, a sharpshooter with a high basketball IQ, excels as a shooter but has shown there's more to his game. He may never be the focal point of an offense, but shooting comes at a premium and translates well to the next level.
9. Houston Rockets – Khaman Maluach | C | DukeÂ
Maluach’s impressive 7-foot-2 frame and defensive impact complement his developing offensive game. While his skill set remains simple, it’s easy to envision a seamless pathway to success at the next level.
10. Portland Trail Blazers – Asa Newell | F/C | GeorgiaÂ
Newell's fluidity, explosiveness, and offensive potential make him a strong candidate for success as a modern NBA big man with a high ceiling. If he can improve his outside shooting, his value will skyrocket.
11-20
11. Dallas Mavericks – Egor Demin | G/F | BYUÂ
Few players possess Demin's vision and playmaking ability, especially at 6'9". Although his season was up and down, his potential is sky-high—he’s a unique prospect.
12. Chicago Bulls – Joan Beringer | F/C | Cedevita OlimpijaÂ
At 6'11", Beringer is an exciting long-term prospect. His physical profile, athleticism, and high motor stand out. His potential is significant, especially considering he turned 18 this past November.
13. Atlanta Hawks – Kasparas Jakucionis | G | IllinoisÂ
At 6'6", Jakucionis, a big on-ball guard from Lithuania, is a skilled playmaker and floor general with excellent vision and a great feel for the game.
14. San Antonio Spurs – Nolan Traore | G | Saint QuentinÂ
Traore is a tough, quick, and dynamic on-ball creator who keeps opposing defenses on their heels. He is one of the top prospects playing overseas this season.
15. Oklahoma City Thunder – Noa Essengue | F | Ratiopharm UlmÂ
This high-motor forward combines athleticism with defensive versatility, and his steadily improving offensive game hints at significant potential. He just turned 18 this past December.
16. Orlando Magic – Collin Murray-Boyles | F | South Carolina
A strong, physical forward with defensive versatility, Murray-Boyles excels in low-post scoring and rebounding. If he develops his outside shooting, it will open things up a lot for him.
17. Minnesota Timberwolves – Thomas Sorber | F/C | GeorgetownÂ
Sorber is a smooth and skilled big man. He had an impressive freshman season at Georgetown and played himself into becoming a likely first-round pick, and is considered one of the top big-man prospects.
18. Washington Wizards – Danny Wolf | F/C | MichiganÂ
At 7'0", Wolf plays like a guard, shooting threes, creating off the dribble, and facilitating. He's a unique prospect who has risen on draft boards in recent months for good reason.
19. Brooklyn Nets – Liam McNeeley | F | UConnÂ
McNeeley is one of the better shooters this year. His high basketball IQ and toughness elevate his stock. His winning mentality and the intangibles he brings should allow him to fill valuable complementary roles for years.
20. Miami Heat – Jase Richardson | G | Michigan StateÂ
Richardson’s impact as a true freshman on one of the best teams in the country can’t be ignored. He plays the right way, contributes to winning, and makes a tangible difference on the court.
21-30
21. Utah Jazz – Carter Bryant | F | ArizonaÂ
Bryant possesses the size, athleticism, and well-rounded skill set that NBA teams covet in today’s game. His potential and upside are significant.
22. Atlanta Hawks – Will Riley | F | Illinois
The NBA loves 6'8" versatile wings, and Riley’s ability to handle the ball and score in multiple ways at his size aligns perfectly with what teams are looking for. While he still needs to develop his body and refine his game, his upside is substantial.
23. Indiana Pacers – Alex Condon | C | FloridaÂ
I initially saw Condon as more likely to be in the 2026 NBA Draft, but he played himself into the mix. He’s a versatile big man who has a real chance to become a serviceable big, at the very least, for a long time.
24. Oklahoma City Thunder – Ben Saraf | G | Ratiopharm UlmÂ
A 6-foot-6 guard from Israel, Ben Saraf, has an impressive feel and is crafty. He excels as a jumbo playmaker and has performed impressively, rising as one of the top international prospects.
25. Orlando Magic – Hugo Gonzalez | G/F | Real MadridÂ
This versatile guard combines size, versatility, and feel for the game with a well-rounded skill set, making him one of the top international prospects this season.
26. Brooklyn Nets – Rasheer Fleming | F | Saint Joseph'sÂ
Fleming was terrific for Saint Joseph’s this season, showing versatility and impact on both ends. He checks many boxes, and the scouting world took notice.
27. Brooklyn Nets – Labaron Philon | G | AlabamaÂ
Philon’s skill, poise, and high basketball IQ have made him one of the season’s biggest surprises. Despite his slight frame, his vision, control, and aggressive mindset provide confidence that he belongs.
28. Boston Celtics – Yaxel Lendeborg | F | UABÂ
Lendeborg is an intriguing prospect who checks many boxes. His versatility at his size is unique. The pre-draft process could swing things one way or another for him.
29. Phoenix Suns – Nique Clifford | G/F | Colorado StateÂ
Clifford is an athletic wing player who excels at many little things and contributes to winning. If he continues to progress as an outside shooter, he has the potential to be an effective two-way player and connective piece at the next level.
30. Los Angeles Clippers – Walter Clayton Jr. | G | Florida
There’s a large enough sample size to evaluate Clayton Jr. properly, and there’s no denying his ability—he can flat-out score the ball. His play in March moved the needle regarding his draft stock.
31-40
41-59
44. Oklahoma City Thunder – Neoklis Avdalas | F | Peristeri BC →
48. Memphis Grizzlies – Sion James | F | Duke →
50. New York Knicks – Micah Peavy | F | Georgetown →
56. Memphis Grizzlies – Hansen Yang | C | Qingdao →
58. Cleveland Cavaliers – Javon Small | G | West Virginia →