2025 NBA Mock Draft: Updated Projections with the Pre-Draft Process in Full Swing

Matt Babcock
Jun 2
6 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

With the finalized lottery order, the NBA Draft Combine is behind us, and the early entry withdrawal deadline has officially passed. We’ve entered a crucial stretch of the pre-draft process.

This year’s class features a compelling mix of elite freshmen, rising international prospects, and seasoned college players, each vying to solidify their standing before draft night. Here’s how I currently project both rounds of the 2025 NBA Draft, factoring in team needs, individual talent, and long-term upside.

NBA Draft Lottery (Picks 1-14)

1. Dallas Mavericks – Cooper Flagg | F | Duke

After the abrupt end of the Luka Doncic era in Dallas, all signs now point to a bright new beginning for the Mavericks—sooner than expected: the Cooper Flagg era.

[Scouting Report →]

2. San Antonio Spurs – Dylan Harper | G | Rutgers

While there could be a bit of a logjam in San Antonio’s backcourt with newly acquired De’Aaron Fox and reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper is likely too talented to pass up. Assuming a healthy return for superstar Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs appear to be on the rise.

[Scouting Report →]

3. Philadelphia 76ers – Ace Bailey | F | Rutgers

There have been rumblings that this pick is being shopped, and the 76ers’ long-term direction remains unclear from the outside. However, if they stay put, Ace Bailey offers significant upside and long-term star potential.

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4. Charlotte Hornets – VJ Edgecombe | G | Baylor

VJ Edgecombe’s athleticism, dynamism, and long-term potential make this an easy pick. Whether or not Charlotte commits to continuing to build around LaMelo Ball long term, Edgecombe feels like the right guy at No. 4.

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5. Utah Jazz – Tre Johnson | G | Texas

Although I’m intrigued by Jeremiah Fears here, Texas’ Tre Johnson gives them a talented shooter and scorer who brings a different dimension to a young backcourt that already features on-ball creator Isaiah Collier and scoring combo guard Keyonte George. It’s a perimeter trio that could grow and thrive together.

[Scouting Report →]

6. Washington Wizards – Jeremiah Fears | G | Oklahoma

Washington already has some promising young developmental pieces in place, and pairing Jeremiah Fears with Bub Carrington in the backcourt could give them a modern, dynamic duo capable of putting real pressure on the rim. Regardless, landing Fears at No. 6 would be a high-value pick.

[Scouting Report →]

7. New Orleans Pelicans – Kon Knueppel | G/F | Duke

With new leadership in New Orleans, there are real questions about the team's direction. Could they consider a big like Khaman Maluach or Derik Queen? Maybe. But to play it safe, a high-IQ, knockdown shooter like Kon Knueppel can fit just about anywhere. So, for now, he’s my pick here.

[Scouting Report →]

8. Brooklyn Nets – Khaman Maluach | C | Duke

I’ve heard rumors that Khaman Maluach could be in play as high as No. 3, and some around the league don’t believe he’ll be available this late. They might be right. But if he’s still on the board at No. 8, Maluach can be penciled in as a potential long-term starter at the five—something that should intrigue any team at this stage of the draft.

[Scouting Report →]

9. Toronto Raptors – Derik Queen | F/C | Maryland

While the NBA Draft Combine may not have helped Derik Queen’s stock, with underwhelming athletic testing and interviews that were reportedly just okay, he could still offer Toronto something it currently lacks: a potential high-impact offensive player with long-term upside who can play either big position.

[Scouting Report →]

10. Houston Rockets – Kasparas Jakucionis | G | Illinois

I really like Houston’s young core, and they’re facing some good problems to have, like how many more young players they can realistically bring in. While this may be a bit high for Kasparas Jakucionis, I like the fit. From a roster construction standpoint, he’s a big point guard who makes sense as a long-term piece alongside their current group.

[Scouting Report →]

11. Portland Trail Blazers – Asa Newell | F/C | Georgia

He needs to get stronger, and his outside shooting is undoubtedly a swing skill. Still, Asa Newell offers significant upside as a fluid-moving face-up four. If things click in the long term, there’s a clear pathway for him to become Portland’s starting power forward. At No. 11, he’d be an excellent pick.

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12. Chicago Bulls – Egor Demin | G/F | BYU

Although he had an up-and-down season at BYU, Egor Demin does some special things at 6-foot-9, particularly as a playmaker. He seems to be gaining momentum at just the right time heading into the draft. The idea of a team featuring both Josh Giddey and Demin, dishing slick passes all over the court, would be a sight to see.

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13. Atlanta Hawks – Nolan Traore | G | Saint Quentin

There seem to be many questions about whether teams will commit to their veteran stars long term, and Trae Young and the Hawks are a prime example. While I could see Atlanta targeting a big man here, I’m going with Nolan Traore. He has the potential to become a starting point guard, and whether Trae stays or not, Traore could offer valuable depth and long-term upside either way.

[Scouting Report →]

14. San Antonio Spurs – Carter Bryant | F | Arizona

Positional size, high-level athleticism, a well-rounded skill set, and promising intangibles make Arizona’s Carter Bryant feel like a prototypical prospect in many ways. Although he played only a limited role as a freshman, he would give San Antonio another developing piece with the potential to become a versatile contributor over time.

[Scouting Report →]