| # | Team | Player | Pos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
 |
Cooper Flagg | SF | |||
 The Mavs hope to compete now and Flagg is good enough to help them do it alongside Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving. Simultaneously though, he gives them a prospect who can grow into the future face of their franchise. He's versatile, competitive and athletic with a quiet killer instinct and fits the two-way mentality that Nico Harrison has preached about. |
||||||
| 2 |
 |
Dylan Harper | PG | |||
 Harper is a big lead guard with positional size, strength, length and great basketball instincts. His long-term upside could ultimately be dictated by his shooting and durability but there is consistent optimism about what he can grow into. The fit in San Antonio is a little clunky alongside De'Aaron Fox and Steph Castle, but the amount of long-term upside around Wemby still creates extreme optimism. |
||||||
| 3 |
 |
Tre Johnson | SG | |||
 After Ace Bailey cancelled his workout in Philadelphia, V.J. Edgecombe became the player most often associated with the Sixers. While that is definitely still a possibility, the Sixers are also believed to be extremely interested in Johnson. He is a potent scorer and shot-maker who not only put up big numbers right away at Texas last year, but exceeded expectations with his overall efficiency while doing it. |
||||||
| 4 |
 |
VJ Edgecombe | SG | |||
 If Johnson is, in fact, the pick at 3, it would be an ideal scenario for Charlotte, who is believed to covet Edgecombe and reportedly even contemplating a deal to move up to get him. He is one of the best athletes and competitors in the draft. He puts downhill pressure on the rim, has exciting defensive upside and made steady strides with both his shooting and his overall guard skills within the last year. |
||||||
| 5 |
 |
Kon Knueppel | SF | |||
 Of all the decision makers most likely to hold their ground against Bailey's camp, the Ainges are at the very top of the list. So, there's a chance Bailey could be the pick even though he declined to workout in Utah. If not, Knueppel makes sense. He has one of the highest floors in this draft because he's skilled, shoots it well, knows how to play with other good players and can hold his own defensively. |
||||||
| 6 |
 |
Ace Bailey | SF | |||
 If Bailey falls all the way to this spot, it won't be because of his talent, it will be because his representation forced his way here. I still believe he's a top three prospect in the draft. He's a jumbo wing, high-level athlete and tough shot-maker. But he refused to workout with Philadelphia, Charlotte and Washington, all in an apparent effort to force his way to Washington or New Orleans, where his representation seems to believe he will have the most immediate opportunity. |
||||||
| 7 |
 |
Jeremiah Fears | PG | |||
|
The Pelicans have been one of the teams reportedly interested in moving up, with Bailey and Johnson being the two targets most typically linked to. If they are unable to do so, Fears is probably the favorite. He is a high-risk high-reward prospect and a big swing for Joe Dumars, who is betting on his playmaking, burst and ability to get into the paint, while hoping for gains in shooting, defense and efficiency amidst less volume. |
||||||
| 8 |
 |
Khaman Maluach | C | |||
|
The interest in Maluach has continued to rise as we get closer to draft night. The Spurs are reportedly interested in trading up to pair him with Wemby, but Brooklyn may well snatch him as their big man of the future. Maluach is 7-2 with a 7-6 wingspan. He's mobile and athletic for his size, a massive lob threat, rim-runner and developing shot-blocker. That archetype has consistently hit in recent years and Maluach has game-changing size even by NBA standards. |
||||||
| 9 |
 |
Kasparas Jakucionis | PG | |||
|
If Maluach is off the board here, Toronto could look to Jakucionis to stabilize their backcourt. His highest upside is as a point guard with good size, skill and processing instincts. There may also be a world where he turns out to be better as a secondary playermaker who isn't responsible for creating the primary advantage, but for maintaining it once a more dynamic attacker has done so. |
||||||
| 10 |
 |
Collin Murray-Boyles | PF | |||
|
Mock Trade from: PHO The Rockets will be making this pick for the Suns as part of the Kevin Durant deal that can't be finalized until after the draft. Phoenix should be focused on the frontcourt where Murray-Boyles could potentially step right in. CMB is long, strong, very smart, a good rebounder, impactful on both ends of the floor and versatile definitely. If the shooting ever comes on, he could have real value here. |
||||||
| 11 |
 |
Carter Bryant | SF | |||
|
Houston was viewed as a likely destination for Bryant, but with Phoenix more likely to focus on a big, he could fall to Portland, which would be welcome news for the Blazers. Bryant only averaged 6 points and 4 rebounds, but shot 46% on unguarded catch-and-shoot 3s, defended everything from point guards to forwards and is just 19 years old. Toronto could give him a look at No. 9,too. If Fears and/or CMB are on the board here, they could be options too. |
||||||
| 12 |
 |
Noa Essengue | PF | |||
|
Essengue is one of the youngest and most athletic players in the draft. His court coverage, fluidity and leaping ability for his size are all glaring. He also measured better than expected at 6-10 with a 7-1 wingspan. He still needs to get stronger and polish his overall game, but he's made notable strides in recent months in Germany, is already able to impact a high level of international play and has substantial untapped potential. |
||||||
| 13 |
 |
Joan Beringer | C | |||
|
The first decision to be made in Atlanta is whether or not they're going to continue to build around Trae Young. If the answer is yes, then finding a future center and lob partner should be a top priority. Beringer is an extreme athlete, very young (he won't turn 19 until next November) and his archetype – as a rim-running, shot-blocking, lob threat – consistently hits, especially when you add his mobility and terrific hands. |
||||||
| 14 |
|
Cedric Coward | SG | |||
 There are increasing signs that the Spurs would like to go big here, but if they can't move up to get Maluach and Beringer is off the board, they might opt to add a wing who can shoot and defend. Coward has massively long arms, huge hands and a frame that should keep evolving. He'd provide some much-needed floor spacing and also has the tools to be a valuable wing defender. |
||||||
| 15 |
 |
Derik Queen | C | |||
 Queen is the best player on the board at this point and so while the fit isn't a glaringly obvious one in OKC, Sam Presti isn't likely to let him pass, especially when there could be a trade market which allows him to push his draft assets down the road without taking up another roster spot now. Queen is a highly skilled big man, particularly as a dribbler and passer, whose potential will come in correlation to his defense, shooting and conditioning. |
||||||
| 16 |
 |
Liam McNeeley | SF | |||
|
Just three years after the Grizzlies drafted Jake LaRavia, McNeeley fills a similar archetype with more natural talent. The former five-star recruit is a big wing who is skilled, competitive and a quick processor. After striking gold with Jaylen Wells in the second-round last year, the hope is that this duo could be a long-term tandem. Murray-Boyles, Coward, Egor Demin and Danny Wolf may also be in play here. |
||||||
| 17 |
 |
Egor Demin | PG | |||
|
Most believe that Minnesota will look to address their frontcourt with this pick. There's also a need for a ball-mover alongside Anthony Edwards and other scoring guards like Rob Dillingham. Demin might check both boxes. While he's often called a point guard, he measured out at over 6-9 with shoes on and most often defended opposing forwards last year with BYU. Most importantly, he may be the best passer in the draft. |
||||||
| 18 |
|
Asa Newell | PF | |||
|
Newell got an earlier green room invitation than most were expecting, which is typically a strong indication that he wasn't being mocked aggressively enough. The southpaw provides a high-energy and mobile big who can split time between the four and the five. His physicality would make a nice complement for Alex Sarr and if the shooting ever clicks, this will end up being terrific value at 18. |
||||||
| 19 |
|
Nolan Traore | PG | |||
|
If Broklyn doesn't take a guard like Fears or Jakucionis at 8, then they could look to add one here. Traore came into the draft cycle viewed as a potential top five pick and while his stock dipped during the course of the season, he played some of his best basketball late in the year with Saint-Quentin. He has extreme speed and playmaking ability, but is also showing some recent gains with his shooting that are very encouraging. If they go with a guard early, someone like Thomas Sorber could be in play here. |
||||||
| 20 |
 |
Walter Clayton Jr. | PG | |||
 Clayton has reportedly had multiple workouts in Miami and recently cancelled workouts towards the end of the first-round, which is probably very telling. He is one of the very best shooters in this draft, has the versatility to play both on and off the ball and the physical strength to be a more competitive defender in the NBA than we saw for most of his college career. |
||||||
| 21 |
|
Nique Clifford | SF | |||
|
Utah is reportedly interested in moving up on draft night. If no scenarios emerge that make sense for them, adding another piece on the wing would make sense. Liam McNeeley is believed to be a target, but if he's not available then Clifford provides a two-way player and good athlete who could evolve into a nice 3-and-D option if the shooting gains he made at Colorado State prove to be sustainable. |
||||||
| 22 |
|
Will Riley | SF | |||
|
If Atlanta goes for a big at 13, they'll likely look to solidify their backcourt depth at 22. Riley is a long-term stock as he builds up his body and gets more consistent overall, but one with a significant upside. He measured at over 6-8 without shoes and has shown flashes of both playmaking and shooting. None of that is NBA ready just yet, but at this point in the draft, the potential for a big secondary guard could be enticing. |
||||||
| 23 |
|
Danny Wolf | PF | |||
|
Acquired in last week's deal with Indiana, if New Orleans is able to move up, it may very well be by packaging their picks. If they keep the pick, Wolf provides a highly skilled face-up big man who could pair with either Yves Missi or Zion Williamson. He's an excellent handler, passer and playmaker for his size. The shooting needs to catch up a bit, but he has the touch to do it. |
||||||
| 24 |
|
Thomas Sorber | C | |||
|
OKC has been one of the teams linked to Sorber for several weeks now and while the Thunder are somewhat notorious for putting out a lot of smokescreens, this could be a logical fit. Sorber has massive measurements and was viewed as a riser coming out of the combine. Since then though, as he's continued to rehab from his late season injury, questions about his conditioning have resurfaced that have cooled the enthusiasm a bit. If OKC goes for more of a wing then both Noah Penda and Hugo Gonzalez could be in play. |
||||||
| 25 |
 |
Jase Richardson | SG | |||
|
Orlando could use two things here – backcourt depth and shooting and Richardson checks both of those boxes. An undersized lefty combo who was a versatile and efficient scoring threat last year for Michigan State, he has on/off ball versatility, can score at various levels within the flow of the game and is a high processor. As he builds up his body and further develops his right hand, he'll continue to ascend. |
||||||
| 26 |
|
Noah Penda | SF | |||
|
If Maluach weren't the pick in the lottery, then Ryan Kalkbrenner would be in play here. Instead, a versatile two-way wing like Penda, with an NBA ready body, could make more sense. He's a playmaking defender, high IQ player and good connector. If Brooklyn's player development program can impact his shooting, the return could be high here. |
||||||
| 27 |
|
Maxime Raynaud | C | |||
|
While I have Kalkbrenner a little higher on my board, Raynaud has a better chance of fitting alongside Maluach and Nic Claxton because of his shooting. In fact, the 7-footer made 45% of his open catch-and-shoot 3-pointers. He also puts the ball on the floor well for his size and is a good athlete at the rim. The 10.6 rebounds per game are also extremely notable. |
||||||
| 28 |
 |
Ryan Kalkbrenner | C | |||
|
This would be the second year in a row that the Celtics use their first-round pick on a player from Creighton after picking Baylor Scheierman last year. It's very possible Kalkbrenner isn't on the board, but if he is, expect the Celtics to jump at him. With extreme uncertainty about their center position next year, Kalkbrenner gives them one of the biggest players in the league, a drop coverage monster, a durable big body and maybe even a potential standstill shooting threat down the road. |
||||||
| 29 |
 |
Drake Powell | SF | |||
|
The Suns need frontcourt depth and have also been linked to guards like Clayton and Richardson. Rasheer Fleming may make some sense here, but if they want to take a long-term swing, Powell could interest them. The offense is a major work in progress, but the defense is good and if the shooting potential ever clicks then he's a valuable 3-and-D wing for the next decade-plus in the league. |
||||||
| 30 |
 |
Hugo Gonzalez | SF | |||
|
Gonzalez is a physical wing who has solid size, good athleticism and plenty of strength. He's a high motor player known for his two-way competitiveness. He's a very good on-ball defender, but not unlike Edgecombe, has to improve on the weakside. The swing skill is the shooting. He's been a big name in Spain for a couple years now, but hasn't developed his total offensive game quite as consistently as hoped |
||||||
| # | Team | Player | Pos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Cooper Flagg | SF | |||
|
Flagg is the clear No. 1 prospect in the class and the no-brainer No. 1 pick. He is the second-highest-graded player in my database since 2017 behind only Victor Wembanyama. |
||||||
| 2 |
|
Dylan Harper | PG | |||
|
The fit for Harper in San Antonio next to De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle on paper isn't completely seamless but the debate about it, ultimately, is meaningless. Harper is the No. 2 prospect in the class by a wide margin for me, and with a potential All-Star ceiling I suspect San Antonio prioritizes talent over fit as any smart organization would do in this spot. |
||||||
| 3 |
|
VJ Edgecombe | SG | |||
|
Philly is the wild card of draft night with the possibility of it moving back from No. 3, dealing the pick or taking any number of prospects ranging from Edgecombe to Ace Bailey or Tre Johnson. Sticking to pick feels the prudent and most likely option, and Edgecombe -- a two-way guard with tremendous athleticism -- is a perfect blend of talent and fit for No. 3. |
||||||
| 4 |
|
Kon Knueppel | SF | |||
|
Knueppel is the best shooter in the draft class and his fit in Charlotte next to Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball is impossible to ignore. The Hornets feel like a sneaky contender to move up to grab Edgecombe, who has elevated in NBA circles as the potential No. 3 pick. But if they don't, Knueppel or Johnson could be killer consolation prizes. |
||||||
| 5 |
|
Jeremiah Fears | PG | |||
|
Fears is arguably the biggest boom-or-bust proposition in this draft with flashes of stardom in his one season at Oklahoma mixed in with some worrying red flags that admittedly are tough to overlook. He'll need to develop his shot to be a threat at the next level and excise the errant passes that were too frequently a feature of his game. |
||||||
| 6 |
|
Ace Bailey | SF | |||
|
Bailey's curious handling of the pre-draft process -- including canceling on a workout with the 76ers last week days before it was slated to take place -- has potentially cost him millions and imperiled his position as a top-five pick. But his combination of size, scoring and youth at this point feels tough to pass on. Washington could welcome him into a position where he walks in as a rookie averaging 18+ points per game. |
||||||
| 7 |
|
Tre Johnson | SG | |||
|
Johnson led freshmen in Division I last season in scoring and made more 3-pointers than any player in his class to boot. He's a bucket-getter who has opened eyes not just with his versatility as a scorer, but with his rounded skill set as a playmaker, too. He's in play as high as No. 3 but could go outside the top five, too. One determining factor may be which direction Utah, seen as a wild card, goes at No. 5. |
||||||
| 8 |
|
Khaman Maluach | C | |||
|
Brooklyn, for now, is armed with FIVE first-round picks and may be more willing than most in this draft to bet on a prospect like Maluach, who is a raw talent having picked up basketball as a teenager. He's a 7-foot-2 big with a 7-foot-6 wingspan and capable of wrecking things on the defensive end. |
||||||
| 9 |
|
Noa Essengue | PF | |||
|
Essengue is a big riser over the last month and someone who could sneak into the top 10 on draft night. Teams are enamored by the combination of his 6-foot-10 frame and traits as an athletic marvel who can develop into a swiss-army knife defensive stopper. Toronto and Chicago could be viable landing spots for him in the lottery. |
||||||
| 10 |
|
Carter Bryant | SF | |||
|
Mock Trade from: PHO Bryant was merely a bit player in his one season at Arizona but his big frame and promise as a two-way wing who can defend and shoot make him a potential lottery pick in this year's class. He could add a 3-and-D dimension to a Phoenix team now set to move forward with Devin Booker and Jalen Green as its top two options. |
||||||
| 11 |
|
Egor Demin | PG | |||
|
Portland shook up its backcourt in a big way this week in dealing Anfernee Simons to Boston in return for Jrue Holiday. Demin could give the team a big point to develop for the long-term to help learn under an aging Holiday. |
||||||
| 12 |
|
Derik Queen | C | |||
|
Queen's the best big man passer in the class with the skill to be a playmaking hub from his position. This feels like a good landing spot for him in Chicago as they add to their frontcourt for the starting center of the future, but there's a wide range for him in this area that starts in the top 10 and reaches potentially outside the lottery. |
||||||
| 13 |
|
Kasparas Jakucionis | PG | |||
|
This would be a further fall than expected for Jakucionis but it's increasingly hard to find a robust market for true point guards who have flaws in their profile. Jakucionis is a tremendous playmaker but he was turnover-prone at Illinois and shot just 31.8% on 3s. |
||||||
| 14 |
|
Joan Beringer | C | |||
|
San Antonio adds a Frenchman to its ranks to complement another Frenchman already within its ranks, giving Victor Wembanyama a dynamic big to play and grow around long-term. Beringer is the best shot-blocker in the class and someone whose skill set would fit hand-in-glove as a lob threat next to Dylan Harper, De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle. |
||||||
| 15 |
|
Cedric Coward | SG | |||
|
A late-riser whose steam over the last month has pushed him firmly into the lottery conversation, Coward and his versatility as a multipositional wing with athleticism and scoring fits the archetype that'd make perfect sense for a championship roster in OKC. |
||||||
| 16 |
|
Collin Murray-Boyles | PF | |||
|
This is lower than I expect Murray-Boyles to go on draft night but he is a tough one to peg given his profile as a shorter power forward who has clear limitations as a shooter. He's a throwback player who can win with efficiency in the paint and add physicality on defense. |
||||||
| 17 |
|
Danny Wolf | PF | |||
|
Minnesota has very few holes on its roster but Julius Randle and Naz Reid have upcoming player options on which to decide, so the front office may be wise to consider stacking frontcourt talent either as insurance or for future investments. Wolf is a 6-foot-11 big who has skills of a point guard with his passing and playmaking. Unique prospect who can add value on both ends of the floor. |
||||||
| 18 |
|
Liam McNeeley | SF | |||
|
Washington's second pick in the top-20 of the draft nets it another former five-star from last year's class in McNeeley to add next to Ace Bailey in this mock. McNeeley is a competitive wing who can fit in any system and has long-term shooting potential. |
||||||
| 19 |
|
Jase Richardson | SG | |||
|
The son of former NBA player Jason Richardson, Jase, is a silky smooth scorer who can play on and off the ball and would give Brooklyn positional flexibility next to Egor Demin in this mock. |
||||||
| 20 |
|
Walter Clayton Jr. | PG | |||
|
Few teams have as much up-close exposure to Clayton Jr., a Florida native who played at Florida the last two seasons and led the team to the national title this spring. He's a dynamic shot-maker who can add versatility scoring on dribble jumpers and could elevate Miami's backcourt. |
||||||
| 21 |
|
Nolan Traore | PG | |||
|
A Tre Johnson + Nolan Traore haul would overhaul Utah's backcourt and serve as a foundation piece for its new decision-makers. Traore is a prodigious talent from France who has come on strong in the LNB Pro A down the stretch of the season. |
||||||
| 22 |
|
Asa Newell | PF | |||
|
Mock Trade from: BKN This pick was acquired by Brooklyn on Tuesday via Atlanta to give the Nets a fifth first-rounder in this year's draft. Newell would be a best-player-available selection to add a 6-foot-11 rim-running big who can block shots -- and someone who could be on the move if Brooklyn keeps the pick. |
||||||
| 23 |
|
Thomas Sorber | C | |||
|
Sorber is an unexpected one-and-done from Georgetown who at No. 23 might be one of the best values in this mock. He dominated the glass in college and measured just over 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot-6 wingspan at the Combine. |
||||||
| 24 |
|
Yanic Konan Niederhauser | C | |||
|
Mock Trade from: UTA OKC has two first round picks in this draft and an imminent roster crunch that may prompt it to consider moving off one or both selections. Given that I have a projected mock trade with Utah moving in to this slot to secure big man Yanic Konan Niederhauser from Penn State who has enjoyed a strong pre-draft process and profiles as a promising big with starting upside. |
||||||
| 25 |
|
Nique Clifford | SF | |||
|
Orlando may look elsewhere positionally after trading for Desmond Bane but adding a player like Clifford who could help contribute early in his NBA career would make sense for the Magic in a wide-open East. He's a five-year college player who improved each season and developed into a star at Colorado State. |
||||||
| 26 |
|
Noah Penda | SF | |||
|
A French prospect putting together a strong season with Le Mans, Penda checks several boxes as a long forward who can score inside and out and match up well physically defending multiple positions. He could give Brooklyn some long-term flexibility as it enters the next phase of its rebuild. |
||||||
| 27 |
|
Drake Powell | SF | |||
|
Powell at No. 27 is just the best player available in this mock. The former five-star recruit is a 3-and-D wing with room to grow into more. |
||||||
| 28 |
|
Hugo Gonzalez | SF | |||
|
Gonzalez has flashed real skill and feel for a deep Real Madrid this season at just 19 years old. His athleticism and high-motor pops on tape and his development arc may be a worthwhile investment in this range. |
||||||
| 29 |
|
Will Riley | SF | |||
|
Riley has a lot of fans in NBA circles with his big frame and scoring instincts. He's a young prospect after reclassifying to move up a level and needs to add strength but showed flashes of what NBA teams covet in scoring wings in his one season at Illinois. |
||||||
| 30 |
|
Maxime Raynaud | C | |||
|
Raynuad quietly flourished on a floundering Stanford team last season as one of the best players in all of college basketball. The center has remarkable movement skills for his size and can not only space the floor with his shot, but can put the ball on the deck and create. A rare skill for a player his size. |
||||||
| # | Team | Player | Pos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Cooper Flagg | SF | |||
|
For more than a year, there's never really been any doubt about which player will go No. 1 in the 2025 NBA Draft. It was always going to be Flagg, the one-and-done star at Duke who led the Blue Devils in all five major individual categories while becoming the youngest Wooden Award winner in history. High ceiling. High floor. It's hard to imagine Flagg not being a high-level NBA player for more than a decade. |
||||||
| 2 |
|
Dylan Harper | PG | |||
|
Harper is the consensus No. 2 prospect in this draft and thus should be the second player selected even if he's not a perfect fit on a roster already featuring De'Aaron Fox and reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle. As others have noted, that could lead to San Antonio shopping the pick to franchises more in need of a lead guard with nice positional size. So keep an eye on that. Either way, no matter which franchise selects second, Harper is likely to be the pick. |
||||||
| 3 |
|
Tre Johnson | SG | |||
|
Some believe Philadelphia could move this pick for a veteran given where former MVP Joel Embiid is in his career. That's understandable. But if the Sixers do execute the pick, they shouldn't let the presence of talented young guards like Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain on their roster steer them away from Johnson, the player I believe is the third best prospect available. The one-and-done standout from Texas led all freshmen in scoring while shooting 39.7% from 3-point range on 6.8 attempts per contest. Impressive numbers, all around. And most of them are the type of numbers that should translate to the next level. |
||||||
| 4 |
|
VJ Edgecombe | SG | |||
|
The Hornets went from having as good of odds as anybody to land Flagg and keep him 150 miles from where he starred at Duke to sliding to fourth in this draft. That's bad luck. But they'll still have an opportunity to land a difference-maker -- among them Edgecombe, who is a top-shelf and explosive athlete capable of creating posters in transition. He's the type of prospect who is both safe and filled with upside after helping Baylor make what was a sixth straight trip to the NCAA Tournament. |
||||||
| 5 |
|
Jeremiah Fears | PG | |||
|
Fears is set to join the relatively short list of one-and-done lottery picks who were ranked outside of the top 60 of their high school classes. His unique ability to change speeds and keep defenders off balance is too much to ignore even if his subpar 3-point percentage is a source of concern for some front offices. |
||||||
| 6 |
|
Ace Bailey | SF | |||
|
Bailey's unusual predraft process — he still hasn't worked out for any franchises — will likely lead to him being selected lower than he otherwise would've, all of which is reportedly the work of his agent, Omar Cooper, who is an ex-convict and not even a certified agent. It's easy to understand why some have questioned the decision. But if you can get past all of the nonsense, Bailey is clearly a top-five prospect in this draft, and Washington would be fortunate to watch him slip this far. |
||||||
| 7 |
|
Kon Knueppel | SF | |||
|
Knueppel was mostly excellent through Duke's run to the Final Four, averaging 19.0 points while shooting 63.6% from beyond the arc. He's an elite shooter, obviously, but far from only a shooter — and anybody labeling him as little more than a catch-and-shoot threat is wildly underestimating Knueppel's versatility as a player who projects as a nice building block for a New Orleans franchise forever in search of floor-spacers to put alongside Zion Williamson. |
||||||
| 8 |
|
Khaman Maluach | C | |||
|
Maluach's otherwise great freshman year concluded horribly with a zero-rebound effort in 21 minutes during Duke's season-ending loss to Houston. But that was just one game against an older and stronger team, and it shouldn't sour front offices too much on an 18 year-old who can move unusually well for a man his size and serve as a true center in a league that is starting to prioritize them again. |
||||||
| 9 |
|
Derik Queen | C | |||
|
Queen is a super-interesting forward who offsets some of his physical limitations with incredible skill and above-average smarts. He hit the buzzer-beater against Colorado State that sent Maryland to the Sweet 16, scored 27 against the eventual national champion (Florida) and solidified himself in the NCAA Tournament as an intriguing lottery option. |
||||||
| 10 |
|
Carter Bryant | SF | |||
|
The Suns don't seem to think they're rebuilding after the Kevin Durant trade — but they probably are and should simply take the best building block available. In my mind, that's Bryant. These 2025 NBA Playoffs should've reminded everybody how much great 3-and-D wings impact winning in the postseason. Bryant has the tools to become one and should be selected accordingly regardless of his limited role as a freshman at Arizona. |
||||||
| 11 |
|
Collin Murray-Boyles | PF | |||
|
The Trail Blazers were a below-average defensive team this past season. Murray-Boyles could help alleviate that issue. Yes, he's a non-shooting and undersized front-court piece, which makes him a somewhat divisive prospect. But the two-year player from South Carolina is impactful in multiple ways on both ends of the court, and his feel for the game, instincts and defensive versatility have many evaluators on board with the 19 year-old being a lottery pick. |
||||||
| 12 |
|
Kasparas Jakucionis | PG | |||
|
What Jakucionis lacks in explosiveness he makes up for with his diverse skillset and high basketball IQ. The Lithuanian only shot 31.8% from 3-point range in one season at Illinois; that shouldn't be ignored. But Jackucionis has previously shown to be a more reliable shooter than he largely demonstrated with the Illini and could develop into a nice piece for a Chicago franchise heading into Year 6 under coach Billy Donovan. |
||||||
| 13 |
|
Egor Demin | PG | |||
|
Demin is a backcourt player with tremendous size — but one who turned it over 2.9 times per game this season, which should be at least a little concerning for franchises viewing him as a ball-in-his-hands guard. The 3-point percentage is also an issue. So it's easy to understand why the one-and-done freshman from Russia is a divisive prospect, but there's still little chance he goes much lower than the middle of the first round. |
||||||
| 14 |
|
Liam McNeeley | SF | |||
|
It remains unclear if San Antonio will use both lottery picks or make a move. As always, we'll see. But if the Spurs do make this pick, McNeeley is a nice option. He only shot 31.7% from 3-point range in his one year at UConn — but scouts are largely unconcerned and still view him as a strong-shooting wing at the next level. An ankle sprain cost him more than a month of his season, but McNeeley showed enough while on the court to convince evaluators he's worthy of being selected in the lottery. |
||||||
| 15 |
|
Thomas Sorber | C | |||
|
Sorber seemed ahead of schedule for a one-and-done prospect before suffering a season-ending left-foot injury on Feb. 15. Regardless, he did enough in 24 games to show he'd either spend next season as a Big East Player of the Year candidate or as a rookie in the NBA. The foot-injury is concerning, if only because big men with foot injuries don't have the best stories. But Sorber should still go in the first round of this draft and could provide frontcourt depth for an OKC franchise that pretty much has everything. |
||||||
| 16 |
|
Cedric Coward | SG | |||
|
Coward committed to Duke before performing well at the combine, at which point he opted to remain in the draft. It looks like a wise decision for the 6-6 guard who is arguably the biggest winner of the predraft process after shooting 40% from 3-point range in six appearances for Washington State before a shoulder injury sidelined him in late November. The fact that Coward is an older player shouldn't be viewed as a detriment in Memphis considering the Grizzlies are still trying to compete in the Western Conference with Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., point being an older player like Coward should be better equipped than most teenagers to make an impact quickly. |
||||||
| 17 |
|
Danny Wolf | PF | |||
|
Wolf moved from the Ivy League to the Big Ten and, statistically, arguably performed even better. The 7-footer has guard skills and is a better defender than some realize. He could add frontcourt versatility to a Minnesota franchise that's led by Anthony Edwards and set up to compete in the West for the foreseeable future. |
||||||
| 18 |
|
Joan Beringer | C | |||
|
Beringer is a frontcourt prospect with a 7-4 wingspan who provides defensive versatility and the ability to rim-protect. Is he ready to contribute in the NBA next season? Probably not. But there's a lot to like with this 18 year old who could be a building block for a Washington franchise that hasn't advanced in the playoffs since 2017. |
||||||
| 19 |
|
Jase Richardson | SG | |||
|
Richardson didn't emerge as a starter at Michigan State until halfway through the season but quickly showed himself to be the team's most dynamic scorer. He's the son of 14-year NBA veteran Jason Richardson, which is viewed as a positive among NBA front offices. The combo guard is a high-energy prospect with the type of basketball IQ children of players often possess. |
||||||
| 20 |
|
Nique Clifford | SF | |||
|
Clifford is older than the type of prospects some front offices prefer to select with top-20 picks — but he checks a lot of other boxes. Good positional size? Yes. A competent shooter? Yes. Versatile defender? Yes. He could be the next nice NBA player to emerge from the Mountain West Conference. |
||||||
| 21 |
|
Hugo Gonzalez | SF | |||
|
Gonzalez hasn't played or produced much for Real Madrid this season, which is mostly the byproduct of being a 19 year old on a first-place team in a legitimate professional league. But the athleticism and high-motor that's made him an intriguing prospect for years still exists and will likely be enough to get Gonzalez selected in the first round. |
||||||
| 22 |
|
Asa Newell | PF | |||
|
Can Newell keep the floor spaced as a legitimate 3-point threat? If so, he should go higher. If not, he should go lower. Either way, that's the swing-skill for the one-and-done prospect who could be a nice addition for an Atlanta franchise that hasn't won a playoff series since 2021. |
||||||
| 23 |
|
Noa Essengue | PF | |||
|
Essengue is a French prospect with great positional size. As one of the youngest players available, he's a long-term bet. But if the shot develops, and the defensive versatility becomes undeniable, the 18 year old could be a steal at this point in the draft. |
||||||
| 24 |
|
Nolan Traore | PG | |||
|
Traore does enough good things with the ball in his hands to secure a spot in the first round— but his inefficiency and lack of shooting are nonstarters for some front offices. At 18, there are still many years of development for the French native. But that should be of little concern for an OKC franchise well-positioned to take big swings on prospects. |
||||||
| 25 |
|
Walter Clayton Jr. | PG | |||
|
Clayton was the star of Florida's national title run while averaging 22.3 points on 43.5% shooting from beyond the arc in those six NCAA Tournament games. There are concerns about his decision-making and approach to defense, but the Most Outstanding Player of the 2025 Final Four is such a skilled and unique shotmaker that he's worthy of a serious look this deep in the first round for a Magic franchise seemingly ready to compete in a wide-open Eastern Conference. |
||||||
| 26 |
|
Will Riley | SF | |||
|
Riley didn't get as much attention as some other freshmen — but he was a reliable double-digit scorer for an NCAA Tournament team from start to finish. At Illinois, the long-and-lean wing showed playmaking ability. But the jumper is still more streaky than reliable, and he also needs to add strength. |
||||||
| 27 |
|
Rasheer Fleming | PF | |||
|
The combine proved that Fleming is a little taller than 6-8 (barefoot) with a wingspan a little better than 7-5. Those measurements are great for somebody who also shot 39% from 3-point range on 4.5 attempts per game as a 20 year-old, and that's among the reasons Fleming should go in the lottery despite mostly operating off of the national radar in three seasons at Saint Joseph's. |
||||||
| 28 |
|
Maxime Raynaud | C | |||
|
Raynaud improved statistically in four straight years at Stanford — going from somebody who averaged 4.5 points as a freshman to somebody who averaged 20.2 as a senior. His ability to stretch the floor and pass at his size are considered strengths and could be useful for a Brooklyn franchise that ranked 25th in 3-point shooting this season. |
||||||
| 29 |
|
Ben Saraf | PG | |||
|
Saraf is another international prospect with nice positional size. Concerns about his shooting and athleticism should keep him out of the lottery — but there's enough pick-and-roll playmaking ability already in place to ensure his name is called in this range, either late Wednesday or early Thursday. |
||||||
| 30 |
|
Ryan Kalkbrenner | C | |||
|
Kalkbrenner is a four-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year. He's far from what anybody would call a modern NBA center. But if Zach Edey went in the top 10 of the 2024 NBA Draft, there's no reason Kalkbrenner can't go in the top 30 of the 2025 NBA Draft. |
||||||
| # | Team | Player | Pos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Cooper Flagg | SF | |||
|
Mavs GM Nico Harrison made one of the wildest trades in NBA history earlier this year. Four months later, Harrison will have one of the easiest decisions of his career to make on who to select with the No. 1 pick. Drafting Flagg — who can be Dallas' homegrown star for the next decade — will never erase trading away Luka to the Lakers, but it's a consolation prize to a fan base that's been through the ringer the last four months. The Mavs have impressive frontcourt depth, but drafting anyone other than Flagg would be a stunner. |
||||||
| 2 |
|
Dylan Harper | PG | |||
|
My first thought when the Spurs got pick No. 2 was will Harper and De'Aaron Fox be able to co-exist in the backcourt? Harper is alone in Tier ll of draft prospects in this class, so it would be shocking to see anyone but Harper taken with this pick. Would the Spurs consider moving this pick for a superstar ... such as Giannis Antetokounmpo? Who knows. Regardless, the Spurs should take the best player on the board and figure out the rest later. |
||||||
| 3 |
|
Ace Bailey | SF | |||
|
The 76ers' move up to No. 3 was surprising. I thought it was more likely Philadelphia would fall out of the top-seven and have to give its pick to Oklahoma City than what transpired on Monday. The 76ers can go multiple directions here, but adding Bailey to a core of Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, Jared McCain and Joel Embiid would be mutually beneficial. |
||||||
| 4 |
|
VJ Edgecombe | SG | |||
|
One of my favorite potential fits in the draft is Edgecombe going to Charlotte. I'm a huge believer in the two-way upside Edgecombe has. He can be a true two-way star at the next level one day. Edgecombe improved his shot throughout the season and is one of the most athletic players in his draft class. Edgecombe next to LaMelo Ball would be fun to watch. |
||||||
| 5 |
|
Kon Knueppel | SF | |||
|
After missing out on the Flagg sweepstakes, Utah selects the teammate of the future No. 1 overall pick out of Duke. Knueppel is a sharpshooter who would be an immediate contributor for the Jazz from Day 1. If this is how the board shakes out, I could see Utah deciding between Knueppel and Johnson. |
||||||
| 6 |
|
Tre Johnson | SG | |||
|
Washington ethically tanked and was punished for it. The Wizards have their big man of the future in Alex Sarr, so why not pair him with one of the best pure scorers in the class? Johnson has skyrocketed up draft boards during the last few months. He can impact winning at the next level with his elite shotmaking abilities. |
||||||
| 7 |
|
Collin Murray-Boyles | PF | |||
|
This pick has the potential to shake up the draft big time. With Zion Williamson being a possible trade candidate this summer, the Pelicans select one of the best defenders in this draft class to pair with fellow big man Yves Missi. |
||||||
| 8 |
|
Jeremiah Fears | PG | |||
|
The Nets were another team that hoped the lottery balls would fall their way. Still, Brooklyn can come out of the draft with an immediate contributor at pick No. 8. Fears is a crafty guard capable of filling an immediate hole in Brooklyn's backcourt. |
||||||
| 9 |
|
Khaman Maluach | C | |||
|
Maluach is an imposing presence in the paint and was a fantastic finisher around the rim during his lone season at Duke. He impacted the game defensively despite only averaging 1.3 blocks per game. Maluach still needs time to develop, but going to Toronto would be a great situation for him. |
||||||
| 10 |
|
Kasparas Jakucionis | PG | |||
|
It's a critical offseason for Houston and the Rockets would be wise to trade this pick and consolidate some of their depth for another star. However, if Houston stays on the clock, point guard is an area of need. Houston selects the Illinois star who can potentially be Fred VanVleet's successor. |
||||||
| 11 |
|
Rasheer Fleming | PF | |||
|
Portland is a team in the West that can potentially take a jump during the 2025-26 campaign. Fleming has everything NBA decision-makers are looking for at the next level. Fleming is a plus shooter (39% on 4.5 attempts), possesses a 7-foot-5 wingspan and has defensive upside that could translate to the next level. His testing numbers at the NBA Combine helped his lottery case. |
||||||
| 12 |
|
Derik Queen | C | |||
|
Queen has a unique skill set for the center position. He is a skilled passer and a fluid scorer inside. He will need to improve the jumper at the next level, but the Maryland star would be a fun fit in Chicago and a potential replacement for Nikola Vučević. |
||||||
| 13 |
|
Carter Bryant | SF | |||
|
Bryant has been a fast riser throughout the draft process. The Arizona star could still return for his sophomore season, but it's likely he ends up as a mid-to-late first-round pick next month. Bryant started just five games for Arizona this season, but he has the perfect size to be a wing at the next level. It wouldn't be surprising if he ends up in the lottery. |
||||||
| 14 |
|
Liam McNeeley | SF | |||
|
McNeeley is a plug-and-play forward in the NBA. He plays well within the flow of an offense and has experience playing with other very talented players at the high school and college levels. When McNeeley missed time with an injury at UConn, his team looked notably different. His shooting numbers from 3-point range don't tell the full story. |
||||||
| 15 |
|
Nique Clifford | SF | |||
|
The Thunder have built one of the deepest rosters in the NBA. There aren't many true positions of need on the roster. OKC can take the best player available. Clifford can shoot, rebound, and defend at a very high level. At 6-6, he was the shortest player in Division l basketball who averaged at least 9.5 rebounds per game. |
||||||
| 16 |
|
Asa Newell | PF | |||
|
Newell took his talents to Georgia as one of the highest-rated signees in program history and raised his draft stock throughout the season. The forward is an impactful defender and finisher around the basket. |
||||||
| 17 |
|
Egor Demin | PG | |||
|
Demin was one of the more hyped up draft prospects during the early portion of the 2024-25 season before hitting a wall at the start of Big 12 play. If Demin can improve his jumper at the next level, he can be one of the best guards in his class when it's all said and done. That will be his swing skill. The Timberwolves drafted Rob Dillingham at No. 8 last year, but starting PG Mike Conley is nearing the end of his playing career. |
||||||
| 18 |
|
Danny Wolf | PF | |||
|
The Wizards saw Johnson fall to them at pick No. 6 in this mock draft. With Washington's other first-round selection, the franchise selects a big man with a prolific offensive motor. Wolf is a fluid mover as a point-center and is a capable playmaker within the flow of the offense. His defense is a question mark at the next level, but his offensive engine makes him a likely first-round pick. |
||||||
| 19 |
|
Noa Essengue | PF | |||
|
The French forward is one of the youngest players in this year's draft. Essengue is a dynamic forward who has shown improvement as a shooter throughout his playing career and can be a standout defender at the next level. It wouldn't be surprising if Essengue is a draft riser next month. |
||||||
| 20 |
|
Jase Richardson | SG | |||
|
Richardson would be a fun fit with the Heat. Richardson saw his stock rise throughout the 2024-25 college basketball season. He started in a reserve role at Michigan State and blossomed into the best player on Tom Izzo's squad. Richardson is a great mid-range shooter and was fantastic at finishing around the rim during his lone season in East Lansing. |
||||||
| 21 |
|
Walter Clayton Jr. | PG | |||
|
This is my third mock draft this draft cycle, and I've had Clayton going at this spot in every one of them. Clayton could go higher, but this spot seems like a good floor on draft night. Clayton is a fearless shotmaker. I had the chance to watch him up close during Florida's national title run. He's going to have a very successful NBA career. |
||||||
| 22 |
|
Thomas Sorber | C | |||
|
Sorber's freshman season was cut short due to a season-ending foot injury, but he did look like a first-round pick in the 24 games he appeared in. Sorber showed promise as a solid rim protector after averaging 2.0 blocks per game. His shooting numbers from beyond the arc (16.2%) is one aspect of his game he can improve on. |
||||||
| 23 |
|
Nolan Traore | PG | |||
|
I'm still a believer in Traore's talent. He has top-end speed to play point guard in the NBA. At this point in the draft, taking the best player available is the wise move, even if you already have a franchise point guard on the roster in Tyrese Haliburton. |
||||||
| 24 |
|
Johni Broome | C | |||
|
Broome was one of the best players in college basketball this past season and his rebounding and rim protecting will translate to the next level. Broome could step in immediately and be a key rotation piece for Orlando. |
||||||
| 25 |
|
Will Riley | SF | |||
|
The Thunder have the luxury of being able to take a player at this range with high upside because of their almost nonexistent team needs. Riley fits that bill. He is a terrific shotmaker who would benefit from adding muscle to his lanky frame. |
||||||
| 26 |
|
Joan Beringer | C | |||
|
What pops on tape from Beringer is his ability to finish consistently at the rim off pick-and-rolls. Beringer can be a great rim protector at the next level. He is also very good at contesting shots as a help defender. He will be a project at the next level, but with the right development, he could thrive. It's worth the swing at this pick. |
||||||
| 27 |
|
Ben Saraf | PG | |||
|
Brooklyn has four first-round picks this year, including back-to-back picks at the end of the first round. Saraf, a southpaw guard, is a creative playmaker capable of getting others involved in the offense. Saraf earned MVP honors during the FIBA U18 EuroBasket last summer and has been rising up draft boards since. |
||||||
| 28 |
|
Ryan Kalkbrenner | C | |||
|
The Celtics have plenty of looming decisions to make this offseason. Kalkbrenner is a plug-and-play big at the next level, who can contribute immediately on the defensive end of the floor. |
||||||
| 29 |
|
Cedric Coward | SG | |||
|
Will Coward ever suit up for Duke? That is to be determined, but his performance at the combine might make his decision that much harder. Coward played in his six games this past season for Washington State because of a season-ending shoulder injury, but has all the goods to sneak into the end of the first round. |
||||||
| 30 |
|
Yaxel Lendeborg | PF | |||
|
Lendeborg is another player with a decision to make. The UAB star committed to Michigan out of the transfer portal, but he might never play a game for coach Dusty May because of the way he's turning heads at the combine. Lendeborg was the top-ranked player in the transfer portal rankings by 247Sports. |
||||||
| # | Team | Player | Pos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Cooper Flagg | SF | |||
|
The ceiling is a Hall-of-Fame career that leads to multiple NBA championships, be it with Dallas or wherever Flagg may be playing a decade from now. The absolute floor is no worse than being the fourth-best starter on his team by the time he's in his second season. Flagg's not a Wembanyama-level prospect, but his all-around game makes him one of the three or four best to enter the league in the past 10 years. If he's not tangibly helping Dallas win games in the next two years, something went terribly wrong. |
||||||
| 2 |
|
Dylan Harper | PG | |||
|
At this point, it would stun just about everyone in the league if Harper wasn't in silver and black next season. He's got a lot of tools that suggest a 12-plus-year career in the NBA, and the fit with the Spurs should be terrific. Harper's vision, size, ballhandling, passing acumen and pick-and-roll instincts suggest he has All-Star level upside. Nevermind the fact that Stephon Castle and De'Aaron Fox are already in San Antonio; Harper can step in as a supplemental piece and learn in a much better environment than his one underwhelming season (team-wise) with Rutgers. |
||||||
| 3 |
|
Ace Bailey | SF | |||
|
The No. 3 pick is going to go to either Bailey or the guys I have at 4 and 5, but I think Philly ultimately winds up choosing the player who has the highest upside (but lowest floor) of the three. Bailey's natural scoring and shooting ability stands out. When he gets hot, it can be lava-like. Aggressive to the tin and a great leaper. At his peak, his scoring ability is as good or better than anyone in this year's draft class — and last year's too, given his three-level capability. Not a predisposed passer, and can take too many plays off for my liking, but if he meets his potential, he can wind up as the best pick in this class. |
||||||
| 4 |
|
Tre Johnson | SG | |||
|
Maniacal work ethic has pushed Johnson to be one of the best shooters and scorers in the past couple of draft classes. He's the second-best freshman to come out of Texas, the other being Kevin Durant. The Hornets are in perpetual rebuild mode, but Johnson could be as good if not better than another one of their recent high draft picks (Brandon Miller). His range, competitiveness and reliability at the foul line have him destined to average at least 15 points by the time he's at the end of his first contract. If he falls below No. 5, it would be indefensible. |
||||||
| 5 |
|
VJ Edgecombe | SG | |||
|
Outstanding guard prospect thanks to an unending hunt to score in a variety of ways that marries with top-tier athletic ability. Because Baylor had a down season, Edgecombe's reputation and skillset didn't really hit the mainstream. That isn't a reflection on his NBA potential, however. Though slightly undersized, Edgecombe can play up to guys two or three inches taller, and 10 to 12 pounds heavier. He can be a pitbull on defense and isn't shy when it comes to mucking it up. Few players in recent memory have blended finesse with toughness like Edgecombe. He'd be fun in Salt Lake City. |
||||||
| 6 |
|
Kon Knueppel | SF | |||
|
A wonderful all-around player. Offensively, Knueppel is an easy-to-teach, quick-to-learn shooter. He's great off the catch, knows how to use his sturdy frame to gain advantages on screens, has a deep competitive streak and is so good with his footwork, he'll boost his team an extra three or four possessions every game with how he nuzzles into the cracks of a defense. On defense, Knueppel is both outstanding in a team concept but also very good on-ball against 2s, 3s and 4s. He was excellent in a No. 2 role at Duke and will similarly shine at the next level. On my "Will Not Fail No Matter What" list this year, which doesn't have much company. |
||||||
| 7 |
|
Kasparas Jakucionis | PG | |||
|
There's a lot of big lead guards in this year's draft, but the only one better than Jakučionis, to me, is Dylan Harper. He had some freshman-year bumps at Illinois, but the size, vision, screen-reading interpretations and hungry mentality as a rebounding guard put him in the second tier for me in this draft class. He'll almost certainly be on the board for New Orleans at 7. Should NOLA take him, he'd have a genuine shot to be the full-time starter at point by his second season, I think. |
||||||
| 8 |
|
Khaman Maluach | C | |||
|
It's possible — easily conceivable, even — that Maluach winds up as the best defensive player in this class. He flipped the floor for Duke and was a switchable menace, at times proving he could truly guard 1 through 5 at the college level. Maluach is still raw as an offensive player, but he's already a true lob threat, a rim-runner and a physical mammoth. The Nets should immediately dial in the pick with his name if he's still on the board here. |
||||||
| 9 |
|
Jeremiah Fears | PG | |||
|
Polarizing prospect who nonetheless is likely to wind up going in the top 10. He's fast, good with the ball in his hands, advanced for his age and has fun natural scoring instincts. Defense is sometimes non-existent and he's undersized. Wide range of outcomes here. I wouldn't have him this high, personally, but going off the buzz around the NBA, it's hard to get much further down without slotting Fears into a pick. |
||||||
| 10 |
|
Carter Bryant | SF | |||
|
Turning some heads as a projected lottery pick because he was an off-the-bench guy at Arizona with humble stats. But his physical profile, obvious talent and behind-the-scenes dedication to his craft has Bryant perched well on many teams' draft boards. For what he can do, what Houston has on its roster and where it's looking to go, Bryant would be an ideal addition to a team knocking on the door of Western Conference title contender. |
||||||
| 11 |
|
Derik Queen | C | |||
|
One of the most skilled players in this year's draft class. Queen has excellent vision, tremendous ballhandling skills for a big, a soft shooter's touch and upper-echelon basketball IQ. Queen was the centerpiece on the best Maryland team in a long time and sank the 2025 NCAA Tournament's lone buzzer-beating shot. Portland will likely be in position to take Queen when the 11th pick comes up, and it should pounce if he's still on the board. |
||||||
| 12 |
|
Noa Essengue | PF | |||
|
Pretty clearly the highest-rated prospect in this year's class who didn't play college basketball. The 18-year-old Frenchman played in Germany and has the size to be switchable as a 3 or a 4, but needs to put on plenty of muscle in the years to come. The Bulls don't really have a player who fits his profile. This would be something of a gamble, but the upside is tempting. |
||||||
| 13 |
|
Egor Demin | PG | |||
|
Demin was a key point guard on a better-than-expected BYU team that made the Sweet 16. He's a natural passer with tremendous height who can find passing alleys in ways most players in this class can't. His shot needs work and there are obvious flaws to trudge through in the years ahead, but if he truly unlocks his potential, he'll be one of the 5-7 best players in this draft class. Would fit in beautifully on an Atlanta team that is ready to level up. |
||||||
| 14 |
|
Asa Newell | PF | |||
|
Has not begun to touch his potential if it all goes right. Big wing with strong hands and plus athleticism. His defensive ceiling is All-NBA level so long as he keeps getting stronger. If the Spurs opt to use this pick, Newell would probably have a tough time logging serious minutes in Year 1, but he'd fit in beautifully to a roster that's almost definitely going to get back into the playoffs in 2026. |
||||||
| 15 |
|
Danny Wolf | PF | |||
|
A dazzling passer, reliable 3-point shooter, willing mover/shifter on offense … and he's also 7 feet. Wolf's Yale-to-Michigan move last season was one of the best transfers by any player. He went from fringe NBA pick to first round lock and lottery possibility, helping Michigan be one of the best turnaround teams in college hoops. He'll probably be on the board 15, and the idea that OKC could draft him is frightening to a team that's already large and ultra-skilled. |
||||||
| 16 |
|
Collin Murray-Boyles | PF | |||
|
Murray-Boyles' stock is all over the map, based on conversations I've had with NBA sources. Could go late lottery, could be there in the mid-20s. He's not athletic and he can't shoot from long range, but he has the muscle and frame to bruise with NBAers right now. His measurables are favorable and his IQ is undeniable as a point forward-type. A tremendous plug-and-play guy off the bench, he'd be a safe choice for the Grizzlies at 16. |
||||||
| 17 |
|
Jase Richardson | SG | |||
|
With an NBA pedigree (father Jason played 14 years in the NBA), a good 3-point stroke (41.2% on 114 attempts) and quality leadership skills, Richardson is clearly worth a top-20 pick. The lefty's not a sure thing to hit, but his floor feels higher than a lot of guys slotted between 15-25. He needs to form a bit more into the combo point guard he'll have to be in order to grow into an NBA starter, but the tools, smarts and craftiness are enough to work with. |
||||||
| 18 |
|
Cedric Coward | SG | |||
|
Super-interesting prospect. Coward started at D-III in Oregon, played two years at Eastern Washington, then only played six games at Washington State before a shoulder injury ended his season. Despite this, he's had a bigger jump in stock over the past two months than any prospect in this class. Excellent frame, super-smart, natural athletic build for an NBA wing. He's got some mystery to him. Could be the next Jalen Williams-type, and yes, that means his high-end outcome is NBA All-Star. |
||||||
| 19 |
|
Liam McNeeley | SF | |||
|
A mid-season ankle injury threatened his draft stock a bit, but McNeeley's made up ground the past couple of months and is now viewed as a top-20 prospect in the eyes of many. Brooklyn could use his toughness streak, in addition to his shooting and vocal proclivities. Has the smarts and hoops DNA to stick long-term in the NBA. |
||||||
| 20 |
|
Nique Clifford | SF | |||
|
An undeniable physical presence with the Rams, and someone who got better as each game got bigger last season. He's not an elite producer in any specific aspect, but Clifford's overall game is built for multiple contracts in the NBA. Athletic rebounder, powerful post presence, can face up and is a good rim protector in strong-side deployment and as a weak-side recovery artist. |
||||||
| 21 |
|
Walter Clayton Jr. | PG | |||
|
Call it the Jalen Brunson effect. The Jazz jump in and take a proven college star, not holding his age against him. Clayton was the third best player in college basketball last season, leading Florida to a national championship and doing so with flair. He hit numerous big shots and wound up shooting nearly 39% from 3-point range. He has no business falling past this range. |
||||||
| 22 |
|
Joan Beringer | C | |||
|
What he lacks for in stats he makes up for in momentum. Beringer has been playing organized basketball for only four years. He won't turn 19 until after next season begins. He sits alongside Cedric Coward and Drake Powell as the three biggest risers over the past three months. Hawks could use someone with his size, dexterity and nose for rebounding. |
||||||
| 23 |
|
Noah Penda | SF | |||
|
Decent chance Penda's off the board by the 23rd pick, but I'll slot him to Indiana, which can have no shortage of high-energy wings. Penda fits the profile. Nice tools as a team player/distributor while also having a physical prowess that will give him a chance at earning experimental minutes as a rookie. |
||||||
| 24 |
|
Nolan Traore | PG | |||
|
The run on foreign-born prospects — and the number of Frenchmen making their way into the NBA — continues. It's conceivable that OKC trades out of this pick, but even if so, Traore's floor is probably 24/25/26 of the first round. He's a point guard who has questions about his shooting upside, but his knack for moving the ball and knowing where to be on the floor ranks on the upper end of players in this draft class. |
||||||
| 25 |
|
Thomas Sorber | C | |||
|
This is a bargain pick, but I'm thinking Sorber might drift a little given the unknowns still attached to his game. The Georgetown product's season ended on Feb. 15 due to a foot injury that required surgery. Prior to that, he was one of the five-or-so most efficient first-year players in college basketball. The Magic would be an ideal fit for him to learn behind a fledgling frontline. |
||||||
| 26 |
|
Ryan Kalkbrenner | C | |||
|
One of the best defenders in the history of the Big East. As in, top-five level. Kalkbrenner has obvious limits on his offensive impact, but as a big-man specialist, there is a role waiting for him in the NBA if the right team takes him and knows how to use him. Brooklyn sorely needs a center with his capacity to flip the floor and wreck around the paint. |
||||||
| 27 |
|
Ben Saraf | PG | |||
|
A lead guard who is highly likely to be taken in the first round, Saraf is one of the best passers in this year's class. He's a tier below Egor Demin, but has the size and body control to make the jump to the NBA. The ever-rebuilding Nets would be thrilled to have him on the board in this spot. |
||||||
| 28 |
|
Drake Powell | SF | |||
|
I thought Powell could play himself into a top-20 pick a year from now if he returned to North Carolina, but the elite athlete opted to chase the NBA and is likely to be a first-round pick regardless. If he continues along his developmental path, Powell could grow into a top-15 defender in the NBA by the end of his first contract. A lot of work to do offensively. Good hoops IQ, willing to learn, important he lands with a team that can foster his development. Boston would be an ideal fit. |
||||||
| 29 |
|
Maxime Raynaud | C | |||
|
Raynaud was a stat stud at Stanford, quietly producing on a level only matched by a handful of players last season. The Suns are in a rebuild and could use someone who is ready to walk in, do as asked and be a pleaser on the court and in the locker room. Raynaud passes the test in all facets. Has the body and smarts to be a net positive right away. |
||||||
| 30 |
|
Will Riley | SF | |||
|
A 19-year-old tweener forward from Canada who came off the bench in his one and only season at Illinois. Has nice feel for the game, which reflects in his touch around the rim on floaters, two-foot put-backs and contested layups. Has a neutral wingspan (6-8.75) on his 6-8.25 frame, which needs filling out in the next couple of years. It's possible he goes closer to 20 than 30, but production and measurables suggest this is his most pragmatic range. |
||||||
| # | Team | Player | Pos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Cooper Flagg | SF | |||
|
There is no rational justification to consider anyone else with the No. 1 overall pick. Flagg met all the hype and then some during a standout freshman season at Duke, showing three-way scoring ability, defensive versatility and the intangibles which made him the top high school prospect in his class. Dallas isn't going to overthink this and will select a versatile forward who could be an All-Star early in his career. |
||||||
| 2 |
|
Dylan Harper | PG | |||
|
The son of Bulls and Lakers legend Ron Harper validated himself as a premier point guard prospect amid Rutgers' struggles. He's skilled as both a passer and multi-level scorer out of the pick-and-roll, with a particularly strong finishing touch at the rim. His 33.3% 3-point mark wasn't elite, but he showed plenty of catch-and-shoot promise, which helps alleviate concerns about his fit with De'Aaron Fox in San Antonio. Harper's size and length – his wingspan is nearly seven feet – also differentiates him from other point guards. |
||||||
| 3 |
|
VJ Edgecombe | SG | |||
|
Given that Ace Bailey reportedly canceled his workout with the 76ers, it could make taking Edgecombe an even easier proposition. He's a two-way perimeter talent who is widely regarded as a top-5 prospect in the class. Edgecombe's athleticism and motor were on display at Baylor, where he shined as an electric transition finisher and active perimeter defender. He can play on or off the ball, and his 3-point shooting improved dramatically to 39.1% during Big 12 play. He's great at getting to the rim in half-court sets, but he did struggle to finish at times. If Edgecombe can learn to rely on a solid runner and lean some on a floater, he could be an offensive maestro. |
||||||
| 4 |
|
Tre Johnson | SG | |||
|
Johnson thrived offensively as a freshman while competing in an all-time great SEC. He got buckets in a variety of ways, and not just as a ball-handler. He was effective as a spot-up shooter and shot a blistering 52.1% coming off screens. That off-ball proficiency will be key, since he's not exactly a pass-first point guard. Johnson also needs to improve drastically at the rim in order to reach his potential, but that should come as he develops more strength. Charlotte ranked 28th in 3-point shooting percentage at 33.9% last season, and its top shooter by percentage — Seth Curry — is an unrestricted free agent. Johnson would make a lot of sense. |
||||||
| 5 |
|
Kon Knueppel | SF | |||
|
Utah has plenty of size under team control for years to come and appears to have its lead guard of the future in Keyonte George. Adding Knueppel, a physical two-guard, would give the 3-point happy Jazz another marksman to build around. He's a phenomenal catch-and-shoot threat who is active and effective off the ball at relocating, firing off screens and getting his feet set in transition. Knueppel isn't just a shooter, though. He was an effective finisher at the rim and flashed plenty of ability to serve as a secondary playmaker and facilitator while at Duke. He'll need to answer defensive questions about his quickness, but his ample offensive promise should far outweigh that concern. |
||||||
| 6 |
|
Ace Bailey | SF | |||
|
Bailey's wingspan isn't quite as rangy as Kevin Durant, but the comparison is still apt. Though it's obviously outlandish to expect that Bailey will be a 15-time All-Star, he's a big wing with awe-inspiring offensive potential that was on display in three 30+ point outings vs. Big Ten competition. He's still just 18 and has all the tools to average 20+ points as he nears his prime. He could team with last year's lottery haul of Alex Sar, a center, and Bub Carrington, a point guard, to give Washington a diverse trio of building blocks all age 20 or younger. |
||||||
| 7 |
|
Jeremiah Fears | PG | |||
|
With Dejounte Murray coming off a torn Achilles and CJ McCollum entering the final year of his contract, New Orleans could use a lead guard. Fears is a polarizing prospect, but he fits the bill. He is an electric initiator with highlight-reel playmaking ability courtesy of elite quickness and ball-handling. His jumper is still coming along, and there are questions about his defensive viability because of his size. But the offensive upside and chops as a lead guard are abundantly clear. |
||||||
| 8 |
|
Kasparas Jakucionis | PG | |||
|
Regardless of whether D'Angelo Russell ends up back in Brooklyn, the Nets need a long-term point guard option (among many other things.) Jakucionis burst onto the scene at Illinois with an eye-opening freshman season that consisted of the Lithuanian guard consistently dicing up opposing defenses out of the pick-and-roll. He's a big ball-handler with tremendous passing and playmaking instincts who also thrives finishing at the rim. His 3-point shooting is a significant work in progress. But if it comes along, he could be a long-term NBA starter. |
||||||
| 9 |
|
Khaman Maluach | C | |||
|
Toronto has plenty of scoring options under team control for the foreseeable future. Adding an elite rim protector and lob threat would be wise. Maluach is a towering presence who topped the charts at this year's combine in terms of wingspan measurement at nearly 7-7. He's limited offensively mostly to lobs, put-backs and receiving pocket passes. But he's elite at finishing in those situations. Even if his offensive game never expands to the perimeter — and it might not — those traits will ensure he has a high NBA floor. |
||||||
| 10 |
|
Carter Bryant | SF | |||
|
Houston has plenty of young talent at multiple positions under team control. A win-now trade would be sensible. If not, Bryant is one of the best available prospects at No. 10 and could quietly fit in without taking touches from a successful but developing core. With a 7-foot wingspan and quality athleticism, the floor is higher for Bryant than it is for most players of his profile in the class. His playmaking and shot-creation aren't there yet, but he's young and on a promising trajectory toward becoming a prototypical 3-and-D wing. |
||||||
| 11 |
|
Noa Essengue | PF | |||
|
Portland has plenty of young ball-handlers and creators under team control and its center of the future in Donovan Clingan. Essengue could fit well with those pieces. He has all the makings of a defensive monster given his length and athleticism, and he's been great in transition and at the rim offensively while playing in Germany's top pro division. There's little indication that he's going to develop into a refined on-ball player, but it will be imperative that he show some more flashes of perimeter proficiency if he's going to reach the starter-level potential that his physical profile portends. |
||||||
| 12 |
|
Egor Demin | PG | |||
|
With a bevy of key players entering the final year of their contracts, Chicago could take a number of paths. Demin's productivity tapered off as the rigors of Big 12 action seemed to wear on his slender frame during his freshman season at BYU. But the playmaking potential he showed is uncommon, especially when packaged in a 6-9 frame. Demin struggled as a 3-point shooter for the Cougars, but he thrived at the rim and showed a knack for getting into the paint as a crafty pick-and-roll ball-handler. |
||||||
| 13 |
|
Derik Queen | C | |||
|
With Clint Capela headed to unrestricted free agency, the Hawks have a hole in their frontcourt. The appeal with Queen lies in his face-up ability as a scorer and playmaker. His ball-handling, passing and feel for the game are advanced for a player of his age and size, which will give him a baseline to work from as he works to refine his 3-point shot and defensive capabilities on the perimeter. |
||||||
| 14 |
|
Danny Wolf | PF | |||
|
Could Wolf and Victor Wembanyama play together? Absolutely. It would be a modern twist on the Spurs' famed twin towers era with Tim Duncan and David Robinson. The term unicorn became an overused description of versatile seven-footers in recent years. But it accurately describes Wolf, who plays like a guard on the perimeter while still bringing the physicality of a more traditional big. Turnovers were a problem for Wolf at Michigan, and he'll have to develop a defensive identity. But his all-around versatility, especially on offense, is tantalizing. |
||||||
| 15 |
|
Rasheer Fleming | PF | |||
|
Oklahoma City has its core in place and can afford to take a swing on upside with a curious talent like Fleming. The only players at the combine who registered longer wingspans were Khaman Maluach, Ryan Kalkbrenner and Thomas Sorber, all of whom are true centers. That's extraordinary length for someone who could flex out and play on the perimeter in the NBA. While Fleming is something of a positional enigma and didn't face elite college competition, his combination of tools and versatility make him a worthy mid-first round selection. |
||||||
| 16 |
|
Cedric Coward | SG | |||
|
Memphis likes drafting older players, and it makes sense here given Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. are in their primes. Few wings in this class bring the combination of length, athleticism and shooting that Coward can provide. He'll turn 22 during his rookie season, which means that he could be a low-cost role player during an important moment in the franchise's competitive timeline. If Coward is quick to meet his defensive ceiling, he could be a rotational mainstay in Memphis early. |
||||||
| 17 |
|
Collin Murray-Boyles | PF | |||
|
Murray-Boyles could apprentice under Julius Randle, who is also a bully-ball power forward with a nice left-handed touch. The former South Carolina star is an undersized big man who got many of his buckets through traditional post-ups and as the roll man in the pick-and-roll in college. In theory, he can guard multiple positions, though that will be tested against both towering bigs and fleet-footed perimeter players. If Murray-Boyles can develop a 3-point shot to compliment his elite touch at the rim, he could pop. |
||||||
| 18 |
|
Liam McNeeley | SF | |||
|
McNeeley showcased a deep offensive repertoire during an injury-impacted freshman season. But he was also inefficient and struggled to finish at the rim. Ultimately, he's a versatile wing with plenty of offensive upside and some playmaking proficiency. Defense will likely be the swing skill that determines whether McNeeley becomes an NBA starter or if he's more of a bench spark. |
||||||
| 19 |
|
Thomas Sorber | C | |||
|
Sorber's 7-6 wingspan suggests the rim protection acumen he showed at Georgetown will translate to the NBA. Though he's not necessarily quick, he is active defensively and plays with good enough instincts to be effective away from the basket. He was best offensively in post-up situations at Georgetown, which raises questions about what his offensive role will be in the NBA. But as a great passer for his size, Sorber brings plenty to work with on both ends. |
||||||
| 20 |
|
Nique Clifford | SF | |||
|
Clifford isn't overwhelmingly long or athletic. But he's a skilled, stat-stuffing two-guard who can facilitate for himself and others out of the pick-and-roll or play off the ball. The first-round appeal in Clifford's game is with his intangibles as a defender, rebounder and blue-collar worker. He'll turn 24 as a rookie and could be a long-term value play for the Heat. |
||||||
| 21 |
|
Will Riley | SF | |||
|
Riley shined at the rim during his lone season at Illinois and also demonstrated ample flashes of shot-creation ability. He is slender and not overly athletic, which makes him a polarizing prospect. Will the aforementioned offensive positives translate to the game's highest level for a player with his frame? If they do, he could be a late-first round 3-and-D steal. |
||||||
| 22 |
|
Nolan Traore | PG | |||
|
Traore plays with facilitating proficiency in a heavy pick-and-roll system for his French team. He has enough length to offset potential defensive concerns over his smaller frame and is good at the rim for a player of his size. P&R sets and transition opportunities are where he thrives, and his limitations as a shooter and isolation threat could cap his ceiling. |
||||||
| 23 |
|
Joan Beringer | C | |||
|
Beringer is one of the top rim protectors in this draft class, as evidenced by his 1.4 blocks per game in just 18.8 minutes per contest with a professional outfit in Slovenia. He doesn't turn 19 until November and is already showing promise in transition and as a lob threat. He's not a post-up threat, and his shot needs a lot of work. But he'll naturally draw some Rudy Gobert comparisons given they're both French bigs with comparable strengths. |
||||||
| 24 |
|
Noah Penda | SF | |||
|
Penda projects as a utilitarian forward and glue guy who can keep the offense moving as a passer. Despite his big frame, he's not a great finisher at the rim, and he'll also have to prove he's quick enough to guard NBA-level perimeter players. If he can do that and continue improving his 3-point shot, Penda can be a high-level NBA role player who fans will appreciate for his grit and versatility. |
||||||
| 25 |
|
Asa Newell | PF | |||
|
Newell did most of his damage in the paint at Georgia, but it wasn't as if the Bulldogs were posting him up every time down the floor. Rather, his points came as a result of relentless board-crashing and cuts that showcased his physicality and feel for the game. Those intangible skills will translate and pair with a blossoming outside shot to make Newell a useful four or occasional stretch 5. |
||||||
| 26 |
|
Hugo Gonzalez | SF | |||
|
Gonzalez has garnered significant game experience with Real Madrid's senior team over the past year while still shy of his 20th birthday. The wing isn't ready to play a major role for a competitive NBA franchise out of the gate. But he has good size, instincts and mobility, all of which portends long-term upside, so long as his outside shooting consistency improves. |
||||||
| 27 |
|
Jase Richardson | SG | |||
|
Richardson is an undersized two-guard who became the offensive engine for Michigan State. But even after posting some impressive shooting splits for the Spartans, he's got a lot to prove in the NBA. The left-hander could be a defensive liability due to his diminutive stature, and he's more of a scorer than a playmaker. If nothing else, he could be an offensive spark plug off the bench. |
||||||
| 28 |
|
Ben Saraf | PG | |||
|
Saraf is the type of crafty, on-ball playmaker who could annihilate the G League but struggle with the NBA's physicality and athleticism early. But if a franchise is willing to grant him a generous runway, the upside is tremendous. With great size and feel for the game, he has the ability to develop into a three-level scorer with the facilitating chops to run the show as either a starter or creator off the bench. |
||||||
| 29 |
|
Maxime Raynaud | C | |||
|
There are some flashes of Danny Wolf in the way Raynaud moves smoothly on the perimeter as a 7-footer. He's effective in post-ups and got plenty of them at Stanford, but he was also a career 35% 3-point shooter in college. Though he's strong on the glass, he's not as much of a rim protector as you might expect for a player of his size. That could limit his ceiling. |
||||||
| 30 |
|
Drake Powell | SF | |||
|
Powell's 7-foot wingspan and combine-best 43-inch max vertical could make him a steal in this draft. The former McDonald's All-American wasn't much of a ball-handler or isolation threat during his lone season at North Carolina. But he rated "excellent" on guarded catch-and-shoot attempts, per Synergy. All told, he's a high-upside 3-and-D player with room to develop and round out his game. |
||||||
| # | Team | Player | Pos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Cooper Flagg | SF | |||
|
It's rather telling that, even in peak smokescreen season, we haven't heard one peep about the Mavericks trading their pick or selecting anyone other than Flagg. This kid was born to be the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft, and it will come to fruition on Wednesday. |
||||||
| 2 |
|
Dylan Harper | PG | |||
|
Word on the street is that the Spurs have received some lucrative offers for their pick but they're infatuated with Harper, a combo guard who is viewed as the only "sure thing" in the draft outside of Cooper Flagg. Fit shouldn't really come into the equation this high in the draft, but given his shooting ability and size Harper should have no problem playing alongside De'Aaron Fox and/or Stephon Castle in the Spurs rotation. |
||||||
| 3 |
|
Ace Bailey | SF | |||
|
It's weird that Bailey hasn't worked out for anyone, but the 76ers have to think in terms of not only what this pick can do for them right now, but also how he might be viewed by other teams in terms of trade value. Bailey ticks both boxes as a 6-9 bucket-getter who can immediately provide relief for Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George, but who could also be viewed as the centerpiece of a trade for another win-now player down the road. |
||||||
| 4 |
|
VJ Edgecombe | SG | |||
|
The Hornets made marginal defensive improvement last season, and the prospect of an Edgecombe-Brandon Miller perimeter defense foundation has to be enticing next to the offensive-minded LaMelo Ball. Edgecombe should be a stopper right away, and has significant potential as a secondary playmaker and off-ball scorer. At this point, he's simply the best player on the board. |
||||||
| 5 |
|
Kon Knueppel | SF | |||
|
Utah was sixth in the NBA in 3-point attempts per game last season, but landed 22nd in 3-point percentage. As arguably the best shooter in the draft, Knueppel should help Will Hardy maintain his bombs-away attack while adding much more accuracy. The Duke product has also shown the ability to finish at a high clip around the rim when attacking closeouts, and is a connective passer who doesn't make many mistakes. Recent Jazz first-rounders haven't worked out great, and Knueppel is at least something of a known commodity. |
||||||
| 6 |
|
Tre Johnson | SG | |||
|
Washington seems to be somewhat enamored with Jeremiah Fears, but the Johnny Davis red flags might be too strong there. If Johnson -- perhaps the best raw scorer in the entire draft -- is still on the board, he seems to be the right pick for a franchise still a long way from contention that finished dead last in offensive efficiency last season. |
||||||
| 7 |
|
Kasparas Jakucionis | PG | |||
|
Jakucionis fits the bill of a modern NBA guard with size, elite playmaking and the ability to hit deep 3s off the dribble. His 6-6 frame will allow him to play next to Dejounte Murray and CJ McCollum (for as long as they're on the team), and he'll be an excellent complement to Trey Murphy III and Zion Williamson as the Pelicans think toward the future. |
||||||
| 8 |
|
Jeremiah Fears | PG | |||
|
If you need someone to get to the rim, Fears is your guy -- and at this point, the Nets could use pretty much everything. One of the youngest players in the class (he doesn't turn 19 until October), Fears certainly needs room to develop and Brooklyn can provide that. He is absolutely relentless getting to the rim with an elite handle, but his shooting and playmaking will be the primary areas of concern. |
||||||
| 9 |
|
Carter Bryant | SF | |||
|
It's weird to see a guy who averaged six points in his only college season in the top 10 of the NBA Draft, but once you watch Bryant's film you understand why he's such an exciting prospect. He profiles as a 3-and-D guy who can slot into pretty much any lineup right away, with the potential to grow into much more offensively. |
||||||
| 10 |
|
Khaman Maluach | C | |||
|
Mock Trade from: PHO After the Kevin Durant trade, the Suns clearly have an eye on the future but also want to remain competitive. At 7-2 with a 7-7 wingspan, the rim-running, shot-blocking Maluach threads that needle beautifully, and can become a necessary lob threat as Devin Booker and Jalen Green break down defenses. Maluach has great instincts for someone who picked up basketball relatively late, and the 18-year-old will only improve on both ends of the floor as he matures. |
||||||
| 11 |
|
Derik Queen | C | |||
|
The Blazers can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel with Deandre Ayton's contract expiring after this season, and Queen would provide a fantastic 1-2 big man punch alongside last year's first-round pick, Donovan Clingan. Playing both together might create some spacing issues, but Queen profiles as an excellent backup center who can operate as the offensive hub for reserve units with his unique playmaking ability for his size. |
||||||
| 12 |
|
Asa Newell | PF | |||
|
Billy Donovan disparaged the Bulls' guard-heavy roster, so it makes sense for them to go for a big here. Newell may be a reach at No. 12, but his skill set fits the modern NBA -- especially if his 3-point shot becomes reliable. Even if it doesn't, he's still an excellent finisher and a lob threat with his 7-foot wingspan, and he has some switching potential on the perimeter. |
||||||
| 13 |
|
Nique Clifford | SF | |||
|
Every year I fall irrationally in love with one prospect, and this year it's Clifford. His age (23) may scare some teams away, but the Hawks could immediately slot him in as a do-everything wing, capable of scoring or facilitating depending on who else is on the floor. His confidence jumps off the screen, and he should be able to make an immediate impact for a team looking to win now. |
||||||
| 14 |
|
Egor Demin | PG | |||
|
Demin is a project, but the Spurs tend to do well with those. If he pans out, he's basically a 6-9 point guard who can help create some jumbo-sized lineups alongside Victor Wembanyama. Shooting and defense are the big question marks, but his talent makes the gamble worth it at No. 14. |
||||||
| 15 |
|
Jase Richardson | SG | |||
|
If one OKC weakness revealed itself during the postseason, it was the occasional scoring droughts due to a heavy reliance on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Enter Richardson, a knockdown 3-point shooter who has also shown finishing ability in the midrange and at the rim. He should also be able to hang on the league's best defense, which would help him vie for playing time immediately |
||||||
| 16 |
|
Cedric Coward | SG | |||
|
The Grizzlies lost shooting by saying goodbye to Desmond Bane, so why not gain some back with Coward? The 6-6 wing has boosted his draft stock more than any other prospect due to his 7-2 wingspan and ability to knock down 3s at a high clip. Coward's defensive potential is off the charts, which makes him an excellent fit for a Grizzlies team looking to fulfill the potential it showed a few seasons ago. |
||||||
| 17 |
|
Danny Wolf | PF | |||
|
Who knows what's going to happen with Julius Randle and Naz Reid, but Wolf would be a good insurance policy in case one of the bigs departs. Operating pretty much as a guard at Michigan after transferring from Yale, Wolf can initiate offense or create his own from the high post or the perimeter. Minnesota loves its double-big lineups, and Wolf has the perfect skill set to complement another center. |
||||||
| 18 |
|
Joan Beringer | C | |||
|
If any team is in position to take a big swing, it's the Washington Wizards -- and that's exactly what Beringer is. The French prospect doesn't turn 19 until November, and will need plenty of seasoning before he becomes a reliable rotation player. The appeal is obvious, though, with his 7-5 wingspan and ready-made role as a rim protector and lob threat. The Wizards have already seen success with other French draft picks (Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly), so why not roll the dice one more time? |
||||||
| 19 |
|
Will Riley | SF | |||
|
A big-time recruit out of high school, Riley has been a bit undervalued in draft discussions in my opinion. He has deep range on his jumper and shoots it with confidence, and he's a smart enough cutter to take advantage of defenders who fall asleep. With the ball, he's shown tremendous instincts as a playmaker, which could be further developed in a system like Brooklyn's that has the luxury of patience. |
||||||
| 20 |
|
Collin Murray-Boyles | PF | |||
|
It may be a shock if Murray-Boyles drops this far, but I'm not fully sold on his skill set translating to the NBA level. The Heat are the perfect organization to make proper use of his abilities, however, with the baseline of a tremendous motor and defensive versatility. Offensively, it's hard to be a big who isn't a shooter OR a lob threat, but Murray-Boyles is a connective playmaker with good touch around the rim. |
||||||
| 21 |
|
Noa Essengue | PF | |||
|
Essengue's projections are all over the board, but I think he fits nicely here as a low-risk swing by a franchise looking to turn the corner (and reportedly stop tanking). The 6-9 wing should be a plus defender right away and profiles as a legitimate stopper down the road -- which could be a while since he doesn't turn 19 until almost Christmas. The offensive game needs significant refinement, but the potential is there. |
||||||
| 22 |
|
Thomas Sorber | C | |||
|
With Clint Capela likely heading elsewhere in free agency, Sorber can immediately slot in as Onyeka Okongwu's backup. Sorber's 7-6 wingspan allows him to play bigger than his 6-10 frame, and he should be an immediate asset on the defensive side. Offensively, he stays mostly below the rim but is a dominant finisher inside, and he's shown flashes of intriguing playmaking potential. |
||||||
| 23 |
|
Rasheer Fleming | PF | |||
|
Another prospect who I think can outperform his draft position, Fleming's ceiling goes sky-high if his 3-point shooting translates to the NBA. If it doesn't, you still have a versatile defensive big with a knack for getting his hands on the basketball. Fleming can be an immediate terror in transition and out of the dunker spot, so his value should reveal itself right away for New Orleans. |
||||||
| 24 |
|
Walter Clayton Jr. | PG | |||
|
Could there be a more perfect late-round steal for the Thunder? Essentially the only things working against Clayton in this draft are his age (22) and size (6-3), and those have proven to be surmountable deficiencies if the skill set and makeup are there -- which they certainly are with the Final Four Most Outstanding Player. Clayton's 3-point shooting is elite and it will be the skill that determines his ceiling, but his floor is also extremely high given his IQ and confidence. |
||||||
| 25 |
|
Liam McNeeley | SF | |||
|
I'm not in love with McNeeley as a prospect, but his upside is worth the risk here for the Magic, who were dead last in made 3-pointers last season. His percentages should improve as his game is simplified at the NBA level, but McNeeley has shown much more proficiency in catch-and-shoot situations than off of movement, which limits his ceiling. If it all comes together, however, he'll be the perfect complement to the Magic's young core. |
||||||
| 26 |
|
Nolan Traore | PG | |||
|
With a blazing first step which helps him get to the paint at will, Traore is an intriguing prospect as a combo guard with the potential to be a primary ball-handler down the road. The Nets are simply collecting assets at this point, so they'll just take the best player on the board, and Traore's potential is certainly there if his 3-point shot improves. |
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| 27 |
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Ben Saraf | PG | |||
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If Brooklyn ends up keeping all of its picks, it's going to want as many bites at the apple as possible. With that in mind, drafting Saraf here makes sense as the search for a true lead guard continues. At 6-5, he has legitimate playmaking skills in both transition and halfcourt, and does most of his scoring damage at the rim and with pull-up jumpers. He has a chance to be a truly special facilitator, but his offense may not be enough to make him an eventual starting-caliber point guard. |
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| 28 |
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Noah Penda | SF | |||
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Penda has an NBA-ready body, which would help the Celtics as they navigate what could be a transition year with Jayson Tatum expected to miss significant time and a trade or two possibly forthcoming. With great footwork and touch around the basket, Penda has a relentless motor and can be a wrecking ball (in good and bad ways) on both ends of the floor. His mechanics also suggest that he could become a better shooter than the percentages indicate. |
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| 29 |
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Adou Thiero | SF | |||
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Watching Lu Dort lock down opponents in the Finals may boost the stock of Thiero, an elite defensive prospect who lacks polish on the offensive end. His inability to consistently knock down 3s will likely prevent him from staying on the court for long stretches, but the Suns will need all the perimeter defense they can get with Devin Booker and Jalen Green in the backcourt. And if his offense develops, we're talking about a potential starter down the road. |
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| 30 |
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Ryan Kalkbrenner | C | |||
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Players like Donovan Clingan and Zach Edey have proven that super-sized centers can have a place in the league, even if they're a bit slow of foot. Kalkbrenner probably isn't on the level of those two, but he will protect the rim, rebound and set screens to free up scorers. He also has intriguing potential as a 3-point shooter, which would obviously raise his NBA ceiling. The Clippers desperately need a backup for Ivica Zubac, and Kalkbrenner could fill that role nicely. |
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