1. DAL: Cooper Flagg, PF, Duke
For over a year, Cooper Flagg has been considered the top player in the 2025 draft class, and in his first season at Duke, he lived up to those expectations—winning the Naismith Award and leading the team to a Final Four appearance. Flagg also led Duke in scoring with over 19 points per game while guarding each opponent’s top offensive option. For most basketball fans, this type of two-way player screams NBA superstar.
2. SAS: Dylan Harper, PG/SG, Rutgers
Similar to Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper has been near the top of 2025 draft boards for over a year. He’s seen by many as the player whose skills translate best to the NBA in this class. He is an above-average three-point shooter and passer, elite at getting to the rim, and at 6’6”, can guard most NBA guards and rebound at a high level for his position.
3. PHI: Ace Bailey, SG/SF, Rutgers
Despite falling out of the top five in multiple mock drafts due to skipping workouts and measuring three inches shorter than previously listed, I believe the Sixers will take him because of his tremendously high ceiling—potentially higher than even Cooper Flagg’s. Though now listed at 6’7”, Bailey can handle the ball like a guard, attack the rim at a borderline All-Star level, score off the dribble, and is a great fit for a Sixers team lacking a true small forward.
4. CHA: VJ Edgecombe, SG, Baylor
VJ Edgecombe is the fastest and most athletic player in this draft by a wide margin. His highlight reel from last season stands out to both casual fans and experts, making him must-see TV and a matchup nightmare. He is definitely more of a project, however, as he shot only 43% from the field last year with just 3 assists per game, making him relatively inefficient.
5. UTA: Tre Johnson, SG/PG, Texas
Last season at Texas, Tre Johnson posted the best scoring numbers of anyone in the top five, averaging 19.9 points and shooting 39.7% from three. Despite his strong three-point shooting, he averaged fewer than 3.5 assists per game and shot 42% overall from the field. This shows that Johnson is a project, but at 6’6” and only 19 years old, he could easily average 25+ points per game in his prime.
6. WAS: Jeremiah Fears, PG, Oklahoma
The Wizards just traded Jordan Poole for CJ McCollum, leaving an opening at the point guard position. Jeremiah Fears is the first true point guard in this draft, standing at 6’4”. He averaged just 4.1 assists at Oklahoma, but he has the most playmaking potential among lottery picks. With veterans like CJ McCollum and Khris Middleton—both strong scorers—assists will come more easily, and their leadership should also help elevate his game.
7. NO: Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
The first center in the draft comes off the board here at No. 7. With the addition of Jordan Poole and the already elite scoring of Zion Williamson, the Pelicans need a center—and a defensive one at that. The 7’2” Maluach is a great shot blocker and will add another dimension to a defense anchored by guard Dejounte Murray, one of the top five defensive point guards in the NBA.
8. BKN: Kon Knueppel, SG/SF, Duke
Knueppel, the third Duke freshman in the draft, is by far the best three-point shooter in this class, hitting nearly 41%. He also shot almost 92% from the foul line. This would be a very solid pick if the Nets can use their cap space to acquire a passing point guard—such as James Harden—to create shooting opportunities for Knueppel.
9. TOR: Noa Essengue, PF, Germany
In 2024, the draft was loaded with international players, including three of the first six picks. Essengue is the first international player off the board in 2025, going ninth. At only 18 years old, Essengue has tremendous upside as a defender and was very efficient last season, with a 61% true shooting percentage. The Raptors can afford to let him develop slowly, as Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes are already All-Star-level forwards.
10. PHX: Carter Bryant, SF/PF, Arizona
With the departure of Kevin Durant, a vacancy has opened at small forward. Bryant has a ton of upside as a 3-and-D player, coming off a season where he shot 37% from three and measured a 6’11” wingspan. His scoring still has room to grow, as he only averaged 6.5 points per game, but with Devin Booker still on the roster (for now), he’ll have time to develop.
11. POR: Kasparas Jakucionis, PG, Illinois
With Donovan Clingan and Deandre Ayton anchoring the frontcourt, Portland needs a guard to pair with newly acquired Jrue Holiday. Jakucionis, who stands at 6’7”, has strong shooting and playmaking ability. In recent seasons, tall guards like Brandon Miller, Deni Avdija, and Josh Giddey have succeeded, and Jakucionis could continue that trend.
12. CHI: Derik Queen, C/PF, Maryland
Back in March, many projected Queen as a top 5–7 pick. However, he struggled with conditioning at the combine. That said, the upside is clearly there. He’s a very solid interior finisher, can shoot from mid-range at an above-average level, and is a high-level rebounder. These attributes make him a true center, which is exactly what the Bulls need.
13. ATL: Collin Murray-Boyles, PF, South Carolina
The Hawks have a solid backcourt and two quality centers. However, they need a power forward, and Murray-Boyles is the best available. At South Carolina, he was a stat-sheet stuffer, averaging 17 points, 8 rebounds, and nearly 2 blocks and steals per game. Considering his 6’10” frame and all-around production, he may end up being the steal of the draft.
14. SAS: Asa Newell, PF, Georgia
The Spurs have solid depth at most positions but are weakest at power forward. Newell was a very effective inside scorer last season, averaging 15.5 points and 7.0 rebounds. He should be a solid backup for years to come.
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