Now that the NBA Draft Lottery has been officially determined, it is time for a new NBA mock draft. Additionally, official measurements have been unveiled at the NBA Combine. Those measurements will play a part in the placements of the prospects. Based on the draft order after the lottery, let’s dive into a mock draft of the entire first round.
2025 NBA Mock Draft 4.0: Post-Lottery Edition
1. Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg, Duke, PF/SF
In a surprising turn of events, the Dallas Mavericks won the lottery and landed the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. With that first pick, the Mavericks have the chance to get a new franchise cornerstone in Cooper Flagg. The 6-foot-9 forward is easily the most complete player in this draft class and has the potential to be an elite two-way star in the league. Unquestionably, Flagg is one of the best and most versatile defenders in the class. He also possesses three-level scoring potential and excellent passing vision. Truly, the clearest area of improvement for Flagg is his handle, which can be shaky. With Flagg, Dallas will have a clear direction and future to move towards. He can bring the “defense wins championships” mentality that GM Nico Harrison clearly values.
2. San Antonio Spurs: Dylan Harper, Rutgers, PG/SG
The San Antonio Spurs get extremely lucky in the lottery and get the second overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. While there is a real possibility of this pick being moved, the Spurs take Rutgers guard Dylan Harper for this mock. Obviously, there will be a logjam at point guard with De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Chris Paul, and Harper. However, Harper is the most talented player left on the board and should be taken regardless. His ability to create rim pressure and create shots for others can be valuable next to Victor Wembanyama. Furthermore, Harper has the potential to be a three-level scorer and a versatile defender. If he hits that, then he would be better than the other three point guards and a true co-star for Wembanyama.
3. Philadelphia 76ers: Ace Bailey, Rutgers, SF
The 76ers are another team that jumped up into the top four, getting the third pick. For this mock, the Sixers take Rutgers forward Ace Bailey at three. Bailey is a rangy forward who has great defensive tools and a smooth-looking jumper. While Bailey is a polarizing prospect due to his defensive concerns and shot selection, he is still one of the players with the highest ceilings in the draft. Unquestionably, the Sixers need someone with that type of ceiling because their current star, Joel Embiid, has massive injury concerns. Not only that, but Bailey’s ability to shoot the ball can be useful with the current roster. Furthermore, Bailey can learn from Paul George. Bailey being selected by the Sixers in the 2025 NBA Draft would both help the present and give them a major piece for a potential future after Embiid.
4. Charlotte Hornets: VJ Edgecombe, Baylor, SG
The Charlotte Hornets fall to the fourth pick, but they end up with the perfect backcourt partner for LaMelo Ball in VJ Edgecombe. Undoubtedly, Edgecombe’s defensive abilities and athleticism can be a big help for a Charlotte team that needs a lot of both. Equally important is that Edgecombe has improved as a shooter, and his athleticism would fit well in transition next to Ball. While Edgecombe’s ability to be an on-ball player can be questionable due to his shaky handle and self-creation skill, his current skill set fits too well next to Ball and Brandon Miller to ignore. Not getting Flagg is disappointing to be sure, but Edgecombe is a great consolation prize in the 2025 NBA Draft for the Hornets.
5. Utah Jazz: Kon Knueppel, Duke, SF
The Utah Jazz are another team that fell in the lottery, landing at the fifth spot. While there is certainly no prospect that compares to Flagg, landing his teammate, Kon Knueppel, isn’t the worst thing in the world. Knueppel can provide much-needed three-point shooting around Lauri Markkanen while also having upside as a passer and secondary ball-handler. He also possesses a high feel for the game and excellent basketball IQ. The combination of all those things allows him to slot in perfectly next to stars while giving him a high offensive ceiling. Knueppel’s physical tools do put a cap on how good he will be as a defender, but his upside in other areas is a risk worth taking.
6. Washington Wizards: Derik Queen, Maryland, PF/C
The Washington Wizards are yet another team that fell out of the top three, dropping far down to sixth. It certainly stings to drop as far as they did, but there are good players to be had. One such player is Maryland big Derik Queen, who can bring much-needed offense to this young Wizards team. His abilities synergize well with Alex Sarr and offer the interior scoring that Sarr does not provide. Not only that, but Sarr and Bilal Coulibaly can help cover Queen’s defensive shortcomings. Queen can also provide high-level playmaking that the Wizards desperately need. Additionally, Bub Carrington grew up with Queen in Baltimore and is very close. Not having the opportunity to draft Flagg is heartbreaking, but Queen is a very good option for the hand they have been dealt.
7. New Orleans Pelicans: Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma, PG
The New Orleans Pelicans desperately need a point guard of the future for the team, and they can find that in Oklahoma guard Jeremiah Fears. He can provide New Orleans with excellent rim pressure from the guard position using his speed, handle, and physicality. Furthermore, Fears has shown the ability to be an effective playmaker despite having turnover issues using his driving skills. His shooting leaves something to be desired, but he has shown himself to be confident in taking jumpers, and the free-throw numbers look good. Considering his size, Fears isn’t gonna be the best defender, especially if he doesn’t develop his strength. There are some areas in his game that Fears needs to work on, but if everything clicks together, he does legitimately have star upside.
8. Brooklyn Nets: Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois, PG/SG
The Brooklyn Nets need as much young talent as they can get their hands on. Armed with several first-round picks in this draft, they can certainly load up on talent at several positions. With their first pick in this mock, they draft Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis at eight. Jakucionis is a talented offensive guard who can play both on and off the ball. He has the three-level scoring potential and has shown the willingness to take a wide variety of threes. Jakucionis is also one of the best passers in the class, capable of making high-level reads against defenses and having the skill to throw an experimental pass.
Undoubtedly, Jakucionis does have his turnover issues due to this, but it is encouraging to see him try to make those reads. While not the best defender, Jakucionis does have good size at 6-foot-6. His ceiling will be determined by his ability to figure out his consistency as a scorer. However, if he does figure it out, he can be a big-time player in Brooklyn for a long time.
9. Toronto Raptors: Khaman Maluach, Duke, C
The Toronto Raptors have a type of player that they gravitate toward. That is players who have positional size with great physical tools. They can get that in Duke center Khaman Malauch, who is acquainted with Raptors president Masai Ujiri due to his efforts with his work in promoting basketball in Africa. Maluach is a towering seven-footer with an insane 7-foot-6 wingspan, making him an imposing rim deterrent. Not only that, but Malauch has shown flashes of being able to switch onto the perimeter. He is raw offensively, but can be a lob threat and a rim-runner. Malauch serves as a perfect long-term solution for Toronto at the center position, as Jakob Poeltl doesn’t fit the timeline of the rest of the team.
10. Houston Rockets (via Phoenix Suns): Tre Johnson, Texas, SG
There is a real chance the Houston Rockets move this pick, but they can address their shooting issues using it. Drafting Texas guard Tre Johnson using this pick can be a big help in alleviating the shooting concerns that the roster has. Johnson is easily one of the best shooters in the class, knocking down 39.7% from three on a varied shot diet from beyond the arc. Johnson can be deployed in various ways as a shooter, bringing a shot-making dynamic that this Houston team doesn’t really have. Furthermore, Johnson has shown flashes of passing ability, which can make him an even more dynamic offensive player. The defense isn’t great, but Johnson does have good size at 6-foot-6 and a 6-foot-10 wingspan. Johnson can give the Rockets the offensive punch from the perimeter that can help take the team to the next level.
11. Portland Trail Blazers: Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina, PF
The Portland Trail Blazers can use another long-term forward on the roster, especially since Jerami Grant doesn’t fit the timeline. South Carolina forward Collin Murray-Boyles would be a great option at 11th, especially since he fits into Portland’s defensive identity. The 6-foot-7 forward has the skills and physical tools to be an excellent defensive player in the NBA. He has the strength to stand his ground against taller players and the quickness to keep up with smaller perimeter players. That defensive versatility allows Murray-Boyles to be a multi-positional defender who can provide high-level defense. Offensively, Murray-Boyles has great touch around the rim and can power his way into the paint. Furthermore, he has shown playmaking flashes and is a strong rebounder. Murray-Boyles does need to improve as a shooter, but he is so skilled in many other areas that the Blazers will still get a great player regardless.
12. Chicago Bulls: Thomas Sorber, Georgetown, C
Considering that Nikola Vucevic does not fit with the timeline of the Bulls, Chicago needs to draft a long-term solution at center. The Bulls can find that in Georgetown center Thomas Sorber, who brings impressive two-way potential in the middle. Standing at 6-foot-10 with a ridiculous seven-foot-six wingspan revealed at the NBA combine, Sorber possesses great physical tools that allow him to be a great defensive center. He has a great feel for the game and loves using his length to generate steals and blocks. Furthermore, he has the strength and discipline to be a defensive anchor in the paint. Offensively, Sorber is a great scorer in the post with excellent touch around the rim. Sorber is also a great passer out of the short roll and has shooting potential. He would make an excellent long-term option at center for a Chicago team that needs that.
13. Atlanta Hawks (via Sacramento Kings): Asa Newell, Georgia, PF
The Atlanta Hawks can use additional frontcourt depth next to Trae Young, and selecting Georgia big Asa Newell can fill that need. Standing at 6-foot-10 with a 6-foot-11 wingspan, Newell is an athletic big who has great potential as a versatile defender at the next level. He has shown the motor and athleticism necessary to be a switchable defender while also being a good rim protector. Furthermore, Newell has flashed offensive potential as a shooter and transition threat. Considering that Clint Capela can leave in free agency this offseason, drafting Newell can serve as a great replacement for him. He must develop offensively to take his game up a notch, but his athleticism works well with Young regardless.
14. San Antonio Spurs: Carter Bryant, Arizona, SF/PF
After taking Harper with the second pick, the Spurs get to select again at 14. One big need that the Spurs have is more shooting and size on the wings. Due to that, this mock has San Antonio take Arizona forward Carter Bryant with the 14th pick. Unquestionably, Bryant is one of the premier 3-and-D wing prospects in the draft this year. Standing at 6-foot-8, Bryant has the ideal size to be a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions. For a wing, Bryant is good at using his length to block shots. On the offensive end, Bryant has a complementary skill set that fits well next to stars. He is capable of knocking down open threes and is an excellent off-ball cutter. Considering the needs of the roster and Bryant’s skill set, taking him at 14 is a no-brainer.
15. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Miami Heat): Noa Essengue, Ratiopharm Ulm, SF/PF
The Oklahoma City Thunder has always taken upside swings in the draft, and, for this mock, they take a swing at Ulm forward Noa Essengue. The 6-foot-10 forward has the physical tools and athleticism to be a threat on both ends of the floor. However, it is still unclear what exact niche he will fit into at the NBA level. Given his length and athleticism, there is a clearer vision for Essengue as a defender. He does use his length well to force turnovers. Essengue is truly dangerous in the open court and as a cutter, utilizing his speed and athleticism to get to the rim. Essengue has also shown flashes of handling the ball and shooting. He is the type of prospect that needs time for development, but given that the Thunder already have a strong roster, they can afford to develop him on the side.
16. Orlando Magic: Nique Clifford, Colorado State, SG/SF
With the first of their picks, Orlando takes Colorado wing Nique Clifford in this 2025 NBA mock draft. The 6-foot-5 wing has clearly demonstrated himself as a Swiss army-knife player who can perform well in many different roles. For the Magic, Clifford can fit into their defense-first playstyle while still providing offensive punch off the bench. Specifically, Clifford has spent this past season playing with the ball in his hands and has developed offensively as a shot-creator. Markedly, Clifford can also be a decent passer. Undoubtedly, he can give the team offense, but Clifford can also play in an off-ball role next to the Magic’s stars and provide good defense on the wings. Considering his sheer versatility, he can help shore up many areas for the Magic.
17. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Detroit Pistons): Rasheer Fleming, Saint Joseph’s, PF/SF
The Minnesota Timberwolves can always use additional 3-and-D players around Anthony Edwards, and they will get that in Rasheer Fleming. The 6-foot-9 forward showcased his ability to knock down threes and play excellent defense during his time at Saint Joseph’s. Both his high-energy defense and his play-finishing will fit immediately with the rest of Minnesota’s roster. Despite that, Minnesota has significant depth in the frontcourt, they can use someone as versatile defensively as Fleming. His insane 7-foot-5 wingspan, paired with his athleticism, makes him an excellent shot-blocker and disruptor out on the court. Furthermore, those aspects also make him a great transition threat. Fleming shot 39% from three on the season and will get plenty of open shots next to Edwards and Julius Randle. Overall, Fleming’s skill set fits well in Minnesota, and he can be a long-term player for them.
18. Washington Wizards (via Memphis Grizzlies): Jase Richardson, Michigan State, PG
The Washington Wizards can use another guard after taking Queen with the sixth pick. One of the better guards in the class is Michigan State guard Jase Richardson, the son of former NBA player Jason Richardson. He has shown all the skills and talent to be an effective guard at the next level despite certain concerns. Regarding those concerns, they mainly center around his height at just under 6-foot-1 without shoes. Being that short in the NBA can give Richardson major problems on the defensive end, despite his having a 6-foot-6 wingspan and high motor.
Nevertheless, Richardson’s upside on the offensive end is too much to ignore. He is capable of playing with or without the ball and has shown flashes of being a high-level shot-creator. He can efficiently shoot on all three levels and has an excellent feel for the game. Not only that, but Richardson has also flashed interesting passing ability. Someone with that level of talent would be extremely useful for the Wizards and their long-term future.
19. Brooklyn Nets (via Milwaukee Bucks): Danny Wolf, Michigan, PF/C
After taking Jakucionis earlier in the draft, the Nets take a swing at Michigan big man Danny Wolf. Wolf possesses a unique skill set in comparison to the bigs that the Nets have on their roster. Essentially, the Nets will get a jumbo-sized ball-handler who can be an excellent offensive player. He can play with or without the ball and is capable of scoring on all three levels. Wolf needs to continue to refine his shooting, as he has never been consistent as a shooter. However, Wolf’s willingness to take shots like step-backs is encouraging to see. He has also shown amazing passing flashes with an impressive handle for a big man, but he can be turnover-prone. Defensively, Wolf uses his size and length well as a shot-blocker and rebounder. Wolf is the type of talent that the Nets should target despite concerns in his game.
20. Miami Heat (via Golden State Warriors): Nolan Traore, Saint Quentin, PG
It is clear that the Miami Heat needs a long-term solution at the point guard position. They need someone else besides the stars to create offense, and that’s where French guard Nolan Traore comes into the picture. While he did fall from his preseason expectations, Traore has bounced back in the past couple of months with improved play. Traore can provide the Heat with great speed and ball-handling at the point guard position alongside excellent passing vision. He can generate good looks for his teammates through his speed. The 6-foot-4 guard has shown improvement as a three-level scorer and defender, but he is still a work in progress. If he can put it all together, Traore can be a great point guard for Miami’s future.
21. Utah Jazz (via Minnesota Timberwolves): Liam McNeeley, UConn, SF
The Jazz can stand to add more wing depth and shooting, even after selecting Knueppel at five. They can do that by drafting UConn forward Liam McNeeley with the 21st pick. Despite having an underwhelming season with the Huskies, McNeeley is still one of the better shooting prospects in the draft. He operates best as a spot-up shooter and moves well off the ball, demonstrating excellent feel for the game. McNeeley isn’t the best defensively, but he does have good positional size at 6-foot-7. He won’t be some great wing-stopper, but he won’t be weighing down the defense either. Regardless, McNeeley’s upside as a shooter can give the Jazz the extra spacing and offensive punch it needs.
22. Atlanta Hawks (via Los Angeles Lakers): Ben Saraf, Ratiopharm Ulm, PG/SG
The Hawks added a big earlier in the draft by taking Newell, so naturally, they address the need for a backup point guard with this pick. For this mock, the Hawks take Ulm guard Ben Saraf at 22, adding size and rim pressure at the guard spot. Standing at 6-foot-5, Saraf operates best as an on-ball guard who can use his ball-handling and finesse to generate rim pressure and open looks for his teammates. He is one of the better playmakers in the draft this year and can sling a variety of different passes as the primary initiator. Saraf can also knock down shots in the mid-range, but his three-point shooting leaves something to be desired. Additionally, Saraf isn’t a great defender either. However, Saraf offers the Hawks the critical playmaking they need outside of Young and additional scoring off the bench.
23. Indiana Pacers: Joan Beringer, Cedevita Olimpija, C
The Indiana Pacers have had an amazing run in the NBA Playoffs so far, but they still have a glaring need for a long-term solution at backup center. That’s where French big Joan Beringer comes into the picture. Specifically, the 6-foot-9 center is one of the most athletic players in the 2025 NBA Draft and can provide athletic plays on both ends of the floor. In particular, Beringer’s athleticism would fit well in Indiana’s transition attack while being a rim deterrent on the other end. Additionally, he has the potential to be a switchable defender out on the perimeter, considering his agility and wingspan. While raw offensively, his physical tools will fit well next to Tyrese Haliburton, who can get him all the lobs he wants. His rim-running and rim protection will be an excellent fit in Indiana.
24. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Los Angeles Clippers): Noah Penda, Le Mans Sarthe, SF/PF
Even after taking Essengue at 15, the Thunder can still use more size and defense on the roster. That is something that French forward Noah Penda can easily provide, considering that he is one of the better defenders in the class. Standing at 6-foot-6, Penda possesses high potential as an elite defender at the NBA level. He has the size, athleticism, feel, motor, and basketball IQ necessary to be highly impactful defensively, both on and off the ball. He can be a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions and generate steals and blocks like it’s nothing. Penda is also an excellent connective playmaker and off-ball cutter. The real question for Penda is whether he can find a consistent way to score the ball. Nevertheless, Penda’s defensive abilities will be valuable to a Thunder team that can use more size and defense.
25. Orlando Magic (via Denver Nuggets): Walter Clayton Jr., Florida, PG
The Magic are up again at 25 after taking Clifford at 16, and they select Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr. at this spot. Standing at 6-foot-3, the newly minted NCAA champion can give Orlando all the offense it needs off the bench. Clayton Jr. is easily one of the best shooters in the draft, and he has the shot-making abilities to come up big in the clutch. Not only can he shoot the ball in a variety of ways, but he can also extend his range from well beyond the arc. Furthermore, Clayton Jr. can operate with and without the ball in his hands, opening up a wellspring of offensive opportunities with the Florida guard. His shooting and overall shot-making abilities are something that the Magic has desperately needed for the past couple of seasons, and he would be tremendous off the bench for them.
26. Brooklyn Nets (via New York Knicks): Egor Demin, BYU, PG/SF
The Nets are not done yet, as they have back-to-back picks at 26 and 27, respectively. With the first of those picks, they take a swing at BYU guard Egor Demin. As a player, Demin is quite possibly the best pure passer in the draft this season. Standing at 6-foot-9, he has excellent court vision and mapping, knowing exactly where everyone is at. Demin has the passing skills necessary to throw a wide variety of passes, zipping them across the court to open teammates. Whether it be on a live dribble or at a standstill, Demin can always find an open window and sling a pass through.
The problems start to arise for Demin in terms of scoring and defense. Specifically, Demin has not found a consistent way to score the basketball despite flashing three-level scoring potential. That is a huge problem as he can’t fully leverage his incredible passing abilities without being a threat to score the ball. Defensively, Demin has the size to not be a major negative defensively, and he’s good at reading passes for steals, but he isn’t a great defender overall. Despite all that, Demin does have immense potential. The Nets are the perfect situation for Demin to develop his game further and potentially become a high-impact player.
27. Brooklyn Nets (via Houston Rockets): Will Riley, Illinois, SG/SF
With the second of the back-to-back picks, Brooklyn selects Illinois wing Will Riley at 27. Standing at 6-foot-9, the Nets will get a potential three-level scoring wing with playmaking upside in Riley. He has demonstrated strong flashes of scoring on all three levels, and he can pull up anywhere on the court. Not only that, but he has shown real potential as a playmaker who leverages his offensive skills to generate open looks for his teammates. Additionally, Riley can operate on and off the ball, adding more value offensively. However, much of Riley’s game still needs time for development, and he needs to add more strength to his thin frame. He can be easily bullied on both ends of the floor, so it is critical that he gets stronger. Considering those points, the Nets would serve as a perfect place for him to develop.
28. Boston Celtics: Labaron Philon, Alabama, PG/SG
Considering the heavy tax burden of the Celtics, as well as the loss of Jayson Tatum to an Achilles injury, this era of Boston basketball is well within doubt. They must add talent on cheaper contracts as they prepare themselves to move multiple pieces in the offseason. One way they can do so is through the draft. They can get a talented Jrue Holiday replacement in Alabama guard Labaron Philon.
Despite a lack of a jumper, Philon has shown himself to be a crafty guard who can generate paint touches and provide great on-ball defense. The 6-foot-4 guard is feisty when defending on the ball and plays with excellent motor. He consistently hounds opposing guards and looks to force turnovers. Despite not being a great athlete, Philon can always find his way into the paint and score using his crafty handle. He has a nasty floater and is a high-level playmaker as well. While he does need further development as a shooter, he has a collection of skills that would be valuable to the Celtics as they tread in uncertain waters.
29. Phoenix Suns (via Cleveland Cavaliers): Yaxel Lendeborg, UAB, PF/SF
The Phoenix Suns face an uncertain future as they will possibly trade star wing Kevin Durant. Given that possibility, the team will need to add more frontcourt depth. They can do so by adding one of the top risers in the draft, UAB forward Yaxel Lendeborg. Standing at 6-foot-9 with a ridiculous 7-foot-4 wingspan, Lendeborg is a Swiss army-knife forward who can be a high-level two-way player in the league. Lendeborg is the type of player who can do a little bit of everything out on the court. He is a great playmaker, scorer, and defender while possessing a great feel for the game. The only main area that Lendeborg must improve is his shooting consistency. While he is a solid enough shooter, he can be streaky and doesn’t take threes on a high volume. Other than that, though, Lendeborg would be an excellent addition to Phoenix’s future.
30. Los Angeles Clippers (via Oklahoma City Thunder): Cedric Coward, Washington State, SG/SF
The Los Angeles Clippers round out the first round as they have the 30th overall pick. With the 30th pick, the Clippers select Washington State wing Cedric Coward, who has been another top riser. Standing at 6-foot-6 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, Coward had an excellent showing this past season before suffering a season-ending injury. Despite that, Coward demonstrated his ability to be a great shooter and defender with excellent athleticism. He is capable of scoring on all three levels and has shown real passing chops as a connective playmaker. Defensively, Coward has the size and athleticism to be a multi-positional defender. He can keep up with guards and defend bigger wings thanks to his length. He uses his length to great effect, consistently generating steals and blocks. Coward does need to get stronger, but he has all the makings to be a high-level wing for the Clippers.
Featured image: © Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
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