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2025 NBA Mock Draft 7.0: Predicting all 59 picks, with Ace Bailey sliding
The 2025 NBA Draft is less than one week away, which means we will soon know exactly where each of the top prospects will begin their NBA careers. While there is near certainty toward the top of the draft with Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper, it gets a bit murkier surrounding where Ace Bailey may eventually land. There a wide range of outcomes, including many possible trade scenarios that could change the landscape. These projections are based on the order as it stands, however, and it does not project trades. We expect at least a couple transactions on draft night, though, with teams like the Houston Rockets as well as the Toronto Raptors and Brooklyn Nets expected to make some moves. The following mock draft is based on our research and contains original reporting with quotes from prospects including Dylan Harper, Kon Knueppel, Jeremiah Fears, Cedric Coward, Asa Newell, and Thomas Sorber. All heights are listed without shoes measured at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine in Chicago or Treviso. The best takes and the sharpest bets on all the hoops storylines you need to know. Sign up for our Layup Lines newsletter, hitting your inbox on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 1. Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg TEAM: Duke POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6' 7.75'' DRAFT AGE: 18.5 The 2025 NBA Draft Lottery was effectively a launching ground for Duke sensation Cooper Flagg to find out what team he will play for next season and beyond. It was the Mavericks who shockingly got the opportunity, and we shouldn't expect them to trade the pick. Flagg was long considered the favorite at No. 1 overall (we wrote about it when he was 15 years old) and he made that even more clear when he dominated against Team USA during a friendly scrimmage before they won gold at the Olympics. He then exceeded all expectations while he was in college, accomplishing just about everything except winning a national championship. Something that NBA fans should adore about Flagg: While the Mavericks reportedly decided long before they met with him that he was their pick at No. 1 overall, according to The Stein Line, he still 'insisted' that he still work out on the court for the team and he 'made a very favorable' impression. 'He doesn't turn it off. That's one of the best compliments I can give,' Kon Knueppel, his Duke college roommate and teammate, recently told For The Win. 'He is just a humble dude who loves basketball.' More: The Mavericks reportedly plan to select Cooper Flagg, not make another controversial trade 2. San Antonio Spurs: Dylan Harper TEAM: Rutgers POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6' 4.50'' DRAFT AGE: 19.3 While the Spurs could have plenty of suitors if they wanted to shop this pick, it isn't worth it to make a move unless it could land them Giannis Antetokounmpo, and such a trade is seeming more and more unlikely. Instead, they could get someone with legitimate star potential to pair with Victor Wembanyama. For The Win spoke to Harper earlier this year and he described how he developed his fantastic ability to become such a dynamic scorer at the rim. Harper should bring that skill set with him to the pros after earning Big Ten All-Freshman honors. Q&A: Meet Dylan Harper, the best NBA Draft prospect who did not make March Madness tourney 3. Philadelphia 76ers: V.J. Edgecombe TEAM: Baylor POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6' 4.00'' DRAFT AGE: 19.9 After a strong performance for the Bahamas during the Olympic qualifiers last year, V.J. Edgecombe became a name to watch for scouts and evaluators. At the start of the NCAA season, he showed a lot of promise as a defensive player, though that actually slowed down a bit as his freshman campaign progressed. However, while at Baylor, he also showed promise as one of the bounciest scorers. While the Philadelphia 76ers have reportedly not met with Ace Bailey yet, Edgecombe did travel for a private workout. He 'impressed' during this environment, per The Philadelphia Inquirer. The organization liked his 'work ethic, personality and interviews' during the visit, via The Stein Line. The Big 12 Freshman of the Year joined Flagg as the only first-year collegiate players with at least 30 dunks and 3-pointers recorded, per Bart Torvik. 4. Kon Knueppel TEAM: Duke POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6' 5.00'' DRAFT AGE: 19.9 In the event that the 76ers do not pick Edgecombe and he is still on the board, the organization may target him over Bailey as a defensive anchor. He reportedly had an 'excellent' interview for the team during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, per Yahoo's Kevin O'Connor. But assuming he is off the board, Duke's Kon Knueppel is an ideal candidate. The Hornets 'appear to have interest' in the ACC tournament MVP, according to ESPN's Jonathan Givony. "I try to focus on all the little things," Knueppel recently told For The Win. "I'm going to make it as hard on the guy that's got the ball that I'm guarding. I'm going to make it super hard on him. I'm going to box out. I'm going to rebound. I'm going to get a loose ball. Those things add up. It all goes into having a good plus-minus or making winning plays on the court." The Blue Devils outscored opponents by 625 points when Knueppel was on the court this season, per CBB Analytics, which was the highest plus-minus among all men's college basketball players. More: Meet NBA draft prospect Kon Knueppel, the other Duke star you're not talking enough about 5. Utah Jazz: Tre Johnson TEAM: Texas POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6' 4.75'' DRAFT AGE: 19.3 It is hard to predict what kind of decisions Austin Ainge will make in his new role as an executive for the Jazz. For example, Duke big man Khaman Maluach is considered a 'potential draftee' for Utah, via The Stein Line. This would give Utah the flexibility to potentially trade center Walker Kessler. Texas freshman Tre Johnson, however, is another player who is reportedly gaining significant momentum in the pre-draft process so far. Johnson was named SEC Freshman of the Year because he is such a natural scorer whose passing is better than his assist stats might suggest. He is very difficult to stop in the open-court and led all freshmen in 3-pointers made in transition (21) and above the break (65) this season, per CBB Analytics. He measured with a nearly plus-six (6-foot-10) wingspan at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, which should help him in the pros. Johnson also recorded the fastest lane agility time (10.49 seconds) at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine and his upside makes him a good option for a franchise like the Jazz. 6. Washington Wizards: Jeremiah Fears TEAM: Oklahoma POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6' 2.50'' DRAFT AGE: 18.7 Oklahoma freshman Jeremiah Fears has reportedly had multiple workouts with the Jazz, who are on the clock immediately before the Wizards. But if Utah decides to go a different direction, don't expect Fears to wait long to hear his name called. His mentality helps explain why. "Whoever picks me on draft night, you guys are going to be getting a dog," Fears recently told For The Win. "Somebody that's going to come in, work hard, bring star power, and give it his all every time they step on the court." Fears gave fans some amazing highlights as he climbed up draft boards this season. He deservedly received SEC All-Freshman honors, can score at multiple levels from the floor, and he is a fantastic playmaker on both offense and defense as well. The guard is the second-youngest NCAA prospect we have projected in the first round behind only Flagg and was still one of the best overall performers in March Madness. He was one of the fastest players at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, recording a 3.05-second three-quarter sprint. 7. New Orleans Pelicans: Derik Queen TEAM: Maryland POSITION: Big HEIGHT: 6' 9.25'' DRAFT AGE: 20.5 The New Orleans Pelicans are another difficult team to predict in the 2025 NBA Draft because they have a new front office led by Joe Dumars. But the Pelicans do have rumored interest in Queen and he was one of the 'headliners' of a workout with the organization, per NBA Big Board's Rafael Barlowe. Queen was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year and proved his versatility and eye-catching skill set as a big man who is incredibly fun to watch. Then after recording perhaps the biggest moment of the NCAA men's basketball tournament, Queen skyrocketed his draft status. While his athletic testing was less than desirable at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, he plays at his own speed and could provide a unique addition for any roster. Yahoo's Kevin O'Connor reported that "most front-office executives" believe Ace Bailey is their target, even if it means they need to make a trade. However, per The Stein Line, the interest is "overstated" and that they are not "actively" trying to trade up for the Rutgers standout. More: Derik Queen's game-winner just cemented his NBA Draft status 9. Brooklyn Nets: Ace Bailey TEAM: Rutgers POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6' 7.50'' DRAFT AGE: 18.9 There is a lot to unpack about why Ace Bailey's draft stock is apparently plummeting lately, especially after he measured a bit shorter than expected at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine. While this is much lower than where he was projected in our latest consensus rankings at No. 3 overall earlier this month, fans shouldn't expect him to fall much lower than this. It's possible that Bailey's representation wants him to land in a big market where he can get a lot of playing time, and the Nets would provide exactly that. Back when For The Win spoke to his teammate Dylan Harper, he said that his favorite thing about Bailey is how much joy he plays with on the court. Harper described him as tall, lanky, twitchy and a nearly constant presence because of his ability to get a bucket. While some evaluators feel that he might take a bit too many mid range shots, his ability to shoot at his size is something that is going to entice every team in the NBA. His consistency will define just how much success he has, though, as will any development as a passer or as a defensive playmaker. More: The alarming reasons why Ace Bailey's NBA draft stock is plummeting 9. Toronto Raptors: Khaman Maluach TEAM: Duke POSITION: Big HEIGHT: 7' 0.75'' DRAFT AGE: 18.8 South Sudan's Khaman Maluach enjoyed an excellent, efficient campaign and earned ACC All-Freshman honors for Duke. As a lob threat, per CBB Analytics, he had the second-most alley-oops completed (38) among all players in college basketball. He is raw on both ends of the court but has a strong defensive presence thanks to his nearly 7-foot-7 wingspan and 9-foot-6 standing reach measured at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine. Other teams that could have interest include the Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards, Brooklyn Nets, and Atlanta Hawks. 10. Houston Rockets (via PHX): Collin Murray-Boyles TEAM: South Carolina POSITION: Big HEIGHT: 6' 6.50'' DRAFT AGE: 20.1 No one expects the Rockets to actually use this pick and are likely candidates to make a trade, but if they do, expect them to look at versatile defensive forward like South Carolina sophomore Collin Murray-Boyles. Murray-Boyles is perhaps the most enticing collegiate player who was not a one-and-done prospect. According to ESPN's Jeremy Woo, the Rockets are considered a "team that makes sense as a fit" for the the forward. He who averaged 16.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.5 steals, as well as 1.3 blocks per game this season. He is ready to contribute in many ways at the next level. Murray-Boyles is a bit undersized for someone who is virtually a non-threat from beyond the arc but he can offer enough impact as a defender to potentially make up for it. 11. Portland Trail Blazers: Carter Bryant TEAM: Arizona POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6' 6.50'' DRAFT AGE: 19.6 Arizona freshman Carter Bryant is a former McDonald's All-American forward who had a strong collegiate debut despite a relatively limited role. He was the only freshman aside from Flagg with at least three dunks and 3-pointers during the NCAA men's basketball tournament, per Bart Torvik. Bryant is unselfish, he works hard on defense, he measured with a wingspan just short of 7-foot, he recorded a 39.5-inch max vertical and 3.07-second three-quarter sprint. Bryant plays with a high IQ, and already looks like one of the biggest risers during the pre-draft process. It was a no-brainer for him to stay in the 2025 NBA Draft. He told The Athletic that he studies Portland's Toumani Camara and he could soon become his teammate on the Trail Blazers. 12. Chicago Bulls: Kasparas Jakučionis TEAM: Illinois POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6' 4.75'' DRAFT AGE: 19.1 Lithuania's Kasparas Jakučionis was briefly one of the hottest names in draft circles and he eventually earned Big Ten All-Freshman honors. He has an effective pull-up jumper and led all high-major freshmen in unassisted 3-pointers made (34), per CBB Analytics. As a distributor, in the same group, he also had the most assists finished at the rim (76) this season. Jakučionis needs his jump shot to look more like it did in the first two months of the season than it did in the final three for this pick to work out. 13. Atlanta Hawks (via SAC): Noa Essengue TEAM: ratiopharm ulm (Germany) POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6' 10.00'' DRAFT AGE: 18.5 NBA teams have had a slightly difficult time evaluating France's Noa Essengue because he is still playing in the postseason while overseas. Essengue is the second-youngest player in the draft but has still managed impressive productivity in one of the more competitive basketball leagues. He ranks fifth-best among all players in Defensive Statistical Impact (DSI) among those with at least seven games played in the Eurocup, per Cerebro Sports. Essengue is an interesting prospect who a variety of teams should have on their radar and, per ESPN's Jeremy Woo, has "drawn increasing interest from teams in the 9-to-15 range" in the 2025 NBA Draft. He is seen as one of the "potential candidates" for the Hawks, according to Woo. 14. San Antonio Spurs (via ATL): Joan Beringer TEAM: KK Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia) POSITION: Big HEIGHT: 6' 11.00'' DRAFT AGE: 18.6 If the Spurs decide to keep their second lottery pick, France's Joan Beringer is one of the names they will consider. Beringer was not able to participate in the 2025 NBA Draft Combine in Chicago because he was playing overseas but he is a great rim runner and legitimate vertical lob threat. He has a strong defensive presence with a high upside who can impact the game defensively right away. Beringer led the ABA League in blocks this season and ranks third overall in Defensive Statistical Impact (DSI) in his league, per Cerebro Sports. 15. Oklahoma City Thunder (via MIA): Cedric Coward TEAM: Washington St. POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6' 5.25'' DRAFT AGE: 21.8 Perhaps the most fascinating player in the 2025 NBA Draft is Cedric Coward, who was originally committed to Duke in the transfer portal before deciding to turn pro. "I think I can play anywhere because I'm adaptable," Coward recently told For The Win. "I know who I am as a player and I know who I am as a person and all I want to do is impact winning. I don't care about individual accolades, all of that stuff. That stuff comes with it. But for me, I just want to win. That's all I want to do. I want to win and I want to get better ... Whatever team is looking for that in a player has it right here with me." He shot 40.0 percent on his 3-pointers while averaging 17.7 points per game before getting hurt last season. Coward is one of the hottest names in draft circles right now after measuring with a 7-foot-2 wingspan with a 38.5-inch max vertical and 3.06-second three-quarter sprint at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine. Coward reportedly met with the Thunder for a private one-on-zero workout, per ESPN's Jonathan Givony. 16. Memphis Grizzlies (via ORL): Nique Clifford TEAM: Colorado St. POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6' 5.25'' DRAFT AGE: 23.4 Colorado State senior Nique Clifford is the oldest player we have projected in the first round but he looks ready to contribute to an NBA rotation. Teams are betting on the assumption that the do-it-all forward is going to make an impact on winning right away in the NBA. He led an upset in the first round of the NCAA tournament and averaged a productive 18.9 points. 9.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game during his final collegiate campaign. He has reportedly "received positive feedback" from his workouts and is drawing interest from teams picking in the teens, per ESPN's Jeremy Woo. Perhaps that team is Memphis now that they have traded back into the first round. Clifford fits a statistical profile that the Grizzlies have valued in previous draft cycles under executive Zach Kleiman, which we have written about in the past. Other prospects who fit this description include Collin Murray-Boyles and Adou Thiero. 17. Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET): Asa Newell TEAM: Georgia POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6' 9.00'' DRAFT AGE: 19.7 Georgia's Asa Newell, who was named SEC All-Freshman, is recorded the second-most layups and dunks combined this season among freshmen, per CBB Analytics. But he is also developing his 3-pointer after changing his shooting motion. 'I've always been extremely confident in my jump shot from high school to college and now in the NBA,' Newell recently told For The Win. 'You have to have a 3-point shot to survive in the NBA.' He trailed only his high school teammate, Flagg, among all freshmen in Player Efficiency Rating (PER) last season. 'I know I play with a lot of energy,' Newell added. 'I'm a match waiting for some gasoline and causing a whole fire … That is very contagious when you have someone who plays very hard, with a motor, and doesn't take plays off.' Newell has worked out with the Timberwolves, per Rookie Wire's Cody Taylor. Q&A: Asa Newell pitches his 'contagious' energy as NBA draft prospect 18. Washington Wizards (via MEM): Thomas Sorber TEAM: Georgetown POSITION: Big HEIGHT: 6' 9.25'' DRAFT AGE: 19.5 Georgetown freshman big Thomas Sorber, who has a 7-foot-6 wingspan, was an analytics darling before he suffered a season-ending foot injury. He could provide an exciting young piece to a developing young core and defensive presence for a team that could use a spark on that end of the floor like the Wizards. "You never hear a lot of people say that their favorite joy is playing defense. I think that's one thing that's rare about me," Sorber recently told For The Win. "I know that defense wins games, so I basically just put my all into the defensive end and try my best to not let my opponent score or anybody on the other team score because that can also start breaks and also get my team quick, easy points." It made a lot of sense for him to stay in the 2025 NBA Draft considering that, per ESPN's Jeremy Woo, he "has solid interest inside the top 20" for this class. 19. Brooklyn Nets (via MIL): Nolan Traoré TEAM: Saint-Quentin (France) POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6' 3.00'' DRAFT AGE: 19.1 After a slow start to his season in France, based on his priors before this season, it was only a matter of time before Nolan Traoré eventually started to heat up. He averaged 13.8 points and 5.0 assists per game while shooting 42.7 percent on 3-pointers over the course of his last ten games, per RealGM. Traoré was named 2025 Best Young Player of the Basketball Champions League and is inarguably one of the best playmakers in the 2025 NBA Draft. If he is more consistent at the next level, he could become something special as a point guard of the future. Other teams that may have interest include the Washington Wizards, Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat, and Phoenix Suns (especially if they land an additional pick as part of their trade return for Kevin Durant). 20. Miami Heat (via GSW): Will Riley TEAM: Illinois POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6' 8.25'' DRAFT AGE: 19.3 Canada's Will Riley "could be very much in the Heat's wheelhouse at 20" in the 2025 NBA Draft, per Miami Herald. Riley had multiple big performances during his freshman campaign for Illinois, including a debut in which he had 31 points while shooting 5-of-6 on 3-pointers. He also had 21 points with 7 rebounds and 5 assists during a win over Iowa in the Big Ten tournament and had another great game against Xavier shooting 3-of-4 on 3-pointers during March Madness. Riley was named Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year. Any team drafting Riley is betting on his continued development. He has reportedly worked out with the Heat, per Rookie Wire's Cody Taylor. 21. Utah Jazz (via MIN): Egor Demin TEAM: BYU POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6' 8.25'' DRAFT AGE: 19.3 Russia's Egor Demin was initially having one of the strongest freshman campaigns of anyone in the nation for BYU. But his relatively poor overall performance and shooting against top-100 competition causes some room for concern. He measured at 6-foot-8 barefoot at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine and his playmaking still makes him intriguing. especially if he stays in the same state where he went to college. Demin "has a relationship with" Jazz governor Ryan Smith and executive Danny Ainge, per The Salt Lake Tribune. Jazz decision makers Ryan Smith and Danny Ainge, both BYU alums. Ainge often attends BYU games as a former player, whose jersey is retired at the Marriott Center. 22. Atlanta Hawks (via LAL): Maxime Raynaud TEAM: Stanford POSITION: Big HEIGHT: 7' 0.25'' DRAFT AGE: 22.2 TEAM: Stanford POSITION: Big HEIGHT: 7-1 DRAFT AGE: 22.2 Every team in the NBA should want a guy like France's Maxime Raynaud, who measured with a wingspan above 7-foot-1 and a standing reach above 9-foot-2. Those are excellent numbers for a player who averaged 20.2 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. But is even better when also considering he made nearly two 3-pointers per game. Raynaud was easily one of the biggest standouts during five-on-five scrimmages at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine. Raynaud has reportedly worked out with the Hawks, per Rookie Wire's Cody Taylor. More: 2025 NBA Draft Combine: 5 biggest winners, including Maxime Raynaud 23. New Orleans Pelicans (via IND): Walter Clayton Jr. TEAM: Florida POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6' 2.00'' DRAFT AGE: 22.3 ne enough to earn first-round consideration. As we wrote then: The archetype of undersized players who are a bit older relative to the other players in their draft class are typically not early draft picks. Clayton, however, could provide a legitimate exception to this rule after winning NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player. It makes a lot of sense for the Magic to find someone who can get a bucket as easily as Clayton. More: Is Walter Clayton Jr. an NBA Draft first-round pick after his incredible March Madness? 24. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC): Rasheer Fleming TEAM: Saint Joseph's POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6' 8.25'' DRAFT AGE: 21.0 One of the most pleasantly surprising prospects in this class is Saint Joseph's Rasheer Fleming, who has great positional size and shooting feel. He was the only player in college basketball to record at least 40 dunks and 50 shots from beyond the arc, per Bart Torvik. He measured with a wingspan above 7-foot-5 and a standing reach above 9-foot-1 at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine. 25. Orlando Magic (via DEN): Liam McNeeley TEAM: Connecticut POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6' 6.75'' DRAFT AGE: 19.7 UConn freshman Liam McNeeley won Big East Freshman of the Year and showed flashes during his freshman campaign, like when he had 38 points with 10 rebounds while making five 3-pointers against Creighton on Feb. 11. He also had a solid performance against the eventual national champions during the NCAA men's basketball tournament, recording 22 points while adding 2 rebounds as well as 3 assists and 2 steals. McNeeley is solid value at this point in the draft but should get consideration even higher. 26. Brooklyn Nets (via NYK): Jase Richardson TEAM: Michigan St. POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6' 0.50'' DRAFT AGE: 19.7 Michigan State freshman Jase Richardson earned Big Ten All-Freshman honors after a solid collegiate campaign. He averaged 16.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 0.9 steals per game while shooting 42.0 percent on 3-pointers after moving into the starting lineup for Michigan State. However, he measured small for a traditional two-guard and may not have the playmaking skills as a floor general to run point. He has reportedly worked out with the Nets, per HoopsHype. 27. Brooklyn Nets (via HOU): Alex Toohey TEAM: Sydney (Australia) POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6' 7.75'' DRAFT AGE: 21.2 Australia's Alex Toohey is a fascinating prospect who contributes well on both sides of the floor. He is a legitimately strong wing defender whose Defensive Statistical Impact (DSI) ranks as the best among those who have played more than one game in Australia's NBL this season, per Cerebro Sports. He measured just short of 6-foot-8 barefoot at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine with a wingspan nearly 6-foot-11 and played well during five-on-five scrimmages. 28. Boston Celtics: Drake Powell TEAM: North Carolina POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6' 5.25'' DRAFT AGE: 19.8 North Carolina freshman Drake Powell was one of the biggest winners at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, measuring with a 43-inch max vertical and a standing vertical four inches higher than any other prospect. Although he had a relatively limited role during his time in the NCAA, you're betting on upside by selecting Powell in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft. He has reportedly worked out with the Celtics, per Rookie Wire's Cody Taylor. 29. Phoenix Suns (via CLE): Danny Wolf TEAM: Michigan POSITION: Big HEIGHT: 6' 10.50'' DRAFT AGE: 21.2 Michigan's Danny Wolf is a do-it-all big man who has averaged 13.2 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game this season. Wolf had the most assists (132) of any college player who is 6-foot-10 or taller, per CBB Analytics. The big man is an incredibly gifted and skilled playmaker considering his height, even though there are questions about how it may translate in the NBA. According to ESPN's Jeremy Woo, feedback on Wolf has been "mixed" in the pre-draft process. He has reportedly worked out with the Suns, per Rookie Wire's Cody Taylor. 30. L.A. Clippers (via OKC): Adou Thiero TEAM: Arkansas POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6' 6.25'' DRAFT AGE: 21.1 After transferring from Kentucky last season, Arkansas junior Adou Thiero had a well-rounded season in which he averaged 15.1 points and 5.8 rebounds with 1.9 assists and 1.6 steals per game. While his 3-pointer was inefficient at just 25.6 percent, he missed time due to a knee injury in February and that factored into why he stopped getting as much buzz as the season progressed. However, he still showed enough to decide to stay in the 2025 NBA Draft. Second Round 31. Minnesota Timberwolves (via UTA): Noah Penda (Le Mans) 32. Boston Celtics (via WAS): Chaz Lanier (Tennessee) 33. Charlotte Hornets: Hugo González (Real Madrid0 34. Charlotte Hornets (via NOP): Ben Saraf (Ulm) 35. Philadelphia 76ers: Ryan Kalkbrenner (Creighton) 36. Brooklyn Nets: Hansen Yang (Qingdao) 37. Detroit Pistons (via TOR): Johni Broome (Auburn) 38. San Antonio Spurs: Yanic Konan Niederhauser (Penn State) 39. Toronto Raptors (via POR): Jamir Watkins (Florida State) 40. Washington Wizards (via PHX): Bogoljub Marković (Mega) 41. Golden State Warriors (via MIA): Tamar Bates (Missouri) 42. Sacramento Kings (via CHI): Tyrese Proctor (Duke) 43. Utah Jazz (via DAL): Rocco Zikarsky (Brisbane) 44. Oklahoma City Thunder (via ATL): Kam Jones (Marquette) 45. Chicago Bulls (via SAC): Mark Sears (Alabama) 46. Orlando Magic: Koby Brea (Kentucky) 47. Milwaukee Bucks (via DET): Hunter Sallis (Wake Forrest) 48. Memphis Grizzlies (via GSW): Kobe Sanders (Nevada) 49. Cleveland Cavaliers (via MIL): Eric Dixon (Villanova) 50. New York Knicks (via MEM): Sion James (Duke) 51. L.A. Clippers (via MIN): Javon Small (West Virginia 52. Phoenix Suns (via DEN): John Tonje (Wisconsin) 53. Utah Jazz (via LAC): Alijah Martin (Florida) 54. Indiana Pacers: Ryan Nembhard (Gonzaga) 55. Los Angeles Lakers: Izan Almansa (Perth) 56. Memphis Grizzlies (via HOU): RJ Luis Jr. (St. John's) 57. Orlando Magic (via BOS): Vlad Goldin (Michigan) 58. Cleveland Cavaliers: Amari Williams (Kentucky) 59. Houston Rockets (via OKC): Grant Nelson (Alabama)
USA Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Ja Morant expressed desire to stay in Memphis in clapback at Stephen A. Smith
Ja Morant expressed desire to stay in Memphis in clapback at Stephen A. Smith Welcome to Layup Lines, For the Win's basketball newsletter. Subscribe here to get it delivered to your inbox every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Have feedback for the Layup Lines Crew? Leave your questions, comments and concerns through this brief reader survey. Now, here's Prince J. Grimes. When the Memphis Grizzlies pulled off their stunning trade of Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic last week, people wondered whether the deal meant they'd be moving on from Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. next in a full rebuild. Now, it seems, we have some answers. ESPN's Tim Bontemps reported immediately after that the team wants to keep its two remaining building blocks. The feeling is apparently mutual on Morant's end. In a message posted to X on Tuesday, the point guard expressed his desire to remain in Memphis, saying "ima be in dat 901," referencing the city's area code. Continuing in what seemed to be a response to ESPN's Stephen A. Smith -- who said on First Take other players don't want to go to Memphis for safety concerns -- Morant made a criticism of people focusing on the Grizzlies rather than the ongoing NBA Finals: "instead of focusing on the performances we seen from jdub/shai , tj/siakam, how this series is going . we say sumn negative about a city/team on a national level." As hit dogs do, Smith hollered in a tweet of his own, citing the recent trade news as his reason for addressing the Grizzlies. And as Smith does, he turned Morant's response into another First Take segment on Wednesday, clarifying his position. "The citizens in Memphis, I think a lot better can be done for them," Smith said. "And Ja Morant staying put and being the galvanizing force he can be, I think can assist in that. That's what I was trying to say." But this isn't about Smith. This is about Morant. That he wants to remain in Memphis and seems to have so much passion for the city has to be welcoming news for Grizzlies fans, who were probably dreading an upcoming rebuild after the Bane deal. At his best, Morant is one of the most exciting players in the NBA, and it's hard not to feel like the 25-year-old hasn't scratched the surface of his full potential. The Grizzlies have made the playoffs in four of his six years with the team, and even if they aren't winning, he's reason enough for fans to show up. The next step for Morant and Memphis is to make a deep playoff push. He has to stay healthy, of course (and make better decisions off the floor), and the Grizzlies have to hope new head coach Tuomas Iisalo is the person who can finally get the most out of the entire roster. But it's important for a small-market team like the Grizzlies to have a star who actually wants to be there. With that much in place, the real work continues on building a contender. Tyrese Haliburton likely a game-time decision for Game 6 Regardless of whether Tyrese Haliburton is able to go or not for Game 6, I think we can all agree his strained calf is ruining what was a perfect NBA Finals. With the Indiana Pacers' backs up against the wall, it would've been nice to see them have an opportunity to fight back with their star point guard at full health. Now, there's a question of whether Haliburton will be able to go at all. On Wednesday morning, Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle told 107.5 The Fan that Haliburton will "probably be a game-time decision" for Thursday's game. That means the team has to prepare for two scenarios: one where Haliburton plays and another for if he does not, which isn't ideal at all while facing elimination. TRADE? Pacers make surprising deal during NBA Finals It's no wonder why so many other random events across sports have better odds of happening than a Pacers championship right now. The Pacers were going to have their hands full trying to extend a series against the Oklahoma City Thunder as things were. With Haliburton hobbled, it's hard to imagine they still find a way to pull off the upset. Shootaround
USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
V.J. Edgecombe goes No. 3 to Sixers in ESPN's latest NBA mock draft
V.J. Edgecombe goes No. 3 to Sixers in ESPN's latest NBA mock draft Most experts believe the 2025 NBA Draft will begin at No. 3 overall when the Philadelphia 76ers are on the clock. So what exactly will they do? The Dallas Mavericks reportedly plan to select Cooper Flagg at No. 1 overall and we can expect Dylan Harper to go No. 2 overall whether or not the Spurs decide to trade the pick. While there was briefly some talk that the Philadelphia 76ers could potentially shop the No. 3 pick to try and land Kevin Durant, there are other suitors for Durant that make plenty more sense. So the speculation about who Philly may take is beginning to heat up. Here is more from Jonathan Givony (via ESPN): Edgecombe takes over this spot from Ace Bailey in ESPN's mock draft after a positive visit to Philadelphia, where sources say he made a strong impression in a private workout as well as in meetings with the front office and ownership. He appears to be "the leader in the clubhouse" currently, with Bailey losing momentum after refusing to visit, initially unsatisfied with his search for a proven pathway to development. That means Rutgers freshman Ace Bailey could potentially fall a bit on draft night. Meanwhile, for more prospect coverage, here is our latest NBA mock draft at For The Win. The best takes and the sharpest bets on all the hoops storylines you need to know. Sign up for our Layup Lines newsletter, hitting your inbox on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
USA Today
12-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
2025 NBA mock draft: A consensus survey shows the latest predictions from experts
The 2025 NBA Draft is less than two weeks away and we are finally starting to get a consensus of when each player could hear their name called. To get a sense of where prospects stand as of right now, For The Win has surveyed all of the leading mock drafts to provide a general consensus. For this exercise, we're using my latest mock along with other mainstream mocks from the following publications (sorted alphabetically): Our scoring methodology was based on a trade value chart from ESPN's Kevin Pelton. Meanwhile, for more prospect coverage, here is our latest NBA mock draft at For The Win. Note: These rankings do not reflect our personal opinions or team fit but rather where experts currently have each prospect slated. The best takes and the sharpest bets on all the hoops storylines you need to know. Sign up for our Layup Lines newsletter, hitting your inbox on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 1. Cooper Flagg TEAM:Duke POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6-9 DRAFT AGE: 18.5 2. Dylan Harper TEAM: Rutgers POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6-6 DRAFT AGE: 19.3 3. Ace Bailey TEAM: Rutgers POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6-10 DRAFT AGE: 18.9 4. V.J. Edgecombe TEAM: Baylor POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6-5 DRAFT AGE: 19.9 5. Tre Johnson TEAM: Texas POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6-6 DRAFT AGE: 19.3 6. Kon Knueppel TEAM: Duke POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6-7 DRAFT AGE: 19.9 7. Jeremiah Fears TEAM: Oklahoma POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6-4 DRAFT AGE: 18.7 8. Khaman Maluach TEAM: Duke POSITION: Big HEIGHT: 7-2 DRAFT AGE: 18.8 9. Derik Queen TEAM: Maryland POSITION: Big HEIGHT: 6-10 DRAFT AGE: 20.5 10. Egor Demin TEAM: BYU POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6-9 DRAFT AGE: 19.3 11. Kasparas Jakučionis TEAM: Illinois POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6-6 DRAFT AGE: 19.1 12. Noa Essengue TEAM: ratiopharm ulm (Germany) POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6-8 DRAFT AGE: 18.5 13. Carter Bryant TEAM: Arizona POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6-8 DRAFT AGE: 19.6 14. Collin Murray-Boyles TEAM: South Carolina POSITION: Big HEIGHT: 6-8 DRAFT AGE: 20.1 15. Nolan Traoré TEAM: Saint-Quentin (France) POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6-3 DRAFT AGE: 19.1 16. Cedric Coward TEAM: Washington St. POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6-6 DRAFT AGE: 21.8 17. Nique Clifford TEAM: Colorado St. POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6-6 DRAFT AGE: 23.4 18. Jase Richardson TEAM: Michigan St. POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6-3 DRAFT AGE: 19.7 19. Asa Newell TEAM: Georgia POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6-11 DRAFT AGE: 19.7 20. Thomas Sorber TEAM: Georgetown POSITION: Big HEIGHT: 6-10 DRAFT AGE: 19.5 21. Liam McNeeley TEAM: Connecticut POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6-7 DRAFT AGE: 19.7 22. Danny Wolf TEAM: Michigan POSITION: Big HEIGHT: 7-0 DRAFT AGE: 21.2 23. Joan Beringer TEAM: KK Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia) POSITION: Big HEIGHT: 6-11 DRAFT AGE: 18.6 24. Rasheer Fleming TEAM: Saint Joseph's POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6-9 DRAFT AGE: 21.0 25. Will Riley TEAM: Illinois POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6-8 DRAFT AGE: 19.3 26. Walter Clayton Jr. TEAM: Florida POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6-3 DRAFT AGE: 22.3 27. Drake Powell TEAM: North Carolina POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6-6 DRAFT AGE: 19.8 28. Maxime Raynaud TEAM: Stanford POSITION: Big HEIGHT: 7-1 DRAFT AGE: 22.2 29. Noah Penda TEAM: Le Mans Sarthe (France) POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6-8 DRAFT AGE: 20.5 30. Ben Saraf TEAM: ratiopharm ulm (Germany) POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6-5 DRAFT AGE: 19.2 SECOND ROUND 31. Ryan Kalkbrenner 32. Hugo González 33. Adou Thiero 34. Yanic Konan Niederhäuser 35. Hansen Yang 36. Alex Toohey 37. Chaz Lanier 38. Bogoljub Marković 39. Kam Jones 40. Tyrese Proctor 41. Johni Broome 42. Koby Brea 43. Jamir Watkins 44. Javon Small 45. Hunter Sallis 46. Sion James 47. John Tonje 48. Eric Dixon 49. Rocco Zikarsky 50. Micah Peavy 51. Ryan Nembhard 52. Alijah Martin 53. Vlad Goldin 54. RJ Luis Jr. 55. Kobe Sanders 56. Tamar Bates 57. Payton Sandfort 58. Amari Williams 59. Brice Williams 60. Michael Ružić
USA Today
29-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
2025 NBA Mock Draft 6.0: First-round predictions after early entry withdrawal
2025 NBA Mock Draft 6.0: First-round predictions after early entry withdrawal Show Caption Hide Caption 2025 NBA Draft Combine winners: Raynaud, Lendeborg and Byrd These 2025 NBA draft prospects are the biggest winners from the NBA Draft Combine The 2025 NBA Draft is less than a month away, and now we know exactly which players will return to the NCAA and which will focus on turning pro. While a few notable players like Yaxel Lendeborg and Labaron Philon decided to withdraw from the 2025 NBA Draft and return to college, others like Cedric Coward and Adou Thiero opted to remain focused on their pro future. NBA scouts and evaluators had a chance to scout players at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, and players like Stanford's Maxime Raynaud walked away as big winners. There is plenty of time in the pre-draft process for players to make their case for why an NBA team should select them as a key piece of their franchise. But based on the latest intel, we are starting to get a better idea about who may be headed where on June 25 in Brooklyn. The following mock draft is based on our research and contains original reporting with quotes from prospects including Dylan Harper, Kon Knueppel, Jeremiah Fears, and Asa Newell. The best takes and the sharpest bets on all the hoops storylines you need to know. Sign up for our Layup Lines newsletter, hitting your inbox on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 1. Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg TEAM: Duke POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6-9 DRAFT AGE: 18.5 The 2025 NBA Draft Lottery was effectively a launching ground for Duke sensation Cooper Flagg to find out what team he will play for next season and beyond. It was the Mavericks who shockingly got the opportunity, and we shouldn't expect them to trade the pick. Flagg was long considered the favorite at No. 1 overall (we wrote about it when he was 15 years old) and he made that even more clear when he dominated against Team USA during a friendly scrimmage before they won gold at the Olympics. He then exceeded all expectations while he was in college, accomplishing just about everything except winning a national championship. 'He doesn't turn it off. That's one of the best compliments I can give,' Kon Knueppel, his Duke college roommate and teammate, recently told For The Win. 'He is just a humble dude who loves basketball.' Expect the No. 1 overall pick to enter the NBA as one of the most impactful defenders and the ability to easily become a focal point of the Mavericks as well. More: The Mavericks reportedly plan to select Cooper Flagg, not make another controversial trade 2. San Antonio Spurs: Dylan Harper TEAM: Rutgers POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6-6 DRAFT AGE: 19.3 Even though we have long known Flagg would go No. 1 overall, Rutgers freshman Dylan Harper began to separate himself as the second-best prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft. Perhaps the Spurs may decide to move this pick if they can land Giannis Antetokounmpo, but no matter what, Harper is the guy to watch at number two. For The Win spoke to Harper earlier this year and he described how he developed his fantastic ability to become such a dynamic scorer at the rim. Harper should bring that skill set with him to the pros after earning Big Ten All-Freshman honors. If his jumper continues to develop, Harper is the type of player you can build your offense around. Even if it doesn't, he still offers good size as a big guard who has cut some weight since last year. More: Will the Spurs use the No. 2 overall pick or trade it for Giannis Antetokounmpo? 3. Philadelphia 76ers: Ace Bailey TEAM: Rutgers POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6-10 DRAFT AGE: 18.9 It is easy to imagine why a front office may fall in love with Rutgers freshman Ace Bailey, who hits difficult shots. Back when For The Win spoke to his teammate Dylan Harper, he said that his favorite thing about Bailey is how much joy he plays with on the court. Harper described him as tall, lanky, twitchy and a nearly constant presence because of his ability to get a bucket. Bailey measured a bit shorter than expected at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine in Chicago shy of 6-foot-8 barefoot, but he has a wingspan longer than 7-foot. While some evaluators feel that he might take a bit too many mid range shots, his ability to shoot at his size is something that is going to entice every team in the NBA. His consistency will define just how much success he has, though, as will any development as a passer or as a defensive playmaker. There are also rumors that Philly is reportedly considering using this pick to try and land Kevin Durant. More: The 76ers are reportedly looking to trade No. 3 pick in pursuit of Kevin Durant 4. Charlotte Hornets: V.J. Edgecombe TEAM: Baylor POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6-5 DRAFT AGE: 19.9 After a strong performance for the Bahamas during the Olympic qualifiers last year, V.J. Edgecombe became a name to watch for scouts and evaluators. At the start of the NCAA season, he showed a lot of promise as a defensive player, though that actually slowed down a bit as his freshman campaign progressed. However, while at Baylor, he also showed promise as one of the bounciest scorers. The Big 12 Freshman of the Year joined Flagg as the only first-year collegiate players with at least 30 dunks and 3-pointers recorded, per Bart Torvik. For the Hornets to draft Edgecombe this high, they will hope that his jumper eventually becomes more consistent once he has found his groove in the NBA. 5. Utah Jazz: Kon Knueppel TEAM: Duke POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6-7 DRAFT AGE: 19.9 Duke's Kon Knueppel earned ACC All-Freshman honors and won ACC tournament MVP. 'It's not always about scoring. That's not always the most important thing,' Knueppel recently told For The Win. 'That doesn't always translate to effecting winning the most, so [I'm] just trying to focus on all the little things.' He can make plays on spot-up possessions and when using off-ball screens and led all freshmen in corner 3-pointers made. He plays winning basketball as the Blue Devils have outscored opponents by 625 points when Knueppel is on the court this season, per CBB Analytics, which was the highest plus-minus among all men's college basketball players. 6. Washington Wizards: Tre Johnson TEAM: Texas POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6-6 DRAFT AGE: 19.3 Texas wing Tre Johnson is a player who is reportedly gaining some momentum in the pre-draft process so far. Johnson was named SEC Freshman of the Year because he is such a natural scorer whose passing is better than his assist stats might suggest. He is very difficult to stop in the open-court and led all freshmen in 3-pointers made in transition (21) and above the break (65) this season, per CBB Analytics. He measured with a nearly plus-six (6-foot-10) wingspan at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, which should help him in the pros. He recorded the fastest lane agility time (10.49 seconds) at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine and his upside makes him a good option for a franchise like the Wizards. 7. New Orleans Pelicans: Jeremiah Fears TEAM: Oklahoma POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6-4 DRAFT AGE: 18.7 Oklahoma's Jeremiah Fears was recently reportedly gaining momentum in the 2025 NBA Draft. His mentality helps explain why. "Whoever picks me on draft night, you guys are going to be getting a dog," Fears recently told For The Win. "Somebody that's going to come in, work hard, bring a star power, and give it his all every time they step on the court." Fears gave fans some amazing highlights as he climbed up draft boards this season. He deservedly received SEC All-Freshman honors, can score at multiple levels from the floor, and he is a fantastic playmaker on both offense and defense as well. He is the second-youngest NCAA prospect we have projected in the first round behind only Flagg and was still one of the best overall performers in March Madness. He was one of the fastest players at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, recording a 3.05-second three-quarter sprint. Expect him to draw serious interest from all of the teams in the top half of the lottery as he won't have to wait long to hear his name called on draft night. 8. Brooklyn Nets: Nolan Traoré TEAM: Saint-Quentin (France) POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6-3 DRAFT AGE: 19.1 After a slow start to his season in France, based on his priors before this season, it was only a matter of time before Nolan Traoré eventually started to heat up. He is averaging 13.8 points and 5.0 assists per game while shooting 42.7 percent on 3-pointers over the course of his last ten games, per RealGM. Traoré was named 2025 Best Young Player of the Basketball Champions League and is inarguably one of the best playmakers in the 2025 NBA Draft. If he is more consistent at the next level, he could become something special as a point guard of the future. Other teams that could make sense as a potential fit include the New Orleans Pelicans, Toronto Raptors, and Miami Heat. 9. Toronto Raptors: Khaman Maluach TEAM: Duke POSITION: Big HEIGHT: 7-2 DRAFT AGE: 18.8 South Sudan's Khaman Maluach enjoyed an excellent, efficient campaign and earned ACC All-Freshman honors for Duke. As a lob threat, per CBB Analytics, he had the second-most alley-oops completed (38) among all players in college basketball. He is raw on both ends of the court but has a strong defensive presence thanks to his nearly 7-foot-7 wingspan and 9-foot-6 standing reach measured at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine. Other teams that could make sense as a potential fit include the Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards, Brooklyn Nets, and Atlanta Hawks. 10. Houston Rockets: Egor Demin TEAM: BYU POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6-9 DRAFT AGE: 19.3 Russia's Egor Demin was initially having one of the strongest freshman campaigns of anyone in the nation for BYU. But his relatively poor overall performance and shooting against top-100 competition causes some room for concern. He measured at 6-foot-8 barefoot at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine and his playmaking still makes him intriguing. The Rockets could develop him in the G League, where he would not need him to make an impact right away. More: ESPN's Brian Windhorst predicted 2 fascinating trade destinations for Giannis Antetokounmpo 11. Portland Trail Blazers: Derik Queen TEAM: Maryland POSITION: Big HEIGHT: 6-10 DRAFT AGE: 20.5 After recording perhaps the biggest moment of the NCAA men's basketball tournament, as noted by my colleague Mike Sykes, Maryland freshman Derik Queen skyrocketed his draft status. He trailed only Flagg in Wins Above Replacement Player (WARP) among freshmen this season, per CBB Analytics. Queen was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year and proved his versatility and eye-catching skill set as a big man who is incredibly fun to watch. While his athletic testing was less than desirable at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, he plays at his own speed and could provide a unique addition for any roster. 12. Chicago Bulls: Kasparas Jakučionis TEAM: Illinois POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6-6 DRAFT AGE: 19.1 Lithuania's Kasparas Jakučionis was briefly one of the hottest names in draft circles and he eventually earned Big Ten All-Freshman honors. He has an effective pull-up jumper and led all high-major freshmen in unassisted 3-pointers made (34), per CBB Analytics. As a distributor, in the same group, he also had the most assists finished at the rim (76) this season. Jakučionis needs his jump shot to look more like it did in the first two months of the season than it did in the final three for this pick to work out. 13. Atlanta Hawks: Carter Bryant TEAM: Arizona POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6-8 DRAFT AGE: 19.6 Arizona freshman Carter Bryant is a former McDonald's All-American forward who had a strong collegiate debut despite a relatively limited role. He was the only freshman aside from Flagg with at least three dunks and 3-pointers during the NCAA men's basketball tournament, per Bart Torvik. Bryant is unselfish, he works hard on defense, he measured with a wingspan just short of 7-foot, he recorded a 39.5-inch max vertical and 3.07-second three-quarter sprint. Bryant plays with a high IQ, and already looks like one of the biggest risers during the pre-draft process. It was a no-brainer for him to stay in the 2025 NBA Draft. 14. San Antonio Spurs (via ATL): Collin Murray-Boyles TEAM: South Carolina POSITION: Big HEIGHT: 6-8 DRAFT AGE: 20.1 South Carolina sophomore Collin Murray-Boyles is perhaps the most enticing collegiate player who was not a one-and-done prospect. He is a versatile forward who averaged 16.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.5 steals, as well as 1.3 blocks per game this season. He is ready to contribute in many ways at the next level. Murray-Boyles is a bit undersized for someone who is virtually a non-threat from beyond the arc but he can offer enough versatility as a defender to potentially make up for it. 15. Oklahoma City Thunder (via MIA): Cedric Coward TEAM: Washington St. POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6-6 DRAFT AGE: 21.8 Perhaps the most fascinating player in the 2025 NBA Draft is Cedric Coward, who was originally committed to Duke in the transfer portal before deciding to turn pro. He shot 40.0 percent on his 3-pointers while averaging 17.7 points per game before getting hurt last season. Coward is one of the hottest names in draft circles right now after measuring with a 7-foot-2 wingspan with a 38.5-inch max vertical and 3.06-second three-quarter sprint at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine. More: 7 fascinating players who decided to stay in the 2025 NBA Draft, including Cedric Coward 16. Orlando Magic: Joan Beringer TEAM: KK Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia) POSITION: Big HEIGHT: 6-11 DRAFT AGE: 18.6 France's Joan Beringer was not able to participate in the 2025 NBA Draft Combine is a great rim runner and legitimate vertical lob threat. He has a strong defensive presence with a high upside who can impact the game defensively right away. Beringer led the ABA League in blocks this season and ranks third overall in Defensive Statistical Impact (DSI) in his league, per Cerebro Sports. 17. Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET): Asa Newell TEAM: Georgia POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6-11 DRAFT AGE: 19.7 Georgia's Asa Newell, who was named SEC All-Freshman, is a classic rim-running big man who does not make the game too complicated for himself. He recorded the second-most layups and dunks combined this season among freshmen, per CBB Analytics. But he is also developing his 3-pointer after changing his shooting motion. 'I've always been extremely confident in my jump shot from high school to college and now in the NBA,' Newell recently told For The Win. 'You have to have a 3-point shot to survive in the NBA.' He trailed only his high school teammate, Flagg, among all freshmen in Player Efficiency Rating (PER) last season. 'I know I play with a lot of energy,' Newell added. 'I'm a match waiting for some gasoline and causing a whole fire … That is very contagious when you have someone who plays very hard, with a motor, and doesn't take plays off.' 18. Washington Wizards (via MEM): Thomas Sorber TEAM: Georgetown POSITION: Big HEIGHT: 6-10 DRAFT AGE: 19.5 Georgetown freshman big Thomas Sorber, who has a 7-foot-6 wingspan, was an analytics darling before he suffered a season-ending foot injury. He could provide an exciting young piece to a developing young core and defensive presence for a team that could use a spark on that end of the floor like the Wizards. It made a lot of sense for him to stay in the 2025 NBA Draft. 19. Brooklyn Nets (via MIL): Noa Essengue TEAM: ratiopharm ulm (Germany) POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6-8 DRAFT AGE: 18.5 France's Noa Essengue is the second-youngest player in the draft but has still managed impressive productivity in one of the more competitive basketball leagues. He ranks fifth-best among all players in Defensive Statistical Impact (DSI) among those with at least seven games played in the Eurocup, per Cerebro Sports. Essengue is an interesting prospect who a variety of teams should have on their radar. 20. Miami Heat (via GSW): Will Riley TEAM: Illinois POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6-8 DRAFT AGE: 19.3 Canada's Will Riley had multiple big performances during his freshman campaign for Illinois, including a debut in which he had 31 points while shooting 5-of-6 on 3-pointers. He also had 21 points with 7 rebounds and 5 assists during a win over Iowa in the Big Ten tournament and had another great game against Xavier shooting 3-of-4 on 3-pointers during March Madness. Riley was named Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year. Any team drafting Riley is betting on his continued development. 21. Utah Jazz (via MIN): Liam McNeeley TEAM: Connecticut POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6-7 DRAFT AGE: 19.7 UConn freshman Liam McNeeley won Big East Freshman of the Year and showed flashes during his freshman campaign, like when he had 38 points with 10 rebounds while making five 3-pointers against Creighton on Feb. 11. He also had a solid performance against the eventual national champions during the NCAA men's basketball tournament, recording 22 points while adding 2 rebounds as well as 3 assists and 2 steals. McNeeley is solid value at this point in the draft but should get consideration even higher. 22. Atlanta Hawks (via LAL): Maxime Raynaud TEAM: Stanford POSITION: Big HEIGHT: 7-1 DRAFT AGE: 22.2 Every team in the NBA should want a guy like France's Maxime Raynaud, who measured with a wingspan above 7-foot-1 and a standing reach above 9-foot-2. Those are excellent numbers for a player who averaged 20.2 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. But is even better when also considering he made nearly two 3-pointers per game. Raynaud was easily one of the biggest standouts during five-on-five scrimmages at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine. More: 2025 NBA Draft Combine: 5 biggest winners, including Maxime Raynaud 23. Indiana Pacers: Nique Clifford TEAM: Colorado St. POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6-6 DRAFT AGE: 23.4 Colorado State senior Nique Clifford is the oldest player we have projected in the first round but he looks ready to contribute to an NBA rotation. Teams are betting on the assumption that the do-it-all forward is going to make an impact on winning right away in the NBA. He led an upset over Memphis in the first round of the NCAA tournament and averaged a productive 18.9 points. 9.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game during his final collegiate campaign. 24. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC): Danny Wolf TEAM: Michigan POSITION: Big HEIGHT: 7-0 DRAFT AGE: 21.2 Michigan's Danny Wolf is a do-it-all big man who has averaged 13.2 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game this season. Wolf had the most assists (132) of any college player who is 6-foot-10 or taller, per CBB Analytics. The big man is an incredibly gifted and skilled playmaker considering his height, and even though there are questions about how it may translate in the NBA, those are players the Thunder typically bet on. 25. Orlando Magic (via DEN): Walter Clayton Jr. TEAM: Florida POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6-3 DRAFT AGE: 22.3 During the NCAA men's basketball tournament, we wrote about whether or not Florida star Walter Clayton Jr. had done enough to earn first-round consideration. As we wrote then: The archetype of undersized players who are a bit older relative to the other players in their draft class are typically not early draft picks. Clayton, however, could provide a legitimate exception to this rule after winning NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player. It makes a lot of sense for the Magic to find someone who can get a bucket as easily as Clayton. More: Is Walter Clayton Jr. an NBA Draft first-round pick after his incredible March Madness? 26. Brooklyn Nets (via NYK): Jase Richardson TEAM: Michigan St. POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6-3 DRAFT AGE: 19.7 Michigan State freshman Jase Richardson earned Big Ten All-Freshman honors after a solid collegiate campaign. He averaged 16.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 0.9 steals per game while shooting 42.0 percent on 3-pointers after moving into the starting lineup for Michigan State. However, he measured small for a traditional two-guard and may not have the playmaking skills as a floor general to run point. 27. Brooklyn Nets (via HOU): Alex Toohey TEAM: Sydney (Australia) POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6-7 DRAFT AGE: 21.2 Australia's Alex Toohey is a fascinating prospect who contributes well on both sides of the floor. He is a legitimately strong wing defender whose Defensive Statistical Impact (DSI) ranks as the best among those who have played more than one game in Australia's NBL this season, per Cerebro Sports. He measured just short of 6-foot-8 barefoot at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine with a wingspan nearly 6-foot-11 and played well during five-on-five scrimmages. 28. Boston Celtics: Rasheer Fleming TEAM: Saint Joseph's POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6-9 DRAFT AGE: 21.0 One of the most pleasantly surprising prospects in this class is Saint Joseph's Rasheer Fleming, who has great positional size and shooting feel. He was the only player in college basketball to record at least 40 dunks and 50 shots from beyond the arc, per Bart Torvik. He measured with a wingspan above 7-foot-5 and a standing reach above 9-foot-1 at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine. 29. Phoenix Suns (via CLE): Drake Powell TEAM: North Carolina POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6-6 DRAFT AGE: 19.8 North Carolina freshman Drake Powell was one of the biggest winners at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, measuring with a 43-inch max vertical and a standing vertical four inches higher than any other prospect. Although he had a relatively limited role during his time in the NCAA, you're betting on upside by selecting Powell in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft. 30. L.A. Clippers (via OKC): Adou Thiero TEAM: Arkansas POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6-6 DRAFT AGE: 21.1 After transferring from Kentucky last season, Arkansas junior Adou Thiero had a well-rounded season in which he averaged 15.1 points and 5.8 rebounds with 1.9 assists and 1.6 steals per game. While his 3-pointer was inefficient at just 25.6 percent, he missed time due to a knee injury in February and that factored into why he stopped getting as much buzz as the season progressed. However, he still showed enough to decide to stay in the 2025 NBA Draft.
