The NBA playoffs are still in the opening round, but the 2025 NBA Draft is less than two months away. Even for teams with championship aspirations, scouting is well underway to identify the prospects that will carry the future for each franchise.
Note that for NCAA players, the early entry deadline was April 26 at midnight, meaning that any underclassman needed to declare for the draft by then. However, players may still withdraw to preserve their college eligibility until June 15 at 5 p.m. ET. Therefore, the actual prospect pool from which teams will pick is still evolving.
The 2025 NBA Draft order is set for all non-lottery picks. The order for the top 14 picks will be determined by the NBA Draft lottery on May 12.
1) Utah Jazz
Cooper Flagg, Duke
If the Utah Jazz land the first overall pick, you can bet Danny Ainge will run Cooper Flagg’s name to the podium. Given that Flagg has drawn comparisons to Jayson Tatum, whom Ainge drafted for the Boston Celtics, getting the latest Duke superstar as Utah’s franchise player would be a fitting culmination of Utah’s patient rebuild.
Flagg was every bit the five-tool player many expected at Duke. He averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game en route to winning AP Player of the Year. In his final game against Houston, Flagg led or co-led the Blue Devils in all five major categories (points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks). That’s the type of Nikola Jokić, Luka Dončić, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Jazz received a $100,000 fine late in the season for their blatant tanking efforts, which included resting apparently healthy players. If those efforts land Flagg, it will represent the best six-figure investment the franchise has ever made.
2) Washington Wizards
Dylan Harper, Rutgers
A last-second win on the final day didn’t actually change the Washington Wizards’ odds to earn the first overall pick. The Jazz finished one game worse in the standings than the 18-64 Wizards, but Washington will still have a 14% chance of earning the first overall pick.
If the Wizards stick at second overall, Rutgers guard Dylan Harper would echo their move 15 years ago when Washington made John Wall the first overall pick. Harper would be that first pick in nearly any draft that didn’t include Flagg — averaging 19.4 points per game for the Scarlet Knights as a freshman. Early on, his buckets will likely stem from raw athleticism, as he shot 48.4% from the field but just 33% from 3-point range.
Regardless, his strength and balance should make him one of the game’s deadliest drivers, capable of scoring at the rim and dishing out open looks for his teammates. That would provide an immediate boost to a Wizards team that ranked last in offensive efficiency this past season.
3) Charlotte Hornets
Tre Johnson, Texas
As breathtaking as his highlights are, LaMelo Ball has been an inefficient player for the Charlotte Hornets and lacks a partner to lead a cohesive offense. Tre Johnson could be that partner after leading Texas in minutes (34.7) and points (19.9) per game as a freshman. Offense was his calling card last season, as he scored 20+ points in 15 games. His 39.7% 3-point percentage should translate to a rotation spot right away.
Johnson’s playmaking could use improvement, but on a team where he can play more of an off-ball role, his adjustment to the pros might be a tad smoother. Johnson carried a heavy load for the Longhorns, which he wasn’t quite ready for. His assist-to-turnover ratio was barely positive, illustrating how he still has a long development road on that front.
With the Hornets, Ball would be responsible for initiating the offense, and their size could compensate for adding a smaller 6’6” wing. Overall, Johnson’s shot-making would be a vital addition for a Charlotte team that ranked 29th in offensive efficiency, ahead of only the Wizards.
4) New Orleans Pelicans
VJ Edgecombe, Baylor
VJ Edgecombe earned Big 12 Freshman of the Year and All-Big 12 Second Team honors at Baylor. The 6’5” wing averaged 15.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game for the Bears, and plays bigger than his listed size.
Edgecombe got better as the competition got stiffer, demonstrating an extremely high motor and outlier athleticism. A gritty defender, Edgecombe ranked fourth in the Big 12 with 2.1 steals per game. That on-ball pressure defensively should give him immediate value, along with a reasonable 34% 3-point field goal percentage.
Eventually, the New Orleans Pelicans would likely want to see Edgecombe create more offensively, as he currently profiles as more of a secondary offensive weapon. However, his play style would be a welcome boost to a franchise that was far more difficult to play against when the likes of Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones were healthy and wreaking havoc with their athleticism and energy on both ends of the court.
5) Philadelphia 76ers
Ace Bailey, Rutgers
The Philadelphia 76ers went from NBA Finals contenders to a tanking franchise. As disastrous as their 2024-25 season was, that pivot could pay off via a top-five pick in a loaded draft. The Sixers have a 64% chance of keeping their pick, which would enable them to add a potential All-Star and potentially pivot toward younger building blocks, like Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain.
Ace Bailey will probably be the second Rutgers player drafted in June, but he produced a tremendous freshman season in his own right. The 6’10” forward averaged 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game on 46% shooting for the Scarlet Knights.
Bailey’s shot selection will need to improve against NBA defenders, but his ability to hit difficult shots could make him more valuable in clutch situations and the playoffs, when the pace slows down compared to the regular season.
A smooth and explosive athlete, Bailey’s physical profile should immediately translate to above-average defense. As his instincts improve, he could also improve upon the 1.3 blocks per game he averaged in college, evolving into a rim protector who also can’t be targeted in space by ball handlers.
That would be a welcome boon for a Sixers team that has struggled to work around Joel Embiid’s mobility limitations on defense as the former MVP’s lower-body injuries have piled up.
6) Brooklyn Nets
Derik Queen, Maryland
The Maryland big has seen his stock rise throughout the pre-draft process, to the point where Derik Queen could easily be a top-10 pick. At 6’10” and 246 pounds, Queen has an NBA-ready body for a big, along with advanced handles and a soft touch around the rim.
There are concerns about Queen’s interior defense, but his offense is ready to go. The freshman averaged 16.5 points and 9.0 rebounds per game, shooting 56% on 2-point field goal attempts. Defensively, his mobility ensures that he’s not a total mismatch on the perimeter against ball-handlers, making up for his lack of value around the rim.
Queen is only 20 years old, so his combination of interior scoring and nose for rebounding should help him go in the lottery. The Brooklyn Nets could use a boost in both areas, as they ranked 28th in offensive efficiency and 25th in rebounding rate this past season. With paint-bound Nic Claxton at center to provide defensive rim protection, a Queen-Claxton frontcourt pairing would provide nice complementary skill sets.
7) Toronto Raptors
Khaman Maluach, Duke
Few players have risen more than Khaman Maluach. The 7’2” Duke freshman should have the floor of an elite rim protector. However, he also has the mobility to switch and defend in space against ball-handlers. That could make him a perennial All-Defense member with the upside for more if his offense comes around.
To be clear, he does have a long way to go on the other end of the court. He’ll enter the NBA as a lob threat only, as he averaged 8.6 points per game and shot 4-for-16 from 3 for the season.
The South Sudan native began playing basketball when he was 13, so he’ll need some patience with his development. However, he’s not as raw as his inexperience would suggest, and he did shoot a solid 76.6% from the free-throw line. At the very least, that makes Maluach someone who opposing defenses can’t simply hack as soon as he touches the ball on offense.
The Toronto Raptors are quietly building a strong defensive foundation, ranking 15th on that end of the floor in Darko Rajaković’s second season. Scottie Barnes gives the Raptors a strong defensive foundation on the wing, and Maluach’s presence in the paint could vault the Raptors into a top-10 defense as soon as next season.
8) San Antonio Spurs
Kon Knueppel, Duke
Kon Knueppel won’t turn 20 years old until August, but he already looks like a fairly polished prospect. The 6’7” Duke wing should emerge as a lethal 3-point shooter fairly quickly, giving him a clear role on a lottery team.
During his lone season in Durham, N.C., Knueppel hit 40.6% of his 3s, while also sinking 91.4% of his free throws. Knueppel is a sniper who could threaten the 50/40/90 club during his prime, giving the San Antonio Spurs a sorely needed perimeter threat. The Spurs took 3s at the eighth-highest rate this past season, but they ranked only 20th in 3-point field goal percentage.
Knueppel is also more than just a catch-and-shoot player, as Duke used him in the pick-and-roll to take advantage of his creation ability. While those opportunities wouldn’t be as frequent with the Spurs with De’Aaron Fox running the show, it does provide San Antonio’s offense more versatility and could lead to Knueppel evolving into a secondary playmaker down the road.
9) Houston Rockets (via PHX)
Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma
Jeremiah Fears doesn’t turn 19 until October, which has him as a likely lottery pick after an impressive freshman season at Oklahoma. The 6’4” point guard averaged 17.1 points, 4.1 assists, and 4.1 rebounds, leading the Sooners in points, assists, and steals.
Fears is a crafty ball-handler who uses his quickness and sneaky strength to get downhill, make tough shots, and absorb contact. He was capable of lighting up the scoreboard on any given night when pairing the ability to score in the paint with the green light he had offensively.
While young offense-first guards typically face a steep learning curve adjusting to pro defenders, Fears’ polished skill set gives him a chance to be a plus on that end of the court right away
He’ll need to drastically improve on his 28.1% 3-point percentage to reach his potential. However, Fears shot 85.1% from the free-throw line on more than six attempts per game, which indicates the shooting form and upside are there. The Houston Rockets’ halfcourt offense is a major weakness, as the early part of their first-round series against Golden State has illustrated. Fears would be a step toward rectifying that down the road.
10) Portland Trail Blazers
Liam McNeeley, Connecticut
UConn wing Liam McNeeley will need more seasoning after shooting 38.1% from the field and 31.7% from 3 as a freshman. However, he actually profiles as a sniper from long range, and his 86.6% free-throw percentage is more indicative of what scouts expect his long-term profile to look like.
One of his best games was his final one, as McNeeley poured in 22 points in the Huskies’ Round of 32 loss to the eventual champion Florida Gators. And at 6’7”, McNeeley would add a sorely needed wing-sized player to the Portland Trail Blazers’ roster, which mostly consists of smaller guards and true bigs.
The Blazers ranked 26th in 3-point field goal percentage (34.2%) last season and need more spacing to maximize players like Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe. McNeeley may not reach that ceiling right away, but he’s worth an upside swing for a guard-heavy Portland team.
11) Dallas Mavericks
Nique Clifford, Colorado State
Nique Clifford is a versatile 6’6” wing who can defend multiple positions, making him an easy fit for a Dallas Mavericks team that is famously (or infamously) emphasizing defense in the post-Dončić era. Clifford’s defensive multiplicity is his biggest strength, so he would fit Nico Harrison’s mantra. He’s also a strong rebounder (9.6 per game last season at Colorado State) despite being a smaller wing.
However, Clifford brings more scoring upside than your typical defense-first wing. He averaged 18.9 points per game on 49.6% shooting for the Rams this past season, including 37.7% from 3 on nearly five attempts per game. He’s made drastic improvements at the free-throw line throughout his college career, jumping from 53.2% two years ago to 77.7% this past season.
Clifford has checked every box you could ask for at the collegiate level. He’s an older prospect at 23 years old and didn’t play against a particularly high level of competition. However, he answered some of those competition questions with a stellar NCAA Tournament, and he profiles as someone who would play in the Mavs’ wing rotation right away.
12) Chicago Bulls
Jase Richardson, Michigan State
The son of 13-year NBA veteran Jason Richardson, Jase Richardson won’t win any Slam Dunk contests, but he was very effective for Michigan State nevertheless. The younger Richardson came on in the second half of the season and finished the year averaging 12.1 points per game on 49.3% shooting, including 41.2% from deep.
While not as explosive as his father, Richardson comes with a more well-rounded shot profile that should enable him to contribute as a multi-level scorer. As the season went on, Richardson shouldered more scoring responsibility, leading the Spartans in points in six of the team’s final eight games of the regular season as well as during the Sweet 16 win over Ole Miss.
He’s a smaller guard at 6’3”, and his score-first mentality might have some redundancy with Coby White on paper. However, the Chicago Bulls ranked 20th in offensive efficiency this past season and have been a below-average offense nearly every season the last decade (save for the first half of 2021-22 when Lonzo Ball was healthy).
Particularly with Josh Giddey hitting free agency, the Bulls should worry less about depth chart redundancy and more about adding scoring skill.
13) Atlanta Hawks (via SAC)
Kasparas Jakučionis, Illinois
The Atlanta Hawks will get this pick from Sacramento, barring a huge jump into the top four for the Sacramento Kings, as it only has a top-12 protection. The Hawks clinched this pick when Dallas lost in the final play-in game, which would have pushed the Mavs into the playoffs and the Kings to the 12th spot. As a result, the Hawks should end up with a pair of first-rounders (they’ll also have a non-lottery pick from the Los Angeles Lakers).
With uncertainty surrounding Trae Young’s future with the franchise, Kasparas Jakučionis could represent a future pivot in the backcourt. Jakučionis is a very different player from Young, as he’s a much bigger player at 6’6” and should be more versatile.
Jakučionis filled up the stat sheet at Illinois, averaging 15.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game. The combo guard handled a large offensive role for the Illini, which led to spates of turnovers and struggles from deep (31.8% from 3). However, he shot 84.5% from the free throw line, suggesting the potential for better accuracy from deep over time.
The Hawks could play Jakučionis either on- or off-ball, so he wouldn’t immediately need to begin running the offense if Atlanta wants to pair Young with a bigger backcourt mate instead. His unselfishness as a playmaker would also enable him to adapt to a lower usage offensive role, at least at the beginning of his career.
14) San Antonio Spurs (via ATL)
Noa Essengue, France
With their second first-rounder, the Spurs can afford to swing big on another young French prospect. Noa Essengue is one of the youngest players in the NBA Draft, as he’ll be 18 years old until December. A bundle of athleticism, Essengue has a slight 6’9” frame (he’s still sub-200 pounds), but his energy and versatility fit the mold of a versatile two-way threat.
Essengue is still developing his ballhandling, which is in its infancy and hampers his ability to score or create reliably. And yet, he averaged a respectable 12.4 points per game and 5.3 rebounds per game for Ratiopharm Ulm in the EuroCup league this season, relying almost solely on raw athleticism. Essengue got to the line 5.6 times per game, an impressive total for such a young player.
He’ll need to smooth out his jumper after shooting only 29.4% on 3s and taking less than two attempts from deep per game. Still, his size and defensive versatility give him a decent floor while he grows into his body and develops his feel for the game. With Fox around to run the show for the foreseeable future, there’s no pressure on Essengue to develop into a contributor for a couple of years.
15) Oklahoma City Thunder (via MIA)
Asa Newell, Georgia
The Miami Heat’s run through the play-in gifted the Oklahoma City Thunder another first-round pick. This pick was only lottery-protected for Miami, which no longer applies since the Heat are in the playoffs.
With this unexpected pick, OKC could double down on the positionless two-way versatility that has made them a championship favorite. Asa Newell averaged 15.4 points and 6.9 rebounds per game for Georgia this past season, earning SEC All-Freshman honors. His 6’11” frame is even more enticing when coupled with his explosive athleticism, giving him the potential to play above the rim on both offense and defense.
Newell’s rebounding and defensive versatility should enable him to contribute to a rotation fairly soon. He had the third-highest offensive rebounding percentage in the SEC at 13.9% while also averaging a block per game. His jumper isn’t there yet, as evidenced by his 29.2% 3-point percentage, but his solid 74.8% free throw percentage hints at untapped potential as a shooter.
Newell also improved late in the season, finishing 34.2% from 3 over his final 11 games after starting the season 25.5% from deep.
16) Orlando Magic
Danny Wolf, Michigan
No playoff team needs offensive help more than the Orlando Magic. But with two first-round picks, the Magic could afford to go with a rotation-ready college scorer later on and take a big swing with their first pick just outside the lottery.
Michigan center Danny Wolf was one of the more unique players in the country last season. At 7’0″, Wolf possesses an unusually high level of ball-handling and passing skill for a true big. He nearly averaged a double-double for the Wolverines this season with 13.2 PPG and 9.7 RPG, while adding just under four assists per game as one of the team’s primary playmakers as well.
Wolf isn’t an efficient 3-point shooter yet (33.6% for his collegiate career), but his fluid athleticism allows him to create more shots on his own. He’ll need to corral the turnovers (3.2 per game this past season), but he also probably won’t have as much creative freedom initially in the NBA.
The bigger issue is on defense, where Wolf’s lack of explosive athleticism hurts. Still, the Magic already have defense-first players in spades. Orlando could take a shot at filling its need for shot creation beyond Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner with Wolf, the rare non-lottery pick with enough upside to handle meaningful offensive usage someday.
17) Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET)
Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina
The Minnesota Timberwolves have one of the deepest frontcourts in the NBA, but that may not last long. Julius Randle and Naz Reid could both be unrestricted free agents this offseason, assuming they opt out of their player options. After being a second-apron team this season, the Wolves may need to cut salaries to avoid the harsh penalties that come with remaining a second-apron franchise two straight seasons.
To replace a potential loss of Randle and/or Reid, Minnesota could take a skilled offensive big in South Carolina’s Collin Murray-Boyles. Although he’s slightly undersized for a power forward at 6’8″, the South Carolina big man possesses an advanced offensive feel and tenacity to do the dirty work on both ends of the floor.
As a sophomore this season, Murray-Boyles averaged 16.8 points per game on 58.6% shooting, while also pulling down 8.3 rebounds per game.
His effort on defense created splash plays, as he averaged 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks per game for the Gamecocks. He hasn’t developed a 3-point jumper yet, as he took only five total 3s as a freshman and then shot 26.5% from deep this season. Even so, Murray-Boyles profiles as a strong complementary role player whose defensive deficiencies could be covered up by playing alongside Rudy Gobert.
18) Washington Wizards (via MEM)
Carter Bryant, Arizona
An oversized guard, at 6’8″ and 225 pounds, Carter Bryant represents the type of rangy athlete that the Wizards have traditionally targeted with higher picks. Early on, Bryant should serve as an impactful defender who can make plays off the ball on offense.
Bryant played just under 20 minutes per game as a bench player for Arizona this season. His very low usage translated to just 6.5 points per game. However, he also garnered 4.1 rebounds per game while shooting 37.1% from 3, suggesting upside to develop into a desirable 3-and-D wing.
The Wizards could certainly use both those elements. Only the Magic had a lower 3-point percentage than Washington this past season. Khris Middleton could very well opt in to his $34 million player option for next season, but he’ll be a prime trade candidate, which could open up minutes for Bryant on the wing.
19) Brooklyn Nets (via MIL)
Egor Demin, BYU
Egor Demin’s positional versatility is his most enticing attribute. At 6’9″ and 190 pounds, the BYU standout is a massive point guard who leverages his size as a playmaker. His terrific ball-handling skills and vision have allowed him to stay at point guard despite his size, not unlike what Giddey was as a prospect.
However, that comparison also extends to Demin’s jumper. He shot just 27.3% from 3 and 69.5% on free throws this season for the Cougars, suggesting there isn’t much upside for improvement. And as much as his size aids his defense, he struggles to create and get his shot off against similarly sized players on offense.
Demin isn’t a total offensive non-factor due to his ability to cut and finish around the rim, and he averaged 10.6 points per game for BYU this season.
Regardless, the Nets need more size in the backcourt and might prefer a bigger option after years of working around smaller guards like Cam Thomas and D’Angelo Russell. If he approaches his ceiling, Demin could provide meaningful initiation on offense while being a versatile weapon on defense.
20) Miami Heat (via GS)
Johni Broome, Auburn
One of the best college players in the country, Johni Broome, may not be one of the first names off the board as a five-year collegian — he will be 23 by the time next season starts. However, there’s no denying his unbelievable production at Auburn, and the 6’10” power forward has enough size and skill to contribute to an NBA rotation immediately.
Broome averaged 18.6 points per game and led the SEC with 10.8 rebounds per game for the top-seeded Tigers this past season. His rebounding should be a transferable skill, and his 2.1 blocks per game are indicative of how his defensive instincts should make him a solid rim protector.
The Heat spent a first-rounder on a college senior two years ago in Jaime Jaquez Jr., who became an immediate contributor to their rotation as a rookie. A similar development could unfold with Broome, who would pair with Bam Adebayo to potentially create one of the league’s best defensive frontcourts.
21) Utah Jazz (via MIN)
Will Riley, Illinois
Will Riley has an unorthodox skill set for a wing, as he’s an excellent slash-and-kick player who can create off the dribble. He averaged 12.6 points per game for Illinois this season, with a reasonable assist-to-turnover ratio for a wing (roughly 2-to-1).
Riley is a streaky shooter whose splits this past season weren’t particularly impressive (43.2% from the field, 32.6% from 3, and 72.4% from the free-throw line). Developing more sustainable offense off the dribble will be key, since his jumper isn’t reliable enough yet to be his only method of scoring in the pros.
Riley also needs to add more weight, as his lanky frame (6’8″, 195 pounds) shows up on defense. Without plus agility to handle guards in space, Riley could be targeted in spread pick-and-roll sets. That will make him a target of opposing offenses early in his career, though physical maturation could help him hold up against the more powerful wings he’ll be matched up against.
22) Atlanta Hawks (via LAL)
Ben Saraf, Germany
Assuming they keep the Kings’ pick in the lottery, the Hawks will have a second first-rounder they can use to take a home run swing on a draft-and-stash prospect. Ben Saraf, an 18-year-old Israeli guard who currently plays for Ratiopharm Ulm in Germany, would need time overseas, but he profiles as someone who could eventually run the offense.
Saraf has a great chance to develop into an above-average offensive playmaker. He already looks smooth as a pick-and-roll ball-handler, and he compensates for a lack of outlier athleticism with crafty finishing and footwork. Saraf wears No. 77 for Dončić and models some of his game after the Lakers’ superstar, particularly with his ability to get shots off against tight-contesting defenders.
At 6’6″, Saraf could eventually develop into a combo guard if he can improve his shooting off the dribble. He differs from many young draft-and-stash prospects in that he’s not overwhelmingly athletic, but he has a more advanced feel for offense than even older college prospects. How his jumper develops could determine whether Saraf can eventually make the leap to NBA contributor.
23) Indiana Pacers
Nolan Traoré, France
As one of the youngest prospects available, the 18-year-old Nolan Traoré will need some time to develop. However, he’s already 6’4″ and an effective playmaker, which gives him the type of upside that could eventually give the Indiana Pacers another plus creator alongside Tyrese Haliburton.
Traoré has a lethal first step and high-end speed, which allows him to attack the rim at a high rate, given his youth. His jumper does have a long way to go, as he shot just 37% from the field and 26.9% from 3 this season for Saint-Quentin Basket-Ball in LNB Élite (France’s top basketball league).
Promisingly, he improved his free-throw percentage from 60.7% last year to 73.7% this season, a massive leap that suggests some overall shooting improvement could arrive imminently. Traoré would probably be a draft-and-stash prospect considering his age and lack of polish. Still, anyone with his combination of size and explosive athleticism as a teenager is likely going to end up in the first round.
24) Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC)
Joan Beringer, France
With a second first-round pick, the Thunder can afford to wait on a long-term futures bet. Joan Beringer might be the rawest prospect in the whole draft, as the 6’11” French center just started playing basketball three years ago after becoming too large to play soccer.
And yet, he’s already made the senior team for Košarkarski klub Cedevita Olimpija, a team in the top basketball league in Slovenia. If he actualizes his potential, Beringer should turn into a versatile defender who can corral ball-handlers in space while finishing lobs on the offensive end. That could give him a Clint Capela-type trajectory, particularly given that his size should enable him to gobble up plenty of rebounds.
Beringer will be 18 years old until November and comes with many of the concerns that ultra-raw bigs have. He badly needs to add weight, and he has very little feel for ball-handling or shooting. However, at this point, picking a draft-and-stash center is a luxury that the extremely deep Thunder can afford.
25) Orlando Magic (via DEN)
Walter Clayton Jr., Florida
With the final piece of the Aaron Gordon trade, the Magic can address their sorely needed hole on offense with one of the most polished creators available.
Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr. doesn’t need much introduction if you’re a college hoops fan. The Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Tournament was a consensus first-team All-American for the Gators en route to a national championship. Clayton can immediately goose Orlando’s offense after averaging 18.3 points per game on 44.8% shooting (including 38.6% from 3) while also dishing out 4.2 assists per game.
He’s not an asset on defense, and his lack of above-the-rim athleticism likely limits his ceiling, but the Magic are better equipped to cover for Clayton on that end of the floor than any other franchise, making that less of a concern for Orlando. Clayton would represent an immediate rotation piece who can inject some life off the bench and give the Magic the type of secondary scorer they haven’t had in years.
26) Brooklyn Nets (via NY)
Maxime Raynaud, Stanford
A four-year college player, Maxime Raynaud may not have the clearest path into the first round as an older prospect. However, the 7’1” Stanford center certainly looks the part and got better in each of his four collegiate seasons. Raynaud increased both his points and rebounds per game in all four seasons, topping out at 20.2 PPG and 10.6 RPG this past season (the latter of which led the ACC).
Raynaud has the skill set of a modern big. He was a career 34.7% 3-point shooter in college, and he did so on a fairly high volume this past season (5.5 attempts per game). He’ll be a lethal weapon when paired with a good ballhandler that can take advantage of his range on pick-and-pop plays, though Raynaud can handle the ball reasonably well for a center, too.
He’s a solid defender who won’t be moved easily at his size (245 pounds), and he increased his blocks per game up to 1.4 for the Cardinal in 2024-25. Most of the Nets’ recent centers have typically been throwback bigs who control the paint, but Raynaud could represent a welcome change of pace in that regard.
27) Brooklyn Nets (via HOU)
Adou Thiero, Arkansas
With their fourth and final first-round pick of 2025, the Nets can take on another project who could replace some of what they lost after trading Mikal Bridges. Adou Thiero is a 6’8”, 220-pound wing who certainly looks the part of an NBA rotation player. Thiero followed John Calipari from Kentucky to Arkansas and nearly doubled his scoring average, from 7.2 PPG as a sophomore to 15.1 this season.
Thiero’s shooting is extremely suspect, as much of that damage came around the rim. He shot just 25.6% from 3 for the Razorbacks and 28.4% for his career, never averaging more than 1.6 3-point attempts per game. More concerningly, his free-throw percentage regressed from 80% during his final season at Kentucky to 68.6% on a higher volume at Arkansas.
Still, his explosiveness and grown man frame give Thiero an intriguing ceiling if the shot ever comes around. Defense-only wings don’t have a ton of value on their own beyond specific matchups, so Thiero will need to develop a more well-rounded offensive game to fulfill his potential.
28) Boston Celtics
Hugo González, Spain
Depending on the path the Boston Celtics choose this offseason, the front office may not have the appetite to add another salary to the books. The Celtics are staring at a luxury tax bill of roughly $500 million to keep their core together. While that’s led many to expect a trade to duck the second apron, the Celtics could also maintain one of the best rosters in the NBA and pick a draft-and-stash prospect who won’t be on the books for 2025-26.
Hugo González is an 18-year-old wing who is already playing for Real Madrid in the EuroLeague, the top-ranked club in Europe’s professional basketball team rankings. To be fair, “playing” is a strong term for someone who averaged just under eight minutes per game and scored fewer than two points per game.
However, at 6’6″, González already looks like an NBA-caliber defender on the wing and uses his athleticism to cut and finish at the rim on offense. He’s nearly an 80% free-throw shooter, suggesting there’s shooting upside that hasn’t materialized yet (he shot 29% from 3, but on just 24 total attempts).
Long-range shooting and defensive versatility might as well be etched into the TD Garden parquet floor at this point, and you could certainly squint and see González becoming the type of player the Celtics have coveted.
29) Phoenix Suns (via CLE)
Labaron Philon, Alabama
Labaron Philon averaged over two assists per turnover this season for Alabama, demonstrating a high level of playmaking for a young player. That’s a trait that every NBA team values when looking at the developmental curve.
The question is whether Philon’s shooting will improve. Although he was a 41% 3-point shooter in high school, he shot just 31.5% from deep (39-of-124) this season for Alabama. However, his high school stats and 76.2% free-throw percentage in college would suggest that he has a higher 3-point ceiling than his freshman stats imply.
The Phoenix Suns have lacked capable ball-handling options in recent years, playing Bradley Beal or Devin Booker out of position at the point, or relying on veteran Tyus Jones to play starter-level minutes. Drafting a player like Philon would be a swing at patching one of the Suns’ many long-term roster holes, and he should have a path to immediate playing time on a very thin roster.
30) Los Angeles Clippers (via OKC)
Alex Toohey, Australia
A 6’7” wing, Alex Toohey turns 21 in May and has spent the past two seasons playing for the Sydney Kings in Australia’s NBL (which has produced draft picks such as LaMelo Ball, Giddey, and Alex Sarr in recent years). Toohey averaged 10.6 points and 4.0 rebounds per game as a 20-year-old for Sydney this season, playing 23 minutes per game.
A versatile wing, Toohey can wear a lot of different hats, though he doesn’t necessarily possess one A-level skill he can rely on. That could push him down in the draft, but his youth and unselfish willingness to emphasize defense and passing make him an easy projection onto most rosters. His jumper is streaky, as evidenced by his 31% 3-point field goal percentage and 72.6% free throw percentage this season.
That may limit his upside, even if his advanced basketball IQ for his age should allow him to carve out a role player’s career. If the shooting comes around, Toohey suddenly looks like a potential steal who would become a well-rounded two-way wing.
