Amid a wild NBA postseason that’s lived up to the hype and produced one of the most unpredictable playoff brackets in recent memory, most teams have already shifted into offseason mode. Pre-draft workouts are underway, and draft boards are starting to come into focus.
The 2025 NBA Draft is less than three weeks away, so let’s take a shot at projecting the first round. While Duke phenom Cooper Flagg will dominate headlines, this is one of the deepest classes in recent years and could deliver plenty of surprises.
1) Dallas Mavericks
Cooper Flagg, SF/PF, Duke
Unless Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison makes another blunder, Cooper Flagg should be the first overall pick of the 2025 NBA Draft. With a healthy Anthony Davis and Flagg on the roster, the Mavericks should, at the very least, be in the playoff hunt.
This poster by Cooper Flagg was INSANE
🤯🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/jsBlMCnPG6
— Blue Devils (@BlueDevils) June 4, 2025
A Swiss Army knife with a more complete game than almost any other prospect, Flagg led Duke in all five major stat categories — points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks — thanks to his elite defense, three-level scoring, and underrated playmaking.
2) San Antonio Spurs
Dylan Harper, PG/SG, Rutgers
There’s a chance the Spurs try to trade this pick for a star like Giannis Antetokounmpo or Kevin Durant. But if they keep the selection, the move is simple: take the best talent available in Dylan Harper.
While the fit alongside Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox remains a question mark, the second-generation talent is far too good to pass up. With a never-ending scoring prowess and exceptional pace adjustment, he can carry an offense with ease.
3) Philadelphia 76ers
Ace Bailey, SF, Rutgers
Ace Bailey could begin the next phase of “The Process” for the Philadelphia 76ers. Sixers general manager Daryl Morey is trying to build a contender around Joel Embiid (who has become a question mark year after year), Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George, and Bailey could become the trio’s new star running mate.
Long, gangly, with insane athleticism to boot, Bailey has all the tools to become a legitimate superstar in the league. His decision-making needs some work, but the potential is clear as day for him to become a multi-time All-Star and All-NBA-caliber player.
4) Charlotte Hornets
V.J. Edgecombe, SG, Baylor
LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Miles Bridges give the Hornets a solid foundation. What they’re missing is an off-ball guard who can take this unit to the next level, and V.J. Edgecombe is precisely that.
The 6’5″ guard’s catch-and-shoot ability and slashing game make him a threat on the wing. Throw in some passing upside, and he looks like the ideal two-guard for this roster.
5) Utah Jazz
Tre Johnson, PG/SG, BYU
More combo guard than pure point guard, Tre Johnson could be the answer in Utah’s backcourt. With rumblings that Collin Sexton may be moved, Johnson’s scoring punch and shooting could make him the next lead guard alongside Lauri Markkanen.
Johnson, who averaged nearly 20 points per game as arguably the best shooter in the entire class, makes perfect sense for Utah. Add in some talent as a passer, and he might be the Jazz’s star guard of the future.
6) Washington Wizards
Jeremiah Fears, PG, Oklahoma
His jumper isn’t the smoothest or most consistent, but Jeremiah Fears has arguably the highest upside of anyone in this class not named Cooper Flagg. As a freshman at Oklahoma, he averaged 17.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game.
6’4 Oklahoma PG Jeremiah Fears.
Led all D1 Freshmen in ‘Points Created’ per game (31.7). Strong offensive talent that gets to the rim at will (52.6% FG) — impressive playmaking craft (28.6% AST + 1.2 A/TO).
Questionable jump-shooting skill but improved as the season progressed. pic.twitter.com/ZVdoXaUlue— Mohamed (@mcfNBA) June 4, 2025
An exceptional playmaker, his vision should cater perfectly to NBA offenses. The Wizards should swing for the fences and chase Fears’ upside, adding him to a backcourt that includes Jordan Poole and Bub Carrington and hoping the 18-year-old unlocks his full potential.
7) New Orleans Pelicans
Kon Knueppel, SF, Duke
A 6’7″ wing who can shoot is always in demand in today’s NBA. With Brandon Ingram off the roster, the New Orleans Pelicans need to build out their wing depth, and Kon Knueppel offers plenty of potential as well as a solid floor.
An exceptional shooter with some shot-creation glimpses at Duke, Knueppel played well alongside Flagg and Khaman Maluach but also stepped up in a major way when the presumptive No. 1 overall pick was sidelined. Averaging over 14 points on 40.6% shooting from 3-point range, he is perfectly suited for the modern era.
8) Brooklyn Nets
Kasparas Jakučionis, PG/SG, Illinois
Brooklyn needs offense, and outside of Cam Thomas, they’ve struggled to find it. Kasparas Jakučionis offers tremendous upside as a 6’5″ combo guard with a natural feel for the game.
His jumper is the main question mark when it comes to his game, but he showed incredible promise as a shooter before his forearm injury. With strong playmaking instincts and the ability to create for himself, Jakučionis could end up being the steal of the draft.
9) Toronto Raptors
Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
Khaman Maluach is raw but extremely intriguing. He only picked up basketball at 14 years old, yet he has already made huge strides and has a lot of fans in NBA front offices.
A rim-running big man with excellent defensive instincts and shot-blocking skills, Maluach could be the long-term upgrade at center that a team rife with wings needs. His offensive game needs to develop over time, as he averaged just 8.6 points a night. But the floor is already incredibly high for this 7’2″ player with unlimited potential.
10) Houston Rockets (via Suns)
Egor Demin, PG/SG, BYU
After a 52-win season, the Houston Rockets’ biggest question mark became their offense, especially in the half-court. Egor Demin might be the perfect solution for them. A 6’8″ supersized point guard, Demin averaged 5.5 assists per game for BYU.
His shooting remains suspect (27.3% from deep), but as a floor general, his game should easily translate to the next level. He isn’t the most stout defender, but on a team rife with excellent defense, his shortcomings may be easy to mask and he could help the Rockets address their biggest need: bolstering their offense.
11) Portland Trail Blazers
Collin Murray-Boyles, PF/C, South Carolina
It might not be long before Jerami Grant finds himself on a new team. The emergence of Toumani Camara and Deni Avdija has given the Portland Trail Blazers an excellent forward duo to work with, but neither projects to be a star.
Collin Murray-Boyles, on the other hand, has all the potential in the world. An unbelievably poised and mature defender, he can add to the Camara-Avdija defensive stranglehold on the wing. However, his shooting needs to improve in order for him to be more versatile on offense and realize his full potential.
12) Chicago Bulls
Derik Queen, C, Maryland
With recent trade rumors suggesting that the Nikola Vučević era could be coming to an end, the Chicago Bulls are poised to embrace a full-fledged rebuild. And outside of their solid guard rotation, the team has a variety of holes to fill.
Patrick Williams and Matas Buzelis offer a solid wing duo, but Derik Queen might be their long-term answer at the center spot. An excellent playmaker with a soft touch around the hoop, exceptional footwork, and the ability to operate out of the post, Queen could be the next center to become the offensive hub for his team.
13) Atlanta Hawks (via Kings)
Jase Richardson, PG/SG, Michigan State
Jase Richardson measured 6-foot-½ without shoes at the NBA Combine, which has hurt his stock during the pre-draft process. But for an Atlanta team with Trae Young and Dyson Daniels locked in, Richardson’s skill set could be a seamless fit.
A smooth scorer with arguably the best shooting stroke in the class, Richardson averaged over 12 points per game for the Spartans. His long frame gives him defensive potential, something the Hawks need around Young. And if they move on from Young down the road, Richardson could be a natural successor.
14) San Antonio Spurs
Nique Clifford, SF, Colorado State
With Victor Wembanyama continuing to blossom, Stephon Castle winning Rookie of the Year, and De’Aaron Fox added via a midseason trade, the Spurs look like a team on the rise. At No. 14, they can round out the rotation with a two-way wing.
Nique Clifford could be that guy. He averaged nearly 19 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists while shooting 37.7% from deep. His size and activity also make him a valuable asset on defense.
15) Oklahoma City Thunder (via Heat)
Asa Newell, PF/C, Georgia
For an Oklahoma City Thunder team that’s currently in the NBA Finals and poised to dominate for years to come, there isn’t much to criticize about their truly 12-deep roster. However, one piece they could look to add is a domineering big man.
Isaiah Hartenstein fills part of that role, but Asa Newell could elevate it. With elite size and athleticism, Newell offers rim protection, energy, and the physical tools to impact both ends of the floor.
16) Orlando Magic
Rasheer Fleming, PF, St. Joseph’s
Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner form a strong foundation in Orlando. But the Magic need to improve their shooting to take the next step.
They shot 31.8% from three, the worst mark by any NBA team over the past nine years. It was a glaring weakness all season and played a role in their first-round exit against the Boston Celtics.
rasheer fleming can cover absurd amounts of ground on defense, letting him blow up multiple actions all on his own. reaction time isn’t always snappy, but the range and explosion are nuts pic.twitter.com/Wg1p3MyG2m
— ben pfeifer (@bjpf_) May 26, 2025
Fleming, who shot 39% from deep on 4.5 attempts per game, is a natural fit. At 6’9″ with a 7’5″ wingspan, he also brings elite defensive tools to complement Orlando’s already stout unit (and it’s worth noting that the Magic’s front office loves length).
17) Minnesota Timberwolves
Danny Wolf, PF/C, Michigan
Naz Reid could leave the Timberwolves in free agency, and replacing his unique offensive skill set won’t be easy.
Danny Wolf offers a similar profile. He averaged more than 13 points and nearly 10 rebounds, with 3.6 assists and 33.6% shooting from three. While he doesn’t bring Reid’s defensive impact, he could help preserve the offensive identity of Minnesota’s second unit.
18) Washington Wizards (via Grizzlies)
Carter Bryant, SF/PF, Arizona
Some college prospects don’t light up the box score but flash the upside needed to thrive in the NBA. Carter Bryant is one of them.
A 6’8″ wing with strong athletic traits and defensive versatility, Bryant averaged just 6.5 points at Arizona but shot 37% from three and defended multiple positions. He’s a potential 3-and-D gem.
19) Brooklyn Nets (via Bucks)
Nolan Traoré, PG, Saint Quentin
With Kasparas Jakučionis likely sliding into a combo guard role, Brooklyn could use a true point guard. Nolan Traoré fits the bill.
At 6’3″, he’s a blur with the ball and a creative floor general. His court vision and interior finishing make him a long-term piece for the Nets’ backcourt.
20) Miami Heat (via Warriors)
Noa Essengue, SF/PF, Ratiopharm Ulm
With the Jimmy Butler era officially over, the Miami Heat may be heading toward a rebuild. Even though Pat Riley and Co. have resisted this option in recent years, it may be smarter to take a developmental project than an immediate contributor.
That’s where Noa Essengue comes in. The 6’9″ forward is raw, but his athleticism and size make him an exciting long-term project. If he hits, the reward could be massive.
21) Utah Jazz (via Timberwolves)
Hugo González, SF, Real Madrid
Hugo González has been on NBA radars for a while. A 6’6″ wing with high-end athleticism and nonstop motor, he’s helped power a top-tier Real Madrid squad.
Utah’s frontcourt behind Markkanen and Walker Kessler is still unsettled, and González could earn a spot quickly thanks to his hustle, versatility, and defensive toughness.
22) Atlanta Hawks (via Lakers)
Thomas Sorber, C, Georgetown
Clint Capela likely won’t be on Atlanta’s roster next season. While the Hawks have Onyeka Okongwu, they could use another center, and Thomas Sorber from Georgetown might be the top option.
While undersized at 6’10”, he would fit in well with the switch-heavy lineup that Atlanta utilizes. Averaging 14.5 points per game, he has an elite feel in the post, with some underrated playmaking instincts.
Where he truly shines, though, is on defense. Sorber is one of the top defensive bigs in this class and would give Atlanta a reliable interior anchor.
23) Indiana Pacers
Ryan Kalkbrenner, C, Creighton
The Indiana Pacers are in the midst of an unbelievable NBA Finals run, and regardless of the result, they will have a busy summer ahead of them. With Myles Turner hitting unrestricted free agency, it could open up a glaring hole in their starting lineup (although it’s very possible they finally pay the luxury tax and re-sign him).
Ryan Kalkbrenner is another contender for the title of best defender in the draft. With a massive 7’1″ frame and elite defensive instincts, the bruising rim protector earned the 2025 Naismith Men’s Defensive Player of the Year award, plus he was named Big East Defensive Player of the Year four times.
Kalkbrenner is a guaranteed bucket from inside the paint, especially operating out of the post. His combination of elite defense with a nimble touch around the rim should give Tyrese Haliburton a long-standing partner in the pick-and-roll.
24) Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers)
Joan Beringer, PF/C, Cedevita Olimpija
A third-straight center comes off the board, as the Oklahoma City Thunder double down on their size deficit by targeting Joan Beringer from France. Another excellent defensive prospect, Beringer is going to take some time to develop.
But with a loaded 12-deep roster, the Thunder can afford to be patient with their No. 24 overall selection. Still just 18 years old, Beringer is an intriguing high-upside pick who could be a perfect draft-and-stash option for an OKC front office that can afford to be patient.
25) Orlando Magic (via Nuggets)
Walter Clayton Jr., PG, Florida
The Anthony Black experiment hasn’t yielded the results Orlando was hoping for, and once Jalen Suggs suffered a season-ending knee injury, the Magic’s lack of depth in the backcourt became a major problem.
Given their well-documented struggles from deep, Walter Clayton Jr. might be a smart bet for the young squad. Clayton was the complete package at Florida, averaging 18.3 points and 4.2 assists on nearly 39% shooting from distance while leading the Gators to the national championship. Perhaps Clayton will remain in Florida, where he’s a fan favorite.
26) Brooklyn Nets (via Knicks)
Cedric Coward, SF/PF, Washington State
The Nets addressed their backcourt with their first two picks, and now the next step for Brooklyn is addressing the wing position. Enter Cedric Coward.
An athletic 6’6″ wing, he has elite physical fundamentals, and he shot nearly 40% from distance. Add in a high defensive ceiling, and he could be a two-way stud for Brooklyn.
27) Brooklyn Nets (via Rockets)
Will Riley, SF, Illinois
With their fourth first-round pick, the Nets add another wing. Will Riley out of Illinois is a smart choice for Brooklyn thanks to his unique skill set and ability to impact the game in a multitude of ways.
At 6’8″, he has the size to hold his own on the defensive end, but he’ll need to add some more muscle to his 190-pound frame before he can truly compete on that end of the floor. His true value, though, might come as a shooter, thanks to his ability to work off the ball.
28) Boston Celtics
Noah Penda, SF/PF, Le Mans
Jayson Tatum is likely going to miss the entirety of the 2025-26 NBA season with a torn Achilles, and there are rumors that the Boston Celtics may make significant changes to their roster this offseason. As a result, taking a developmental project like Noah Penda from France might be a smart move for Boston rather than selecting a win-now piece.
At 6’8″ and 225 pounds, he has the perfect size for an NBA wing, and his defensive instincts make him one of the best perimeter defenders in the entire class. Not to mention, his intrinsic feel for the game has wowed fans and coaches alike. Add in a 3-point shot that continues to get better, and it’s clear to see why he’s viewed as a high-ceiling prospect.
29) Phoenix Suns (via Cavaliers)
Ben Saraf, PG/SG, Ratiopharm Ulm
The Phoenix Suns are expected to blow up their roster this offseason, and they need to look ahead to the future. There is a strong possibility that Kevin Durant gets traded this offseason, and Bradley Beal may not be back next year as well.
After his Ratiopharm Ulm teammate (Essengue) went earlier, it is now Ben Saraf’s turn to hear his name called. It’s possible the Suns will acquire earlier picks via a trade, but with the No. 29 overall pick they currently own, Saraf makes sense.
With Tyus Jones likely leaving in free agency, the 6’5″ guard could have a role sooner than later. While his 3-point shot is suspect at best, Saraf’s playmaking could make him a valuable player alongside Devin Booker in Phoenix’s backcourt.
30) Los Angeles Clippers (via Thunder)
Adou Thiero, SF/PF, Arkansas
Last year, the Los Angeles Clippers built an identity centered around their defense. An influx of excellent defenders like Derrick Jones Jr., Kris Dunn, and a monster season from Ivica Zubac paved the way for a 50-win season for Los Angeles.
By adding Adou Thiero to the mix, the Clippers double down on that identity. The 6’8″, 220-pound forward is a bruising defender who can set the tone on the less glamorous end of the floor. He’ll need to work on his jumper (after shooting 25.6% from 3 last season), but he can provide a similar role to DJJ and bolster Los Angeles’ third-ranked defense, which allowed just 107.9 points per 100 possessions last season.
