NBA mock draft 2025: Google Gemini AI predictions for the entire first round

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During the lead up to each NBA draft, it can be hard to know what intel to trust. Some mock drafts wind up being remarkably accurate. Others wind up being laughably incorrect. The variance can be part of the fun and drama that make this one of the league’s biggest annual events.

And now artificial intelligence is capable of weighing in on the speculation.

There is little mystery about the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA draft, which is scheduled to take place beginning on June 25. Cooper Flagg of Duke is the projected top choice for the Dallas Mavericks, who won this year’s NBA draft lottery despite long odds, and AI agrees with that sentiment. USA TODAY Sports asked Google Gemini AI to run a simulation of every first-round pick during the 2025 NBA draft and it returned results based on “current projections, team needs, and some general draft logic.”

So Flagg was AI’s No. 1 pick and Duke was well-represented among the top 10. The Google Gemini AI simulation also had a significant number of international prospects, both from the college ranks and professional clubs overseas, coming off the board in the first round. But each of the top eight picks projected by AI, and 15 of the first 16 selections, played college basketball during the 2024-25 season.

Here’s a breakdown of the 2025 NBA draft first-round picks made by a Google Gemini AI smiulation, as well as how to watch next month when the league’s teams gather in Brooklyn to make their actual selections:

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NBA draft 2025: AI predictions for every first round pick

First-rounds picks and comments were generated by a Google Gemini AI simulation of the 2025 NBA draft based on “current projections, team needs, and some general draft logic.”

1. Dallas Mavericks: F Cooper Flagg, Duke — “The Mavericks, with the surprise No. 1 pick, land the consensus top talent in Flagg. His two-way potential, athleticism, and scoring efficiency will be a massive boost to their post-Luka era.”
2. San Antonio Spurs: G Dylan Harper, Rutgers — “The Spurs find their potential lead guard to pair with Victor Wembanyama. Harper brings size, on-ball versatility, and strong playmaking to San Antonio.”
3. Philadelphia 76ers: F Ace Bailey, Rutgers — “Philadelphia secures an electric scoring wing in Bailey. His shot-making ability, size, and defensive versatility will inject instant firepower and a much-needed athletic presence.”
4. Charlotte Hornets: G VJ Edgecombe, Baylor — “The Hornets add an elite athlete and dynamic scoring guard in Edgecombe. His explosiveness and disruptive defense will complement LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.”
5. Utah Jazz: G Tre Johnson, Texas — “Utah gets a pure scorer and prolific shooter in Johnson. He projects as a young scoring guard who can consistently knock down shots.”
6. Washington Wizards: G/F Kon Knueppel, Duke — “The Wizards pick a smart, fundamental player in Knueppel, known for his excellent shooting and overall basketball IQ. He’ll be a versatile piece for their rebuild.”
7. New Orleans Pelicans: C Khaman Maluach, Duke — “The Pelicans address their frontcourt with the massive and intriguing international prospect, Maluach. His size, instincts around the rim, and defensive upside are undeniable.”
8. Brooklyn Nets: G Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma — “Brooklyn takes a swing on the high-risk, high-reward point guard, Fears. His elite speed and ability to attack the rim could make him a dynamic offensive weapon.”
9. Toronto Raptors: F Noa Essengue, Ratiopharm Ulm — “The Raptors select Essengue, a rapidly rising international prospect. His intriguing skill set and consistent shooting make him a valuable long-term investment.”
10. Houston Rockets: G Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois — “Houston adds a playmaker with good size and finishing ability in Jakucionis. He’ll need to refine his game, but his potential as a connective piece is clear.”
11. Portland Trail Blazers: C Derik Queen, Maryland — “The Blazers find a skilled big man in Queen, who can contribute inside with his crafty scoring and passing. He fills a need for Portland in the frontcourt.”
12. Chicago Bulls: F Collin Murray-Broyles, South Carolina — “The Bulls grab a dynamic defender and capable interior scorer in Murray-Boyles. His defensive impact and physical play will be valuable.”
13. Atlanta Hawks: G Cedric Coward, Washington State — “The Hawks pick up a versatile wing in Coward, who impressed at the combine with his athleticism and wingspan. He offers defensive upside and potential as a shooter.”
14. San Antonio Spurs: F Carter Bryant, Arizona — “With their second lottery pick, the Spurs add another two-way wing in Bryant. He can defend and knock down shots, providing depth and versatility.”
15. Oklahoma City Thunder: F Asa Newell, Georgia — “The Thunder select Newell, a quick and fluid big man who can rim-run and provide shot-blocking. His athleticism and motor fit OKC’s style.”
16. Orlando Magic: F Liam McNeeley, UConn — “The Magic bring in McNeeley, a smooth and natural shooter with a quick release. His offensive game should translate well.”
17. Minnesota Timberwolves: G Egor Demin, BYU — “The Timberwolves add a versatile playmaker in Demin, who has wing size but guard-like decision-making abilities.”
18. Washington Wizards: G Nolan Troare, Saint-Quentin — “The Wizards take another international swing with Traore, a speedy point guard who excels in ball screens. He offers high upside as a creator.”
19. Brooklyn Nets: F Noah Penda, Le Mans — “The Nets continue to build with international talent, selecting Penda. He offers a blend of athleticism and developing skills.”
20. Miami Heat: G Jase Richardson, Michigan State — “The Heat look for a dynamic guard in Richardson, who brings speed, scoring, and creation to the backcourt. He could provide instant bench spark.”
21. Utah Jazz: G/F Nique Clifford, Colorado State — “The Jazz select Clifford, a senior wing with strong defensive instincts and a well-rounded offensive game.”
22. Atlanta Hawks: F/C Rasheer Fleming, Saint Joseph’s — “The Hawks pick a developing big man in Fleming, known for his athleticism and defensive potential.”
23. Indiana Pacers: F/C Thomas Sorber, Georgetown — “The Pacers add size and interior presence with Sorber, a big man with good touch around the rim and a developing jumper.”
24. Oklahoma City Thunder: F Will Riley, Illinois — “OKC adds more wing depth and shooting with Riley, who has shown good scoring flashes.”
25. Orlando Magic: G/F Hugo Gonzalez, Real Madrid — “The Magic invest in another international talent in Gonzalez, an elite defensive wing with the potential to develop his offensive game.”
26. Brooklyn Nets: G/F Ben Saraf, Ratiopharm Ulm — “The Nets utilize one of their multiple picks on Saraf, another promising international prospect who could develop into a versatile forward.”
27. Brooklyn Nets: F Joan Beringer, Cedevita Olimpija — “With their fourth first-round pick, the Nets take another international swing with Beringer, adding more long-term potential to their roster.”
28. Boston Celtics: F Danny Wolf, Michigan — “The Celtics pick up a skilled big man in Wolf, who has a developing offensive game and good passing ability for his size.”
29. Phoenix Suns: C Maxime Raynaud, Stanford — “The Suns look to add more frontcourt depth and shooting with Raynaud, a skilled big who can stretch the floor.”
30. Los Angeles Clippers: G/F Drake Powell, North Carolina — “The Clippers round out the first round with Powell, an active two-way player known for his defensive versatility and shot-blocking.”

When is 2025 NBA draft

The 2025 NBA draft is scheduled to take place over two days, with the first round scheduled for Wednesday, June 25 beginning at 7 p.m. ET, and the second round slated to happen on Thursday, June 26.

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