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

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The humans churning out NBA mock drafts and artificial intelligence are in agreement about Cooper Flagg. The Dallas Mavericks are going to take advantage of their lottery luck by making Flagg the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA draft on June 25. Everything after that, however, remains uncertain based on the latest projections.

USA TODAY Sports asked Grok AI to run a simulation of every first-round pick during the 2025 NBA draft and it returned results by “synthesizing current mock draft trends, team needs, and prospect evaluations from various sources.” There were a large number of expected picks, but also a few surprises that differed from the expert mock drafts, as well as previous NBA draft first-round simulations conducted using Google Gemini AI and Meta AI.

Grok AI, for instance, has a different top-five than most and projects Duke to have another top-five pick in addition to Flagg. It also did not predict Jase Richardson to be chosen in the first round, despite a good chunk of human-made mock drafts that suggest otherwise. There were six international prospects among the top 30 picks by Grok AI, as well as college stars like Auburn’s Johnni Broome and Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr.

Here’s a breakdown of the 2025 NBA draft first-round picks made by a Grok AI simulation, 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 Grok AI simulation of the 2025 NBA draft based on “synthesizing current mock draft trends, team needs, and prospect evaluations from various sources.”

1. Dallas Mavericks: F Cooper Flagg, Duke — “Consensus No. 1 pick with elite two-way skills (19.4 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 4.2 APG, 39% 3PT). Cornerstone for Dallas post-Luka Dončić trade.”
2. San Antonio Spurs: G Dylan Harper, Rutgers — “Harper’s 6’6” frame, playmaking, and scoring (19.4 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 4.0 APG, 33% 3PT) pair with Victor Wembanyama”
3. Philadelphia 76ers: G VJ Edgecombe, Baylor — “Edgecombe’s athleticism and spot-up shooting complement Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid.”
4. Charlotte Hornets: G/F Kon Knueppel, Duke — “Knueppel’s high IQ and shooting provide spacing for Lauri Markkanen and Brandon Miller.”
5. Utah Jazz: F Ace Bailey, Rutgers — “Bailey’s frame and scoring (17.6 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 35% 3PT) offer upside for Utah’s rebuild.”
6. Washington Wizards: C Khaman Maluach, Duke — “Maluach’s size and rim protection pair with Alex Sarr, aligning with Washington’s international focus.”
7. New Orleans Pelicans: G Tre Johnson, Texas — “Johnson’s scoring and shooting address New Orleans’ perimeter creation, fitting with Zion Williamson.”
8. Brooklyn Nets: G Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma — “Fears’ speed and rim-attacking ability (18.1 PPG early season) suit Brooklyn’s rebuild, boosted by combine performance.”
9. Toronto Raptors: F Noa Essengue, Ratiopharm Ulm — “Essengue’s fluid handle and defensive versatility fit Toronto’s focus on positional size.”
10. Houston Rockets: G Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois — “Jakucionis’ playmaking and ball-screen savvy address Houston’s need for a versatile guard.”
11. Portland Trail Blazers: F/C Derik Queen, Maryland — “Queen’s offensive polish and passing add frontcourt depth for Portland’s rebuild.”
12. Chicago Bulls: G Egor Demin, BYU — “Demin’s size and playmaking address Chicago’s backcourt needs.”
13. Atlanta Hawks: G Nolan Troare, Saint-Quentin — “Traore’s speed and creativity fit Atlanta’s need for a dynamic floor general.”
14. San Antonio Spurs: F Asa Newell, Georgia — “Newell’s mobility and 75% free-throw shooting suggest stretch-four potential.”
15. Oklahoma City Thunder: F Liam McNeeley, UConn — “McNeeley’s sharpshooting and off-ball movement complement OKC’s offense.”
16. Orlando Magic: F Collin Murray-Broyles, South Carolina — “Murray-Boyles’ defensive versatility and energy add frontcourt depth.”
17. Minnesota Timberwolves: G Ben Saraf, Ratiopharm Ulm — “Saraf’s playmaking and scoring bolster Minnesota’s backcourt.”
18. Washington Wizards: G/F Hugo Gonzalez, Real Madrid — “His defensive versatility, athleticism, and long-term upside as a two-way wing aligns with Washington’s rebuilding strategy and need for perimeter defense.”
19. Brooklyn Nets: F Adou Thiero, Arkansas — “Thiero’s defensive tenacity and improving offense suit Brooklyn’s rebuild.”
20. Miami Heat: F/C Rasheer Fleming, Saint Joseph’s — “Fleming’s energy and versatility fit Miami’s culture.”
21. Utah Jazz: G/F Nique Clifford, Colorado State — “Clifford’s two-way versatility adds depth to Utah’s wing rotation.”
22. Atlanta Hawks: F Will Riley, Illinois — “Riley’s scoring and size provide Atlanta with a developmental wing.”
23. Indiana Pacers: F/C Thomas Sorber, Georgetown — “His physicality and high basketball IQ make him a safe pick with immediate rotational potential.”
24. Oklahoma City Thunder: F Danny Wolf, Michigan — “Wolf’s passing and offensive skills add frontcourt versatility.”
25. Orlando Magic: G Walter Clayton Jr., Florida — “Clayton’s scoring and pick-and-roll proficiency provide Orlando with a bench spark, complementing their young core with offensive punch.”
26. Brooklyn Nets: G/F Cedric Coward, Washington State — “His ability to play multiple wing positions fits Brooklyn’s rebuilding strategy, which emphasizes high-upside, versatile players.”
27. Brooklyn Nets: F Carter Bryant, Arizona — “His lottery-level potential (top-14 projection) fits Brooklyn’s focus on high-upside talent for their rebuild.”
28. Boston Celtics: F Noah Penda, Le Mans — “His rim protection and wing skills fit Boston’s championship roster, offering a high-energy bench role.”
29. Phoenix Suns: F Johnni Broome, Auburn — “His post-scoring and rim protection address Phoenix’s need for a cost-controlled big man.”
30. Los Angeles Clippers: C Yanic Konan Neiderhauser, Penn State — “His defensive presence and developing offense fit the Clippers’ need for frontcourt depth.”

Watch the NBA draft with Fubo

When is the 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 8 p.m. ET, and the second round slated to happen on Thursday, June 26, starting at 8 p.m. ET. Thursday’s first round will be televised by ABC and ESPN. Friday’s second round will be broadcast nationally by ESPN.

You can also stream both days of the 2025 NBA draft with Fubo.

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