Hit the music! It’s March Madness time, baby!
March Madness is rolling, and there’s excitement in the air. Basketball fans anxiously await the start of the NCAA tournament, and international play is prepping for the start of their postseasons.
Some players have already cemented themselves as legit options for the 2025 NBA Draft class, while others are looking to do so in the weeks ahead. The upcoming months will be crucial for a number of names, as there’s still a wide range of prospects who could be on the fence when it comes to potentially returning for another year.
The NCAA tournament will bring us plenty of exciting moments. But after that, the real grind begins. The pre-draft process is always a huge part of the process. Teams are going to bring individuals in to get in-person looks, and the “buzz” will be more important than ever to monitor with some names in this class.
For now, it’s time for another mock draft update from our No Ceilings team. Our team got together for a “war room” style meeting before discussing prospects for each projected selection. After nominations are submitted, our team goes around and takes it to a vote.
These are the results.
As always, here are some IMPORTANT reminders before you dive in.
Top 59 Picks (Shoutout New York Knicks), including analysis for each pick of the first round.
Measurements are from Team Websites (yes, they are always favorable. The combine will be the final boss)
The below order is from the NBA Standings as of March 9th, 2025
Let’s get after it.
#1. WASHINGTON WIZARDS — Cooper Flagg | F | Duke
Profile: 6’9”, 205
Year: Freshman (18)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
19.4 PTS | 7.6 REB | 4.2 AST | 1.5 STL | 1.3 BLK
49.4 FG% | 37.7 3P% | 83.0 FT%
31 Games | 30.8 MIN
Stephen: The Washington Wizards land the ultimate prize in this year’s draft, and it couldn’t come at a better time for their franchise. There are moments when Jordan Poole can do some nice things, and Bub Carrington and Alex Sarr still have the potential to be very nice pieces, but The District is in dire need of a player who offers production and promise. There was a very brief moment at the beginning of this cycle where Dylan Harper gave some challenge for the top prospect, but Cooper Flagg hadn’t even turned 18! Fast forward to now, and Flagg wraps up a regular season where he led Duke in every major statistical category. It’s been heavily chronicled that Duke didn’t field a traditional set-up man, but Super Cooper was able to grow as a facilitator–producing an Assist Percentage of 26.4 while only having a Turnover Percentage of 14.1 on heavy usage (30.4 Usage Percentage). Listed at 6’9”, Flagg also shot over 37% from deep on 7.2 attempts per 100 possessions—not bad for a player that is thought to be a scorer, not a shooter. That’s all nice, but defense is where Cooper hangs his hat. Boasting a Block Percentage of 4.5 and a Steal Percentage of 2.9, Flagg has an advanced feel for defending–perhaps the best since Chet Holmgren and Evan Mobley. Perhaps even better than them. With a game that can water down even the best hyperbole, Cooper is a wizard on the court–now, literally.
#2. UTAH JAZZ — Dylan Harper | G | Rutgers
Profile: 6’6”, 215
Year: Freshman (19)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
19.2 PTS | 4.5 REB | 3.9 AST | 1.4 STL | 0.5 BLK
48.7 FG% | 34.5 3P% | 73.8 FT%
28 Games | 32.2 MIN
Jam: Utah lands a potential franchise player and lead guard engine in Dylan Harper to pair with Lauri Markkanen as the pillars of the organization through their rebuild and into the future. Despite Rutgers falling below expectations and Harper battling the flu midseason (reportedly, he lost somewhere between 10 and 15 pounds), Harper still established himself as an elite player in the class with averages of 19.4 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 4.0 APG and 2.0 stocks per game while shooting 33.3% from three (5.2 3PA). Listed at 6’6” and 220 pounds, Harper is equipped with an NBA-ready frame and game. From his multiple level scoring and slick pick-and-roll play to two-way upside and ability to toggle on and off the ball, he’s the type of instant impact player who can expedite Utah’s rebuild.
#3. CHARLOTTE HORNETS — Ace Bailey | F | Rutgers
Profile: 6’10”, 205
Year: Freshman (18)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
17.6 PTS | 7.2 REB | 1.2 AST | 0.9 STL | 1.3 BLK
45.8 FG% | 34.6 3P% | 69.2 FT%
29 Games | 33.4 MIN
Rucker: Here’s where things can START to get interesting in the 2025 NBA Draft. The Charlotte Hornets will be hoping the lottery gods treat them well. For now, they find themselves slotted with the third overall selection. Charlotte is anxiously waiting to take that next step in their rebuild. After Flagg and Harper are off the board, there are a number of different ways in which the Hornets can go. Names like VJ Edgecombe (Baylor) and Tre Johnson (Texas) could be fun ones to consider at this spot. When you’re picking this high in a stacked draft, though, there’s one thing NBA teams love to do…SWING. Rutgers freshman forward Ace Bailey has some of the highest upside of any prospect in this class. The 6’10” is a gifted offensive weapon with serious defensive potential and won’t turn 19 years old until after Summer League. Adding Bailey alongside Brandon Miller on the perimeter gives the Hornets some nasty offensive firepower to build with going forward.
#4. NEW ORLEANS PELICANS — Kasparas Jakucionis | G | Illinois
Profile: 6’6”, 205
Year: Freshman (18)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
15.2 PTS | 5.6 REB | 4.8 AST | 0.9 STL | 0.3 BLK
45.5 FG% | 33.1 3P% | 83.2 FT%
29 Games | 31.8 MIN
Ignacio: With the clock ticking to put together a winning team around Zion Williamson, who will have three years left on his contract after this season, the Pelicans prioritize talent over positional needs by selecting Kasparas Jakucionis. At 18 years old, the Lithuanian guard has been a steady floor general for Illinois, setting up teammates with his advanced vision and creative passing deliveries while also providing versatile shooting and a level of rim pressure despite his lack of elite burst. With his elite positional size, listed at 6'6", Jakucionis could play at the two next to Dejounte Murray and eventually develop into the floor general who will set up the offense for Zion while also providing floor spacing when he plays off the ball.
#5. TORONTO RAPTORS — VJ Edgecombe | G | Baylor
Profile: 6’5”, 180
Year: Freshman (19)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
15.0 PTS | 5.4 REB | 3.3 AST | 2.1 STL | 0.6 BLK
43.8 FG% | 35.8 3P% | 77.9 FT%
29 Games | 32.4 MIN
Albert: The Raptors are in a strange place because it’s clear that they know what they want to do, but no one else outside of their organization seems to see the vision. They’ve got young assets tied down to big contracts, but none of them have really cemented themselves as future stars. They also just traded for Brandon Ingram, and he takes the ball away from the three young guys to whom they made long-term commitments. Even with their big commitments to their roster, they’re sitting here with the fifth pick in our mock draft. We’re hoping the addition of a guy like VJ Edgecombe can offer enough to help raise this team's ceiling. VJ is a do-it-all guard who doesn’t need the ball in his hands to impact the game. He’s a tough defender and an electric athlete, and he has a blossoming offensive game. He’s really improved his outside shooting throughout the season. Through his first 15 games of the season, Edgecombe was shooting 31% from three; in his last 14 games, he’s over 39%. That’s a nice jump that speaks volumes. With the type of drive and ferocity that he plays with, the Raptors should be very interested in adding him to their roster.
#6. BROOKLYN NETS — Tre Johnson | G | Texas
Profile: 6’6”, 190
Year: Freshman (18)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
20.2 PTS | 3.2 REB | 2.8 AST | 1.0 STL | 0.3 BLK
43.4 FG% | 39.5 3P% | 88.3 FT%
29 Games | 34.2 MIN
Nick: The Brooklyn Nets are one of the teams with a significant portion of the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft in their control, but the first pick that they make in this year’s draft will be their own. While Jordi Fernandez has done a spectacular job of crafting an at-times dangerous defense with the pieces in Brooklyn, the offense for the Nets has been one of the worst units in the league–especially when Cam Thomas has missed time. Tre Johnson would provide instant offense for the Nets, with the size and skill set to play on or off the ball. It will be interesting to see if the Nets hold onto Thomas, given some of the rumblings about him potentially being moved at the trade deadline, but Johnson would be a great pickup either way for a team that could really use one of the best shooting threats in the draft.
#7. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER (via PHI) — Derik Queen | F/C | Maryland
Profile: 6’10”, 244
Year: Freshman (20)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
15.7 PTS | 9.2 REB | 2.0 AST | 1.1 STL | 1.0 BLK
52.6 FG% | 8.3 3P% | 75.8 FT%
31 Games | 30.1 MIN
Metcalf: Derik Queen is one of the most skilled and unique players in this draft. He’s a terrific rebounder, is incredibly crafty getting to the rim, and has a ton of passing upside that is waiting to be unlocked. Queen’s skill on the offensive end makes him a seamless fit in their offense. He has yet to prove that he can shoot, but the Thunder would be an ideal context for him to develop that skill. The big question with Queen is on the defensive end. While he has great hands and has shown flashes of good footwork in space, he isn’t much of a rim protector, and the effort wanes. With the two-big lineups and the perimeter defenders that the Thunder have thrived with this year, though, Queen could easily be put in a position to succeed. The Thunder continuously target players with high levels of skill and feel—and Queen fits that bill tremendously well.
#8. CHICAGO BULLS — Khaman Maluach | C | Duke
Profile: 7’2”, 250
Year: Freshman (18)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
8.0 PTS | 6.6 REB | 0.5 AST | 0.2 STL | 1.1 BLK
68.3 FG% | 15.4 3P% | 75.0 FT%
31 Games | 20.6 MIN
Stephen: The Bulls find themselves in a range where most of the perceived instant franchise-changing prospects are off the board. With that being the case, it would probably be a good move to go with one of the highest upside players to raise their ceiling. That leads them to select the Duke big man, Khaman Maluach. The production for Khaman hasn’t been all that sexy, but it’s going to be hard for any team to pass up on a big man who has the size (listed at 7’2” and 250 pounds) and potential of Maluach. With his size and length, Khaman posted an Offensive Rebounding Percentage of 17.0 and a Defensive Rebounding Percentage of 19.6. That sort of activity on the glass should endear him to fans in the Windy City. His rim deterrence and protection (Block Percentage of 5.9) isn’t elite, but it’s solid. The screen and roll game should make him a favorite for the stable of guards the Bulls possess. There is plenty to iron out, but considering he’s been playing basketball for about five years, the Bulls would do well to take a player that is literally head and shoulders over the other prospects in this range.
#9. SAN ANTONIO SPURS — Kon Knueppel | F | Duke
Profile: 6’6”, 217
Year: Freshman (19)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
13.7 PTS | 3.8 REB | 2.5 AST | 0.9 STL | 0.2 BLK
47.0 FG% | 39.9 3P% | 91.4 FT%
31 Games | 29.8 MIN
Nick: The Spurs are in full development mode at this point, with Victor Wembanyama, Gregg Popovich, and De’Aaron Fox all out for the rest of the season. However, they were on track to make a run at the play-in for most of the year after finishing last season with 22 wins. While the defensive future (and future overall) looks bright, assuming health for Wemby, San Antonio can focus on what they need most: floor spacing. Enter Kon Knueppel, who has course-corrected after a cold start to the season and is shooting just shy of 40% from deep on 5.6 three-point attempts per game. Knueppel brings excellent passing for his position as well; he’s admittedly well below average defensively, but his strength, 6’7” frame, and effort level mask some of those concerns. More importantly, Victor Wembanyama can cover up a lot of defensive weaknesses, allowing Knueppel’s shooting and well-rounded offensive game to shine.
#10. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS — Asa Newell | F/C | Georgia
Profile: 6’10”, 220
Year: Freshman (19)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
15.1 PTS | 6.5 REB | 0.9 AST | 1.1 STL | 1.0 BLK
54.0 FG% | 29.3 3P% | 74.8 FT%
31 Games | 28.7 MIN
Metcalf: The Trail Blazers clearly have a type in the draft: lengthy athletes with a ton of upside. While Newell may not immediately help Portland’s shooting, he will continue to boost their rebounding and defense. At a minimum, Newell should be a positive contributor in both categories. Being able to roll out a lineup with Newell, Toumani Camara, Deni Avdija, and Donovan Clingan sounds like a nightmare for opposing offenses. The flip side is that Newell’s offense remains a question. He’s been very good finishing around the rim, executing out of the roll, crashing the offensive glass, and occasionally showcasing some slashing capabilities. While the shot looks promising, he has yet to prove that it’s a consistent weapon. If Newell does shoot it at a high level, he could be a major steal and an ideal frontcourt complement to Donovan Clingan. With his athletic tools, defensive versatility, and fascinating upside, Newell is the type of swing that the Trail Blazers tend to take.
#11. MIAMI HEAT — Egor Demin | G | BYU
Profile: 6’9”, 190
Year: Freshman (19)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
10.8 PTS | 3.9 REB | 5.6 AST | 1.1 STL | 0.4 BLK
41.9 FG% | 27.6 3P% | 67.1 FT%
28 Games | 27.7 MIN
Ignacio: Without a true floor general on the team, the Heat have been decidedly a playmaking-by-committee team, giving Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo, and Davion Mitchell all some initiation responsibilities. Here, they take one of the best passers in the draft in Egor Demin, who has shown a tremendous combination of vision, timing, processing speed, and accuracy in his passes—which is even more rare for his 6’9” size. The lack of scoring efficiency and his late season struggles could be causes for concern, but at this point in the draft, the potential of someone with elite size who could develop into a pass, dribble, and shoot threat is too much for the Heat to pass up here.
#12. HOUSTON ROCKETS (via PHX) — Rasheer Fleming | F | St. Joe’s
Profile: 6’9”, 235
Year: Junior (20)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
15.5 PTS | 8.6 REB | 1.4 AST | 1.5 STL | 1.6 BLK
56.0 FG% | 41.8 3P% | 72.5 FT%
31 Games | 31.4 MIN
Jam: In alignment with coach Ime Udoka’s defensive mentality, Houston snags one of the top 3-and-D prospects in the class in Rasheer Fleming. Fleming has gradually improved each season at Saint Joseph’s, culminating in a career-best season with averages over 15 PPG, eight RPG, and three stocks while hovering just over 40% from deep (4.5 3PA). With a glut of wings and frontcourt depth, Houston likely will be looking to consolidate this offseason, and Fleming will be ready to play from Day One thanks to outstanding physical tools (6’9”, 240 pounds, reported 7’5” wingspan) and a skillset that cleanly fits a coveted NBA role.
#13. DALLAS MAVERICKS — Jeremiah Fears | G | Oklahoma
Profile: 6’4”, 182
Year: Freshman (18)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
16.3 PTS | 4.1 REB | 4.2 AST | 1.5 STL | 0.1 BLK
43.3 FG% | 26.5 3P% | 85.1 FT%
31 Games | 29.7 MIN
Albert: The 2024-2025 Mavs season is officially worse than Season Eight of Game of Thrones. As angry as the world was with the death of Daenerys Targaryen, the pain that Mavs fans are feeling after the trade of Luka Doncic is way worse. The Red Wedding resembles an episode of PBS’s “Arthur” compared to what’s happening in Dallas. With all the pain that the fanbase is going through, I will offer a ray of hope in one, Jeremiah Fears. Fears is an absolute dynamo on the offensive side of the ball. He’s an explosive lateral mover who can get downhill quickly. He’s way stronger than he looks and embraces contact. He’s taking 6.1 free throws per game and hitting them at an 85.1% clip. Of course, some will look at his percentage from three and be concerned, but the form looks pretty good, and you have to believe in the touch. Fears may not be the next Luka Doncic, but he may offer a new season of excitement for the shattered Mavs fan base.
#14. ATLANTA HAWKS (via SAC) — Liam McNeeley | G/F | UConn
Profile: 6’7”, 210
Year: Freshman (19)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
14.7 PTS | 6.2 REB | 2.5 AST | 0.5 STL | 0.3 BLK
39.5 FG% | 34.7 3P% | 86.4 FT%
23 Games | 31.9 MIN
Rucker: Atlanta continues to take steps forward toward being on the right path in the Eastern Conference. They’ve found some future pieces to keep around in Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels and have gotten some impressive play throughout the year from rookie Zaccharie Risacher. With a roster that is starting to shape up again, the Hawks have the potential to be patient and let the board fall into their lap. Adding another forward with floor spacing ability on the perimeter would go a long way towards connecting the pieces for this roster. UConn freshman Liam McNeeley would do just that. McNeeley is a feisty forward who isn’t afraid to go toe-to-toe with anyone and offers a floor spacer with a smart basketball IQ who will also get after it on the glass.
#15. ORLANDO MAGIC — Nique Clifford | W | Colorado State
Profile: 6’6”, 200
Year: Senior (22)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
18.4 PTS | 9.7 REB | 4.4 AST | 1.2 STL | 0.6 BLK
50.7 FG% | 39.3 3P% | 75.8 FT%
31 Games | 35.2 MIN
Albert: Many will say that Nique Clifford going at 15 makes a lot of sense, but in five years, most people will wonder why he went so low. Clifford is a ridiculously productive player who can do much on the floor. Clifford is a ferocious rebounder for a guard, he’s improved on the offensive side of the ball every season, and he is an impactful defender. You can clearly see the improvement in his game just in the counting stats, but his advanced numbers look fantastic as well. Clifford currently has an assist percentage of 26.2%, a turnover percentage of 14.6%, and the highest usage percentage of his career, 26.9%. He’s seeing more of the ball and being more productive and careful. Clifford is a multi-positional defender with a good frame, strength, and length to go with the uptick on the offensive side of the ball. Orlando will love his skillset on both ends of the floor, and his productivity should translate to the next level.
#16. SAN ANTONIO SPURS (via ATL) — Collin Murray-Boyles | F | South Carolina
Profile: 6’8”, 245
Year: Sophomore (19)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
16.7 PTS | 8.1 REB | 2.4 AST | 1.5 STL | 1.4 BLK
58.5 FG% | 25.0 3P% | 70.0 FT%
31 Games | 30.6 MIN
Stephen: The Spurs are often said to be playing with house money in this draft–especially if they take a player like Kon Knueppel with the ninth overall pick–but it is important to nail their draft picks in the immediacy. Every season that passes with Victor Wembanyama on his rookie deal is a year that San Antonio needs to round out their roster. After selecting a shooter, the Spurs make a great pick with the bruising Collin Murray-Boyles. “CMB” has what is believed to be the most pro-ready physique toward the top of this class, which allows the future of this team to meld quickly. Murray-Boyles makes his money around the rim, which is a great complement to Wemby’s propensity to create in open space. While Vic is going to block his fair share of shots, Collin also can send some back (4.7 Block Percentage) himself. CMB also crashes the glass, with an Offensive Rebound Percentage of 8.8, and a Defensive Rebound Percentage of 23.8. Despite not being a knock-down shooter, CMB moves the ball incredibly well for his position (21.1 Assist Percentage), and he can contribute in 5-Out or DHO looks. It feels like Murray-Boyles is thought of more as an upperclassman, but he isn’t even 20 years old. This puts him on the same timeline as the major players for the Spurs, and gives them another potential long-term mainstay.
#17. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER (via LAC) — Hugo Gonzalez | G/F | Real Madrid
Profile: 6’6”, 207
Year: 2006 Born (19)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
3.5 PTS | 1.8 REB | 0.5 AST | 0.2 STL | 0.3 BLK
41.2 FG% | 28.8 3P% | 74.4 FT%
42 Games | 10.5 MIN
Ignacio: At this point in the draft, it’s hard to find anyone who would see significant minutes next year for a Thunder team that has every rotation player locked up under contract for 2025-26. With multiple first round picks in this draft, Oklahoma City looks for the stash route. While other international standouts like Noa Essengue and Ben Saraf could be options here, they select Hugo Gonzalez. Gonzalez won’t wow you with his on-ball prowess, especially in a team loaded with veteran talent like Real Madrid, but he plays in a role that is as well known as it is valuable for the Thunder: the versatile, high-motor perimeter defender who has the size and athleticism to cover multiple positions and make an impact on offense by attacking closeouts, making the extra pass and converting catch-and-shoot threes.
#18. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES (via DET) — Danny Wolf | C | Michigan
Profile: 7’0”, 250
Year: Junior (20)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
12.9 PTS | 9.7 REB | 3.7 AST | 0.8 STL | 1.4 BLK
50.0 FG% | 34.4 3P% | 60.0 FT%
31 Games | 29.9 MIN
Metcalf: The frontcourt depth for the Timberwolves could be an area of concern going forward, but Danny Wolf could help with that. Wolf doesn’t necessarily fit the team’s defensive identity from the past few seasons, but his offensive fit couldn’t be much clearer. Wolf has had major issues with ball security this season, but that’s because he’s essentially acting like Michigan’s point guard. In a significantly reduced role, Wolf’s quick decision-making, offensive creativity, and versatile skill set would provide the Timberwolves with another lethal creator in the frontcourt.
#19. UTAH JAZZ (via MIN) — Thomas Sorber | F/C | Georgetown
Profile: 6’10”, 255
Year: Freshman (19)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
14.5 PTS | 8.5 REB | 2.4 AST | 1.5 STL | 2.0 BLK
53.2 FG% | 16.2 3P% | 72.4 FT%
24 Games | 31.4 MIN
Jam: After landing the top guard in the class, the Jazz would be ecstatic to select Thomas Sorber, one of the best bigs in the class who certainly has fans as the number one big man. Sorber immediately emerged as Georgetown’s engine and defensive anchor. His season was cut short due to a foot injury that required surgery, but his 24 games were certainly enough to display his talent, upside, and production (14.5 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 2.4 APG, 2.0 BPG, 1.5 SPG). The 6’10” freshman star impressed with his post scoring, playmaking upside, ball skill flashes, defensive versatility, and touch indicators of projectable shooting. Sorber’s addition to the Jazz sneakily would give them an enviable collection of young bigs (Markkanen, Kessler, Filipowski, Hendricks).
#20. MIAMI HEAT (via GSW) — Noa Essengue | F | Ratiopharm Ulm
Profile: 6’9”, 200
Year: 2006 Born (18)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
10.4 PTS | 4.8 REB | 1.2 AST | 0.9 STL | 0.6 BLK
51.0 FG% | 23.6 3P% | 69.7 FT%
37 Games | 23.4 MIN
Rucker: At this point of the draft, the Miami Heat might sprint to the podium. International forward Noa Essengue will be one of the most fascinating prospects to monitor throughout the pre-draft process. He could easily be a name that comes off the board much earlier than this, given his untapped two-way potential and intriguing skills. Essengue will be one of the youngest players in this class on draft night and continues to look like a player taking the right steps forward in his development. With Miami, getting a player of Essengue’s skills and upside here at 20 would be a fantastic haul.
#21. INDIANA PACERS — Ben Saraf | G | Ratiopharm Ulm
Profile: 6’5”, 201
Year: 2006 Born (18)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
12.7 PTS | 2.9 REB | 4.5 AST | 1.1 STL | 0.2 BLK
46.6 FG% | 27.1 3P% | 70.3 FT%
35 Games | 24.0 MIN
Ignacio: With both Myles Turner and Thomas Bryant heading into free agency this offseason, big man depth will undoubtedly be a priority for the Pacers in this year’s draft, but they go with Saraf here. The Ratiopharm Ulm product is one of the most versatile wing scorers in the draft, and he would give the Pacers a scoring punch with his ability to create his own shot from multiple levels of the floor. When you also consider his emergence as a playmaker for others this season, Saraf becomes just too good to pass up at this point in the draft.
#22. BROOKLYN NETS (via MIL) — Nolan Traore | G | Saint Quentin
Profile: 6’4”, 184
Year: 2006 Born (18)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
12.0 PTS | 2.0 REB | 4.7 AST | 0.7 STL | 0.0 BLK
40.8 FG% | 28.2 3P% | 71.8 FT%
32 Games | 22.4 MIN
Nick: With the first of two back-to-back picks here, the Nets look to further shore up their guard rotation. After nabbing a combo guard in Tre Johnson with the #6 pick, Brooklyn adds a pure point guard here in Nolan Traore. Traore’s stock has fallen after being a near-consensus Top 10 pick heading into the year due to his struggles with putting the ball in the basket. However, Traore is one of the best playmakers in the class, controlling the game in one of the best professional leagues in the world with the kind of poise and control that you rarely see from a teenager. Traore also has a quick first step, which helps him get to the basket and collapse defenses, and he’s up to a solid-enough 61% at the rim this year, per Synergy. He has also been more efficient recently and in Champions League play in particular, which are both encouraging signs. If Traore’s jump shot comes around, he could easily end up as one of the 10 best players in the class–as he was projected to be before the season began. Even if the shot takes a bit longer, though, he can still be a contributor as a passing maestro and rim-pressuring point guard.
#23. BROOKLYN NETS (via HOU) — Carter Bryant | F | Arizona
Profile: 6’8”, 225
Year: Freshman (19)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
6.4 PTS | 3.9 REB | 1.1 AST | 0.9 STL | 1 BLK
47.9 FG% | 34.9 3P% | 69.2 FT%
31 Games | 18.5 MIN
Rucker: Brooklyn is shaping up to be busy on draft night with a number of picks all over the first round. After adding a talented bucket-getter in Tre Johnson earlier, the Nets swing for a bit of upside here with Arizona Wildcats freshman Carter Bryant. The talented forward has been impressive on both sides of the floor when he’s gotten minutes this year and has plenty of fans in NBA circles. Bryant will be another name to watch throughout the pre-draft process. Despite his lack of elite production, the 6’8” 225 225-pound forward is still considered to be a first round talent by many. If Bryant has a strong pre-draft, he could be a name on the rise.
#24. WASHINGTON WIZARDS (via MEM) — Jase Richardson | G | Michigan State
Profile: 6’3”, 185
Year: Freshman (19)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
11.6 PTS | 3.1 REB | 2.0 AST | 0.8 STL | 0.3 BLK
52.4 FG% | 38.8 3P% | 85.4 FT%
30 Games | 24.2 MIN
Jam: Since they’re still in the “Deconstruction Phase” of their rebuild, walking away from the draft with Cooper Flagg and Jase Richardson would be a haul for the Wizards. Richardson has exceeded pre-season consensus expectations and has emerged as both a legitimate one-and-done prospect and Michigan State’s engine. He’s a crafty, multiple-level scorer and tough shotmaker with feel and two-way upside. Richardson’s ability to effectively operate on and off the ball will allow him to thrive alongside Washington's core of dynamic and evolving young guards (Poole, Carrington, George, Johnson).
#25. BROOKLYN NETS (via NYK) — Johni Broome | C | Auburn
Profile: 6’10”, 240
Year: Senior (22)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
18.6 PTS | 10.6 REB | 3.3 AST | 0.8 STL | 2.4 BLK
50.6 FG% | 29.7 3P% | 61.6 FT%
29 Games | 29.9 MIN
Metcalf: The Nets have taken a ton of swings on upside so far, but they still need someone who is at least ready to play. Rumors have swirled around their bigs for ages, and Johni Broome could help answer some of those questions. Broome may not have the upside that others do, but he has an incredibly appealing baseline. Broome has proven that he is an incredibly productive player on both ends of the floor and that his offensive game continues to improve. Broome can occasionally space the floor, dominate the glass, finish around the rim, set up teammates, and be disruptive on defense. Getting that type of player late in the first round, who the Nets can plug into the rotation right away, would be a great haul.
#26. ATLANTA HAWKS (via LAL) — Will Riley | G | Illinois
Profile: 6’8”, 195
Year: Freshman (19)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
12.2 PTS | 3.9 REB | 2.3 AST | 0.3 STL | 0.3 BLK
41.9 FG% | 32.0 3P% | 73.5 FT%
31 Games | 24.7 MIN
Nick: Even with the rise of Jalen Johnson (pre-injury) this season and with yet another outstanding season from Trae Young, the Atlanta Hawks could still use another player who can create shots for themselves. By adding Will Riley here, Atlanta takes a bet on one of the most talented shot creators in this class, who has shown flashes of being the elite prospect that he was expected to be a year ahead of schedule after re-classifying at the end of last year. Riley’s overall efficiency is dragged down by a hideous run in December, and he’s a long-term project defensively–if for no other reason than that he has a case for the spindliest frame in the draft. All that being said, Riley has the potential to be one of the best players in this draft, and he is more than worth the home run swing for the Hawks here.
#27. ORLANDO MAGIC (via DEN) — Alex Karaban | F | UConn
Profile: 6’8”, 225
Year: Junior (22)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
14.5 PTS | 5.2 REB | 2.8 AST | 0.5 STL | 1.6 BLK
44.0 FG% | 35.3 3P% | 83.1 FT%
29 Games | 36.0 MIN
Stephen: How many years in a row have you heard this question: Why doesn’t Orlando improve their shooting? Well, they sort of try. They drafted Caleb Houstan and signed Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in free agency. Sometimes, it takes more bites at the apple to make institutional changes in a franchise, so Alex Karaban will be taken here for the Magic. Even in a “down year” for him, Alex is shooting over 35% from deep on more than 10 threes per 100. Doing that at a listed height of 6’8” is nice, but being 6’8” and a 38% three-point shooter is even cooler. Karaban isn’t your typical shooter, as he also has a Block Percentage over 5. That isn’t a flash in the pan, as he has had Block Percentages of 2.8 and 2.6 in the prior two seasons. Size is something we know the Magic target. Karaban is big. They like defense. Alex is solid there, too. We know Orlando needs shooting. That’s Karaban’s specialty. This seems like razzamatazz to me.
#28. BOSTON CELTICS — Miles Byrd | G | San Diego State
Profile: 6’7”, 190
Year: Sophomore (20)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
12.8 PTS | 4.5 REB | 2.8 AST | 2.1 STL | 1.0 BLK
38.8 FG% | 31.0 3P% | 82.4 FT%
28 Games | 30.4 MIN
Rucker: The Boston Celtics are going to be a team that will most likely be actively shopping this pick on the night of the draft. But for now, Boston looks to add another intriguing wing who could be a welcome addition down the road. San Diego State wing Miles Byrd has been a box-score stuffer throughout the year. He’s a defensive weapon who took a big step for the Aztecs this year as a junior. The outside shot needs to come around consistently, but Byrd has the tools to be a heck of an addition in an NBA rotation, given his two-way upside and versatility. For now, the Celtics look to add another talented wing to mold for the future.
#29. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS (via OKC) — Kam Jones | G | Marquette
Profile: 6’5”, 200
Year: Senior (22)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
18.9 PTS | 4.5 REB | 6.1 AST | 1.5 STL | 0.3 BLK
48.5 FG% | 30.6 3P% | 64.6 FT%
31 Games | 33.3 MIN
Albert: Kam Jones is having a very interesting season for Marquette. After Tyler Kolek and Odo Ighodaro left for the NBA, Jones was handed the keys to the offense—and it’s led to some fascinating results. Heading into the season, many wondered what the offense would look like with Jones leading things. There were some questions about his playmaking and whether he would have enough juice as the lead ball-handler. To his credit, the playmaking hasn’t been much of an issue, as his usage has increased, and his assist percentage has more than doubled. He had an assist percentage of 16.6% last season; this season, it’s up to 39.5%. That’s a huge and meaningful jump. With the bigger role on offense, there has been a dip in his shooting efficiency that isn’t the best, but it’s understandable considering the context. Jones is proficient as a pick-and-roll ball-handler, he’s tough in transition, and he will offer more than enough on the defensive side for you to not worry about him.
#30. PHOENIX SUNS (via CLE) — Adou Thiero | G/F | Arkansas
Profile: 6’8”, 220
Year: Junior (20)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
15.6 PTS | 6.0 REB | 1.9 AST | 1.7 STL | 0.7 BLK
54.8 FG% | 26.2 3P% | 68.8 FT%
26 Games | 28.3 MIN
Nick: Phoenix’s disastrous season has been masked a bit by the nightmare in Dallas (surely nobody in the NBA outside of Lakerland is more grateful for Nico Harrison than Mat Ishbia), but things have not gone as expected or planned for the Suns since they cooled off after their 8-1 start. The good news for the Suns is that they have the two things that teams in the NBA covet most: star power and shooting. The defense, though, is where things fall apart; Phoenix ranks 27th in the league in Defensive Rating, per basketball-reference, and they have not gotten consistent production on that end of the floor outside of Ryan Dunn. Adou Thiero has had a breakout year offensive after transferring from Kentucky to Arkansas, but defense has always been his calling card. The flexible 6’6” guard is a playmaking menace defensively, which will be a huge plus for a Suns team that ranks second-to-last in steals this season. Thiero essentially has everything but the shot; he’s an exceptional athlete both laterally and vertically, he finishes at the rim at a ridiculous rate, and he’s developed into a really solid secondary/tertiary playmaker type. The Suns have the shooting needed to hide Thiero’s biggest weakness–and they are in desperate need of his greatest strengths.
SECOND ROUND
#31. BOSTON CELTICS (via WAS) — Alex Condon | F/C | Florida
Profile: 6’11”, 230
Year: Sophomore (20)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
11.4 PTS | 8.0 REB | 2.3 AST | 0.8 STL | 1.4 BLK
51.7 FG% | 34.9 3P% | 62 FT%
28 Games | 25.1 MIN
#32. CHARLOTTE HORNETS — Maxime Raynaud | F/C | Stanford
Profile: 7’1”, 250
Year: Senior (21)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
20.1 PTS | 10.9 REB | 1.7 AST | 0.9 STL | 1.2 BLK
47.1 FG% | 33.9 3P% | 77.3 FT%
31 Games | 33.7 MIN
#33. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES (via UTA) — Labaron Philon | G | Alabama
Profile: 6’4”, 177
Year: Freshman (19)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
10.9 PTS | 3.3 REB | 3.5 AST | 1.3 STL | 0.3 BLK
46.3 FG% | 30.8 3P% | 76.4 FT%
31 Games | 24.2 MIN
#34. CHARLOTTE HORNETS (via NOLA) — Yaxel Lendeborg | F | UAB
Profile: 6’9”, 240
Year: Senior (22)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
17.1 PTS | 10.5 REB | 4.1 AST | 1.6 STL | 1.8 BLK
54.4 FG% | 33.9 3P% | 74.4 FT%
31 Games | 32.5 MIN
#35. DETROIT PISTONS (via TOR) — Ian Jackson | G | North Carolina
Profile: 6’4”, 190
Year: Freshman (19)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
13.0 PTS | 2.8 REB | 0.9 AST | 0.6 STL | 0.2 BLK
47.6 FG% | 40.6 3P% | 72.8 FT%
32 Games | 25.1 MIN
#36. BROOKLYN NETS — Noah Penda | F | Le Mans
Profile: 6’8”, 225
Year: 2005 Born (20)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
10.0 PTS | 5.3 REB | 2.7 AST | 1.4 STL | 1.0 BLK
44.4 FG% | 30.9 3P% | 72.5 FT%
23 Games | 26.1 MIN
#37. PHILADELPHIA 76ers — RJ Luis | G | St. John’s
Profile: 6’7”, 215
Year: Junior (22)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
18.1 PTS | 7.1 REB | 2.2 AST | 1.4 STL | 0.6 BLK
44.6 FG% | 30.8 3P% | 74.2 FT%
30 Games | 31.8 MIN
#38. SACRAMENTO KINGS (via CHI) — Boogie Fland | G | Arkansas
Profile: 6’2”, 175
Year: Freshman (18)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
15.1 PTS | 3.4 REB | 5.7 AST | 1.5 STL | 0.1 BLK
39.1 FG% | 36.5 3P% | 83.9 FT%
18 Games | 34.0 MIN
#39. SAN ANTONIO SPURS — Dink Pate | G/F | Mexico City Capitanes
Profile: 6’8”, 210
Year: 2006 Born (18)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
10.0 PTS | 4.4 REB | 1.8 AST | 0.7 STL | 0.1 BLK
41.7 FG% | 33.6 3P% | 66.7 FT%
39 Games | 24.0 MIN
#40. TORONTO RAPTORS (via POR) — Joan Beringer | C | Olympia
Profile: 6’10”, 230
Year: 2006 Born (18)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
4.5 PTS | 4.4 REB | 0.3 AST | 0.4 STL | 1.4 BLK
59.9 FG% | 0.0 3P% | 58.5 FT%
45 Games | 17.4 MIN
#41. WASHINGTON WIZARDS (via PHX) — Ryan Kalkbrenner | C | Creighton
Profile: 7’1”, 270
Year: Senior (23)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
19.4 PTS | 9.0 REB | 1.6 AST | 0.6 STL | 2.7 BLK
66.3 FG% | 34.03P% | 69.0 FT%
30 Games | 33.6 MIN
#42. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS (via MIA) — Cedric Coward |G | Washington State
Profile: 6’6”, 206
Year: Senior (21)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
17.7 PTS | 7.0 REB | 3.7 AST | 0.8 STL | 1.7 BLK
55.7 FG% | 40.0 3P% | 83.9 FT%
6 Games | 32.8 MIN
#43. ORLANDO MAGIC — Isaiah Evans | G/F | Duke
Profile: 6’6”, 185
Year: Freshman (19)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
7.7 PTS | 1.2 REB | 0.5 AST | 0.1 STL | 0.1 BLK
44.7 FG% | 44.4 3P% | 82.8 FT%
28 Games | 14.1 MIN
#44. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER (via ATL) — Tomislav Ivisic | C | Illinois
Profile: 7’1”, 230
Year: Sophomore (21)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
12.6 PTS | 7.6 REB | 2.2 AST | 0.6 STL | 1.1 BLK
50.0 FG% | 33.9 3P% | 74.0 FT%
28 Games | 26.9 MIN
#45. UTAH JAZZ (via DAL) — JT Toppin | F | Texas Tech
Profile: 6’9”, 225
Year: Sophomore (19)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
18.1 PTS | 9.3 REB | 1.1 AST | 0.9 STL | 1.2 BLK
55.8 FG% | 31.1 3P% | 71.9 FT%
27 Games | 26.4 MIN
#46. CHICAGO BULLS (via SAC) — Drake Powell | G/F | North Carolina
Profile: 6’6”, 195
Year: Freshman (19)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
7.5 PTS | 3.2 REB | 1.1 AST | 0.7 STL | 0.6 BLK
50.5 FG% | 39.3 3P% | 65.3 FT%
33 Games | 25.0 MIN
#47. UTAH JAZZ (via LAC) — Sion James | G | Duke
Profile: 6’6”, 220
Year: Senior (22)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
8.5 PTS | 4.1 REB | 3.2 AST | 1.0 STL | 0.3 BLK
53.9 FG% | 42.6 3P% | 80.8 FT%
31 Games | 24.7 MIN
#48. WASHINGTON WIZARDS (via DET) — Darrion Williams | F | Texas Tech
Profile: 6’6”, 225
Year: Junior (21)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
14.3 PTS | 5.1 REB | 3.8 AST | 1.2 STL | 0.4 BLK
44.3 FG% | 34.9 3P% | 84.2 FT%
29 Games | 29.6 MIN
#49. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS (via MIN) — Chaz Lanier | G | Tennessee
Profile: 6’4”, 199
Year: Senior (23)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
17.9 PTS | 3.9 REB | 1.0 AST | 0.9 STL | 0.1 BLK
43.2 FG% | 40.5 3P% | 74.7 FT%
31 Games | 31.1 MIN
#50. WASHINGTON WIZARDS (via GSW) — Sergio De Larrea | G | Valenica
Profile: 6’5”, 180
Year: 2005 Born (19)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
5.5 PTS | 2.3 REB | 2.7 AST | 0.5 STL | 0.3 BLK
50.5 FG% | 45.2 3P% | 75.7 FT%
27 Games | 12.3 MIN
#51. INDIANA PACERS — Xaivian Lee | G | Princeton
Profile: 6’4”, 180
Year: Junior (20)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
17.0 PTS | 6.1 REB | 5.3 AST | 1.2 STL | 0.4 BLK
44.3 FG% | 37.1 3P% | 78.8 FT%
29 Games | 31.8 MIN
#52. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (via MIL) — Otega Oweh | G | Kentucky
Profile: 6’4”, 215
Year: Junior (21)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
16.2 PTS | 4.6 REB | 1.6 AST | 1.5 STL | 0.5 BLK
49.2 FG% | 34.8 3P% | 77.6 FT%
31 Games | 28.2 MIN
#53. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES (via HOU) — Tahaad Pettiford | G | Auburn
Profile: 6’1”, 175
Year: Freshman (19)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
11.6 PTS | 2.0 REB | 3.0 AST | 0.9 STL | 0.1 BLK
43.2 FG% | 39.1 3P% | 79.5 FT%
31 Games | 22.4 MIN
#54. NEW YORK KNICKS (via MEM) — Emanuel Sharp | G | Houston
Profile: 6’3”, 210
Year: Junior (21)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
11.8 PTS | 3.0 REB | 1.0 AST | 1.4 STL | 0.0 BLK
42.6 FG% | 41.3 3P% | 90.6 FT%
28 Games | 26.5 MIN
#55. NEW YORK KNICKS — Forfeited
#56. LOS ANGELES LAKERS — Viktor Lakhin | C | Clemson
Profile: 6’11”, 245
Year: Senior (23)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
11.6 PTS | 6.4 REB | 1.6 AST | 1.0 STL | 1.6 BLK
50.9 FG% | 38.3 3P% | 69.9 FT%
31 Games | 23.4 MIN
#57. PHOENIX SUNS (via DEN) — John Mobley Jr | G | Ohio State
Profile: 6’1”, 175
Year: Freshman (19)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
12.9 PTS | 1.5 REB | 2.2 AST | 0.7 STL | 0.1 BLK
38.8 FG% | 38.1 3P% | 88.0 FT%
32 Games | 27.8 MIN
#58. ORLANDO MAGIC (via BOS) — Johann Grunloh | C | Rasta Vechta
Profile: 6’9”, 235
Year: 2005 Born (19)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
8.2 PTS | 5.4 REB | 0.7 AST | 0.3 STL | 1.9 BLK
48.7 FG% | 35.0 3P% | 72.2 FT%
27 Games | 23.9 MIN
#59. HOUSTON ROCKETS (via OKC) — Javon Small | G | West Virginia
Profile: 6’3”, 190
Year: Se
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
18.5 PTS | 4.2 REB | 5.6 AST | 1.6 STL | 0.4 BLK
41.6 FG% | 35.3 3P% | 88.1 FT%
31 Games | 36.1 MIN
#60. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS — Walter Clayton Jr. | G | Florida
Profile: 6’3”, 195
Year: Senior (21)
Stats (as of 3/12/25):
17.2 PTS | 3.8 REB | 4.3 AST | 1.2 STL | 0.5 BLK
44.1 FG% | 36.4 3P% | 85.2 FT%
30 Games | 32.2 MIN
Kasparas at 4? How??? Maybe 4 months ago, the tape since then barely supports lottery range.
coop + jase would go absolutely insane... miles byrd in boston too 🔥