2025 NBA Mock Draft V.7
The lottery order has been decided. That means it's time for V.7 of the No Ceilings 2025 NBA Draft Mock Draft.
The 2025 NBA Draft Lottery happened.
The results were insane.
So now, let’s all take a deep breath and get through this together.
An insane amount of madness happened with the Draft Lottery, with three teams jumping up into the Top 3. We’re all in a bit of disbelief, but the order has been set. Now, it’s time for the fun stuff to begin.
The Dallas Mavericks won the first overall selection, which means that the Mavericks should be the heavy favorite to land Cooper Flagg on the night of the draft. After that, there is sure to be plenty of debate around the league about who will be the names mentioned and whether there will be any potential trade rumblings among those teams.
For the time being, let’s get right to it.
Some members of our No Ceilings team got together for a Lottery Reaction Stream that you can find on our YouTube channel, of course.
After that and a little “War Room” preview, we assembled the team behind closed doors and did an entire two round mock.
Here are the results.
*Measurements are rounded from initial combine results and will be updated as we move forward*
#1. DALLAS MAVERICKS — Cooper Flagg | F | Duke
Profile: 6’9”, 221
Year: Freshman (18)
19.2 PTS | 7.5 REB | 4.2 AST | 1.4 STL | 1.4 BLK
48.1 FG% | 38.5 3P% | 84.0 FT%
37 Games | 30.5 MIN
Metcalf: I mean… really? After the last few months that the Mavericks have had, they somehow get rewarded with one of the best college prospects in years. Cooper Flagg is the exact type of rookie that you want to build your team around, but the Mavericks will be inserting him in a rotation with deep playoff expectations. Flagg should fit like a glove from a basketball standpoint right away while also providing them with long-term superstar upside. Offensively, Flagg will provide perimeter shot creation, scoring versatility, and high-level passing. Defensively, he’s a fantastic complement to Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II with his length, awareness, and defensive playmaking. It’s insane how lucky this organization just got.
#2. SAN ANTONIO SPURS — Dylan Harper | G | Rutgers
Profile: 6’6”, 213
Year: Freshman (19)
19.4 PTS | 4.6 REB | 4.0 AST | 1.4 STL | 0.6 BLK
48.4 FG% | 33.3 3P% | 75.0 FT%
29 Games | 32.7 MIN
Nick: The San Antonio Spurs weren’t the single luckiest team in the 2025 NBA Draft lottery, but they would have been in most years. Jumping up from #8 to #2 would be a big win for anyone, but it’s particularly game-changing for the team with the last two Rookie of the Year winners and the future of the NBA in Victor Wembanyama. The core for the Spurs is good enough that some are wondering if this pick might be for sale, but Dylan Harper is special enough as a point guard that it would be difficult to fault the Spurs for just hanging on to the pick. Harper showed better shooting touch than expected this year at Rutgers–which is vital given the shooting concerns around both Castle and Fox–and he was an absolute menace when it came to generating and converting looks around the basket. Whichever direction the Spurs go from here, it’s hard to think of a bad option for them; jumping up to #2 gives them the flexibility to sell off players if another team is willing to overpay for any of Harper, Castle, or Fox. The Spurs were one of the best-positioned teams for the future heading into the lottery; now that the dust has settled, the future somehow looks even brighter in San Antonio.
#3. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS — Ace Bailey | F | Rutgers
Profile: 6’9”, 202
Year: Freshman (18)
17.6 PTS | 7.2 REB | 1.3 AST | 1.0 STL | 1.3 BLK
46.0 FG% | 34.6 3P% | 69.2 FT%
30 Games | 33.4 MIN
Nathan: The prayers of the Philadelphia 76ers have been (somewhat) answered regarding the NBA Draft Lottery, with them not only keeping a selection but moving up to third overall. Ace Bailey would be a welcome addition in the City of Brotherly Love as a dynamic wing prospect who can get his shot off from seemingly angle in the halfcourt. While there are concerns about his ability to put the ball on the floor and create, he’s shown some underrated passing skill from a standstill, and his defensive instincts as a help defender and playmaker would go great alongside smaller backcourt teammates in Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain. Whether Joel Embiid is back and ready to go next season or not, Bailey is a building block for the future with incredible upside of his own.
#4. CHARLOTTE HORNETS — V.J. Edgecombe | G | Baylor
Profile: 6’5”, 193
Year: Freshman (19)
15.0 PTS | 5.6 REB | 3.2 AST | 2.1 STL | 0.6 BLK
43.6 FG% | 34.0 3P% | 78.2 FT%
33 Games | 32.8 MIN
Stephen: Charlotte got their hearts broken with the way the lottery fell, but they can take comfort in knowing they are bringing in an absolute dog in V.J. Edgecombe. He brings some of the best athleticism you’ll see toward the top of this class, recording a Steal Percentage of 3.8 and a Block Percentage of 2.3. His measurements came in favorably, measuring at 6’4” without shoes. Edgecombe can pick up the tougher backcourt defensive assignments. Thought to be more of a scorer than a shooter, Edgecombe still shot over 36% on his catch-and-shoot looks. With LaMelo and Brandon Miller on the team, Edgecombe could step into a tertiary playmaking role with the upside to grow on the offensive end.
#5. UTAH JAZZ — Kon Knueppel | W | Duke
Profile: 6’6”, 219
Year: Freshman (19)
14.4 PTS | 4.0 REB | 2.7 AST | 1.0 STL | 0.2 BLK
47.9 FG% | 40.6 3P% | 91.4 FT%
39 Games | 30.5 MIN
Rucker: While Utah Jazz fans are probably in the dumps this morning, it’s okay; now, it’s time to start the wake-up process. Utah falls from the projected top selection to fifth overall, which usually is a bit of a “death sentence” in a normal draft. But that’s not exactly the case here. The Jazz will find themselves at the crossroads of the draft. They’ve got about six different directions they could go at this point. Utah could simply go with the best player available and trust their boards. They could also try to be active by looking to move up with some assets, perhaps. Duke freshman wing Kon Knueppel might be a surprise to some here. However, here are some facts. Knueppel would raise both the floor and the ceiling of this franchise. While Utah is still trying to find an identity, the team needs a player who can just flat-out be a piece to build with. Knueppel stands out with his feel, competitiveness, floor spacing, and scoring versatility—as well as his basketball IQ on and off the ball. For a team like the Jazz that is so early in their rebuild, there’s a time in which you want to find a building block instead of constantly swinging for upside. Knueppel would be dipping their toes in both. He’s a smart player with good size and scoring ability on the perimeter; it’d be a good pick.
#6. WASHINGTON WIZARDS — Derik Queen | F/C | Maryland
Profile: 6’10”, 247
Year: Freshman (20)
16.5 PTS | 9.0 REB | 1.9 AST | 1.1 STL | 1.1 BLK
52.6 FG% | 20.0 3P% | 76.6 FT%
36 Games | 30.4 MIN
Maxwell: Here, the Wizards add to their plethora of young, skilled players with Derik Queen. The Maryland big man measured better than expected at the combine, registering a 7’0.5” wingspan and a 9’1.5” standing reach. His toughness on the glass and polish as a downhill driver will give them a dynamic 1-2 punch next to Alex Sarr in the frontcourt. The real sell with Queen has always been his passing, though. There’s not a delivery in the book he can’t make. He’s great out of the short roll, can read the floor on the go, and sling accurate, create whips cross-court to the weakside corner. He does have real questions as a defender. His lack of lift limits him as a rim protector at the five, and he can be slow to get to his spots when he has to rotate as the four man. Still, Queen has both produced and won at every stop in his basketball journey. The hope here is that he can continue his physical development and iron out his inconsistencies as a shooter. If he does, this pick would be a boon for the Wizards.
#7. NEW ORLEANS PELICANS — Tre Johnson | G | Texas
Profile: 6’6”, 190
Year: Freshman (19)
19.9 PTS | 3.1 REB | 2.7 AST | 0.9 STL | 0.3 BLK
42.7 FG% | 39.7 3P% | 85.8 FT%
33 Games | 34.8 MIN
Metcalf: The Pelicans have a ton of questions in their backcourt, and Johnson could answer a lot of them. Johnson has ludicrous upside and is one of the best scorers and shot makers in this class. That skillset alone makes him an easy Top 10 pick. Johnson is also a much better passer than he tends to get credit for being. He isn’t a primary creator or point guard by any means, though. This will likely go poorly if that’s how he’s used. However, as a secondary creator, Johnson has good vision and uses his scoring gravity well to create for teammates—especially when he isn’t the best player on the team. With the athleticism and defense that the Pelicans already have, Johnson’s defensive inconsistencies can be insulated while he helps elevate their offense.
#8. BROOKLYN NETS — Khaman Maluach | C | Duke
Profile: 7’2”, 252
Year: Freshman (18)
8.6 PTS | 6.6 REB | 0.5 AST | 0.2 STL | 1.3 BLK
71.2 FG% | 25.0 3P% | 76.6 FT%
39 Games | 21.2 MIN
Maxwell: Khaman Maluach is a massive human being. He posted a 7’6.75” wingspan and a 9’6” standing reach at the NBA combine. Better yet, he uses these tools to produce on the basketball court. He’s a hyper-efficient finisher who made 71.2% of his field goals this past season, and he dominated on the offensive glass with an outstanding 16.5 ORB%. There’s an upside element to his game, too; he can knock down the occasional jumper, and he made 76.6% of his free throws this past season. Maluach is raw. Duke didn’t let him orchestrate much offense, his poor timing as a shot blocker led to many goaltending violations, and he bobbles too many rebounds. Still, his size, interior dominance, and defensive paint deterrence make him a safe bet to be solid if nothing else. If the swing skills come around, awesome. If not, that’s still solid value at #8. For a Nets team in flux, he’s a big bite at the apple who still provides utility in the short term.
#9. TORONTO RAPTORS — Carter Bryant | F | Arizona
Profile: 6’8”, 214
Year: Freshman (19)
6.5 PTS | 4.1 REB | 1.0 AST | 0.9 STL | 1 BLK
46.0 FG% | 37.1 3P% | 69.5 FT%
37 Games | 19.3 MIN
Rucker: Raptors fans were hoping for some lottery magic last night. Instead, they find themselves falling to the ninth spot. This is where things could get interesting for a number of teams, as it could be where the “should we keep it or move it” debate begins. For a team like the Toronto Raptors, they could be in a sweet spot to take a bit of a swing. Toronto would most likely love for Khaman Maluach to be on the board, but he went one pick earlier to the Nets. While South Carolina sophomore Collin Murray-Boyles could be another option, Arizona freshman forward Carter Bryant gets the nod here. Bryant is a high upside offensive weapon who knows how to make winning plays and has taken huge strides forward with his development. Bryant continues to show a high work ethic to unlock levels with his game. He showed some fantastic growth defensively as a freshman and ended up as one of the top perimeter defensive prospects in this class. The three-point shot has taken a huge step as well, and Bryant has the athleticism and power to go with anyone. If the handle continues to develop, he’s going to be a heck of a get for his next franchise. For the Raptors, it’s another high-level type of wing that you would love to have at your disposal.
#10. HOUSTON ROCKETS (via PHX) — Collin Murray-Boyles | F | South Carolina
Profile: 6’8”, 239
Year: Sophomore (19)
16.8 PTS | 8.3 REB | 2.4 AST | 1.5 STL | 1.3 BLK
58.6 FG% | 26.5 3P% | 70.7 FT%
32 Games | 30.7 MIN
Stephen: The Houston Rockets, the only Texas team that didn’t experience a massive jump in the lottery, are also coming off a playoff loss against the Golden State Warriors. There is a thought process that they need an influx of offensive creativity, but how many guys are solving that problem for this team without taking away from what Coach Ime Udoka values in players? Collin Murray-Boyles is far from “settling” in a player, as he was very efficient on offense while being incredibly versatile on defense. Although his shooting is in question, “CMB” can run the floor with this team, finish around the rim, and make high-quality passes from the frontcourt. Murray-Boyles was also a very good rebounder on both ends. Young for a sophomore, CMB feels like the type of player that would get burn for this Rockets team.
#11. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS — Kasparas Jakucionis | G | Illinois
Profile: 6’6”, 205
Year: Freshman (18)
15.0 PTS | 5.7 REB | 4.7 AST | 0.9 STL | 0.3 BLK
44.0 FG% | 31.8 3P% | 84.5 FT%
33 Games | 31.9 MIN
Nick: The Portland Trail Blazers already have a stable of quality young guards, but they had to pounce here after Kasparas Jakucionis fell all the way to #11. The Illinois standout might be the best playmaker in the class, and he will instantly provide more passing juice for a team that finished 23rd in the league in overall offense and 27th in assists per game. Jakucionis also has the size to play alongside any of their other guards, which will help with shaping lineups. Portland also has a great core of young defenders, which will make it easy for Jakucionis to hide on that end until he’s up to NBA speed. It might not be the most obvious selection, but it’s hard to argue with the value proposition here for Portland.
#12. CHICAGO BULLS - Thomas Sorber | C | Georgetown
Profile: 6’10”, 262
Year: Freshman (19)
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
Nathan: Thomas Sorber was one of the better defensive playmakers in this draft class, and landing the Georgetown product would be a massive win for the Chicago Bulls. This franchise has lacked a defensive-minded center for quite a number of years, and Sorber’s size, length, and instincts would help form an identity on that end of the floor behind a number of creative shot makers. Should his outside touch come around, he may end up as one of the steals in this draft class when it’s all said and done. For now, he’s a capable post scorer, roller, rebounder, and interior defender with potential to develop into much more. Keep an eye on how he can impact the game as a passer upon reaching the next level in his playing career.
#13. ATLANTA HAWKS (via SAC) — Rasheer Fleming | F | St. Joe’s
Profile: 6’9”, 232
Year: Junior (20)
14.7 PTS | 8.5 REB | 1.3 AST | 1.4 STL | 1.5 BLK
53.1 FG% | 39.0 3P% | 74.3 FT%
35 Games | 31.3 MIN
Rucker: There are a lot of directions in which the Atlanta Hawks could go. We are still awaiting to see what front office additions the Hawks will have for this upcoming draft. Obviously, that could mean something when it comes to the potential direction. For now, though, let’s have some fun. Atlanta could be enticed with a number of high upside selections on the board, especially when it comes to frontcourt depth. For now, the idea of adding Rasheer Fleming to the mix seems like another smart move. Fleming would slide in alongside the likes of Jalen Johnson, Zaccharie Risacher, and Trae Young to give the Hawks another jumbo-sized forward with floor spacing ability and defensive upside. It’d be a decision that would start to really put the pieces together for the Hawks, especially when you could consider the amount of size and length Atlanta could suddenly start to put on the floor together.
#14. SAN ANTONIO SPURS (via ATL) — Danny Wolf | F/C | Michigan
Profile: 7’0”, 251
Year: Junior (20)
13.2 PTS | 9.7 REB | 3.6 AST | 0.7 STL | 1.4 BLK
49.7 FG% | 33.6 3P% | 59.4 FT%
37 Games | 30.4 MIN
Metcalf: Danny Wolf is incredibly fun and the most unique player in this class. All year, Wolf proved that he can play as a lone center, in a two-big lineup, and as the team’s primary offensive creator. The concerns over Wolf’s defense are viable, but he’s a decent team defender, moves his feet relatively well, and is a good rebounder. All of that should be more than enough next to Victor Wembanyama. Wolf’s biggest impact comes on offense, though. He is a brilliant passer with either hand, a solid shooter, and a versatile scorer. With a lightened load of responsibilities, Wolf’s efficiency and ball security should improve. Wolf will allow the Spurs to run some insanely fun offensive stuff while making life easier for everyone else on the floor.
#15. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER (via MIA) — Nique Clifford | W | Colorado State
Profile: 6’6”, 202
Year: Senior (23)
18.9 PTS | 9.6 REB | 4.4 AST | 1.2 STL | 0.6 BLK
49.6 FG% | 37.7 3P% | 77.7 FT%
36 Games | 35.4 MIN
Nick: The Oklahoma City Thunder have not been shy about picking the players they want, regardless of where they might end up according to consensus. They also have consistently opted for high-feel players who can contribute on both ends of the floor. Nique Clifford might not be as easy to see as the 15th pick compared to a younger player with greater theoretical upside, but Clifford also rounded out the biggest hole in his game this season by taking on and succeeding in a much bigger offensive role. Clifford’s defense, shooting, and ridiculous rebounding for his position were already NBA-caliber; however, his improvement with the ball in his hands makes it a lot easier to see him fitting into the OKC system. Clifford has the kind of well-rounded skill set that the Thunder tend to covet, and he’s one of the more likely players in this range to be able to play right away. For a Thunder team that had the best record in the NBA this season and projects to only get better, Clifford is the right player to continue to add depth to the deepest roster in the league.
#16. ORLANDO MAGIC — Jeremiah Fears | G | Oklahoma
Profile: 6’4”, 182
Year: Freshman (18)
17.1 PTS | 4.1 REB | 4.1 AST | 1.6 STL | 0.1 BLK
43.4 FG% | 28.4 3P% | 85.1 FT%
34 Games | 30.1 MIN
Maxwell: Fears might not be the perfect fit here. The Magic have lacked shooting from the point guard spot for some time, and Fears’s 28.4% mark from deep is likely to scare off some Orlando fans. Still, he made 36.1% of his triples off the catch, and he made over 85% of his free throws, so there is hope. Outside of that, Fears is a tremendous upside play at #16. He took on a massive usage load as one of the youngest players in the country. His shiftiness and unpredictability as a driver, paired with an excellent handle, enable him to get into the paint at will. Defensively, he struggles off the ball, but he puts up a lot of fight at the point of attack. He might not be the answer to Orlando’s questions right now, but pure shooters can be acquired at a low cost on the open market. If Fears can work out his issues as a shooter and finisher, he’d be the type of offensive engine that comes at a premium.
#17. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES (via DET) — Egor Demin | G | BYU
Profile: 6’9”, 190
Year: Freshman (19)
10.6 PTS | 3.9 REB | 5.5 AST | 1.2 STL | 0.4 BLK
41.2 FG% | 27.3 3P% | 69.5 FT%
33 Games | 27.5 MIN
Metcalf: Egor Demin remains one of the biggest wild cards and mystery boxes in this draft. What isn’t up for debate, though, is that Demin is one of the elite playmakers in this draft with exceptional positional size. Demin measured in a little over 6’8” without shoes at the combine. At his size, Demin can see things most people simply can’t. Demin didn’t shoot it well this year, but his mechanics and volume are incredibly encouraging. With his size, playmaking, and feel, Demin would provide something to the bench unit for the Timberwolves that they don’t have.
#18. WASHINGTON WIZARDS (via MEM) — Noa Essengue | F | Ratiopharm Ulm
Profile: 6’9”, 200
Year: 2006 Born (18)
10.8 PTS | 4.8 REB | 1.1 AST | 0.9 STL | 0.6 BLK
51.6 FG% | 27.0 3P% | 70.5 FT%
47 Games | 23.5 MIN
Rucker: The Wizards land Derik Queen earlier, so why not let’s swing a little bit here as well? This would be tremendous value for the Wizards. Noa Essengue has a bit of a wide range, but he’s a name that could come off the board much earlier. Essengue landing with the Wizards would be a fantastic match for both parties. There’s some sensational upside with his game. Essengue has good length and some legit two-way potential. He’s a raw ball of clay, but he has taken big-time steps in his development over the years. Essengue is one of the youngest players in this class, and getting a player of his caliber at 18 would be an awesome get for the Wizards. While Washington fans might be bummed by the lottery results, a duo of Queen and Essengue would be a heck of a consolation prize.
#19. BROOKLYN NETS (via MIL) — Ben Saraf | G | Ratiopharm Ulm
Profile: 6’5”, 201
Year: 2006 Born (18)
12.2 PTS | 2.6 REB | 4.3 AST | 1.2 STL | 0.3 BLK
45.5 FG% | 28.6 3P% | 72.7 FT%
45 Games | 23.5 MIN
Stephen: The Brooklyn Nets already drafted their defensive anchor of the future, and now take a swing on a larger creator who showed good touch off the catch. Ben Saraf is listed around 6’5”/6’6”, and he has a very slick handle. Ben will be 18 years old come draft night, and he showed a tremendous amount of poise as a high-volume creator. Even if he isn’t a lead guard–which he very well could be–Saraf can certainly help contribute to a team’s organization on offense, while being a 40.3% shooter off of the catch. His size and fluidity offer him some potential to play 1-3 and even defend those same positions. Brooklyn now has a player who ranked in the 65th Percentile in pick-and-roll sets as a facilitator, paired with the best finisher in this class.
#20. MIAMI HEAT (via GSW) — Asa Newell | F/C | Georgia
Profile: 6’10”, 223
Year: Freshman (19)
15.4 PTS | 6.9 REB | 0.9 AST | 1.0 STL | 1.0 BLK
54.3 FG% | 29.2 3P% | 74.8 FT%
33 Games | 29.1 MIN
Rowan: In typical Heat fashion, the organization simply let the board fall as it may and walked away with a high-upside player who fits well in their system. Newell is a young, springy forward who can guard the rim, stick with players on the perimeter, finish inside with a vengeance, and make the right play in the flow of the offense; he also still has a burgeoning jumper. That may sound like a prospect who belongs higher than 20th, but Newell does have some size and spacing concerns that the Heat will be more than happy to wait through while he develops. The fit is a bit curious alongside Bam Adebayo and Kel’el Ware, but that’s what the consensus was for Ware last season before he paired excellently with Adebayo. As the first big off the bench for Miami, Newell will be in line to grab boards, run the floor, and be a high-level role player with gobs of upside to spare.
#21. UTAH JAZZ (via MIN) — Hugo Gonzalez | F | Real Madrid
Profile: 6’6”, 207
Year: 2006 Born (19)
3.2 PTS | 1.7 REB | 0.6 AST | 0.2 STL | 0.3 BLK
41.8 FG% | 29.6 3P% | 73.5 FT%
58 Games | 10.3 MIN
Ignacio: The Utah Jazz were one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA last season, ranking dead last not only in opponent points per game and Defensive Rating, but also in key areas like opponent three-point makes and opponent turnovers. Enter Hugo Gonzalez, whose combination of 6’6” size, lateral mobility, and physicality allowed him to thrive on multiple defensive assignments this year. Gonzalez can be an impactful on-ball defender by covering drives and navigating screens, while also making his presence felt as a help defender, rotating for blocks around the basket, and playing the passing lanes. Gonzalez’s offense is still a work in progress, but the Jazz could see him as someone who can make an impact from Day One in a specific area where they need all the help they can get.
#22. ATLANTA HAWKS (via LAL) — Cedric Coward | G | Washington State
Profile: 6’6”, 206
Year: Senior (21)
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
Nathan: Atlanta has developed an identity in recent seasons around Trae Young: get out in transition and overwhelm opponents with a high-paced offensive blitz of athleticism. Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, Zaccharie Risacher, and Onyeka Okongwu fit that identity as downhill attackers who thrive on the move. While Coward doesn’t have as fluid of a handle as some of the other perimeter options on this team, he’s excellent on the break, and he can knock down spot-up jumpers from three-point range. With impressive physical tools and a motor that runs hot, Coward is the type of project player who could thrive with the rest of his projected Hawks teammates.
#23. INDIANA PACERS — Adou Thiero | W | Arkansas
Profile: 6’8”, 220
Year: Junior (20)
15.1 PTS | 5.8 REB | 1.9 AST | 1.6 STL | 0.7 BLK
54.5 FG% | 25.6 3P% | 68.6 FT%
27 Games | 27.5 MIN
Nick: The Indiana Pacers are making quite a bit more noise than most people anticipated in this year’s NBA playoffs, but there’s always next year. With Tyrese Haliburton running the show and a stable of solid shooters (the Pacers finished the year in the Top 10 in three-point percentage), this team could use another great athlete with serious defensive chops and good floor awareness. Enter Adou Thiero, one of the best athletes in the draft, who also took a serious step forward this year when it came to his offensive production. Thiero is one of those “everything but the shot” type of guards/wings, and the Pacers are one of the teams in the league that can best use Thiero’s greatest strengths and cover up for his greatest weaknesses.
#24. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER (via LAC) — Liam McNeeley | F | UConn
Profile: 6’8”, 214
Year: Freshman (19)
14.5 PTS | 6 REB | 2.3 AST | 0.6 STL | 0.2 BLK
38.1 FG% | 31.7 3P% | 86.6 FT%
27 Games | 32 MIN
Rucker: Oklahoma City is still looking at their roster with the potential to keep building depth in a hurry. While the Thunder could look in different directions here, there are also some intriguing names still on the board. One of those is Liam McNeeley. The UConn freshman was considered a potential lottery selection for most of the season, before McNeeley struggled with efficiency. At this point in the draft, the Thunder could look for a floor spacer with some toughness. McNeeley has his warts on the court, but this would also be a favorable situation for a team to take advantage of his potential upside early on.
#25. ORLANDO MAGIC — Jase Richardson (via DEN) | G | Michigan State
Profile: 6’2”, 178
Year: Freshman (19)
12.1 PTS | 3.3 REB | 1.9 AST | 0.8 STL | 0.3 BLK
49.3 FG% | 41.2 3P% | 83.6 FT%
36 Games | 25.3 MIN
Maxwell: Here, the Magic look a little bit more at their backcourt shooting need. Jase Richardson hit 45.7% of his catch-and-shoot threes this past season. He’s a savvy relocator with a lightning-quick release that is tailor-made for the fast pace of the NBA. He’s also been fantastic inside the arc at every level thanks to his slick handle, clever counters, and baby soft touch. Defensively, his awareness and speed covering ground serve him well. At 6’0.5” barefoot, positional size will always be an uphill battle, particularly given his lack of explosive athleticism. Additionally, he still needs to develop his ability to make reads out of ball screens. With all that being said, Richardson is a high-motor player who limits his mistakes, plays well off others, and plays an efficient game. At #26, that’s tough to pass up, particularly given his shooting dynamism for a team that badly needs it from a guard.
#26. BROOKLYN NETS (via NYK) — Will Riley | F | Illinois
Profile: 6’9”, 185
Year: Freshman (19)
12.6 PTS | 4.1 REB | 2.2 AST | 0.3 STL | 0.3 BLK
43.2 FG% | 32.6 3P% | 72.4 FT%
35 Games | 25.5 MIN
Nathan: Brooklyn can afford to swing at this point in the draft, if they aren’t moving off either of their late first round selections. With that in mind, Will Riley fits as a shooter with length and athleticism. He’s skinny, and he will need to put on weight in order to better weaponize his ball-handling and passing vision. Should he gain the requisite strength to attack and get downhill, though, Riley has the necessary secondary traits to excel as a complementary wing. His shooting at his size will get him on the floor. How he develops from there is entirely based on his physical development. Good thing for the Nets: there’s no current timetable in place to rush his development.
#27. BROOKLYN NETS (via HOU) — Labaron Philon | G | Alabama
Profile: 6’4”, 174
Year: Freshman (19)
10.6 PTS | 3.3 REB | 3.8 AST | 1.4 STL | 0.3 BLK
45.2 FG% | 31.5 3P% | 76.7 FT%
37 Games | 24.7 MIN
Stephen: Brooklyn with another draft pick? YES! Look, we acknowledge that Saraf as a lead creator might be a bit pie-in-the-sky to some, so taking Labaron Philon continues their injection of talent, while adding someone with the ability to take on creation responsibilities. Yes, Philon isn’t a great shooter at this point, but he is one of the most intelligent players in this class. He is a very stout defender, and he should continue to be even better as he grows into his frame. Like Saraf, Philon can help get the ball to Will Riley and the rest of the roster, and also run sets with Khaman Maluach. Like the rest of this class for the Nets, Philon is young and can grow at a pace that is conducive to getting the most out of his development.
#28. BOSTON CELTICS — Walter Clayton Jr. | G | Florida
Profile: 6’3”, 199
Year: Senior (22)
18.5 PTS | 3.7 REB | 4.1 AST | 1.2 STL | 0.5 BLK
45.1 FG% | 39.2 3P% | 87.1 FT%
38 Games | 32.4 MIN
Rucker: Boston could have a very interesting offseason coming up, especially as we await the results of the unfortunate Jayson Tatum injury. For now, Boston needs to continue to build some depth to their roster. Adding a backcourt microwave option like Walter Clayton Jr. would be a wise decision here, as the Celtics could always use some more juice in the rotation. While adding a big could be a route as well, Boston also finds itself armed with one of the top selections in the second round…so they have options, especially with value falling down the board.
#29. PHOENIX SUNS (via CLE) — Nolan Traore | G | Saint Quentin
Profile: 6’4”, 180
Year: 2006 Born (18)
12.0 PTS | 1.9 REB | 4.8 AST | 0.7 STL | 0.1 BLK
40.9 FG% | 31.4 3P% | 72.8 FT%
40 Games | 23.0 MIN
Nick: This season was about as disastrous as it could have been for the Phoenix Suns, the only team in the league that did not have either a chance at a lottery pick or a playoff berth. While they will likely make significant moves in the offseason that will render any concept of fit with their current roster irrelevant, this team is almost certain to need some point guard help. Both Tyus Jones and Monte Morris had disappointing seasons, so taking a swing on a point guard makes a ton of sense. Nolan Traore entered the year as a potential Top 5 pick, but he has slid down boards due to a difficult shooting season that has made Traore one of the more polarizing prospects in the draft. Still, in spite of the shooting-related concerns, Traore’s passing and game management rank among the best prospects in this draft. For Phoenix here, taking a swing on a guy who could be one of the best players in the draft, while at minimum offering the kind of playmaking they desperately need, seems like one of the better bets they could possibly make at this point in the draft.
#30. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS (via OKC) — JOHNI BROOME | F/C | Auburn
Profile: 6’10”, 249
Year: Senior (22)
18.6 PTS | 10.8 REB | 2.9 AST | 0.9 STL | 2.1 BLK
51.0 FG% | 27.8 3P% | 58.7 FT%
36 Games | 30.3 MIN
Rowan: The Clippers are still on the edge of painfully close to contention and an injury away from a tank, but as long as they’ve got Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, they’ll try to win. The emergence of Ivica Zubac as a borderline star talent has changed the roadmap for the team, but outside of Zubac, the team has no bigs that can play real NBA minutes. Enter Broome. Some late injuries marred his stellar college season, but Broome was one of the best upperclassman centers in the country last season. His rebounding, interior defense, and finishing blend are ready-made for a backup center. At the same time, his passing and shooting have enough potential upside that he could develop into a truly quality bench big. While he won’t touch the same star ceilings that he showed at Auburn, Broome should step into the NBA as one of the more pro-ready big men for a team that low-key needs another big man in their rotation.
SECOND ROUND
#31. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES (via UTA) — Ryan Kalkbrenner | C | Creighton
Profile: 7’2”, 257
Year: Senior (23)
19.2 PTS | 8.7 REB | 1.5 AST | 0.5 STL | 2.7 BLK
65.3 FG% | 34.4 3P% | 68.1 FT%
35 Games | 34.4 MIN
#32. BOSTON CELTICS (via WAS) — Joan Beringer | C | Olimpija
Profile: 6’10”, 230
Year: 2006 Born (18)
5.0 PTS | 4.6 REB | 0.4 AST | 0.5 STL | 1.4 BLK
61.5 FG% | 0.0 3P% | 58.4 FT%
53 Games | 18.0 MIN
#33. CHARLOTTE HORNETS — Karter Knox | F | Arkansas
Profile: 6’6”, 214
Year: Freshman (19)
8.3 PTS | 3.3 REB | 1.0 AST | 0.6 STL | 0.5 BLK
46.2 FG% | 35.0 3P% | 80.2 FT%
36 Games | 23.9 MIN
#34. CHARLOTTE HORNETS (via NOLA) — Drake Powell | G/F | North Carolina
Profile: 6’6”, 200
Year: Freshman (19)
7.4 PTS | 3.4 REB | 1.1 AST | 0.7 STL | 0.7 BLK
48.3 FG% | 37.9 3P% | 64.8 FT%
37 Games | 25.6 MIN
#35. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS — Yaxel Lendeborg | F | UAB
Profile: 6’9”, 234
Year: Senior (22)
17.7 PTS | 11.4 REB | 4.2 AST | 1.7 STL | 1.8 BLK
52.2 FG% | 35.7 3P% | 75.7 FT%
37 Games | 33.6 MIN
#36. BROOKLYN NETS — Bogoljub Markovic | F | Mega Bemax
Profile: 6’11”, 200
Year: 2005 Born (19)
13.9 PTS | 6.9 REB | 2.6 AST | 0.8 STL | 0.9 BLK
54.6 FG% | 38.8 3P% | 76.5 FT%
32 Games | 29.2 MIN
#37. DETROIT PISTONS (via TOR) — Koby Brea | G | Kentucky
Profile: 6’7”, 215
Year: Senior (22)
11.6 PTS | 3.2 REB | 1.3 AST | 0.5 STL | 0.3 BLK
47.0 FG% | 43.5 3P% | 91.4 FT%
36 Games | 28.1 MIN
#38. SAN ANTONIO SPURS — Alex Condon | F/C | Florida
Profile: 7’0”, 221
Year: Sophomore (20)
10.5 PTS | 7.6 REB | 2.3 AST | 0.8 STL | 1.4 BLK
49.1 FG% | 33.3 3P% | 59.9 FT%
36 Games | 24.9 MIN
#39. TORONTO RAPTORS (via POR) — Maxime Raynaud | C | Stanford
Profile: 7’1”, 236
Year: Senior (22)
20.2 PTS | 10.6 REB | 1.7 AST | 0.9 STL | 1.4 BLK
46.7 FG% | 34.5 3P% | 77.0 FT%
35 Games | 33.5 MIN
#40. WASHINGTON WIZARDS (via PHX) — Kam Jones | G | Marquette
Profile: 6’5”, 200
Year: Senior (23)
19.2 PTS | 4.5 REB | 5.9 AST | 1.4 STL | 0.3 BLK
48.3 FG% | 31.1 3P% | 64.8 FT%
34 Games | 33.8 MIN
#41. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS (via MIA) — Tahaad Pettiford | G | Auburn
Profile: 6’1”, 168
Year: Freshman (19)
11.6 PTS | 2.2 REB | 3.0 AST | 0.9 STL | 0.2 BLK
42.1 FG% | 36.6 3P% | 80.4 FT%
38 Games | 22.9 MIN
#42. SACRAMENTO KINGS (via CHI) — Boogie Fland | G | Arkansas
Profile: 6’2”, 175
Year: Freshman (18)
13.5 PTS | 3.2 REB | 5.1 AST | 1.5 STL | 0 BLK
37.9 FG% | 34.0 3P% | 83.3 FT%
21 Games | 31.7 MIN
#43. UTAH JAZZ (via DAL) — Kobe Sanders | G | Nevada
Profile: 6’9”, 207
Year: Senior (22)
15.8 PTS | 3.9 REB | 4.5 AST | 1.1 STL | 0.3 BLK
46.0 FG% | 34.2 3P% | 79.5 FT%
33 Games | 31.7 MIN
#44. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER (via ATL) — Viktor Lakhin | C | Clemson
Profile: 6’11”, 245
Year: Senior (23)
11.4 PTS | 6.4 REB | 1.5 AST | 1 STL | 1.5 BLK
50.7 FG% | 37.5 3P% | 69.6 FT%
34 Games | 23.5 MIN
#45. CHICAGO BULLS (via SAC) — Otega Oweh | G | Kentucky
Profile: 6’4”, 215
Year: Junior (21)
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
#46. ORLANDO MAGIC — Eric Dixon | F/C | Villanova
Profile: 6’8”, 269
Year: Senior (24)
23.3 PTS | 5.1 REB | 1.9 AST | 0.8 STL | 0.3 BLK
45.1 FG% | 40.7 3P% | 81.3 FT%
35 Games | 34.8 MIN
#47. MILWAUKEE BUCKS (via DET) — Alijah Martin | G | Florida
Profile: 6’3”, 208
Year: Senior (23)
14.4 PTS | 4.5 REB | 2.2 AST | 1.5 STL | 0.2 BLK
45.2 FG% | 35 3P% | 76.1 FT%
38 Games | 30.3 MIN
#48. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES (via GSW) — Max Shulga | G | VCU
Profile: 6’5”, 210
Year: Senior (22)
15.0 PTS | 5.9 REB | 4.0 AST | 1.8 STL | 0.1 BLK
43.5 FG% | 38.7 3P% | 78.3 FT%
35 Games | 32.8 MIN
#49. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (via MIL) — Cameron Matthews | F | Mississippi State
Profile: 6’7”, 235
Year: Senior (23)
7.1 PTS | 6.7 REB | 3.6 AST | 2.4 STL | 0.7 BLK
51.4 FG% | 24 3P% | 50 FT%
34 Games | 29.4 MIN
#50. NEW YORK KNICKS (via MEM) — Amari Williams | C | Kentucky
Profile: 7’0”, 262
Year: Senior (23)
10.9 PTS | 8.5 REB | 3.2 AST | 0.6 STL | 1.2 BLK
56.1 FG% | 25.0 3P% | 62.3 FT%
36 Games | 22.8 MIN
#51. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS (via MIN) — Javon Small | G | West Virginia
Profile: 6’3”, 190
Year: Senior (22)
18.6 PTS | 4.1 REB | 5.6 AST | 1.5 STL | 0.3 BLK
41.8 FG% | 35.3 3P% | 88.0 FT%
32 Games | 36.1 MIN
#52. PHOENIX SUNS (via DEN) — Alex Toohey | F | Sydney Kings
Profile: 6’8”, 225
Year: 2004 Born (21)
11.4 PTS | 3.8 REB | 1.3 AST | 1.4 STL | 0.8 BLK
46.5 FG% | 34.0 3P% | 73.8 FT%
32 Games | 23.5 MIN
#53. UTAH JAZZ (via LAC) — Tyrese Proctor | G | Duke
Profile: 6’5”, 183
Year: Junior (21)
12.4 PTS | 3.0 REB | 2.3 AST | 0.8 STL | 0.1 BLK
45.2 FG% | 40.5 3P% | 68.0 FT%
38 Games | 30 MIN
#54. INDIANA PACERS — Noah Penda | F | Le Mans
Profile: 6’8”, 225
Year: 2005 Born (20)
10.2 PTS | 5.1 REB | 2.7 AST | 1.3 STL | 0.8 BLK
45.8 FG% | 34.7 3P% | 67.9 FT%
32 Games | 26.6 MIN
#55. LOS ANGELES LAKERS — Hansen Yang | C | Qingdao
Profile: 7’2”, 250
Year: 2005 Born (19)
16.2 PTS | 10.0 REB | 2.8 AST | 0.9 STL | 2.8 BLK
59.3 FG% | 29.1 3P% | 68.0 FT%
52 Games | 32.9 MIN
#56. NEW YORK KNICKS — FORFEITED
#57. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES (via HOU) — Will Richard | G | Florida
Profile: 6’4”, 206
Year: Senior (22)
13.3 PTS | 4.6 REB | 1.9 AST | 1.7 STL | 0.3 BLK
48.7 FG% | 35.9 3P% | 84.4 FT%
40 Games | 31.6 MIN
#58. ORLANDO MAGIC (via BOS) — Michael Ruzic | F/C | Joventut
Profile: 7’0”, 221
Year: 2006 Born (18)
3.2 PTS | 1.6 REB | 0.2 AST | 0.2 STL | 0.3 BLK
50.0 FG% | 24.0 3P% | 31.6 FT%
24 Games | 12.3 MIN
#59. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS — Payton Sandfort | F | Iowa
Profile: 6’8”, 215
Year: Senior (22)
16.7 PTS | 6.0 REB | 2.9 AST | 0.8 STL | 0.6 BLK
40.7 FG% | 34.0 3P% | 89.1 FT%
33 Games | 31.9 MIN
#60. HOUSTON ROCKETS (via OKC) — Neoklis Avdalas | F | Peristeri B.C.
Profile: 6’8”, 212
Year: 2006 Born (19)
7.7 PTS | 2.7 REB | 1.4 AST | 0.5 STL | 0.3 BLK
43.6 FG% | 35.7 3P% | 70.3 FT%
26 Games | 18.5 MIN
ATL fan here. If those players selected #13-18 are all available I'm looking to trade down and pick up as many assets as possible to still come out with one of those guys. Whether those assets include 1+ 2025 2nd rounders or they'd need to buy one or more, it would be crazy to NOT try and get one of those bigs mocked in the 2nd here (Kalk, Beringer, Raynaud, Condon) and/or guys like Lendenborg (who probably goes to Michigan if he's not a 1st rounder); Powell; or Kam Jones.
IMO there's real quality in this mock's 2nd round that shrewd teams can capitalize on to get very cheap rotation guys and/or upside swings.
Not really a big fan of the Jazz selecting Kon Knueppel at 5. Knueppel is more of a last piece to an already developed team. Jazz are not a finished product yet. They need shooters but they more just need someone that can really score the basketball. I’ve heard from David Locke and Leif Thielen that Tre Johnson is someone they really like. He would be perfect next Isaiah Collier. While Knueppel would be a little high for his low ceiling, just a shooter game. I see Knueppel more so for the Pelicans at 7, especially since they haven’t got what they wanted out of Jordan Hawkins. Maybe Knuepple could them better shooting and more playmaking skills something that is certainly lacking from Jordan Hawkins off the bench