2025 NBA Mock Draft V.8
The No Ceilings crew installs V.8 of their 2025 NBA Mock Draft.
The 2025 NBA Draft is officially TWO WEEKS away.
That’s a sentence that feels magical just to be able to type out.
Here’s what you need to know:
This is the “danger zone” of the draft cycle—a time of the year in which rumors and buzz are going to overcome the draft world. Teams are going to be trying to get players in for workouts, and others will be navigating the league to see what names could be potentially in their “range.”
As tradition every year, we will have a pair of upcoming FINAL MOCK DRAFTS here at No Ceilings. Our next mock will be our “What We Would Do” mock, which is always a fun one to think outside of the box.
The Grand Finale… which goes up VERY early the day of the draft will be our “What We Are Hearing” Mock which will be intel driven.
For now…here’s the rundown for any new folks out there.
Our No Ceilings team comes together for a “War Room” style Mock Draft. Each pick features nominations from our entire team before it eventually goes to a vote.
If we have a tie after the first round of voting. We take the names with the highest first round of votes and then vote again. Or we take way too much time arguing back and forth about who it should be (which is always fun).
Top 59 Picks (Shoutout New York Knicks), including analysis for each pick of the first round.
Remember. For now…it’s just a mock. It’s nothing personal…yet.
#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
Jam: In what’s been a turbulent time for the Mavs, to say the least, the basketball gods smiled upon them with a shocking draft lottery ascent to the first overall pick. Not only that, but it also comes in a class where there is a clear cut, top overall prospect who’s a franchise-level player both on and off the floor. Flagg’s two-way upside, rapid offensive growth, and work ethic should have the fan base salivating. He won't need to do everything on this team, unlike most teams landing the first selection, and he should have a smooth runway to play his all-around game as he continues to blossom into his potential perennial All-Star/superstar ceiling. At full health, an Irving-Thompson-Flagg-Davis-Lively starting five could be very scary for the rest of the NBA.
#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
Albert: I won’t complicate things here for Spurs fans. Prospects like Dylan Harper don’t grow on trees. Dylan Harper is a really special talent that you have to add to your roster, regardless of how your current roster looks. When you’re talking about a player of this level of talent and positional size, the first step is to bring them into your building and then figure things out from there. I totally understand that fans want to entertain a bunch of options, but Harper needs to be the pick here. When you can add a jumbo guard like Harper, who can masterfully run your offense and is an absolute monster at the rim, there’s not much for you to consider. The fit is completely unimportant to me because he should have no problem playing with De’Aaron Fox and all the other guards that they have. Harper may not be an elite shooter from outside yet, but he is a competent shooter whom teams will have to close out on. Don’t overthink this, Spurs fan. Missing out on Cooper Flagg may have been painful in the moment, but getting Dylan Harper will absolutely help soothe that pain.
#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 Philadelphia 76ers are in a great position as far as the draft is concerned, given the possibility that existed just a few weeks ago of losing this pick if it fell out of the Top 6. Now sitting at third overall, there’s a debate raging amongst 76ers fans with as many as five or six different prospect names coming up in conversation. Reports have indicated that Philadelphia has the intention to keep this pick and choose another young player to add to its core. Ace Bailey has plenty of fans around the league and in scouting circles, and has the type of positional value that could not only add meaningful depth, but potentially play alongside Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain down the road. Bailey would be able to learn from one of the best wings of the last decade in Paul George, and step into a situation that wouldn’t ask too much of him on offense besides tapping into his signature skill of making shots. There’s still upside to unlock with Bailey as far as his ball-handling and playmaking are concerned, but there’s enough evidence on film that Bailey is willing to do the little things to help his team win games. Long term, Bailey has as much potential to become a star as any other prospect left on the board.
#4. CHARLOTTE HORNETS — 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: Well HELLO there. Many are pointing at the third overall pick as where things could get “started” in this draft. But the real intrigue begins with the Charlotte Hornets. The expectation is that this pick could come down to a number of options. VJ Edgecombe (Baylor) and Tre Johnson (Texas) will obviously be under consideration, as they were during our War Room exercise. But what if the Hornets decide to look in another direction? Insert Duke freshman wing Kon Knueppel. The Hornets tried to acquire a similar type of perimeter weapon at last year’s deadline with the Mark Williams-Dalton Knecht trade that was later reversed. There could be a desire to add a sharpshooter to this core, and Knueppel is one of the best shooters in this class. There’s a lot more to Knueppel’s game than some might expect at first. He’s a crafty playmaker with a sensational feel for the game. Knueppel has outstanding footwork and is “country” strong when it comes to his physicality. Defensively, there’s a lot more of a foundation than some give Knueppel credit for having. He battles on both sides of the ball and welcomes physicality. While it might be a surprise to some, Knueppel would be a high-floor pick who could slide in immediately to give the Hornets some serious weaponry on the perimeter alongside Brandon Miller.
#5. UTAH JAZZ — 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
Stephen: Look, your Top 5 isn’t every NBA team’s Top 5–and sometimes, NBA teams want to bet on some offensive upside. The obvious deviation from the consensus Top 5 is V.J. Edgecombe (the slide stops soon, y’all). While he is an obvious athlete and defender, how high is his offensive upside on a team that is still figuring out a pecking order? That’s why Tre Johnson makes some sense. We saw him produce at a ridiculous level on an underachieving Texas team. Is he the strongest finisher in this class? Of course not, but we know he can actually dribble the ball in tight spaces. We know he can hit shots off the catch (84th percentile) and the bounce (75th percentile). We’ve seen some moments of solid creation for others. Putting the ball in the hoop still comes at a premium in the NBA, and that’s exactly what Johnson does. He has a legit ceiling and still some safety as a high-volume floor spacer. Get your role player outside the Top 5.
#6. WASHINGTON WIZARDS — VJ 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
Metcalf: The Wizards would likely be thrilled if Edgecombe is available at this pick, as he’s been rumored as high as three, but sometimes the board falls in surprising ways. Last year, the new Wizards front office made a point of how much they value the person they are drafting and that they’re willing to take major swings. Edgecombe is near the top of the list for both of those categories. Right away, Edgecombe provides an infusion of athleticism and defense that would pair nicely with their current core. The big question with him is: how does his offense develop? This year at Baylor, Edgecombe’s offense was a bit of a roller coaster, but he showed signs of improvement throughout. Ultimately, Edgecombe will likely be an off-ball scorer. With the Bahamian national team last summer, Edgecombe shot incredibly well and was the best player on the court at times. We saw glimpses of that tremendous spot-up shooting this year, and if he can get more consistent at it, he could be a really dynamic off-ball scorer. Edgecombe’s floor feels pretty safe as an athletic, defensively focused, play-making shooting guard. If he hits his ceiling, though, (takes a big leap as a shooter, improves his at-rim finishing, and improves his left hand), Edgecombe could be one of the best players from this draft.
#7. NEW ORLEANS PELICANS — 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
Corey: New Orleans finds itself in an awkward in-between phase, stocked with solid, but not quite star veterans, intriguing young wings, and a franchise anomaly in Zion Williamson. An injury-riddled season ultimately landed them in the middle of the lottery, where they opt to select Egor Demin out of BYU. A 6’9.5” Russian-born initiator with a freaky combo of size and high-IQ wizardry, Demin gives New Orleans a jumbo playmaker to pair with a bevy of movement shooters and vertical threats. The shot is still a question mark, and he’s not a natural scorer, but his ability to manipulate defenses out of the pick-and-roll and spray the ball to shooters like Jordan Hawkins, Trey Murphy, and CJ McCollum makes for a seamless fit. Surrounded by spacing and athleticism—with the wild card of Zion’s gravity—Demin could flourish as a system-shaping passer in the open floor and halfcourt alike.
#8. BROOKLYN NETS — 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
Nick: The Brooklyn Nets would probably be ecstatic if the board fell this way and allowed Derik Queen to fall into their laps; he could well have been the selection even if the lottery had played out better for the Nets and they ended up a few picks higher. Queen’s scoring and playmaking are both elite for his position, and Nic Claxton would be a picture-perfect defensive partner for Queen in the frontcourt. Claxton would continue to protect the rim at a high level and switch onto more mobile bigs, allowing Queen’s best defensive traits (his quick hands and facility in jumping passing lanes) to shine. The offensive fit might be a bit clunky since Queen’s shot is still coming around, but his offensive upside would be a huge get for Brooklyn with the #8 pick.
#9. TORONTO RAPTORS — 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
Maxwell: The Toronto Raptors could use an additional punch of playmaking in their backcourt. Enter Kasparas Jakucionis, a lead guard with impressive positional size. For starters, his shooting should help space the floor. Prior to a hand injury, he was shooting 41.4% from deep and 87.5% from the free-throw line. This means that he’ll be comfortable off the ball when it’s Scottie Barnes running the show. Still, he’s a herky-jerky creator who made some of the most impressive passes we’ve seen from guard prospects this cycle. He’s a great finisher for a guard who made 61.8% of his halfcourt rim attempts while drawing heaps of fouls this year. Jakucionis needs refinement—he can get too adventurous as a passer, and he’s going to have to compensate for his lack of athleticism at the next level. Still, he’s a young, productive, high-feel guard who accentuates the core for the Raptors well.
#10. HOUSTON ROCKETS (via PHX) — 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
Jam: If the board falls this way, Houston should be ecstatic about the opportunity to take a swing on one of the highest upside players in the class, especially at a position of need. At his ceiling, Malauach is that coveted shot blocking stretch big with excellent size and length. He can anchor a Houston defense that’s been among the best in the NBA under the defensive-minded Ime Udoka. At his floor, Maluach gives the Rockets a massive big in the middle that can thrive as a play finisher off their primary options while blocking and altering shots. Pairing Maluach at the 5 with Sengun at the 4 could be very intriguing.
#11. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS — Carter Bryant | F | Arizona
Profile: 6’8”, 214
Year: Freshman (19)
6.5 PTS | 4.1 REB | 1.0 AST | 0.9 STL | 1.0 BLK
46.0 FG% | 37.1 3P% | 69.5 FT%
37 Games | 19.3 MIN
Nathan: There are a number of different directions the Trail Blazers could go with this selection, including trading up or trading back. Should Portland stand pat at this spot, Carter Bryant makes a lot of sense given the team’s established identity of defending in the halfcourt with long, athletic wings/forwards around talented guards in Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, as well as a big man in Donovan Clingan who played well during his rookie season. Bryant has the potential to become a higher usage wing given the ball-handling ability that he’s shown in flashes, particularly in transition. He’s also a better passer than given credit for, even if the results didn’t show up as pronounced in his box scores. There are enough scouts that share the opinion of concern regarding Bryant’s translation to the NBA, but he’s been a rapid riser up boards for a reason. He projects as a real-deal, multi-positional defender given his size, strength, and length profile. Bryant moves his feet well, has great hands, and can rotate and cover ground as a help defender. So long as his shooting holds up as another strength, he has a legitimate floor with enough potential to swing on him in the lottery. Few rookies in this class would likely crack Portland’s rotation next year, so Bryant would be afforded patience to expand his game offensively, while also being able to step in and feed into the team’s identity should he find minutes next season.
#12. CHICAGO BULLS — Cedric Coward | F | Washington State
Profile: 6’6”, 213
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
Corey: True to the front office’s track record, the Bulls decide to select Cedric Coward out of Washington State here, staying on brand by swinging on a toolsy, long-armed wing with defensive versatility and scalable offensive utility. Measuring 6’5.25” with a jaw-dropping 7’2.25” wingspan and torching the net in Combine shooting drills, Coward has been a big-time riser, bringing a tantalizing 3-and-D foundation to a roster in need of foundational pieces. The resume is unconventional—just six games at Washington State this season and a winding path from D-III to the Pac-12—but his physical tools, defensive projection, and consistent development curve are hard to ignore. In Coward, Chicago sees a plug-and-play perimeter piece with the upside to grow into more alongside Matas Buzelis.
#13. ATLANTA HAWKS (via SAC) — Noa Essengue | F | Ratiopharm Ulm
Profile: 6’9”, 200
Year: 2006 Born (18)
11.1 PTS | 5.0 REB | 1.2 AST | 0.9 STL | 0.6 BLK
52.0 FG% | 27.9 3P% | 71.4 FT%
56 Games | 23.3 MIN
Rucker: The Hawks find themselves as one of the most intriguing teams picking in the first round. They will have some new decision makers taking charge, and the roster has a number of pieces in different spots with some depth. There are a couple of routes the Hawks could go here. They could take some swings, with the goal of adding some high-upside type of talents to be patient with moving forward. If you can hit on those, you could find your trajectory taking a massive upswing. That’s just what the Hawks do here, adding French forward Noa Essengue. If Essengue is still on the board here, it’d be a sprint to the podium for the Hawks. One of the youngest players in this class, Essengue has continued to pile up impressive performances overseas for Ratiopharm Ulm to close the year. In terms of upside, Essengue might be one of the best swings. For Atlanta, it makes all the sense in the world and adds a high upside forward with versatility who can be paired with Jalen Johnson and Zaccharie Risacher for years to come.
#14. SAN ANTONIO SPURS (via ATL) — Danny Wolf | 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
Maxwell: Victor Wembanyama is one of the most distinct big men in the NBA. His combination of size and skill is one of one. What better way to accentuate his game than by pairing him with another unorthodox, high skill big man in 4-5 lineups? Per Synergy, Wolf’s most common play type last season was operating as a pick-and-roll ball-handler. His slick handle and diverse passing bag are uncanny for a man his size. Wolf running 4-5 ball screens with Wembanyama would be a nightmare for opposing defenses. Plus, Wolf can space the floor, with strong shooting indicators for a young big man paired with a dynamic shot diet from deep. Wolf has his shortcomings as a defender, but surrounding him with players like Wembanyama and Stephon Castle would make his adjustment to the next level much easier. Wolf’s rare dribble-pass-shoot skill set makes him a highly intriguing target for the Spurs at 14.
#15. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER (via MIA) — Collin Murray-Boyles | F | South Carolina
Profile: 6’8”, 239
Year: Sophomore (20)
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: I’m almost positive there is no wrong selection for the Thunder here. Not everyone is a “CMB” person, but taking him at 15 is considered a steal by many. Despite his lack of a jumper, Murray-Boyles can do so much to help this team. He is a fantastic positional playmaker (21.1 Assist Percentage), relentless rebounder (8.8 Offensive Rebounding Percentage; 23.8 Defensive Rebounding Percentage), and versatile defender (4.7 Block Percentage; 2.9 Steal Percentage). Though slightly undersized (measured at 6’6½“ without shoes), Murray-Boyles has a +6 inch wingspan, and the film shows strong defensive playmaking. For any warts in his game, the Thunder would insulate him well, while having the ability to lean into his strengths. He also gives them some more versatility in their frontcourt on a cost-controlled contract.
#16. ORLANDO MAGIC — Liam McNeeley | F | UConn
Profile: 6’8”, 214
Year: Freshman (19)
14.5 PTS | 6.0 REB | 2.3 AST | 0.6 STL | 0.2 BLK
38.1 FG% | 31.7 3P% | 86.6 FT%
27 Games | 32.0 MIN
Albert: Here we go again. It’s another year, and the Magic are still in need of guys who can competently space the floor. I think they have a guy at home who can step up and be that guy for them in Jett Howard. Howard hasn’t had the start to his career that his biggest fans, including me, may have hoped for, but there is still a really good player in there who might just need an opportunity to show what he can do. However, if Orlando is still unsure, McNeeley is a really nice option for them here at 16. Everyone's first instinct will be to run to McNeeley’s stats and wonder what the disconnect is. If McNeeley is such a good shooter, why didn’t he shoot it well for UConn last season? There are a couple of reasons you could point to, which I highlighted recently in my piece on him, but maybe the most important one was his high ankle sprain in the middle of the season. McNeeley missed about five weeks during the season due to the injury, and who knows what the effects of a high ankle sprain had on him the rest of the season. If I’m Orlando, I’d be confident in the shooter he’s been his whole life and feel good about this pick. It’s also important to note that McNeeley is interesting because he’s more than just a one-dimensional shooter. He has good passing feel, is a tough rebounder, and is a strong mover off the ball.
#17. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES (via DET) — 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
Metcalf: Nique Clifford is an older prospect, but his significant improvement year over year has been very fun. Historically known as a terrific defender, Clifford made a massive leap on the offensive end these last two years. He’s still a bit streaky as a shooter, but his ability to attack closeouts, playmake, rebound, and impact the offense in myriad ways is crucial for his long-term impact. With the Wolves, Clifford would provide even more depth to a pretty deep bench. His two-way impact would be a seamless fit and align with some of their targets from previous drafts. While Clifford isn’t a primary creator, his ball skills and decision-making are more than good enough to attack a rotating defense after they double Anthony Edwards. Additionally, with how expensive this roster is, having an inexpensive older prospect who is ready to contribute makes a lot of sense.
#18. WASHINGTON WIZARDS (via MEM) — 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
Rucker: This would probably break an all-time record for fastest pick ever sent in by an NBA franchise. Despite Jeremiah Fears generating buzz as a potential Top 10 selection, Fears falls through the cracks and the Wizards front office starts doing backflips in the war room. One of the most pleasant surprises in the scouting space this year, Fears was an impressive evaluation in terms of the challenges and obstacles he overcame playing in a tough conference when he should have been a senior in high school. For the Wizards, it’s a tremendous value selection as Fears would join Bub Carrington to make a backcourt with tremendous upside and youth for years to come.
#19. BROOKLYN NETS (via MIL) — Nolan Traore | G | Saint Quentin
Profile: 6’4”, 175
Year: 2006 Born (19)
12.3 PTS | 1.9 REB | 4.7 AST | 0.7 STL | 0.0 BLK
41.0 FG% | 31.4 3P% | 71.1 FT%
44 Games | 22.7 MIN
Nick: After taking Derik Queen with the eighth pick, the Nets could use some help in the guard room—whether or not Cam Thomas returns to the fold. Enter Nolan Traore, one of the best game manager point guards in the class, who also had a strong shooting stretch to close out the season. Traore’s jump shot is still a question mark (albeit less of one than it might have appeared to be earlier in the year), but his passing and lightning-quick first step are both huge assets. If Traore doesn’t expand his scoring game, he still has all the qualities you would want in a long-term backup point guard; if that scoring aspect of his game does develop further, though, Traore at #19 could easily be one of the biggest steals of the draft.
#20. MIAMI HEAT (via GSW) — Ben Saraf | G | Ratiopharm Ulm
Profile: 6’5”, 201
Year: 2006 Born (19)
12.3 PTS | 2.7 REB | 4.3 AST | 1.1 STL | 0.3 BLK
45.3 FG% | 29.4 3P% | 76.4 FT%
54 Games | 23.7 MIN
Maxwell: The Heat could use depth at the guard spot, and Ben Saraf could be the answer. The 6’5” Israel native led the show for an Ulm squad that posted a 37-20 record across multiple pro leagues this past season. He posted a gaudy 32.6 AST% in total, demonstrating an impressive ability to get to his spots and read the floor. Plus, he knocked down 38.1% of his catch-and-shoot threes and demonstrated an impressive level of comfort with his pull-up jumper. He has all the desirable traits you’d want in a lead guard with modern positional size. Defensively, he needs to get stronger, but Miami does a great job getting players into top shape physically. Plus, he generally knows where to be and gets to the right spots. Saraf will need to become more consistent as a pull-up threat in order to maximize his value. That said, his catch-and-shoot game, creative dynamism, and positional size make him an interesting prospect in this range.
#21. UTAH JAZZ (via MIN) — Hugo Gonzalez | W | Real Madrid
Profile: 6’6”, 207
Year: 2006 Born (19)
3.6 PTS | 1.8 REB | 0.6 AST | 0.3 STL | 0.3 BLK
41.3 FG% | 29.4 3P% | 76.9 FT%
64 Games | 11.2 MIN
Stephen: Hugo Gonzalez is all over the place on draft boards. This is due to a lack of production with Real Madrid. This is where the context vs. excuses line becomes razor-thin. Those who are pro-Hugo will point to his games and exhibitions prior to this season–as well as how littered his team is with ex-NBA talent. Those who are a bit skeptical will point to his output and efficiency in a league that is good, but still a step behind the NBA. Utah can afford to live dangerously here and bet on a player with true wing size who has had strong moments against his peers. With the Jazz, Gonzalez will have plenty of runway to have the important, developmental reps Real Madrid could not allot him–whether that’s actual NBA games, or time in “The G.” Utah isn’t close to contention in the West anyway, so keep on swinging, Ainge family!
#22. ATLANTA HAWKS (via LAL) — Joan Beringer | C | Olimpija
Profile: 6’10”, 230
Year: 2006 Born (18)
5.4 PTS | 4.9 REB | 0.5 AST | 0.5 STL | 1.4 BLK
64.4 FG% | 0.0 3P% | 56.6 FT%
64 Games | 18.8 MIN
Nathan: Joan Beringer’s name started to emerge on mock drafts much higher than this a few months back, given some of the performances he was putting up overseas. Still very much a raw big man offensively, Beringer’s promise as a roll man, shot blocker, and transition finisher resembles the best of what the Atlanta Hawks just had from the center position in Clint Capela. Beringer still has a bit to go as far as filling out his frame, and there’s some concern about him being prone to getting in foul trouble given the physicality of the NBA. But having another big like Beringer on the roster would play into Atlanta’s strengths as a team, which is halfcourt pick-and-roll looks and transition runouts. Beringer’s upside would not only benefit Trae Young but also the younger talents on the roster, such as Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels. Should the Hawks come away with both Noa Essengue and Beringer, Atlanta fans would have a lot to look forward to in the coming years with one of the most athletic young cores across the league.
#23. INDIANA PACERS — Rasheer Fleming | F | Saint Joseph’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
Corey: With the 23rd pick, the Indiana Pacers select Rasheer Fleming out of Saint Joseph’s. A walking cheat code of measurables—6’9.5”, 232 pounds, and a mouth-watering 7’5.25” wingspan—Fleming fits Indiana’s long-standing affinity for rangy, disruptive forwards who can thrive in an up-tempo system. Fleming’s calling card is his defensive versatility, with the strength to bang inside and the mobility to switch out onto guards, often looking like he’s playing with an extra limb. Offensively, he’s more play-finisher than initiator, but the smooth catch-and-shoot stroke, vertical explosiveness, and constant motor make him a seamless fit next to creators like Haliburton and Nembhard, who will find him in his spots. The skill set is still coalescing, but has been on an upward trajectory throughout his college tenure. The Pacers are swinging on the tools, ascent, and two-way upside, adding to their loaded forward depth and formula that has earned them an NBA Finals berth.
#24. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER (via LAC) — Thomas Sorber | F/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
Jam: The Thunder landing CMB and Sorber would be a tremendous haul. Similar to CMB, Sorber is a defensive-minded big with feel, playmaking ability, functional ball skills, and some shooting upside. Sorber has the skillset to play alongside both Holmgren and Hartenstein or as the lone big in his rotation minutes. With no glaring weaknesses or roster holes, adding to their big man depth by adding players like CMB and Sorber who possess feel, connectivity, and defensive prowess and can contribute in both the short term (if needed) and long term makes a ton of sense.
#25. ORLANDO MAGIC (via DEN) — Jase Richardson | G | Michigan State
Profile: 6’1”, 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: Let’s address the elephant in the room: Jase Richardson lacks positional size. He’ll likely be a hunting target on defense, and his lack of elite athletic traits will make it harder for him to scale his interior scoring to the NBA level. Still, it’s tough to look past him for an Orlando team that desperately needs shooting at the guard spot. Richardson made 45.7% of his catch-and-shoot threes this past season, boasting a lightning-quick release. Even better, Richardson is a savvy off-ball player, consistently relocating and finding holes in the defense to maximize his opportunities. That would work wonders alongside the Magic’s big initiators. Plus, Richardson’s excellent touch (68.8% on halfcourt rim attempts!) and mistake-free play (7.9 TOV%) further add to the intrigue. Sure, you might wish he were a little bit taller, but it’s hard to overlook how outrageous his production was this past season. Add in that his skill set plugs in perfectly to this Magic squad’s young core, and he’s too tough to pass up here.
#26. BROOKLYN NETS (via NYK) — 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
Nick: The Brooklyn Nets had Derik Queen fall into their laps with the eighth pick, and they capitalize here as well on what might have been an even bigger slide by taking Asa Newell with the 26th pick. There are reasons to be skeptical of Newell, to be sure. However, his profile as a rim-running big man with shooting potential and defensive switchability makes him an ideal frontcourt partner for a number of different players. While he’s not the same caliber of rim protector as Nic Claxton, the long-term offensive fit with Newell and Queen is tantalizing. In the short and medium term, Newell’s spot as the fourth big alongside Claxton, Queen, and Day’Ron Sharpe could be the perfect mix of developmental opportunity and patience for Newell. He could expand on a number of different areas of his game to exploit the multiple potential pathways he would have to playing time in what, in this mock draft, has become a fascinating frontcourt crew for the Brooklyn Nets.
#27. BROOKLYN NETS (via HOU) — 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
Nathan: Rounding out a series of draft picks for the Brooklyn Nets in the first round, Walter Clayton Jr. would be an excellent addition to the backcourt. There’s a lot of freedom in terms of building out this roster as presently constructed, given the number of players that are free agents, both restricted and unrestricted. Selecting players such as Clayton would benefit Brooklyn because he’s the type of guard who can play off anyone in any lineup construction. He is a shooter’s shooter who does the little things and defends his position. Clayton is quicker and more athletic than given credit for, and he has been a consistent winner going back to high school. Clayton is the type of experienced guard that has a signature skill to lean on, and those are the types of role players that tend to stick around in the NBA and outperform their draft slot. If the Nets could draft Clayton here, that could end up being one heck of a steal looking back at the draft.
#28. BOSTON CELTICS — 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
Rucker: The Celtics are heading into this draft with a much different vibe than they were probably expecting months ago. With the recent injury to Jayson Tatum, as well as the clear realization of needing to figure out some second apron maneuvering, this Celtics roster could look much different on opening night next season. Boston has two intriguing selections in this draft at 28 and 32. Because of the two-day format, that 32nd selection could become even more valuable as a trade asset or ability to take whichever talent drops down the board. Boston needs to find some depth, especially when it comes to the big man position. A couple of names would be intriguing selections here, and Stanford’s Maxime Raynaud as well would be an enticing addition, especially if Kristaps Porzingis is on the move. For now, Boston adds a high-floor rotation piece to build some immediate depth. The upside isn’t as high as others when it comes to Creighton’s Ryan Kalkbrenner, but the fit looks tremendous. Kalkbrenner has outstanding measurables and leans on his ability as a defensive weapon. With this system in place, Kalkbrenner could be a big body in the paint that can do some damage with his shot blocking and interior presence. It’s not the sexiest of picks, but it’s one that could do some great things for this roster.
#29. PHOENIX SUNS (via CLE) — 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
Albert: For a roster that looks like it might be heading towards a rebuild for the next couple of years, it’s important for them to hit on the first round picks that they own. At the end of the first round here, grabbing a talented big like Maxime Raynaud is great value for them. The dearth of options they have at center, plus the quality of player they’d be getting here, makes this one a homerun pick. Raynaud is an extremely productive big who had a phenomenal senior season at Stanford. Raynaud is interesting because of his ability to score down low, space the floor, and even handle the ball in a pinch. You would not be looking at Raynaud to ever be a primary ball-handler for you, but his ability to potentially catch the ball on the short roll and attack downhill and make plays for himself and others is interesting. Raynaud is also an elite rebounder, and that’s a skillset that generally translates well to the next level. Raynaud will have his limitations as a rim-deterrant, but that doesn’t mean he’s going to be a turnstile. Raynaud is a competitor and a legit seven-footer. Whatever ends up happening with their roster, grabbing Raynaud here would be a smart move.
#30. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS (via OKC) — Yanic Konan Niederhauser | C | Penn State
Profile: 7’0”, 243
Year: Junior (22)
12.9 PTS | 6.3 REB | 0.8 AST | 0.7 STL | 2.3 BLK
61.1 FG% | 9.1 3P% | 66.4 FT%
29 Games | 25.1 MIN
Metcalf: Yanic Konan Niederhauser was one of the few prospects who experienced a major predraft surge, so don’t be shocked if he goes in the first round. Konan Niederhauser has some incredibly special athletic tools that are all the more enticing when paired with his 7-foot, 242-pound frame. The biggest selling point with Konan Niederhauser is his athleticism and how it buoys his rim-running, rebounding, and shot-blocking capabilities. Konan Niederhauser is a dunking and shot-blocking machine. It’ll be fascinating to see if he can provide more eventually, but that’s about all he does right now; however, it’s at a very high level. While Konan Niederhauser has the tools to grow into a more versatile and disciplined defender, that skill set alone makes him a highly effective backup center. In the Western Conference, teams have to have more than one playable center. Konan Niederhauser would be a very fun backup to Ivica Zubac and fit with the big man archetype that James Harden has thrived with for years.
SECOND ROUND
#31. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES (via UTA) — Bogoljub Markovic | F | Mega
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
#32. BOSTON CELTICS (via WAS) — Will Riley | W | Illinois
Profile: 6’9”, 195
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
#33. CHARLOTTE HORNETS — Drake Powell | W | 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
#34. CHARLOTTE HORNETS (via NOLA) — 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
#35. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS — Noah Penda | F | Le Mans
Profile: 6’8”, 242
Year: 2005 Born (20)
10.2 PTS | 5.5 REB | 2.7 AST | 1.2 STL | 0.9 BLK
44.7 FG% | 32.2 3P% | 66.7 FT%
37 Games | 27.3 MIN
#36. BROOKLYN NETS — Koby Brea | W | 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
#37. DETROIT PISTONS (via TOR) — Chaz Lanier | W | Tennessee
Profile: 6’4”, 199
Year: Senior (23)
18.0 PTS | 3.9 REB | 1.1 AST | 0.9 STL | 0.1 BLK
43.1 FG% | 39.5 3P% | 75.8 FT%
38 Games | 31.3 MIN
#38. SAN ANTONIO SPURS — 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
#39. TORONTO RAPTORS (via POR) — 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
#40. WASHINGTON WIZARDS (via PHX) — Adou Thiero | W | Arkansas
Profile: 6’7”, 218
Year: Junior (21)
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
#41. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS (via MIA) — 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 | 30.0 MIN
#42. SACRAMENTO KINGS (via CHI) — RJ Luis Jr | W | St. John’s
Profile: 6’7”, 210
Year: Junior (22)
18.2 PTS | 7.2 REB | 2.0 AST | 1.4 STL | 0.6 BLK
43.9 FG% | 33.6 3P% | 74.7 FT%
35 Games | 31.8 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) — 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
#45. CHICAGO BULLS (via SAC) — Jamir Watkins | W | Florida State
Profile: 6’6”, 214
Year: Senior (23)
18.4 PTS | 5.7 REB | 2.4 AST | 1.2 STL | 0.5 BLK
42.7 FG% | 32.1 3P% | 74.7 FT%
32 Games | 30.9 MIN
#46. ORLANDO MAGIC — Payton Sandfort | F | Iowa
Profile: 6’7”, 212
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
#47. MILWAUKEE BUCKS (via DET) — 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
#48. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES (via GSW) — 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
#49. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (via MIL) — Viktor Lakhin | C | Clemson
Profile: 6’11”, 252
Year: Senior (23)
11.4 PTS | 6.4 REB | 1.5 AST | 1.0 STL | 1.5 BLK
50.7 FG% | 37.5 3P% | 69.6 FT%
34 Games | 23.5 MIN
#50. NEW YORK KNICKS (via MEM) — Eric Dixon | F/C | Villanova
Profile: 6’9”, 259
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
#51. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS (via MIN) — Will Richard | W | 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
#52. PHOENIX SUNS (via DEN) — Ryan Nembhard | G | Gonzaga
Profile: 6’0”, 175
Year: Senior (22)
10.5 PTS | 3.0 REB | 9.8 AST | 1.7 STL | 0.1 BLK
44.6 FG% | 40.4 3P% | 77.0 FT%
35 Games | 35.1 MIN
#53. UTAH JAZZ (via LAC) — Micah Peavy | W | Georgetown
Profile: 6’7”, 211
Year: Senior (23)
17.2 PTS | 5.8 REB | 3.6 AST | 2.3 STL | 0.5 BLK
48.1 FG% | 40.0 3P% | 65.9 FT
32 Games | 37 MIN
#54. INDIANA PACERS — Vladislav Goldin | C | Michigan
Profile: 7’1”, 253
Year: Senior (24)
16.6 PTS | 7.0 REB | 1.1 AST | 0.5 STL | 1.4 BLK
60.7 FG% | 33.3 3P% | 73.1 FT%
37 Games | 27.5 MIN
#55. LOS ANGELES LAKERS — Dylan Cardwell | C | Auburn
Profile: 6’11”, 261
Year: Senior (23)
5.0 PTS | 5.1 REB | 1.6 AST | 0.8 STL | 1.4 BLK
70.0 FG% | 50.0 3P% | 32.4 FT%
38 Games | 20.3 MIN
#56. NEW YORK KNICKS (FORFEITED)
#57. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES (via HOU) — Hunter Sallis | G | Wake Forest
Profile: 6’5”, 181
Year: Senior (22)
18.3 PTS | 5.1 REB | 2.8 AST | 1.2 STL | 0.5 BLK
45.7 FG% | 27.7 3P% | 80.4 FT%
32 Games | 35.9 MIN
#58. ORLANDO MAGIC (via BOS) — Neoklis Avdalas | F | BC Peresti
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
#59. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS — Cam 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% | 24.0 3P% | 50.0 FT%
34 Games | 29.4 MIN
#60. HOUSTON ROCKETS (via OKC) — John Poulakidas | W | Yale
Profile: 6’6”, 204
Year: Senior (22)
19.4 PTS | 3.3 REB | 1.3 AST | 0.6 STL | 0.1 BLK
45.1 FG% | 40.8 3P% | 89.7 FT%
27 Games | 31.7 MIN
Nice mock just don’t think Fears fall to 18!!! That’s crazy!!! I do like that it’s not like everyone else’s which there is a lot of copy cats! I’m dropping mine tonight
Magic drafts a shooter that cant shoot? If they use the pick, it needs to be for someone without questionable shooting, AT LEAST.