The 2025 NBA Draft class is already generating historic buzz, with scouts calling it one of the deepest talent pools in decades. Teams tanking for position and franchises eyeing franchise-altering prospects are locked in a high-stakes chess match as projections shift weekly. Here’s the latest intel shaking up mock drafts nationwide.
Cooper Flagg Solidifies No. 1 Spot
Duke’s Cooper Flagg remains the consensus top pick despite being a reclassified high school senior. The 6’9″ forward—praised for his defensive versatility, shooting range (38% from three), and playmaking—is projected to land with the Washington Wizards. Analysts compare his two-way potential to a hybrid of Jayson Tatum and Andrei Kirilenko.
Top Five Frenzy
- New Orleans Pelicans (Pick 2): Rutgers guard Dylan Harper brings elite shot creation (19 PPG) and leadership to a backcourt needing stability.
- Utah Jazz (Pick 3): Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe—a 6’5″ athletic marvel with a 42-inch vertical—could form a lethal duo with Keyonte George.
- Charlotte Hornets (Pick 4): Illinois’ Kasparas Jakucionis, a 6’6″ Lithuanian playmaker averaging 7.4 assists, fills their need for backcourt creativity.
- Toronto Raptors (Pick 5): Rutgers’ Ace Bailey, a 6’10” stretch forward shooting 41% from deep, offers Scottie Barnes a perfect frontcourt partner.
Sleeper Picks Turning Heads
Noah Essengue (Portland Trail Blazers – Pick 9): The 6’10” French big man dominates transition (89th percentile efficiency) and shows tantalizing rim-protection instincts.
Derik Queen (San Antonio Spurs – Pick 10): Maryland’s 6’9″ forward averages 16 PPG with advanced footwork, drawing comparisons to a young Jabari Smith Jr..
Collin Murray-Boyles (Houston Rockets – Pick 12): South Carolina’s bruising forward (3 steals + blocks per game) fits Ime Udoka’s defensive identity perfectly.
Teams Making Strategic Moves
The Atlanta Hawks snagged Georgia’s Asa Newell at No. 13—a 6’11” unicorn with guard skills who could accelerate their rebuild. Meanwhile, the Miami Heat doubled down on shooters, taking UConn’s Liam McNeeley (No. 11) and international prospect Nolan Traore (No. 14).
