NBA Mock Draft: Breaking down the highly-touted 2025 NBA Draft class with early lottery projections, which are headlined by Cooper Flagg.
The 2024 NBA Draft class didn't have a generational talent like Victor Wembanyama but as we head into the speculation surrounding the 2025 NBA Draft, the hype surrounding this year's class is only going to climb. It may never reach the levels that the 2023 NBA Draft class did with Wemby, but the 2025 NBA Draft class does have the possibility to be special.
As we head into the way-too-early pre-draft process, there's one player who is going to headline the excitement around this next wave of NBA prospects.
Cooper Flagg is the prized prospect of the 2025 NBA Draft class
In what should come as a surprise to no one, Cooper Flagg is the prized prospect of the 2025 NBA Draft class. The fact that he still managed to stand out while playing for the Team USA Select team tells you all you need to know about Flagg's potential as he prepares for his freshman - and likely only season - in college. Flagg has generational potential as he stands at 6-foot-8 with the ability to do almost anything on the offensive end of the floor.
Flagg has the potential to be a franchise-changing from the moment he's drafted. As one of the best two-way wing players in a very long time, it would be very surprising if he wasn't the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Flagg is the type of prospect that NBA teams are going to be fighting over; In other words, let's be prepared to welcome the return of tanking.
Intriguing non-lottery projected prospects from 2025 NBA Draft class to keep an eye on
There are going to be plenty of names that reach next-level status over the course of the next few months leading up to the 2025 NBA Draft but I'm going to name a few intriguing names that I believe are worth keeping a close eye on this season. The first is a 7-foot-3 big that is extremely skilled offensively. Rocco Zikarsky, who currently is playing in Australia, could easily make a big move up draft boards with another strong season. Because of his size, he's certainly a prospect to keep an eye on.
While most are intrigued by the freshman class, there is one sophomore to keep a close eye on - Mackenzie Mgbako. The Indiana wing will have the opportunity to cement itself as a premier prospect in this year's draft class and may have made a strong decision to return for a second college season.
Boogie Fland is a final prospect who could be a worthy prospect to watch during his freshman season at Arkansas. With new head coach John Calipari in town, it'll be interesting to see his development hand on Fland's game. Could he be the next great guard that emerges from Calipari's system?
The strengths and weaknesses of the 2025 NBA Draft class
As has been a growing trend over the last 5-10 years, the strength of the 2025 NBA Draft class is going to revolve around the wing position, which makes sense considering the way the NBA has continually moved away from the center position. There are a handful of intriguing prototypical guards that will put themselves in a position to be a top pick in this year's NBA Draft, but it does seem as if the league as a whole is going to continue to value the wing position. Versatility on the wing is going to continue to be the new wave of the league.
Considering Cooper Flagg is the headliner of this year's NBA Draft class, that's not surprising. But even aside from Flagg, there continues to be two-way difference-makers on the wing that will drive this class. But, again, it should be noted that we're extremely early in the draft process.
A lot can happen between now and the start of the college basketball season, even more between now and the official start of the pre-draft process in April. But that doesn't mean it isn't fun to take an early look at the highly-touted 2025 NBA Draft class.
NBA bottom feeders projected to earn a top pick
Looking at the landscape of the NBA, understanding that there are still trades that may happen between now and the start of the season or even before the NBA Trade Deadline, there are a few teams that you can pencil in as "bottom feeders" of the league that will be in a great position to finish with a top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
In the Eastern Conference, you have to start with the Brooklyn Nets and Washington Wizards. As two teams that remain in the very early process of their rebuilds, they are almost certainly to finish with a top 5 pick. The Detroit Pistons, Charlotte Hornets, and Chicago Bulls are three other teams to keep an eye on.
Out West, the Utah Jazz, Portland Trail Blazers, and San Antonio Spurs are the three teams that could be in the best position to finish with the worst records in the conference. Depending on how Houston looks to start the season, the Rockets could be another team that ends up on that watch list in the Western Conference.
With those teams in mind, we're going to make a general prediction for what the tankathon standings could look like to end the season:
Projected end-of-season tanking rankings:
1. Brooklyn Nets
2. Washington Wizards
3. Detroit Pistons
4. Charlotte Hornets
5. San Antonio Spurs
6. Portland Trail Blazers
7. Utah Jazz
8. Chicago Bulls
9. Toronto Raptors
10. Houston Rockets
11. Atlanta Hawks
12. LA Clippers
13. New Orleans Pelicans
14. Sacramento Kings
1. Brooklyn Nets - Cooper Flagg, F, Duke
The Brooklyn Nets have made it abundantly clear this offseason that they're pivoting toward a rebuild. Trading Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks earlier this offseason was a clear pivot by the team. Heading into the start of the season, you have to assume that trading Cameron Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith are moves that are coming next. It would be ideal if they happened before the start of the season, but that's not something that can be predicted with a guarantee. If the Nets were to land the No. 1 overall pick, it would greatly help this team as they head down a rebuild.
That's because Cooper Flagg would be the selection with this pick and he would immediately change the outlook for the franchise. As a prospect who has a face of the franchise potential, Flagg would be a great gift to the Nets for what the franchise has endured over the last couple of seasons.
No matter which team ends up with the No. 1 overall pick, it's safe to say that Flagg is going to be the selection here. Short of an injury or something out of left field emerging, Flagg has a stranglehold on the headlining spot atop the 2025 NBA Draft class.
2. Washington Wizards - V.J. Edgecombe, G, Baylor
As the Washington Wizards head into year 2 of their rebuild, it's unlikely that they're going to take a massive step forward in the Eastern Conference standings. Even less so if they end up trading Kyle Kuzma at any point soon. Even with Kuzma on the roster, the Wizards aren't likely to win many games. If that does end up being the case, the Wizards will be in a position to take one of the extremely talented guards in the 2025 NBA Draft class.
While there's a lot that can change between now and next June, one talented guard that could be in play for the Wizards is Baylor product V.J. Edgecombe. As a promising prospect with two-way star ability, he seems like a good bet to have some staying power near the top of this draft class.
Edgecombe could end up being a fit for the Wizards at No. 2 considering his high ceiling of a player who has the potential to be an effective lead guard once he fully develops as a player. Already taking what they hope is the answer in the frontcourt, Edgecombe could be an intriguing addition to the backcourt.
3. Detroit Pistons - Airious Bailey, F, Rutgers
At this point, it's hard to be all that high on the Detroit Pistons and their future. Aside from Cade Cunningham, there is very little certainty for the team on their roster. That's why I ultimately believe there's a good chance they end up with another top 5 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Unless one of their unexpected young players makes a huge jump in their development, the Pistons are likely in for another troubling season.
But that's where earning a top 3 pick in the NBA Draft could be beneficial for them. With plenty of prospects that could make sense for them still on the board, there's one wing with star potential that could make the most sense for Detroit.
Ranked as the No. 2 overall prospect from the 2024 High School basketball class, Airious Bailey is a player who has a ton of high-end potential. And that's exactly what the Pistons would be betting on with this selection - of course, that's assuming he continues to make strides in his game during his freshman season at Rutgers. Bailey projects as a top 5 prospect with plenty of future potential.
4. Charlotte Hornets - Hugo Gonzalez, F, Spain
In a vacuum, the Charlotte Hornets appear on the right path. They have a solid foundation of young players and could just be missing that one prospect with superstar potential. For as good as LaMelo Ball has been through the first few years of his career, I'm not sure he carries that face of the franchise potential for the team. The same could be said about Brandon Miller. Because of that, the Hornets could be aiming for the stars if they land a top 5 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
With a clear need at the small forward (or wing) position, there's one dark horse prospect that could be of liking for the Hornets. It would be considered a bit of a gamble, but one that could pay dividends for the Hornets in the long run.
Hugo Gonzalez is a prospect who could rise and play his way into being a top pick in this year's NBA Draft. He's far from a polished prospect, but he has the experience in playing overseas and the natural skills that point to star potential.
5. San Antonio Spurs - Dylan Harper, G, Rutgers
The future is extremely bright for the San Antonio Spurs as they look to continue to build around Victor Wembanyama. After already adding Stephon Castle, who the team hopes ends up being the future at the point guard position, it could be wise for the team to add another offensive-minded guard or wing, especially considering Castle is more of an all-around player. With plenty of options still on the board at this point for the Spurs, Dylan Harper could emerge as an appealing prospect to place next to Wemby.
Harper was the No. 4 ranked high school player from the 2024 class and enters his freshman season at Rutgers with plenty of hype. As a guard with a score-first mentality, it'll be interesting to see how his skill set translates to the college level. Harper is a guard who has the size and skill set to play either position in the backcourt.
As the Spurs continue to build out their young core, Harper could emerge as an excellent second option next to Wemby.
6. Portland Trail Blazers - Donavan Freeman, F, Syracuse
It's been an up-and-down last 12 months for the Portland Trail Blazers as they continue to establish the foundation for a new build. With uncertainty in the frontcourt, especially if they end up trading Jerami Grant at some point soon, there's a very real chance the Blazers look to the 2025 NBA Draft in an attempt to solidify the power forward position.
One prospect that could be in play for the Blazers at the position is Donavan Freeman. As he makes the jump to college basketball, he's certainly one prospect to keep an eye on.
It's been a while since Syracuse had one of the most highly-touted freshmen but that's exactly what Freeman will do for the team this season. As a player with plenty of hype, Freeman has the size and developing skill set that should have teams salivating at the idea of playing him at the power forward position at the next level. He came out of high school with plenty of hype and it'll be interesting to see if he continues to build off that during his time with the Orange.
7. Utah Jazz - Nolan Traore, G, France
As the Utah Jazz continue to operate as a team that is looking to build around Lauri Markkanen, assuming they hold off on trading him, which appears will be the case, it'll be interesting to see how the team approaches the 2025 NBA Draft if they do end up with another top 10 pick. At No. 7, even though the 2025 draft class is strong, the Jazz will be taking a gamble here with any prospect still on the board. One emerging overseas prospect who is likely to be in play at this point in the top 10 is Nolan Traore.
While there is still plenty of uncertainty regarding Traore's future, it's likely that he'll choose to make the jump to the NBA after this upcoming season. With the skill set to be an effective player at the next level, Traore shouldn't find difficulty in establishing himself as one of the premier prospects.
For the Jazz, adding a guard with the potential of Traore could be beneficial - even if the team is high on Keyonte George's future.
8. Chicago Bulls - Liam McNeely, F, UCONN
By the time next summer arrives, the hope is that the Chicago Bulls will be completely focused on the rebuild and that Zach LaVine will no longer be on their roster. That said, that's far from a guarantee. But for the sake of this exercise, let's assume that will be the case. With the young foundation of Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Patrick Williams, and Coby White, adding to the wing could be a priority for Chicago.
One prospect that could fit the need for the Bulls is Liam McNeely, a 6-foot-7 wing who will be taking his talents to the back-to-back NCAA Champion UCONN Huskies this season.
It'll be interesting to see how McNeely looks as he makes the jump to Connecticut, but the early indication is that he'll have the ability to be a great shooter. The big question for McNeely revolves around how much more he can offer in every other facet of the game. That will largely be answered during his freshman season at UCONN. If he has the season that many predict he will under head coach Dan Hurley, there's no doubt that he'll be in the conversation to be selected in the top 10 of the 2025 NBA Draft.
9. Toronto Raptors - Derik Queen, C, Maryland
The Toronto Raptors made it abundantly clear that they're fully in on a future centered around Scottie Barnes. That much became clear not only when they traded away OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam last season, but then also when they signed Barnes to a max contract extension last month. As they head into a new build for the team, it'll be interesting to see how they handle the development of all the young players on their roster. Over the next few months, we should get a strong indication of what players they consider to be a huge part of their foundation.
On paper, though, they could have a need for a long-term answer at the center position. Even though I had my hesitations about including a center in this initial mock, I have to remember the recent trend that is taking place in the NBA at the moment at the position. It's almost as if the center position is making a comeback. Because of that, there's at least a chance Derik Queen could play his way into being a top 10 pick.
Queen is a 6-foot-10 big that has plenty to prove on both ends of the floor at the next level but if he does live up to his potential at Maryland, he could be a top pick.
10. Houston Rockets - Tre Johnson, G, Texas
The Houston Rockets are currently at a crossroads. After making bold win-now moves last summer, the Rockets have been pretty inactive this summer. That's confusing if Houston truly wants to pivot toward a win-now team. However, I suppose they are truly waiting for their opportunity to pounce on a disgruntled Kevin Durant. But that's another conversation for another day.
Assuming the Rockets are going to have another lottery pick heading into the 2025 NBA Draft, Tre Johnson, who is from Dallas, is a homestate player who could be on Houston's radar.
Another highly-touted high school player, Johnson is going to be a prospect to keep a close eye on as he makes the transition to Texas. From an offensive perspective, there's a ton to like about Johnson's potential. But there are very big questions about his ability to be a high-quality playmaker and defensive player. That's one of the bigger reasons why there's a chance he could fall to a team like the Rockets late in the lottery.
11. Atlanta Hawks - Ian Jackson, G, North Carolina
The Atlanta Hawks entered the NBA offseason with the idea of making a big change to their roster. While a full-blown rebuild was on the table, it was never something that was likely to happen. Even then, the Hawks still traded Dejounte Murray. And they may not be done reshuffling their core. There's still an outside chance that the Hawks also trade Trae Young at some point in the near future.
With that possibility still on the table, Ian Jackson is a prospect that could be on the Hawks' radar heading into the 2025 NBA Draft.
Even though he's not necessarily one of the "bigger" names heading into the start of the 2024-25 basketball season when it comes to this draft class, Jackson is certainly worth keeping a close eye on. He has all the tools to emerge as a strong guard prospect. For a team like the Hawks, who have plenty of uncertainty revolving around the future of their franchise, Jackson could be an eventual fit.
12. LA Clippers - Jalil Bethea, G, Miami
After letting Paul George walk in free agency and then retooling their roster around Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, it's safe to say there's a ton of uncertainty revolving around this team after this upcoming season. If this year does end up in disaster, you can't completely rule out the possibility of the Clippers pivoting toward a rebuild. It would actually be ideal for the Clippers to kick that off with the 2025 NBA Draft, considering how deep many expect it to be. At No. 12, one prospect that could make sense for the Clippers is Jalil Bethea.
Bethea is going to play his freshman season at Miami and if all goes to plan, he's likely going to end up being a one-and-done prospect. As a player with high potential on the offensive end of the floor, Bethea. could be a welcome addition for a team like the Clippers.
At this point in this initial mock, there could be a lot of variance. But from a natural talent perspective, Bethea is going to have a strong case to be selected in the lottery.
13. New Orleans Pelicans - Asa Newell, F, Georgia
Depending on how the rest of the NBA offseason goes for the New Orleans Pelicans, it's not a guarantee that they'll have a lottery pick. However, under the assumption that they do move forward with trading Brandon Ingram before the start of the season, there's a shot they have some struggles this season. If that does end up being the case, there's a myriad of ways the Pelicans will be able to go with a lottery pick in the deep 2025 NBA Draft. One prospect who could make sense for the Pelicans is Asa Newell.
Following the footsteps of Anthony Edwards as he prepares to play his freshman season at Georgia, Newell will have the chance to play his way into being a lottery pick. Already a strong defensive presence, which he will have to prove this season for the Bulldogs, it'll be his potential on the offensive end of the floor that will cement his status as a lottery talent.
Newell could work for the Pelicans as a quality backup for Zion Williamson initially and emerge as a player who could help the team roll out some versatile lineups with two skillful bigs.
14. Sacramento Kings - Hunter Sallis, G, Wake Forest
After acquiring DeMar DeRozan via sign and trade, the hope is that the Sacramento Kings will be able to take a big step forward in the Western Conference this season. However, that could prove to be increasingly more difficult with how deep and talented the conference is. Even though would equate to somewhat of a failure of a season, there's at least an outside chance that the Kings find themselves back in the lottery. If they do, there's one four-year college prospect that could be on their radar.
Hunter Sallis is an experienced prospect who is coming off a breakout season this past year. If he continues to build off his junior season at Wake Forest, there's reason to believe that Sallis could emerge as a lottery candidate ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft.
A player who could fit next to the established status quo for the Kings, Sallis could emerge as a player who could come in, fit in, and play a role right away if he continues to make strides in his individual game this upcoming season.