The 2025 NBA draft lottery delivered a surprising turn of events on Monday, with the Dallas Mavericks securing the coveted No. 1 pick. This win came despite the team having just a 1.8% chance entering the lottery held on May 12, 2025. The two-day draft is scheduled for June 25-26 in Brooklyn, New York.
This stroke of luck gives the Mavericks the opportunity to select Cooper Flagg from Duke, widely considered the top prospect in the 2025 draft class. Other teams benefiting from favorable lottery results included the San Antonio Spurs, Philadelphia 76ers, and Charlotte Hornets, whose picks landed at Nos. 2, 3, and 4 respectively.
The Spurs made a significant leap from No. 8 to No. 2 with only a 6.3% chance, while the 76ers moved from No. 5 to No. 3 with a 10.6% chance. These jumps added further unpredictability after Dallas`s unexpected victory. The Hornets dropped slightly from their pre-lottery slot at No. 3 to No. 4 but still secured a high pick, as Utah, Washington, and New Orleans fell outside the top four.
Potential draft entrants like Flagg, along with many others including Dylan Harper, Derik Queen, and Walter Clayton Jr., are participating in events this week in Chicago, such as the NBA draft combine, G League Elite Camp, and various agency pro days. ESPN draft analysts Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo have compiled their initial mock draft following the lottery results, incorporating evaluations of the 2025 class and information gathered from scouts and front office personnel.
First Round Projections
1. Dallas Mavericks
Cooper Flagg, SF/PF, Duke
Freshman | TS%: 60.0
Scouting Report: Flagg`s status as the unanimous top prospect was solidified by a remarkable freshman campaign, regarded among the best in the one-and-done era. Statistically and instinctively, he compares favorably to the elite college wings of recent years, showcasing consistency and leadership for Duke`s young squad. Some NBA scouts view him as a potential franchise cornerstone, while others see him as a high-level second option. This broad projection underscores his standing as the premier player in this class. At 18, his rapid development, comprehensive two-way impact, distinct focus, and competitive drive mark him as an extraordinary talent.
NBA Intel and Fit: Winning the lottery against 1.8% odds is a momentous, improbable outcome for Dallas, making the selection of Flagg an easy decision. The Mavericks, focused on maximizing their current contention window with Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving approaching their mid-30s, will find Flagg`s readiness and adaptability immediately beneficial. With Irving dealing with an injury, Flagg might take on significant ball-handling and shot-creation responsibilities early, providing a prime chance to develop his playmaking and potentially evolve into an offensive star. This result drastically alters the Mavericks` trajectory, pulling them out of potential uncertainty after trading Luka Doncic.
2. San Antonio Spurs
Dylan Harper, PG/SG, Rutgers
Freshman | TS%: 59.3
Scouting Report: Harper kept the discussion for the top overall pick interesting for parts of the season, displaying his high skill level, ability to create shots, and scoring volume. He navigates the court effectively and shows solid passing capabilities. The physicality evident in recent NBA playoffs highlights the value of a robust playmaker like Harper, whose knack for finishing through contact and drawing fouls is a major draw. His overall feel for the game also allows him to impact various aspects of the box score.
NBA Intel and Fit: Already in an enviable draft position with two lottery picks, San Antonio sees its luck improve dramatically by jumping from No. 8 to No. 2, complementing a roster featuring recent Rookies of the Year Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle. While Harper`s fit alongside De`Aaron Fox and Castle might not appear seamless immediately, it would be surprising for the forward-thinking Spurs front office to bypass Harper, who is widely considered the second-best prospect after Flagg. This pick could also present a trade opportunity for a team needing a primary ball-handler, potentially allowing the Spurs to acquire much-needed shooting to surround Wembanyama.
3. Philadelphia 76ers
Airious `Ace` Bailey , SG/SF, Rutgers
Freshman | TS%: 54.0
Scouting Report: Bailey has generated varied opinions among scouts compared to typical top-five prospects. He shows flashes of scoring potential at Rutgers but is still developing in other crucial aspects. Lottery teams are keen to assess him thoroughly during the pre-draft process, including interviews, to gauge his readiness for NBA contribution. Wings combining Bailey`s size, athletic skill, and shooting touch are uncommon. This desirable profile has kept his stock relatively stable despite inconsistencies in decision-making, ball-handling, and defense. While some teams are wary of these risks, his tantalizing scoring talent appeals greatly to front offices seeking star power.
NBA Intel and Fit: The Sixers can feel relieved and celebrate their pick jumping to No. 3, avoiding falling out of the top six and conveying the pick to Oklahoma City. A high-value draft selection provides a significant upside after a 24-58 season, as they balance building for the future with competing around Joel Embiid. Bailey`s scoring ability and considerable offensive upside would give Philadelphia another strong piece for the long term, complementing their developing backcourt featuring Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain.
4. Charlotte Hornets
VJ Edgecombe, SG, Baylor
Freshman | TS%: 56.1
Scouting Report: The Big 12 Freshman of the Year, Edgecombe had a largely successful season, showcasing his physicality, intensity, and quick growth as a ball-handler, finisher, and outside shooter. Edgecombe stands out as the most explosive athlete in this class, possesses a good feel for the game, and has demonstrated exceptional defensive moments, indicating substantial growth potential. NBA teams have some questions regarding his best projected position, his effectiveness as a shot creator and overall scorer, and whether he was occasionally playing below his full potential this season.
NBA Intel and Fit: While the Hornets aimed for the top pick, staying within the top four, especially as teams like Utah and Washington dropped, is still a favorable outcome. Charlotte remains in the early stages of its rebuilding process, with LaMelo Ball coming off a career-high scoring season (25.2 points per game) and Brandon Miller showing emergence. However, the roster is still quite raw, marked by a season where both stars missed significant time due to injuries. Edgecombe`s defensive capabilities and athletic driving would fit well alongside them. He can play effectively with Ball in the short term and potentially take on more prominent shot-creation roles if the franchise decides to move in a different direction with Ball.
5. Utah Jazz
Jeremiah Fears, PG, Oklahoma
Freshman | TS%: 57.0
Scouting Report: Fears, 18, had an impressive freshman year, leading Oklahoma to the NCAA tournament despite being one of college basketball`s youngest players. His combination of size, speed, tempo control, shotmaking, and ability to create shots offers significant long-term potential. He can access any area of the court to create for teammates with on-the-move passing, finish effectively in the paint, or get to the free-throw line. Fears` youth, slender build, and inconsistent finishing and decision-making will likely require patience from his drafting team, although his considerable star power potential could see him drafted much higher than this spot.
NBA Intel and Fit: Falling out of the top four is a considerable disappointment for the Jazz, who face a more complex evaluation process after dropping to fifth. The Jazz are committed to a long-term internal rebuild under CEO Danny Ainge but have yet to select a player with the kind of homegrown star potential that could accelerate their return to contention. They will aim to find that player at No. 5 rather than at the very top of the draft. Fears, with his shot-creation skills, could be an appealing option, even with other young guards already on the roster.
6. Washington Wizards
Tre Johnson, SG, Texas
Freshman | TS%: 56.1
Scouting Report: Johnson is recognized as one of the draft`s top scorers, capable of hitting difficult shots from anywhere on the floor with a scorer-first mentality. He needs to refine several aspects of his game—finishing at the rim, playmaking for others, and defensive consistency—but NBA teams are drawn to his shooting, length, and overall skill. He possesses a solid foundation for a shooting guard. If he can improve his decision-making and tendencies over time, Johnson could become a valuable asset for the future.
NBA Intel and Fit: The NBA`s youngest team, the Wizards, have completely revamped their roster, front office, and coaching staff over the past two years. They still have considerable room for growth, with several promising young players already in place. Dropping four spots to the No. 6 pick is undoubtedly a major disappointment for their fanbase, who endured an 18-64 season just one year after having the league`s worst record (15-67) and dropping to the No. 2 pick. The Wizards will likely need to take a chance on a high-upside scoring talent like Johnson here, then hope for better luck in next year`s highly anticipated draft lottery.
7. New Orleans Pelicans
Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
Freshman | TS%: 74.7
Scouting Report: Maluach is regarded as the top defensive center prospect in this draft class. He offers an appealing blend of length, mobility, ability to finish around the rim, and paint protection at a young age. The recent NBA playoffs have reminded some teams that the capacity to deploy size remains valuable in the postseason, with traditional centers like Rudy Gobert and Steven Adams making significant contributions. Maluach`s ability to deter shots near the basket and strong intangibles should provide immediate value, with ample room for development.
NBA Intel and Fit: Coming off a challenging, injury-plagued season that resulted in major front-office changes, the Pelicans need star power to build around Zion Williamson, who has played only 130 games over the last four seasons due to injuries. This task became significantly harder when the Pelicans unexpectedly dropped four spots to the No. 7 pick, complicating their draft outlook. It will be intriguing to see if the Pelicans` new front office structure signals a mandate from ownership to pivot towards a full rebuild, potentially with a focus on the talent-rich 2026 draft class.
8. Brooklyn Nets
Kon Knueppel, SG/SF, Duke
Freshman | TS%: 64.8
Scouting Report: Despite a modest athletic profile, Knueppel gained traction with NBA teams throughout the season due to his consistent production and impressive performances in the NCAA tournament. These showings highlighted his value as a skilled, versatile wing capable of contributing in various ways on both offense and defense. He shot 41% from three-point range in different situations and demonstrated the ability to handle the ball, pass out of pick-and-rolls, and hold his own defensively. NBA teams are eager to see his physical measurements and get a better sense of how much his lack of explosiveness and quickness might limit his potential, even though his exceptional feel for the game should allow him to succeed.
NBA Intel and Fit: The Nets shifted direction last year with the Mikal Bridges trade and are now positioned to significantly accelerate their rebuild with four first-round picks and substantial salary cap flexibility. The direction they take this offseason will be interesting to watch, as they have the option to push towards winning quickly or commit to a longer rebuild focusing on the strong 2026 draft class. While they may be disappointed to drop a couple of spots from No. 6 to No. 8, they are still picking in a range where promising talent is available and possess the assets to potentially move up if they choose to be aggressive.
9. Toronto Raptors
Collin Murray-Boyles, PF/C, South Carolina
Sophomore | TS%: 64.0
Scouting Report: Murray-Boyles has attracted NBA attention for the past two seasons, with his statistical performance appealing to analytics models and his play confirming that potential. Although undersized for his position, his toughness, finishing ability, passing, and defensive skills are attractive qualities. Teams will be particularly interested in his shooting performance during workouts, as the three-point shot isn`t yet a consistent part of his game but represents a critical area for development. He offers immediate value in areas where he already excels.
NBA Intel and Fit: Toronto has started transitioning out of its multiyear rebuild, signaled by acquiring Brandon Ingram at the February trade deadline. Scottie Barnes remains the team`s central figure. This pick offers the Raptors one more opportunity to draft a potential top-tier talent before potentially increasing their focus on competing for a playoff spot. Murray-Boyles would provide them with a true power forward who could defensively enhance lineups on a roster otherwise focused on scoring.
10. Houston Rockets (via Phoenix)
Kasparas Jakucionis, PG, Illinois
Freshman | TS%: 59.8
Scouting Report: Jakucionis significantly boosted his draft stock at Illinois, taking on a large role as an 18-year-old debuting at the Division I level and having a strong season. Despite expected adjustments, NBA teams remain largely optimistic about his toughness, playmaking instincts, size, and versatility at both guard spots leading to a promising professional career. There have been some concerns about his ability to create separation off the dribble, but Jakucionis` effectiveness in ball-screen situations and potential as a shooter should enable him to contribute as part of a team`s rotation, at minimum.
NBA Intel and Fit: The Rockets acquired swap rights to Phoenix`s pick in a trade with the Nets last summer, and the Suns` performance turned it into a valuable selection. After a solid regular season ended in a first-round playoff exit, this pick gives Houston a chance to strengthen its already deep roster, either by drafting a prospect or using the pick in a trade. Jakucionis might not directly address a specific need but would add significant backcourt depth for the Rockets to develop, particularly if they consider moving on from Jalen Green and/or Fred VanVleet and shifting towards Reed Sheppard and potentially this draft selection.
11. Portland Trail Blazers
Derik Queen, C, Maryland
Freshman | TS%: 60.0
Scouting Report: Queen might be the most skilled big man in this draft class. He is an excellent target in pick-and-roll situations, can create his own shot facing the basket with a diverse set of moves, and shows intriguing passing ability. Concerns among NBA teams picking in this range (or earlier) include Queen`s conditioning, occasional defensive lapses, and limited shooting range. Interviews, workouts, and further research will determine whether he is drafted higher or lower, as there isn`t a unified view among scouts on his unique profile`s long-term potential.
NBA Intel and Fit: Portland`s rebuilding efforts are progressing ahead of schedule, with the Blazers finishing 23-18 in their final 41 games as Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara, and Donovan Clingan showed significant promise, forming a solid foundation. This unexpected success reduced the Blazers` lottery odds, placing them in a tier of prospects with talent but also clear weaknesses. Queen`s lack of shooting might not seem ideal for a Portland team that already struggled from the perimeter, but his talent could be too compelling to pass up, especially if Clingan can develop his shooting as he showed flashes of as a rookie.
12. Chicago Bulls
Egor Demin, PG/SG, BYU
Freshman | TS%: 51.3
Scouting Report: Demin is a prospect who divides opinion; his productivity, consistency, and immediately applicable NBA skills are more theoretical than some would prefer. However, he is also exceptionally talented, a 6-foot-9 point guard capable of making every pick-and-roll read and pass, often spectacularly. The development of his shooting will be a key factor in his progression, but he showed promising improvement in several areas throughout the season and clearly possesses significant upside at 19 years old.
NBA Intel and Fit: The Bulls continued a pattern of treading water this season, losing in the play-in tournament after a 39-43 campaign, a decade removed from their last playoff series win. Chicago will likely need to make more substantial roster changes to realistically avoid the play-in in the near future. However, with limited internal improvement options, this pick is a crucial tool for the front office to utilize.
13. Atlanta Hawks (via Sacramento)
Jase Richardson, PG/SG, Michigan State
Freshman | TS%: 63.2
Scouting Report: Richardson emerged as a surprising one-and-done prospect at Michigan State, taking on a significant role and impressing with his composure and versatility in the backcourt. Evaluators have noted a disconnect between his strong analytical profile and the eye test; he offers excellent all-around productivity but has average physical tools and questions linger about his long-term viability as a full-time point guard. Richardson has proponents among league executives, but his potential draft range might be broader than some other players projected around this pick.
NBA Intel and Fit: The Hawks made encouraging strides this season, with the additions of Dyson Daniels and Zaccharie Risacher injecting youth and depth into their starting five. Atlanta saw a leadership change in the offseason and is still seeking a president of basketball operations but should continue building depth through the draft. Richardson`s feel for the game and versatility at either guard position would provide the Hawks with a useful connector piece alongside their young core.
14. San Antonio Spurs (via Atlanta)
Carter Bryant, SF/PF, Arizona
Freshman | TS%: 59.9
Scouting Report: Bryant is the type of player whose stock could rise during the pre-draft process as teams get a closer look at him in workout settings. He checks several boxes that NBA teams prioritize at his position, fitting easily with his desirable combination of size, length, perimeter shooting, passing, and defensive versatility. He played various roles for the Wildcats this season, seeing time at both forward spots. Bryant wasn`t consistently productive coming off the bench for Arizona, averaging just 6.5 points per game, as he isn`t a primary shot creator and has areas to improve on both ends. However, he possesses significant long-term upside to develop.
NBA Intel and Fit: With their second lottery pick in this draft, it will be interesting to see San Antonio`s inclination towards adding another rookie to an already young roster, especially as the team likely aims to push for a playoff appearance, nine years since their last series win. The direction the Spurs take with their first selection will probably influence their decision here. The possibility of trading one of these picks for more immediate help might appeal to the front office depending on how the draft unfolds. If the Spurs keep the pick, a young combo forward like Bryant, who can space the floor and defend multiple positions, makes a lot of sense.
15. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Miami)
Nolan Traore, PG, Saint-Quentin
France | TS%: 51.0
Scouting Report: Traore began the year projected firmly in the top 10 but has fallen on draft boards following an inconsistent season marked by turnovers, sporadic defense, and streaky shooting and finishing. He has shown a significant upward trend recently, delivering some of his best performances as the season concludes, reminding teams of his initial high regard. He excels at getting to his desired spots on the floor, creating shots in volume for himself and teammates. At 18, he offers considerable talent, flashing brilliance with his ball-handling, passing, and overall creativity. His scoring and shotmaking have become more apparent lately, observed by numerous NBA teams.
NBA Intel and Fit: With three first-round picks and 14 players expected to be under contract next season, Oklahoma City`s roster space for additional rookies is limited. The front office may consider options such as packaging picks to move up, trading non-rotation players, or deferring this year`s picks for future first-rounders. While a player like Traore might not directly fill a need, the Thunder have few pressing requirements that this draft would specifically address anyway. The team is likely to employ a `best talent available` approach if they decide to use all their picks.
16. Orlando Magic
Will Riley, SG/SF, Illinois
Freshman | TS%: 53.8
Scouting Report: Though not a finished product, Riley is viewed by NBA teams as a significant long-term talent. He is a versatile scorer with exceptional shotmaking ability from all areas of the court, showing impressive flashes of creating shots for himself and others. His refined creativity as a passer is particularly intriguing for a 19-year-old. Adding strength and developing into a more consistent shooter and defender will be crucial next steps, but he showed encouraging progress for Illinois as the season progressed.
NBA Intel and Fit: Following back-to-back playoff appearances, Orlando`s front office appears focused on helping the team win its first playoff series since 2010, stating a `win-now lens` approach. This might indicate a willingness to trade one or both of their first-round picks (Orlando also holds the No. 25 pick) if `proven offensive help` becomes available, a search that is likely to continue throughout the offseason.
17. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Detroit)
Danny Wolf, PF, Michigan
Junior | TS%: 56.6
Scouting Report: Embracing the versatility of an unconventional prospect like Wolf, who took on considerable playmaking duties for Michigan as a 7-footer, could be a rewarding move. Wolf`s skill level, creativity, and overall instincts on both ends of the floor suggest a higher potential ceiling than a typical 21-year-old prospect, especially given his developmental trajectory over the past three years.
NBA Intel and Fit: Detroit reaching the playoffs resulted in this pick conveying to the Timberwolves, who now have a good opportunity to add talent after trading away most of their draft assets since Tim Connelly took over as president. Wolf would offer them a versatile frontcourt player capable of contributing relatively soon. Minnesota will also evaluate using this pick to upgrade their roster as they aim to contend around the ascending Anthony Edwards.
18. Washington Wizards (via Memphis)
Noa Essengue, PF, Ratiopharm Ulm
Germany | TS%: 61.1
Scouting Report: As one of the youngest prospects in this class at 18, Essengue has had an excellent season in Germany, positioning himself to be the first international player drafted. His size and versatility at the forward position align well with current NBA trends. He shows strong off-ball production instincts and can also create plays when needed. He needs to significantly build strength, but Essengue possesses the potential two-way impact that teams are often keen to develop. Strong workout performances could propel him into the lottery, depending on how the rest of the board unfolds.
NBA Intel and Fit: With four picks in the top 40 and no immediate pressure to win just two years into a comprehensive roster teardown, the Wizards have multiple options in this part of the draft. Their selection at No. 18 will be a key decision point.
19. Brooklyn Nets (via Milwaukee)
Joan Beringer, C, Cedevita Olimpija
Adriatic | TS%: 61.5
Scouting Report: Yet to turn 19, Beringer demonstrated significant improvement this season. His late-blooming trajectory, excellent physical attributes, and intriguing long-term potential have boosted his draft stock. Although likely far from being a positive contributor in the NBA immediately, Beringer offers considerable developmental appeal as a defense-first center with fluid mobility. Offensively, he is quite raw and would greatly benefit from joining a team that can provide him patience and development time.
NBA Intel and Fit: This pick is the second of Brooklyn`s four first-round selections. The Nets are expected to be highly active in trade discussions to maximize the value of their strong draft position. However, Beringer`s long-term potential as a mobile interior defender would make him a good fit in Brooklyn, where he could receive the necessary minutes and attention to improve.
20. Miami Heat (via Golden State)
Liam McNeeley, SG/SF, UConn
Freshman | TS%: 53.6
Scouting Report: McNeeley`s size, shooting proficiency, feel for the game, and toughness are valuable qualities NBA teams look for in wings. However, he will need to remind teams of his potential as a winning player throughout the pre-draft process. He had some promising moments as a freshman at UConn but struggled with scoring efficiency, making only 44% of his two-pointers and 32% of his three-pointers, and occasionally appearing out of position defensively. He is likely to play a different role in the NBA, emphasizing his dynamic perimeter shooting ability, which was more evident before college. Strong workouts focusing on his shooting, the basis of his NBA appeal, will be crucial for McNeeley to regain his highly-regarded status entering the season.
NBA Intel and Fit: Advancing past the play-in tournament meant Miami conveyed its lottery-protected first-round pick (No. 15) to Oklahoma City, a result of the 2019 trade for Jimmy Butler III. Sending Butler to Golden State six years later secured this pick, offering the front office another chance to showcase its drafting ability after finding considerable success over the years. Conveying their 2025 first-rounder and clearing their draft obligations to Oklahoma City (the pick would have been unprotected in 2026) gives the Heat flexibility this offseason, perhaps with an eye on the talented top of next year`s draft class.
21. Utah Jazz (via Minnesota)
Asa Newell, PF/C, Georgia
Freshman | TS%: 62.0
Scouting Report: Newell`s production and pre-college background make him an intriguing developmental prospect. He offers size, motor, and mobility but needs to refine his offensive skills and overall awareness to become a significant NBA contributor. Teams will be interested to see how his perimeter skills translate in workout settings, as he likely projects best as a power forward long-term and will need to consistently make shots and confidently handle the ball to make that transition. He was highly regarded out of high school and had a solid season at Georgia, profiling as a developmental pick for an NBA team that doesn`t require immediate minutes from him.
NBA Intel and Fit: The Jazz acquired this second first-round pick from Minnesota in the Rudy Gobert trade. While their lottery pick is the biggest decision ahead, Utah found value in their later selections last season (Isaiah Collier and Kyle Filipowski) and could do so again here.
22. Atlanta Hawks (via Los Angeles Lakers)
Thomas Sorber, C, Georgetown
Freshman | TS%: 58.7
Scouting Report: Sorber is not expected to participate in extensive on-court activities during the pre-draft process as he recovers from foot surgery in February. Nevertheless, his strong feel for the game, defensive versatility, length, physicality, and skill as a pick-and-roll finisher are appealing qualities for a 19-year-old, likely drawing considerable attention in this part of the draft.
NBA Intel and Fit: The Hawks acquired the Lakers` pick as part of the trade involving Dyson Daniels and Dejounte Murray, giving them their second first-round selection. With Clint Capela entering unrestricted free agency, it makes sense for the Hawks to consider drafting a potential successor to back up Onyeka Okongwu at the center position.
23. Indiana Pacers
Nique Clifford, SG, Colorado State
Super Senior | TS%: 60.9
Scouting Report: Clifford has generated positive buzz this spring, receiving consideration from teams within the top 20 and having the potential to rise further in the coming weeks. The limited availability of experienced, reliable older college wings benefits Clifford`s stock, coming off a versatile season at Colorado State. As an above-average athlete capable of playing multiple roles, he is tracking as a player who can immediately contribute, offering teams a direct way to address a roster need with their pick.
NBA Intel and Fit: Indiana has effectively used the draft to build depth in recent years and is now entering a phase focused on winning, led by Tyrese Haliburton`s emergence. Clifford`s readiness to contribute would bolster the Pacers` bench, which currently lacks a larger, more athletic wing defender.
