2025 NBA Mock Draft: Projecting All 59 Picks Post-Combine

Intel and Fit:

In an astonishing twist of fate, the Mavericks experienced a stroke of incredible luck, allowing their long-suffering fanbase to look beyond the Luka Doncic trade and focus on acquiring one of the future marquee players of the NBA in Flagg. Sources reported shortly after the draft lottery that Mavericks ownership intends to keep the pick and draft Flagg at No. 1, as widely anticipated.

All indications from Flagg`s representatives suggest he is enthusiastic about the possibility of joining a playoff-contending team with established veterans, despite appearing surprised by the lottery results initially. Sources informed ESPN that Flagg is planning a visit to Dallas.

Flagg`s freshman season at Duke was outstanding, silencing any doubts about his standing as the projected top pick. He is just the fourth freshman to receive the Wooden Award, presented to the most outstanding player in college basketball. Flagg demonstrated exceptional competitive fire and defensive flexibility, making significant impacts in every aspect of the game. He hit shots from all areas of the court, took on considerable responsibility for creating offense, and improved his teammates` play with his passing.

The only question scouts raise is whether Flagg will develop into `just` an NBA All-Star, or if, as some predict, he has the potential to become one of the league`s most dominant two-way players.

Intel and Fit:

Already possessing one of the league`s most favorable long-term outlooks, the Spurs benefited from lottery luck for the third consecutive year, moving up six spots to No. 2. This position gives them the opportunity to select Harper, widely seen as the consensus pick after Flagg is off the board.

San Antonio was reportedly thrilled with their lottery outcome. Early indications suggest they are comfortable with Harper, prioritizing the most talented player available over potential fit concerns in a backcourt that includes De`Aaron Fox and NBA Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle. Building around Victor Wembanyama (21 years old), Castle (20), and Harper (19) on rookie contracts provides an attractive foundation and significant short-term cap flexibility. This selection would raise questions about the Spurs` shooting and how ballhandling responsibilities would be distributed among their guards, but Harper possesses substantial talent, making him an easily justifiable choice.

While trade rumors involving San Antonio and this pick have circulated since lottery night, they currently appear to be just speculation. The Spurs aim to get Wembanyama into the playoffs but don`t feel pressured to rush into a blockbuster trade, whether for Giannis Antetokounmpo (if he becomes available) or another star player.

San Antonio holds future draft capital that would allow them to retain Harper while still significantly upgrading their roster at a potentially lower cost. Rival teams anticipate the Spurs will explore their options, but the general assumption is that Harper will be their selection, barring a major trade.

Intel and Fit:

This pick marks where the draft truly becomes unpredictable. The 76ers are, unsurprisingly, indicating they are evaluating a wide array of prospects, including Bailey, VJ Edgecombe, Tre Johnson, Khaman Maluach, and Kon Knueppel. Bailey, widely considered the third most talented player in this draft class, appears to be a natural fit. He could seamlessly integrate into the Sixers` lineup at shooting guard, small forward, or power forward, playing alongside any of their current core players.

Feedback from Chicago suggests that Bailey is somewhat polarizing in internal front-office discussions. Concerns exist regarding his feel for the game and his `unpolished` team interviews, which one NBA general manager likened to Anthony Edwards` interview process before Minnesota drafted him first overall in 2020. Bailey may not have presented as `buttoned up` as some other lottery candidates, but several executives gave him high marks, appreciating his openness and willingness to show his strong personality.

Some teams anticipate the Sixers will be active in trade discussions, potentially targeting players like Kevin Durant (Phoenix) and Lauri Markkanen (Utah) in packages that could involve Paul George and the No. 3 pick. Sixers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey has a history of being active and aggressive on the trade market, but trading a top-three pick is historically uncommon.

Adding a young, highly talented prospect could be appealing as a way to reset the team`s timeline, offering long-term hope given Joel Embiid`s injury history and George`s significant contract, which might not age favorably.

Intel and Fit:

Although dropping one spot in the lottery was disappointing for the Hornets, they were the only team among those with top-four odds to remain in that range. The No. 4 pick is still advantageous given how the rest of the board is taking shape, as Charlotte is guaranteed to have either Edgecombe or Bailey available. Both players would represent significant talent upgrades for the team. Edgecombe is generally considered the safer choice for Charlotte among the two, but there is no broad consensus among teams after Flagg and Harper are selected, making this range of the draft particularly interesting to evaluate. Considering the Hornets` roster needs, it wouldn`t be surprising if Tre Johnson also receives consideration here.

On paper, Edgecombe seems like a natural fit, slotting between LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. His explosiveness attacking the basket, slashing style, and substantial defensive upside would complement Ball`s court vision and creativity and Miller`s shotmaking ability. He also offers room to develop into a more prominent ballhandling role over time, which could make him even more attractive to Charlotte, providing a long-term backcourt option.

The Hornets adopted a patient strategy at the trade deadline, and opposing teams are curious about their level of urgency this offseason, having sold at the deadline yet having missed the playoffs for nine consecutive seasons.

Intel and Fit:

Slipping from the projected No. 1 spot before the lottery to the No. 5 pick was a setback for Utah`s fanbase and front office. This outcome raises questions about the team`s developmental timeline and the value of enduring another challenging season in pursuit of a high pick in 2026.

With the roster significantly in need of star power, it makes sense for the Jazz to thoroughly evaluate a prospect like Fears. Despite being one of the youngest players in college basketball at 18 years old, he had an outstanding season at Oklahoma. His combination of size, speed, change of pace, shotmaking, and shot creation abilities offers substantial long-term potential. He can effectively drive to create opportunities for teammates, finish skillfully in the paint, or get to the free-throw line.

Drafting Fears would likely have repercussions for the roster, as the Jazz have selected point guards (Keyonte George and Isaiah Collier) in the last two drafts. The biggest uncertainties surround the long-term status of Markkanen, a two-time All-Star who would attract significant interest if the Jazz were open to trading him. Going from the league`s worst record (17-65) to securing the No. 5 pick serves as a stark reminder of the difficulties inherent in rebuilding, but it remains unclear how else the Jazz can take the necessary steps to build a championship-contending team.

Intel and Fit:

The Wizards find themselves in a similar situation to the Jazz after dropping four spots in a worst-case lottery outcome, although they are at an earlier stage of their complete roster rebuild.

The Wizards are actively searching for star talent through the draft and will likely take a chance on whichever player falls outside the top five. In this projection, that player is Johnson, who would address an immediate need while also offering upside to develop into their potential long-term shooting guard. He is considered among the best perimeter shooters in this draft class, possessing solid positional size and an assertive playing style. He enhanced his draft profile at Texas, where he thrived in a prominent role.

Johnson has also been a divisive prospect among teams due to questions about his playing style, which scouts have at times characterized as selfish as he progressed through high school and college. These questions persisted following the interview process in Chicago for some teams – there are lingering concerns about his shot selection and how he will adapt to potentially varied usage levels in the long term. However, there are few players in this class with his caliber of scoring ability.

The Wizards can offer him an immediate offensive role and the opportunity to develop, making them (on paper) one of the better fits for Johnson within the top 10.

Intel and Fit:

Another team that experienced a significant drop after a difficult season. The Pelicans hold only the No. 7 pick after finishing with a 21-61 record, a challenging start for new lead executives Joe Dumars and Troy Weaver.

The Pelicans are in serious need of star power, but with top prospects like Bailey or Fears projected to be selected earlier, opting for a high-upside big man like Maluach makes strategic sense.

Maluach is one of the youngest players in the draft class, turning 19 on September 14th. He has considerable potential for physical development and skill refinement. He plays with tremendous intensity and is well-regarded by coaches and teammates alike, partly due to his exceptional off-court qualities.

His ability to anchor a defense with his remarkable wingspan, provide vertical spacing as a screener and cutter, and aggressively run the floor in transition will make him an attractive option for any team seeking a center to build around for the future, potentially including the Hornets or Wizards picking at No. 4 and No. 6, respectively.

Intel and Fit:

Include the Nets among the teams disappointed by the lottery results, as they dropped two spots from No. 6 to No. 8 after San Antonio and Dallas moved up.

Brooklyn possesses veteran players, including Cameron Johnson, four first-round picks in this upcoming draft, and future assets they could leverage if they wish to move higher in the lottery. Teams anticipate the Nets, who are also mindful of current and future salary cap space, may look to consolidate some of their assets.

Knueppel`s consistent offensive production and high-level shooting ability would serve as a valuable foundational piece for the Nets. His skillset complements most potential lineups, regardless of how the team chooses to build in the long term. League insiders also see potential for additional scoring and playmaking development from the dependable wing.

Staying at this pick also presents an interesting argument for selecting and developing a young ball handler like Egor Demin or Kasparas Jakucionis, or perhaps opting for the offensive potential of Derik Queen.

Intel and Fit:

The Raptors have flexibility with this pick and could pursue several different directions. Their roster already includes young, versatile players, and they have numerous options stemming from players acquired through the draft and recent trades.

Murray-Boyles would align well with the team`s culture and emphasis on toughness, bringing added defensive versatility and playmaking. However, his current lack of perimeter shooting is not ideal for potentially providing floor spacing for players like Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram.

Picking ninth in a draft where many NBA insiders view the top tier as consisting of eight players suggests a `best player available` strategy makes sense for Toronto, a common approach for this front office in the past. Murray-Boyles` distinctive combination of passing skill, ability to draw fouls, finishing proficiency, and defensive playmaking places him as a potential top-5 pick in some NBA team analytics models, especially considering he doesn`t turn 20 until mid-June.

Intel and Fit:

This pick is widely viewed around the league as a valuable asset for the Rockets. They are frequently mentioned by other teams as a prime candidate for a significant trade to capitalize on the progress they made this past season. Houston possesses the draft capital and young talent necessary to pursue whichever star player might become available next, in addition to having Reed Sheppard, who is presumably awaiting increased playing time next season.

If Houston chooses to keep this pick, it`s likely to be a `best player available` situation, and Jakucionis presents a strong case at No. 10. His exceptional playmaking vision, shooting capability, positive intangible qualities, coupled with excellent positional size for a ball handler (he measured similarly to Terance Mann in 2019 and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in 2013), make him a versatile addition to the backcourt for almost any team.

He will need to improve his decision-making and reduce turnovers to maximize his potential time on the ball in the long term. Although some teams have speculated he could fall outside the top 10 depending on how the rest of the board unfolds, Jakucionis appears relatively solidified in the Nos. 8-12 range at this point.

Intel and Fit:

Demin had a positive showing at the combine in Chicago. He measured taller than anticipated at 6-9½ in shoes and subsequently delivered one of the most impressive pro day performances seen recently, prompting even the most skeptical NBA evaluators to acknowledge his undeniable talent.

Demin has made significant improvements to his physique and is expected to continue filling out. He demonstrated the ability to make a high volume of 3-pointers with near-perfect mechanics and a quick release, offering considerable optimism despite shooting only 27% from deep in his single season at BYU. Furthermore, NBA teams were highly impressed with his interviews in Chicago.

The Trail Blazers have the flexibility to go in several directions with this pick. Adding a large guard with a strong understanding of the game, who can adapt to various roster configurations, could be an interesting long-term play for them.

Intel and Fit:

The Bulls reacquired this pick, previously protected in the top 10, at the deadline as part of the Zach LaVine trade. This ensures they will add a prospect as they navigate their transition away from the middle of the Eastern Conference standings. Chicago is positioned to draft the best available talent but has a greater need for frontcourt assistance, making Queen an appealing option if he is still available at No. 12.

Queen had an excellent season at Maryland and is being considered by teams as high as the mid-lottery, but his draft range appears somewhat wider. He measured a legitimate 6-10 in shoes, but his performance in athletic testing at the combine was underwhelming, and his shooting during drills wasn`t convincing. While not entirely unexpected, these are two key areas for his long-term development that teams will scrutinize as he proceeds through the workout circuit.

He possesses significant offensive talent, and his skillset distinguishes him from other big men in this class. Ultimately, his game film should carry more weight than the combine data. Whichever team selects him will need to believe they can help him maximize his potential. His advocates around the league view him as an intelligent player with high long-term upside.

Intel and Fit:

Predicting the Hawks` direction with this pick is challenging until their front office structure is finalized following the departure of general manager Landry Fields last month. The Hawks have reportedly engaged in discussions with prominent agents and notable NBA executives. They might opt to hire a senior advisor to work alongside the new GM, Onsi Saleh.

Holding the first of their two first-round picks, taking a high-upside prospect like Beringer would be a sensible move, particularly with starting center Clint Capela entering free agency. Beringer, an 18-year-old, has had a surprisingly impactful season for Cedevita, leading the Adriatic League in block percentage.

His impressive physical attributes, combined with his ability to cover ground on the perimeter, switch onto smaller players, and protect the rim, indicate significant potential, especially given he has only been playing organized basketball for three years.

Intel and Fit:

Even before the potential addition of Harper at No. 2 became a possibility, the Spurs recognized the need for maximum spacing around Victor Wembanyama and their guards. They should have an opportunity to address this need with their second first-round pick. Bryant appears to be a strong fit on paper if he is available at No. 14.

Although his statistics were modest in a supporting role at Arizona, NBA teams have maintained interest throughout the season. They are drawn to his promising shooting stroke, feel for passing, and a solid physical build with measurements comparable to those of Los Angeles Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith.

Bryant has room to gain significant strength, which would further enhance his defensive versatility. As a player who can contribute on both ends without requiring high usage on the ball, Bryant can seamlessly integrate into the long-term plans of most teams. This could potentially lead to him being selected earlier than this pick.

Intel and Fit:

Holding three picks within the top 44 selections, but with 14 players already expected to be under contract next season, it`s uncertain how much roster space Oklahoma City will have to add more rookies. Potential options for the Thunder include packaging picks to move up in the draft, trading non-rotation players to other teams, or deferring picks to future years by swapping this year`s selections for future first-rounders.

Oklahoma City might not have an immediate use for a player like Essengue, but the team has very few pressing needs that this draft class would clearly address. They will likely adopt a `best talent available` approach if they decide to use all of their picks.

Intel and Fit:

Following consecutive playoff appearances, Orlando`s front office seems determined to help the team win its first playoff series since 2010, stating their intention to `look through a more win-now lens.` This might signal a willingness to trade one or both of their first-rounders (the Magic also hold the No. 25 pick) if opportunities arise to acquire `proven offensive help,` a search likely to continue throughout the offseason.

Should the Magic keep this pick, drafting a player like Richardson makes sense. He possesses an excellent feel for the game, strong defensive intensity, and converted 41% of his 3-point attempts this season. His ability to play off the ball alongside two effective shot-creators in Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero would also be a valuable asset. Richardson demonstrated character and winning attributes at Michigan State, showing a willingness to play a defined role.

Intel and Fit:

The Timberwolves are currently in a championship contention window and unexpectedly gained a first-round pick in a valuable part of the draft. This occurred because the Detroit Pistons secured a playoff spot, thus conveying this lottery-protected selection, originally acquired from New York in the Karl-Anthony Towns trade, to Minnesota.

This pick is likely to be a `best player available` scenario for the team that possesses the least future draft capital in the league. The Wolves also hold the No. 31 pick, which is a useful asset. These two picks provide a good opportunity for Minnesota to find value and add younger talent around their three-time All-Star, Edwards.

Wolf`s blend of perimeter skills, passing ability, and interior size (he measured 6-10½ barefoot, placing him close to 7 feet in shoes with a 7-2¼ wingspan) makes him an intriguing prospect for teams seeking creative options. With Julius Randle and Naz Reid holding player options for the next season, adding a younger forward in Wolf to the mix would be an interesting consideration as the Timberwolves evaluate their options.

Intel and Fit:

Expect the Wizards to continue making draft selections as they build upon their roster, which is currently the fifth youngest in the league with an average age of 25.1. In this scenario, after drafting Johnson, Washington would add a more versatile complementary wing in McNeeley, fitting their preference for positional size and feel for the game.

McNeeley measured and tested slightly better than anticipated at the combine (6-8 in shoes and 215 pounds) and appears to be gaining positive momentum. After an ankle injury affected a portion of his freshman season at UConn, he will have opportunities on the workout circuit to address some questions regarding his athleticism and long-range shooting, reminding teams why he was considered a lottery prospect entering the season.

Intel and Fit:

With the second of their four first-round picks, the Nets have flexibility to pursue various options. They are likely to prioritize taking chances on talent while also considering the importance of acquiring size in a league that has seen a renewed emphasis on valuable big men.

Sorber is not expected to participate in on-court activities during the predraft process as he recovers from foot surgery in February. However, his strong feel for the game, defensive versatility, length, physicality, and skill level as a finisher in pick-and-roll situations are attractive qualities for a 19-year-old and should generate significant interest in this portion of the draft.

In Chicago, his wingspan was measured at 7-6, allowing him to effectively play much larger than his 6-10½ (in shoes) height suggests.

Intel and Fit:

The Heat acquired this pick as part of the Jimmy Butler III trade and have had success drafting in the middle of the first round in recent years, selecting Jaime Jaquez Jr. at No. 18 and Kel`el Ware at No. 15 in the past two drafts. While Miami has frequently utilized Tyler Herro as a primary ball handler, they would benefit from adding a true point guard to solidify their backcourt long term, especially with a significant void in shot creation following Butler`s departure.

Traore would represent a high-upside swing if he falls to this position. Some scouts view him as a talent worthy of the lottery, but an inconsistent season in France has slightly dampened his draft stock. His size, speed, playmaking ability, and potential as a shooter offer clear upside if he can put all aspects of his game together.

This far down in the draft, Traore is an appealing selection for a team like the Heat, which has a strong historical record of developing prospects within their organizational program.

Intel and Fit:

The Jazz acquired this second first-round pick from Minnesota as part of the Rudy Gobert trade. After potentially selecting a point guard in Fears in the lottery, taking a chance on a talented young big man like Newell makes strategic sense.

Teams seeking frontcourt help earlier in the draft also have interest in Newell. His combine measurements likely suggest he will primarily play power forward in the NBA.

Nevertheless, his mobility, aggressive playing style, and intensity are significant assets that contributed to a highly productive and efficient freshman campaign. Newell made 26 three-pointers in 33 games and converted 75% of his free throws. These are positive indicators that scouts believe could point to him developing into a more consistent outside shooter (despite a 29% 3-point percentage this season).

Intel and Fit:

As previously mentioned, identifying a clear direction for the Hawks remains difficult until Atlanta finalizes the hiring process for their new front office head. However, having potentially addressed their need for a big man with Beringer earlier, they can adopt a `best available` approach with Riley. He is another young player who possesses substantial long-term upside as his physique and skillset mature.

He will be considered by teams picking higher than this spot, possessing excellent size for a wing (measuring over 6-8 barefoot at the combine) and ample room to add strength. His strong offensive instincts and potential to make perimeter shots at a high level tick important boxes for a team that can afford to be patient with his development.

Intel and Fit:

Engaged in a high-stakes Eastern Conference Finals battle with the New York Knicks, the Pacers may not be focusing as intensely on the upcoming draft as some other teams around the league.

Every team is actively seeking depth at the wing position, and Clifford will be evaluated by teams potentially picking earlier than this spot due to his `plug-and-play` profile and versatility. He offers a combination of excellent feel for the game, strong defensive capabilities, and has converted 38% of his 3-point attempts over the past two seasons.

Intel and Fit:

Given their current roster situation, it is difficult to envision Oklahoma City using all three of their picks within the top 44 selections. Nevertheless, the Thunder have several months to determine their strategy, and there will be no shortage of interested teams if they opt to trade picks.

Raynaud was one of the… (The provided text cuts off here. The article likely continues through all 59 picks following this format).