The second round of the 2025 NBA Draft is set to begin Thursday at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Day 1 featured notable selections like Duke`s Cooper Flagg going to the Dallas Mavericks at the top pick, and the New Orleans Pelicans trading up to pick 13 for Maryland center Derik Queen, alongside various intriguing picks and trades.
What should we anticipate for Day 2? Let`s explore the major questions heading into the second round and project picks 31 through 59 in this updated mock draft.
Which top-tier players from the first-round discussion, such as Rasheer Fleming, Maxime Raynaud, and Noah Penda, might be early picks on Thursday? Which team is in a particularly interesting position for Round 2? And which lesser-known prospects could emerge as significant steals?
ESPN`s Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo offer their insights to guide you through the second round. The mock draft profiles below are based on scouting reports for each prospect.
Which team has the most interesting draft position on Thursday?
Givony: The Charlotte Hornets, holding picks 33 and 34, will likely be central to trade talks throughout the day. They`ve already added two first-rounders, Kon Knueppel and Liam McNeeley. Given their already young roster, their willingness to add more rookies isn`t clear. However, they do have a need for paint presence after sending Mark Williams to the Suns in a trade involving the 29th pick and a 2029 first-rounder. Several intriguing big men are available, including 7-footers Maxime Raynaud and Ryan Kalkbrenner, and versatile forwards like Rasheer Fleming and Adou Thiero.
Woo: The Minnesota Timberwolves hold significant leverage at pick 31. They can either select their preferred player or potentially use the pick as a trade asset. I`m curious whether they`ll target a player like Fleming or find more value in exploring alternative uses for the pick.
Who is an under-the-radar prospect you particularly like who is likely to be selected on Thursday?
Givony: Noah Penda garnered interest from teams in the first round due to his strong defensive versatility, passing, and general basketball IQ. However, his inconsistent shooting prevented him from gaining sufficient traction in the pre-draft process.
He`s expected to be a popular target for playoff teams with picks in the 30s, such as Minnesota, Boston, or Philadelphia, who might consider stashing a player in Europe for roster flexibility. Penda, however, would likely prefer to join a U.S.-based team immediately if given the opportunity.
Woo: Jamir Watkins is relatively older at 23, but I believe he`s been somewhat underrated. He`s an excellent perimeter defender who I think will develop enough offensive consistency to secure a spot on a team`s bench. He would be a solid acquisition for a team aiming to compete next season, picking somewhere in the 30s.
Looking at your Round 2 mock draft, what is your favorite team and player fit you`ve projected?
Givony: Maxime Raynaud joining the Celtics at pick 32 makes sense. He`s an older 7-foot prospect who can stretch the floor and could potentially provide immediate minutes, especially after the Celtics traded Kristaps Porzingis to the Hawks.
With Luke Kornet entering free agency and the Celtics facing financial constraints, adding Raynaud on a smaller salary slot would likely provide the team with necessary flexibility heading into the offseason.
Woo: Rasheer Fleming to the Timberwolves at pick 31 appears to be a good value pick for Minnesota. The team needs frontcourt depth, and Fleming might be capable of contributing bench minutes right away.
He fits the profile of a strong, shooting big man who could solidify the Wolves` depth, regardless of Naz Reid`s free agency status. The first pick of Round 2 is particularly valuable in the current two-day draft format due to teams seeking to trade up, but in this instance, simply selecting the best player available might be the most logical move.
Round 2 Mock Draft
31. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Utah) – Rasheer Fleming, F, Saint Joseph`s
Strengths: Fleming is a physically gifted forward with impressive highlights who has shown significant improvement, becoming an efficient inside-out scorer. His massive 7-foot-5 wingspan offers substantial defensive potential.
Weaknesses: His feel for the game is a concern; he doesn`t process actions quickly on either end. He sometimes struggles with simple passes and is prone to off-ball defensive errors.
The verdict: Length, shooting, and potential defensive versatility are highly valued in the NBA. Fleming could provide all three to a team willing to invest in developing his defensive awareness and technique while he adapts to the speed of the game offensively. Despite struggling late in the season, his youth and growth trajectory at St. Joseph`s suggest potential for optimism. — Givony
32. Boston Celtics (via Washington) – Maxime Raynaud, C, Stanford
Strengths: Raynaud started playing basketball late but developed over four seasons at Stanford into a skilled 7-footer capable of spacing the floor and performing well on the boards.
Weaknesses: Defensive limitations are his main question marks, lacking some physicality and explosiveness, although his effort appeared better at the NBA draft combine.
The verdict: After playing in France with Victor Wembanyama in his youth, Raynaud has grown into a legitimate NBA prospect. He may be a late bloomer, but his size and shooting ability fit a desired profile, giving him a quicker path to a role than some earlier picks. His defensive performance will be key to watch, as floor-spacing bigs can be valuable. — Givony
33. Charlotte Hornets – Ryan Kalkbrenner, C, Creighton
Strengths: Kalkbrenner is an experienced center, reliable in pick-and-roll actions, efficient offensively, and capable of protecting the rim and occasionally hitting 3-pointers, making him a solid backup option.
Weaknesses: While his 7-foot-6 wingspan is an asset, he isn`t overly physical or explosive, and his defensive rebounding numbers were underwhelming for much of his college career.
The verdict: As one of the most efficient college players, leading in dunks, Kalkbrenner is a well-known prospect whose occasional long-range flashes added a valuable dimension. Despite limitations, his size, length, and consistency will appeal to teams needing rookie-contract center depth. — Givony
34. Charlotte Hornets (via New Orleans) – Noah Penda, F, France
Strengths: Penda is a sturdy wing-forward with excellent basketball instincts, a 6-foot-11½ wingspan, and defensive versatility, contributing across the board in rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks.
Weaknesses: He`s stronger than he is vertically explosive and remains inconsistent from the perimeter, shooting with unorthodox form and converting below 30% from three throughout his career.
The verdict: Transitioning smoothly to Pro A in France, Penda had a strong season for a playoff team, making defensive plays and using his build and intelligence to create opportunities. His shooting consistency is a crucial factor, as he otherwise fulfills many requirements for a two-way player. — Givony
35. Philadelphia 76ers – Tyrese Proctor, G, Duke
Strengths: Proctor is a guard with a good shooting touch who played various roles at the college level, demonstrating flexibility on and off the ball.
Weaknesses: His frame remained thin in college, and he possesses average physical tools. He has often lacked assertiveness and physicality on both ends, particularly in high-pressure situations.
The verdict: Proctor`s size for his position, improved spot-up shooting, and flashes of pick-and-roll creation over three college seasons are intriguing, but he never fully developed as a primary point guard. He will need to add toughness to earn a meaningful off-ball role in the NBA. — Givony
36. Brooklyn Nets – Adou Thiero, PF, Arkansas
Strengths: Thiero is perhaps the most explosive player in this draft. He`s a disruptive defender, a mismatch threat attacking downhill and in transition, adept at drawing fouls and finishing spectacularly.
Weaknesses: Positionally stuck between forward roles, Thiero is still developing his skills, feel for the game, and defensive focus. He struggled with shooting consistency and missed much of the pre-draft process with a knee issue.
The verdict: Thiero showed significant progress as a junior but needs to improve his shooting and overall consistency to play an NBA role. His physical tools suggest defensive upside, and his growth over three college seasons makes him an interesting development project. — Givony
37. Detroit Pistons (via Toronto) – Chaz Lanier, SG, Tennessee, super senior
Strengths: Lanier is a dangerous shooter off movement with solid physical tools. He proved to be a prolific scorer in the SEC after transferring to Tennessee from North Florida.
Weaknesses: He has questions regarding his feel for the game, passing, and defensive impact, having struggled in games where his outside shot wasn`t falling.
The verdict: A true late bloomer who averaged minimal points early in his college career, Lanier`s jumper dramatically improved as an upperclassman. He complements this with solid size, frame, and a 6-foot-9 wingspan. He`s not a primary ball handler and needs to better utilize his tools defensively, but his ability to stretch the floor and shoot off screens gives him a clear NBA niche. — Givony
38. Indiana Pacers (via San Antonio) – Jamir Watkins, SG/SF, Florida State, senior
Strengths: Watkins is a tough defender with an excellent build and a 6-foot-11 wingspan who effectively filled the stat sheet at Florida State.
Weaknesses: The 23-year-old was productive as a secondary ball handler but has never found consistency with his outside shot, hitting just 32.5% of career 3-pointers in college.
The verdict: Few players boosted their stock at the NBA combine as much as Watkins, showcasing physicality and high intensity defensively while making plays. Turning 24 soon, his NBA-ready frame and tools provide an immediate defensive skill. However, finding consistent scoring in the half-court is essential for his long-term success. — Givony
39. Toronto Raptors (via Portland) – John Tonje, SF, Wisconsin, super senior
Strengths: Tonje is a well-built wing with good size, length, and an aggressive approach, coming off a breakout season at Wisconsin where he was a top scorer in college basketball.
Weaknesses: He isn`t a strong passer and lacks great defensive tools, relying on a physical style that might be less effective against NBA opponents compared to college players at age 24.
The verdict: Tonje had a tremendous season for the Badgers, effectively drawing fouls and hitting 39% of his 3-pointers with high volume. His 41-point performance against Arizona was memorable. His maturity could be beneficial in the right role, but he still needs to prove his game translates to the NBA, as older players with his profile have a mixed history. — Givony
40. New Orleans Pelicans (via Washington) – Bogoljub Markovic, PF/C, Mega Superbet (Adriatic)
Strengths: Markovic is a skilled big man who scored efficiently from various spots in his first Adriatic League season, earning Rookie of the Year honors.
Weaknesses: With a 6-foot-11 wingspan and a slim build, he struggles to consistently impact the game defensively and on the glass, often appearing a step slow in awareness on both ends.
The verdict: Markovic had a breakout year capped by a strong Nike Hoop Summit showing. His ability to space the floor, rebound defensively, and finish skillfully is promising, but he needs to improve his physicality, basketball IQ, and toughness to succeed at the highest levels. — Givony
41. Golden State Warriors (via Miami) – Rocco Zikarsky, C, Brisbane (Australia)
Strengths: Zikarsky is young (18) with exceptional size, developing skills, and clear defensive potential thanks to his 9-foot-6½ standing reach.
Weaknesses: Despite his size advantage in the paint, he doesn`t move well in space or provide the expected physicality, often seeming a step behind due to lack of awareness.
The verdict: Zikarsky`s second NBL season wasn`t as productive as scouts hoped. While a consistent offensive rebounder, he struggled with scoring efficiency, missing close shots and free throws, dampening optimism about his floor-stretching potential. His shot-altering ability with his length is appealing, but he`s still evolving as a rim protector when not positioned directly under the basket. Nevertheless, his size and youth make him an intriguing long-term prospect for a team with strong player development. — Givony
42. Sacramento Kings (via Chicago) – Koby Brea, SG/SF, Kentucky, super senior
Strengths: Brea has been one of the best shooters in college basketball recently, hitting 47% of his 3-pointers, and possesses solid physical tools.
Weaknesses: Despite being an effective floor spacer, his negative wingspan, average defense, and explosiveness limit his potential as a versatile role player.
The verdict: Following a 50% 3-point shooting season at Dayton, Brea had another excellent shooting year for Kentucky. He`s a standout floor spacer and movement shooter, highly valued in today`s NBA. His ability to contribute beyond shooting will determine how quickly he secures an NBA role. — Givony
43. Washington Wizards (from Utah, via Dallas) – Sion James, SF, Duke, super senior
Strengths: James was essential for Duke with his consistent ball handling, selflessness, defensive versatility, and opportunistic scoring. His strong build added valuable experience and toughness.
Weaknesses: He hasn`t been a prolific scorer, lacking great length and dynamic shot creation. Questions remain about his shooting due to crude mechanics and selective attempts from the perimeter.
The verdict: James filled a role for Duke similar to what he might offer in the NBA: guarding multiple positions, staying active off-ball, and handling the `little things`. Though not exceptionally long, his unique physical profile could benefit a team needing a versatile utility player, especially if his spot-up shooting improves further. — Givony
44. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Atlanta) – Johni Broome, C, Auburn, super senior
Strengths: Broome is a physical and highly productive inside-outside player with good court vision. A Wooden Award finalist, he was a dominant college player at times last season.
Weaknesses: Lacking length and explosiveness, Broome relied on timing and tenacity in college. He might be a situational NBA fit, especially if his unconventional shooting form and 30% career 3-point percentage don`t translate.
The verdict: Broome was exceptionally effective last season. Minor injuries hampered him late, but his scoring, passing, and rebounding instincts were clear. His inconsistent shooting and limited defensive tools complicate his NBA transition, but he`s among the most proven prospects in this draft. — Givony
45. Chicago Bulls (via Sacramento) – Alex Toohey, SF/PF, Sydney (Australia)
Strengths: Toohey is an intelligent, versatile forward whose maturity was evident in the NBL and at the NBA combine.
Weaknesses: He`s only an average athlete. While his shooting has improved, he needs more consistency from three-point range to secure an NBA role.
The verdict: Toohey checks boxes with his feel for the game, consistent effort, length, and defensive anticipation. He possesses sharp basketball instincts but must become a more consistently aggressive and impactful offensive threat to fully utilize them in an NBA role – something he showed progress on last year. — Givony
46. Orlando Magic – Kam Jones, PG/SG, Marquette, senior
Strengths: Jones had an efficient and productive season leading Marquette`s offense, hitting key shots and scoring prolifically on his way to first-team All-Big East honors.
Weaknesses: He isn`t the most explosive guard and his shooting declined in a larger role last season. Questions exist about his defense and ability to efficiently create opportunities in a more constrained role.
The verdict: As a senior, Jones successfully handled lead guard duties, ranking among the nation`s best pick-and-roll creators after playing mostly off-ball previously. His decisiveness stood out, but his streaky outside shooting and moderate defensive impact indicate areas for improvement to prove his game translates to higher competition. — Givony
47. Milwaukee Bucks (via Detroit) – Javon Small, PG, West Virginia, senior
Strengths: Small is a tough, well-rounded guard who displayed strong role-player qualities, carrying an understaffed West Virginia team with his defense and ability to create off the dribble.
Weaknesses: While he maximizes his build, he lacks ideal NBA size, length, or strength.
The verdict: Small had a standout Big 12 season, showing the burst to score and set up teammates for a team that relied heavily on him. Successfully managing this while maintaining defensive energy makes him appealing for teams needing guard depth. His potential to improve his shooting, finishing, and decision-making is key, as he`s not large enough to rely solely on defense. — Givony
48. Memphis Grizzlies (via Golden State) – Micah Peavy, SG/SF, Georgetown, senior
Strengths: Peavy is a versatile wing with solid size, high-level defensive intensity, and made notable improvements in 3-point shooting as a fifth-year senior.
Weaknesses: Peavy`s jumper has unorthodox mechanics, resulting in career percentages of 32% from three and 61% from the line, with lackluster efficiency inside the arc. While his effort translated in college, he lacks great length for the NBA (even wingspan) and turns 24 soon.
The verdict: In his third college stop, Peavy sometimes single-handedly kept Georgetown competitive with assertive, opportunistic scoring. He showed versatility in passing and made more outside shots than expected. His career free throw struggles, occasional questionable decisions, and age are concerns. However, the scarcity of players with his defensive profile will give him chances to prove his game translates. — Givony
49. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Milwaukee) – Vladislav Goldin, C, Michigan, super senior
Strengths: Goldin is a well-built center with excellent size and length whose motor and production made him a key player in multiple NCAA tournament runs.
Weaknesses: Goldin moves well and can finish above the rim when attacking, but he lacks quickness guarding in space and pursuing rebounds. His limited perimeter skills, including passing and shooting range, restrict his versatility. At 24, he`s one of the older prospects.
The verdict: Goldin was effective rolling to the rim and on the offensive glass. His intensity and size at the basket are imposing, even if he`s not the most fluid athlete. While he experimented with a jumper as a fifth-year senior, the 7-foot-5 wingspan center fits a traditional mold. His ability to anchor a defense and consistently rebound is crucial at the next level. — Givony
50. New York Knicks (via Memphis) – Lachlan Olbrich, PF/C, Illawarra
Strengths: Olbrich is a traditional big man with a strong motor and basketball IQ. His improvement helped the Illawarra Hawks win the NBL championship this season.
Weaknesses: Lacking the length for a center (6-foot-11 wingspan) and floor-spacing for a power forward, he`s somewhat stuck between positions without the explosiveness to compensate.
The verdict: Olbrich returned to Australia after a productive freshman year in the Big West. He has developed significantly since, showing excellent passing, strong interior scoring, and the effort and physicality needed defensively. Figuring out how to be a perimeter threat will likely be vital for his NBA prospects given his limited physical defensive tools. — Givony
51. LA Clippers (via Minnesota) – Eric Dixon, PF, Villanova, super senior
Strengths: Dixon is a wide-bodied power forward who had a highly productive season, leading the nation in scoring as a sixth-year senior. He has significantly improved as a shooter.
Weaknesses: His 6-foot-11½ wingspan, average physical attributes, and inconsistent defensive impact are limiting factors.
The verdict: Scoring prolifically from the perimeter at 259 pounds, Dixon transformed from a hesitant shooter into one of the most dynamic shooting bigs in college basketball. His ability to rediscover some earlier career physicality and toughness in rebounding and defense in a smaller NBA role would greatly help him carve out a place. — Givony
52. Phoenix Suns (via Denver) – Alijah Martin, SG, Florida, senior
Strengths: Martin is a strong, explosive wing whose shooting and defensive versatility were key to Florida`s championship run.
Weaknesses: Despite a 6-foot-7½ wingspan, Martin isn`t a strong ball handler or passer for his size. He has been prone to inconsistency from beyond the arc at times.
The verdict: Bouncy, physical, and tough, Martin had several strong two-way games, particularly when his shot was accurate. Playing bigger than his listed height defensively and making impressive plays in space, his physical tools were effective in college. However, he`ll need to become a more reliable shooter or effective playmaker to ease his NBA transition. — Givony
53. Utah Jazz (via LA Clippers) – Amari Williams, C, Kentucky, senior
Strengths: Williams is a British center with an interesting mix of length (7-foot-6 wingspan), rebounding ability, shot-blocking timing, and passing feel.
Weaknesses: He isn`t much of a scorer outside drawing fouls with his size. He has no shooting range, never improved free throw shooting (63% career), and lacks expected defensive versatility. He struggled when forced outside the paint and with awareness/intensity at times.
The verdict: Williams may not be quick making defensive rotations or flipping hips on the perimeter, but he has excellent physical tools and was a top rebounder in his lone Kentucky season. Combined with his passing ability in handoffs and ability to finish above the rim, he`s an interesting situational prospect for some teams. — Givony
54. Indiana Pacers – Dink Pate, SG/SF, Mexico City (G League)
Strengths: Pate, 19, is a swingman with intriguing physical tools and a strong high school background, offering long-term potential.
Weaknesses: Pate is early in his development regarding shooting, defense, decision-making, and consistency. He was miscast as a point guard early and faced challenges as the youngest G League player for two years.
The verdict: Pate had some productive games for Mexico City after a difficult stint with the G League Ignite. He flashed ability to drive, make simple passes, and occasionally shoot well. However, he has much to refine and remains raw. Despite this, his youth and glimpses of potential make him intriguing for teams confident in their development programs. — Givony
55. Los Angeles Lakers – Viktor Lakhin, C, Clemson, super senior
Strengths: Lakhin is a versatile big man and fifth-year senior who significantly improved as a shooter, complementing his interior skills, passing, and defensive timing.
Weaknesses: He isn`t particularly fast or explosive, somewhat stuck between positions. He relied on timing and craft in college, which might not translate easily against better athletes. He`s had several injuries, missing the pre-draft process with a foot ligament tear expected to sideline him for months.
The verdict: Lakhin had a great season, contributing in many ways with his basketball IQ, finishing touch, and defensive maturity. His shooting improvement is notable. Due to a limited sample size, he needs to stay healthy and prove his jumper is consistent to earn a meaningful NBA role. — Givony
56. Memphis Grizzlies (via Houston) – Hunter Sallis, SG, Wake Forest, senior
Strengths: Sallis is a slender guard with a 6-foot-10 wingspan, strong confidence in his pull-up jumper, and solid defensive effort.
Weaknesses: After excellent 3-point shooting previously, he struggled significantly last season (28%), finishing his college career at 33% overall. He isn`t a great shot creator or passer.
The verdict: Sallis didn`t make the expected leap after returning to Wake Forest, playing a high-usage, relatively inefficient role but still impacting games with defensive energy and rebounding. Aspects like his length and versatility are appealing, but improving his physique and consistently making outside shots are crucial for his long-term niche. — Givony
57. Orlando Magic (via Boston) – Kobe Sanders, SG/SF, Nevada, senior
Strengths: Sanders has excellent size for a guard who handled the ball frequently in his lone season at Nevada.
Weaknesses: He has a negative wingspan and possesses average skills overall, which were noticeable defensively and sometimes led to poor shot selection.
The verdict: Sanders had a terrific season as a grad transfer, using his size and pace to create off the dribble. He was a top midrange scorer but needs to improve decision-making and spot-up shooting for his NBA transition. Defensively, he`ll face another learning curve if he doesn`t add more toughness and physicality. — Givony
58. Cleveland Cavaliers – Saliou Niang, SG/SF, Trento (Italy)
Strengths: Niang is a physically gifted wing on an impressive trajectory, emerging to become an impactful player in the Italian League and EuroCup for Trento.
Weaknesses: His offensive profile is limited; he has little shooting range (11 threes in 45 games) and more turnovers than assists.
The verdict: Niang`s defensive versatility, rebounding, and intensity allowed him to contribute against high-level competition despite lacking significant offensive polish. He`ll likely need to develop some shooting range to have an NBA chance, but he has potential given the improvement shown over the past two years. — Givony
59. Houston Rockets (via Oklahoma City) – Ryan Nembhard, PG, Gonzaga, senior
Strengths: Nembhard is a smart point guard who led Division I in assists, vividly demonstrating his playmaking vision in G League and NBA combine scrimmages.
Weaknesses: Standing 6-foot in shoes, he lacks ideal size, strength, length, and explosiveness, limiting him as an interior finisher and defensively.
The verdict: Nembhard may be physically behind, but he`s likely the most established floor general in this draft. His impressive 3.9 assist-to-turnover ratio and ability to pass teammates open were consistent highlights. His distribution skills alone should secure him an NBA niche, but becoming more than an opportunistic shooter could solidify his standing. — Givony
