2025 NBA Mock Draft 1.0: Projecting First Round of anticipated class

As the calendar flips to 2025, the attention paid to college basketball increases from fans and scouts alike, with eyes on which top players could develop into future NBA Draft picks. The new year also provides a new look at how those prospects stack up.

The NBA mock draft will shift throughout the year leading up to June, when Adam Silver announces the first pick. Not only will players change their stock on the court, but NBA standings and trades will shift the order before the lottery sets things in stone.

Entering 2025, here is the latest projections for what the 2025 NBA Draft could look like, with first round selections based on current standings and team needs.

1. New Orleans Pelicans: Cooper Flagg, Duke

Long considered the top prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft class, Cooper Flagg has not solidified himself as the de-facto answer yet. However, he is well on his way while developing skills which promise to translate quickly across levels.

Read more on Cooper Flagg here.

2. Washington Wizards: Dylan Harper, Rutgers

Dylan Harper has surpassed his college teammates over the past months due to his consistency and ability to make plays for himself and others offensively. This race is far from finished, not just between the Rutgers players, but among the Top Six prospects.

3. Charlotte Hornets: Ace Bailey, Rutgers

While his flaws have come on display early at Rutgers, it is hard to pass up the pure shooting Ace Bailey offers from all levels of the court. He also features all the tools needed to unlock growth across his game.

Read more on Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey here.

4. Utah Jazz: Egor Demin, BYU

Egor Demin has seen his draft stock rise since arriving to play college basketball. His ability to continue shooting well will ultimately determine whether he can burst into the conversation for the top pick.

5. Toronto Raptors: Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois

After coming to Illinois from overseas, Kasparas Jakucionis has proven why the NBA has interest in drafting him early by impacting every aspect of the game in his freshman season with a Top 25 program.

6. Portland Trail Blazers: VJ Edgecombe, Baylor

VJ Edgecombe entered the year with plenty momentum but struggled to find consistency in the non-conference schedule at Baylor. A recent run which has featured improved shooting opens the door for him to rush back into the conversation atop the draft class.

7. Brooklyn Nets: Tre Johnson, Texas

Tre Johnson broke into college basketball with high expectations, delivering with big performance on the offensive end. With room to round out his game, he is another player capable of climbing a tier during conference play.

8. Oklahoma City Thunder*: Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina

While is not the flashiest player in the 2025 NBA Draft class, Collin Murray-Boyles is one of the most well-rounded contributors in college basketball and leads South Carolina in many categories. The development of a 3-point shot stands between him and a bigger rise.

9. Sacramento Kings: Ben Saraf, Israel

Ben Saraf is an intriguing NBA Draft prospect who broke out during international competition in the summer and has since backed it up with his impact in a professional league.

10. Chicago Bulls: Liam McNeely, UConn

Liam McNeely offers a high floor based on his perimeter shooting, with a chance to showcase rapidly improving intangibles with UConn throughout the rest of the season. How he holds up on defense and develops the rest of his offensive package will impact NBA Draft stock.

11. Detroit Pistons: Kon Knueppel, Duke

The shooting ability of Kon Knueppel gives him a platform to build out the rest of his skillset, making him a valuable piece in any professional system requiring more space on the floor.

Read more on Kon Knueppel here.

12. Houston Rockets*: Khaman Maluach, Duke

The draft stock for Khaman Maluach has been difficult to gauge at times, as has become the case for many centers balancing the best way to impact college basketball while keeping an eye on their NBA Draft stock.

13. Golden State Warriors: Alex Karaban, UConn

A beacon for consistently good play, Alex Karaban promises to be a favorite of teams looking for a quick turnaround or players to fit with veterans stars ready to contend at a high level.

14. San Antonio Spurs: Nolan Traore, France

Another summer star on the international scene, Nolan Traore has not had the regular season success translate to a professional league yet. While he previously looked like a top pick, his form must improve to return there.

Picks 15-30

15. Indiana Pacers: Asa Newell, Georgia
16. Utah Jazz*: Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma
17. San Antonio Spurs*: Derick Queen, Maryland
18. Oklahoma City Thunder*: Adou Thiero, Arkansas
19. Brooklyn Nets*: JT Toppin, Texas Tech
20. Oklahoma City Thunder*: Boogie Fland, Arkansas
21. Orlando Magic: Ian Jackson, North Carolina
22. Atlanta Hawks*: Hugo Gonzalez, Spain
23. Dallas Mavericks: Jase Richardson, Michigan State
24. Orlando Magic*: Rocco Zikarsky, Australia
25. Brooklyn Nets*: Jaland Lowe, Pittsburgh
26. Memphis Grizzlies: Labaron Philon, Alabama
27. Brooklyn Nets*: Dink Pate, NBA G-League
28. Boston Celtics: Johni Broome, Auburn
29. Los Angeles Clippers*: Rasheer Fleming, St. Joseph’s
30. Utah Jazz*: Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton

Read more on the following prospects: Johni Broome, Jeremiah Fears, more.