2025 Mock NBA Draft: Where Will Cooper Flagg Land?

The 2025 NBA Draft is shaping up to be the Cooper Flagg Sweepstakes, and for good reason. The 6’9″ forward out of Duke is a defensive menace, an elite shot-blocker, and a polished offensive weapon with shades of Jayson Tatum and a competitive fire reminiscent of Kevin Garnett.

Flagg is the consensus No. 1 pick and the kind of talent that can instantly change the trajectory of a franchise. He held averages of 19.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game for Duke this season, and became the first ACC player with 500+ points, 100+ assists, and 30 blocks in the regular season in the last 25 years. Whoever gets the No. 1 overall pick will almost certainly draft Flagg.

But the 2025 Draft also has some more interesting prospects, namely Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, two talented youngsters with very high ceilings. Let’s create what we imagine the 2025 Mock Draft could look like in the first round.

1. Washington Wizards – Cooper Flagg (PF)

Stats – 19.4 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.5 SPG, 1.3 BPG

College/Team – Duke

Age – 18 Years Old

Size – 6’9’’, 205 lbs

NBA Comparison – Jayson Tatum

With the Wizards stuck in the basement of the NBA standings, the hope is that Cooper Flagg can be the franchise-changing piece they’ve been waiting for. The Duke star has been nothing short of dominant, stuffing stat sheets and rewriting freshman record books.

His impact on both ends of the floor is undeniable—whether it’s swatting shots into the third row or knocking down smooth jumpers in transition. He’s drawn comparisons to Jayson Tatum and Kevin Garnett, but Flagg’s rapid development as a creator and shot-maker suggests he might have an even higher ceiling. The Wizards can’t afford to overthink this one—Flagg is the guy.

2. Utah Jazz – Dylan Harper (PG/SG)

Stats – 19.2 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.5 BPG

College/Team – Rutgers

Age – 19 Years Old

Size – 6’6’’, 215 lbs

NBA Comparison – Cade Cunningham

Utah is in desperate need of a dynamic ball-handler, and Dylan Harper checks all the boxes. He’s a nightmare for defenders, using his strength, quick first step, and elite finishing ability to carve up defenses.

The three-point shot is still a work in progress, but his ability to control the pace of a game and take over in clutch moments makes him a high-upside play for the Jazz. Harper isn’t just an isolation scorer—his improved playmaking and defensive instincts have him locked in as one of the best all-around guards in the draft.

3. Charlotte Hornets – Ace Bailey (SF)

Stats – 18.1 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.9 BPG

College/Team – Rutgers

Age – 18 Years Old

Size – 6’10’’, 200 lbs

NBA Comparison – Paul George

Ace Bailey is the kind of big-wing scorer NBA teams dream about. At 6’10’’, he has the size and fluidity to get his shot off over almost anyone, and his shooting touch extends beyond the arc. The concerns?

He’s still developing as a passer, and his ball-handling can get a little loose under pressure. But the talent is undeniable—Bailey is a walking bucket with a defensive upside. If he rounds out his game, the Charlotte Hornets might have found their long-term co-star next to LaMelo Ball.

4. New Orleans Pelicans – V.J. Edgecombe (SG)

Stats – 15.0 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 3.3 APG, 2.1 SPG, 0.6 BPG

College/Team – Baylor

Age – 19 Years Old

Size – 6’5’’, 180 lbs

NBA Comparison – Russell Westbrook

Explosive. That’s the best way to describe VJ Edgecombe. He plays with an energy that jumps off the screen, combining elite athleticism with defensive tenacity and a growing offensive game. 

He’s not just a dunker—his improving three-point shot and ability to create off the dribble make him an intriguing two-way prospect. The Pelicans need more firepower on the wing, and Edgecombe has the tools to thrive in that role from day one, especially if Zion Williamson gets traded this summer.

5. Toronto Raptors – Tre Johnson (SG)

Stats – 20.2 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 2.8 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG

College/Team – Texas

Age – 19 Years Old

Size – 6’6’’, 190 lbs

NBA Comparison – Cam Thomas

Tre Johnson is wired to score. Whether it’s a smooth pull-up jumper, a crafty finish at the rim, or a deep three, he makes putting the ball in the basket look effortless.

Some scouts wonder if his lack of rim pressure limits his upside, but his polished shot-making and ability to handle the ball in secondary playmaking situations make him a safe bet for NBA success. For a Raptors team looking for more offensive firepower, Johnson is a no-brainer.

6. Brooklyn Nets – Boogie Fland (PG)

Stats – 15.1 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 5.7 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.1 BPG

College/Team – Arkansas

Age – 18

Size – 6’2″, 175 lbs

NBA Comparison – Rob Dillingham

A thumb injury cut Boogie Fland’s season short, but the flashes of dynamic shot creation and playmaking were enough to keep him in the first-round conversation. There are doubts about his athleticism and verticality, however.

But what he lacks in size and vertical pop, he makes up for with elite shooting touch, craftiness, and a strong assist-to-turnover ratio. If he can carve out a role as a bench spark plug for the Brooklyn Nets, this pick will look like a steal in a few years.

7. Philadelphia 76ers – Asa Newell (PF)

Stats – 15.1 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 0.9 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.0 BPG

College/Team – Georgia

Age – 19

Size – 6’11”, 220 lbs

NBA Comparison – Jonathan Isaac

With the Philadelphia 76ers tanking this season away, teams looking to trade up will have their eyes on this pick. Regardless, Asa Newell is a name that should intrigue front offices within the top 10. A mobile 6’11” big with a developing outside shot and the ability to guard multiple positions, he brings a highly valuable skill set to the modern NBA.

His knack for finding easy buckets—whether through smart cuts, timely putbacks, or post seals—makes him an instant offensive contributor. If he continues to expand his shooting range, Newell has a path to becoming a serious two-way weapon.

8. Chicago Bulls – Jase Richardson (SG)

Stats – 14.9 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.2 BPG

College/Team – Michigan State

Age – 19 Years Old

Size – 6’3’’, 185 lbs

NBA Comparison – Cason Wallace

Jase Richardson is one of the most efficient scorers in this draft. He thrives in pick-and-roll situations, has elite touch around the rim, and knocks down jumpers at a high clip. The concern?

At 6’3’’, he’s more of a shooting guard than a point guard, and he’ll need to improve his playmaking. But in today’s NBA, dynamic scoring guards always find a role, and the Chicago Bulls would love to have another talented guard as they possibly look to move Zach LaVine. 

9. San Antonio Spurs – Kasparas Jakucionis (PG/SG)

Stats – 15.2 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 4.8 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.3 BPG

College/Team – Illinois

Age – 18 Years Old

Size – 6’6’’, 200 lbs

NBA Comparison – Mark Price

Kasparas Jakucionis has the skill and feel of a seasoned veteran. He’s a high-IQ playmaker with great size for a lead guard, and while he lacks elite burst, he compensates with crafty ball-handling and shot-making.

Some teams will question his ability to create separation, but the Spurs could see him as the perfect backcourt partner for De’Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama. There is always a slight risk in choosing international players who aren’t centers, but this guard could have the tools to be effective.

10. Portland Trail Blazers – Kon Knueppel (SG/SF)

Stats – 13.7 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2.5 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG

College/Team – Duke

Age – 19 Years Old

Size – 6’6’’, 217 lbs

NBA Comparison – Jared Dudley

Kon Knueppel is a pure shooter with deep range and a lightning-quick release. He’s also a smart cutter and solid secondary ball-handler, making him an ideal plug-and-play wing.

While he’s not a dynamic shot-creator, his ability to space the floor and make the right plays will be valuable in any system—especially for a young Trail Blazers team building around Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe.

11. Miami Heat – Jeremiah Fears (PG)

Stats – 16.3 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.1 BPG

College/Team – Oklahoma

Age – 18

Size – 6’4″, 182 lbs

NBA Comparison – Scoot Henderson

Jeremiah Fears is still ironing out the kinks in his jumper, but that hasn’t stopped him from putting up big-time scoring performances. His 31-point explosion against Missouri was a loud reminder of just how dangerous he can be when he gets downhill.

His elite handle and quick first step allow him to carve through defenses, putting relentless pressure on the rim. NBA teams including the Miami Heat looking for a dynamic shot-creator will see the upside, even if his three-point shot remains a work in progress.

12. Detroit Pistons – Derik Queen (C)

Stats – 15.7 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.0 BPG

College/Team – Maryland

Age – 20 Years Old

Size – 6’10’’, 246 lbs

NBA Comparison – Diamond Stone

Derik Queen is one of the most skilled big men in this class. He’s a bruiser in the post with a soft touch and a surprisingly crafty handle for his size. His numbers are more than solid and there is plenty of room for him to grow.

His passing ability sets him apart from traditional low-post scorers, but questions remain about his defense and floor-spacing at the next level. That said, the Detroit Pistons need more interior scoring and playmaking, and Queen fits the bill.

13. Dallas Mavericks – Collin Murray-Boyles (PF)

Stats – 16.7 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.5 SPG, 1.4 BPG

College/Team– South Carolina

Age – 19

Size – 6’7″, 245 lbs

NBA Comparison – Julius Randle

Collin Murray-Boyles brings a bruising, throwback style of play that still works in today’s NBA. His combination of strength, footwork, and soft touch around the basket makes him a mismatch nightmare.

The outside shot is a major question mark, but he’s such a crafty interior scorer and playmaker that he may not need it to carve out a role. The Mavericks need to keep stockpiling tough players who can score inside and Murray-Boyles is an easy choice for them.

14. Atlanta Hawks – Liam McNeeley (SF/PF)

Stats – 14.7 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 2.5 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.3 BPG

College/Team – Connecticut

Age – 19

Size – 6’7″, 210 lbs

NBA Comparison – Keegan Murray

Liam McNeeley might not have superstar potential, but he’s a plug-and-play wing who fits seamlessly into an NBA rotation. His catch-and-shoot ability, smart decision-making, and off-ball movement make him an ideal complementary piece. 

The athletic limitations are real, and he’ll need to improve his pull-up game to be a true offensive threat. But his polished scoring skill set and high IQ make him a safe bet to contribute early and he could join a core of Zaccharie Risacher, Dyson Daniels, and Jalen Johnson. 

15. Orlando Magic – Ben Saraf (PG/SG)

Stats – 12.8 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 4.6 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.1 BPG

College/Team – Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)

Age – 18

Size – 6’5″, 201 lbs

NBA Comparison – Manu Ginobili

Ben Saraf has been a revelation for Ulm, impressing scouts with his elite craft and feel for the game. His ball-handling, change of pace, and mid-range scoring are already at an advanced level.

While his three-point shot remains inconsistent and his athleticism isn’t elite, his creativity and high-level passing make him an enticing prospect. He may not have the physical tools of some other guards, but his instincts and basketball IQ are special and the Orlando Magic could definitely utilize him for some offensive firepower. 

16. San Antonio Spurs – Noa Essengue (PF)

Stats – 12.4 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 1.1 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.6 BPG

College/Team – Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)

Age – 18

Size – 6’9″, 198 lbs

NBA Comparison – Precious Achiuwa

Noa Essengue knows exactly who he is—a high-energy, rim-running forward who thrives on hustle plays and defensive activity. His ability to finish in transition, crash the boards, and provide weak-side rim protection makes him a low-maintenance asset.

While he isn’t a natural shot creator, he’s flashed some three-point range, which could be the key to unlocking his upside. How Essengue develops will also depend on where he lands because he will need time to get to where he needs to be.

17. Oklahoma City Thunder – Noah Penda (SF)

Stats – 10.0 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG

College/Team – Le Mans (France)

Age – 20

Size – 6’8″, 225 lbs

NBA Comparison – Nicolas Batum

Noah Penda is the type of versatile wing that every NBA team covets. He doesn’t need to dominate the ball to impact the game—he’s a smart passer, a solid shooter, and a strong positional defender. 

He won’t be a primary scorer, but his ability to stretch the floor, move the ball, and guard multiple positions makes him an easy fit in a modern NBA lineup. The OKC Thunder will likely see a swingman as a player who can shore up their depth in the 2025-26 season. 

18. Minnesota Timberwolves – Nolan Traore (PG)

Stats – 10.8 PPG, 1.7 RPG, 5.1 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.7 BPG

College/Team – Saint Quentin (France)

Age – 18

Size – 6’4″, 184 lbs

NBA Comparison – Lonzo Ball

Nolan Traore is a pass-first point guard with an elite feel for the game. His ability to read the floor and make the right play has scouts intrigued, though his shooting remains a big question mark.

If he can refine his jumper, he has a clear pathway to becoming a starting-caliber NBA guard. What remains to be seen if Traore can get to that next level as an all-around player because there are holes in his game that need to be filled.

19. Utah Jazz – Egor Demin (PG)

Stats – 10.8 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 5.6 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.4 BPG

College/Team – BYU

Age – 19

Size – 6’9″, 190 lbs

NBA Comparison – Josh Giddey

At 6’9″, Egor Demin’s playmaking ability is his biggest selling point. While his shooting has been inconsistent (27.6% 3-PT FG), teams will see the value in his ability to run an offense.

If his scoring efficiency improves, he has the potential to be a unique offensive weapon. If the Jazz end up with Demin, he could have a chance to compete with Keyonte George and Isiaha Collier for the starting point guard position in due time.

20. Miami Heat – Will Riley (SF)

Stats – 12.2 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 2.3 APG, 0.3 SPG, 0.3 BPG

College/Team – Illinois

Age – 19

Size – 6’8″, 180 lbs

NBA Comparison – Evan Fournier

Will Riley has been turning heads with his shotmaking and improved playmaking. His offensive game continues to evolve, but his defensive concerns and negative wingspan may limit his ceiling.

That said, his ability to create his own shot and stretch the floor makes him a worthwhile project. Similar to Evan Fournier, Riley is a natural jump shooter and he could form a nice role on the team that ends up with him, including the Miami Heat who always find gems one way or another.

21. Indiana Pacers – Thomas Sorber (C)

Stats – 14.5 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.5 SPG, 2.0 BPG

College/Team – Georgetown

Age – 19

Size – 6’10”, 255 lbs

NBA Comparison – Onyeka Okongwu

A foot injury ended Thomas Sorber’s season early, leaving scouts to wonder if he’ll declare or return to Georgetown for another year of development. But even in just 24 games, he showcased a strong interior presence, solid post moves, and excellent passing for a big man.

The defensive instincts are there, too, making him an intriguing fit for teams looking for a modern, mobile center. Had he knocked down more threes, he’d be in serious lottery discussions.

22. Brooklyn Nets – Carter Bryant (SF)

Stats – 6.4 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 1.1 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.0 BPG

College/Team – Arizona

Age – 19

Size – 6’8″, 220 lbs

NBA Comparison – Marcus Morris

Carter Bryant isn’t a player who needs the ball in his hands to make an impact. Even in limited opportunities at Arizona, he’s demonstrated positional versatility, a smooth shooting stroke, and high-level defensive play.

Much like a young Marcus Morris, he fits the mold of a modern 3-and-D wing with room to grow as a playmaker, making him an easy selection for Brooklyn if he does fall to them. We don’t expect Bryant to fall outside of the first round.

23. Brooklyn Nets – Rasheer Fleming (PF)

Stats – 15.5 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 1.4 APG, 1.5 SPG, 1.6 BPG

College/Team – Saint Joseph’s

Age – 20

Size – 6’9″, 240 lbs

NBA Comparison – Taylor Hendricks

Stretch bigs who can also defend the rim don’t last long on draft boards, and Rasheer Fleming’s stock has been rising for good reason. He’s the only player in College/Teambasketball with 50+ dunks and 50+ threes, a testament to his rare blend of size, athleticism, and perimeter shooting.

Add in 1.6 blocks and 1.5 steals per game, and it’s easy to see why scouts view him as a plug-and-play forward at the next level. If his three-point shot holds up, he’ll be a steal in this range.

24. Washington Wizards – Isaiah Evans (SF)

Stats – 7.7 PPG, 1.2 RPG, 0.5 APG, 0.1 SPG, 0.1 BPG

College/Team – Duke

Age – 19

Size – 6’6″, 175 lbs

NBA Comparison – AJ Griffin

Isaiah Evans doesn’t need the ball in his hands to be dangerous. His off-ball movement and polished shooting mechanics make him one of the more intriguing specialists in this draft.

Nearly all of his offense has come from spot-ups, transition, and running off screens, and he’s embraced his role as a floor-spacer. While he may have put up bigger numbers in a different situation, his discipline and shot selection at Duke have made him an easy player for scouts to notice.

25. Oklahoma City Thunder – Khaman Maluach (C)

Stats – 8.0 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 0.5 APG, 0.2 SPG, 1.1 BPG

College/Team – Duke

Age – 18 Years Old

Size – 7’2’’, 250 lbs

NBA Comparison – Kristaps Porzingis

Khaman Maluach is a physical force. At 7’2’’ with a ridiculous wingspan, he protects the rim, finishes lobs, and runs the floor better than most bigs his size.

He’s still developing as a shooter and post-scorer, but his defensive potential alone makes him a top-10 pick. For OKC, adding a dominant interior presence next to Chet Holmgren could be the missing piece to their frontcourt.

26. Atlanta Hawks – Kameron Jones (PG/SG)

Stats – 18.9 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 6.1 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.3 BPG

College/Team – Marquette

Age – 23

Size – 6’5″, 205 lbs

NBA Comparison – Malik Monk

Kam Jones has been on a tear, and his 32-point performance against St. John’s only solidified his status as a first-round talent. He’s an elite shotmaker with improved playmaking skills, which has given teams confidence in his ability to run an offense.

He may not be a traditional point guard, but his ability to create for himself and others makes him a valuable weapon for any backcourt. Expect the Hawks to not hesitate to draft him if he falls to them at the bottom of the first round.

27. Orlando Magic – Nique Clifford (SF/PF)

Stats – 18.4 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 4.4 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.6 BPG

College/Team – Colorado State

Age – 23

Size – 6’6″, 200 lbs

NBA Comparison – Cody Martin

Nique Clifford is one of the most versatile wings in the draft, capable of scoring at all three levels, defending multiple positions, and making plays for others. His 36-point outburst against Boise State showcased his ability to take over a game.

However, it’s his Swiss Army knife skill set that makes him appealing to NBA teams. With the right development, he could become a high-level role player in a playoff rotation.

28. Boston Celtics: Hugo Gonzalez Pena (SG/SF)

Stats – 4.9 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 0.9 APG, 0.3 SPG, 0.4 BPG

College/Team – Real Madrid (Spain)

Age – 19

Size – 6’7″

NBA Comparison – Derrick White

Hugo Gonzalez hasn’t had the chance to showcase his full game with Real Madrid, but his performances in international competition tell a different story. He has NBA wing size, defensive upside, and flashes of shotmaking ability.

Still, the lack of production this season could scare off some teams. Boston bets on his upside here, hoping his tools translate with more development.

29. Phoenix Suns – Johni Broome (PF)

Stats – 18.6 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 3.3 APG, 0.8 SPG, 2.4 BPG

College/Team – Auburn

Age – 22

Size – 6’10”, 240 lbs

NBA Comparison – Markieff Morris

Johni Broome is the classic case of an older prospect getting overlooked despite elite production. He’s averaging 18.6 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks which are very impressive numbers.

His finishing, rebounding, and defensive instincts are NBA-ready, and if his outside shot continues to improve, he could be one of the steals of the draft.

30. Los Angeles Clippers – Danny Wolf (C)

Stats – 12.9 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 3.7 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.4 BPG

College/Team – Michigan

Age – 20

Size – 7’0″, 250 lbs

NBA Comparison – Moritz Wagner

Is Danny Wolf a stretch big or a jumbo playmaking forward? Scouts are still figuring that out, but his ability to handle the ball, pass, and shoot off the dribble makes him one of the more unique prospects in the class.

He’s averaging 9.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.4 blocks while showing a solid touch around the rim. If he can improve his three-point consistency, he’ll be a valuable addition to any roster.