2025 NBA mock draft: Pick predictions off trades, new intel

The 2025 NBA Finals are within the rearview; NBA draft day is right here; and the intrigue continues to swirl behind the scenes. Duke’s Cooper Flagg and Rutgers’ Dylan Harper are anticipated to come back off the board at No. 1 and No. 2 to the Dallas Mavericks and the San Antonio Spurs, respectively. After that, the image is much less clear.

Forward of the two-day draft, which begins Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET (on ABC, ESPN and the ESPN App) at Barclays Middle in Brooklyn, New York, the Philadelphia 76ers maintain the keys to the beginning of the draft at No. 3 with VJ Edgecombe the presumptive favourite and Ace Bailey doubtlessly falling down the board.

Trade talks proceed behind the scenes as NBA groups huddle this week, together with a three-team trade agreement with the Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets Tuesday evening that noticed the Celtics ship middle Kristaps Porzingis and a second-round choose to the Hawks, whereas Terance Mann and Atlanta’s No. 22 choose headed to the Nets, and eventually, Georges Niang and a second-rounder landed with the Celtics, sources instructed ESPN’s Shams Charania.

ESPN draft analysts Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo will probably be monitoring information and crew and participant info till the Mavericks go on the clock Wednesday, with this model of the mock draft present process updates till draft time, primarily based on our newest intel.

Final up to date: Wednesday at 6:36 a.m. ET, with 22 adjustments all through.

Through the draft: Follow ESPN’s live NBA Draftcast with instant analysis

Notes: The New York Knicks‘ second-round choose was rescinded by the NBA after an investigation into Jalen Brunson‘s free agency signing in the summertime of 2022. … All heights are listed because the barefoot numbers from the NBA.

Extra NBA draft protection:
Trade offers for No. 1 | Lottery pick comps
Final big board for 100 prospects | Top 20 skills
Draft guide | Pelton’s top 30 | More

First spherical

Cooper Flagg, SF/PF, Duke
Freshman | TS%: 60.0

Top with out footwear: 6-7¾ | Weight: 221
Standing attain: 8-10½ | Wingspan: 7-0

Flagg made his method to Dallas this week for a go to along with his projected new crew, touring the town and crew amenities, holding an on-court exercise and leaving a robust impression on Mavericks brass all through. There proceed to be no secrets and techniques round what to anticipate right here: Dallas might need caught an all-time lottery break in leaping its odds from No. 11 to land the No. 1 choose.

Set to make his NBA debut at 18 years previous, Flagg will probably be positioned to make a direct influence for a Mavericks franchise that intends to be aggressive in 2025-26. Dallas will hope that strolling into what figures to be a profitable scenario will assist fast-track his progress much more, because the crew has a playmaking void on the outset of subsequent season with Kyrie Irving recovering from an ACL tear. The league will probably be watching what kind of influence Flagg can present instantly, along with his versatile two-way talent set offering a robust place to begin as he begins his skilled profession with excessive expectations. — Woo

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See why Cooper Flagg is the No. 1 prospect within the NBA draft

Try the perfect performs from Duke freshman Cooper Flagg forward of the 2025 NBA draft.

Dylan Harper, PG/SG, Rutgers
Freshman | TS%: 59.3

Top with out footwear: 6-4½ | Weight: 213
Standing attain: 8-6 | Wingspan: 6-10½

Harper is all however assured to listen to his title known as with the No. 2 choose, with rival groups saying the Spurs have proven zero curiosity in participating in commerce conversations. The franchise is taking a affected person method to constructing out its roster round Victor Wembanyama, viewing Harper as one other cornerstone. Harper has visited the Spurs in San Antonio, and hosted the entrance workplace privately, showing to have appreciable enthusiasm for becoming a member of the storied franchise because it appears to return to championship rivalry.

The 19-year-old’s mixture of measurement, shot-creating prowess, passing creativity, ending talent and scoring instincts makes him the kind of lead guard and offensive engine that’s coveted in immediately’s NBA, as his robust body seems well-suited for taking part in by way of the bodily demanding vigor required within the playoffs. The problem of buying a lot of these gamers has made the Spurs reluctant to move on the chance so as to add Harper. — Givony

VJ Edgecombe, SG, Baylor
Freshman | TS%: 56.1

Top with out footwear: 6-4 | Weight: 193
Standing attain: 8-5½ | Wingspan: 6-7½

Edgecombe seems in pole place to listen to his title known as at No. 3 due to his distinctive expertise, but additionally as a result of Ace Bailey‘s clear determination to avoid teams in this range places the 76ers in a tough place, doubtlessly deciding on somebody who clearly doesn’t need to play for them.

Whereas sources say Edgecombe appeared nervous throughout his personal exercise in Philadelphia and didn’t shoot the ball notably properly in an unnatural one-on-one setting, he made a robust impression in interviews and conferences, one thing the entrance workplace values extra extremely.

As with Harper in San Antonio, Edgecombe’s slot in Philadelphia’s backcourt with Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain would not look like seamless. Nonetheless, there’s vital upside to faucet into with the high-level explosiveness Edgecombe possesses, in addition to the flashes he has proven as a passer, shooter and defender. — Givony

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VJ Edgecombe’s high-flying sport is prepared for the following stage

Try highlights from Baylor freshman VJ Edgecombe forward of the 2025 NBA draft.

Kon Knueppel, SG/SF, Duke
Freshman | TS%: 64.8

Top with out footwear: 6-5 | Weight: 219
Standing attain: 8-5½ | Wingspan: 6-6¼

Ought to Edgecombe (whom the Hornets are mentioned to be excessive on) come off the board at No. 3, Charlotte will probably be selecting between trade-down eventualities or choosing amongst Knueppel, Jeremiah Fears, Bailey and Tre Johnson. The truth that Fears and Bailey haven’t labored out for the Hornets would not look like a major hindrance of their decision-making course of.

Rival groups imagine the Hornets will in the end prioritize Knueppel’s robust perimeter taking pictures, playmaking and management expertise, in addition to his robust match with the likes of LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. The Hornets could be going for a safer possibility in Knueppel after swinging for the fences with Tidjane Salaun in final 12 months’s draft at No. 6.

Knueppel charges properly in analytics-based draft fashions, however the Hornets may ponder whether or not they might nonetheless add him in the event that they elect to maneuver down a number of slots and purchase extra belongings within the course of. — Givony

Jeremiah Fears, PG, Oklahoma
Freshman | TS%: 57.0

Top with out footwear: 6-2½ | Weight: 179
Standing attain: 8-2½ | Wingspan: 6-5¼

Below new leadership in Austin Ainge, it is unlikely the Jazz will probably be married to earlier draft picks who’ve but to indicate they’re surefire long-term keepers.

With star energy being a major want for the Jazz, it is sensible to make the leap on a expertise equivalent to Fears, who had an excellent season at Oklahoma regardless of being one of many youngest gamers in faculty basketball at 18 years previous. His mixture of measurement, velocity, tempo, shotmaking and shot creation offers him vital long-term upside, as he can get wherever on the ground to create for teammates whereas dishing on the transfer, end skillfully within the lane or draw fouls.

The Jazz received their first take a look at Fears in a non-public one-on-zero exercise Thursday. He’s additionally mentioned to be drawing appreciable curiosity from New Orleans and Brooklyn at No. 7 and No. 8 ought to he not hear his title known as right here, with the Hornets at No. 4 additionally not ruling out choosing him regardless of already having a place to begin guard on the roster in LaMelo Ball. — Givony

Ace Bailey, SG/SF, Rutgers
Freshman | TS%: 54.0

Top with out footwear: 6-7½ | Weight: 202
Standing attain: 8-11 | Wingspan: 7-0½

Bailey, the No. 3 prospect on our big board, is the one U.S. prospect who has yet to visit an NBA team facility, persevering with to say no exercise invitations from Philadelphia, Charlotte and Utah, and seemingly preferring the group of groups ranked outdoors the highest 5, particularly Washington, New Orleans and Brooklyn at No. 6-8. Any such slide might price him $10 million to $15 million if it occurs.

Bailey’s camp states they “really feel assured going into the draft course of,” which most NBA groups interpret as which means he has acquired assurances of being chosen by a crew thought-about extra advantageous to Bailey in the long run, contemplating elements equivalent to geography, minutes, function, alternative and growth.

Nevertheless, this isn’t an unprecedented scenario. Simply final 12 months, Alex Sarr appeared to discourage Atlanta from contemplating him with the No. 1 choose, in the end dropping to Washington at No. 2 as he had hoped.

Regardless of the detrimental publicity this transfer has generated, rival brokers are intently monitoring Bailey’s technique, recognizing the clear advantages of guiding shoppers to extra favorable conditions with an eye fixed on maximizing long-term incomes potential. Bailey might doubtlessly recoup the cash he loses in his first contract with a a lot bigger second contract, particularly if he achieves his very excessive ceiling as an All-Star-caliber shotmaking wing. — Givony

Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
Freshman | TS%: 74.7

Top with out footwear: 7-0¾ | Weight: 252
Standing attain: 9-6 | Wingspan: 7-6¾

Rival groups proceed to wonder if the Pelicans may look to maneuver up the board for Bailey, but when each he and Fears are off the board, Maluach seems firmly in consideration right here. Additionally seen as an possibility for the Nets at No. 8, Maluach is taken into account by some groups because the most certainly among the many second-tier gamers within the No. 3-8 vary to expertise a slight drop if a shocking prospect disrupts this a part of the draft, although maybe just a few slots down the board.

Maluach fills a transparent want that many groups are in search of: He is a real middle who can function a defensive anchor within the paint and has vital potential for progress bodily and skillwise. He performs with super depth and is beloved by coaches and teammates due to his off-court intangibles.

His means to guard the rim, cowl floor in a wide range of pick-and-roll schemes, and supply vertical spacing as a curler and cutter, whereas sprinting aggressively in transition, will enchantment to any crew searching for a middle to construct round in the long run. — Givony

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The highlights that make Khaman Maluach an thrilling NBA prospect

Try the highest performs from Duke freshman Khaman Maluach forward of the 2025 NBA draft.

Tre Johnson, SG, Texas
Freshman | TS%: 56.1

Top with out footwear: 6-4¾ | Weight: 190
Standing attain: 8-5 | Wingspan: 6-10¼

Johnson has been considered by many groups as having a considerably slender band of touchdown spots, between picks No. 4 and No. 6, however there are life like eventualities equivalent to this one the place he slips out of that group.

Right here, Fears strikes into the highest 5, Bailey makes it to what seems to be a possible touchdown spot in Washington and Johnson slides to No. 8.

Although this is able to be a slight fall for Johnson, most across the league could be stunned to see him get previous this spot. He stays a part of a mushy consensus group of gamers within the vary of No. 3-8, and would have a robust argument as the perfect obtainable participant for the Nets. Brooklyn now holds 5 picks within the first spherical after picking up No. 22 from the Hawks within the three-team deal involving Kristaps Porzingis.

Count on Brooklyn to stay extremely energetic within the subsequent 24 hours, contemplating its wealth of capital to maneuver round within the draft. — Woo

Noa Essengue, PF, Ratiopharm Ulm
Germany | TS%: 61.1

Top with out footwear: 6-10 | Weight: 204
Standing attain: 9-2 | Wingspan: 7-1

Essengue’s predraft formally began Sunday when he departed Ulm following Recreation 3 of the German league playoffs, touchdown in Toronto for a secret personal exercise earlier than flying to New York Metropolis for the inexperienced room members’ media day. He’s additionally anticipated to fulfill with the Nets whereas in New York Metropolis, and has picked up vital curiosity from the Suns, who might very properly choose him ought to he fall to No. 10.

Essengue’s size, mobility and defensive versatility would definitely match the Raptors’ DNA, even when his inconsistent perimeter taking pictures would create some challenges in spacing the ground successfully for the likes of Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram. His youth, instruments, two-way instincts and speedy price of enchancment this season counsel a excessive ceiling that some groups on this a part of the draft might absolutely need to faucet into. — Givony

Carter Bryant, SF/PF, Arizona
Freshman | TS%: 59.9

Top with out footwear: 6-6½ | Weight: 214
Standing attain: 8-10 | Wingspan: 6-11¾

Bryant has had a constructive predraft course of and seems ticketed for the late lottery, with curiosity coming from Phoenix following the Suns’ trade into the No. 10 spot, plus Toronto at No. 9 and Atlanta at No. 13 intently linked as touchdown spots.

The remainder of the league has been working to get a learn on the Suns since they moved into this slot Sunday by sending Kevin Durant to the Rockets. With three high-usage scorers in Devin Booker, Bradley Beal and now Jalen Green becoming a member of the crew, some rival groups anticipate Phoenix will goal a defense-minded frontcourt participant who can complement what could possibly be a clunky backcourt match. Bryant and Collin Murray-Boyles match that mould and are considered as some choices for the Suns.

Although Bryant is not anticipated to create a lot of his personal offense within the close to future, his means to shoot from vary, add worth as a passer and guard throughout defensively offers him a sensible pathway to turning into a lineup fixture. — Woo

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Carter Bryant’s NBA draft profile

Try a number of the highlights which have made Arizona’s Carter Bryant a high NBA draft prospect.

Kasparas Jakucionis, PG, Illinois
Freshman | TS%: 59.8

Top with out footwear: 6-4¾ | Weight: 205
Standing attain: 8-3½ | Wingspan: 6-7¾

Contemplating not many groups on this vary have categorical backcourt wants, in addition to the uncertainty surrounding potential trades, it has been difficult to confidently determine a touchdown spot for Jakucionis. Most challenge him within the vary of No. 11-14, with the Path Blazers and Bulls considered as prospects.

After Portland traded Anfernee Simons and introduced in an older guard in Jrue Holiday, clearing the best way for Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe to unfold their wings within the backcourt, there’s maybe extra room for Portland to develop a youthful backcourt participant, particularly one who can area the ground successfully. The rising Donovan Clingan makes it unlikely the Blazers will goal a middle with this choose.

Jakucionis’ unselfishness, playmaking and measurement, enabling him to play on and off the ball, make him a comparatively seamless slot in most locations with upside long-term contemplating he not too long ago turned 19. — Woo

Collin Murray-Boyles, PF/C, South Carolina
Sophomore | TS%: 64.0

Top with out footwear: 6-6½ | Weight: 239
Standing attain: 8-10 | Wingspan: 7-0¾

It isn’t simple to peg Murray-Boyles’ draft vary, with most pointing to No. 10-16, which incorporates a number of the most analytics-influenced groups within the NBA: Atlanta, Oklahoma Metropolis and Memphis. NBA groups say Murray-Boyles charges traditionally properly of their draft fashions due to his robust passing, foul-drawing means, 2-point taking pictures, defensive playmaking and youth, which can enchantment to a number of groups on this vary.

Chicago has a obvious long-term want within the frontcourt, with Nikola Vucevic within the ultimate 12 months of his deal and no massive males who’re thought-about long-term keepers. Joan Beringer, Derik Queen, Danny Wolf and Thomas Sorber are considered as a number of the choices, however there’s additionally thought that the Bulls may merely go for the perfect participant obtainable if a backcourt participant equivalent to Kasparas Jakucionis falls to them.

Murray-Boyles’ toughness, unselfishness, defensive versatility and playmaking give him a excessive flooring, even when his lack of measurement and perimeter taking pictures may make him a situational slot in sure lineup configurations. — Givony

Egor Demin, PG/SG, BYU
Freshman | TS%: 51.3

Top with out footwear: 6-9¼ | Weight: 199
Standing attain: 8-9½ | Wingspan: 6-10¼

Demin is one other participant who has been powerful to pin down when it comes to his touchdown spot, having labored out for the overwhelming majority of franchises inside the highest 20. Groups imagine he is a risk for Toronto, Portland and Chicago, in addition to a sleeper goal for Brooklyn, but it surely’s attainable he’ll slip previous that — at which level there is a best-available case for a membership such because the Hawks to easily take a swing.

Atlanta made a big splash Tuesday with the acquisition of Kristaps Porzingis, in a three-team take care of Boston and Brooklyn that additionally despatched the No. 22 choose from the Hawks to the Nets. That growth would appear to make it much less probably Atlanta targets a giant man at this slot, with Porzingis successfully changing Clint Capela‘s minutes and giving them a a lot completely different lookup entrance.

At his measurement, Demin’s potential versatility as a fringe playmaker stands out within the context of this class. The event of his jumper, one thing he has labored to showcase in personal, is without doubt one of the extra pivotal swing expertise for any prospect. — Woo

Joan Beringer, C, Cedevita Olimpija
Adriatic | TS%: 61.5

Top with out footwear: 6-11 | Weight: 235
Standing attain: 9-3 | Wingspan: 7-4½

Beringer has had a busy schedule since arriving within the U.S. following the conclusion of his season in Slovenia, conducting exercises with Chicago, Brooklyn, San Antonio, Atlanta, Memphis, Minnesota and Houston, overlaying his bases within the Nos. 8-19 vary.

The Spurs look like patiently constructing out their roster. They might look so as to add frontcourt depth at this stage of the draft, including one other rim protector alongside Victor Wembanyama to shore up their inside protection.

Beringer’s official measurements, carried out final week, point out he has grown an inch and a half up to now 12 months, now standing over 7 toes in footwear. His measurements are just like these of Jaren Jackson Jr. and Myles Turner on the identical age, serving to to know why he ranks because the draft’s greatest shot blocker. — Givony

Derik Queen, C, Maryland
Freshman | TS%: 60.0

Top with out footwear: 6-9¼ | Weight: 247
Standing attain: 9-1½ | Wingspan: 7-0½

Queen continues to obtain combined suggestions on the exercise circuit, with questions nonetheless hovering over his conditioning, taking pictures mechanics and aggressive on-off swap, though some groups say he has been very spectacular in 3-on-3 aggressive motion. Though he’s thought to be essentially the most expert massive within the class offensively, he would not look like maximizing a number of the elements inside his management and, consequently, hasn’t gathered a lot upward momentum throughout the predraft course of.

Following the Suns’ acquisition of the 10th pick, Queen’s life like vary seems to begin with the Suns at No. 10 and runs into the kids, the place at a sure level he turns into tough to move on.

The Thunder, pivoting to this draft recent off winning the title Sunday night, are a crew with none obvious roster wants however have been primarily linked by rival groups to massive males, together with Beringer and Sorber. Isaiah Hartenstein is below crew management by way of 2026-27 (Oklahoma Metropolis holds a membership possibility on the ultimate 12 months), and the thought of discovering and growing a inexpensive alternative holds weight, notably with Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren each eligible to signal what determine to be hefty rookie extensions this summer season.

Queen would merely be a guess on expertise if he fell right here, with the Thunder’s elite protection offering ample cowl for him and Oklahoma Metropolis higher positioned to climate threat than most.

There are rumblings that Queen could possibly be chosen as excessive as No. 7, the place he has a giant fan in Pelicans common supervisor Troy Weaver, a fellow DMV (DC/Maryland/Virginia) native, a transfer that might ship the draft in a very completely different route ought to it materialize. — Woo

Cedric Coward, SF, Washington State/Duke
Junior | TS%: 71.0

Top with out footwear: 6-5¼ | Weight: 213
Standing attain: 8-10 | Wingspan: 7-2¼

Coward has seen his inventory explode over the previous month as groups have gotten a better take a look at his spectacular bodily instruments, perimeter taking pictures and defensive potential, creating a greater understanding of his late-blooming trajectory.

A younger senior who turns 22 on Sept. 11, Coward suits a mould each NBA crew is searching for along with his measurement and body and profession 38% 3-point taking pictures. He might nonetheless have room to enhance, as he was improbably taking part in Division III basketball three years in the past.

He labored out Monday for Memphis (one-on-zero as a result of he nonetheless hasn’t progressed but to 3-on-3 settings), which simply acquired the No. 16 choose from Orlando. Coward is also getting lengthy appears from Phoenix, Chicago, San Antonio and Oklahoma Metropolis, with most groups within the 20s working below the idea that he’ll be passed by that a part of the draft. — Givony

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Cedric Coward’s NBA draft profile

Try a number of the highlights which have made Cedric Coward a high NBA draft prospect.

Thomas Sorber, C, Georgetown
Freshman | TS%: 58.7

Top with out footwear: 6-9¼ | Weight: 262
Standing attain: 9-1 | Wingspan: 7-6

The Timberwolves are signaling their openness to buying and selling this choose for future belongings, relying on who is accessible right here at No. 17.

Sorber has additionally risen throughout the predraft course of, regardless of being sidelined since February as a result of of a toe injury that necessitated season-ending surgical procedure, which suggests he’ll miss summer season league. NBA groups are keen to accumulate facilities equivalent to Sorber, who can present physicality and rim safety along with his strong body and wingspan. The Suns, Bulls, Hawks, Spurs, Thunder, Timberwolves and Nets all seem inquisitive about including girth to their frontcourts.

The Timberwolves face uncertainty within the frontcourt this offseason, as Julius Randle and Naz Reid, who averaged a mixed 60 minutes per sport, possess participant choices of their contracts, giving them the chance to discover free company this summer season.

Sorber’s size, really feel for the sport and growing talent set present him with an opportunity to grow to be a contributor within the coming years, regardless that it’d take him a while to achieve that time. — Givony

18. Washington Wizards (through Memphis)

Danny Wolf, PF, Michigan
Junior | TS%: 56.6

Top with out footwear: 6-10½ | Weight: 251
Standing attain: 9-1 | Wingspan: 7-2¼

Wolf has one of many wider ranges within the first spherical, with curiosity from a number of groups within the again half of the lottery in addition to a number of potential touchdown spots within the high 20, together with Memphis, Minnesota and Brooklyn. Washington is one other crew that would take an opportunity on him, along with his playmaking means at 7 toes a very intriguing experiment on a crew that might have minutes to supply him instantly.

Wolf’s unusual mixture of measurement and talent set has been a polarizing analysis for a lot of across the NBA, however he has acquired robust critiques in personal exercises, which has seemingly helped to stabilize his draft standing. — Woo

19. Brooklyn Nets (through Milwaukee)

Asa Newell, PF/C, Georgia
Freshman | TS%: 62.0

Top with out footwear: 6-9 | Weight: 224
Standing attain: 8-11½ | Wingspan: 6-11¼

Newell is one other participant who seems to have helped himself within the predraft course of, having showcased his bodily instruments and room for progress as a shooter, serving to some groups higher perceive the potential versatility he might present as a stretch-4. Nonetheless, he has a considerably wider vary on draft evening, drawing consideration from groups within the again half of the lottery however with eventualities additionally in play the place he might slip into the late teenagers or early 20s.

The Nets have understandably been among the many busiest groups within the predraft course of, holding picks in each a part of the primary spherical and 6 picks within the high 40. Most across the league anticipate Brooklyn to be energetic in trades this week, although it is not but clear precisely what that may seem like, the prospect of buying and selling up from right here to accumulate a second lottery choose is among the many eventualities the Nets might discover.

Though the crew is unlikely to roster six rookies, Brooklyn has introduced within the overwhelming majority of the draft for exercises, giving it extra first-hand info on the category than every other crew. The Nets are additionally considered as a fascinating vacation spot by many brokers, as a result of minutes and alternative they’ve obtainable subsequent season. Newell’s long-term upside could possibly be interesting to them as a developmental addition right here. — Woo

20. Miami Heat (through Golden State)

Liam McNeeley, SG/SF, UConn
Freshman | TS%: 53.6

Top with out footwear: 6-6¾ | Weight: 214
Standing attain: 8-3½ | Wingspan: 6-8½

McNeeley has drawn constructive suggestions on the exercise circuit, the place he reminded groups of his all-around offensive means coming off a difficult season that was hampered by an ankle harm. He has curiosity all around the again half of the primary spherical, together with the Nets, Warmth, and Jazz on this vary.

Miami is perennially among the many hardest groups for rival organizations, in addition to participant brokers, to get a learn on, with a tight-lipped method to the way it conducts its predraft course of. Walter Clayton Jr. is one other participant who has regularly been tied to this spot. — Woo

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See why Liam McNeeley is an intriguing NBA prospect

Try highlights from UConn’s Liam McNeeley forward of the 2025 NBA draft.

21. Utah Jazz (through Minnesota)

Hugo Gonzalez, SG/SF, Actual Madrid
EuroLeague | TS%: 50.9

Top with out footwear: 6-6¼ | Weight: 223
Standing attain: 8-5½ | Wingspan: 6-10¾

Gonzalez’s Actual Madrid is at present competing within the finals of the ACB playoffs, which means he won’t be able to conduct any exercises within the U.S. earlier than the draft, because the collection may doubtlessly lengthen to June 30.

Gonzalez completed the common season robust, however his minutes have since pale because the playoffs progressed, with him taking part in solely 10 complete minutes up to now 4 video games. He’s nonetheless a prospect {that a} crew within the 20s most likely will determine to pick, due to the spectacular bodily instruments, robust really feel for the sport and frenetic vitality he brings defensively.

Utah has clear wants on the wing and will give him the kind of runway wanted to achieve the numerous potential he confirmed at each stage of his profession earlier than this season. — Givony

22. Brooklyn Nets (through Atlanta)

Nolan Traore, PG, Saint-Quentin
France | TS%: 51.0

Top with out footwear: 6-3 | Weight: 175
Standing attain: 8-5½ | Wingspan: 6-8

With 5 first-round picks at their disposal, it would not be shocking to see the Nets take a number of expertise swings, hoping to uncover gems with a few of their later picks.

The Nets have a void within the backcourt, relying on what they do with their first few picks, and this example will probably be thought-about extremely engaging to any of the guards slated to be picked on this vary.

After beginning the season projected as a top-10 choose, Traore’s draft place dropped due to inconsistent play, however there’s nonetheless loads to love along with his measurement, ballhandling, playmaking creativity and upside, making him a worthy gamble for a crew in Brooklyn’s scenario and at this level within the draft. — Givony

Walter Clayton Jr., PG, Florida
Senior | TS%: 61.1

Top with out footwear: 6-2 | Weight: 199
Standing attain: 8-1½ | Wingspan: 6-4

Clayton has showcased his dynamic shotmaking in exercises and labored his approach up boards in a primary spherical that has formed up considerably gentle on level guard choices. He has followers in entrance workplaces deciding on larger than this, with eventualities in play by which he lands within the high 20. His explosiveness and skill to create his personal shot are robust calling playing cards that ought to give him a pathway to being a helpful bench scorer, at worst.

Minnesota, Miami and Atlanta are thought-about potential suitors. If Clayton turns into obtainable right here, he could be a possible plug-and-play possibility for a crew that would use extra backcourt taking pictures.

The Pelicans have been extremely energetic below Joe Dumars so far, buying and selling CJ McCollum and Kelly Olynyk to the Wizards on Tuesday in a deal that introduced again Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey and the No. 40 choose on this draft. They acquired this choose from Indiana final week, sending the Pacers’ 2026 first-rounder again to them to maneuver again into the draft. That call to commerce with the Pacers raised the query amongst rival groups as as to if the Pelicans would dangle this choose to attempt to transfer up from No. 7, however New Orleans is believed to have real curiosity in a number of gamers on this vary. — Woo

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See what makes Walter Clayton Jr. an intriguing NBA prospect

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Will Riley, SG/SF, Illinois
Freshman | TS%: 53.8

Top with out footwear: 6-8¼ | Weight: 185
Standing attain: 8-8 | Wingspan: 6-8¾

Factoring within the Thunder’s wealth of younger expertise and crowded roster scenario, most across the league imagine Oklahoma Metropolis will in the end decide to commerce this choose. What that really will seem like stays to be seen — the Thunder might bundle it to attempt to transfer up from No. 15 and goal precisely the participant they need. They are a crew that has traditionally been energetic in draft-night offers.

Riley has followers in entrance workplaces within the high 20 however might additionally wind up falling into this vary, with potential touchdown spots forward of this, together with Brooklyn, Atlanta and New Orleans. His advocates across the NBA see main upside due to his glorious measurement, offensive really feel and taking pictures potential, but it surely’s understood that it’ll take him time so as to add bodily energy and, hopefully, enhance defensively. — Woo

25. Orlando Magic (through Denver)

Jase Richardson, PG/SG, Michigan State
Freshman | TS%: 63.2

Top with out footwear: 6-0½ | Weight: 178
Standing attain: 8-2½ | Wingspan: 6-6

Richardson is the highest-ranked player (No. 18) on the ESPN massive board to not get invited to the NBA draft inexperienced room (24 gamers invited), leaving some uncertainty about the place he may find yourself being chosen.

His draft vary begins round No. 16 with Memphis, which has drafted a number of gamers up to now few years with related statistical profiles and may find yourself having a backcourt void to fill quickly, all the best way to the mid-20s portion of the primary spherical.

The Magic are one other crew that would look so as to add taking pictures and backcourt depth and could be intrigued by Richardson’s scoring effectivity, defensive depth and skill to play with out the ball. — Givony

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Jase Richardson’s NBA draft profile

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Nique Clifford, SG, Colorado State
Tremendous Senior | TS%: 60.9

Top with out footwear: 6-5¼ | Weight: 202
Standing attain: 8-6½ | Wingspan: 6-8

The Nets proceed to actively method this draft, now controlling six picks within the high 40, and likewise the one crew with significant wage cap area to facilitate strikes for different groups, as they did by taking in Terance Mann from Atlanta as a part of the Kristaps Porzingis commerce Tuesday.

Clifford has curiosity within the teenagers, together with Oklahoma Metropolis and Memphis, along with his vary working down into the 20s. He has acquired constructive suggestions on the exercise circuit, considered as a possible plug-and-play rotation possibility as a result of his versatility coming off a robust season at Colorado State.

Brooklyn is taken into account certainly one of a number of potential touchdown spots for him, though it is not a assure he will probably be obtainable at No. 26, nor that the Nets are in the end the crew that selects right here. — Woo

Rasheer Fleming, PF, Saint Joseph’s
Junior | TS%: 64.4

Top with out footwear: 6-8¼ | Weight: 232
Standing attain: 9-1 | Wingspan: 7-5¼

As beforehand talked about, these Nets picks — notably the pair within the 20s — are considered across the league as fluid, relying on what strikes Brooklyn in the end decides to pursue this week.

Fleming was not invited to the NBA draft green room, pointing to the chance he may fall to the again of the primary spherical. He hasn’t gathered a lot momentum over the previous month however stays in consideration as a result of his bodily instruments and bettering 3-point taking pictures. Whereas not a flashy participant or immensely expert, his size, enchancment monitor and late-blooming trajectory level to untapped potential. — Woo

Maxime Raynaud, PF/C, Stanford
Senior | TS%: 56.1

Top with out footwear: 7-0¼ | Weight: 236
Standing attain: 9-2 | Wingspan: 7-1¼

Raynaud has performed himself into late first-round consideration alongside a considerably quick listing of facilities, which additionally consists of Ryan Kalkbrenner and Yanic Konan Niederhauser. He’s broadly considered as having essentially the most untapped upside of that trio, as a result of his flashes of offensive talent and extra developed capability to area the ground. His displaying on the draft mix helped to reaffirm that, and the very fact he solely picked up basketball full-time as a highschool senior coupled with robust intangibles has helped his inventory.

The Celtics have been extremely energetic this week, offloading the salaries of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis with the intention to get below the second tax apron — two strikes that saved Boston a projected $180 million in tax penalties, based on ESPN’s Bobby Marks. With Jayson Tatum injured and the understanding that subsequent season presents a step backward, Boston can to go most any route with this choose and at No. 32, with the deal with cultivating long-term roster high quality extra so than addressing short-term wants this late within the draft.

Raynaud would supply a viable depth possibility up entrance as he continues to develop. — Woo

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Maxime Raynaud’s NBA draft profile

Try a number of the highlights which have made Maxime Raynaud a high NBA draft prospect.

Ryan Kalkbrenner, C, Creighton
Senior | TS%: 69.3

Top with out footwear: 7-1 | Weight: 257
Standing attain: 9-4 | Wingspan: 7-6

The Suns had some actual holes to fill of their frontcourt even earlier than buying and selling 7-foot energy ahead Kevin Durant for Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks, a scenario that has solely been amplified.

The 23-year-old Kalkbrenner, a four-time Large East Defensive Participant of the 12 months, appears extra prepared to assist a crew on the inside than most gamers on this draft vary, being the most effective shot blockers on this class. The Suns will probably proceed to be energetic within the coming days and will proceed to make strikes with their roster and growing trove of first- and second-round picks, offering them considerably extra flexibility than they’ve had of late. — Givony

30. LA Clippers (through Oklahoma Metropolis)

Noah Penda, SF/PF, Le Mans
France | TS%: 53.9

Top with out footwear: 6-7¼ | Weight: 242
Standing attain: 8-10½ | Wingspan: 6-11½

Because of their hefty payroll, the Clippers will presumably be considering with a short-term lens as they attempt to maximize this aggressive window, with James Harden and Kawhi Leonard now of their mid-30s.

Penda, who can play a number of positions, is younger sufficient to portend upside and could be a dependable bounce shot away from providing some bench worth, makes for an fascinating match right here.

Penda has been an fascinating sleeper title for groups as a result of his versatility and his functionality to play all around the flooring on offense and likewise defend a number of spots. Whereas his perimeter taking pictures and restricted run-jump bodily profile are query marks for groups, his really feel, talent and measurement are all good promoting factors. — Woo

Second spherical

31. Minnesota Timberwolves (through Utah)
Ben Saraf, PG/SG, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)

32. Boston Celtics (through Washington)
Drake Powell, SG/SF, North Carolina

33. Charlotte Hornets
Yanic Konan Niederhauser, C, Penn State, junior

34. Charlotte Hornets (through New Orleans)
Tyrese Proctor, PG, Duke, junior

35. Philadelphia 76ers
Adou Thiero, PF, Arkansas

36. Brooklyn Nets
Yang Hansen, C, Qingdao (China)

37. Detroit Pistons (through Toronto)
Chaz Lanier, SG, Tennessee, tremendous senior

38. San Antonio Spurs
Jamir Watkins, SG/SF, Florida State, senior

39. Toronto Raptors (through Portland)
John Tonje, SF, Wisconsin, tremendous senior

40. New Orleans Pelicans (through Washington)
Bogoljub Markovic, PF/C, Mega Superbet (Adriatic)

41. Golden State Warriors (through Miami)
Rocco Zikarsky, C, Brisbane (Australia)

42. Sacramento Kings (through Chicago)
Koby Brea, SG/SF, Kentucky, tremendous senior

43. Utah Jazz (through Dallas)
Sion James, SF, Duke, tremendous senior

44. Oklahoma City Thunder (through Atlanta)
Johni Broome, C, Auburn, tremendous senior

45. Chicago Bulls (through Sacramento)
Alex Toohey, SF/PF, Sydney (Australia)

46. Orlando Magic
Kam Jones, PG/SG, Marquette, senior

47. Milwaukee Bucks (through Detroit)
Javon Small, PG, West Virginia, senior

48. Memphis Grizzlies (through Golden State)
Micah Peavy, SG/SF, Georgetown, senior

49. Cleveland Cavaliers (through Milwaukee)
Vladislav Goldin, C, Michigan, tremendous senior

50. New York Knicks (through Memphis)
Lachlan Olbrich, PF/C, Illawarra

51. LA Clippers (through Minnesota)
Eric Dixon, PF, Villanova, tremendous senior

52. Phoenix Suns (through Denver)
Alijah Martin, SG, Florida, senior

53. Utah Jazz (through LA Clippers)
Amari Williams, C, Kentucky, senior

54. Indiana Pacers
Dink Pate, SG/SF, Mexico Metropolis (G League)

55. Los Angeles Lakers
Viktor Lakhin, C, Clemson, tremendous senior

56. Memphis Grizzlies (through Houston)
Hunter Sallis, SG, Wake Forest, senior

57. Orlando Magic (through Boston)
Kobe Sanders, SG/SF, Nevada, senior

58. Cleveland Cavaliers
Ryan Nembhard, PG, Gonzaga, senior

59. Houston Rockets (through Oklahoma Metropolis)
Saliou Niang, SG/SF, Trento (Italy)

Jonathan Givony is an NBA draft professional and the founder and co-owner of DraftExpress.com, a non-public scouting and analytics service utilized by NBA, NCAA and worldwide groups.

Jeremy Woo is an NBA analyst specializing in prospect analysis and the draft. He was beforehand a workers author and draft insider at Sports activities Illustrated.