Despite the actual NBA Draft being several months away, there is enough information to mock prospects to certain teams. The prospects of this current draft cycle have been one of the more talented classes in recent years and it shows on the court. With what’s shown so far this season, many prospects and their playstyles already have fans and analysts determining their best fits in the NBA. Based on the draft order as of January 22nd, 2025, let’s dig into a mock draft of the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft.
2025 NBA Mock Draft 1.0
1. Washington Wizards: Cooper Flagg, Duke, 18 years old, SF/PF
Unquestionably, the crown jewel of the 2025 NBA draft class is Cooper Flagg. The 6-foot-9 Duke forward has been one of the most well-rounded prospects in the draft and has the highest potential among any prospect. Not only can Flagg defend at an elite level, both on and off the ball, but he has excellent upside as an offensive star. In particular, Flagg has shown that he can score on all three levels, hit free throws, and play-make for his teammates. Also, Flagg has been a good rebounder for his position. To cap it all off, Flagg possesses great size, athleticism, motor, and basketball IQ, which allows him to do amazing things on both sides of the court.
Granted, Flagg does have his flaws. Specifically, he isn’t the best three-point shooter and can be turnover-prone at times. However, Flagg has shown improvement throughout the season, especially in his shooting. Regardless, every team in the top five would be over the moon to get a talent like Flagg. With Washington going first, they can set up an incredible defensive core of Flagg, Bilal Coulibaly, and Alex Sarr. Without a doubt, he has the potential to be one of the top two-way stars in the NBA for years to come and can change the fortunes of the Washington Wizards.
2. Utah Jazz: Dylan Harper, Rutgers, 18 years old, PG/SG
While Flagg may be the crown jewel, Dylan Harper, son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper, is a superb consolation prize with star potential. The 6-foot-6 Rutgers guard excels as the primary ball-handler who can get downhill towards the rim and set up teammates. While he isn’t the best athlete, Harper has a strong frame and crafty handle that he uses to exploit opposing defenses.
As a pure scorer, Harper does his best work at the rim, but he can also knock down shots in the mid-range and from three. Harper has the footwork and craftiness to create good looks for himself and make them. Furthermore, Harper is a high-level passer who can set up teammates for great looks. Defensively, Harper can guard multiple positions due to his size and physicality. Most importantly, Harper has the poise and basketball IQ needed to operate as the lead guard for any team.
Similar to Flagg, Harper does need to improve his three-point shooting consistency and his turnovers. However, it is undeniable that Harper has great potential to be a star. A star tandem of Harper and Lauri Markkanen will give Utah what it needs to be a threat in the West again. Overall, Harper is an easy pick to go second in this 2025 NBA mock draft.
3. Toronto Raptors: Ace Bailey, Rutgers, 18 years old, SF
The other Rutgers star goes next as Ace Bailey has impressed fans and analysts alike due to his fantastic shot-making abilities. The 6-foot-10 forward excels on the offensive end, especially as a perimeter threat. Bailey can knock down any shot the defense gives him and can score on all three levels with his smooth jumper. Without a doubt, Bailey loves operating in the mid-range, where he can rise over his opponent and coolly knock down shots. Furthermore, Bailey can light it up from three and will certainly be a threat from distance in the NBA. Defensively, Bailey has shown flashes as a versatile wing defender who can serve as a weakside shot-blocker.
While Bailey has a lot to offer, he has quite a few areas to improve. Specifically, Bailey’s main problem areas are his shot selection, defensive awareness, and lack of playmaking. Consequently, these deficiencies can limit the type of ceiling that Bailey has. Nevertheless, Bailey’s upside is too great to ignore, especially for a Raptors team that can use more talent and perimeter shot-making next to Scottie Barnes. A star tandem of Bailey and Barnes has a strong possibility of making real noise in the east. As long as he improves his deficiencies, the athletic wing will be a corner piece of Raptors basketball for a long time alongside Barnes.
4. New Orleans Pelicans: Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois, 18 years old, PG/SG
The future of the New Orleans Pelicans is anything but certain. Regardless, adding players who can be a long-term piece to a franchise is never wrong. This is where Illinois star Kasparas Jakucionis enters the picture as he can be the point guard of the future for New Orleans. The 6-foot-6 guard from Lithuania has demonstrated this college season that he can score and play-make at a high level. To be specific, Jakucionis is a very good shot-creator for himself using his craftiness and skill. Also, he can effectively score on all three levels and is especially a threat from beyond the arc. As a playmaker, he has elite court vision, basketball IQ, and passing skills.
Overall his skill set lends himself to be a great offensive player. However, there are holes in his game that he needs to improve. Jakucionis can struggle to finish at the rim due to a lack of a great first step. Turnovers can be an issue for him and he can be caught overdribbling. Defensively, he can struggle against quicker and bigger guards. Regardless there is a lot to love with Jakucionis. He is a good fit for New Orleans no matter if the current stars on the roster move on. Overall, Jakucionis has shown that he deserves to go in the top five in the 2025 draft.
5. Charlotte Hornets: VJ Edgecombe, Baylor, 19 years old, SG
For the Charlotte Hornets, VJ Edgecombe is a perfect player to take at five in the draft. Standing at 6-foot-5, the Baylor guard hangs his hat on utilizing his physical tools in transition and on the defensive end. He is easily one of the best athletes in the draft this year, especially as a guard. Offensively, he thrives out on the break, where he can throw down thunderous dunks. Additionally, Edgecombe is an excellent offensive rebounder for his size, getting second-chance opportunities. Defensively, Edgecombe knows how to use his tools to pressure his defensive assignment or make a highlight play on the weak side.
However, he does have flaws, as he isn’t a great shooter nor is he known for his passing. Also, he can be undisciplined defensively at times. Nevertheless, what he brings to the table is exactly what the Hornets need next to LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. His athleticism and defense fit like a glove next to Ball and Miller, who are not exactly known for their defense. If he can improve his offense, Edgecombe can easily slide into being the third star in Charlotte.
6. Brooklyn Nets: Egor Demin, BYU, 18 years old, PG/SG
To be very frank about the Brooklyn Nets, they desperately need more young talent and upside badly. There is no one on the roster outside of Noah Clowney to be excited about. Additionally, the uncertain futures of Cam Thomas and Nicolas Claxton with the Nets make things even more difficult to sort out roster-wise. This is where BYU star Egor Demin can help the Nets. While his early-season hype has faded, Demin certainly still has great potential to be a great player in the league. Standing at 6-foot-9, Demin has the size and court vision to be an elite playmaker. He has shown that he can use his good ball-handling and playmaking to break down defenses. Furthermore, Demin has shown flashes of being a consistent three-level scorer.
The issue with Demin however, is that he hasn’t been a consistent scoring threat nor a great defender. While these are serious issues, Brooklyn can be a place where Demin can develop his skills. If he does improve as an overall scorer and defender, he can be an impactful player in the future. This would be a major risk for Brooklyn, but Demin hitting his potential could do wonders for a team that needs talent and upside.
7. Portland Trail Blazers: Asa Newell, Georgia, 19 years old, PF/C
The Portland Trail Blazers should be excited to land Asa Newell at seven in this mock draft. The 6-foot-11 forward adds more defense, rebounding, and athleticism to Portland’s frontcourt. Not only that, but Newell also plays the game with a relentless motor. These qualities perfectly fit next to the top Blazers guards, who are not known for their defense. Another important quality that Newell brings to the table is that he is an effective interior scoring piece with the potential to knock down the three. Newell does have areas where he can improve, specifically, while he has shown flashes of being a shooter, he still needs to improve further to be consistent. Moreover, he doesn’t create his own shot either. Regardless, Newell would give the Blazers a hard-working individual who can help the team.
8. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Philadelphia 76ers): Kon Knueppel, Duke, 19 years old, SF
Kon Knueppel to Oklahoma City would be one of the best fits for the Duke forward. Standing at 6-foot-7, Knueppel has shown at Duke that he is more than just a spot-up shooter and has a diverse offensive skill set. He is still an excellent three-point shooter who can make teams pay in catch-and-shoot situations. Knueppel can score on all three levels and operate with the ball in his hands as a secondary ball-handler. Furthermore, Knueppel also has great footwork that he uses to break down defenders. Not only that, but he has the court vision and basketball IQ to move the ball to the right place. On the defensive end, Knueppel has been a solid defender who can guard multiple positions.
Knueppel’s flaw is that his athleticism can limit him on both sides of the ball. Regardless, Knueppel is an incredibly skilled player who can be a starter in the league one day. His skill set fits perfectly with what the Thunder wants from its players. It would not be surprising if Knueppel got rotational minutes at some point in his rookie season.
9. Chicago Bulls: Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma, 18 years old, PG
The Chicago Bulls are at a transitional point in their franchise and need young talent for their full-on rebuild. They can find that in Joliet native Jeremiah Fears. Standing at 6-foot-4, the Oklahoma guard’s best attribute is his ability to get to the basket, which he does at a high rate. He possesses an amazing first step that he uses to break down defenders. Fears has the speed and burst to simply get around defenses and score. He also knows how to change his pace using his handle to throw defenders off. Furthermore, he has the potential to be a consistent three-level scorer. Defensively, He reads passing lanes well and can pick them off.
The three big flaws in his game that need to be accounted for are his three-point consistency, strength, and turnovers. While he’s been good at the rim and from the mid-range, the three have not been falling, shooting only 30 percent from beyond the arc. Fears also need to become stronger in order to take contact better when attacking the basketball. Lastly, Fears turns the ball over way too much, averaging 3.7 a game. Even with these flaws and inconsistencies, Chicago would get an incredibly talented guard in Fears to rebuild with. If he can improve upon his weaknesses, he will be in the conversation as one of the top players from his class.
10. San Antonio Spurs: Tre Johnson, Texas, 18 years old, SG
The biggest issue that the San Antonio Spurs must address in the draft is adding more scoring and shooting around Victor Wembanyama. The Spurs can easily find that in Texas guard Tre Johnson. To put it simply, Johnson is a flat-out scorer who can put the ball in the basket from anywhere on the court. Whether it be open or highly contested, the 6-foot-6 guard will take and make tough shots. Unquestionably, Johnson has a mature and refined offensive game that rivals the top players in the class. The issue with Johnson is that he doesn’t offer much out on the court if he isn’t scoring. He has shown flashes of being a playmaker and positive defender, but he needs to show more. Another big issue is that he doesn’t really get to the basket consistently.
Regardless, the Spurs need his ability to shoot the ball and he can easily do that. The fit between Johnson and Devin Vassell can be awkward as they have similar skill sets, but the Spurs need another high-level shot creator and shooter. Next to Wembanyama, Johnson’s shooting will help the Spurs take the next step into playoff and, eventually, title contention.
11. Golden State Warriors: Derik Queen, Maryland, 20 years old, PF/C
With the current iteration of the Golden State Warriors slowly coming to a close, many prominent members of the team have shifted away from the idea of going all in with the current core. Given those comments, the Warriors will need talented young players to transition into the next era. For that, Maryland center Derik Queen is a player who can fit with the current core and still be a part of the future.
Standing at 6-foot-10, Queen offers major talent on the offensive end for a center. Particularly, he has been a dominant paint scorer who can find open teammates using his court vision. He has a blend of interior scoring and playmaking that would make him perfect in the Warriors system, operating a role like a more offensively minded Draymond Green or Kevon Looney. Granted, Queen isn’t good defensively, but he still has a lot to offer. Given his fit for the present and future, he can be a great piece for the Warriors.
12. Miami Heat: Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina, 19 years old, PF
Without a doubt, Collin Murray-Boyles showed enough talent to be drafted in the 2024 NBA Draft but chose to stay another season with South Carolina. In his choice, the 6-foot-7 forward has put together an incredibly productive sophomore season where he has proven to be one of the most impressive players this season. There is no doubt that the Miami Heat pass on a player like Murray-Boyles and there is a lot to love. Offensively, he has been dominant as a physical presence in the paint, using his strength and touch to overpower opponents and finish at the rim. He has displayed good passing abilities as a playmaker, utilizing his physical gifts to put his teammates in great positions to score.
Defensively, he has been just as dominant physically. He can handle all kinds of opponents due to his athleticism and basketball IQ. He knows exactly what to do and where to go. Murray-Boyles is easily one of the best two-way players this draft cycle, but he isn’t without weaknesses. His biggest weaknesses are his three-point shooting and turnovers. He will need to clean those areas up to fully reach his potential. However, his talent and abilities make him an undeniable lottery talent as well as a perfect player for Heat culture.
13. Houston Rockets (via Phoenix Suns): Liam McNeeley, UConn, 19 years old, SF
The Houston Rockets have taken a leap as a team, making a clear playoff contention. They hang their hat on their rebounding and defensive abilities, but it has been made clear that they need shooting badly. With that predicament in mind, the obvious choice is to go with Uconn wing Liam McNeeley. The 6-foot-7 wing has demonstrated at UConn that he can shoot at an elite level and do so in various ways. He can also put the ball on the floor and score on all three levels. Not only that, but he is also a decent defender and can get his teammates open looks. McNeeley has a well-rounded skill set and would operate well in Houston. He can struggle on both ends at times due to his athleticism, but, overall, he would make a positive impact for the Rockets.
14. Dallas Mavericks: Noah Penda, Le Mans Sarthe, 20 years old, SF/PF
Noah Penda has been one of the most impressive international prospects this draft cycle. The 6-foot-8 French forward has shown himself to be one of the top defensive players in the draft. He has the frame and physical tools to be ready for the NBA immediately. Using said tools, Penda has excellent defensive versatility. He can guard across multiple positions and switch defensively. Additionally, Penda has been an excellent defensive playmaker and has great potential as a weakside shot-blocker. On top of that, Penda plays the game with great energy, motor, and basketball IQ. Offensively, Penda has shown that he can knock down threes, which raises his ceiling as a player. Also, Penda does have some potential as a passer.
The downsides with Penda is that he isn’t a consistent finisher at the rim nor can he create his own shot. Nevertheless, his defensive abilities and shooting outweigh those concerns. The Dallas Mavericks can use a forward who has those qualities. Adding Penda makes Maxi Kleber expendable as he is having a disappointing year and is on the older side. Penda can fill the role that Kleber serves and be a long-time role player next to Luka Doncic.
15. Orlando Magic: Ben Saraf, Ratiopharm Ulm, 18 years old, SG/PG
The Orlando Magic has a simple need and that’s more offense on the roster, especially off the bench. They can find that with Ben Saraf, the 6-foot-5 guard from Israel playing with Ulm this season. Saraf is a crafty bucket-getter who can operate as a capable playmaker for his teammates. He has shown that he can break down defenders when going to the rim using his craft and handle. He operates well in pick-and-roll as the ball-handler and is capable of scoring on all three levels. Saraf also has the court vision to deliver passes to open teammates. His biggest weaknesses are his three-point shooting and defensive skill, but he does offer exactly what the Magic need. Not only that, but the Magic has the personnel who perfectly complement those weaknesses. Overall, Magic gets a dynamic offensive player who can help them in the scoring column.
16. San Antonio Spurs (via Atlanta Hawks): Nolan Traore, Saint-Quentin, 18 years old, PG
The French prospect Nolan Traore, brother to Lakers forward Armel Traore, has fallen down the boards quite a bit since his pre-season hype as a lottery pick. He has struggled to be a consistently efficient scoring threat against professional competition. Traore isn’t the best defender, he needs to get stronger, and he must cut down on his turnovers. Overall, Traore has had a tough time in France playing for Saint-Quentin.
Regardless, Traore still has many factors working for him. He possesses a great first step and speed that he uses to beat defenders. Not only that, but he also has great court vision and passing skills that give him potential as a starting-level point guard. Recently, Traore’s play has picked up and he has shown flashes of being a better scorer. Given his potential upside and current skills, San Antonio taking a swing at the French prospect could pay off. The Spurs, outside of shooting, need another long-term playmaking guard next to Wembanyama. Traore can provide that and much more if he can reach his potential.
17. Utah Jazz (via Minnesota Timberwolves): Labaron Philon, Alabama, 19 years old, PG
With Harper being added with the second pick, there isn’t much need for Labaron Philon. However, due to the woeful state of the Jazz’s perimeter defense, Philon goes 17th to Utah. Standing at 6-foot-4, Philon possesses great poise and basketball IQ that makes him a winning player. Outside of three-point shooting, Philon has a Swiss-army knife skill set that allows him to be a versatile two-way guard. He is a capable scorer, defender, rebounder, and playmaker at his position. Philon plays with a good motor and a lot of effort.
Despite his capabilities, Philon does have several issues he must address. Namely, his weaknesses are his three-point shooting, turnovers, and his frame. He must improve in these areas to fully reach his potential at the NBA level. Philon has the skills to help improve the perimeter defense for the Jazz and if he makes strides with his flaws, he could be a Jazzman for a long time.
18. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Detroit Pistons): Jase Richardson, Michigan State, 19 years old, SG/PG
One major freshman standout in this draft cycle has been Michigan State guard Jase Richardson, the son of former NBA player Jason Richardson. Standing at 6-foot-3, Richardson has shown himself to be a productive player in many different facets of the game despite the lack of minutes given to him. Richardson can efficiently score on all three levels, both on and off the ball. He knows how to use length and speed to get around defenders for efficient looks at the rim. Richardson defends and rebounds well relative to his position and minutes. Furthermore, Richardson has shown that he can be a capable passer as well.
Overall, Richardson’s skill set is everything you would want in a complementary guard. To be fair, he still needs to get stronger, he isn’t the most athletic, and his height can be a limiting factor on defense. Also, it’s up in the air whether his efficient play this season will be able to scale in a higher usage role. However, he does so many things incredibly for a freshman. Given Mike Conley‘s decline over the past season, adding someone like Richardson will give the Wolves a steady, long-term fallback option next to Anthony Edwards and Rob Dillingham. What Richardson provides is exactly the type of guard you want around Edwards and Dillingham.
19. Atlanta Hawks (via Sacramento Kings): Khaman Maluach, Duke, 18 years old, C
The Duke center Khaman Maluach has been one of the better centers in college basketball. The 7-foot-2 center has been an imposing defensive force in the paint for Duke and has shown potential as a perimeter defender when switching. He has been a great shot-blocker and overall rim protector. Offensively, he has been one of the best play-finishers, finishing the ball at a 79.8 percent true-shooting rate. He has amazing physical tools and athleticism to be a devastating force on both ends of the floor.
Maluach does have things that he needs to work on, specifically, he isn’t a shooter nor can he create his own shot. He relies completely on others creating good shots for him, his overall offensive game is extremely raw. Also, while Maluach is a decent rebounder, he could be better in that regard. Nevertheless, his physical tools and potential as a defender are too great to ignore. A team like the Atlanta Hawks who needs to replace their aging center in Clint Capela can really use someone like Maluach. Plus, they don’t have any rotational centers that stand at seven feet or over. Maluach to Atlanta would be a good fit on both ends for him.
20. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Los Angeles Clippers): Rasheer Fleming, Saint Joseph’s, 20 years old, PF/SF
Saint Joseph’s forward Rasheer Fleming has had a breakout junior season that has his draft stock rising with every game. Standing at six-foot-nine, Fleming has a combination of strength, athleticism, and length that makes him an imposing player out on the court. With his physical tools, Fleming has been defined by his two-way play and overall improvement to his game. Offensively, he uses his strength to bully defenders to the basket. He excels at attacking closeouts and exploiting mismatches. Additionally, Fleming has significantly improved as a three-point shooter, shooting nearly 42 percent from three this season.
Defensively, he has the versatility to guard multiple positions, including the center position. Fleming has enough speed and athleticism to be a switchable defender out on the perimeter. He knows how to use his length to bother or block shots at the rim. As for his flaws, Fleming isn’t much of a shot-creator or passer. While his three-point shooting has significantly improved, his free-throw numbers have not. That can be a red flag in terms of the realness of his shooting. Nevertheless, he is a versatile, athletic wing defender who has shown growth as a shooter. Fleming’s ability to improve is hard to deny and he is the type of player that the Thunder need in their frontcourt.
21. Indiana Pacers: Johni Broome, Auburn, 22 years old, C/PF
The big from Auburn, Johni Broome, is one of the most accomplished upperclassmen in this draft cycle. The 6-foot-10 big is immensely skilled on both sides of the floor and his overall skill set is very polished. Offensively, Broome can score on and off the ball. On the ball, Broome is well versed in post-scoring, possessing good touch and footwork. Off the ball, he is a capable screener and cutter, knowing exactly when to get open or make himself available for a pass. Speaking of passing, Broome has also shown some ability as a passer, making the right read to teammates. He has been a fantastic rebounder on both ends of the floor, averaging nearly 11 rebounds per game. Defensively, Broome has been extremely effective as a shot-blocker and overall rim protector, using his athleticism to negatively affect his opponents.
As for weaknesses, Broome can struggle to defend against smaller, quicker players when on a switch. Also, while he has some potential as a stretch big, he is far from being a threat from three. Even with those weaknesses, Broome can be a positive player in the NBA. A team like the Pacers can use a skilled big like Broome to back up Myles Turner. Plus, he has five years of experience under his belt while only being 22 years old. He is certainly one of the most NBA-ready players in the draft. Broome can immediately come in and help the Pacers with his skills and talent.
22. Atlanta Hawks (via Los Angeles Lakers): Nique Clifford, Colorado State, 22 years old, SG/SF
Colorado State wing Nique Clifford has been one of the most productive wings in this draft cycle. The 6-foot-5 super senior is extremely athletic and has the physical tools to be impactful on both sides of the court. His skill set allows him to be a versatile two-way wing who can fill just about any role a team could want. He has shown that he can score, defend, rebound, and play-make. He can defend across multiple positions and can do so at a high level. Clifford has been an elite rebound for his position, averaging nearly ten rebounds a game. While he is an inconsistent three-point shooter, he has been improving in that area. Due to these strengths, the Atlanta Hawks can always use more athletic wing defenders to surround Trae Young.
23. Brooklyn Nets (via Milwaukee Bucks): Hugo Gonzalez, Real Madrid, 18 years old, SG/SF
Brooklyn continues the trend of collecting young talented players with Real Madrid wing Hugo Gonzalez. Standing at six-foot-seven, Gonzalez holds great upside as an athletic wing defender who can attack the rim and knock down threes. Gonzalez has the quickness and athleticism to guard multiple positions. Not only that, but he has a high basketball IQ to pair with his physical tools. He loves being a disruptor and knows how to use his size to bother offensive players. Offensively, he can handle the ball and drive to the rim for the finish. Gonzalez has shown flashes of being a shooter, but he still has room to improve. If his shooting comes around, he can be an elite role player for Brooklyn.
24. Orlando Magic (via Denver Nuggets): Kam Jones, Marquette, 22 years old, SG
Despite picking an offensive player earlier in the draft, Orlando can always use more offense and shooting. Both of those things, Kam Jones can absolutely supply and more. Standing at six-foot-four, the Marquette guard has grown into an impressive three-level scorer and playmaker over the course of his four years at Marquette. Not only can Jones score with the ball in his hands but he can also move without the ball and still be deadly. He does have his issues as a defender as he doesn’t have the best athleticism. Regardless, he can help the Magic by providing scoring and playmaking that the team needs outside of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Given his age and experience, Jones can be of help right away for the Magic and the team has the personnel to cover up his weaknesses. Along with Saraf, Jones can help lead the bench with his scoring for the Magic.
25. Brooklyn Nets (via New York Knicks): Noa Essengue, Ratiopharm Ulm, 18 years old, SF/PF
Six-foot-ten forward Noa Essengue is the type of player that Brooklyn needs for the rebuild. He’s tall, long, athletic, and has great upside on both ends of the floor. Plus, he plays with a lot of energy and motor. It should be noted that the French forward is also one of the youngest players in the draft. The biggest issue with Essengue is that he is extremely raw as a player. His stock is mainly based on his physical tools and upside rather than actual skills. However, that is exactly the type of upside swing that Brooklyn needs for the future.
26. Memphis Grizzlies: Alex Karaban, UConn, 22 years old, SF
The Memphis Grizzlies can always use more shooting to surround guys like Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant. Adding UConn forward Alex Karaban will do just that. The 6-foot-8 forward has shown that his shooting can help win multiple national championships with UConn. Also, he has a great basketball IQ and knows how to move off the ball. The big downside with Karaban is that he has limited athleticism. Those limitations can be a problem for him defensively and he can struggle against quicker opponents. His shooting and NBA-readiness however, will be useful for a Memphis team who want to take the next step as a franchise.
27. Brooklyn Nets (via Houston Rockets): Boogie Fland, Arkansas, 18 years old, PG
Much like the other picks for Brooklyn, they just need more talent on the roster. They can find such talent in Arkansas guard Boogie Fland, who will most likely miss the rest of the season with an injury. Particularly, the 6-foot-2 guard excels on the offensive end. Athletically, Fland has the speed and craft to exploit weaknesses in opposing defenses. He can score on all three levels and can be a decent playmaker for others. The biggest problems with Fland is that his height can be a major detriment on defense and he isn’t the most efficient player. Regardless, Fland is a talented player who can be a deadly offensive player for Brooklyn.
28. Boston Celtics: Miles Byrd, San Diego State, 20 years old, SG/SF
The most recent NBA champions already have an excellent roster that is capable of repeating. Nevertheless, they can add even more talent to their roster with the addition of San Diego State wing Miles Byrd. Standing at 6-foot-7, Byrd has a 3-and-D skill set that can be useful on any team. Not only that, but Byrd can also handle the ball and can be a decent passer. Defensively, he can guard multiple positions and be disruptive as a defensive playmaker. He is especially good at picking off passing lanes. On top of all that, Byrd is only 20 years old despite being a junior, making him more experienced than other players his age, but still having some upside. Overall, there isn’t much downside for the Celtics taking Byrd as extra depth and potentially more in the future.
29. Phoenix Suns (via Cleveland Cavaliers): Adou Thiero, Arkansas, 20 years old, SF/PF
The Phoenix Suns recently acquired Cleveland’s pick from the Jazz in a trade for their 2031 first-round pick. While it remains to be seen whether they keep this pick, they can certainly get talented players that fit what they need with it. One such player is Arkansas forward Adou Thiero, an athletic player whose calling card is his abilities on the defensive end. Standing at 6-foot-6, Thiero has the athleticism, speed, and strength necessary to play in the NBA immediately. Using his physical tools, Thiero has been highly effective as a versatile defender. He can guard one through four without much issue and he has been excellent as a defensive playmaker. Offensively, he can use his powerful frame to bully his way to the basket for highlight finishes. Furthermore, he operates very well in transition. Most importantly, Thiero plays the game with incredible motor and energy.
There is a lot to love with Thiero but he does have some major downsides. The biggest of which is his inability to hit shots from distance. He isn’t a shooter at all and shooting will be a major swing factor for his development. Also, he isn’t much of a shot-creator himself, often thriving more as an off-ball player. Additionally, he can stand to be a better decision-maker out on the court. Regardless, Thiero is the type of player that the Suns need. He is someone who can do the dirty work while playing off of guys like Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. If he can become a better shooter, he would really be a perfect fit with Phoenix.
30. Los Angeles Clippers (via Oklahoma City Thunder): Thomas Sorber, Georgetown, 19 years old, PF/C
The Los Angeles Clippers have been a surprisingly good team relative to their expectations in the offseason. However, it has been clear that the Clippers can use another center to back up Ivica Zubac. They can find a talented center in Thomas Sorber, the 6-foot-10 center playing for Georgetown. The two-way center can both anchor a defense and be a primary scoring option on the other end.
He has good touch around the rim and has the vision to hit open teammates. Sorber’s athletic tools make him a good shot-blocker and lob threat. He isn’t much of a shooter, but there are flashes. A big issue for Sorber however, is that he does turn the ball over quite a bit. Also, his main form of offense being post-up may not translate as well into the NBA. Despite those issues, Sorber has the potential to be an excellent center in the league and for the Clippers.
