With the current NBA postseason completed and a new champion minted, the coming draft is right around the corner. Due to that, it’s time to make one final mock draft and finalize where each player will go. Let’s delve into the final LWOS 2025 NBA mock draft of the first round.
2025 NBA Mock Draft 5.0: Final Edition
1. Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg, Duke, PF/SF
Surprisingly, the Dallas Mavericks received immense luck on lottery night, earning the top pick. However, to no one’s surprise, Dallas will take the undisputed best player in the draft, Cooper Flagg. All things considered, the 6-foot-8 wing is one of the most well-rounded players in the class, doing nearly everything on the court well. In particular, Flagg possesses excellent athleticism, defense, and motor, paired with high upside on the offensive end. The Duke forward’s level of skill and versatility will certainly create a pathway for Flagg to be an elite two-way wing in the league. After trading Luka Doncic away, the Mavericks now have another franchise cornerstone to build around, creating the defensive identity that general manager Nico Harrison desires.
2. San Antonio Spurs: Dylan Harper, Rutgers, PG/SG
The San Antonio Spurs also got lucky on lottery night, getting the second overall pick. Unquestionably, there have been talks about trading the pick for more proven help around Victor Wembanyama. Nevertheless, the Spurs have remained firm in making the selection. Consequently, San Antonio will take the second-best player in the draft, Rutgers guard Dylan Harper. The 6-foot-5 guard is quite emphatically one of the best guard prospects in the draft. His ability to get into the lane and finish, paired with his advanced passing skills, allows him to have high upside as a lead guard in the league. Adding Harper to San Antonio will make their guard room issues even worse, as they already have too many guards. Nonetheless, Harper can be the long-term second star to Wembanyama and someone who can be their point guard of the future.
3. Philadelphia 76ers: VJ Edgecombe, Baylor, SG
The real draft starts at three with the Philadelphia 76ers, who have plenty of top prospects to choose from. For this mock, the Sixers select Baylor guard VJ Edgecombe. The 6-foot-5 guard can offer the Sixers great athleticism, defense, and slashing at the guard position. Additionally, Edgecombe has made great strides as a shooter, becoming more of a threat from a distance. He has the skills to provide immediate impact around Philadelphia’s current stars. He can provide much-needed defense in the backcourt that the Sixers need, and provide offense as a spot-up player. Particularly, that ability to scale up and down his game due to his skill set will be valuable for a Sixers team that treads into an uncertain future.
4. Charlotte Hornets: Kon Knueppel, Duke, SF/SG
The Charlotte Hornets ended up with the fourth overall pick on lottery night, missing out on Flagg and Harper. Nevertheless, they can get one of Flagg’s teammates in Duke forward Kon Knueppel. Undeniably, the Hornets have been in a rut for many seasons and need players who can contribute to winning. They can find someone like that in Knueppel, who can provide great value as a secondary creator and floor spacer. He already has experience playing next to star players like Flagg, which will allow him to slot in perfectly next to LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. While the defense may not be great, Knueppel’s high basketball IQ and overall feel would be a massive help for the Hornets.
5. Utah Jazz: Tre Johnson, Texas, SG
Undoubtedly, the Utah Jazz were one of the big losers of the 2025 lottery. Nevertheless, they can take away from this draft with one of its best shooting prospects, Texas guard Tre Johnson. He is easily one of the best shooters in the class and has immense upside as an overall scorer. To be sure, the Jazz already has scorers like Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George, adding a shooter like Johnson in the backcourt can help the Jazz add more talent to the roster overall. Johnson won’t fix the defensive issues that the Jazz have, but his positional size at 6-foot-6 in shoes and flashes on that end gives hope to the idea that he won’t be a liability in the NBA. It’s not likely for him to be their franchise player, but he can be a big part of their future going forward.
6. Washington Wizards: Ace Bailey, Rutgers, SF
After a confusing series of decisions from Ace Bailey and his camp, he could fall out of the top five to the Washington Wizards. Unlike the other teams above them, they need a scorer like Bailey in the frontcourt. Bailey has his warts in terms of his shot selection and defensive awareness, but he can provide the floor spacing and bucket-getting that the Wizards have been lacking. The Wizards also have the defensive personnel on the roster, which can help mitigate Bailey’s shortcomings to an extent. Additionally, going to the Wizards allows Bailey to have his chance to be a clear star on a roster. Regardless, Bailey can provide the Wizards a major boost to their roster and possibly a new star if he can hit his ceiling.
7. New Orleans Pelicans: Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma, PG
The New Orleans Pelicans are in a weird spot in terms of their franchise after the Achilles injury that Dejounte Murray suffered, and the Brandon Ingram trade. The Pelicans have decided that they are committed to building around star forward Zion Williamson, and that affects which players they target in the draft. Specifically, New Orleans needs another long-term fit at the guard position next to Williamson. In light of Murray’s injury, taking a swing at point guard is an obvious choice. Due to that, this mock will have them take Oklahoma star guard Jeremiah Fears at seven. Fears is another talented guard who can generate rim pressure at a high level and create great looks because of that. To be sure, Fears isn’t a great shooter or defender, but they need someone like him. Plus, if he can develop his shooting, Fears would seriously have star upside.
8. Brooklyn Nets: Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois, PG/SG
In terms of moving picks, all eyes are on the Brooklyn Nets as they possess four first-round picks in the NBA Draft. For the eighth pick, this 2025 NBA mock draft has them select Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis. The Nets are in a position where they just need to collect talented players, and Jakucionis is exactly that. His ability to create advantages using his size at 6-foot-5 and his playmaking make him an attractive guard prospect for a Nets team that can use a long-term fit at point guard. Additionally, his three-level scoring and excellent offensive processing give Brooklyn a high-upside prospect who can be a major piece moving forward.
9. Toronto Raptors: Khaman Maluach, Duke, C
The Toronto Raptors can secure themselves a long-term fit at center using the ninth pick in this draft, considering that Jakob Poeltl is on the older side for Toronto’s roster. They can find that long-term piece in Duke center Khaman Maluach, who has been linked to the Raptors throughout this draft process. To begin with, Maluach possesses excellent length and athleticism at 7-foot-1, making him an excellent rim deterrent in the paint. He has the upside to be a high-level defensive center who can be a major threat as a rim runner and lob target. While there have been talks about moving the ninth pick, the Raptors wouldn’t go wrong with taking such a talented center in Maluach.
10. Phoenix Suns: Carter Bryant, Arizona, SF/PF
The Phoenix Suns conducted a massive trade before Game 7 of the NBA Finals, sending Hall of Fame forward Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, five second-rounders, and Phoenix’s own 10th overall pick. Considering Phoenix’s murky future, getting back their own pick in this draft can help solidify a renewed core of players surrounding Devin Booker. For the purposes of this 2025 NBA mock draft, the Suns will select Arizona forward Carter Bryant with the 10th pick. Considering Phoenix’s need for more shooting and defense on their roster, Bryant would be an excellent fit. Standing at 6-foot-7 with a 6-foot-11 wingspan, Phoenix taking Bryant will give the team much-needed defensive depth on the wings and spot-up shooting. Adding a 3-and-D wing like the Arizona Wildcat gives Phoenix more depth as they reorient themselves after the blockbuster Durant trade.
11. Portland Trail Blazers: Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina, PF
The Portland Trail Blazers are in a weird spot as a roster since they don’t have a clear area of need on the team. Of course, there are quite a few veterans on the roster who can be traded this coming offseason. Due to that, there is a more noticeable need for frontcourt depth. With that in mind, this mock draft has the Blazers taking South Carolina forward Collin Murray-Boyles. In the 6-foot-7 forward, the Blazers will find an elite defensive player who can rebound the ball well for his height and be a major scoring threat in the paint. Furthermore, Murray-Boyles has shown himself to be a high-feel passer who can leverage his scoring to open up opportunities for teammates. His defensive profile fits with Portland’s emerging defensive identity, and his upside on offense can allow Murray-Boyles to be an immediate contributor to the team.
12. Chicago Bulls: Derik Queen, Maryland, PF/C
Undoubtedly, the Chicago Bulls are in a tough position as a franchise. A full rebuild looms large over the Bulls, but the front office still desires to contend for the playoffs. Considering that aspect, the Bulls taking Maryland big Derik Queen could make sense. As one of the most skilled bigs in the draft, he could help the Bulls in their postseason pursuits. The 6-foot-10 big possesses elite touch and footwork in the paint while also having excellent passing and ball-handling abilities for his size. Additionally, Queen has shown upside as a shooter and is an excellent rebounder. Combining his skill set with Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis could lead to an interesting offensive identity where the ball constantly moves around. Of course, Queen still has his defensive issues; however, he could bring the Bulls a much-needed shot in the arm in terms of potential.
13. Atlanta Hawks (via Sacramento Kings): Thomas Sorber, Georgetown, C
The Atlanta Hawks have built their team identity around placing athletic, defensive players around their star guard Trae Young. Unquestionably, they have been successful at doing that at the guard and forward positions, but they still need more in the middle. Hawks center Onyeka Okongwu has done an admirable job as their starting center, but more depth can be added to the center spot. That’s where Georgetown Hoyas center Thomas Sorber comes into the picture. While Sorber isn’t much taller than Okongwu at 6-foot-10 compared to 6-foot-8, he does have a ridiculous wingspan at 7-foot-6. That allows him to be a significant presence in the paint on both ends. He possesses a high degree of feel for the game, demonstrated by his advanced passing ability for a center. Given his collection of skills, Sorber is a clear fit for the Hawks.
14. San Antonio Spurs: Noa Essengue, Ratiopharm Ulm, SF/PF
The 14th overall pick that San Antonio possesses is another pick that could be on the move by the time of the draft. Regardless, this mock draft will have them take Ulm forward Noa Essengue at 14. While Essengue is on the raw side in terms of prospects, he certainly possesses high upside and excellent physical tools. Standing at 6-foot-10 with a 7-foot wingspan, Essengue has the tools and athleticism to be impactful on both ends of the court. He has flashed potential as a spot-up shooter and excels as an off-ball cutter on offense. Additionally, Essengue showed that he has moments of excellent defensive versatility. Undeniably, Essengue will need time to coalesce into a more realized player, but his upside next to Wembanyama is tantalizing.
15. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Miami Heat): Joan Beringer, KK Cedevita Olimpija, C
With the threat of the second tax apron fast approaching for the Thunder, they will need to shed salary to stay under. For that reason, it is more than likely that current Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein is on his way out soon. Oklahoma City will need more depth at the center to not only cover for the departure of Hartenstein but also to prepare insurance against Chet Holmgren‘s injury concerns. Taking French center Joan Beringer can help alleviate those frontcourt concerns while also providing the Thunder with an athletic, defensive-minded center who fits in their transition attack. Standing at 6-foot-11 with a 7-foot-4 wingspan, Beringer offers excellent rim protection and rebounding, plus giving them another athletic rim-runner. Much like Holmgren, Beringer will need to fill out his frame, but there is a lot to like with Beringer going to the newly minted NBA champions.
16. Memphis Grizzlies (via Orlando Magic): Nique Clifford, Colorado State, SG/SF
After trading away Desmond Bane in a blockbuster deal, the Memphis Grizzlies got back four unprotected first-round picks. One of those picks ended up being the 16th overall pick in the draft. With the loss of Bane, Memphis will need to add more depth on the wings to fill out the roster. One player who can help with that is Colorado State wing Nique Clifford. The 6-foot-6 wing is a versatile, Swiss army-knife player who can scale their game up and down. On offense, he can provide solid three-level scoring as well as tertiary shot creation and playmaking. On defense, Clifford is capable of being a multi-positional defender who can switch and crash the boards. Clifford is the type of player who can be a big boost off the bench for Memphis.
17. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Detroit Pistons): Danny Wolf, Michigan, PF/C
The Minnesota Timberwolves are another team that can possibly move their 17th overall pick in a potential trade, along with other rotation players. The Wolves are also likely to lose Nickeil Alexander-Walker in free agency. Considering all that, Minnesota can stand to reinforce itself in the middle should they keep this pick. The Wolves need a backup center to play behind Rudy Gobert. A player who can fill that need is Michigan big Danny Wolf. The 6-foot-11 big man can provide solid rim protection as the backup while also offering a unique offensive skill set. His ability to handle the ball and space the floor to a certain extent can provide the Wolves with an offensive dimension at center without giving up size. Also, Wolf going to the Wolves is incredibly fitting.
18. Washington Wizards (via Memphis Grizzlies): Jase Richardson, Michigan State, PG
The Wizards have a second pick in this year’s draft, allowing them to fill another one of their needs. After taking Bailey earlier, the Wizards can stand to add more guard play to the roster. Due to that, this mock will have them take Michigan State guard Jase Richardson at 18. While on the shorter end at six-foot-one, Richardson is still one of the better guards in the class. He has demonstrated himself to be an efficient three-level scorer with upside as a passer. Not only that, but he has shown that he will compete on the defensive end despite his size. Taking Richardson here will give the Wizards a high-floor guard with the upside to be more.
19. Brooklyn Nets (via Milwaukee Bucks): Cedric Coward, Washington State, SG/SF
With the second of Brooklyn’s four firsts in this draft, the Nets take Washington State wing Cedric Coward at pick 19. Despite losing most of his season due to an injury, Coward showed more than enough to take a meteoric rise on draft boards. Standing at 6-foot-6 with a massive 7-foot-2 wingspan, Coward has the ideal size to be an excellent wing defender in the NBA. Not only that, but he has the athleticism and physical tools. He has demonstrated that those aspects aren’t for show, as he is an excellent defender in college. Offensively, Coward is a great shooter and finisher at the rim. Coward certainly has the upside to be an amazing 3-and-D wing in the NBA, which the Nets would be lucky to have.
20. Miami Heat (via Golden State Warriors): Nolan Traore, Saint Quentin, PG
It’s clear, based on the roster, that the Miami Heat need an actual point guard. Considering that, Miami will take French guard Nolan Traore in this mock. The 6-foot-4 guard possesses an amazing feel as a passer and can generate plenty of looks through his speed. More impressively, Traore has demonstrated a great understanding of changing speeds to break down defenses and has shown upside as a scorer. The defense and shooting need work, but Traore has shown that he is constantly looking to improve his game. That aspect is something that the Miami Heat excels at. Putting Traore through their developmental system could pay off big time for a team that badly needs a point guard.
21. Utah Jazz (via Minnesota Timberwolves): Liam McNeeley, UConn, SF
Having already taken Johnson earlier in this mock, the Jazz add more shooting and wing depth in UConn forward Liam McNeeley. Standing at 6-foot-7, McNeeley is best known for his ability to knock threes at a high level, especially in catch-and-shoot situations. Not only that, but McNeeley has flashed some potential as a secondary ball-handler and passer. Considering that the Jazz lack depth on the wings, taking a shooter like McNeeley wouldn’t be a bad option. He won’t be the solution to their defensive issues, but he doesn’t project to be a liability either. Taking McNeeley here gives Utah more floor spacing on the wings that they sorely lack.
22. Atlanta Hawks (via Los Angeles Lakers): Egor Demin, BYU, PG/SF
After taking Sorber at 13, the Hawks fill their need at the guard position by taking Egor Demin. Standing at 6-foot-9, the BYU product would add another dynamic to Atlanta’s guard room as a tall point guard. Specifically, Demin’s passing and size will provide a different look in terms of how the Hawks operate on offense. Demin can utilize his size to peer over defenses and find guys that Young might miss due to his size. Additionally, Demin’s size pairs well with the many wings and forwards on the roster. In combination with them, Demin can lead a devastating transition attack for the Hawks. While he does have questions surrounding his scoring and defense, Demin would absolutely fill their need at point guard.
23. New Orleans Pelicans (via Indiana Pacers): Rasheer Fleming, Saint Joseph’s, PF
After receiving this pick from the Indiana Pacers in a trade, the Pelicans take forward Rasheer Fleming at 23 in this mock. The 6-foot-9 forward has shown himself to be an athletic 3-and-D forward who has the necessary skills to be a valuable role player. In particular, Fleming developed into an excellent spot-up shooter this past season and has shown promise as a versatile defender. Paired with his athleticism, Fleming has all the makings of being an excellent complementary player. His skill set fits well next to Williamson, serving as an off-ball floor-spacer for him to operate freely in the paint. Additionally, Fleming can bring weakside rim protection with his freakish 7-foot-5 wingspan on the wings. Overall, Fleming would be a solid selection for a Pelicans team that can always use more floor spacing around their star.
24. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Los Angeles Clippers): Noah Penda, Le Mans Sarthe, SF/PF
The new champs add more frontcourt depth in this mock, taking French forward Noah Penda with the 24th overall pick. Standing at 6-foot-8 with a 6-foot-11 wingspan, Penda would bring to the Thunder high-level defense and great feel at the forward spot. Unquestionably, Penda is among the best defenders in the class this year. Penda has excellent defensive instincts and basketball IQ, expertly reading plays and blowing them up. He can perfectly fit within Oklahoma City’s overall defensive identity while providing them with more size. Furthermore, Penda has flashed potential as a connective passer who can make quick decisions on the fly. While the shooting is a concern, Penda generally fits into what the Thunder want from the draft.
25. Orlando Magic (via Denver Nuggets): Walter Clayton Jr., Florida, PG
The Orlando Magic still retains a first-round pick in the draft after trading the 16th pick to Memphis for Bane. With that pick, the player Orlando takes in this 2025 NBA mock draft is Walter Clayton Jr., who won the NCAA championship with the Florida Gators this year. Clayton going to the Magic is one of the more obvious fits in the draft, considering their shooting needs. As one of the best shooters this year, Clayton can help alleviate that problem alongside their new acquisition in Bane. Given his shooting versatility, Clayton can be deployed by the Magic in several ways and still succeed. Plus, Clayton can provide tertiary scoring and passing as well. He can help the Magic by providing a major offensive boost and incredible shooting.
26. Brooklyn Nets (via New York Knicks): Asa Newell, Georgia, PF
For their third pick in the first round, taking an upside swing in Georgia forward Asa Newell makes sense. Standing at 6-foot-9 barefoot with a six-foot-eleven wingspan, Newell possesses excellent athleticism and physical tools that lend themselves well to the defensive end. Not only that, but Newell plays hard on every possession for both sides of the floor. Additionally, Newell has shown some potential as a shooter as well. Taking a bet on someone like Newell could pay off dividends for a Brooklyn team that frankly needs more talent across the board. While it is unlikely that Brooklyn makes all four of its first-round selections, grabbing a high upside forward like Newell wouldn’t be a bad idea. With proper development, Newell can be an excellent defender and play-finisher at the NBA level.
27. Brooklyn Nets (via Houston Rockets): Will Riley, Illinois, SG/SF
Similar to their previous pick, the Nets take a second upside swing in this mock. Specifically, they target the 6-foot-8 forward, Will Riley. Riley has shown great three-level scoring potential as a ball-handling wing. Throughout the year, Riley improved his overall offensive game, both as a scorer and playmaker. While Riley isn’t the best shooter or defender, there is still a lot to like with a player like him. Considering the value of scoring wings like Trey Murphy III and Jalen Williams, taking and developing Riley could pay off big time. For a team as lacking in talent like Brooklyn, drafting a player like Riley is a no-brainer.
28. Boston Celtics: Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton, C
The future of the Boston Celtics has been thrown into serious doubt after the Achilles injury that Jayson Tatum suffered. Undoubtedly, the loss of Tatum will knock the Celtics out of contention next season. Plus, they will have to trade away parts of their championship core due to the second apron. They will need to use next season to develop young talent to replace those lost pieces. One player who can be a big help for the Celtics going forward is Creighton center Ryan Kalkbrenner. The Celtics are in a bit of limbo at the center position, considering that Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and Luke Kornet can all possibly leave this offseason.
Adding Kalkbrenner will give Boston a long-term fit at center as he is a high-level rebounder and rim protector. Furthermore, Kalkbrenner is on the older side of prospects, meaning he can be ready to help when Tatum returns. Drafting one of the best centers in college basketball this season can help alleviate some difficulties Boston will face. If they can find a rotation player in Kalkbrenner during this lost season, it will be a major get for Boston.
29. Phoenix Suns (via Cleveland Cavaliers): Maxime Raynaud, Stanford, C
After taking Bryant earlier in the mock, the Suns will fill their center spot by taking Maxime Raynaud. The Stanford big stands at 7-foot-1 in shoes with a seven-foot-one wingspan, using them well on the floor. Unquestionably, Raynaud is an offensive big through and through, being an effective three-level scorer and passer at the center position. Not only can Raynaud be a threat in the paint, but he has also shown that he can be a spot-up shooter and attack closeouts. For a team like Phoenix that needs a big, the talent is undeniable in Raynaud. While he isn’t a great defender, nor is he super athletic, he is still one of the more talented bigs in the draft. He will still fit next to Booker offensively, raising Phoenix’s offensive ceiling and giving them another player at center.
30. Los Angeles Clippers (via Oklahoma City Thunder): Ben Saraf, Ratiopharm Ulm, PG/SG
The Clippers are in an interesting situation as a franchise as they continue to build around their aging stars. Regardless of that fact, they still need young talent in several areas, especially at the guard and center positions. With that in mind, the Clippers will take Ulm guard Ben Saraf with the final pick in this 2025 NBA mock draft. Standing at 6-foot-6 barefoot, Saraf has shown to be an impressive two-level scorer and playmaker in Europe. Furthermore, he is currently showing that he can even provide high-level play in high-pressure situations, like in the BBL finals. His ability to provide scoring and playmaking would be useful off the bench. In particular, Saraf can help keep James Harden fresh during the regular season. Saraf can bring great skills at his age for a Clippers team that can stand to get young talent.
Featured image: © Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
