If the 2024-25 season ended today, the Brooklyn Nets (5-9) would be projected to have the No. 6 and No. 7 picks in the 2025 NBA Draft. Considering their talent level, they should probably have a worse record than a few teams who are below them in the standings right now.<\/p>\n
The Atlantic Division is heavily featured in the draft\u2019s top-three, with the Toronto Raptors and Philadelphia 76ers projected to have the No. 1 and No. 3 pick, respectively. Sandwiched in between them is the Washington Wizards. Rounding out the upcoming draft\u2019s top-four is the Utah Jazz, who would pick No. 4.<\/p>\n
Among those teams are two \u2014the Raptors and Sixers \u2014that have been ravaged by injuries to key players. Of that duo, only Philadelphia was expected to be playoff contenders. How soon they get it together is a mystery, but they shouldn\u2019t be at the bottom of the barrel.<\/p>\n
All of that being said, the NBA Draft Lottery complicates matters. A team\u2019s draft projection is based on team record and lottery odds. However, any combination of lottery teams could land a top-four pick.<\/p>\n
The pearl of the 2025 NBA Draft is Duke freshman forward Cooper Flagg<\/a>, who captivates scouts with his all-around game. Yet, not every NBA executive is sold<\/a> on the idea that Flagg is a lock to go No. 1. There\u2019s at least one who believes Rutgers freshman forward Ace Bailey<\/a>, an elite shot-maker and defender, is a challenger for that spot<\/a>.<\/p>\n Ace Bailey in his collegiate debut…<\/p>\n 17 Points High expectations this year in Piscataway. pic.twitter.com\/1B1JyjubOJ<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 DG Buckets\ud83c\udfc0 (@DG_buckets) November 16, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n
\n6 Rebounds
\n2 Steals
\n5\/10 FG<\/p>\n