The definitive mock before a historic NBA Draft 2025: Much more than Cooper Flagg

With the 2025 NBA Finals now in the rearview mirror, the basketball world's attention shifts to the NBA Draft 2025, kicking off early this morning from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The atmosphere is one of maximum anticipation, with college and international league talent ready to make the leap to the elite. Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper headline the predictions as the first two picks, while negotiations, rumors, and potential franchise moves keep executives and fans alike on edge.

1. Dallas Mavericks – Cooper Flagg (SF/PF, Duke)
Dallas hit the jackpot by moving up in the lottery and securing the number 1 pick. The choice is clear: Cooper Flagg. At just 18 years old, Duke's forward has impressed during his visit to the Texan franchise and is set to become a key piece on a team aiming to compete immediately. His defensive versatility, game reading, and offensive potential make him one of the most complete prospects in years. With Kyrie Irving recovering, Flagg could take on a prominent role from day one.

2. San Antonio Spurs – Dylan Harper (PG/SG, Rutgers)
The Spurs have remained steadfast in their choice of Harper, showing no interest in trading the second pick. Seen as an ideal complement to Victor Wembanyama, Harper brings playmaking, physicality, aggression, and maturity to lead an offense. At just 19 years old, his ability to create off the dribble and his creativity on the court peg him as the future point guard in San Antonio.

3. Philadelphia 76ers – VJ Edgecombe (SG, Baylor)
With Ace Bailey hesitant to join top 5 teams, all signs point to Philadelphia leaning towards Edgecombe. Despite an unremarkable private workout, he left a positive impression in interviews. While his fit alongside Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain may not be the most natural, his explosiveness, shooting potential, and defensive skills give the 76ers a high-ceiling prospect.

4. Charlotte Hornets – Kon Knueppel (SG/SF, Duke)
If Edgecombe is unavailable, Charlotte is eyeing Knueppel, a safer choice following last year's risky pick. The former Duke standout shines with his outside shooting, tactical maturity, and leadership. His style fits well with LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, and his statistical performance backs him as a solid pick, potentially even if they trade down a few spots.

5. Utah Jazz – Jeremiah Fears (PG, Oklahoma)
Under new leadership, the Jazz may prioritize pure talent over immediate fit, and Fears embodies just that. Among the youngest in the draft, his ball-handling skills, speed, and aggressiveness attacking the basket paint him as a modern point guard with room to grow. Utah could see him as their new primary playmaker.

6. Washington Wizards – Ace Bailey (SG/SF, Rutgers)
Bailey has avoided top 5 teams, but Washington could be his best available landing spot. Despite media attention, his strategy aims to maximize development and exposure from a more favorable environment. His size, scoring ability, and star potential could turn his slide in the draft order into a temporary one before a meteoric rise in the league.

7. New Orleans Pelicans – Khaman Maluach (C, Duke)
Seeking a future center, the Pelicans find an ideal profile in Maluach: elite defender, imposing physical presence, and infectious energy. His defensive impact, ability to run the floor, and potential as a vertical finisher make him a logical choice for New Orleans if Bailey and Fears are off the table.

8. Brooklyn Nets – Tre Johnson (SG, Texas)
Brooklyn could land unexpected value if Johnson, projected between 4 and 6, falls to the 8th spot. His versatile scoring, solid physique, and great wingspan allow him to adapt to various roles. With multiple first-round picks, the Nets could surround him well and give him room to evolve into a future offensive focal point.

9. Toronto Raptors – Noa Essengue (PF, Ratiopharm Ulm)
After an impressive season in Germany, Essengue arrives with growing interest. His defensive mobility, knack for covering spaces, and modern physique align with the Raptors' identity. While his outside shooting needs work, his rapid progression and versatility make him a player with much potential.

10. Phoenix Suns – Carter Bryant (SF/PF, Arizona)
In search of balance after adding Jalen Green, the Suns target Bryant for his complementary profile: dependable defender, solid shooter, and capable passer. While not a primary offensive creator, he can serve as glue in a rotation already filled with scorers. His versatility appeals to Phoenix at this stage of their rebuild.

11. Portland Trail Blazers – Kasparas Jakucionis (PG, Illinois)
With minutes freed up in the backcourt, Portland can afford to develop Jakucionis, a tall, cerebral point guard. His playmaking vision, ability to play off the ball, and maturity make him an ideal complement to Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe. It's a developmental gamble fitting into the Blazers' new roadmap.

12. Chicago Bulls – Collin Murray-Boyles (PF/C, South Carolina)
In need of frontcourt reinforcement, Chicago values Murray-Boyles for his toughness, defensive versatility, and efficiency on offense. While not towering for his position nor excelling as an outside shooter, his impact across multiple facets of the game makes him a solid immediate contributor, especially given the potential departure of Nikola Vucevic.

13. Atlanta Hawks – Egor Demin (PG/SG, BYU)
With a unique profile due to his height and playmaking role, Demin is an intriguing option for Atlanta. He can switch positions, play as a secondary creator, and has significant upside if he can translate his physical talents and court vision to the NBA level. His versatility is valuable in an increasingly positionless league.

14. San Antonio Spurs – Joan Beringer (C, Cedevita Olimpija)
With a hectic schedule since arriving in the US after concluding his season in Slovenia, Beringer has conducted workouts with Chicago, Brooklyn, San Antonio, Atlanta, Memphis, Minnesota, and Houston, covering his options within the range of picks 8 to 19.

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