The 2025 NBA Draft cycle is formally right here. Worldwide groups have tipped off their common seasons, and school groups have began preseason practices. NBA scouts and executives are out and about, seeing groups apply and touring worldwide to search out gamers.
A lot has been written about pleasure concerning the 2025 draft. It does look drastically higher on the high of the category than the 2024 iteration. There may be loads of room for pleasure for tanking groups seeking to replenish their youth.
However I’ll preach a little bit of warning. I wouldn’t get hyperbolic and say it is a superclass. I’d say it seems like a reasonably common draft class. The depth stays a big query for groups. Past that, there are some differing opinions about how good the highest 5 of this class initiatives to be. Some find it irresistible and see a number of all-stars. Others consider there are actual questions on gamers reminiscent of Cooper Flagg, Ace Bailey, Dylan Harper and V.J. Edgecombe. Can Edgecombe be a main possibility? Can Flagg create sufficient for himself to be a worthy No. 1 choose? Can Bailey make something straightforward for himself?
All these gamers have large potential, however I are likely to agree with the scouts who don’t see this group as a generational crop of expertise proper now. Coming into the season, I feel it will be troublesome to charge the highest finish of this class forward of the 2023 group, which had Victor Wembanyama, Scoot Henderson and Amen Thompson coming into the 12 months as potential franchise gamers, with Brandon Miller becoming a member of them in that projection. As nice as Flagg seems, it will be arduous to charge him throughout the identical tier of participant as Wembanyama, and I’ve but to listen to from a single evaluator inside league circles who believes that.
So whereas there’s each motive for enthusiasm about this group — and certainly, I’m excited to observe these gamers because the season will get underway — I’d pause earlier than pinning your group’s whole hopes on this class the best way many did two years in the past when Wembanyama got here by.
Just a few fast notes on the construction and format of this mock draft:
- The draft order right here is predicated on the Vegas win complete over/underneath projections. We used BetMGM’s strains. This felt just like the fairest projection of standings earlier than anybody has performed a aggressive recreation.
- Group wants aren’t taken into consideration. There’s not a lot motive to do this at this stage on condition that trades will probably happen all year long and rosters will look completely different than they do now.
- When you don’t see a freshman you assume ought to be right here, it’s probably as a result of I’m a bit skeptical as to whether or not they’ll be capable to go one-and-done in 2025. As an example, Duke’s Isaiah Evans has a troublesome runway towards taking part in time given the Blue Devils’ depth. Alabama’s Derrion Reid is also taking part in on a loaded squad with two returning forwards from a Closing 4 group in Jarin Stevenson and Grant Nelson, an incoming middle in Cliff Omoruyi, plus a few older wings and guards in Houston Mallette and Chris Youngblood. I’d wish to know a bit extra about how the Crimson Tide’s rotation will shake out. Maryland’s Derik Queen has some defensive questions he’ll must reply early. There are definitely others.
- Participant ages are as of the projected draft day in 2025 (June 25).
Cooper Flagg | 6-8 ahead | 18 years previous | Duke
Since he reclassified into this recruiting class following his sophomore marketing campaign, Flagg has been seen as the virtually surefire participant to go No. 1. I wouldn’t fairly go so far as to say he’s a certainty, however he has essentially the most qualities engaging to NBA groups as he enters his freshman season at Duke at simply 17 (he turns 18 in December).
In the beginning, Flagg is among the many greatest defensive prospects I’ve ever evaluated. He’s aggressive past all perception, with a motor and tenacity that by no means ceases for a second on the court docket. He imposes his will upon the sport on and off the ball defensively. He’s large as a assist defender, blocking a ridiculous variety of photographs and protecting the other facet of the ground, with severe ability for locating steals. On offense, his recreation has proven drastic enchancment during the last couple of years. His deal with has improved over his time in highschool, and he’s able to creating makeable pull-up jumpers, notably from the midrange space. He’s an superior cutter and offensive rebounder. Simply by being an elite transition participant, slicing, and getting offensive rebounds, Flagg ought to common double figures.
GO DEEPER
Cooper Flagg’s Duke debut just the start in season stuffed with extremely anticipated steps
Whether or not he goes No. 1 will come down, partly, to how well-developed his skill to create for himself seems by the top of the 12 months. NBA groups continually search for gamers who can create benefits for his or her group. Flagg is just not the very best participant within the class at doing that at this stage of his growth, however you will need to bear in mind how younger he’s. He’s fairly early in his profession, much more so than anybody else on this class due to his age. Nonetheless, evaluators want to see a continuation of the expansion he confirmed throughout his ultimate season at Montverde (Fla.) Academy in attacking and creating photographs off the bounce.
Ace Bailey | 6-9 wing/ahead | 18 years previous | Rutgers
Bailey is the identify that comes up most frequently while you ask scouts, “Who might problem Flagg at No. 1?” From a instruments perspective, it’s straightforward to see why. The 6-9 wing seems and feels extra like an NBA star than anybody on this class. He’s monumental for a pull-up shot creator and pairs that with some severe athletic explosiveness. He seems each bit like that Paul George-style wing whom groups scour the globe to attempt to discover. Past that, his footwork and pick-ups as a pull-up shooter are well-developed for somebody this younger. Within the final decade, I can depend the variety of gamers on one hand who’re this massive and may get into pull-up midrange and 3-point jumpers with as a lot movement, steadiness and effectivity as Bailey can.
So what are the problems? They’re two-fold. First, Bailey appears to are likely to fall in love with the arduous photographs. He doesn’t appear to create as many straightforward photographs as you’d like. His deal with is inventive and artful; it’s simply unfastened proper now and could be a bit excessive, which ends up in him not getting essentially the most out of his drives. He additionally performs upright, which implies he doesn’t at all times entry his athleticism. Defensively, he could be a bit hit and miss with taking full benefit of his instruments, with some moments of high-flying blocks and others the place he seems to disengage.
Each software is there for Bailey to mount a severe problem for the highest choose. However he must show he will be environment friendly on the school degree with the type he performs first.
Dylan Harper | 6-5 guard | 19 years previous | Rutgers
Harper is the extra polished of the 2 top-three Rutgers prospects. His footwork is pristine, and his deal with is inventive, with the power to craft a number of counters collectively off drives relying on how defenders play him. He’s usually been deployed as a scorer early in his profession, and he has that skill. His pull-up recreation has been fairly good, however greater than that, his skill to create artful benefits out of ball screens has scouts excited. He’s a wonderful passer and playmaker, one thing scouts have seen since his efficiency on the Beneath-19 World Cup again in 2023 when he was usually requested to run the present whereas taking part in up a number of years by way of age group. He solely averaged three assists however had a ridiculous seven-to-one assist-to-turnover ratio.
What are the concerns? Principally, it includes his athleticism, as he isn’t a wildly explosive participant. He doesn’t have a ton of vertical pop, and his first step is just not that spectacular, that means he must get by with that degree of craft on a regular basis. His footwork and polish are ok to get constant separation, however the ending craft can typically let him down. Scouts additionally wish to see what his degree is as a shooter. There have been marked enhancements in his pull-up recreation during the last 18 months, however scouts need him to verify that skill.
V.J. Edgecombe | 6-3 guard | 19 years previous | Baylor
Edgecombe is without doubt one of the most fun prospects on this class, a spotlight ready to occur. There are few extra explosive leapers throughout the higher basketball neighborhood worldwide; he’s a strong athlete who will throw down thunderous dunks or rotate throughout the court docket for enormous blocks at the very least a few times per recreation. He’s additionally confirmed to be a wonderful shooter off the catch up to now in his profession, and his recreation off the bounce is creating. He performs properly along with his proper hand in ball-screen conditions now. Defensively, Edgecombe is terrific throughout the board within the backcourt. Equally to somebody like Cason Wallace, Edgecombe is skinny however has the ability by his chest to carry up in opposition to a number of completely different participant varieties and the quickness to defend the quickest gamers on the planet.
However possibly the largest swing ability on this class would be the growth of his left hand. In highschool, in case you might drive Edgecombe towards his left, it was a severe situation. His deal with was drastically looser, as was his skill to manage the ball by any kind of contact. He additionally struggled ending across the basket along with his left hand. That ability proper now could be the one which holds him again from being a main lead possibility versus extra of a secondary playmaker, shooter, athlete and defender. Proper now, he’s a bit extra within the Wallace or Gary Harris mildew (simply with extra explosiveness). That would all change, and Edgecombe is on an upward trajectory. He will get higher and higher each time scouts see him. However with out the left hand, it’s arduous to see Edgecombe difficult in any means for that high slot.
Nolan Traoré | 6-3 guard | 19 years previous | Saint-Quentin
Traoré has had an up-and-down run since his terrific spring, when he impressed a number of scouts at Nike Hoop Summit, then went on to play properly on the Adidas Subsequent Era Event and late within the 2023-24 season for Saint-Quentin. He was a bit uneven on the European Beneath-18 Championships, main the competitors in assists however struggling some along with his effectivity as a scorer and his turnovers whereas being surrounded by a French roster with no capturing ability. Then within the early phases of his 2024-25 season for Saint-Quentin, he’s had a few monster video games (a 20-point, 10-assist displaying in opposition to Nancy and a 27-point outburst in opposition to Kolossos), and a few poor video games (going 3-of-15 with 9 turnovers in his first two video games).
What scouts will likely be on the lookout for extra from Traoré is how his skill to attain effectively from all areas of the court docket develops. Can he change into a dynamic, three-level scorer? He’s comfy taking these photographs, however can he persistently make them? He has not at all times been a constant shooter, and his ending leaves one thing to be desired at occasions with how far he’ll attempt to rating away from the rim. Traoré doesn’t have a monster first step or a ton of vertical explosiveness, so he’ll should be dialed in with the small print of his recreation.
Jakucionis is available in at No. 6 as a result of he’s the participant I’ve obtained essentially the most optimistic suggestions on exterior of that high group from sources linked to each school basketball and the NBA. The 6-5 guard is anticipated to run the present for Illinois this season following a terrific Beneath-18 marketing campaign with Lithuania this summer time. The thought here’s a massive, multi-skilled guard who can play with or with out the ball in his fingers. He’s a maestro in ball screens and an incredible passer. He shoots it properly each off pull-ups and off the catch. The considerations listed here are that he’s not overly athletic, however he is aware of how you can use his body in ways in which permit him to keep up benefits when obligatory out of these screening actions.
NBA groups see him as an awesome wager to have an incredible season due to the intersection between his ability and really feel for the sport. Given the best way the NBA goes, the place these two issues proceed to show themselves as being priceless, it’s straightforward to see the joy constructing round him already. Count on an enormous season.
Georgia Freshman “Asa Newell” beating #2 Total Choose within the 2024 NBA Draft “Alexander Sarr” off the dribble off of the closeout. pic.twitter.com/W198fAY2Ci
— Aidan Dawson (@aidandawson25) August 27, 2024
Asa Newell | 6-9 ahead/massive | 19 years previous | Georgia
Newell is a terrific massive man who performed with Flagg at Montverde. He’ll get to step out of that shadow and probably emerge as one of many main choices at Georgia, a group I feel is kind of underrated heading into the 2024-25 season. There are a number of comparisons to be made right here to a man like Taylor Hendricks, who was taken within the high 10 a few years in the past. Newell is a terrific athlete and shot-blocker at 6-9 and makes successful performs along with his positioning and motor on that finish of the court docket. On offense, he has a terrific, burgeoning perimeter recreation the place he can knock down photographs from the perimeter and straight-line drive to complete inside.
Ben Saraf | 6-6 wing | 19 years previous | Ratiopharm Ulm
Of this cycle, Saraf is already one of many extra sophisticated evaluations. He had an infinite Beneath-18 European Championships whereas taking part in for Israel, successful MVP of the occasion. He had a number of 40-point video games and averaged 28 factors, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. There aren’t many gamers fairly like him on the world stage proper now, a lefty with severe creation skill largely due to his elite deceleration ranges. His skill to make use of a gradual step on his drives and gathers going towards the rim permits him to be impactful as a scorer. He’s additionally a wonderful passer who makes performs for his teammates in every single place.
But it’s been a bit extra up-and-down for Saraf thus far this 12 months with Ulm in Germany. He’s getting a big variety of reps because the group’s main possibility at lead guard, and the inefficiency is displaying. The jumper isn’t fairly there but; he must iron out the mechanics and make them only a bit smoother. That additionally results in questions on what his function will likely be if it seems he’s not fairly ok to be an on-ball creator within the NBA.
Saraf’s inventory is polarizing. Most see him as a first-rounder at this stage, however I’ve gotten a mix from high 10 all the best way right down to the top of the primary spherical.
Kon Knueppel is likely to be Duke’s greatest offensive participant this season — sure, even higher than Cooper Flagg. (Grant Halverson / Getty Photos)
Kon Knueppel | 6-5 guard | 19 years previous | Duke
Knueppel is one other participant whom scouts proceed to rave about after seeing Duke. He’s usually famous as being the group’s second-best participant behind Flagg, and a few have even mentioned he’s the group’s greatest offensive participant proper now. An incredible scorer on the EYBL and highschool ranges, Knueppel, with a thicker body, doesn’t essentially look the a part of a high-level draft choose, and he doesn’t look overly lengthy. Nonetheless, he knocks down photographs at a excessive degree. It wouldn’t be a stunner to see him shoot 40 % from 3 this 12 months. He may also drive and assault off the specter of that shot at a excessive degree. Given the best way capturing is valued in at the moment’s NBA, it’s straightforward to see him being thought of a lottery choose if he has a robust season.
10. San Antonio Spurs
Liam McNeeley | 6-6 wing | 19 years previous | Connecticut
McNeeley is coming into the right scenario at Connecticut. The Huskies have received back-to-back nationwide championships and confirmed they know how you can use gamers with the ability set McNeeley possesses. He’s an elite shooter for a young person, and the third participant from final season’s Montverde group to be projected right here within the high 10. McNeeley can hit photographs off motion, however greater than that, he has a terrific really feel for the sport. He’s not essentially the most athletic participant on the planet, however he’s massive and makes the best choices each time he will get the ball or is on the defensive finish of the court docket. UConn is kind of deep on the wing this 12 months, however I’d count on McNeeley to finish up taking part in vital minutes because the Huskies go for a three-peat.
Collin Murray-Boyles | 6-7 wing/ahead | 20 years previous | South Carolina
Murray-Boyles is an ideal encapsulation of this draft class in a number of methods. Many of the scouts I communicate with deliver up Murray-Boyles as a participant whom they see as a first-round choose. However few have him as a lottery grade and as a substitute say that they’d love to pick him within the again half of the primary spherical. Why? As of proper now, they see a man who will probably play within the NBA for some time, however not a man with a ton of star energy. He’s 6-7 with lengthy arms and has an enormous bodily body that enables him to bully opponents even at 19 years previous.
And but, he hasn’t confirmed he can shoot from distance but, and most of his offense tends to return on the block or in mid-post face-ups. These aren’t actions NBA groups run all that a lot. Nonetheless, the true motive they’re enthusiastic about Murray-Boyles comes on protection, the place he’s excellent each in one-on-one in addition to in group settings. Nonetheless, the fear is that there isn’t a ton of upside right here. He’s wager to be a first-rounder if he showcases any enchancment with the jumper, nevertheless it may find yourself a bit decrease than this after different gamers emerge.
Freeman was a riser later in his highschool profession, a late bloomer bodily who was skinny (and nonetheless is, to some extent) earlier than including a little bit of weight and a number of twitchy explosiveness. The thought here’s a massive wing/ahead hybrid who already has proven actual skill to knock down midrange jumpers and is seeming so as to add the power to knock down 3s. On high of that, he’s wiry and has a ton of bounce. He’ll put up some enjoyable highlights all through the season. Freeman does have a little bit of a option to go, although. The deal with goes to have to enhance, as is his general defensive consciousness. However in case you’re on the lookout for an upside swing on this class, Freeman is without doubt one of the names scouts get most enthusiastic about earlier than anybody has performed this 12 months.
Drake Powell | 6-6 wing | 19 years previous | North Carolina
Powell is an athletic wing with lengthy arms who seems to have a strong spot at North Carolina. It’s an ideal match for him, because the group wants a robust two-way wing to play with R.J. Davis, Elliot Cadeau and Ian Jackson. Powell, at 6-6, has at all times profiled as a terrific two-way wing who’s conscientious on protection (with upside to be a severe affect participant on that finish) along with being a shot-maker with some skill to drive off the bounce. I’m a bit skeptical that we’re going to see that skill to drive and rating all that a lot exterior of transition this 12 months in Chapel Hill, and Powell does must show he can persistently hit open catch-and-shoot 3s. However he profiles completely in-between the 2 guards of their beginning lineup in addition to Cade Tyson as a floor-spacing greater wing within the frontcourt. Scouts who’ve been by to North Carolina have famous that he seems to fill the mix for the group of filling a necessity and of readiness to play.
Miami freshman Jalil Bethea received the 2024 McDonald’s All-American Recreation slam dunk contest. (Maria Lysaker / USA In the present day)
Jalil Bethea | 6-3 guard | 19 years previous | Miami (Fla.)
Among the best scorers within the 2024 recruiting class, Bethea can put the ball within the bucket. He’s a terrific pull-up shot-maker with vary already out to the NBA 3-point line. When you get him some area, he has a ton of shiftiness to have the ability to get to his spots. The important thing for Bethea is the way it all seems in half-court settings when he has to attempt to get paint touches this 12 months. He’s nonetheless fairly skinny. He’s explosive when he has an opportunity to load up, however I haven’t but seen that skill to play by contact at a excessive sufficient degree. If that comes alongside — in addition to the passing and decision-making — Bethea might find yourself as an upside swing within the high 10 for somebody on the lookout for severe scoring punch. However there’s a bit extra danger right here till we see what he seems like on a school court docket taking part in in opposition to vital athletes each single evening.
15. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder (by way of MIA)
Dink Pate | 6-6 guard | 19 years previous | Mexico Metropolis Capitanes
Pate is actually one of many swing guys on this draft. His upside is immense if he can determine how you can effectively rating within the G League this season — the dissolution of the G League Ignite program has resulted in him taking part in with the Mexico Metropolis Capitanes. Pate has severe on-ball ability and is an actual playmaker in ball screens. He can cross and make performs for his teammates along with getting actual paint touches. However the important thing for Pate is the jumper. It’s by no means appeared clear, and that confirmed up final 12 months. He posted only a 43.1 true capturing share final season, largely as a result of the half-court ending additionally hasn’t fairly translated. If he can determine to place the ball within the gap with consistency and effectivity, he’ll be a excessive draft choose. If he doesn’t, then it’ll be fascinating to see the place he finally ends up.
Hugo González | 6-6 wing/ahead | 19 years previous | Actual Madrid
González is coming off a strong Beneath-18 European Championships wherein he showcased a lot of what has made him such a extremely sought-after prospect but in addition a number of the flaws groups are involved about heading into his pre-draft season. González is named an incredible defender who performs with immense tenacity and a excessive motor. All of that performed up in these video games on the wing, the place he confirmed the power to protect a number of positions and make high-level performs on that finish. He averaged a ridiculous 2.7 steals and two blocks per recreation. González’s anticipation on protection is absurd, as he appears to see issues a break up second earlier than they occur. Having mentioned that, the jumper stays the query. González doesn’t mission as a very high-level creator within the NBA, so he’ll must knock down 3s. He made simply 20.8 % from distance taking seven makes an attempt per on the Beneath-18s. The quantity and his willingness to take them, nonetheless, drastically exceeded something he’d proven beforehand. However that will likely be his swing ability as an general prospect. González has to make 3s to showcase he has a task on offense within the NBA.
Motiejus Krivas | 7-2 massive | 20 years previous | Arizona
One other tremendous big, Krivas seems like an superior breakout wager based mostly on how he performed as a backup behind Oumar Ballo final season. Massive males aren’t supposed to maneuver the best way he does. He has nice coordination and footwork and showcases excellent contact. He’s additionally prepared to provoke contact and play by it. He seals his man when he can on the block and in addition strikes properly in ball screens when rolling to the rim. He additionally makes his free throws and has mushy fingers that appear to catch the whole lot in his space. He rebounds properly on each ends of the court docket. On this Arizona scheme that accentuates massive males, Krivas has an opportunity to be the very best one who has come by in Tommy Lloyd’s tenure.
Certainly one of two gamers on whom I had a first-round grade final season who didn’t declare for the draft, Sallis is a former five-star recruit who had a breakout third collegiate season at Wake Forest, following a switch from Gonzaga. He averaged 18 factors, 4 rebounds and a couple of.5 assists, however extra importantly, he noticed an infinite leap along with his 3-point jumper. He hit 40.5 % of his 3s final season after two years beneath 26 % at Gonzaga. NBA groups wish to see him consolidate that 3-point quantity, in addition to get again to being the high-energy defender he was at Gonzaga early in his profession when he got here off the bench. It additionally wouldn’t damage if he began to showcase higher passing imaginative and prescient. However general, there’s a number of motive for Sallis optimism coming into the 12 months.
Alex Karaban | 6-8 wing | 22 years previous | Connecticut
Karaban is the opposite participant who had a first-round grade on my private board final season however returned to high school. I had him within the late 20s, and it’s straightforward to see what his function will likely be within the NBA. He’s a terrific shooter, having made 39 % of his 3s over his two years at Connecticut. However extra importantly, he’s a consummate winner. He does all the little issues you’ll be able to ask a participant to do on the court docket. He’s a terrific group defender who’s slicing off angles and passes on the weak facet. He cuts properly off the ball on offense. He’s in movement inside that Connecticut offense. On high of that, his expertise is large, as he began 77 of his 78 video games for the back-to-back nationwide champions. It’s straightforward to say, however he seems like a man who will slot into an NBA rotation for some time. UConn will likely be relying on him to be greater than that this 12 months, as he’ll step into the highlight following the departure of most of his teammates. Any progress that he might present with the ball in his fingers can be an actual optimistic for him with scouts.
Khaman Maluach | 7-1 massive | 18 years previous | Duke
I’m not fairly as excessive on Maluach as many appear to be within the preseason after having seen him at Nike Hoop Summit earlier this 12 months. I simply have some considerations about his readiness for the school recreation. He struggled to catch and end on the transfer on the larger pace of the sport he confronted in opposition to higher competitors all week in apply. On protection, it’s clear Maluach remains to be studying the intricacies of drop protection and in ball screens. He doesn’t fairly have an awesome really feel but for managing the area between the curler and the ballhandler.
Right here’s the factor, although: Maluach is big. It’s arduous to overstate how massive he seems on the market. Many NBA scouts have been additionally impressed along with his play for the South Sudanese nationwide group this previous Olympic cycle throughout the precise occasion in addition to in warm-up video games. They talked about his skill to slip his toes and transfer alongside the perimeter at his measurement. I’m a bit decrease on him than this, however I don’t assume it will fairly be an correct illustration of the place the NBA scouting neighborhood is at the moment to have him exterior of the highest 20. They’re fascinated by him and will likely be at Duke early and infrequently to verify him out.
Motiejus Krivas seems primed for a breakout season at Arizona. (Kirby Lee / USA In the present day)
Tre Johnson | 6-5 wing | 19 years previous | Texas
Johnson is a severe shot-maker. Few gamers on this recruiting class can get buckets on the degree he can. He’s aggressive, continually probing and attacking defenses to see if a crease is offered. If not, he’s comfy pulling up within the midrange space and has began flattening photographs from distance. The priority right here, although, is that Johnson isn’t an awesome athlete in comparison with different shot-creators on this mildew. He has lengthy arms and is prepared to make use of his body to play by and even provoke contact. However he’s not all that explosive. And the protection has left one thing to be desired. The excellent news is that he’s an aggressive rebounder for a guard, however he must showcase this 12 months that his recreation with out the ball in his fingers can sustain on the NBA degree, on condition that no NBA group goes to roll out the ball for him early in his profession.
22. Utah Jazz (by way of CLE)
Rocco Zikarsky | 7-3 massive | 18 years previous | Brisbane Bullets
Zikarsky is without doubt one of the most intriguing massive prospects on the planet proper now, a professional 7-3 big of a human who additionally strikes properly and has wonderful fingers. In his second season for the Brisbane Bullets within the NBL, Zikarsky hasn’t fairly discovered his footing but. He handled just a few minor ankle accidents early within the season that didn’t permit him to get fairly as many reps in apply as you’ll have hoped, and you may see simply how uncooked he’s in video games. He must get extra expertise to maintain bettering upon the intricacies of being an enormous man, like his screening, positioning in drop protection in opposition to ball screens, and his closeouts. Greater than something, although, I feel he’s only a little bit of a mission. I consider in him being an NBA participant sooner or later, nevertheless it may take a while for him to succeed in that potential. He’ll be 18 on draft day this 12 months, so he’s one of many youngest gamers within the class. It’s price being affected person and checking again later this 12 months to see how he’s developed. I broke all of that down in a video with tape from his latest recreation in opposition to Sydney right here.
Egor Demin | 6-8 guard | 19 years previous | BYU
That is larger than the place I’d have Demin. However very like with Maluach above, it wouldn’t fairly be an correct description of the place scouts are at this stage if I didn’t rank him within the high 30. There may be vital curiosity in Demin’s skill to be a 6-8 level guard and playmaker at BYU this season. The place I’m frightened is that I’m not completely certain how he scores the basketball but. At any degree, he’s by no means confirmed the power to complete persistently on the inside or knock down photographs. He’s prepared to take them, however there hasn’t been a lot effectivity. I consider within the passing and imaginative and prescient in an enormous means, and that’s why he exhibits up right here. The novelty of a possible level guard at this measurement makes him one of many gamers I’m most fascinated by watching this season. However there are some actual questions scouts are on the lookout for him to reply, even with their curiosity ranges.
24. Brooklyn Nets (by way of MIL)
Alex Toohey | 6-8 wing | 21 years previous | Sydney Kings
Toohey has been one of many early-season breakout gamers on the worldwide scene, taking part in properly for the Sydney Kings. All through the summer time, he was the participant who I acquired essentially the most optimistic suggestions on from sources among the many youthful gamers who went by the Australian Olympic camp, and that features latest Indiana Pacers draft choose Johnny Furphy. Beginning for a group thought of the favourite within the NBL this 12 months, Toohey has averaged 16 factors per recreation whereas capturing 54 % from 3-point vary. The capturing received’t fairly maintain at that quantity, however Toohey does look to be a severe shooter after having added vital power all through each his higher and decrease halves this offseason. He’s additionally changed into defender in a group assemble who isn’t out of place and whose size (at 6-8, he posted a 9-foot standing attain at Hoop Summit in 2023) covers a number of floor.
25. Orlando Magic (by way of DEN)
Kwame Evans Jr. | 6-8 wing/ahead | 20 years previous | Oregon
Evans is a participant whom scouts have been enthused about at completely different factors final season due to his size and willingness to play with effort and vitality on the defensive finish. He was a defensive playmaker on the 4 place final 12 months, averaging a steal and a block in simply 21 minutes per recreation. On high of that, he rebounded the ball properly on each ends whereas taking part in subsequent to a terrific massive man in N’Faly Dante. The important thing for Evans would be the growth of the jumper. Believers inside NBA circles will level to his 79.5 % mark from the foul line as indicators of his severe contact, whereas these extra involved will level to his 26.7 % mark from the 3-point line. Showcasing the power to fireplace from distance would be the swing ability that both pushes Evans into the primary spherical, or sees him return to school once more.
26. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder (by way of PHI)
Lowe performed subsequent to first-round choose Bub Carrington final season and was fairly good in his personal proper as a freshman guard. He got here into his personal because the season progressed, averaging 12 factors and three.7 assists versus 1.6 turnovers throughout ACC play final 12 months whereas hitting over 40 % from 3. He’s a gradual presence out on the court docket with actual pace who could make wonderful choices. He’ll get an opportunity to run the present for Pitt this season with out Carrington round. I’d count on a severe bounce in manufacturing, with 15 factors and 5 assists per recreation not in any means out of the query. The important thing quantity will likely be his 2-point share and share on the basket. Scouts wish to see him persistently end on the inside on condition that his measurement is an actual query mark heading into the 12 months.
27. Utah Jazz (by way of MIN)
Noa Essengue | 6-9 ahead | 18 years previous | Ratiopharm Ulm
Essengue has already proven to be one of many extra productive European prospects this season. Related in age to Flagg, Essengue received’t flip 18 till December. And but he’s averaging 8.8 factors and 4.8 rebounds for Ulm. There may be pleasure concerning the 6-9 athlete’s mix of manufacturing and coordination, and he was additionally fairly good on the Beneath-18 European Championships for France subsequent to Traoré. The priority here’s what his greatest place is. With a 6-11 wingspan in response to the Basketball With out Borders camp this previous all-star break, Essengue isn’t fairly large enough to be a 5. Nonetheless, he’s additionally not likely a 4, as his jumper wants a ton of labor and his ballhandling leaves some actual questions. Defensively, scouts do see some actual switchability on protection that brings pleasure, although. Essengue is a participant whom scouts are simply fascinated by monitoring his progress greater than something all through the season. At such a younger age, he has a ton of time. If he exhibits he’s answered a few of these considerations by the point June rolls round, he’ll have an actual shot to go in Spherical 1.
28. Brooklyn Nets (by way of NYK)
Michael Ruzic | 6-10 ahead | 18 years previous | Joventut
Ruzic is without doubt one of the extra skilled rising draft prospects, having already seen near 700 minutes within the ACB and Eurocup competitions for Joventut in Spain. A Croatian massive man, the thought behind Ruzic is fairly easy: he’s a talented massive man who can step away and shoot in addition to play with the ball in his fingers a bit for a much bigger participant. He averaged about 5 factors and three rebounds in 17 minutes per recreation final 12 months in Spanish league competitors and has the sort of expert, fluid athleticism NBA groups covet from potential developmental bigs. He additionally appears to have lengthy arms, which ought to permit him to search out extra success defensively on condition that he strikes properly and has strong instincts in group ideas.
29. Brooklyn Nets (by way of OKC)
Ian Jackson | 6-4 guard | 20 years previous | North Carolina
Jackson is without doubt one of the extra fascinating top-10 recruits within the class, heading to North Carolina this 12 months so as to add to what’s already a loaded backcourt with R.J. Davis and Elliot Cadeau. Jackson is about as aggressive a guard as you’ll discover, continually seeking to assault and stress the basket. He simply at all times looks like he’s attempting to get downhill and attempting get paint touches, both in transition or in half-court settings as a driver. The excellent news is that he additionally brings that high-level depth to the defensive finish, as properly. In the end, it’s going to return right down to the shot. Jackson makes photographs in bursts however doesn’t at all times have the sort of consistency that you simply’d hope for. My guess is that this finally ends up resulting in him being an excellent sixth man for the Tar Heels this 12 months, along with his skill to vary the tempo of the sport by coming into off the bench. That looks like the tailored function for him on this group.
Kam Jones ought to put up massive numbers at Marquette this season. (Tim Heitman / USA In the present day)
Jones is a refined scorer who enters the school season as an actual candidate to make an All-America group. He has very good contact from all three ranges, and he made 67 % of his photographs on the rim and 39 % from 3 final season. He additionally confirmed some actual potential at lead guard throughout Tyler Kolek’s late-season absence, averaging 4.5 assists per recreation throughout that six-game stretch. NBA scouts would like to see him be extra constant as a playmaker in addition to a greater defensive presence. That’s the large query. Who does Jones guard? Can he show he can guard ones? Is he large enough to protect wings? Showcasing actual enchancment there would be the key to solidifying his inventory. However he looks like candidate to be drafted this season.
SECOND ROUND
31. Brooklyn Nets: Ok.J. Lewis | 6-3 guard | Arizona
32. Washington Wizards: Mackenzie Mgbako | 6-7 wing | Indiana
33. Sacramento Kings (by way of POR): Boogie Fland | 6-1 guard | Arkansas
34. Detroit Pistons: JT Toppin | 6-9 guard | Texas Tech
35. San Antonio Spurs (by way of CHI): Jarin Stevenson | 6-9 ahead | Alabama
36. Minnesota Timberwolves (by way of UTA): Johni Broome | 6-10 massive | Auburn
37. Charlotte Hornets: Bogoljub Marković | 6-10 ahead | Mega
38. Dallas Mavericks (by way of TOR): Xaivian Lee | 6-3 guard | Princeton
39. Portland Path Blazers (by way of ATL): Adou Thiero | 6-7 wing | Arkansas
40. San Antonio Spurs: Milan Momčilović | 6-8 wing/ahead | Iowa State
41. Los Angeles Lakers (by way of LAC): Tyrese Proctor | 6-4 guard | Duke
42. Golden State Warriors: Payton Sandfort | 6-7 wing | Iowa
43. Memphis Grizzlies (by way of HOU): Dailyn Swain | 6-7 wing | Xavier
44. Los Angeles Lakers: Jamir Watkins | 6-7 wing | Florida State
45. Brooklyn Nets (by way of MIA): Mark Sears | 6-0 guard | Alabama
46. San Antonio Spurs (by way of NOP): Darrion Williams | 6-6 wing | Texas Tech
47. Washington Wizards (by way of PHX): Cade Tyson | 6-7 wing | North Carolina
48. Indiana Pacers: Nique Clifford | 6-6 wing | Colorado State
49. Sacramento Kings: Ryan Kalkbrenner | 7-1 massive | Creighton
50. Orlando Magic: Rasheer Fleming | 6-9 guard | St. Joseph’s
51. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder (by way of MEM): Baye Ndongo | 6-9 massive | Georgia Tech
52. Cleveland Cavaliers: Sion James | 6-4 guard | Duke
53. Dallas Mavericks: Ben Henshall | 6-5 guard | Perth Wildcats
54. Cleveland Cavaliers (by way of MIL): Izan Almansa | 6-9 massive | Perth Wildcats
55. Denver Nuggets: Tucker DeVries | 6-6 wing | West Virginia
56. Charlotte Hornets (by way of PHI): Saint Thomas | 6-6 wing | USC
57. Atlanta Hawks (by way of MIN): Michael Ajayi | 6-8 ahead | Gonzaga
58. Houston Rockets (by way of OKC): AJ Storr | 6-7 wing | Kansas
59. Orlando Magic (by way of BOS): Noah Penda | 6-7 ahead | Le Mans
(Word: The New York Knicks have forfeited their 2025 second-round choose because of free-agency shenanigans.)
(Illustration: Meech Robinson / The Athletic; images of Dylan Harper, Cooper Flagg and V.J. Edgecombe: Lance King, Cameron Browne / Getty Photos)
