LitZone's 2025 NBA Mock Draft

The NBA draft is a very special night for NBA teams and young basketball players from college and abroad. It's an opportunity for NBA teams to find their next superstar and for players to find a new home. This year's draft is super talented and features a collection of players who are certain to make their name in the NBA. Lets' begin!

1. Dallas Mavericks – Cooper Flagg (SF/PF)

Cooper Flagg is a generational prospect and the most exciting player to come out of college since Zion Williamson. At 6'9”, he does it all. He brings elite athleticism, incredible defensive versatility, efficient isolation scoring and unselfish play that resulted in a 35-4 record this past season at Duke. The only question is whether he will become a true franchise cornerstone and offensive hub in the NBA, or settle into an elite complementary star role. Either way, Dallas has its centerpiece and the Luka Doncic trade feels like a distant memory.

2. San Antonio Spurs – Dylan Harper (PG)

Dylan Harper gives the Spurs a James Harden-esque offensive engine with real size at 6'6”, an elite ability to get to the rim and finishing percentages that rival 7-footers in this class. Even though Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox have already established themselves in San Antonio’s backcourt, Harper and Castle’s positional size means that they should be able to coexist. Harper is the kind of dynamic on-ball presence that franchises spend years looking for. With Wembanyama likely in the running for MVP next season, the Spurs boast an embarrassment of riches.

3. Philadelphia 76ers – Ace Bailey (SF)

Despite refusing to work out for the Sixers, they go ahead and select the best player available at number 3. Bailey is a legit 6'9” wing with smooth shot-making skills and elite footwork. While his midrange and three-point game are silky, he struggles to get to the rim and has yet to convert his fluidity into efficiency. With Paul George aging fast and Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain solidifying Philadelphia’s backcourt, Bailey fills a crucial need at the forward position while also providing long-term upside. The 76ers are hoping that when push comes to shove, Bailey will accept a smaller role on a playoff team now and maybe, just maybe, develop into a franchise cornerstone later in his career.

4. Charlotte Hornets – Tre Johnson (SG)

The Hornets go with Tre Johnson, one of the most impressive shooting prospects in recent memory. At 6'6”, Tre Johnson’s elite shooting versatility and ability to create off the dribble make him an incredible fit between LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. Together, they could form a dynamic perimeter trio that rains 3s on opposing defenses. Johnson’s footwork, ability to come off screens and wide array of counters bend opposing defenses to his will. His presence instantly elevates Charlotte’s offense, and gives LaMelo Ball another weapon.

5. Utah Jazz – Jeremiah Fears (PG/SG)

Jeremiah Fears is an 18 year old 6’4” combo guard who is incredibly explosive with the ball in his hands. He shows elite separation ability, pick-and-roll skills and downhill scoring potential. Despite shooting 85% from the line, his efficiency from 3 and at the rim leaves much to be desired. Fears is a project but he’s well worth the risk for a Utah team who has struggled to find an identity since the Donovan Mitchell trade almost 3 years ago.

6. Washington Wizards – Derik Queen (PF/C)

Outside of Harper and Flagg, Derik Queen has the most polished star-ready scoring package in this class. His elite handle and footwork at 6’10” enable him to face-up, post-up and finish from any angle in the paint. On the other hand, his undersized frame for a center, limited athleticism and unproven jumper raise concerns about his fit on both ends in the NBA. Washington, much like Utah, has struggled to find an offensive hub to build around in recent drafts. With Bailey off the board, Queen could fill that void with his Pascal Siakam or Alperen Sengun-like game. Pairing Queen with Alex Sarr’s shot blocking and shooting would help offset his limitations on both ends and give Washington a complementary frontcourt pairing.

7. New Orleans Pelicans – VJ Edgecombe (SG/SF)

VJ Edgecombe brings top-tier athleticism, defensive tenacity and one of the highest floors in this draft class outside of Cooper Flagg. However, his handle limits his overall offensive upside, making it difficult to envision him as a primary or secondary scoring option at the next level. VJ is at his best spotting up in the half court and getting out in transition. The Pelicans offer a perfect place for him to play off the ball early in his career and capitalize on turnovers forced by the likes of Herb Jones and eventually Dejounte Murray.

8. Brooklyn Nets – Kon Kneuppel (SG/SF)

Kon Kneuppel is a bona fide elite shooter, shooting over 90% from the free throw line and over 40% from three. At Duke he also showed that he’s much more than this. He’s proven he has the ability to run pick-and-rolls, create off the dribble and throw highlight-worthy lobs to big men like Khaman Maluach. As a strong and scrappy player at 6'5”, Kneuppel’s defensive deficiencies have been overblown. He would be a versatile, high-character piece for a Brooklyn team that is still looking for an identity.

9. Toronto Raptors – Khaman Maluach (C)

The Toronto Raptors select Khaman Maluach, a budding 7'2" center who anchored Duke’s elite defense alongside Cooper Flagg. His shooting mechanics and free-throw touch hint at potential as a floor-spacer, but as with many centers, there’s a real chance that his jump shot never materializes. If he can’t develop a consistent jumper he’ll settle into the mold of a traditional rim-running big, but one whose block percentage lags significantly behind comparable players such as Walker Kessler and Donovan Clingan. The Raptors are banking on his upside and will give him the opportunity to develop behind Jakob Poeltl.

10. Phoenix Suns – Kasparas Jakucionis (PG/SG)

The Suns take Kasparas Jakucionis, a 6'6" point guard with a strong offensive game and the potential to become a primary ball-handler. He excels at running the pick and roll, hitting contested step-back threes and drawing contact at the rim. Despite turnover issues and defensive weaknesses, his size and ability to create for himself and others makes him an intriguing prospect at either guard position, especially for a Phoenix team who must reimagine their roster after trading Kevin Durant.

11. Portland Trail Blazers – Carter Bryant (SF)

This week the Trailblazers shocked the league by trading for veteran star Jrue Holiday, showing a commitment to a defensive team identity. Carter Bryant, a 6’7” 3-and-D wing with the size, shooting and defensive tools to contribute immediately, fits this identity perfectly. His strength, length and quickness enable him to switch onto guards and forwards while also demonstrating immense shot blocking ability for his position. On offense, he slots in as a limited spot-up shooter and cutter, but an extremely effective one. Between Bryant, Holiday, Thybulle, Camara and Avdija the Trailblazers suddenly have the best collection of perimeter defensive talent in the league.

12. Chicago Bulls – Cedric Coward (SG/SF)

The Bulls select Cedric Coward, a 6'6" guard/forward with a 7'2" wingspan is the biggest riser and mystery in this class. At 21 years old, he offers an impressive arsenal of shot creation. From post ups to face ups, he has the length to shoot over defenders and finish at the rim. Although his limited college sample size raises questions, his athletic testing rivaled that of universally acclaimed superathlete, VJ Edgecome. Add this to his defensive versatility and efficient shooting metrics, and he could very well be the steal of the draft.

13. Atlanta Hawks – Collin Murray-Boyles (PF)

The Atlanta Hawks select Collin Murray-Boyles, a 6'7", 250-pound forward with incredible defensive versatility and physicality. Known for his ability to guard bigger players in the post and switch onto smaller players on the perimeter, Murray-Boyles disrupts passing lanes and brings intensity to both ends. However, his inability to shoot and the struggles of his South Carolina team this season raise questions about his offensive viability in today’s NBA. Still, his comparisons to Draymond Green highlight his potential to contribute as a defensive specialist and playmaker next to Trae Young.

14. San Antonio Spurs – Noa Essengue (PF)

The Spurs grab Noa Essengue, a 6'10" forward with star-level physical tools and flashes of elite rim scoring. He’s shown the potential to handle the ball with agility, get out in transition and defend multiple positions. If everything comes together, Essengue could resemble Pascal Siakam or a lesser version of Giannis Antetokounmpo. After jumping to second in the lottery and selecting Dylan Harper, the Spurs can afford to take a risk on Essengue.

15. Oklahoma City Thunder – Thomas Sorber (C)

The Thunder, fresh off an NBA championship, add burly 6’10” center Thomas Sorber. With a massive 7'6" wingspan, Sorber was one of the biggest winners from the draft combine. This season with Georgetown, Sorber showed shot-blocking ability, rebounding prowess and flashes of offensive potential around the rim. His shot is still developing, but the upside as a rim protector and physical force is undeniable. He’s the perfect player to take the reins from Isaiah Hartenstein once OKC’s roster becomes too expensive to maintain.

16. Memphis Grizzlies – Egor Demin (PG/SF)

Egor Demin, a 6'9” point forward from BYU, brings elite passing and vision but struggles to create separation and defend at a high level. His shooting mechanics are sound but at 27% from 3 the numbers just don’t back it up. With Desmond Bane now in Orlando, Memphis will be looking for a secondary ball handler and decision maker. Demin fits well as a backup or on the wing next to Ja Morant if his shot develops.

17. Minnesota Timberwolves – Asa Newell (PF/C)

Asa Newell, a 6'11" forward/center, offers Minnesota a frontcourt option with mobility, shot-blocking, and an emerging perimeter shot. With Julius Randle and Nas Reid approaching free agency and Rudy Gobert’s age becoming a factor, the Wolves need young bigs who can space the floor and defend multiple positions. Newell’s ability to finish around the rim and guard wings, combined with flashes of shooting range, gives Minnesota a potential two-way big man who could seamlessly fit into their evolving frontcourt rotation.

18. Washington Wizards – Jase Richardson (SG/PG)

Jase Richardson, son of NBA star Jason Richardson, steps into DC’s guard rotation with a smooth offensive game and high basketball IQ. At just six feet tall, he compensates for his lack of elite athleticism with strong shot creation, three-level scoring ability, and the knack for getting to the rim and creating his own shot. His defensive limitations and size might hurt his playoff viability, but the Wizards are far enough away from playoff contention to factor that into their decision.

19. Brooklyn Nets – Rasheer Fleming (PF/C)

The Nets add Rasheer Fleming, a 6'9", 240-pound forward who brings defensive versatility, rebounding, and a rapidly improving three-point shot from St. Joseph’s. Fleming’s shot-blocking skills and defensive presence stood out during the season, and while his offensive polish is still a work in progress, his size and leap in production this year suggest he can contribute meaningful minutes as a role-player or even develop into a starting-caliber forward for a Brooklyn team with a relatively blank slate.

20. Miami Heat – Walter Clayton Jr. (SG/PG)

Walter Clayton Jr., fresh off an NCAA championship run, enters Miami as a lethal shooter with Jalen Brunson-like upside. His pull-up shooting and ability to come off screens at high efficiency make him an immediate scoring threat. Despite being slightly undersized for a shooting guard at 6’4”, his winning pedigree, toughness, and shooting ability align perfectly with the Heat’s culture. Clayton’s potential to become a dynamic scorer and floor-spacer could make him a steal in this range.

21. Utah Jazz – Danny Wolf (PF/C)

Danny Wolf, a seven-footer with ball-handling and shooting ability, could transform Utah’s frontcourt. His perimeter skills and passing vision give him point-forward potential, while his mobility allows him to guard multiple positions. With Lauri Markkanen’s future uncertain and trade rumors swirling, Wolf could step into a starting role or complement Markkanen as a stretch big. If his shooting continues to develop and he adapts to NBA physicality, he could be one of the most unique and impactful bigs from this class.

22. Brooklyn Nets– Noah Penda (SF/PF) The Nets select Noah Penda, a 20-year-old 6'8" forward whose calling card is rugged, switchable defense. Weighing in at over 240 pounds, he shows the potential to guard both wings and power forwards. While he isn’t wired to create his own shot, he shows promise as a spot up 3-point shooter and passer. His defensive motor and physical tools give him the chance to contribute immediately in Brooklyn and form a jumbo forward rotation with Rasheer Fleming.

23. New Orleans Pelicans – Ben Saraf (PG/SG) Ben Saraf, a natural point guard from Israel, brings strong passing instincts, rim pressure, and scoring ability. Measuring at 6’7” at the NBA Draft combine, Saraf is huge for a player who’s most comfortable at the point guard position. With Dejounte Murray out for most of next season, Saraf is a valuable stopgap who can settle into a backup role once Murray returns.

24. Oklahoma City Thunder – Nique Clifford (SG/SF) The Thunder select Nique Clifford, a versatile 6'6" forward from Colorado, brings scoring from all levels, solid defense, and the ability to handle the ball and pass. Despite being one of the older players in the draft, his all-around skill set and experience make him a safe and valuable pick for the Thunder, who are looking to win back-to-back titles. Clifford’s maturity and well-rounded game could earn him immediate minutes, providing scoring punch and defensive presence as their roster gets more expensive.

25. Orlando Magic – Nolan Traore (PG)

Nolan Traore, a 6'4" French guard, is a high-upside swing for an Orlando team who still lacks a reliable floor general. Despite struggles overseas this year with efficiency and production, his physical tools and flashes of improvement make him worth the gamble. If Traore’s shooting and decision-making improve, he could develop into a dynamic scoring guard who fits into Orlando’s evolving backcourt rotation.

26. Brooklyn Nets – Maxime Raynaud (PF/C)

Maxime Raynaud, a 7'0" stretch big from Stanford, offers offensive versatility with his shooting touch and potential to develop into a modern NBA big. His ability to stretch the floor makes him a valuable piece for Brooklyn, a team looking to rebuild with shooters and floor-spacers. Raynaud’s rebounding and shot-blocking are still developing, but his offensive skills are intriguing.

27. Brooklyn Nets – Will Riley (SG/SF)

Will Riley, a 6'8" forward from Illinois, is a promising shooter and defender with the mobility to switch onto multiple positions. Although extremely thin, Riley’s offensive flashes and defensive versatility make him a solid developmental pick. With 5 picks in this year’s draft class, Riley will be a developmental project for Brooklyn as he adds strength and continues to refine his shot mechanics.

28. Boston Celtics – Joan Beringer (C)

Joan Beringer, a versatile, quick and skinny center, fills a crucial need for Boston with Kristaps Porzingis likely departing and Al Horford nearing retirement. At 6’11”, Beringer’s defensive mobility and potential to bulk up over time make him an ideal developmental big who can grow into a role as Boston’s long-term interior presence while Tatum recovers from injury. However, there’s a very real chance that he’s drafted much earlier than this.

29. Phoenix Suns – Ryan Kalkbrenner (C)

Ryan Kalkbrenner, a 7’1” four-time Defensive Player of the Year from Creighton, gives Phoenix the potential starting-caliber center they so desperately need. His ability to protect the paint and rebound effectively, combined with emerging three-point shooting potential, makes him a valuable rotation player. Kalkbrenner’s length and defensive presence should allow him to contribute immediately in Phoenix’s weak frontcourt.

30. Los Angeles Clippers – Liam McNeeley (SG/SF)

Liam McNeeley, a 6'7" wing from UConn, struggled from the field this year, but his mechanics suggest his shooting slump stemmed from an outsized offensive role. The Clippers are betting that moving him into an off-ball role next to stars like Harden and Kawhi will unlock his shooting and turn him into a valuable floor-spacer, similar to Corey Kispert, even if his defense isn’t outstanding.