Paul’s 2025 FINAL NBA Mock Draft

The 2025 NBA Draft is just under a week away and after a long and treacherous season of scouting, we have hit the pinnacle of the recruiting season. We saw the impact of NIL take down the number of players staying in the draft yet again, with any underclassman holding college eligibility and a projection of not being drafted, deciding to head back to college. We even saw a couple of International prospects in Michael Ruzic and Momo Faye withdraw for the potential of entering college. Everyone wants a piece of the NCAA action. Whether that’s good or not for the players is yet to be decided. But this class is a solid one, and definitely outshines the depth of the past two years. So without further ado here is my 2025 FINAL NBA Mock Draft, with all 59 picks, First Round team/player write-ups, second round depth charts, and more.

Updated: June 24 @ 5:30 pm

FIRST ROUND

After chalking up one of the worst trades in league history, it seems the Mavs have received their saving grace by landing the 1st pick. It was a pretty miraculous twist of events, and now they’ll be able to land the most highly anticipated prospect since Wemby in Cooper Flagg. He’ll team up with Anthony Davis and P.J. Washington in a loaded frontcourt that could jump right back into contention in the West when Kyrie Irving returns from injury.

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The Spurs are in an interesting spot with the 2nd pick, narrowly missing out on being able to team up Cooper Flagg and Victor Wembanyama. They just landed De’Aaron Fox at the deadline, and have a ton of pieces in their backcourt including Devin Vassell, Stephon Castle, Malaki Branham, and Blake Wesley. Their interest in Harper does exist though, as he’s a lethal scoring combo guard to pair alongside Fox. This is a pick that can definitely get traded, but selecting Harper could also lead way for a Vassell trade.

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The Sixers were a huge disappointment in ’24-’25, but they luckily pulled out the 3rd pick from the abysmal year. Philly is definitely in “best available” mode, with a lot of needs and a roster with only 4 guaranteed contracts next year: Paul George, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Jared McCain. Ace Bailey once seemed like the clear cut pick here, but refusal to workout with the Sixers probably forces them to look at Edgecombe. He’s a defensive minded guard that could pair perfect with the offensive game of Maxey and McCain in the backcourt.

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The Hornets disappointed yet again and ended up with the 4th pick after also getting unlucky last year, falling out of the top 5. In my opinion, most would think that Knueppel or Bailey are a guarantee at 4, but Tre Johnson brings offensive explosiveness that could create a 3-headed monster alongside Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball. This could also lead way for trades of Ball or Bridges to begin to circulate in favor of depth with big men. This pick could shake up Charlotte big time.

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The Jazz were also dealt a tough hand in the lottery, finishing with the worst record in the league at 17-65 and ending up with the 5th pick. This is a spot that I can see likely getting traded, as Utah also owns the 21st pick and can add a veteran just to fall back a few picks. A contender like Boston or Milwaukee would love this pick, mainly because Kon Knueppel will be sought out by many as an immediate impact player. He’s a two-way dream, and can become one of the league’s better role players with his elite shooting. If Utah holds onto it, they can pair him with Lauri Markkanen and build around those two.

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The Wizards could be looking many different ways at 6, as this is the first true pick that I believe can be several different guys. I’m pretty confident in my top 5, but Washington has so many needs that they will truly go “best available”. With the only true big man under contract for next year being Richaun Holmes, and the stellar play of young guards Bub Carrington, Bilal Coulibaly, and Kyshawn George, the clear need will be a big man. Queen broke out in the tournament and is a skilled and elusive big man, fit for the modern day NBA. The Wizards could be a nice fit for him, although some say this would be a reach at 6.

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The Pelicans couldn’t get any sort of consistency going in ’24-’25, as they looked to be a playoff contender in the preseason, yet finished 21-61. Their only real pivot for next year is to try to contend, after paying Dejounte Murray and Trey Murphy III a ton while also bringing in Jordan Poole and Saddiq Bey in a trade that sent out C.J. McCollum and Kelly Olynyk. If Ace Bailey falls this far, I can’t see NOLA turning down his upside and possibly being able to pair him with Zion in the frontcourt.

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With the first of their four current first round picks, the Nets sit at a good position at 8 with several solid pieces likely available. If Jeremiah Fears were to fall this far, it would be a shocker if the Nets don’t snag him, giving them a potential Trae Young-type talent as their primary ball handler. He can shoot, pass, and is a smart defender in the passing lanes.

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The Raptors traded away a lot throughout last season, bringing in Brandon Ingram to join their young core of Scottie Barnes, R.J. Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley. The buzz around the league is that they will be looking to make a splash in the trade market, with Giannis linked to them. Although this is a long shot, it would likely make the 9th pick available. If they do keep it, going big man makes the most sense with their plethora of wings. Maluach showed his dominant low post force all year and can become a great two-way big man in the league. He’d fit in well in Toronto with what they have cooking.

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The Suns were able to snag the 10th pick as part of their Kevin Durant trade with the Rockets this past week, and will now look to shake up the lineup with a backcourt of Jalen Green and Devin Booker. Carter Bryant was a 5-star freshman, who struggled until late in the season and flew up draft boards with a great combine. He’s got great size and a solid stroke from three, which can fit in well with in the frontcourt for the new look Suns.

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The Blazers enter the draft still deep in a rebuild but with practically their entire core still under contract next year. Anfernee Simons seems like a likely candidate to get traded as he enters the final year of his contract, and with Shaedon Sharpe and Scoot Henderson seen as the main backcourt centerpiece. A guard though is likely, and Jakucionis is the type of talent that they don’t have. He’s a plus-sized distributor with solid scoring potential. He can slot into the guard rotation well with Henderson, Sharpe, and Thybulle.

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The biggest moment of the Bulls’ season didn’t involve anything off the court, but rather the fact that they were finally able to offload Zach LaVine’s contract. This is pretty much par for the course for the franchise over the past 25 years. They should be in complete “best available” mode at 12, while I could see them trying to trade the pick. If he’s still there, Essengue is the top international prospect with size to be a stretch 4. I know they already have a few guys with the same mold in Patrick Williams, Matas Buzelis, and Dalen Terry, but this could be a good fit for their frontcourt’s depth.

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The Hawks have entered mediocre purgatory ever since making the Conference Finals back in 2021, as they’ve seen many pieces come and go in the meantime. Trying to fix this will go well beyond the 13th pick, but they can add to their core here. After the failed Dejounte Murray era, they’ll be looking for another offensive backcourt piece to pair with Trae Young. Richardson is a smooth shooter and has the speed and elusiveness to be a combo guard. Could be a good bench piece for ATL.

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With the second of their two Lottery picks, the Spurs will look to add more young depth. With the 2nd pick, Dylan Harper seems very likely, so it would be a shock if they don’t look for a big man here. Murray-Boyles did just about everything for the Gamecocks, and showed NBA level defensive instincts and will be one of the more sure things in the middle of the 1st round. He won’t be a star, but a solid role player and starting 4 will be his ceiling.

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The Thunder are one of the NBA’s best young cores and are building a squad that will be a consistent winner in the West. They are also stacked with draft picks, as the 15th pick is just the first of two 1st rounders they can add to their roster. Despite only playing 6 games in his senior year, Coward flew up draft charts after an impressive combine and turned down a commitment to Duke to stay in the draft. He could be an awesome fit with this core, slotting in nicely to the bench as a leaned on scorer.

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The Grizzlies sent the NBA world into a frenzy this past weekend, acquiring a haul of draft picks, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Cole Anthony in exchange for Desmond Bane. This move sees Memphis lose one of their key pieces, but acquires depth and flexibility to make more moves. This pick is once that they grabbed from the Magic, and should be looking at a guard to pair with Ja Morant in the long-term. Walter Clayton could be just the pick here, as the leader of the National Champs and a 5-tool scorer.

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Even after trading away the franchise cornerstone from the past decade, the Timberwolves made it back to their second straight Conference Finals, losing both. At 17, they can look to upgrade with a ready-now type of talent. If Clayton falls past the Magic, he can be an option here, but Nique Clifford is the next man up who can be an immediate rotation piece for a contender. I like the odds of Minnesota to snag him as a 3-and-D option off the bench.

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With their 2nd of 2 first round picks, the Wizards can go many routes here. If Derik Queen is taken first, or any big man for that matter, then I would like them to take a shooter at 18. McNeeley was once looked at as a top 10 talent as a plus-sized 3-and-D wing. Inefficient shooting will make him fall closer to the 20’s, but with rumors that Corey Kispert could be on the trade block, a younger version of him is staring them right in the face.

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The Nets need a lot, and here they have their 2nd of 4 first round picks. In my world, they luck out with Jeremiah Fears falling to them at 8, becoming a secondary scorer in the backcourt with Cam Thomas. Now they can look at a big man, and Newell is just the guy. He can play both the 4 and 5 and is much more of an offensive talented big man. He can pair up well with the defensive mindset of C Nic Claxton.

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After 2 Finals appearances in the era, the Jimmy Butler tenure with the Heat came to an end mid-season as he was dealt to Golden State. The franchise now looks to head in a new direction, with Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo as the franchise cornerstones. Of course, if Giannis becomes available they’ll be in the mix but at 20 they’ll look to add a supporting piece. If Demin falls this far, he could be a good fit as a plus-sized combo guard. Similarly to Nikola Jovic, he gives Miami a point forward option.

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After the 5th pick, the Jazz will select again at 21, where they can definitely be seeking a big man. Walker Kessler is their C, but Danny Wolf brings size, strength, and passing ability as a near 7-footer off the bench. Adding Wolf and Kneuppel in the 1st round can make this team a lot deeper heading into a season that they will look to compete in a depleted West.

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With the second of 2 1st rounders, the Hawks are expected to take a big man and guard with these two selections. If Jase Richardson is the choice at 13, Thomas Sorber should be the clear cut option here. A talented rim protecting big man, he can excel in the pick-and-roll game with Trae Young as Clint Capela’s eventual replacement. This would be a great fit for both parties.

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The Pelicans pulled off a last minute deal this week to grab the 23rd pick from the Pacers, and will now own 2 picks in the 1st round. This is going to be clear grounds for “best available” and Hugo Gonzalez may be just the option. He’s a combo wing whose numbers don’t tell the true story of his potential on both ends of the floor. He and Tre Johnson could be a solid 1st round haul for NOLA.

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Regardless of what ends up happening in the NBA Finals, OKC is on pace to dominate the league for years to come. With the second of their 2 1st rounders for this year, I expect one of these will be a big man due to their lack of depth outside of Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren. Beringer has flown up draft charts with his rim protecting skills, and quite frankly, is ranked lower than most have him. I think OKC would be blessed to get a talent like this at 24.

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Orlando shook up the outlook of their roster after packaging several 1st round picks and two guards for Desmond Bane. Now at 25, their needs probably still rely on a PG, although they can attack this desire in free agency. If Riley falls here, it’s tough to see them not take a flyer on a high upside and athletic forward. He showed glimpses of why he was a 5-star recruit in college and will need to ride the bench a bit before becoming impactful in the league.

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With the third of 4 1st rounders, the Nets enter their rebuild hot on the trail of needing just about everything. We saw Jeremiah Fears fall to them in the Lottery, and I’d imagine we would see another guard and big man taken in their back-to-back picks. Saraf is a plus-sized Israeli PG who has the skillset to be a solid backup in the NBA. I like this depth move for their bench.

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And finally, the Nets pick for the final time in the First Round at 27. Yes, it could be likely that they trade one of these picks, if not more. But staring them in the face for one of these two late picks will be Maxime Raynaud, the star big from Stanford. He measured at an impressive 7’0 with no shoes, and is a talented scorer and rebounder. He can play well alongside Asa Newell and Nic Claxton in that 4/5 core.

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Rumor has it that the Celtics could be looking to trade around and shake up a team that failed to make the ECF and will be without Jayson Tatum for most of next year. They hold picks 28 and 32, and I expect a young PG and big man to be their selections. Traore has fell a bit on draft boards, but still holds a solid skillset to be a good playmaker in the league. At the very least, he could be a 3rd string behind Payton Pritchard.

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The Suns had a huge disappointing year and will be shaking up their team as well. If they keep 29, or try to move up, they need any young talent that they can get. Rasheer Fleming is one of the most underrated players in this draft, a 4 that can spread the floor, attack/protect the rim, and even score off the dribble if need be.

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Rounding out the First Round are the Clippers, who despite having another good regular season just couldn’t get over the hump come playoff time. Kam Jones is a name that is teetering the very end of the 1st and early 2nd rounds. He was a downright dynamic scorer for 4 years in the Big East, and has the skillset to do the same in the NBA. He’s a little small, but playing behind Norman Powell and James Harden could be just what he needs to develop.

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SECOND ROUND

Key:
UFA= Unrestricted Free Agent
RFA= Restricted Free Agent
PO= Player Option
TO= Team Option
NG= Non-Guaranteed Contract

’25-’26 Timberwolves Backcourt Depth:
SG Anthony Edwards, SG Donte DiVincenzo, PG Mike Conley, PG Rob Dillingham, SG Terrence Shannon Jr., SG Jaylen Clark
SG Nickeil Alexander-Walker (UFA), PG Bones Hyland (RFA), PG Tristen Newton (RFA)

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’25-’26 Celtics Frontcourt Depth:
F Jayson Tatum, SF Jaylen Brown, PF Kristaps Porzingis, SF Sam Hauser, C Xavier Tillman
C Al Horford (UFA), C Luke Kornet (UFA), SF Torrey Craig (UFA), C Neemias Queta (NG), SF Jordan Walsh (NG), F Drew Peterson (RFA)

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’25-’26 Hornets Frontcourt Depth:
SF Miles Bridges, SF Brandon Miller, C Jusuf Nurkic, C Mark Williams, PF Grant Williams, F Tidjane Salaun
C Taj Gibson (UFA), PF Moussa Diabate (NG)

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’25-’26 Hornets Frontcourt Depth:
SF Miles Bridges, SF Brandon Miller, C Jusuf Nurkic, C Mark Williams, PF Grant Williams, F Tidjane Salaun
C Taj Gibson (UFA), PF Moussa Diabate (NG)

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’25-’26 76ers Frontcourt Depth:
C Joel Embiid, SF Paul George, F Alex Reese (2-way)
SF Kelly Oubre Jr. (PO), C Andre Drummond (PO), SF Justin Edwards (TO), PF Guerschon Yabusele (UFA), SF Quentin Grimes (RFA), C Adem Bona (NG)

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’25-’26 Nets Frontcourt Depth:
F Cameron Johnson, C Nic Claxton, PF Noah Clowney
SF Jalen Wilson (TO), PF Trendon Watford (UFA), F Ziaire Williams (RFA), C Day’Ron Sharpe (RFA), F Maxwell Lewis (NG), SF Tyrese Martin (TO), PF Drew Timme (TO)

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’25-’26 Pistons Backcourt Depth:
PG Cade Cunningham, G Jaden Ivey, SG Ausar Thompson, PG Marcus Sasser, SG Ron Harper Jr. (2-way)
SG Malik Beasley (UFA), SG Tim Hardaway Jr. (UFA), PG Dennis Schroder (UFA), PG Daniss Jenkins (RFA)

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’25-’26 Spurs Frontcourt Depth:
C Victor Wembanyama, SF Keldon Johnson, PF Jeremy Sochan, F Harrison Barnes, SF Julian Champagnie
C Sandro Mamukelashvili (UFA), C Charles Bassey (UFA), SF Harrison Ingram (RFA), SF Riley Minix (RFA)

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’25-’26 Raptors Backcourt Depth:
PG Immanuel Quickley, SG R.J. Barrett, SG Gradey Dick, SG Ja’Kobe Walter, PG Jamal Shead, SG Jared Rhoden (2-way)
SG Garrett Temple (UFA)

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’25-’26 Pelicans Frontcourt Depth:
PF Zion Williamson, SF Trey Murphy III, F Herb Jones, SF Saddiq Bey, C Yves Missi, PF Karlo Matkovic
PF Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (UFA)

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’25-’26 Warriors Backcourt Depth:
PG Stephen Curry, SG Moses Moody, G Brandin Podziemski, SG Buddy Hield
PG Gary Payton II (UFA), SG Pat Spencer (RFA)

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’25-’26 Kings Frontcourt Depth:
PF Domantas Sabonis, SF DeMar DeRozan, C Jonas Valanciunas, F Keegan Murray
SF Doug McDermott (UFA), SF Jae Crowder (UFA), PF Jake LaRavia (UFA), PF Trey Lyles (UFA), C Isaac Jones (TO)

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’25-’26 Jazz Frontcourt Depth:
PF Lauri Markkanen, C Walker Kessler, F Taylor Hendricks, SF Cody Williams, PF Kyle Filipowski, SF Brice Sensabaugh
PF John Collins (PO), F Kenyon Martin Jr. (NG), C Oscar Tshiebwe (RFA), PF Micah Potter (RFA)

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’25-’26 Thunder Backcourt Depth:
PG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, SG Luguentz Dort, SG Alex Caruso, PG Cason Wallace, SG Isaiah Joe, SG Aaron Wiggins, PG Nikola Topic
PG Ajay Mitchell (TO), G Alex Ducas (RFA), G Adam Flagler (RFA)

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’25-’26 Bulls Frontcourt Depth:
C Nikola Vucevic, PF Patrick Williams, C Zach Collins, PF Jalen Smith, F Matas Buzelis, SF Julian Phillips
SF E.J. Liddell (RFA), SF Emanuel Miller (RFA)

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’25-’26 Magic Backcourt Depth:
SG Desmond Bane, G Jalen Suggs, G Anthony Black, SG Jett Howard, SG Ethan Thompson (2-way)
SG Gary Harris (TO), PG Cory Joseph (TO), SG Trevelin Queen (RFA), SG Mac McClung (RFA)

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’25-’26 Bucks Frontcourt Depth:
PF Giannis Antetokounmpo, PF Kyle Kuzma, F Tyler Smith, F Pete Nance (2-way)
C Brook Lopez (UFA), PF Bobby Portis Jr. (PO), F Chris Livingston (NG), C Jericho Sims (UFA), F Taurean Prince (UFA)

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’25-’26 Grizzlies Backcourt Depth:
PG Ja Morant, SG Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, PG Cole Anthony, G Scotty Pippen Jr., SG Jaylen Wells, SG John Konchar, PG Zyon Pullin (2-way)
SG Luke Kennard (UFA), SG Cam Spencer (RFA), G Yuki Kawamura (RFA)

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’25-’26 Cavaliers Backcourt Depth:
SG Donovan Mitchell, PG Darius Garland, SG Max Strus, SG Isaac Okoro, SG Jaylon Tyson
SG Ty Jerome (UFA), SG Sam Merrill (UFA), G Craig Porter Jr. (NG), SG Javonte Green (UFA), SG Emoni Bates (RFA)

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’25-’26 Knicks Frontcourt Depth:
C Karl-Anthony Towns, SF OG Anunoby, SF Mikal Bridges, C Mitchell Robinson
PF Precious Achiuwa (UFA), C Ariel Hukporti (TO), SF P.J. Tucker (TO)

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’25-’26 Clippers Backcourt Depth:
SG Norman Powell, SG Bogdan Bogdanovic, PG Kris Dunn, SG Cam Christie, SG Seth Lundy (2-way)
SG James Harden (PO), PG Ben Simmons (UFA), SG Amir Coffey (UFA), PG Patty Mills (UFA)

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’25-’26 Suns Frontcourt Depth:
SF Dillon Brooks, SF Royce O’Neale, F Ryan Dunn, C Oso Ighodaro
SF Cody Martin (NG), C Nick Richards (NG), C Mason Plumlee (UFA), C Bol Bol (UFA)

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’25-’26 Jazz Backcourt Depth:
PG Collin Sexton, SG Jordan Clarkson, SG Keyonte George, PG Isaiah Collier, PG E.J. Harkless (2-way)
SG Johnny Juzang (NG), PG Jaden Springer (NG)

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’25-’26 Pacers Frontcourt Depth:
PF Pascal Siakam, PF Obi Toppin, SF Aaron Nesmith, PF Jarace Walker, SF Ben Sheppard
C Myles Turner (UFA), C Thomas Bryant (UFA), C Isaiah Jackson (RFA), PF James Johnson (UFA), F Enrique Freeman (RFA)

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’25-’26 Lakers Frontcourt Depth:
SF Rui Hachimura, PF Jarred Vanderbilt, F Maxi Kleber, SF Dalton Knecht, PF Trey Jemison (2-way)
SF LeBron James (PO), PF Dorian Finney-Smith (PO), C Alex Len (UFA), C Jaxson Hayes (UFA), PF Markieff Morris (UFA), C Christian Koloko (RFA)

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’25-’26 Grizzlies Frontcourt Depth:
PF Jaren Jackson Jr., C Zach Edey, PF Brandon Clarke, C Jay Huff, PF GG Jackson, SF Vince Williams Jr.
SF Lamar Stevens (UFA), C Santi Aldama (RFA), PF Marvin Bagley III (UFA)

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’25-’26 Magic Frontcourt Depth:
PF Paolo Banchero, SF Franz Wagner, C Wendell Carter Jr., C Jonathan Isaac, C Goga Bitadze, F Tristan da Silva
C Mo Wagner (TO), SF Caleb Houstan (TO)

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’25-’26 Cavaliers Backcourt Depth:
SG Donovan Mitchell, PG Darius Garland, SG Max Strus, SG Isaac Okoro, SG Jaylon Tyson
SG Ty Jerome (UFA), SG Sam Merrill (UFA), G Craig Porter Jr. (NG), SG Javonte Green (UFA), SG Emoni Bates (RFA)

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’25-’26 Suns Frontcourt Depth:
SF Dillon Brooks, SF Royce O’Neale, F Ryan Dunn, C Oso Ighodaro
SF Cody Martin (NG), C Nick Richards (NG), C Mason Plumlee (UFA), C Bol Bol (UFA)

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NOTABLE UNDRAFTED PLAYERS