In less than a week, the Philadelphia 76ers are going to know their fate ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft. If the NBA Draft Lottery is kind to them and their pick remains in the top-six, they will keep it. If the lottery balls don't fall in their favor and their pick does fall out of the top-six, the selection will be conveyed to the Oklahoma City Thunder. After such a disappointing 2024-25 NBA season, the lottery can be both a blessing and a curse.
If the Sixers do keep their pick, they'll have the opportunity to jump-start what could be an eventful offseason. In a relatively strong draft, the Sixers could find themselves in a position to add an extremely talented prospect to their already loaded roster. However, finding the right piece will be key, and that is often easier said than done. And at least for now, it's almost impossible to predict how the Sixers will operate with this pick.
With the NBA Draft Lottery less than a week away, let’s take a look at where the landscape currently looks before the potential of full-blown draft order chaos.
1. Utah Jazz - Cooper Flagg, F, Duke
For now, the Utah Jazz is still locked into a great position to land the No. 1 overall pick. Again, as we’ve been harping over the last month, the Jazz desperately needs to land a generational talent in this year’s draft class. If Utah can add a player like Cooper Flagg next to Lauri Markkanen, it could go a long way toward jump-starting their offseason.
If the Jazz are going to avoid a long-term rebuild, getting lucky in the draft lottery is the easiest - and clearest - way to accomplish that. In the days leading up to the draft lottery, the Jazz are certainly one team that will be crossing their fingers.
2. Washington Wizards - Dylan Harper, G, Rutgers
A top 2 finish at the NBA Draft Lottery is what the Washington Wizards have to be hoping for. We know every team desires to land the No. 1 overall pick to land Cooper Flagg, but finishing at No. 2 won’t be that bad of a consolation prize a few years down the line. Of course, that’s if Dylan Harper is able to live up to his potential.
Harper has all the tools to be a franchise-leading talent and could be the all-around lead guard that the Wizards have been looking for ever since the departure of John Wall.
3. Charlotte Hornets - Ace Bailey, F, Rutgers
Luckily for the Charlotte Hornets, the decision here at no. 3 could be quite simple. With Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper already off the board, you’d imagine the Hornets will have to decide between Ace Bailey and V.J. Edgecombe. At this point, Charlotte would probably lean towards the cleaner fit between the two strong talents. That’d probably be Ace Bailey.
Of all the teams picking in the top 4, the Hornets are probably the one team that wouldn’t shy away from the risk that comes with selecting Bailey this high. As talented an offensive player as Bailey is, he could end up being the best player from this draft class in a few years.
4. New Orleans Pelicans - V.J. Edgecombe, G, Baylor
V.J. Edgecombe falling into the New Orleans Pelicans’ laps could be a blessing in disguise for this franchise. Heading into the offseason, the Pelicans need either a clean reset of the roster or core, or find a way to fall into some franchise-changing talent at the NBA Draft. Edgecombe has the potential to be that life-saving addition this offseason.
With his athleticism, scoring ability, and all-around game, Edgecombe could bring that injection of excitement that this team has been missing over the past two seasons. Perhaps this is a move that could also go a long way in rejuvenating Zion Williamson.
5. Philadelphia 76ers - Tre Johnson, G, Texas
Over the last few weeks, the Philadelphia 76ers have been long linked to big men with their projected top 5 draft pick. However, what if the Sixers didn’t go chalk? What if they didn’t take a big man with this selection? Instead of taking one of the talented big men who will probably be selected in the lottery, what if the Sixers looked to add even more to the offensive end of the floor? Perhaps taking a flier on an elite talent like Tre Johnson?
With the uncertainty that revolves around how Paul George is going to continue to age, taking a gamble on Johnson, who is easily one of the best offensive prospects in this draft class, could be worth it for the Sixers with this pick. It's unconventional, but it could absolutely work.
6. Brooklyn Nets - Jeremiah Fears, G, Oklahoma
As the Brooklyn Nets start their rebuild from the ground floor, anything and everything could be on the table for this team heading into the 2025 NBA Draft, especially considering they’re projected to have as many as four first-round picks. With this first selection, they could start by setting the tone for their rebuild.
One prospect who could make a ton of sense in helping the Nets accomplish that is Jeremiah Fears. As a potential star in the making, Fears could be the first big piece of a new build for Brooklyn. He has the scoring, playmaking ability, and personality to excel at the next level.
7. Toronto Raptors - Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
If the first six picks of the 2025 NBA Draft fall in his manner, this selection at No. 7 would be a pretty easy decision for the Toronto Raptors. With a need in the frontcourt, Khaman Maluach could be a great fit for the team. Looking to address their long-term future at the position, Maluach offers the two-way ability that the Raptors could be looking at the center position.
The hope is that Maluach is just scratching the surface of his offensive potential, while already showing the ability to stretch defenses with a solid 3-point shot. With the promise of being a defensive anchor in the future, this selection would be a great investment for Toronto.
8. San Antonio Spurs - Jase Richardson, G, Michigan State
There’s an easy decision for the San Antonio Spurs here if they want. However, pivoting away from the “safe” play, I can’t help but wonder if the franchise would be willing to take a flier on Jase Richardson. He’s already proven to be a good shooter in college and could be considered to have a higher offensive ceiling as he makes the jump to the NBA level.
If the Spurs aren’t sold on Devin Vassell as a long-term fit next to De’Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama, taking a risk on Richardson with one of their two lottery picks could make sense.
9. Houston Rockets (via PHO) - Kon Knueppel, G, Duke
If the Houston Rockets are going to aggressively pursue an upgrade to their roster this offseason, you’d have to assume that there’s probably a good chance they end up trading this draft pick or whoever they take with this selection. But one player who could be considered a bit of a steal at this point in the top 10 for the Rockets is Kon Knueppel.
Even if the Rockets were to keep Knueppel on their roster, he’d be considered an upgrade to their depth off the bench. With how they looked in their first-round playoff loss at the hands of the Golden State Warriors, the Rockets could use all the offensive help they can add this offseason.
10. Portland Trail Blazers - Noa Essengue, F, France
Assuming that the Portland Trail Blazers have some big decisions to make with a few of their frontcourt players, I believe it would be smart for the team to explore using this projected top 10 pick to help solidify the position. One prospect who could make sense for the team as a developmental project heading into the future is Noa Essengue.
Even though his trade stock has been all over the place over the last couple of months, he’s proven enough on the defensive end of the floor to place himself firmly in position to be selected near the end of the lottery. If his offense can develop quickly, Essengue could emerge as a real two-way contributor sooner rather than later.
11. Dallas Mavericks - Kasparas Jakucionis, G, Illinois
With the expectation that the Dallas Mavericks will be without Kyrie Irving (knee injury) for the majority of the 2025-26 NBA season, it’s hard to imagine how this team is going to remain competitive in the deep Western Conference. However, if there’s a scenario that they are able to do so, it will likely revolve around this team hitting a home run selection with this No. 11 pick.
If Kasparas Jakucionis is still on the board for the Mavs, he could be an addition to makes a ton of sense with Kyrie out in the backcourt. His size, scoring, and playmaking skill set make him a clear target for Dallas late in the lottery.
12. Chicago Bulls - Carter Bryant, F, Arizona
Looking to make a big splash with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Chicago Bulls could look to take a flier on a high-risk, high-reward type of prospect like Carter Bryant. Even though he had an uneven freshman season at Arizona, his measurables, athleticism, and overall raw skill set are likely going to catapult him into lottery range.
Bryant will likely need some time to fully develop as a prospect, but he certainly has the talent to evolve into a really good player in the right system. Chicago would be making this pick with the hopes of Bryant reaching that high ceiling in a few years.
13. Atlanta Hawks (via SAC) - Derik Queen, C, Maryland
If Derik Queen is still on the board when the Atlanta Hawks are up at No. 13, this would be a pretty easy decision. Even though the center position isn’t a huge need for the Hawks moving forward, there could be a need for some added depth with the expectation that Clint Capela is likely going to move on from the franchise in free agency.
Queen is a much different player than Capela, but his offensive uniqueness for a center would be a welcome sight for Atlanta. In theory, he would be a pretty strong fit next to Trae Young.
14. San Antonio Spurs (via ATL) - Liam McNeeley, F, UCONN
After taking somewhat of a wildcard prospect with their first selection in the lottery, the San Antonio Spurs could look to take a more ready-to-contribute prospect with the No. 14 pick. One prospect who would be a fit and who could develop into a player who could do a little of everything on the court for the Spurs is Liam McNeeley.
McNeeley is a good player and was somewhat overshadowed during his freshman season because of UCONN’s overall disappointing year. It’s his low ceiling that is probably the biggest reason why he’s not projected to be a higher selection. For a team that doesn’t need him to be a star player, McNeeley could be a great fit for the Spurs.
15. Oklahoma City Thunder (via MIA) - Walton Clayton Jr., G, Florida
Hoping to take the next step in their development as a franchise by making a deep run in the NBA Playoffs, there’s not a huge expectation that the Oklahoma City Thunder are going to have some massive needs this offseason. However, with this No. 15 pick, the Thunder could take a chance on Walton Clayton Jr.
As a prospect who has made quite the jump up draft boards after his successful NCAA tournament run with Florida, he could emerge as a prime target for any team that is looking for additional depth in the backcourt. Proven to be a prime-time player, Clayton could be an intriguing fit for Oklahoma City’s talented roster.
16. Orlando Magic - Labaron Philon, G, Alabama
With two first-round picks in what many believe to be a strong 2025 NBA Draft class, I’d be shocked if the Orlando Magic didn’t use at least one on a potential playmaking specialist. That’s where a prospect like Labaron Philon could make sense for Orlando. As a player who has still not peaked as a lead guard, the Magic would be banking on their developmental system to get the most out of him.
If the Magic could find a playmaking guard at some point in this draft class, they could then pivot toward prioritizing a scoring wing in free agency and via trade during the rest of the offseason.
17. Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET) - Thomas Sorber, C, Georgetown
With the way Rudy Gobert played in the closeout game in the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers, he may very well earn another contract from the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, if the Wolves want to create more flexibility to build around Anthony Edwards, it would make sense to start thinking about life beyond Gobert.
One prospect that could help the Wolves accomplish that is Thomas Sorber. I have my doubts about whether he’ll still be on the board at this point in the NBA Draft, but if he is, he’d be a great developmental project for Minnesota. He’d also give the team some flexibility if they wanted to explore trading Gobert.
18. Washington Wizards (via MEM) - Egor Demin, F, BYU
Looking to add to what will hopefully be the start of a strong foundational future, the Washington Wizards could look to add a talented - and somewhat polarizing - prospect like Egor Demin into the fold with this late first-round pick. Again, there’s no guarantee that he’ll be around at this point, but with the concerns surrounding his outside shooting and his long-term ability to score, it could be in the cards.
What the Wizards would be hoping for most by selecting Demin is his ability to emerge as a secondary playmaker for the team. It would be smart for the Wizards to take another prospect who could help take some of the immediate pressure off their young guard (Dylan Harper). Demin may not be a lethal scorer, but he has a unique ability (for his size) to facilitate an offense.
19. Brooklyn Nets (via MIL) - Asa Newell, F, Georgia
Looking to continue to build the young talent on their roster, the Brooklyn Nets could get a bit more risky with these late first-round picks. One prospect who could be on the team’s radar at this point in the first round is Asa Newell. A very raw offensive-minded forward, Newell could pique the interest of a Nets team still in the very early stages of a rebuild.
The biggest question revolving around Newell is what his ceiling can be at the next level? It’s hard to identify that after just one season in college, but on paper, he has all the measurables to be a strong developmental prospect.
20. Miami Heat (via GS) - Ben Saraf, G, Israel
The Miami Heat need to get extremely lucky with this pick late in the first round. If the Heat are going to emerge as any type of playoff threat next season, they need to hit this selection out of the park. I’m not sure if Ben Saraf would give the Heat that promise, but he’s certainly a prospect that does fill a need for the team. With his size and playmaking ability, he could emerge as a potential answer at the point guard position.
It may take a year or two before the Heat truly sees this pick pay off, but with one of the best developmental systems in the league, Miami should believe in their ability to develop Saraf.
21. Utah Jazz (via MINN) - Nique Clifford, G, Colorado State
If the Utah Jazz does find enough luck to earn the No. 1 overall pick to select Cooper Flagg at the top of this NBA Draft, adding an offensive-minded guard like Nique Clifford could make some sense. A prospect who some draft pundits believe to be a potential day 1 contributor, Clifford could go a long way in helping this team right away.
Clifford had a huge breakout season during his final year at Colorado State and will be looking to capitalize on that into being a potential first-round pick. If the Jazz can put him in the right role, he could be an underrated addition at this point in the NBA Draft.
22. Atlanta Hawks (via LAL) - Collin Murray-Boyles, F, South Carolina
With still so much uncertainty revolving around the majority of this year’s NBA Draft board, I do have my doubts that Collin Murray-Boyles will still be around at this point in the first round. However, if he is, this would be an excellent value pick for the Atlanta Hawks. Even though they wouldn’t have a huge need at the position, Murray-Boyles would be too good to pass up.
While Murray-Boyles is far from a perfect prospect, especially on the offensive end of the floor, his versatility on the defensive end is where most of his value will be early on in his career.
23. Indiana Pacers - Yaxel Lendeborg, F, UAB
The Indiana Pacers’ future is extremely bright, no matter what ends up happening with Myles Turner this offseason. Before Turner even makes his free-agency decision, the Pacers could make a move at the NBA Draft to secure even more depth at the position. One rising prospect who could be in play for the Pacers is Yaxel Lendeborg.
Lendeborg is a prospect that could bring a different style of versatility for the Pacers in the future. With his unique mix of 3-point shooting and playmaking for a big, Indiana could take a strong look at a potential replacement for Turner in the future.
24. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC) - Will Riley, F, Illinois
With another first-round pick, the Oklahoma City Thunder could look to take a flier on a talented wing player who has some promise to develop into a potential two-way contributor down the line. Will Riley had some strong moments during his freshman season at Illinois, but was too inconsistent to carve out a spot in the lottery.
That could benefit a team like the Thunder, which could be getting a strong developmental player late in the first round.
25. Orlando Magic (via DEN) - Noah Penda, F, France
Another late-rising prospect, Noah Penda could emerge as an option for the Orlando Magic late in the first round. A prospect who is going to make initial waves because of his defensive versatility, Penda’s development is going to be interesting to watch over the first few years of his NBA career.
Penda has the size, skill, and potential to be one of the most intriguing late first-round picks of this year’s draft class. For a Magic team that is still in the early stages of its rise in the East, Penda could certainly emerge as a long-term fit.
26. Brooklyn Nets (via NY) - Tahaad Pettiford, G, Auburn
Even though the Brooklyn Nets already took Jeremiah Fears with their top 10 selection earlier in this NBA Draft, I wouldn’t be surprised if they decided it was worth taking a flier on another talented guard prospect. This late in the first round, taking Tahaad Pettiford could be considered a huge steal. Personally, Pettiford is one of my favorite late first-round prospects.
Flashing during his freshman season at Auburn, Pettiford’s all-around offensive game makes him a very attractive prospect for any team looking for a boost in the backcourt. Sure, he’s a big undersized, but his talent shouldn’t be overlooked.
27. Brooklyn Nets (via HOU) - Joan Beringer, C, France
With this final first-round pick, Joan Beringer could be a worthy target for the Brooklyn Nets. With the possible uncertainty that revolves around Nic Claxton’s future with the Nets, Beringer could help give this team some options heading into the future.
If the Nets want to continue to tear down this roster and eventually trade Claxton, Beringer would be another bright, young big man developmental project that the team could look to get behind. Far from a finished product, Beringer has all the tools and skill set to find success at the next level.
28. Boston Celtics - Nolan Traore, G, France
With how loaded the Boston Celtics roster currently is, they don’t have many holes. However, taking a chance on a guard with high potential like Nolan Traore could make sense with this late first-round pick. Because of the CBA, the Celtics are eventually going to have to break up this roster. Preparing for that by taking a guard for added depth could be a smart move for Boston.
Traore is an intriguing prospect who has the size and skill set to grow into a contributing player down the line. Without much pressure on his shoulders heading into his rookie season, this could be a great long-term move for the Celtics.
29. Phoenix Suns (via CLE) - Rasheer Fleming, F, Saint Joseph’s
Changes are expected for the Phoenix Suns, and making a smart move with this late first-round pick could go a long way in helping this team bounce back next season. Rasheer Fleming is an intriguing two-way player who could fit on the Suns, no matter how different their roster looks at the start of next season.
If Fleming can pick up where he left off during his final season at Saint Joseph’s, there’s reason to believe that Phoenix could be getting a ready-to-contribute rotation player at No. 29.
30. LA Clippers via (OKC) - Adou Thiero, F, Arkansas
Looking to bounce back after a first-round playoff loss won’t be easy for the LA Clippers. However, if they do have anything going for them heading into the offseason, it’s the fact that they will be relatively healthy heading into the summer. That should help the team as they look to reemerge next season as a legit championship contender in the Western Conference.
Adding a prospect like Adou Thiero could also help on that front. Playing three years of college basketball, Thiero could be ready for a meaningful jump to the NBA. As an athletic and versatile forward, Thiero could be a great way for the Clippers to add even more depth on the wing heading into next year.