After a season to forget, the Philadelphia 76ers' saving grace for this year could very well be keeping their 2025 first-round draft pick. They still have some work to ensure they will keep it, considering it is only top-6 protected, but if they can secure a top 6 selection in this year's NBA Draft, there's reason to believe that they could potentially land a prospect who could help them bounce back heading into next season.
If the Sixers truly wanted to shake things up with their top-6 pick in the NBA Draft, they could look to a potential long-term replacement for Joel Embiid. With all the uncertainty revolving around Embiid's future heading the offseason, you can't help but wonder if targeting a center may be the way to go for the Sixers (if they can keep their pick). In this latest NBA Mock Draft, we explore what could lie ahead for the Sixers (and the rest of the league) a little more than three months out from the 2025 NBA Draft.
1. Washington Wizards - Cooper Flagg, F, Duke
At this point, the only question at the very top of the 2025 NBA Draft revolves around which team will earn the right to select Cooper Flagg. With the way Flagg is completely dominating college basketball, it's going to be extremely hard for another prospect to leapfrog him on the big boards leading up to the pre-draft process. For the Washington Wizards, this is a no-brainer selection and one that could completely alter the trajectory of the franchise.
Flagg is the type of prospect that is going to immediately change the culture of the organization and offer the Wizards a player that they can truly build around for the first time since John Wall was in uniform.
2. Charlotte Hornets - Dylan Harper, G, Rutgers
As the whispers surrounding a potential trade of LaMelo Ball continue to grow, I can't help but wonder how much that could end up altering the Charlotte Hornets' plans heading into the 2025 NBA Draft. If they do finish with the second overall pick, the Hornets will have a pretty big decision to make. Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey are two prospects worthy of being selected here. If the Hornets have any doubts about Ball being a long-term answer at the guard position, Harper should be the selection.
With the way the smoke has slowly been trickling out of Charlotte, I do believe the better long-term play for the team would revolve around selecting Harper (and then potentially trading Ball down the line). He has a slightly better upside with the potential to be a franchise-changing guard.
3. Utah Jazz - Ace Bailey, F, Rutgers
Falling to the No. 3 overall pick, the Utah Jazz doesn't have a huge decision to make with this selection. Ace Bailey would be a strong consolation prize for a franchise that desperately needs a talent infusion. As an offensive-minded wing who is averaging 18 points and seven rebounds per game during his freshman season at Rutgers, the potential is through the roof for Bailey as he prepares to make the leap to the NBA.
If the Jazz has any hopes of pairing Lauri Markkanen with a supporting star in the next couple of years, this is probably the moment where it all has to come together for the team. Bailey, in many ways, could be their answer on that front.
4. New Orleans Pelicans - Tre Johnson, G, Texas
Even after the trade of Brandon Ingram, there's a chance the New Orleans Pelicans haven't even made the biggest changes to their roster yet. One prospect who could fit in whatever direction the team decides to go in is Tre Johnson. This could be considered a bit high for Johnson, especially because he's far from a complete prospect, but his potential on the offensive end of the floor could be exactly what the Pelicans need.
Averaging 21 points and three assists on 45 percent shooting from the field and 40 percent shooting from 3-point range, Johnson has certainly proven himself as an elite offensive player. The big question is whether he can be good enough on the defensive end to be a superstar at the next level.
5. Toronto Raptors - VJ Edgecombe, G, Baylor
All signs point to the Toronto Raptors making a big jump in their development as a team next season; the acquisition of Brandon Ingram at the NBA Trade Deadline will only help their cause. However, there is a shot that a prospect like VJ Edgecombe could help this team even more next season. A standout offensive-minded wing, I'd imagine Edgecombe will have the opportunity to fit right in with what the Raptors are building.
Especially if the Raptors end up trading RJ Barrett at some point during the offseason, an addition like Edgecombe would make even more sense for a Raptors team that may be ready to compete in the Eastern Conference.
6. Philadelphia 76ers - Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
For as much of a mess as this season has been for the Philadelphia 76ers, it would be an even bigger disaster if they weren't able to keep their first-round pick. Embracing the tank for the remainder of the season will go a long way in helping the team accomplish that. If the Sixers do end up getting a top-6 pick, it may be exactly what this team needs to bounce back next season. One bold approach the Sixers could make is by targeting a potential Joel Embiid replacement.
One prospect who has been soaring up draft boards is Khaman Maluach. Even though I would consider him a bit of a project, I do believe he could make sense as a natural target for the Sixers. Maluach learning behind Embiid could go a long way to help his development. Maluach certainly doesn't have the ceiling of Embiid, but he does have all the tools to be a really, really good player down the line.
7. Brooklyn Nets - Egor Demin, F, BYU
If they wanted to, the Brooklyn Nets will have the ability to completely retool their roster this offseason via the 2025 NBA Draft. With this first selection, currently projected as a top-7 pick, the Nets could look to take a truly versatile player in Egor Demin. He could play the guard or wing position at the next level, and in the modern NBA of positionless basketball, that is unlikely to matter much.
Demin has shown the ability to be a strong playmaker while also having a natural ability to put the ball in the basket when he needs to. Still growing into his frame and developing as a defensive player, there is a high ceiling for Demin. On the rebuilding Nets, he could be considered a strong first piece of the next era.
8. Chicago Bulls - Kon Knueppel, G, Duke
If there's any team in the top-10 that could use some NBA Draft Lottery luck, it's the Chicago Bulls. This is a team that has been stuck in NBA mediocrity since the days of elite Derrick Rose. Short of moving up a few spots in the lottery, it may be difficult for the Bulls to find a true franchise-changing talent late in the top 10. But if there's one ready-to-contribute prospect who could make sense for the Bulls at No. 8, it's Kon Knueppel.
While Knueppel may not be much of an offensive creator, when he finds his spots, he's extremely efficient at shooting the basketball. As one of the best shooters in this draft class, his shot-making ability is going to be a big reason why he's likely ultimately going to be selected in the top 10.
9. San Antonio Spurs - Liam McNeely, F, UCONN
Even though this season is going to end on a sour note for the San Antonio Spurs, the future couldn't be any brighter for the franchise heading into next year. One prospect that could make sense next to the team's exciting trio of Stephon Castle, De'Aaron Fox, and Victor Wembanayama is Liam McNeely. Not a player that many believe has a ton of star power, but also a productive wing player who could play a role for the team immediately.
McNeely has proven to have the ability to be a strong rebounder for his position, an underrated playmaker, and an above-average 3-point shooter. In the right situation, there's no reason why McNeely can't carve out a significant role for a good team down the road.
10. Portland Trail Blazers - Kasparas Jakucionis, G, Illinois
The Portland Trail Blazers have been quite impressive during the last six weeks of the season. Even though the Blazers are unlikely to make a strong enough push to join the race for the final spot in the Western Conference Play-In Tournament, there are some real positive signs for the future. In hopes of loading up on talent with this pick, I can't help but wonder if a more natural playmaker like Kasparas Jakucionis could make sense as a backcourt addition.
One of the more versatile players in this year's draft class, Jakucionis could add some insurance behind Scoot Henderson for the Blazers. Even though he's shown some flashes of promise, Henderson has been too inconsistent to build a team around.
11. San Antonio Spurs (via ATL) - Noa Essengue, F, France
With a likely second lottery pick, the San Antonio Spurs could realistically go one of two ways. They could either look to add another versatile wing player or try to find another big man to pair Victor Wembanyama with. If I had to guess, I'd imagine going and snagging another wing is what they end up deciding. Noa Essengue out of France could make sense as he's still developing as a versatile frontcourt player.
At the very least, Essengue is probably going to emerge as a strong and versatile defender right off the bat. If he can make strides offensively, there's a chance he can be a very important piece to San Antonio's championship puzzle in the future.
12. Houston Rockets (via PHO) - Jeremiah Fears, G, Oklahoma
Even with the strides the Houston Rockets have made this season, there's still work to be done for this front office heading into the offseason. With the questions that surround Fred VanVleet's future with the team, selecting a prospect like Jeremiah Fears could be one path the Rockets end up taking with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Fears has questions about his overall efficiency as a player, but he's also had times when he's looked like an absolute star.
The question is, does the good outweigh the bad or inconsistent for Fears? I believe that they will if he's able to have a few strong individual workouts leading up to the draft. The Rockets could use some insurance in the backcourt, and Fears could emerge as a potential long-term answer for the team at the guard position.
13. Dallas Mavericks - Nolan Traore, G, France
There may not be a team heading into the offseason facing more uncertainty than the Dallas Mavericks. Luka Doncic is gone, Kyrie Irving is probably going to miss the majority of next season, and who knows how Anthony Davis is going to fare as the No. 1 option next season. The Mavs need talent and might need to hit a home run with this pick if they're going to salvage this build. I'm not sure how much of a guarantee Nolan Traore could be for the team, but he's certainly talented enough to be the selection here.
Traore is far from a finished prospect, but there is plenty that the Mavs can build off of in terms of his development. He can get to the basket, has the capability to be a strong playmaker, and has great size for his position.
14. Atlanta Hawks (via SAC) - Derik Queen, C, Maryland
Where will the Atlanta Hawks go with this late lottery selection? It's hard to predict. However, with a potential need in the frontcourt with the uncertainty revolving around Clint Capela's impending free agency, it could make sense for the Hawks to take a flier on a rising prospect like Derik Queen. An impressive young talent, but there are still big holes in his offensive game on the perimeter and the questions revolving around his defensive lapses.
The Hawks could bet on Queen being a better pro down the line, but at the very least, perhaps some of his impressive interior offensive skills will be able to translate at the NBA level.
15. Orlando Magic - Asa Newell, F, Georgia
Heading into the offseason, the Orlando Magic will have some holes to fill as they look to bounce back after such a flawed season. However, with this borderline lottery pick, how could the Magic not look to shoot for the stars with this selection? Asa Newell has all the talent in the world, despite being one of the rawest players in this draft class. If the Magic took a shot on Jonathan Isaac way back when, I'd have to imagine they could take a similar gamble on Newell.
On the offensive end of the floor, Newell has shown the ability to be a game-changing player. The big question is whether he'll have the ability to continue to play at a high level (on both ends of the floor) at the next level against stronger competition.
16. Oklahoma City Thunder (via MIA) - Carter Bryant, F, Arizona
It will be truly interesting to see what the Oklahoma City Thunder end up doing with back-to-back picks in the first round. For a team that's already competing for a championship, there aren't any urgent needs for the Thunder heading into the offseason. I suppose taking some big swings could be the way for the team to go with this first of two picks. Carter Bryant could make sense for OKC here at No. 16.
Bryant is a tremendous talent but also considered to be a prospect that is going to need a couple of years to develop. That's what makes the Thunder such an appealing landing spot for the versatile big man out of Arizona. In a few years, Bryant, if he develops properly, could emerge as a rotation force for OKC.
17. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC) - Ben Saraf, G, Germany
Piggybacking on the idea of taking a player and allowing him a couple of years to develop in the shadows, Ben Saraf could be another prospect worth taking a flier on. Saraf will need to improve on the defensive end, but the physical raw skills are there for him to potentially blossom into an effective point guard down the line.
Giving Saraf a couple of years to acclimate to the NBA game could do him wonders as a developmental project. OKC wouldn't need Saraf to be a contributor right away, which makes him a natural fit for the team.
18. Utah Jazz (via MINN) - Rasheer Fleming, F, Saint Joseph's
As the Utah Jazz continue to build out their roster with multiple picks in the first round, there is one rising prospect who should be on Utah's radar. The verdict is still out on Rasheer Fleming, but he's arguably the hottest prospect in the college basketball streets at the moment. And as Saint Joseph's garners much more attention, I'd have to imagine that Fleming's draft stock is going to continue to soar.
In his junior season with the Hawks, Fleming is averaging 16 points and nine rebounds per game on 57 percent shooting from the field and 43 percent shooting from 3-point range. With his strong combination of length and versatility, he could be a quality late first-round selection.
19. Miami Heat (via GS) - Collin Murray-Boyles, F, South Carolina
If there's a perfect prospect for the Miami Heat to select with the No. 19 overall pick, it might be Collin Murray-Boyles. If there's one team that loves their versatile frontcourt players, it's the Heat. With hopefully the center of the future already on the roster (Kel'el Ware), the Heat could take a gamble on a versatile player like Murray-Boyles. Making the decision to return to school for a sophomore season has paid off for the 6-foot-7 forward.
Taking a much bigger role on the team this season, Murray-Boyles is averaging 17 points, eight rebounds, and three assists per game on 59 percent shooting from the field. His 3-point shooting is very much still a work in progress, but there are promising signs for improvement there as well.
20. Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET) - Jase Richardson, G, Michigan State
Taking a step back this offseason, there's a good chance the Minnesota Timberwolves will be looking to make a big splash over these next few months. Most expect that to take place via trade, but there's reason to believe they could make some waves with this pick here at No. 20. One intriguing prospect who could naturally be on the Wolves' radar at this point in the first round is Jase Richardson.
The training wheels haven't been completely taken off of Richardson this season, but when he's been given a bigger opportunity, he's proven that he could be a truly effective player on the offensive end of the floor.
21. Indiana Pacers - Danny Wolf, C, Michigan
Heading into the offseason, there's a very good chance that the Indiana Pacers may be looking for some added depth in the frontcourt. In an ideal world, the Pacers would be able to find a potential replacement for Myles Turner (who will likely test free agency) late in the first round of this draft class. One player who could potentially fill that role for the Pacers is Danny Wolf.
A true 7-footer, Wolf could emerge as an intriguing option for a team late in the first round. Two back-to-back quality years in college (first with Yale and now with Michgan) could put him in a position to be an immediate contributor in the NBA. The Pacers may need a new center, and Wolf gives them at least another option at the position.
22. Brooklyn Nets (via MIL) - Will Riley, G, Illinois
With another first-round pick, the Brooklyn Nets could look to take a flier on Will Riley. A player who has looked better as this season has progressed, Riley could emerge as an intriguing option for another team late in the first round. Riley has great size (at 6-foot-8) for a wing and has the physical and athletic skills to be an effective contributor if he continues to develop.
The Nets could be a great landing spot for Riley, as he will have the time and support system to grow as a player. Averaging 12 points and four rebounds per game this season, and the best is yet to come for Riley. In the right system, there's reason to believe he can blossom at the next level.
23. Brooklyn Nets (via HOU) - Adou Thiero, F, Arkansas
If the Brooklyn Nets want to take another flier on somewhat of another polarizing draft prospect, Adou Thiero out of Arkansas could be the play for the team. Transferring from Kentucky to Arkansas has paid off for Thiero this season. In his junior year, Thiero has broken out as a real differene-maker. Averaging 16 points and six rebounds per game on 55 percent shooting from the field, he may have already done enough to warrant a first-round selection.
If Thiero can prove that he can continue to work on the consistency of his 3-point shot, there's reason to believe that he can emerge as a rising prospect as we inch closer to the draft. With his size and skill set, Thiero could be worth the gamble with a first-round pick.
24. Washington Wizards (via MEM) - Chaz Lanier, G, Tennessee
The straw that makes the Tennessee Volunteers go round; it will be interesting to see where Chaz Lanier's draft stock takes him. At No. 24, he could be an intriguing option for a team like the Washington Wizards. Laneir is one of the most experienced prospects in this draft class and has had two great seasons to end his collegiate basketball career.
This season with the Volunteers, Lanier is averaging 18 points and four rebounds on 43 percent shooting from the field and 41 percent shooting from 3-point range. He'll have to prove he can hold his own defensively and show more playmaking ability, but he could be a fascinating late first-round selection.
25. Orlando Magic (via DEN) - Boogie Fland, G, Arkansas
With two first-round draft picks, I'd be shocked if we didn't see the Orlando Magic at least use one of them on a backcourt player. With the need for some real depth, it would make sense for the Magic to take another flier on a guard. One prospect who could make sense for the Magic at this point in the first round is Boogie Fland. While there are clear concerns with Fland's overall efficiency, that may be a product of playing on a team that needs him to be THE man every night.
Fland is averaging 15 points, six assists, and three rebounds on 37 percent shooting from 3-point range. His decision-making and shot selection can be questionable at times, but Fland is an interesting talent worthy of a late first-round selection.
26. Atlanta Hawks (via LAL) - Nique Clifford, G, Colorado State
Looking to add another prospect who could emerge as an immediate contributor, Nique Clifford is a name that could make sense at No. 26 for the Atlanta Hawks. Averaging 18 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists per game during his senior season at Colorado State, he could be an intriguing option late in the first round.
I'm not sure how high of a ceiling Clifford has as he prepares to make a jump to the NBA, but he's certainly proven consistently that he can be a productive player in whatever role he finds himself in. That could be a valuable trait to have for any prospect.
27. Brooklyn Nets (via NY) - Drake Powell, F, North Carolina
With a final first-round pick in this draft, Drake Powell could be an intriguing name to keep a close eye on. Powell hasn't lived up to his expectations with North Carolina this season, but the raw talent could be too much to pass up on for a team like the Nets. Taking a big gamble on Powell could end up paying dividends down the line for Brooklyn.
Powell is only averaging eight points and three rebounds per game on 50 percent shooting from the field and 40 percent shooting from 3-point range this season, but the hope is that he could be a prospect that ends up being a much better pro once he fully develops.
28. Boston Celtics - Hugo Gonzalez, F, Spain
The Boston Celtics have one of the most complete rosters in the NBA. Heading into the 2025 NBA Draft, they're not likely to have a huge need, but Hugo Gonzalez could be a worthy gamble for the team. Gonzalez has promise in terms of size and a raw skill set. Still as a mostly unproven prospect, it's hard to envision Gonzalez rising a ton between now and the draft.
However, the Celtics could be the perfect potential landing spot for him. They'll have a need in the frontcourt, and he could learn from some truly talented players. And if Gonzalez does pan out for the Celtics, he could end up being a huge steal.
29. LA Clippers (via OKC) - Ian Jackson, G, North Carolina
As the LA Clippers look to build out their supporting cast heading into the offseason (unless they are ready to pivot toward a rebuild), Ian Jackson could be in play for the team. Even though North Carolina has left much to be desired this season, Jackson is a freshman who has shown much promise for the team. Averaging 14 points and three rebounds per game on 48 percent shooting from the field and 41 percent shooting from 3-point range, Jackson has been impressive.
If he can prove to be much more than just a scorer, he could carve out a spot as a late first-round selection. But that's still very much a question at this point.
30. Phoenix Suns (via CLE) - Joan Beringer, C, France
The Phoenix Suns are likely heading into an offseason of big changes. Because of the uncertainty surrounding their roster around Devin Booker, there are several different ways the Suns could go with this selection. I believe taking a flier on Joan Beringer could make sense for the team. A player who is quickly rising up draft boards, Beringer could emerge as an interesting target late in the first round.
When it comes to the tools to be a good pro, Beringer does fit the bill. I'd imagine much of his draft stock is going to come down to individual workouts (assuming he participates in them during the pre-draft process). Perhaps the Suns could take a flier on a talented big man with the final pick in the first round.