The Philadelphia 76ers may have been the biggest disappointment in the Eastern Conference this season but after securing a real shot at a top 5 pick, a 42.1 percent chance at a top 4 draft selection, and a 10.5 percent probability to surprising earn the No. 1 overall pick, not all is lost for the team. That will ultimately be decided by the NBA Draft Lottery, which is scheduled for May 12.
But even if the Sixers stay at No. 5, they should find themselves in a position to strongly improve the roster heading into next season. Looking at what could await the 76ers at the start of the NBA offseason, we take a look at a fresh 2025 NBA Mock Draft.
1. Utah Jazz - Cooper Flagg, F, Duke
Finishing the regular season with the worst record in the NBA, the Utah Jazz have accomplished their biggest goal heading into the start of the season. With as good of a shot as any other team in the league to land Cooper Flagg, the Jazz couldn’t have put their franchise in a better spot heading into the NBA offseason. As they look to turn the page on a new era for the team, the hope is that Flagg will be a strong consolation prize for what has been two difficult years for the franchise.
If they’re able to land Flagg, he’s the type of player that could completely change the outlook for Utah. As one of the most complete prospects in recent NBA Draft history, the Jazz could be on the verge of a very exciting season of basketball.
2. Washington Wizards - Dylan Harper, G, Rutgers
Even if the Washington Wizards don’t earn the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, not all is lost for the franchise. In what has become somewhat of a two-prospect draft, the Wizards would be able to snag Dylan Harper with the No. 2 overall pick. An extremely talented lead guard with two-way superstar potential, Harper could be the exact new face the franchise is looking for.
In a desperate situation heading into the offseason, Harper could be a huge lifeline for the Wizards. Heading into next season, giving the keys to Harper could help Washington make some noise in the Eastern Conference
3. Charlotte Hornets - V.J. Edgecombe, G, Baylor
Smoke continues to point toward the idea that V.J. Edgecombe may have already done enough this year to catapult himself into the No. 3 spot of this year’s NBA Draft. In theory, Edgecombe would be a nice fit next to LaMelo Ball in the backcourt. Edgecombe’s athleticism and defensive versatility (and ability) could be exactly what the Hornets need to unlock their potential heading into the future.
For a team that has struggled to take tangible steps forward in their build of late, this selection is going to prove to be a huge decision.
4. New Orleans Pelicans - Ace Bailey, F, Rutgers
There’s a chance the New Orleans Pelicans could flip the NBA Draft upside down by making a move that no one sees coming. While I do believe there’s a chance that could happen, I don’t believe the Pelicans are going to be that polarizing with their move with their projected top-5 pick.
In the end, I’d be shocked if Ace Bailey wasn’t the selection here for the Pelicans. With the potential to be a dynamic scorer at the next level, it’d be too much of a risk to not take a flier on Bailey’s pure talent.
5. Philadelphia 76ers - Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
Could there be a chance that the Philadelphia 76ers will take a flier on a different big man here at No. 5? Sure. However, I do believe that there’s a lot Maluach could offer the Sixers while playing behind Joel Embiid. There are many that are going to believe Maluach to be the eventual Embiid replacement, but that’s not what this move is about.
Maluach would be a good backup for Embiid and could grow into being a force off the bench when the Sixers are inevitably back at full strength. The Sixers shouldn't look to make a panic move just yet and should continue to trust the process. If things go awry for a second-straight season, though, things could certainly change moving forward.
6. Brooklyn Nets - Tre Johnson, G, Texas
As the Brooklyn Nets prepare for a new rebuild, utilizing the No. 6 overall pick properly will go a long way in helping this franchise set the table for the future. One player who could be on the team’s radar at this point in the first round is Tre Johnson. Even though he may have some limitations on the defensive end of the floor, Johnson is a special talent on the other end of the floor.
If the Nets could surround him with the right wing defenders, there’s a chance that Johnson could grow into the star player that many draft pundits believe he can evolve into.
7. Toronto Raptors - Thomas Sorber, C, Georgetown
It’ll be tough to predict what the Toronto Raptors are going to do during the offseason but their behavior at the 2025 NBA Draft will certainly tell us a lot about what we should expect from this team during the summer. While there are several different prospects that could make sense for the Raptors at this point in the top 10, I do believe that Thomas Sorber could be in play.
He’s a big man who almost always plays at his speed and never gets overwhelmed. If he can prove to shake off the season-ending foot injury, he could carve out a spot in the top 10. As a player who could evolve into the long-term answer at the center position, the Raptors should take a long, hard look at Sorber.
8. San Antonio Spurs - Kon Knueppel, G, Duke
The San Antonio Spurs could get extremely bold with their two projected top-20 picks in the 2025 NBA Draft. However, in the end, I do believe it would make sense for the Spurs to make somewhat of a “safe” selection here. One player who would qualify as just that for the Spurs is Kon Knueppel. Even though he had an inconsistent end to his collegiate career, there’s no denying his shot-making ability.
And playing off of De’Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama, there’s no question that Knueppel could find a long-term home in San Antonio. This may not be a sexy pick for the Spurs, but one that could end up paying dividends in the long run.
9. Houston Rockets (via PHO) - Labaron Philon, G, Alabama
The Houston Rockets have had a fantastic season, and no matter how their playoff run ends, it’s going to be difficult to be disappointed in their effort and development this season as a franchise. As they look to the offseason, finding a potential long-term answer behind Fred VanVleet could be one of the big goals for the Rockets.
One prospect who could end up making some sense for the Rockets to round out the top 10 is Labaron Philon. Even though he was up and down as an offensive player this season, his playmaking ability is certainly one of his on-the-court characteristics that naturally sticks out.
10. Portland Trail Blazers - Kasparas Jakucionis, G, Illinois
Would the Portland Trail Blazers be willing to take a flier on another high-ceiling guard with potential? I’d have to believe so, especially if they can take a gamble on a playmaking lead guard like Kasparas Jakucionis. The hope is that Jakucionis and Scoot Henderson will be able to play alongside each other in the future. While that will have to be proven through time, it’s certainly a gamble worth taking.
Jakucionis has the potential to be a top 5 draft pick in this year’s class, but inconsistent play down the stretch is going to be one of the bigger reasons why he’s likely to end up being taken later in the lottery.
11. Miami Heat - Thomas Bryant, F, Arizona
How much of a risk are the Miami Heat willing to make with their projected lottery pick in the 2025 NBA Draft? That's a big question. If they're ready to take a big swing, which this team should be willing to do considering how this season ended without Jimmy Butler, Thomas Bryant is one name to keep a close eye on.
His physical traits are off the chart, and if Bryant can "wow" during a pre-draft workout, it could make him a rising prospect. With the Heat's strong developmental system, they should shy away from taking such a gamble with their first of two first-round picks.
12. Dallas Mavericks- Egor Demin, F, BYU
It's hard to predict how the Dallas Mavericks will end up operating this offseason, especially after their big NBA Trade Deadline move. However, with the final pick in the lottery, Egor Demin could be a prospect that makes a ton of sense for the team moving forward. Demin would bring a level of versatility on the wing that the team was missing this year.
How big of a role he'll be able to embrace this season remains to be seen, especially considering he still has some filling out to do. If he can calm the concerns surrounding his 3-point shooting, Demin could be a potential steal the more he falls in the lottery.
13. Chicago Bulls - Derik Queen, C, Maryland
As a prospect who did well to raise his NBA Draft stock during his run in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, it'll be interesting to see how high Derik Queen rises. Ultimately, I believe he's going to settle in as a late lottery pick. That's where a team like the Chicago Bulls could take advantage. With his offensive skill set, Queen could emerge as an intriguing candidate.
If Quen can prove that he could make the leap defensively, there's a chance he could end up being one of the best offensive big men in the league in a few years. However, that's certainly a big "if."
14. Atlanta Hawks (via SAC) - Jeremiah Fears, G, Oklahoma
It would be quite odd to see Jeremiah Fears fall all the way to No. 14 in the first round, but he could emerge as a huge steal for a team like the Atlanta Hawks. Perhaps more encouraging, this is the type of situation that would give the Hawks and even bigger green light to trade Trae Young at some point this offseason or in the next couple of seasons.
Fears has the potential to be a foundation lead guard heading into the future and could be exactly what the Hawks need to jump-start the rebuilding of their roster. Fears is not a prospect without his weaknesses, but there is a ton of star potential with this selection.
15. San Antonio Spurs (via ATL) - Jase Richardson, G, Michigan State
A prospect that emerged as a late rise over the last couple of months, the San Antonio Spurs could look to take a flier on Jase Richardson. Even though he is a bit inconsistent, it's hard to argue with the potential he has on the offensive end of the floor. If the Spurs' developmental system can reel him in a bit, he has the chance to be a good player down the line.
Considering he's the son of former NBA veteran Jason Richardson, you'd have to imagine that type or family pedigree is going to give him another healthy but up the draft boards.
16. Orlando Magic - Asa Newell, F, Georgia
Newell has a great motor and physical traits. The big question is whether he'll be able to translate to the NBA speed and quickness and whether he'll be good enough on both ends of the floor to make a huge difference. Newell had some flashes during his freshman season at Georgia, but the Magic would certainly be getting a player who will require developmental patience.
In the long run, there's reason to believe that Newell could be considered somewhat of the eventual replacement in the frontcourt to Jonathan Isaac.
17. Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET) - Danny Wolf, C, Michigan
I can't imagine this is the offseason where the Minnesota Timberwolves end up moving on from Rudy Gobert, but that certainly has to be at the back of the team's mind. With this last first-round pick, Danny Wolf can make some sense as a big man who adds a completely different element than Gobert.
Gobert is an All-NBA center, and Wolf is the type of big man who can score the basketball from all three levels of the floor and one who can emerge as a secondary playmaker for the team.
18. Miami Heat (via GS) - Ben Saraf, G, Germany
Looking to take a flier on a talented guard with this second first-round pick, if Ben Saraf is still on the board, he could make a ton of sense for a team like the Miami Heat. Draft Saraf and stash him for a year or two, and he's the type of player who could emerge as a strong contributor to the team as he develops.
As a strong playmaker who still needs to prove he has a strong enough scoring prowess to make the league, Saraf could be a sneaky great selection for a Heat team that may still be looking for their long-term point guard of the future.
19. Washington Wizards (via MEM) - Collin Murray-Boyles, F, South Carolina
Looking to build off their first selection in the top 5, the Washington Wizards could use this late first-round pick to offer some flexibility to the team moving forward. One player who could fit that description almost perfectly is Collin Murray-Boyles. There are concerns about his limited ceiling as he makes the leap to the NBA level, but the Wizards could be a solid landing spot for him.
Playing next to Cooper Flagg or Dylan Harper, if the Wizards are able to land one of the top 2 picks in this year's draft, could do wonders for Murray-Boyles' development heading into the future.
20. Brooklyn Nets (via MIL) - Noa Essengue, F, France
There was a time when Noa Essengue was being mocked in the lottery. However, it's pretty safe to say that he's taken a pretty strong tumble in the draft boards over the last month or so. That doesn't mean he can't go a long way in resurrecting his draft stock, but he certainly has some work to do heading into the pre-draft process.
The Brooklyn Nets, who have multiple first-round picks in this year's draft, could be a soft landing spot for a player who may need a year or two of development. As a strong defender with some offensive promise, Essengue is a prospect who could be worth the risk at this point in the first round.
21. Utah Jazz (via MINN) - Nique Clifford, G, Colorado State
If the Utah Jazz could pair a supremely talented prospect like Dylan Harper and then one of the most experienced players in this draft class like Niquie Clifford, it could go a long way in helping this team bounce back in a big way. I'm not sure if the playoffs or in the future of the Jazz anytime soon, but this draft should be all about building for the future.
Clifford gives the team a little mix of both - a player who can pay dividends for the team down the road and one who could contribute sooner rather than later.
22. Atlanta Hawks (via LAL) - Liam McNeeeley, F, UCONN
In some ways, there's an argument to be made that Liam McNeeley could be the perfect selection for the Atlanta Hawks late in the first round. Of course, the big problem with that is that there's no guarantee that McNeeley will still be around when the Hawks go on the clock. In fact, I'd be shocked if he was.
A prospect who could just come in a play a role on the wing without needing the ball consistently in his hands is exactly would could help the Hawks continue to build out their already strong foundation.
23. Indiana Pacers - Audo Thiero, F, Arkansas
Especially considering the unknown future revolving around Myles Turner, there's at least a non-zero chance that the Indiana Pacers will be looking for some answers in the frontcourt - or, at the very least, some added depth. That's where a player like Audo Thiero could come into play for Indiana late in the first round.
A slasher with some potential as a versatile defensive player, Theiro could give the Pacers some flexibility in the event that they do lose out on Turner or if they have to trade some of their other wings on the roster to create financial breathing room.
24. Orlando Magic (via DEN) - Will Riley, F, Illinois
Already taking a flier on a high-risk prospect with their first pick in the first round, you can expect the Orlando Magic to take a much safer approach with this selection. One surprising player who could still be around is Will Riley. A player with some two-way promise, Riley could be a solid selection for the Magic.
As the Magic enter the offseason with a need to solidify their supporting cast, there's a reason to believe that Riley could emerge as part of the team's answers as they look to bounce back next season.
25. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC) - Walter Clayton Jr., G, Florida
In what could be a move that represents one of the best teams in the league getting better, the Oklahoma City Thunder adding Walter Clayton Jr. may be viewed as quite the unfair move. However, there could be real value in taking a shot of Clayton at this point in the first round.
There's probably not a player who helped his draft stock more in the NCAA Tournament than Clayton, who played a big role in the Florida Gators winning the 2025 NCAA Championship. Clayton on the Thunder would be an intriguing pairing.
26. Brooklyn Nets (via NY) - Joan Beringer, C, France
With the potential for four first-round picks, the Brooklyn Nets should be prioritizing options in the 2025 NBA Draft. That's exactly what Joan Beringer would represent for the Nets. This is not necessarily a move to help the team find a replacement for Nic Claxton, but it does give the Nets some added flexibility in the future.
Beringer is not a ready-to-contribute prospect at the moment and certainly will need a couple of years to work on his craft, but during the early portion of his professional career, he's certainly shown promise as a long-term prospect.
27. Brooklyn Nets (via HOU) - Tahaad Pettiford, G, Auburn
One of the bigger mysteries, at least in my opinion, in this year's NBA Draft class is Tahaad Pettiford. As a prospect who had a few standout games down the stretch, Pettiford is a player who could make sense for a team like the Brooklyn Nets. As they look for more conferstones for the future, Pettiford could be worth the risk.
If Pettiford can continue to evolve as an all-around offensive player as he makes the jump to the NBA, he'll be one late-round draft pick to keep a close eye on.
28. Boston Celtics - Nolan Traore, G, France
Looking to add some insurance heading into the future, the Boston Celtics could end up taking a flier on a prospect like Nolan Traore late in the first round. At least for now, his draft stock continues to be all over the place and the hope is that he gets some clarity on the next stage of his career soon.
But as the Celtics deal with the reality of the CBA and the difficulties they're going to have to keep everyone on their roster, this is where their developmental system could play a key role in the team's relevancy heading into the future.
29. Phoenix Suns (via CLE) - Alex Condon, C, Florida
A prospect who also did well to make a name for himself during Florida's NCAA Tournament run to a championship, Alex Condon is a player who could very much find himself in the conversation to be selected late in the first round. Condon showed the ability to be a potential two-way force at the next level off the bench, especially if he can continue to impress with his range.
The ceiling for Condon may not be high but he could emerge as a valuable player takent at this point in the first round. As the Phoenix Suns explore big changes heading into the offseason, Condon could be a strong option here.
30. LA Clippers (via OKC) - Hugo Gonzalez, G, Spain
If the LA Clippers wanted, they could take a huge risk with this final pick in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft. Hugo Gonzalez is far from a proven prospect and is considered one of the most unknown players in this class. However, Gonzalez does have enough fans because of his experience at such a young age.
If the Clippers are believers in Gonzalez, they could stick their neck out to try and shake up the draft with the final pick in the first round. With how red-hot the Clippers closed the season, nothing is completely off the table for the team.