As we head into the final two weeks before the end of the regular season, the goal at the moment for the Philadelphia 76ers is to ensure they're going to keep their top-6 protected first-round pick. Even though not much has gone Philadelphia's way this season, it does seem as if the Sixers are going to be able to accomplish this final task - at least, entering the NBA Draft Lottery.
With the projected top-six pick, the Sixers are going to have plenty of options to improve their already talented roster. Of the teams that will end up missing this year's postseason, the argument can be made that the Sixers are probably sitting in the best position to bounce back in a huge way next season. Making the right selection in the 2025 NBA Draft could go a long way in helping the team accomplish that.
As the countdown for the regular season continues to tick down, we take a closer look at the latest edition of our NBA Mock Draft, in which the Sixers jump on one prospect's hype train.
1. Utah Jazz - Cooper Flagg, F, Duke
Being awarded the No. 1 overall pick in this year's NBA Draft could make all the difference for a team like the Utah Jazz. Even though there are strong consolation prizes with picks 2-4, Cooper Flagg has the potential to go down as one of the best players ever to pick up a basketball. Flagg has dominated college basketball all season long and will largely be expected to do more of the same as he makes the leap to the NBA.
If the Jazz were to land Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick, it would completely change the outlook for the team heading into the future. A combination of Flagg and Lauri Markkanen could be exactly what the Jazz needs to inject excitement back into the fan base.
2. Washington Wizards - Dylan Harper, G, Rutgers
With the way the Washington Wizards have situated themselves in the early portion of this rebuild, it would be quite unfortunate if they didn't finish with the No. 1 pick. But that will all depend on how the lottery balls bounce at the NBA Draft Lottery. If the Wizards were to come away with Dylan Harper, it would be quite a strong consolation prize.
Harper is the exact franchise-changer that the Wizards are in the market for, and he'd embrace being the new face of the franchise. Harper has all the tools to be a franchise-changing guard and the high ceiling where this would be a pretty easy selection for the Wizards to make.
3. Charlotte Hornets - VJ Edgecombe, G, Baylor
Over the last couple of months, VJ Edgecombe has continued to make a strong claim to be considered the No. 3 overall prospect in this year's draft class. Edgecombe's impressive play and maturity, combined with the questions surrounding Ace Bailey's long-term prospects, could make this a realistic possibility for the Charlotte Hornets.
Especially with the concerns surrounding LaMelo Ball's future with the team (both on and off the court), there could be a scenario in which the Hornets believe that Edgecombe could be the right fit for the team heading into the future.
4. New Orleans Pelicans - Ace Bailey, F, Rutgers
With all the questions surrounding the New Orleans Pelicans heading into the offseason, this is a team that must enter the 2025 NBA Draft with the goal of finding top-tier talent. As the Pelicans prepare for a retooling of their roster, an offensive monster like Ace Bailey could be a great get at No. 4 overall.
Sure, there are questions about how high of a ceiling Bailey has as an overall player at the next level. But, at the same time, there aren't many players in this year's draft class that are as talented as Bailey is on the offensive end of the floor. His unique offensive gift makes him a pretty safe pick at this point in the top 10.
5. Brooklyn Nets - Tre Johnson, G, Texas
Looking to inject some excitement back into the fan base and at the Barclay's Center, Tre Johnson could be a potential target for the Brooklyn Nets as they round out the top 5 in this year's NBA Draft. Johnson is an electric offensive mind whose ceiling will ultimately depend on how he develops as a playmaker and on the defensive end of the floor.
But even if Johnson is just an offensive mastermind during the early portion of his career, his impact on that end of the floor could still end up moving the needle for a Nets team that will be undergoing a complete rebuild of their roster in the next few years.
6. Philadelphia 76ers - Derik Queen, C, Maryland
This is a spot where I believe the Philadelphia 76ers could go a bit rogue. Taking a gamble on a talented, offensive-minded big man like Derik Queen could be in the cards for a team that could benefit from finding some backup depth behind Joel Embiid. There are questions about how Queen is going to transition to the NBA game, but his offensive upside could be exactly the type of insurance the Sixers need.
Queen is coming off a fantastic freshman season at Maryland, and through his excellent play, there's a very real chance he's going to find himself in the conversation to be selected in the top 10. I'd imagine the Sixers would give this possibility some serious consideration.
7. Toronto Raptors - Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
The Toronto Raptors would have to be through the roof if a prospect like Khaman Maluach would fall into their laps with the projected No. 7 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. A defensive anchor in the middle, Maluach could be the Raptors' long-term answer at the center position. Still just scratching the surface of his offensive potential, Maluach could be a great cornerstone frontcourt piece Toronto has been missing.
With as much talent as Duke has on their roster, the argument could be made that he's been somewhat held back during his freshman season. I do believe there's a good chance we have yet to see the best of Maluach.
8. San Antonio Spurs - Thomas Sorber, C, Georgetown
Would the San Antonio Spurs make the surprise move of adding another big man with one of their top projected top-20 picks in the 2025 NBA Draft? I don't believe it's something that should be considered completely off the table at this point. A strong two-way center, Thomas Sorber could be an intriguing addition to the frontcourt next to Victor Wembanyama.
There's some concern with the season-ending foot injury sustained by Sorber but if the medicals do come clear, there would be plenty of intrigue surrounding a potential frontcourt duo of Wemby and Sorber.
9. Portland Trail Blazers - Egor Demin, F, BYU
Looking for a natural playmaker to add a different element to their young core, Egor Demin is one prospect that could be of interest for the Portland Trail Blazers. Demin's versatility would give the Blazers some much-needed depth on the wing while also helping take some playmaking pressure off their young guards.
With the way Demin raised his game during the NCAA Tournament, there's reason to believe that his best is still yet to come. If Demin can prove himself with a consistent perimeter jump shot in pre-draft workouts, he's the type of prospect that could join the top-5 conversation.
10. Miami Heat - Kasparas Jakucionis, G, Illinois
The Miami Heat desperately needs to find a guard candidate that could potentially be their long-term answer at the point guard position. Even though Davion Mitchell has been a strong player for the Heat post-trade deadline, it would still be smart for Miami to add a prospect with high-end promise. Kasparas Jakucionis could be the perfect target for the Heat if he's still available late in the top-10.
Jakucionis struggled with his jump shot over the second half of the season and it could end up impacting his overall draft value. However, the Heat could be a strong landing spot for the playmaking big guard.
11. Chicago Bulls - Jeremiah Fears, G, Oklahoma
The Chicago Bulls may have something special brewing with the chemistry that Josh Giddey and Coby White. However, I can't help but feel as if the right playmaking guard could help bring this team even more together. One prospect who could be in play for the Bulls at this point in the first round is Jeremiah Fears.
Fears is one of the best pick-and-roll guards coming out of this year's draft class and if he can reel his shot selection in a bit as he makes the transition to the NBA, the sky is the limit for the young guard.
12. Houston Rockets (via PHO) - Collin Murray-Boyles, F, South Carolina
Piggybacking off their success from this season, the Houston Rockets could be quite active heading into the summer. In the 2025 NBA Draft, taking a gamble on the versatile Collin Murray-Boyles could be a path the team is willing to go down. Murray-Boyles has garnered some high praise from draft scouts as a player who could mirror some of what Draymond Green can do on the floor.
It's a high bar for Murray-Boyles, but that's just how talented he is as a player. He's certainly a name to keep a close eye on as a possibility to be taken late in the lottery.
13. Dallas Mavericks - Kon Knueppel, G, Duke
At least in some ways, Kon Knueppel could emerge as a shooter that Klay Thompson wasn't for the Dallas Mavericks this past season. The big question for teams heading into the NBA Draft is whether or not they believe Knueppel can be much more than just a spot-up shooter.
If they do, Knueppel is going to be a much higher draft pick than a late lottery selection. If a team like the Mavs could snag Knueppel at this point in the first round, he could be considered one of the early steals. In theory, Knueppel would be an excellent fit next to Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis - if that's a path the Mavs are going to continue going down.
14. Atlanta Hawks (via SAC) - Jase Richardson, G, Michigan State
If there's one prospect that has done a great job of continuing to raise his draft stock with a strong showing in the NCAA Tournament, it's Jase Richardson. A player who began to come on late in the season, Richardson has continued to build his strong draft resume.
The Atlanta Hawks could be a team willing to take a gamble on the talented guard. Richardson translates as a potential three-level scorer with great athleticism. In the right system and situation, there's reason to believe that Richardson could emerge as a potential star player in the future.
15. Orlando Magic - Labaron Philon, G, Alabama
Heading into the offseason, the Orlando Magic could still be looking for a playmaking guard to emerge as the potential long-term answer in the backcourt. Labaron Philon could be a potential answer for the team after the lottery. The highly-touted freshman averaged 10 points and four assists per game during his freshman season at Alabama.
Even though his offensive output has left a bit to be desired throughout this season, it's his playmaking that is going to catch the eyes of draft scouts. Philon is a player who could be a late riser heading into the pre-draft process.
16. San Antonio Spurs (via ATL) - Nolan Traore, G, Saint-Quentin
Looking for some insurance in the backcourt, Nolan Traore could be a worthy selection for the San Antonio Spurs after the lottery. Traore is still somewhat of an unknown as a prospect heading into the pre-draft process, but he has the characteristics of a strong player with the promise to blossom at the next level.
With the Spurs, Traore would have the time to truly develop his skill set and learn behind one of the best point guards in the league, De'Aaron Fox.
17. Brooklyn Nets (via MIL) - Noa Essengue, F, France
The verdict is still out on Noa Essengue heading into the pre-draft process. On paper, he appears to be a strong prospect because of his versatiility and strength on the defensive end of the floor. The big question for Essengue is whether he'll be able to make the big jump offensively.
That will ultimately determine where Essengue ends up being drafted. In theory, though, the Brooklyn Nets could be a soft landing spot for the talented wing. He'll make his mark initially on the defensive end of the floor but does have much promise as a potential hidden gem.
18. Utah Jazz (via MINN) - Liam McNeeley, F, UCONN
If the Utah Jazz would be able to pair Cooper Flagg with Liam McNeeley without having to trade up, it would be a huge win for the franchise. Even though there are questions about McNeeley's long-term potential, this is a player who has proven to be a sparkplug and versatile wing during his freshman season at UCONN.
Playing off Flagg and Lauri Markkanen, McNeeley could be exactly what the Jazz is looking for in terms of building out a strong supporting cast. A selection like McNeeley is one of those that often goes overlooked but also one that could pay huge dividends down the road.
19. Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET) - Carter Bryant, F, Arizona
It would be shocking if the Minnesota Timberwolves didn't look to add some depth to their frontcourt. One potential move that could make sense at this point in the first round is Carter Bryant. Still a very much unproven prospect, Bryant is the type of player who could grow into a prime two-way player down the line.
In the right system, the opportunity could be there for Bryant to make huge strides in his development over the next few seasons. He has the skills, size, and athleticism to be one of the late first-round steals.
20. Miami Heat (via GS) - Nique Clifford, F, Colorado State
It wouldn't be that surprising to see the Miami Heat take a gamble on one of the most experienced college basketball players in the NBA Draft. Nique Clifford seems like a natural fit for how the Heat likes to operate late in the draft - especially after taking such a high-ceiling prospect with their first selection in the first round.
Clifford has proven to be an efficient three-level scorer and an underrated playmaker. In the Heat's system, there's reason to believe Clifford could thrive.
21. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC) - Asa Newell, F, Georgia
The Oklahoma City Thunder don't necessarily need another blue-chip prospect but Asa Newell could be a steal of the first round (at No. 21) if he can develop as some seem to think. A great athlete with a strong skill set for his position, Newell could thrive in Oklahoma City's developmental system.
Newell isn't a prospect that's likely going to contribute in a big way right away, but he's a player that could end up paying dividends for the team down the road. This selection from the Thunder would be an investment in the future.
22. Indiana Pacers - Will Riley, F, Illinois
The Indiana Pacers are a team that has some big decisions to make heading into the offseason. As they explore the idea of re-signing Myles Turner, taking a strong offensive wing player like Will Riley could help push the team toward some other big moves.
Riley had a somewhat inconsistent freshman season at Illinois, but he closed the season strong. If he can prove to be solid enough on the defensive end of the floor, Riley could have a bright future as a strong supporting player in the NBA.
23. Atlanta Hawks (via LAL) - Danny Wolf, C, Michigan
Danny Wolf has emerged as one of the most polarizing big men prospects in this year's NBA Draft class. While there are concerns about his quickness and speed as he transitions to the next level, his playmaking from the center position could be an appealing trait late in the first round.
If the Atlanta Hawks are expecting Clint Capela to leave in free agency (which is a very realistic scenario), it would make sense for the team to target a prospect like Danny Wolf.
24. Washington Wizards (via MEM) - Hugo Gonzalez, G, Spain
As the Washington Wizards look to continue to build out the new foundation, Hugo Gonzalez could be a late first-round selection that could fall in line with what the team is looking for. Gonzalez is a relatively unknown commodity, but he has emerged as a strong prospect over the last couple of months.
On the Wizards, Gonzalez would have the opportunity to build something special as he continues to develop as a prospect.
25. Orlando Magic (via DEN) - Joan Beringer, C, France
With this second first-round pick, the Orlando Magic could scheme to gain some flexibility in the frontcourt. Joan Beringer could be a player in a position to be a strong selection late in the first round. Beringer has the size and skill set to be an effective big at the next level. His landing spot could play a cruicial in his development and whether he'll end up blossoming in the NBA.
The Magic could be a strong landing spot for Beringer. He wouldn't be asked to play a huge role right away and could develop into a position where he could thrive alongside the rest of the young core.
26. Brooklyn Nets (via NY) - Rasheer Fleming, F, Saint Joseph's
Looking to add another talented player in this first round, Rasheer Fleming is a prospect who could be ready to fly off the board at No. 26 for the Brooklyn Nets. Somewhat of an undersized big, Fleming does have a knack for being in the right place at the right time.
In his breakout season for the Hawks, Fleming was a consistent offensive threat while also being a strong rebounder for his position and size.
27. Brooklyn Nets (via HOU) - Drake Powell, G, North Carolina
With this second of back-to-back picks, Drake Powell could be one player worth taking a gamble on at this point in the first round. A highly touted high school player, Powell did not live up to his full potential during his freshman season at North Carolina. However, his best basketball could very well still be in front of him.
In spurts this past season, Powell proved to be an efficient offensive player while also being an active player on the defensive end of the floor. If he can build off that, it wouldn't be surprising to see him develop into a contributor in the future.
28. Boston Celtics - Chaz Lanier, SG, Tennessee
There's a chance the Boston Celtics could be looking to cut some salary this offseason. If they do go down that route, they could be looking for some added depth during the summer. One player who could emerge as an intriguing option for the title-contending Celtics is Chaz Lanier.
Lanier has five collegiate basketball seasons under his belt and has proven to be a strong, productive player in each of his last two seasons. This year for the Volunteers, he was considered one of the best offensive players in college basketball, averaging 18 points on 41 percent shooting from 3-point range.
29. Phoenix Suns (via CLE) - Boogie Fland, G, Arkansas
There are certainly questions about whether Boogie Fland will end up declaring for the NBA Draft or not. However, he has shown just enough to get him in the conversation for a potential late first-round pick. He struggled when he came back from injury late in the year, but still managed to put together a solid freshman campaign at Arkansas.
If the Phoenix Suns are looking to add an intriguing guard prospect who left a little to be desired during his lone season in college, Fland could be a high-risk, high-reward selection for the team.
30. LA Clippers (via OKC) - Tyrese Proctor, G, Duke
Tyrese Proctor has continued to raise his draft stock with the way he's been able to play down the stretch, and in the NCAA Tournament. Proctor is still on the bubble for being a first-round pick, but his defensive and 3-point capabilities could help push him toward the bottom of the top 30.
The LA Clippers are a team that could view promise in Proctor as a potential depth addition. Proctor's ceiling may not be considered as high as some of the other guard prospects on this list, but he is an intriguing option late in the first round.