The 2025 NBA Draft: Detailed Analysis and Key Predictions
The 2025 NBA Draft is just around the corner, and excitement is building as the selections approach. With the 2025 NBA Finals already in the past, attention turns to the future stars who will shape the game in the coming years. The Draft, which will span two days and begin on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, promises surprises and strategic moves.
The Dallas Mavericks and the San Antonio Spurs are the teams leading the predictions, with Duke’s Cooper Flagg and Rutgers’ Dylan Harper as the favorites to be selected in the top spots. However, after these two selections, the landscape becomes less clear, which adds an element of intrigue to the event.
The Philadelphia 76ers, with the third pick, have a key position at the start of the draft. VJ Edgecombe is the favorite to be chosen, while Ace Bailey could fall in the projections.
Trade negotiations continue in secret as NBA teams prepare for the draft. A major move occurred on Sunday, with the Suns and Rockets agreeing to a trade that will send Kevin Durant to Houston. This deal includes the tenth draft pick for Phoenix, along with Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks.
Here’s a detailed analysis of the first draft picks, based on the most recent information:
First Round
1. Dallas Mavericks
Cooper Flagg, SF/PF, Duke
Flagg, with a true shooting percentage of 60.0%, is 6-7¾ without shoes, weighs 221 pounds, and has a wingspan of 7-0. Flagg is expected to have an immediate impact on the Mavericks, who are looking to be competitive in the 2025-26 season. Dallas hopes his addition will help accelerate their growth, especially considering the absence of Kyrie Irving due to injury. Flagg is expected to bring versatility on both sides of the court.Description: See why Cooper Flagg is the No. 1 prospect in the NBA draft.
2. San Antonio Spurs
Dylan Harper, PG/SG, Rutgers
Harper, with a true shooting percentage of 59.3%, is 6-4½ without shoes, weighs 213 pounds, and has a wingspan of 6-10½. The Spurs seem determined to build their team around Victor Wembanyama, and they see Harper as another key piece. Harper’s combination of size, shot-creating ability, passing creativity, and scoring instincts make him a valuable player in today’s NBA.
3. Philadelphia 76ers
VJ Edgecombe, SG, Baylor
Edgecombe, with a true shooting percentage of 56.1%, is 6-4 without shoes, weighs 193 pounds, and has a 6-7½ wingspan. Edgecombe could be selected at the number 3 spot, although Ace Bailey has shown little interest in playing for the 76ers. Despite some doubts about his performance in private workouts, Edgecombe has impressed in interviews. His fit in Philadelphia’s backcourt with Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain doesn’t seem perfect, but his explosiveness and potential are undeniable.Description: VJ Edgecombe’s high-flying game is ready for the next level.
4. Charlotte Hornets
Kon Knueppel, SG/SF, Duke
Knueppel, with a true shooting percentage of 64.8%, is 6-5 without shoes, weighs 219 pounds, and has a wingspan of 6-6¼. If Edgecombe is selected at number 3, Charlotte could consider trades or choose between Knueppel, Jeremiah Fears, Bailey, and Tre Johnson. The Hornets are expected to prioritize Knueppel’s perimeter shooting, playmaking, and leadership skills, making him a safer option.
5. Utah Jazz
Jeremiah Fears, PG, Oklahoma
Fears, with a true shooting percentage of 57.0%, measures 6-2½ without shoes, weighs 179 pounds, and has a wingspan of 6-5¼. With a new direction on the team, it is unlikely that the Jazz will hold onto previous selections who have not proven to be key long-term players. Fears’ combination of size, speed, shot creation, and shooting ability gives him great long-term potential.
6. Washington Wizards
Ace Bailey, SG/SF, Rutgers
Bailey, with a true shooting percentage of 54.0%, measures 6-7½ without shoes, weighs 202 pounds, and has a wingspan of 7-0½. Bailey, the number 3 prospect on the list, has avoided NBA team facilities, which could cost him between 10 and 15 million dollars. Despite this, his camp is confident in the draft process.
7. New Orleans Pelicans
Tre Johnson, SG, Texas
Johnson, with a true shooting percentage of 56.1%, is 6-4¾ without shoes, weighs 190 pounds, and has a wingspan of 6-10¼. Johnson could fit well with the Pelicans, who need reinforcements on the perimeter and in the backcourt. The need for additional shooting and the possible loss of key players make Johnson an attractive option.
8. Brooklyn Nets
Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
Maluach, with a true shooting percentage of 74.7%, is 7-0¾ without shoes, weighs 252 pounds, and has a wingspan of 7-6¾. Maluach is a center with defensive and growth potential. His ability to protect the rim and his intensity make him a valuable player.Description: The highlights that make Khaman Maluach an exciting prospect for the NBA.
9. Toronto Raptors
Noa Essengue, PF, Ratiopharm Ulm
Essengue’s defensive flexibility could be a good fit for the Raptors, although his inconsistent perimeter shooting presents a challenge. His youth and potential for improvement make him an attractive option.
10. Phoenix Suns (via Houston)
Collin Murray-Boyles, PF/C, South Carolina
Murray-Boyles, with a true shooting percentage of 64.0%, is 6-6½ without shoes, weighs 239 pounds, and has a wingspan of 7-0¾. The Suns, after the Kevin Durant trade, will look to reinforce their interior game. Murray-Boyles could be an option, with his ability to pass, draw fouls, and his youth.
11. Portland Trail Blazers
Carter Bryant, SF/PF, Arizona
Bryant, with a true shooting percentage of 59.9%, is 6-6½ without shoes, weighs 214 pounds, and has a wingspan of 6-11¾. The Trail Blazers, who already have Donovan Clingan and Deandre Ayton, could look for available talent. Bryant could offer shooting, size, and versatility.Description: Carter Bryant’s profile for the NBA draft.
12. Chicago Bulls
Kasparas Jakucionis, PG, Illinois
Jakucionis, with a true shooting percentage of 59.8%, is 6-4¾ without shoes, weighs 205 pounds, and has a wingspan of 6-7¾. The Bulls, with needs in the interior game, could consider Jakucionis for his playmaking ability and size.
13. Atlanta Hawks (via Sacramento)
Egor Demin, PG/SG, BYU
Demin, with a true shooting percentage of 51.3%, measures 6-9¼ without shoes, weighs 199 pounds, and has a wingspan of 6-10¼. Demin could be an option for the Hawks, with his potential for versatility as a playmaker and his size.
