Deep Dive into the 2025 NBA Draft: Perspectives and Key Movements
With the 2025 NBA Draft Combine concluded, it’s time to analyze the experts’ impressions and how the performances in Chicago could influence the future of the draft hopefuls. Measurements, athletic tests, and scrimmages have defined the landscape.
Cooper Flagg at the front? What options do the Brooklyn Nets have with four first-round picks? And which players interest the Philadelphia 76ers at number 3? Ace Bailey, VJ Edgecombe, Tre Johnson, Khaman Maluach, and Kon Knueppel could be in the sights.
Some prominent international players, such as Joan Beringer and Noa Essengue, were unable to attend the Combine due to commitments with their clubs. They will have a second chance at the combine organized by the NBA in Treviso, Italy, from June 4 to 7. Teams will conduct individual workouts to refine their selections for the draft on June 25 and 26 in Brooklyn, New York.
Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo present their post-combine mock draft, with all 59 picks. The New York Knicks’ second-round pick was revoked by the NBA following an investigation into the signing of Jalen Brunson.
NBA Draft Coverage:
- Combine: Players who move up and down.
- Key questions for lottery teams.
- Draft asset analysis.
- Top 100 prospect rankings.
- Top 30 according to Pelton.
First Round:
1. Dallas Mavericks
Cooper Flagg, SF/PF, Duke
Freshman | TS%: 60.0
Combine measurements:
- Height without shoes: 6-7 ¾
- Weight: 221
- Foot reach: 8-10 ½
- Wingspan: 7-0
Analysis and Fit: The Mavericks, fortunate, could secure Flagg, one of the future stars of the NBA. According to sources, the Dallas management will not consider trade offers and plans to select Flagg with the number 1 pick.
Flagg had an exceptional season at Duke, solidifying himself as the likely No. 1 draft pick. He was the fourth freshman to win the Wooden Award, showcasing competitiveness and defensive versatility, impacting all aspects of the game.
The only question for scouts is whether Flagg will “simply” be an NBA All-Star, or if, as some suggest, he can become one of the most impactful players in the league on both ends of the court in the coming years.
Givony
Cooper Flagg: I haven’t thought much about how I would fit in with the Mavs
2. San Antonio Spurs
Dylan Harper, PG/SG, Rutgers
Freshman | TS%: 59.3
Combine Measurements:
- Height without shoes: 6-4 ½
- Weight: 213
- Foot reach: 8-6
- Wingspan: 6-10 ½
Analysis and Fit: The Spurs, with a solid foundation, have the opportunity to select Harper, considered the best option after Flagg. San Antonio is satisfied with their luck in the lottery and prioritizes available talent over fit concerns, in a backcourt that includes De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle.
Harper’s selection, along with Victor Wembanyama and Castle, offers short-term salary flexibility. Although there is speculation about possible trades, the Spurs could keep Harper and improve their roster at a lower cost. San Antonio is expected to select Harper.
Would Dylan Harper be a perfect fit with the Spurs?
3. Philadelphia 76ers
Airious “Ace” Bailey, SG/SF, Rutgers
Freshman | TS%: 54.0
Combine Measurements:
- Height without shoes: 6-7 ½
- Weight: 202
- Foot reach: 8-11
- Wingspan: 7-0 ½
Analysis and Fit: The 76ers are evaluating Bailey, VJ Edgecombe, Tre Johnson, Khaman Maluach, and Kon Knueppel. Bailey, considered the third most talented prospect, could fit into the Sixers’ lineup alongside their current players.
Bailey generates mixed opinions due to doubts about his game and interviews. Some teams hope the Sixers negotiate trades, with names like Kevin Durant and Lauri Markkanen in the sights. The Sixers’ president of basketball operations, Daryl Morey, could seek a trade.
4. Charlotte Hornets
VJ Edgecombe, SG, Baylor
Freshman | TS%: 56.1
Combine Measurements:
- Height without shoes: 6-4
- Weight: 193
- Standing reach: 8-5 ½
- Wingspan: 6-7 ½
Analysis and Fit: Despite dropping a spot, the Hornets are in a good position. Edgecombe or Bailey would be significant upgrades. Edgecombe is seen as a safer option for Charlotte, but Tre Johnson could also be considered.
Edgecombe would fit between LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, complementing their vision and scoring ability with his explosiveness and defensive potential. He could also take on a larger role in ball-handling.
5. Utah Jazz
Jeremiah Fears, PG, Oklahoma
Freshman | TS%: 57.0
Combine Measurements:
- Height without shoes: 6-2 ½
- Weight: 179
- Standing reach: 8-2 ½
- Wingspan: 6-5 ¼
Analysis and Fit: Falling to number 5 was a setback for Utah. Fears, with a standout season at Oklahoma, offers long-term potential thanks to his size, speed, shooting, and playmaking.
The selection of Fears could affect the situation of the guards on the team. Doubts revolve around Markkanen.
6. Washington Wizards
Tre Johnson, SG, Texas
Freshman | TS%: 56.1
Combine Measurements:
- Height without shoes: 6-4 ¾
- Weight: 190
- Foot reach: 8-5
- Wingspan: 6-10 ¼
Analysis and Fit: The Wizards are looking for talent and could choose Johnson, covering an immediate need and with long-term potential. He is a good perimeter shooter. Doubts about his playing style persist, but he has scoring talent.
7. New Orleans Pelicans
Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
Freshman | TS%: 74.7
Combine Measurements:
- Height without shoes: 7-0 ¾
- Weight: 252
- Standing reach: 9-6
- Wingspan: 7-6 ¾
Analysis and Fit: The Pelicans need a star. Maluach, one of the youngest prospects, has room to grow. His intensity and defensive skills make him attractive to any team looking for a center for the future, including the Hornets or Wizards.
8. Brooklyn Nets
Kon Knueppel, SG/SF, Duke
Freshman | TS%: 64.8
Combine Measurements:
- Height without shoes: 6-5
- Weight: 219
- Standing reach: 8-5 ½
- Wingspan: 6-6 ¼
Analysis and Fit: The Nets, disappointed with the lottery result, could select Knueppel, whose offensive game and shooting would be valuable for the team. They could also consider Egor Demin, Kasparas Jakucionis, or Derik Queen.
9. Toronto Raptors
Collin Murray-Boyles, PF/C, South Carolina
Sophomore | TS%: 64.0
Combine Measurements:
- Height without shoes: 6-6 ½
- Weight: 239
- Foot reach: 8-10
- Wingspan: 7-0 ¾
Analysis and Fit: The Raptors could opt for Murray-Boyles, who would provide defensive versatility and playmaking. For Toronto, it is important to choose the best player available.
10. Houston Rockets (via Phoenix)
Kasparas Jakucionis, PG, Illinois
Freshman | TS%: 59.8
Combine Measurements:
- Height without shoes: 6-4 ¾
- Weight: 205
- Foot reach: 8-3 ½
- Wingspan: 6-7 ¾
Analysis and Fit: Jakucionis could be a valuable asset for the Rockets. His vision, shooting ability, and size make him a versatile addition to any team. He needs to improve his decision-making.
11. Portland Trail Blazers
Egor Demin, PG/SG, BYU
Freshman | TS%: 51.3
Combine Measurements:
- Height without shoes: 6-9 ¼
- Weight: 199
- Foot reach: 8-9 ½
- Wingspan: 6-10 ¼
Analysis and Fit: Demin impressed at the combine. The Trail Blazers could look for a big point guard with good court vision.
12. Chicago Bulls
Derik Queen, C, Maryland
Freshman | TS%: 60.0
Combine Measurements:
- Height without shoes: 6-9 ¼
- Weight: 247
- Foot reach: 9-1 ½
- Wingspan: 7-0 ½
Analysis and Fit: The Bulls need help in the frontcourt. Queen could be an interesting option if available. His performance in the combine and his shooting ability are key areas for his long-term development.
13. Atlanta Hawks (via Sacramento)
Joan Beringer, C, Cedevita Olimpija
Adriatic | TS%: 61.5
Analysis and Fit: With Landry Fields’ departure, it’s difficult to predict the Hawks’ direction. Taking a high-potential prospect like Beringer could be an option, especially with Clint Capela entering free agency.
