2025 NBA mock draft: 59 picks as commerce talks warmth up for 30 groups

With the 2025 NBA draft eight days away (June 25-26, 8 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN), 30 groups are deep into their predraft course of, understanding prime prospects and narrowing down their draft boards in preparation for the two-round occasion.

The Dallas Mavericks, house owners of the No. 1 choose because of profitable the draft lottery regardless of a 1.8% probability of doing so, haven’t any plans to work out every other prospects apart from Duke’s Cooper Flagg for the best choice. The Mavericks have scheduled a non-public go to with the nationwide participant of the 12 months on Tuesday.

This newest mock draft, which displays a radical analysis of the 2025 class and considers intel from scouts and entrance workplace personnel, has a little bit of a shake-up from earlier ones as half of the highest 10 has new gamers slotted to completely different groups, together with the projection for Rutgers star Ace Bailey.

Sunday’s blockbuster commerce between the Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies impacted this draft, with the Magic sending the Grizzlies their No. 16 choose amongst different future picks. Around the league, commerce talks are nonetheless taking form as completely different situations are being laid out from NBA decision-makers relying on how the draft evolves.

One such situation that would have draft ramifications is that NBA groups have been anticipating Kevin Durant could be traded ever for the reason that Phoenix Suns engaged in talks across the February commerce deadline. On Saturday evening, sources instructed ESPN’s Shams Charania that the Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets are Durant’s most well-liked commerce locations.

Amid the leaguewide commerce discussions and what we’re listening to on how groups are evaluating prospects, this is our newest mock draft of the 59 picks:

Note: The New York Knicks’ second-round choose was rescinded by the NBA after an investigation into Jalen Brunson’s free company signing in the summertime of 2022.

More NBA draft protection:
Trade presents for No. 1 | Lottery choose comps
Latest mock draft: Need vs. finest worth
Draft belongings | Top 100 rankings | Pelton’s prime 30

First spherical

Cooper Flagg, SF/PF, Duke
Freshman | TS%: 60.0

Height with out sneakers: 6-7¾ | Weight: 221
Standing attain: 8-10½ | Wingspan: 7-0

There’s no suspense to be discovered at No. 1 this season. Flagg is about to go to the Mavericks on Tuesday, a formality within the course of as Dallas prepares to pick him on the primary evening of the draft (June 25). The Mavs’ distinctive lottery luck means Flagg will stroll right into a aggressive group from Day 1, with Dallas pushing for the playoffs subsequent season as Kyrie Irving recovers from an ACL tear.

Flagg enters the league with not solely a flexible talent set, however the requisite psychological make-up to succeed beneath stress because the de facto successor to Luka Doncic because the face of the Mavericks’ franchise. His offensive development in what could possibly be a major playmaking function out of the gate will likely be an interesting subplot to start the 2025-26 season. — Woo

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Dylan Harper, PG/SG, Rutgers
Freshman | TS%: 59.3

Height with out sneakers: 6-4½ | Weight: 213
Standing attain: 8-6 | Wingspan: 6-10½

Most expertise evaluators contemplate Harper to be in a tier of his personal because the draft’s clear-cut second-best prospect, overriding potential issues the Spurs might need about his imperfect backcourt match with De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle, as a result of a definite lack of perimeter taking pictures.

Rival groups making an attempt to interact in commerce talks with the Spurs have come away with the impression it is unlikely they transfer down or off the choose at No. 2; it appears San Antonio is worked up about the potential of including a expertise of Harper’s caliber and is prepared to be affected person, determining roster development issues later.

The 19-year-old’s mixture of measurement, shot-creating prowess, passing creativity, ending talent and scoring instincts makes him the kind of lead guard, offensive engine that’s coveted in at the moment’s NBA, as his robust body seems well-suited for taking part in by means of the bodily demanding vigor required within the playoffs. The problem of buying some of these gamers makes it troublesome to ascertain the Spurs passing on the chance so as to add Harper finally. — Givony

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VJ Edgecombe, SG, Baylor
Freshman | TS%: 56.1

Height with out sneakers: 6-4 | Weight: 193
Standing attain: 8-5½ | Wingspan: 6-7½

Edgecombe takes over this spot from Ace Bailey in ESPN’s mock draft after a constructive go to to Philadelphia, the place sources say he made a robust impression in a non-public exercise in addition to in conferences with the entrance workplace and possession. He seems to be “the leader in the clubhouse” at the moment, with Bailey dropping momentum after refusing to go to, initially unhappy together with his seek for a confirmed pathway to growth. However, Bailey is scheduled to work out in Philadelphia on the finish of this week, and we’ll see if he is capable of sway the tides in his favor.

The suggestions from his interviews on the draft mix in Chicago was not all that constructive, with some groups expressing concern about his lack of preparation and focus. NBA executives say Bailey has been polarizing in inner entrance workplace conversations due to questions on his really feel for the sport and lack of polish, making a wider draft vary than initially anticipated.

Surrounding the hyper-explosive Edgecombe with prolific 3-point shooters comparable to Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain, Quentin Grimes and Paul George might add one other dimension to the Sixers’ offense, particularly if the group buys into the event of his passing potential long run.

Should Edgecombe not be chosen right here, most groups count on him to be drafted one choose later by Charlotte at No. 4, however he has additionally labored out in entrance of Washington within the predraft course of, a sign there may be some commerce situations in play with the Wizards transferring up, probably as excessive as No. 3. — Givony

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Kon Knueppel, SG/SF, Duke
Freshman | TS%: 64.8

Height with out sneakers: 6-5 | Weight: 219
Standing attain: 8-5½ | Wingspan: 6-6¼

Knueppel has some actual followers amongst NBA groups on this portion of the draft, with proponents highlighting his elite motion and spot-up taking pictures (emphasis on his potential to shoot off motion versus his precise motion), defensive smarts and playmaking, in addition to an analytics-friendly profile that shines by means of in group draft fashions. Knueppel’s really feel for the sport, selfless type of play, power and toughness ought to make him straightforward to play with, particularly alongside the likes of LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, who he seems to enrich fairly properly.

The Hornets and Jazz are two groups that seem to have curiosity in him, together with his ground seemingly no decrease than No. 8. He’s the kind of prospect a playoff-caliber group might additionally goal in a commerce, as he has a plug-and-play talent set and appears prone to convey worth all through his cost-controlled rookie-scale contract. — Givony

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Tre Johnson, SG, Texas
Freshman | TS%: 56.1

Height with out sneakers: 6-4¾ | Weight: 190
Standing attain: 8-5 | Wingspan: 6-10¼

The Jazz, now led by Austin Ainge, have main choices forward as they work to navigate their means out of what has turn out to be a protracted rebuild. While rival groups nonetheless suspect Utah could have curiosity in a robust prime of the 2026 lottery — noting that their first-round choose has top-eight safety (in any other case conveying to Oklahoma City) — the group’s public stance has been that the group is completed tanking.

Still, not one of the perimeter gamers out there to Utah at this spot will likely be prepared to show across the franchise instantly, permitting the Jazz to easily swing on their most well-liked expertise.

Johnson’s wonderful perimeter taking pictures and room to develop as an all-around scorer will make him engaging. Bailey, who continues sliding down the board on this situation, would not seem to have a lot curiosity in Utah and is considered by most groups as a riskier guess. Expect Jeremiah Fears, and Knueppel, if out there, to obtain lengthy appears as properly. — Woo

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Airious “Ace” Bailey, SG/SF, Rutgers
Freshman | TS%: 54.0

Height with out sneakers: 6-7½ | Weight: 202
Standing attain: 8-11 | Wingspan: 7-0½

Bailey’s predraft exercise technique has perplexed some observers, as he has but to conduct a single recognized exercise to this point, having declined invites from a number of groups inside his draft vary. Sources say Bailey’s camp has knowledgeable groups that they imagine he’s a top-3 participant within the draft, but in addition seeks a transparent pathway to stardom, maybe feeling snug {that a} group will commerce as much as get him at Nos. 3 or 4, ought to he drop.

Some groups query whether or not Bailey has acquired assurances of being chosen by a group at the moment exterior the highest 5, to a state of affairs deemed extra advantageous from a geographic and taking part in time perspective.

Bailey is scheduled to conduct a exercise with the 76ers later this week, nevertheless it’s unclear if he plans to go to every other groups at this stage. Should the Sixers move on him, he might very properly slide to the No. 6 or No. 7 picks, two groups in Washington and New Orleans which can be stated to be extremely intrigued with the 18-year-old’s expertise. And each are conditions during which there seem like loads of minutes and photographs available. — Givony

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Jeremiah Fears, PG, Oklahoma
Freshman | TS%: 57.0

Height with out sneakers: 6-2½ | Weight: 179
Standing attain: 8-2½ | Wingspan: 6-5¼

Fears constructed vital momentum with the way in which he completed his season at Oklahoma and has entrance places of work pondering arduous about his long-term upside, even with some tough edges left in his recreation. His vary is comparatively slender at this level: The Pelicans and Nets are considered by rival groups as touchdown spots, and the Jazz at No. 5 seem like the highest finish.

There’s thought circulating that New Orleans may be his ground if he makes it to this spot — a match that is sensible, contemplating the Pelicans’ long-standing want for a starting-caliber lead guard. The Pelicans sit in a helpful slot right here, with not less than considered one of Fears, Johnson, Knueppel or Bailey set to be out there to them — however have additionally been a difficult group to peg to this point, with rival groups working to grasp what route the group’s new management will take. — Woo

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Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
Freshman | TS%: 74.7

Height with out sneakers: 7-0¾ | Weight: 252
Standing attain: 9-6 | Wingspan: 7-6¾

Maluach has been collaborating in aggressive exercises for top-10 groups towards different large males, aiming to showcase the enhancements he has made in his talent degree and physique. Maluach acquired a clear invoice of well being from NBA medical doctors throughout his medical examination, which is critical contemplating his measurement and a few minor illnesses he skilled earlier throughout Duke’s season. The Nets, drafting No. 8 proper on the finish of a tier of prospects earlier than what appears to be a transparent drop-off, can afford to be opportunistic and wait to see which participant falls to them, whether or not it is Maluach, Fears, Knueppel or another person.

Maluach is among the draft’s youngest prospects, turning 19 on Sept. 14, and has vital room for progress each bodily and skillswise. He performs with large depth and is beloved by coaches and teammates due to his distinctive off-court intangibles.

His potential to anchor a protection together with his wingspan and supply vertical spacing as a curler and cutter, whereas sprinting the ground aggressively in transition, will likely be enticing to any group on the lookout for a middle to construct round long run, together with probably the Wizards or Pelicans, which choose at No. 6 and No. 7, respectively. — Givony

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Noa Essengue, PF, Ratiopharm Ulm
Germany | TS%: 61.1

Essengue’s predraft course of has stalled as a result of his profitable season in Germany stays ongoing. Ulm superior to the Basketball Bundesliga (BBL) Finals towards Bayern Munich, a best-of-five collection that started Monday and will very properly run into the draft, with a possible Game 4 slated for June 24, and Game 5 on June 26. Essengue (in addition to teammate and draft prospect Ben Saraf) may be unable to conduct non-public exercises stateside previous to draft evening. What does assistance is that this week, Essengue, 18, measured properly formally at 6-10 barefoot with a virtually 7-1 wingspan, underscoring his wonderful bodily profile throughout frontcourt positions.

Toronto has largely been linked to frontcourt targets at choose No. 9, together with Maluach, who is not any assure to be on the board. The Raptors are additionally considered one of a number of groups on this vary stated to be concerned in commerce talks round their choose, contemplating the potential of transferring again within the draft so as to add expertise to subsequent season’s roster.

Essengue’s mix of measurement, versatility, excessive youth and burgeoning manufacturing has drawn growing curiosity from groups within the 9-to-15 vary, and he matches an archetype that Raptors brass has typically focused if the group stays put right here. — Woo

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Carter Bryant, SF/PF, Arizona
Freshman | TS%: 59.9

Height with out sneakers: 6-6½ | Weight: 214
Standing attain: 8-10 | Wingspan: 6-11¾

Bryant has acquired robust opinions all through the predraft course of. He seems prone to hear his identify referred to as someplace within the 9-to-15 vary, with a number of groups prone to be interested in the frontcourt taking pictures, defensive versatility and passing prowess he presents. Bryant wasn’t constantly productive for Arizona coming off the bench, averaging 6.5 factors per recreation, as he isn’t a lot of a shot creator, and has loads of room for progress on each ends of the ground.

The Rockets, flush with younger prospects, won’t be finally choosing right here, as the potential of including a confirmed veteran will seemingly be completely explored. Fresh off an impressive season that concluded with the NBA’s fourth-best report (52-30) and flush with younger expertise all through the roster, it is difficult to pinpoint particular wants for the Rockets, except for maybe addressing Fred VanVleet’s group possibility.

Rival groups count on Houston’s entrance workplace to be energetic the week of the draft. — Givony

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Kasparas Jakucionis, PG, Illinois
Freshman | TS%: 59.8

Height with out sneakers: 6-4¾ | Weight: 205
Standing attain: 8-3½ | Wingspan: 6-7¾

The Trail Blazers are arrange entrance for the foreseeable future with Donovan Clingan at heart and haven’t got an specific positional want, however gamers comparable to Jakucionis, Bryant and Essengue might all be out there right here and produce broadly completely different talent units.

Jakucionis’ unselfish type and talent to boost ball motion would assist Portland’s backcourt combine, with gamers comparable to Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe and Anfernee Simons all extra scoring-oriented. He might feasibly slide into multi-playmaker lineups alongside the opposite guards in a extra connective function.

Jakucionis seems ticketed for this 10-to-15 vary, together with his playmaking, versatility and intangibles holding robust attraction in a wide range of contexts. — Woo

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Derik Queen, C, Maryland
Freshman | TS%: 60.0

Height with out sneakers: 6-9¼ | Weight: 247
Standing attain: 9-1½ | Wingspan: 7-0½

The Bulls haven’t got a lot in the way in which of long-term keepers within the big-man division, with Nikola Vucevic, 35, a commerce candidate getting into the ultimate 12 months of his contract. Queen, Joan Beringer, and Thomas Sorber are stated to be among the many prospects they may contemplate with this choose at No. 12.

Queen is essentially the most expert large man on this class. He is a terrific goal in pick-and-roll, can create his personal shot dealing with the basket with a big selection of strikes and has intriguing passing potential.

Queen’s conditioning, occasional apathy defensively and lack of taking pictures vary are issues NBA groups choosing on this space (or earlier) are attempting to get a greater deal with on within the predraft course of, areas that we have heard blended suggestions about based mostly on a few of his early exercises. — Givony

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Egor Demin, PG/SG, BYU
Freshman | TS%: 51.3

Height with out sneakers: 6-9¼ | Weight: 199
Standing attain: 8-9½ | Wingspan: 6-10¼

Rival groups’ learn on the Hawks has been that they will look to pair an enormous man and a guard, presuming they maintain each of their first-round picks (Nos. 13 and 22). The order they go about prioritizing these wants would possibly hinge on what occurs in entrance of them. Demin’s playmaking expertise turns into an intriguing worth guess if he makes it to this a part of the draft, with large males together with Essengue, Joan Beringer and Asa Newell amongst potential candidates at this slot.

Demin has forged a large web on the exercise circuit, scheduling a variety of groups whereas trying to showcase his expertise in aggressive settings. He has curiosity from groups inside the highest 10, however situations are additionally in play the place he might slip out of the lottery. His mixture of fantastic measurement and passing imaginative and prescient ought to enable him to play everywhere in the perimeter, offered he makes progress together with his leap shot, an space he demonstrated successfully throughout a formidable professional day exercise. — Woo

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Joan Beringer, C, Cedevita Olimpija
Adriatic | TS%: 61.5

Height with out sneakers: 6-11 | Weight: 235
Standing attain: 9-3 | Wingspan: 7-4½

The Spurs will seemingly discover varied choices with this No. 14 choose, together with the potential of including a veteran who’s extra able to contribute because the group pivots towards playoff competition. Adding frontcourt depth may be a precedence, particularly if the Spurs use Victor Wembanyama as extra of an influence ahead alongside one other rim protector ultimately, which might be very troublesome to attain towards.

With his season in Slovenia lastly concluded, Beringer made his solution to the United States, beginning in Chicago and Brooklyn, New York, the place he accomplished his obligatory NBA mix participation. That included official measurements, which point out he has grown an inch and a half up to now 12 months, now standing over 7-feet in sneakers, 235 kilos with a 7-4½ wingspan and 9-3 standing attain, related measurements to Jaren Jackson Jr. and Myles Turner on the identical age.

The draft’s finest shot blocker, Beringer has flashed appreciable upside all season, which has put him in lottery consideration since January. — Givony

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Collin Murray-Boyles, PF/C, South Carolina
Sophomore | TS%: 64.0

Height with out sneakers: 6-6½ | Weight: 239
Standing attain: 8-10 | Wingspan: 7-0¾

Murray-Boyles has been one of many extra divisive gamers amongst executives we have spoken with — some are enamored together with his defensive versatility and all-around manufacturing and see an impressive NBA function participant, whereas others harp on his restricted positional measurement and lack of perimeter taking pictures, and the way in which these two components restrict his projectable ceiling.

His vary seems to start out at No. 10 with the Rockets — a group that is sensible as a match, but in addition one that would commerce its choose — and ends round right here within the teenagers.

The Thunder enter the draft with supreme flexibility because of their deep, gifted roster and their large cache of future draft capital, enabling them to maneuver round within the draft and goal who they need. Murray-Boyles’ toughness and basketball IQ align with the factors Oklahoma City tends to focus on, making this a possible touchdown spot for him. — Woo

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Jase Richardson, PG/SG, Michigan State
Freshman | TS%: 63.2

Height with out sneakers: 6-0½ | Weight: 178
Standing attain: 8-2½ | Wingspan: 6-6

The Magic and Grizzlies pulled off a blockbuster commerce Sunday, with Desmond Bane headed to Orlando in return for a package deal together with this draft’s No. 16 choose.

The Grizzlies are precisely the kind of group that could possibly be inquisitive about an ultra-efficient, productive younger prospect comparable to Richardson, who charges extremely in draft fashions that analytics-savvy groups like Memphis typically take note of.

Richardson possesses a wonderful really feel for the sport, hit 41% of his 3-pointers this season, brings robust defensive depth and appears adept at taking part in off the star energy of a teammate like Ja Morant, whose future in Memphis is to be decided. As Richardson’s shot-creation range and offensive aggressiveness evolve, he could possibly be somebody who ultimately inherits extra vital ballhandling obligations, if the Grizzlies resolve to pivot towards a youth motion. — Givony

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Thomas Sorber, C, Georgetown
Freshman | TS%: 58.7

Height with out sneakers: 6-9¼ | Weight: 262
Standing attain: 9-1 | Wingspan: 7-6

Sorber continues to be recovering from February foot surgical procedure and has been unable to partake in basketball actions on the exercise circuit, with groups counting on movie and the interview course of to finish his analysis. Nevertheless, he has strong curiosity inside the highest 20, as groups are drawn to his defensive affect and long-term outlook after rising this season as a shock one-and-done participant.

Minnesota is dealing with potential roster modifications subsequent season, with Naz Reid and Julius Randle set to check free company and the Timberwolves at the moment tied as a Kevin Durant touchdown spot. There’s a superb case for including frontcourt depth right here, with quite a lot of bigs projected inside the highest 20, and the Wolves additionally holding the No. 31 choose. — Woo

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18. Washington Wizards (by way of Memphis)

Asa Newell, PF/C, Georgia
Freshman | TS%: 62.0

Height with out sneakers: 6-9 | Weight: 224
Standing attain: 8-11½ | Wingspan: 6-11¼

With three picks within the prime 40 and no actual stress but to win simply two years right into a complete roster teardown, the Wizards can go in a large number of instructions on this a part of the draft. After taking a fringe participant with their first choose at No. 6, including frontcourt depth might make sense.

Newell’s mobility, aggressiveness and depth degree are vital belongings that allowed him to have a extremely productive, environment friendly freshman marketing campaign at Georgia, making 26 3-pointers in 33 video games and changing 75% of his free throws, pointing to floor-stretching potential. — Givony

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19. Brooklyn Nets (by way of Milwaukee)

Will Riley, SG/SF, Illinois
Freshman | TS%: 53.8

Height with out sneakers: 6-8¼ | Weight: 185
Standing attain: 8-8 | Wingspan: 6-8¾

This is the second of the Nets’ 4 first-round picks, with Brooklyn unlikely to roster all of those alternatives and actively exploring a variety of choices in consequence. If they keep put, the Nets have sufficient berth from a timeline perspective to take swings on youthful prospects like Riley, who would possibly want a season or two to turn out to be a contributor.

Riley is one other participant whose vary is on the broader facet in the mean time. He has groups’ curiosity as excessive because the early teenagers, however there are additionally situations in play the place he might slip into the 20s. His advocates across the NBA see main upside as a result of his wonderful measurement, offensive really feel and taking pictures potential, nevertheless it’s understood that it’s going to take him time so as to add bodily power and hopefully, enhance defensively. — Woo

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20. Miami Heat (by way of Golden State)

Liam McNeeley, SG/SF, UConn
Freshman | TS%: 53.6

Height with out sneakers: 6-6¾ | Weight: 214
Standing attain: 8-3½ | Wingspan: 6-8½

Adding backcourt expertise will seemingly be a precedence for the Heat this offseason, nevertheless it’s not straightforward to level to any surefire guard contributors on this vary. McNeeley’s measurement, shot-making prowess, really feel for the sport and toughness are vital attributes that NBA groups worth on the wing place. He must remind them of his profitable qualities all through the predraft course of, following an inefficient season during which he transformed 44% of his 2-pointers and 32% of his 3-pointers.

He will seemingly be requested to play a special function within the NBA, leaning extra closely into his potential as a dynamic perimeter shooter, which was extra evident in different settings earlier than faculty. McNeeley has some momentum behind him now, following some constructive exercises, serving to to remind groups of what made him so extremely regarded getting into the season. — Givony

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21. Utah Jazz (by way of Minnesota)

Cedric Coward, SF, Washington State/Duke
Junior | TS%: 71.0

Height with out sneakers: 6-5¼ | Weight: 213
Standing attain: 8-10 | Wingspan: 7-2¼

Just how excessive Coward will hear his identify referred to as has been a sizzling matter across the league of late. While at floor degree, his lack of high-level pedigree and efficiency pattern is a significant downside, NBA groups have come away enamored together with his interviews and intrigued by his bodily toolbox and taking pictures potential on the wing.

Coward’s quick rise within the course of can be a referendum on the form of this draft, as some groups really feel the category flattens out arduous round No. 20 or so, and there is a determined lack of 3-and-D wings who warrant first-round grades, an archetype many are prepared to take an opportunity on — all of that seems set to play in Coward’s favor on draft evening.

Utah, holding a number of alternatives, might use a participant in Coward’s mould and will see worth in him. — Woo

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22. Atlanta Hawks (by way of Los Angeles Lakers)

Danny Wolf, PF, Michigan
Junior | TS%: 56.6

Height with out sneakers: 6-10½ | Weight: 251
Standing attain: 9-1 | Wingspan: 7-2¼

Feedback on Wolf from groups has been blended within the predraft course of, as he is a considerably unorthodox prospect who some view as a extra situational match. His inside-out versatility and passing expertise at his measurement separate him from the opposite bigs on this class. There are additionally actual questions he has to reply surrounding his inconsistent taking pictures and foul line struggles (34% on 3-pointers, 59% on free throws), and whether or not he’ll defend at a excessive degree.

If the Hawks go along with a fringe participant with their choose at No. 13, including an enormous later within the draft at No. 22 is sensible, with Wolf making for an attention-grabbing slot in large, versatile lineups with Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu up entrance. — Woo

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Nique Clifford, SG, Colorado State
Super Senior | TS%: 60.9

Height with out sneakers: 6-5¼ | Weight: 202
Standing attain: 8-6½ | Wingspan: 6-8

Clifford has acquired constructive suggestions on the exercise circuit, drawing curiosity within the teenagers together with his vary working into the 20s. Coming off an enormous season at Colorado State, Clifford’s expertise and plug-and-play, two-way talent set has made him a viable possibility for NBA groups in quest of wing assist.

Amid a outstanding playoff run that has underscored the depth and high quality of Indiana’s roster, the Pacers are stated to be open to transferring their first-round choose, making this considered one of many alternatives on this vary that would change fingers. With Myles Turner due for a brand new contract that will take the Pacers into the luxurious tax — one thing the group has lengthy averted — the prospect of utilizing this choose to create monetary financial savings, assist maintain the present roster intact, and extract worth by different means is sensible.

If Indiana does choose a participant right here at No. 23, including one who can contribute instantly appears prudent. — Woo

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Hugo Gonzalez, SG/SF, Real Madrid
EuroLeague | TS%: 50.9

The Thunder won’t actually have a roster spot at their disposal for each of their first-round picks, so it is unclear precisely which route they are going to go on draft evening.

Gonzalez might match Oklahoma City’s type of play with the spectacular bodily instruments and frenetic vitality he brings defensively, which has enabled him to carve out a robust function for Real Madrid within the Spanish Liga ACB playoffs just lately. There’s additionally the chance a group might persuade Gonzalez to be stashed for an additional 12 months in Europe — one thing that absolutely would not be interesting to his camp at this stage — however may be a necessity if the numerous buyout in his contract would not receives a commission this offseason (it is an possibility Real Madrid would absolutely be open to, contemplating his impactful play). — Givony

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25. Orlando Magic (by way of Denver)

Maxime Raynaud, PF/C, Stanford
Senior | TS%: 56.1

Height with out sneakers: 7-0¼ | Weight: 236
Standing attain: 9-2 | Wingspan: 7-1¼

It’s not clear what the Magic’s urge for food will likely be for including two rookie youngsters to an already younger roster, maybe inflicting them to discover extra mature upperclassmen like Raynaud, who would convey some much-needed frontcourt spacing that the roster at the moment lacks.

Raynaud hit 67 3-pointers this season in 35 video games and had a robust exhibiting on the draft mix, suggesting there’s upside nonetheless left to faucet into as a result of his late-blooming trajectory, having targeted full-time on basketball solely as a highschool senior. Raynaud’s potential to stretch the ground as a middle is effective in at the moment’s NBA, one thing that would absolutely attraction to the Magic from a spacing perspective. — Givony

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Nolan Traore, PG, Saint-Quentin
France | TS%: 51.0

Height with out sneakers: 6-3 | Weight: 175
Standing attain: 8-5½ | Wingspan: 6-8

With 4 first-round picks at their disposal, it would not be shocking to see the Nets take a number of expertise swings, hoping to uncover gems with a few of their later picks.

The Nets have a void within the backcourt, relying on what they do with their first few picks, and this case will likely be thought-about extremely enticing to any of the guards slated to be picked on this vary.

After beginning the season projected as a top-10 choose, Traore’s draft inventory dropped due to inconsistent play, however there’s nonetheless a lot to love together with his measurement, ballhandling, playmaking creativity and upside, making him a worthy gamble for a group in Brooklyn’s state of affairs and at this level within the draft. — Givony

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Rasheer Fleming, PF, Saint Joseph’s
Junior | TS%: 64.4

Height with out sneakers: 6-8¼ | Weight: 232
Standing attain: 9-1 | Wingspan: 7-5¼

It appears unlikely the Nets, who additionally maintain the No. 36 choose, will finally roster all 5 of their draft picks. Count them amongst many groups within the 20s who’re open for enterprise involving their alternatives. This vary of the draft is considered by groups and brokers as extraordinarily fluid, with each choose between Nos. 21 and 27 both considered as out there and/or belonging to groups with a number of alternatives.

Fleming is among the many gamers prone to come off the board within the again half of the primary spherical. His bodily instruments and enhancing 3-point taking pictures give him a path to carving out a rotation spot, and a few groups view him as a participant who may also help instantly. While not a flashy participant nor immensely expert, Fleming’s size, enchancment observe and late-blooming trajectory level to untapped potential. — Woo

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Drake Powell, SG/SF, North Carolina
Freshman | TS%: 61.1

Height with out sneakers: 6-5¼ | Weight: 200
Standing attain: 8-7 | Wingspan: 7-0

The Celtics have some large wants to deal with within the wake of Jayson Tatum’s season-ending Achilles damage, however they can not have any actual expectation to deal with them within the draft, definitely not this late within the first spherical.

Finding a wing like Powell, who’s able to absorbing minutes, hopefully gaining some expertise and maybe rising as able to including worth in a 12 months from now, could be a significant win. NBA groups like Powell’s really feel for the sport and long-term upside, particularly his potential to protect everybody from level guards to energy forwards whereas flying round to guard the rim, crash the glass and shut out with objective on the perimeter. He performs exceptionally arduous, has large mobility protecting floor, rotating everywhere in the ground — with the query being whether or not he is an aggressive sufficient scorer or correct sufficient shooter to carry his personal on that finish of the ground. — Givony

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Walter Clayton Jr., PG, Florida
Senior | TS%: 61.1

Height with out sneakers: 6-2 | Weight: 199
Standing attain: 8-1½ | Wingspan: 6-4

The Suns seem inquisitive about getting youthful and remaking their roster, with the prospect of a Durant commerce additionally creating situations during which Phoenix might choose up further draft picks earlier within the first spherical.

A participant like Clayton, who may be value-additive on a rookie-scale deal instantly, needs to be enticing to the Suns as they navigate a troublesome wage sheet and attempt to higher place themselves long run.

Clayton appears to have performed himself into the primary spherical together with his NCAA event heroics, considered as a sparkplug scorer who may also help improve a group’s bench unit. His confidence and shot-making expertise should cowl for his restricted measurement and questionable protection. — Woo

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30. LA Clippers (by way of Oklahoma City)

Noah Penda, SF/PF, Le Mans
France | TS%: 53.9

Height with out sneakers: 6-7¼ | Weight: 242
Standing attain: 8-10½ | Wingspan: 6-11½

Due to their hefty payroll, the Clippers ought to see worth in rostering a rookie who can contribute with this choose. Finding somebody who can complement their stars on a cost-controlled deal could be a win.

Penda has been an attention-grabbing sleeper identify for groups as a result of his multipositional versatility, able to taking part in everywhere in the ground on offense and likewise defending a number of spots. While his perimeter taking pictures and restricted run-jump athleticism are query marks for groups, his really feel, talent and measurement are all good promoting factors.

There stays curiosity amongst groups as as to whether Penda will comply with be stashed abroad for an additional season, one thing that would assist his possibilities of discovering a snug draft slot. — Woo

Second spherical

31. Minnesota Timberwolves (by way of Utah)
Ben Saraf, PG/SG, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)

32. Boston Celtics (by way of Washington)
Ryan Kalkbrenner, C, Creighton, tremendous senior

33. Charlotte Hornets
Adou Thiero, PF, Arkansas

34. Charlotte Hornets (by way of New Orleans)
Yanic Konan Niederhauser, C, Penn State, junior

35. Philadelphia 76ers
Hansen Yang, C, Qingdao (China)

36. Brooklyn Nets
Jamir Watkins, SG/SF, Florida State, senior

37. Detroit Pistons (by way of Toronto)
Alex Toohey, SF/PF, Sydney (Australia)

38. San Antonio Spurs
Chaz Lanier, SG, Tennessee, tremendous senior

39. Toronto Raptors (by way of Portland)
Bogoljub Markovic, PF/C, Mega Superbet (Adriatic)

40. Washington Wizards (by way of Phoenix)
Johni Broome, C, Auburn, tremendous senior

41. Golden State Warriors (by way of Miami)
Rocco Zikarsky, C, Brisbane (Australia)

42. Sacramento Kings (by way of Chicago)
John Tonje, SF, Wisconsin, tremendous senior

43. Utah Jazz (by way of Dallas)
Tyrese Proctor, PG, Duke, junior

44. Oklahoma City Thunder (by way of Atlanta)
Eric Dixon, PF, Villanova, tremendous senior

45. Chicago Bulls (by way of Sacramento)
Sion James, SF, Duke, tremendous senior

46. Orlando Magic
Kam Jones, PG/SG, Marquette, senior

47. Milwaukee Bucks (by way of Detroit)
Koby Brea, SG/SF, Kentucky, tremendous senior

48. Memphis Grizzlies (by way of Golden State)
Javon Small, PG, West Virginia, senior

49. Cleveland Cavaliers (by way of Milwaukee)
Vladislav Goldin, C, Michigan, tremendous senior

50. New York Knicks (by way of Memphis)
Lachlan Olbrich, PF/C, Illawarra

51. LA Clippers (by way of Minnesota)
Viktor Lakhin, C, Clemson, tremendous senior

52. Phoenix Suns (by way of Denver)
Kobe Sanders, SG/SF, Nevada, senior

53. Utah Jazz (by way of LA Clippers)
Dink Pate, SG/SF, Mexico City (G League)

54. Indiana Pacers
Micah Peavy, SG/SF, Georgetown, senior

55. Los Angeles Lakers
Hunter Sallis, SG, Wake Forest, senior

56. Memphis Grizzlies (by way of Houston)
Amari Williams, C, Kentucky, senior

57. Orlando Magic (by way of Boston)
Alijah Martin, SG, Florida, senior

58. Cleveland Cavaliers
Ryan Nembhard, PG, Gonzaga, senior

59. Houston Rockets (by way of Oklahoma City)
RJ Luis Jr., SF/PF, St. John’s, junior

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Jonathan Givony is an NBA draft professional and the founder and co-owner of DraftSpecific.com, a non-public scouting and analytics service utilized by NBA, NCAA and worldwide groups.

Jeremy Woo is an NBA analyst specializing in prospect analysis and the draft. He was beforehand a workers author and draft insider at Sports Illustrated.