As the NBA Finals wrap up, it’s time to shift focus to the 2025 NBA Draft. With teams preparing for the big day, here’s an updated look at the projected picks for each team in the first round, featuring standout freshmen and rising stars.
1. Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg (Duke)
- Position: Forward
- Height: 6’7¾”
- Weight: 221 lbs
- 2024-25 Stats: 19.2 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 4.2 apg, 1.4 spg, 1.4 bpg
- Analysis: Flagg is a versatile forward known for his exceptional defense and offensive skills. He led Duke to an ACC title and Final Four appearance, making him an obvious top pick.
2. San Antonio Spurs: Dylan Harper (Rutgers)
- Position: Guard
- Height: 6’4½”
- Weight: 213 lbs
- 2024-25 Stats: 19.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 4.0 apg
- Analysis: Harper’s size and versatility make him a perfect fit for San Antonio’s system. His ability to play both guard positions will be invaluable to the Spurs.
3. Philadelphia 76ers: VJ Edgecombe (Baylor)
- Position: Guard
- Height: 6’4″
- Weight: 193 lbs
- 2024-25 Stats: 15.0 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 3.2 apg
- Analysis: Edgecombe is known for his explosive athleticism and defensive skills. He could be a key piece for the 76ers as they look to rebuild around their core.
4. Charlotte Hornets: Ace Bailey (Rutgers)
- Position: Guard-Forward
- Height: 6’7½”
- Weight: 202 lbs
- 2024-25 Stats: 17.6 ppg, 7.2 rpg
- Analysis: Bailey is an athletic wing with a knack for scoring. His aggressive style and potential on defense make him a good fit for Charlotte’s rebuild.
5. Utah Jazz: Tre Johnson (Texas)
- Position: Guard
- Height: 6’4¾”
- Weight: 190 lbs
- 2024-25 Stats: 19.9 ppg, 3.1 rpg
- Analysis: A natural scorer and shooter, Johnson will bring much-needed offense to the Jazz as they look to develop their young roster.
6. Washington Wizards: Jeremiah Fears (Oklahoma)
- Position: Guard
- Height: 6’2½”
- Weight: 180 lbs
- 2024-25 Stats: 17.1 ppg, 4.1 apg
- Analysis: Fears is quick and versatile. As a scoring guard, he could help Washington build around their young talent and add much-needed leadership.
7. New Orleans Pelicans: Kon Knueppel (Duke)
- Position: Guard-Forward
- Height: 6’5″
- Weight: 219 lbs
- 2024-25 Stats: 14.4 ppg, 4.0 rpg
- Analysis: Knueppel’s sharpshooting ability and versatility make him a great addition to the Pelicans. His playmaking will help Zion Williamson lead the offense.
8. Brooklyn Nets: Khaman Maluach (Duke)
- Position: Center
- Height: 7’0½”
- Weight: 253 lbs
- 2024-25 Stats: 8.6 ppg, 6.6 rpg
- Analysis: Maluach is a strong presence on both ends of the court. He can be a valuable rim protector for the Nets, making him a perfect pick for their long-term future.
9. Toronto Raptors: Kasparas Jakucionis (Illinois)
- Position: Guard
- Height: 6’4¾”
- Weight: 205 lbs
- 2024-25 Stats: 15.0 ppg, 5.7 rpg
- Analysis: Jakucionis is a well-rounded player who can shoot and create plays. His scoring ability makes him a valuable asset for the Raptors’ offense.
10. Houston Rockets (traded to Suns for Kevin Durant): Derik Queen (Maryland)
- Position: Center
- Height: 6’9¼”
- Weight: 248 lbs
- 2024-25 Stats: 16.5 ppg, 9.0 rpg
- Analysis: Queen is a physical and versatile big man. His ability to score inside and rebound will give Phoenix more depth in the paint.
More Notable Picks
- 11. Portland Trail Blazers: Carter Bryant (Arizona)
- 12. Chicago Bulls: Noa Essengue (Ratiopharm Ulm, Germany)
- 13. Atlanta Hawks: Collin Murray-Boyles (South Carolina)
- 14. San Antonio Spurs: Egor Demin (BYU)
- 15. Oklahoma City Thunder: Asa Newell (Georgia)