2025 NBA Draft: Complete Breakdown, Latest Updates, and What It Means for Every Team
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| 2025 NBA Mock Draft |
Overview: What Is the 2025 NBA Draft and Why It Matters
The 2025 NBA Draft is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal draft classes in the last decade. From generational talents like Cooper Flagg to high-ceiling guards like Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, this draft will redefine the trajectory of multiple franchises. It's not just about talent; it’s about team strategy, salary cap maneuvering, and front-office chess at the highest level.
Taking place over two nights:
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First Round: June 25, 2025, 8:00 PM ET (Barclays Center, Brooklyn, aired on ABC/ESPN)
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Second Round: June 26, 2025, 8:00 PM ET (ESPN)
Only 59 selections are available due to the New York Knicks losing a second-round pick for tampering violations.
Draft Order and Lottery Results
Top 10 Picks:
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Dallas Mavericks
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San Antonio Spurs
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Philadelphia 76ers
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Charlotte Hornets
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Utah Jazz
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Washington Wizards
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New Orleans Pelicans
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Brooklyn Nets
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Toronto Raptors
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Houston Rockets (via Phoenix Suns)
These picks were decided during the May 2025 NBA Lottery. The Mavericks won the first pick with just 1.8% odds, stunning the league.
Top 10 Draft Prospects (With Analysis)
1. Cooper Flagg – Forward, Duke (Projected #1 to Mavericks)
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Height: 6'9"
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Skills: Elite defender, playmaker, high IQ
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Summary: A once-in-a-decade talent. Flagg has drawn comparisons to a mix of Larry Bird and Scottie Pippen.
2. Dylan Harper – Guard, Rutgers (Projected #2 to Spurs)
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Height: 6'5"
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Skills: Strong inside finishing, elite in pick-and-roll
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Summary: The Spurs love his fit alongside Victor Wembanyama.
3. Ace Bailey – Forward, Rutgers (Projected #3 or #4)
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Height: 6'8"
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Skills: Dynamic scorer, athleticism, spacing threat
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Summary: Skipping workouts has raised red flags but talent keeps him in top 5.
4. V.J. Edgecombe – Guard, Baylor
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Defensive-minded guard with huge upside. Could go as high as #3 to Philly.
5. Tre Johnson – Guard, Texas
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High-volume scorer, excellent footwork, pro-ready offense.
6. Kon Knueppel – Guard, Duke
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Most reliable shooter in the draft. Safe pick.
7. Jeremiah Fears – Guard, Oklahoma
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Tremendous passer, floor general mentality.
8. Carter Bryant – Forward, Arizona
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Length and fluidity on both ends.
9. Walter Clayton Jr. – Guard, Florida
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Sleeper pick. Smart, disciplined, physical guard.
10. Kasparas Jakucionis – Guard, Lithuania
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International standout. Strong basketball instincts.
Major Trades Leading Into Draft Night
Boston Celtics:
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Traded Jrue Holiday to Portland for Anfernee Simons and two 2nd-rounders
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Moved Kristaps Porziņģis to the Hawks for Georges Niang and draft assets
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Draft Picks: #28 (1st round), #32 (2nd round)
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Strategy: Celtics are shedding salary to stay below the second apron. Rumors suggest they could trade up using one or both picks.
Kevin Durant Deal:
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KD was moved to the Houston Rockets, reshaping both the Suns' and Rockets' future.
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Houston now owns Pick #10.
Other Notable Trades:
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Pelicans sent CJ McCollum and Kelly Olynyk to the Wizards for Jordan Poole and Saddiq Bey.
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Nets acquired #22 from the Hawks in the Porzingis deal.
What Each Lottery Team Needs
Mavericks (#1)
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Likely to select Flagg. This pick reboots their identity post-Luka Doncic era.
Spurs (#2)
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Could pick Harper for a dynamic backcourt with Fox and Wemby.
76ers (#3)
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May choose Edgecombe or Bailey. The wildcard is Walter Clayton Jr. if they trade down.
Hornets (#4)
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Need elite perimeter scoring. Tre Johnson and Knueppel are in play.
Jazz (#5)
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Might trade up to secure Harper or Edgecombe. Otherwise Tre Johnson is their guy.
Wizards (#6)
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Actively trying to move into top 3 to grab Fears or Harper.
Pelicans, Nets, Raptors, Rockets (#7–#10)
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All focused on versatile wings and scoring guards.
Trends, Risks & Storylines
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Bailey’s Draft Slide: Teams are wary after he skipped multiple workouts.
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Big Ten Pipeline: Players like Danny Wolf, Derick Queen, and Will Riley are potential late-first-rounders.
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Draft Day Chaos: Expect 4–5 trades on the clock.
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Financial Strategy: Several contenders (Boston, Phoenix) are clearing salary to avoid luxury tax penalties.
Predictions and Final Thoughts
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Flagg to Dallas is almost locked.
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Harper to Spurs makes sense on all levels.
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Philly at #3 remains the draft’s biggest swing spot.
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Celtics could trade #28/#32 or package with player contracts.
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Watch for surprise international selections in late first round.
This class is deep, strategic, and filled with explosive upside. Whether you’re tracking for fantasy leagues, team rebuilding, or just love basketball, the 2025 NBA Draft is appointment viewing. Expect fireworks.
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