The 2025 NBA Draft early entry list has been released, revealing a much smaller pool of 106 early entrants compared to 195 last year. This significant decrease is primarily attributed to the growing influence of NIL deals in college basketball.
Cooper Flagg is the consensus No. 1 pick regardless of which team secures the top selection on lottery night. The Duke freshman and national player of the year averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while shooting 51.1% from the field after January.
"Flagg isn't quite at the Victor Wembanyama level of prospect over the last 20 years, but he belongs in the Anthony Davis tier," notes Sam Vecenie. "Barring injury, he's about as can't-miss as it gets because of his skill level, athleticism, shot-creation ability and mentality."
Rutgers guard Dylan Harper has solidified his position as the likely second overall selection, with Texas wing Tre Johnson, Baylor's V.J. Edgecombe, and Rutgers' Ace Bailey rounding out the projected top five.
Draft Class Concerns
NBA teams have expressed serious concerns about the overall depth of the 2025 draft class. Scouts and executives believe the talent level drops significantly after the top two selections, with teams particularly worried about the value of picks in the 40s.
The decrease in early entries is expected to impact the later rounds dramatically, as many potential draftees are opting to return to college where guaranteed NIL money exceeds the uncertainty of two-way contracts worth approximately $600,000.
2025 NBA Mock Draft (First Round)
1. Washington Wizards: Cooper Flagg, F, Duke
2. Utah Jazz: Dylan Harper, G, Rutgers
3. Portland Trail Blazers: Tre Johnson, W, Texas
4. New Orleans Pelicans: V.J. Edgecombe, G, Baylor
5. Charlotte Hornets: Ace Bailey, W/F, Rutgers
6. Philadelphia 76ers: Kon Knueppel, G, Duke
7. Brooklyn Nets: Kasparas Jakučionis, G, Illinois
8. Toronto Raptors: Derik Queen, C, Maryland
9. San Antonio Spurs: Carter Bryant, W, Arizona
10. Houston Rockets: Collin Murray-Boyles, W/F, South Carolina
11. Dallas Mavericks: Jeremiah Fears, G, Oklahoma
12. Chicago Bulls: Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
13. Atlanta Hawks: Thomas Sorber, C, Georgetown
14. San Antonio Spurs: Noa Essengue, F, Ratiopharm Ulm
15. Oklahoma City Thunder: Danny Wolf, C, Michigan
16. Orlando Magic: Nolan Traoré, G, Saint-Quentin
17. Minnesota Timberwolves: Nique Clifford, G, Colorado State
18. Washington Wizards: Egor Demin, G, BYU
19. Brooklyn Nets: Jase Richardson, G, Michigan State
20. Miami Heat: Walter Clayton Jr., G, Florida
21. Utah Jazz: Liam McNeeley, W, Connecticut
22. Atlanta Hawks: Ben Saraf, G, Ratiopharm Ulm
23. Indiana Pacers: Joan Beringer, C, Cedevita
24. Oklahoma City Thunder: Noah Penda, F, Le Mans
25. Orlando Magic: Hugo González, W/F, Real Madrid
26. Brooklyn Nets: Asa Newell, F/C, Georgia
27. Brooklyn Nets: Rasheer Fleming, F, Saint Joseph's
28. Boston Celtics: Labaron Philon, G, Alabama
29. Phoenix Suns: Cedric Coward, W, Washington State
30. LA Clippers: Ryan Kalkbrenner, C, Creighton
