WuTang_OG wrote:https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/44569663/2025-nba-mock-draft-first-round-picks-predictions-march-madness-ncaa-mens-tournament-cooper-flaggFirst round
1. Utah Jazz
Cooper Flagg, SF/PF, Duke
Freshman | TS%: 60.0%
Flagg's outstanding freshman season ended in surprising fashion, as a controversial late-game call helped Houston overcome a significant deficit to advance past Duke to the national championship game. Though Flagg came up short on a potential game-winning shot, he had a string of phenomenal plays on both ends of the floor, confirming his status as the best player in college basketball. He finished the game with 27 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks and 2 steals in somewhat of an off-night from an efficiency standpoint for him.
It's difficult to see Flagg not declaring for the draft at this point considering the No. 1 pick is at stake, and the Jazz would surely be thrilled to add a player with his versatility and star power to pair with Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler in what would quickly become a formidable frontcourt. -- Givony
2. Washington Wizards
Dylan Harper, SG/PG, Rutgers
Freshman | TS%: 59.3%
Though Rutgers didn't come close to making the NCAA tournament, Harper did what he needed to this season, positioning himself as the favorite to come off the board at No. 2. His archetype as a jumbo playmaking guard with real feel isn't easy to find; NBA teams have been drawn to Harper's mix of pick-and-roll instincts, downhill scoring and physical strength.
There are questions about just how good a shooter Harper is (he averaged 75% from the line and 33% from 3), something he can help answer in predraft workouts. He'll likely be tough to pass on at this spot, and would be a strong fit with the Wizards, who could use a playmaker in his mold. -- Woo
3. Charlotte Hornets
Airious "Ace" Bailey, SG/SF, Rutgers
Freshman | TS%: 54.0%
Bailey's season was polarizing by top-five-pick standards, but the rarity of his skill set has held him steady near the top of teams' draft boards. There were some impressive highs that put his talent on full display, as well as some predictable inconsistency and subpar efficiency that he'll have to iron out as he matures. Still, there aren't many players Bailey's size (6-foot-10, 200 pounds) who can create and make the difficult shots he takes, which will earn him the opportunity to continue developing in the pros.
Though he's probably not ready to contribute to winning immediately, landing with a patient NBA team that can afford him the time he needs should help. There could be some duplication in Charlotte with Brandon Miller, but Bailey's upside is tempting. -- Woo
4. New Orleans Pelicans
VJ Edgecombe, SG, Baylor
Freshman | TS%: 56.1%
The Big 12 Freshman of the Year, Edgecombe had a largely successful season showing off his explosive physical tools, strong intensity and rapidly improving skill level as a ball handler, finisher and perimeter shooter.
The Pelicans need some star power to build around and could pair two of the league's most tantalizing talents alongside each other in Edgecombe and Zion Williamson, which would make New Orleans an exciting team to watch next season. -- Givony
5. Philadelphia 76ers
Tre Johnson, SG, Texas
Freshman | TS%: 56.1%
Johnson is a prototype for what many NBA teams are seeking at the wing position, standing 6-6 with a 6-10 wingspan, dynamic shotmaking prowess and the skill level, versatility and aggressiveness to create shots in bunches. He scored about 20 points per game and made 40% of his 3s in 2024-25, and he shouldn't have issues filling up the scoring column in the NBA.
The Sixers, already eliminated from the postseason, would be thrilled to keep their pick after a miserable season and could have interest in adding a 19-year-old wing who'd bring plenty of scoring power. -- Givony
6. Brooklyn Nets
Jeremiah Fears, PG, Oklahoma
Freshman | TS%: 57.0%
Fears emerged as a top freshman despite being one of the youngest players in college basketball (he turns 19 in October). His combination of size, speed, pace, shotmaking and shot creation gives him significant long-term upside, as he gets anywhere he wants on the floor, either to create opportunities for teammates while dishing on the move, to finish skillfully in the lane or to get to the free throw line.
The Nets have a significant void in their backcourt, and Fears' youth and talent could make him a player they'd want to closely study. -- Givony
7. Toronto Raptors
Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
Freshman | TS%: 74.7%
Maluach was in the middle of a strong NCAA tournament -- posting a combined 27 points, 15 rebounds and 6 blocks in 55 minutes against Arizona and Alabama in the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight, respectively -- until he ran into a physical, veteran Houston team that dominated him inside the paint in the Final Four. The 18-year-old center needs to get stronger, tougher and more experienced to handle those types of matchups, but he had a fantastic freshman season overall.
His ability to anchor a defense with his 7-foot-6 wingspan and provide vertical spacing as a roller and cutter while sprinting the floor aggressively in transition is clearly valuable, and the Raptors have a clear need for a player in that mold with his long-term projection. -- Givony
8. San Antonio Spurs
Kon Knueppel, SG/SF, Duke
Freshman | TS%: 64.8%
Knueppel was highly dependable within his role at Duke, giving the Blue Devils elite efficiency and spacing while proving a better playmaker and defender than some expected in the preseason. Though not especially athletic by NBA standards, Knueppel helped himself in a big way this season, reinforcing how much substance there is to his game.
Duke's Final Four exit wasn't reflective of his contributions, and the constant demand for perimeter shooting has kept his draft stock strong. The Spurs could use a wing in his mold to help steady their young roster and space the floor for their stars. -- Woo
9. Portland Trail Blazers
Kasparas Jakucionis, PG, Illinois
Freshman | TS%: 59.8%
Jakucionis made a successful leap from Europe to Division I and boosted his perception as an NBA prospect. The Lithuanian guard showcased his playmaking savvy and admirably handled a huge role at Illinois. He faced challenging stretches during the season, struggling with efficiency and turnovers as defenses loaded up to stop him.
There's still plenty to like long term with his intangibles and ability to play both backcourt spots, keeping him in the lottery picture amid an intriguing group of guards. The Trail Blazers could benefit from adding his decision-making and unselfish style to their backcourt mix. -- Woo
10. Houston Rockets (via Phoenix)
Collin Murray-Boyles, PF/C, South Carolina
Sophomore | TS%: 64.0%
Despite a challenging campaign that left South Carolina with a 2-16 record in SEC play, it's hard to fault Murray-Boyles, given his consistent effort and production. His draft stock held steady in the mid-first round, with a chance for him to wind up in the lottery depending on what teams prioritize. Though undersized (6-foot-8 and 245 pounds) for his position, Murray-Boyles' mix of offensive feel, defensive playmaking, physicality and toughness endears him to NBA teams that can picture him scaling down into a supporting role.
The predraft process will allow him to demonstrate room for growth as a jump shooter, something that will be essential to maximizing his value in the pros. His intangibles and potential versatility could make him a strong fit with the Rockets, who could use another big to help do the dirty work. -- Woo
Is this a mock or big board? I don’t think Charlotte goes Ace Bailey (and I hope for his sake he doesn’t land on Charlotte) when you already have Brandon Miller at the 3. I love the idea of Edgecomb with Miller and Lamelo, then ship out Miles Bridges bum ass for a defensive 4/5
