27) Brooklyn Nets—Hugo Gonzalez
With the last of their four first-round picks, the Brooklyn Nets should select Hugo Gonzalez. Taking Gonzalez in the first round would allow the Nets to potentially go the draft-and-stash route, allowing them to preserve a roster spot in this scenario.
They previously selected Derek Queen, Nolan Traore, and Will Riley in this mock draft. While they can afford to use three roster spots on three promising prospects, using four could have diminishing returns. Gonzalez is already playing professionally overseas and can continue to develop there for a couple of seasons before being brought over.
Gonzalez projects to be a three-and-D wing, with his defense and activity level being a big selling point in his game. Those players are at a premium in the NBA, and if he can provide perimeter defense and knock down shooting, then he could be at least a rotation player for the Nets.
Still, he will need to improve on the shooting aspect. He is also currently averaging just 10 minutes a game, which hasn't given him much of an opportunity to show what he can really do on the offensive end. That being said, the potential is definitely there, and at 20 years old, he is still young enough to grow into that role.
With the Nets nowhere near contending for a spot in the playoffs, they can afford to take a few chances. If they believe Gonzalez can develop into an NBA player, then they can afford to be patient with him by drafting and stashing him.
28) Boston Celtics—Johni Broome
The defending champion Boston Celtics have not one but two chances to draft young talent in the 2025 NBA draft. They will select 28th and 32nd, but we will focus on who they will select with the 28th pick. With the Celtics in need of frontcourt depth with Al Horford potentially retiring after this season and Kristaps Porzingis always an injury risk, they should consider taking Auburn center Johni Broome.
The Auburn big man had a strong season, averaging 16.7 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists while showing off strong interior scoring and a solid mid-range game. If he were a couple of years younger, he would likely be much more favorably ranked than a fringe first-round pick.
Instead, he will likely be dinged during the draft process, with him being nearly 23 years old. That fact could actually work out in the Celtics' favor, with them needing young players who can step in and be ready to play for them.
Broome fits the bill, with him having enough offensive versatility to easily carve out a role in the NBA. If the Celtics were to select him 28th, he would likely be a safe selection considering his track record in production while playing for a team that made the Final Four this year.