It's almost here; the 2025 NBA Draft is just days away. With the draft right around the corner, there has been rampant speculation that there could be a flurry of trades, with several teams trying to trade up and others trying to trade down.
That can make it hard to predict which top prospect will end up where. However, we'll attempt to do just that! Next up, we'll take a look at version 4.0 of Hoops Habits' mock draft!
1) Dallas Mavericks—Cooper Flagg
The Dallas Mavericks were saved by some major lottery luck when their pick jumped from ninth to first. That puts them in position to draft Cooper Flagg first, and not even Mavs GM Niko Harrison could screw this up.
Adding Flagg to a team with several all-stars, including Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, and Anthony Davis, would be a fantastic learning experience. Even so, the Mavs have very little beyond those aging stars, with them not controlling their first-round pick until 2031. Still, they'll be getting a generational prospect to build around post-Luka Dončić.
2) San Antonio Spurs—Dylan Harper
Barring a surprise trade, the San Antonio Spurs will select 6-5 point guard Dylan Harper second overall. Harper has clear star potential as a lefty guard who can consistently get to the rim and finish.
He has terrific court vision, and while his shot is still very much a work in progress, he shot a promising 37% on spot-up threes. If his shot stabilizes, then he could be a multi-time all-star.
3) Philadelphia 76ers—Ace Bailey
The Philadelphia 76ers remain a wildcard to trade their top-3 pick in this year's draft. If they don't, then they will likely draft Rutgers forward Ace Bailey. Bailey is a controversial prospect.
Some see him as a big wing who can put the ball in the basket ala Kevin Durant or perhaps closer to a Brandon Ingram type. He has star potential, and the 76ers shouldn't miss the opportunity to add a promising prospect of his caliber. Especially with Joel Embiid's future being uncertain.
The Philadelphia 76ers lucked into having the third pick, and while there have been rumblings about them looking to trade the selection, they should take Ace Bailey. He is a polarizing player but has all-star potential, and the Sixers can't afford to pass on a chance to add a big wing that can score.
4) Charlotte Hornets—V.J. Edgecombe
The Charlotte Hornets haven't had a lot of draft luck, with them consistently failing to land the top pick in the draft. They will have to settle for the fourth pick and select V.J. Edgecombe.
Edgecombe could fit in as a dynamic player on both ends of the floor. He is an impressive defensive player with a knack for forcing turnovers. Offensively, he is a good shooter that has the potential to be an effective slasher and finisher. Paired with LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, that would be a promising young core.
5) Utah Jazz—Tre Johnson
Unfortunately, for the Utah Jazz, despite having the worst record in the NBA, they ended up with the fifth pick. That gives them the opportunity to take a chance on Texas guard Tre Johnson.
He is widely viewed as the best scorer in this year's draft class, after averaging 19.9 points while shooting a blistering 40% from three on high volume. Johnson also has underrated playmaking chops, even though he isn't a particularly well-rounded player.
The chances that he develops into a reliable offensive weapon are decent to good. Thus the Jazz should pick him and hope that he can be a big part of the future.
6) Washington Wizards—Jeremiah Fears
Oklahoma guard Jeremiah Fears has tantalizing potential, making him a worthwhile option for the Wizards. He is widely considered the best slasher in the draft, with him consistently attacking the paint and finishing with creativity.
While he isn't much of a 3-point shooter yet, being able to put pressure on the rim is still a valuable skill. Fears also lives at the free throw line and shoots it well on floaters and in the mid-range, suggesting that he could emerge as a good shooter on the Wizards. In fact, he could thrive playing in the league with the spacing far better in the NBA, and Washington should hope so.
7) New Orleans Pelicans—Kon Kneuppel
Duke wing Kon Kneuppel may have a claim to being the best shooter in this year's draft. At seven, that might be the best the Pelicans can hope for. Knueppel was a terrific high-volume 3-point shooter but also showed a tendency to utilize screens to get into the paint.
His bulky frame and compact handles allowed him to finish well at the rim, and he was comfortable as a passer while playing with the ball. He probably won't be doing a ton of that in the NBA, but he's more well-rounded offensively than he's given credit for. Knueppel isn't a home run pick, but he should still be a worthy selection at seven.
8) Brooklyn Nets—Asa Newell
With picks 5-10 very much a question, it's debatable who the Nets will pick. They could take the best player available, and that may be Georgia center Asa Newell. Newell could potentially make current Nets starting center Nic Claxton expendable.
Newell is a good athlete, mobile, and fits the mold as a high-energy center who can finish at the rim and protect the paint. There is hope that he may eventually be able to develop an outside shot, which would make him a far more interesting prospect. But, as is, he'd be a solid addition to the Nets.
9) Toronto Raptors—Khaman Maluach
Duke center Khaman Maluach has consistently been mocked to be picked by the Toronto Raptors, so we'll slot him in here. The Raptors already have a starting center in Jakob Poeltl, but he has just one guaranteed season left on his contract and could want a pay raise in the summer of 2026.
Drafting Maluach now could give them their center of the future and make Poeltl expendable in a trade. Maluach projects to be an elite rim protector and offensive rebounder, with his solid hands helping him finish around the rim. He has even shown the potential to be a stretch-five, making him a tempting prospect at nine.
10) Houston Rockets—Kasparas Jakucionis
With Fred Van Vleet's contract status up in the air, the Houston Rockets would be wise to take the best player available, and that would be Kasparas Jakucionis. He is one of the best guards in this year's draft with his ability to play both on and off-ball. He is a talented passer who can find teammates by using crafty angles.
While he isn't a good 3-point shooter at the moment, he is skilled at getting into the paint and finding clever ways to finish. Drafting him 10th would give the Rockets another long-term option at point guard alongside Reed Sheppard.
11) Portland Trail Blazers—Noa Essengue
The Blazers are still in the rebuilding phase and can afford to take a big swing on French forward Noa Essengue. His draft stock has taken off with several strong performances while playing internationally during the draft process. He is unusually fast for a player his size, allowing him to get out in transition or attack closeouts.
His shot is a work in progress, but he draws a staggering amount of free throws and shoots a solid percentage from the line. If he pans out, he'd be a Swiss Army Knife that can play and defend multiple positions and be effective in several ways on offense.
12) Chicago Bulls—Derek Queen
The Bulls could use a long-term replacement for Nikola Vucevic, and Derek Queen could fit the bill. Fit would play a big part in Queen's success in the NBA, with him being a unique big man who can create for himself off the dribble.
While his defense and 3-point shooting are a big work in progress. He may be best served playing next to a big man who can hit threes and protect the rim, but few teams have that, and the Bulls should take the best player available; that would be Queen.
13) Atlanta Hawks—Colin Murray-Boyles
The Atlanta Hawks may need more frontcourt with Larry Nance Jr. and Clint Capela likely to leave this summer, and they should consider Colin Murray-Boyles. Murray-Boyles is a unique player who could either be a bust or a productive player. His size at 6'7½" is small for a power forward. And while he is very strong, that could be a problem.
To his credit, it didn't hold him back at South Carolina, where he efficiently scored while attacking. as a face-up scorer in the post. That helped to negate his lack of height, and his developing a 3-point shot would too.
Defensively, he can defend multiple positions, making him useful on that end, but it would take the right system to maximize his strengths, and the Hawks could be that team.
14) San Antonio Spurs —Carter Bryant
The Suns could trade into the draft lottery by moving Kevin Durant to the Spurs. But, barring that, the Spurs—or the Suns—could take Arizona's Carter Bryant. Bryant has been a fast riser due to his combination of age, shooting ability, and potential to be a three-and-D wing.
He has also shown some creativity with the ball in his hands, suggesting that he could expand beyond that role with more development. The Spurs or the Suns probably aren't getting a star here at 14, but Bryant could develop into a steady starter. Perhaps a contender, eventually emerging as the Spurs' long-term answer at small forward.
15) Oklahoma City Thunder—Jase Richardson
After dominating the regular season and making the NBA Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder may not need much to help their roster. Still, another wing would be useful, and they should consider taking Jase Richardson.
Richardson isn't necessarily a point guard and is perhaps too short at 6'1" to be a shooting guard, but he might fit in as a tweener on the Thunder. He is a sharpshooter who can light it up playing off-ball and is a player the Thunder should consider.
16) Memphis Grizzlies—Liam McNeely
After acquiring the 16th pick for Desmond Bane, the Memphis Grizzlies can further bolster their roster by drafting Liam McNeely. At first glance, McNeely might not fit the bill as a shooter, with him shooting just 31.5% from three this season.
However, he is widely seen as a better shooter than those numbers suggest, and he was tasked with playing with the ball in his hands more than expected, resulting in fewer high-percentage looks. At 6'8", Liam McNeely has the potential to be a good shooter in the NBA, making him a wise gamble for the Grizzlies.
17) Minnesota Timberwolves—Rasheer Fleming
With the Minnesota Timberwolves possibly having to choose between Naz Reid and Julius Randle, they could use the 17th pick to add a versatile big man. Rasheer Fleming seems poised to be a useful player in the NBA.
He has the size and shooting ability to play power forward but has the length needed to play center as well. He can defend multiple positions and should have no problem slotting in on a contender.
18) Washington Wizards—Egor Denmin
BYU guard Egor Denmin's stock is all over the place, but we'll slot him in at 18. Denmin is a wildcard given his size, 6'9", and playmaking potential. He has drawn comparisons to Josh Giddey and is a unique player type that doesn't fit on every team.
The Wizards don't have enough clear-cut building blocks to focus on fit and should take him in the hope that he can live up to his significant potential. Shooting is his biggest swing skill, and if he can shoot, then picking him 18th would be a steal.
19) Brooklyn Nets—Thomas Sorber
With the second of the four first-round picks, there is bound to be some overlap. The Nets are likely to trade at least two of these picks, but for the time being, we'll have them draft Thomas Sorber. He projects to be a sturdy big man on both sides of the ball, with him possessing a massive 6'10" frame and 7'6" wingspan.
Defensively, his defensive metrics are off the charts, with him posting 3.6 steals per game. Offensively, he is a terrific finisher around the basket, shooting almost 60% on nearly nine 2-point field goal attempts per game. Another team could end up with him, and they could be getting a solid center.
20) Miami Heat—Cedric Coward
The Heat, despite losing their first-round pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder, will have a pick thanks to the Jimmy Butler trade. They should take full advantage by drafting Cedric Coward, who has shot up the draft board after a strong showing at the NBA Draft Combine.
His size at 6'6", athleticism with a 38.5 max vert, and 7'2 1/2" wingspan are all impressive, and Coward is already a reliable shooter. Factor in that he is a skilled defender, and Coward, at the very least, should have a role as a three-and-D wing but has enough handles to eventually do more in the NBA.
21) Utah Jazz -Nolan Traore
With the second of their two first-round picks, the Jazz should pick Nolan Traore. They can get good value by picking him here, with Traore being a 6-5 point guard with impressive court vision.
He's a creative passer and quick, allowing him to get to the basket. If he can become a reliable shooter, then he has starting point guard potential.
22) Atlanta Hawks—Joan Beringer
The Hawks need to add more size with both Larry Nance Jr. and Clint Capela and should consider taking center Joan Beringer. He would be a solid long-term option, given that he is just 18 and a half years old.
Beringer has an impressive skill set, including a height of 6-10, a massive 7-6 wingspan, and notable mobility. He can defend on the perimeter, rebound, and protect the paint, making him a nice potential addition.
23) Indiana Pacers -Danny Wolf
After making the NBA Finals, the Indiana Pacers don't need much, but they could still use more depth at center. Therefore, they should consider drafting big man Danny Wolf.
He has impressed due to his terrific playmaking ability, rebounding, and potential as a stretch-five. His passing and shooting ability could thrive playing on a team such as the Pacers that values both.
24) Oklahoma City Thunder—Nique Clifford
The Thunder will have two first-round picks, are stacked at every position, and even have 15 players currently under contract for next season. They'll have to make roster moves to clear out spots, but assuming they will, they should consider taking Nique Clifford.
He put up big stats in his senior season, posting 19 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 4.4 assists, and he had an eye-popping 61.4 true shooting percentage. He shot the ball at a terrific clip from outside and was quick enough to slice through the paint and get easy shots at the rim.
He's on the old side for a rookie, with him being 23 and a half by the draft, but he should have no problem stepping in and playing immediately on the wing.
25) Orlando Magic—Walter Clayton Jr.
The Orlando Magic need shooting, and Walter Clayton Jr. is one of the best shooters in the draft. Clayton Jr. put up eye-popping shooting numbers en route to helping lead Florida to a national championship.
He shot a blistering 38.6% from three on 7.8 3-point attempts per game. Add in that he has decent size at point guard, plenty of experience, and playmaking chops, and he'd be a great get at 25.
26) Brooklyn Nets—Will Rilley
If the Nets choose to keep this pick, they should pick Illinois guard Will Riley. His size at 6'8" and ability to generate offense for himself and others are intriguing, with him potentially being an offensive weapon in the NBA.
That will hinge on his 3-point shooting, which is below average at the moment, but his shot looks far from broken. If he can knock down threes with consistency, then he'd be a terrific pick at 26.
27) Brooklyn Nets—Noah Penda
The Nets are back on the clock, and the pick here should be Noah Penda, which would be a wise choice. He has outstanding potential as a three-and-d forward. At 6-8, he has the potential to play both forward slots and earned comparisons to Nic Batum as a result of his versatility.
Offensively, he isn't yet a reliable 3-point shooter but has playmaking abilities that could help to offset that as he works to round out his game. He might be better served being drafted by a contender, but he would be a good flyer for the Nets.
28) Boston Celtics—Ryan Kalkbrenner
The Celtics will have to nail their picks in this year's draft, with them having the 28th and 32nd picks. With them likely to have to move on from several rotation players, including Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford, they will need more size, and they should consider Ryan Kalkbrenner.
The five-year college center has nearly 170 games of experience under his belt. He averaged an impressive 19.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks this season and should have no problem stepping in and playing NBA minutes at center next season for the Celtics.
That would be a win for the Celtics, who need more size with Horford potentially retiring, Luke Kornett possibly leaving in free agency, and them potentially being forced to trade Porzingis. Kalkbrenner would give them a 7'1 1/2" rim protector who can score in the paint and rebound, while most importantly being cheap.
29) Phoenix Suns—Ben Saraf
Assuming that the Suns trade Durant for a lottery pick, they could use their own pick to take a flyer on Ben Saraf. His stock has slid some in recent mock drafts, with him being seen as a late lottery pick by some and a pick in the 20s by others. I'll put him here.
The Suns could use a long-term answer at point guard, and Saraf might be it. He has good size at 6-5, and while he isn't a particularly impressive athlete, he is clever and effectively uses pump fakes and hesitation dribbles to get into the paint. He can also hit floaters and pull-ups and use his impressive court vision to pass to open teammates. That would be worth a pick at 29.
30) L.A. Clippers—Adou Thiero
Arkansas forward Adou Thiero would be a solid late-first-round gamble for the Clippers. Thiero has been compared to New York Knicks OG Anunoby given his size at 6'8", length, and defensive versatility.
His shot is much more of a work in progress, but he was still productive nonetheless, averaging 15.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.6 steals in just 27.5 minutes per game. He also drew plenty of free throws thanks to his physical drives to the basket.
If he can play time at the four in the NBA, he could minimize his lack of shooting and maximize his defensive versatility. With the Clippers having a great defensive team this season, he'd fit right in.