It's almost here! Just a few days separate us from the 2025 NBA Draft. Days after the NBA Finals, we will see teams try to get ahead by adding young talent.
The number one pick is all but guaranteed to be Cooper Flagg. However, there are still a lot of question marks about how the draft order will shake out.
There are certain to be plenty of trades, including one potential big trade in the top five. With that being said, let's take a look at Hoops Habits fifth and final 2025 NBA mock draft!
1) Dallas Mavericks—Cooper Flagg
The Dallas Mavericks will pick first, and surprise, surprise, they will pick Cooper Flagg. He'll give them a major boost in their frontcourt and be paired with established star Anthony Davis. Given that Flagg is seen as an elite two-way prospect, his learning from Davis could prove to be great for his long-term development.
2) San Antonio Spurs—Dylan Harper
6-5 point guard Dylan Harper seems to be a lock to be picked second overall, considering his star potential. While his fit with the San Antonio Spurs is far from perfect, with them already having De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle, they will be picking the best player available.
His size, shot creation, and finishing ability are all impressive, especially as a lefty guard who can consistently get to the rim and finish. His shot is sketchy, but he did shoot 37% on spot-ups, and if he can knock down open threes, then there is a pathway for him to become a star.
3) New Orleans Pelicans (via 76ers)—Ace Bailey
We have a trade! The potential deal would send the Pelicans Kelly Oubre, Eric Gordon, and the third pick for Herb Jones and the seventh pick. With the third pick, they could pick Ace Bailey, a big wing who's known for his scoring prowess.
He has drawn comparisons to former Pelican Brandon Ingram but is just 19 years old. Losing Jones would hurt, but it is often costly to trade into the top five, and they would at least be able to select a player with star potential.
4) Charlotte Hornets—V.J. Edgecombe
The Charlotte Hornets could select V.J. Edgecombe fourth in this year's draft. Despite a sketchy recent track record drafting, Edgecombe could be a relatively safe option, considering that he is already a two-way player.
He can reliably knock down threes and has enough athleticism and ball handling to attack the paint off the dribble. Defensively, he can jump passing lanes and should be able to more than hold his own on that end of the floor. Adding him to a promising young core of LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller makes a lot of sense.
5) Utah Jazz—Tre Johnson
The Utah Jazz, despite having the worst record in the NBA last season and picking fifth in a four-player draft, can overcome their challenges. They can do that by selecting Texas guard Tre Johnson, who has been undervalued in the draft process.
As the kids say, "He's a bucket," with Johnson being able to reliably score even despite scoring primarily on jumpers. He averaged an impressive 19.9 points, shot 40% on 6.6 3-point attempts per game, and displayed the type of shotmaking that should make him a scorer at the next level.
His game may not be well-rounded enough to project star potential, but it's not a stretch to think that he can be a 20-point scorer at some point in the NBA, and that's not nothing.
6) Washington Wizards—Jeremiah Fears
The Wizards are still in need of a star, but picking fifth won't yield them a surefire one. Still, Jeremiah Fears has the potential to be a talented player nonetheless. He is arguably the best slasher in the draft, with him being able to get into the paint at will.
That's a valuable skill to have, especially in the NBA, where the spacing is far better, potentially making it all the easier for him to put pressure on the rim. He isn't an elite passer yet, but simply being able to get into the paint allows for him to collapse defenses and get shooters open.
He still needs to work on being a more consistent 3-point shooter but can offset some of his questionable outside shooting by continuing to live at the free throw line. He draws an outlandish amount of free throws, something that often translates to the NBA and should help make his transition to the league that much easier. At six, he'd be a relatively safe pick for the Wizards.
7) Philadelphia 76ers (via Pelicans)—Khaman Maluach
In this hypothetical, the Sixers would trade Kelly Oubre, Eric Gordon, and the third pick for Herb Jones and the seventh pick. That would be a win for the Sixers since it would give them a talented three-and-D wing while saving them $3 million in salary by trading back four spots.
Duke center Khaman Maluach should still be available, and he'd give them a long-term option at center. He projects to be a special rim protector and offensive rebounder who has the hands to finish passes around the rim. Better still, it seems likely that he could be a stretch-five in the NBA, making him a terrific option for the Sixers.
8) Brooklyn Nets—Derek Queen
The Brooklyn Nets are on the board, and they are projected to take big man Derek Queen. Queen is an intriguing talent considering that he is a big man who often scores facing up in the high post by attacking off the dribble.
That could prove to be effective, with him possibly modeling his game after Julius Randle. There's hope that he can develop into more of a 3-point shooter, too, giving him more offensive versatility.
Even so, there are questions surrounding him defensively and whether he can anchor a defense as a center. He'll likely have to play alongside another big man who can defend. That would be Nic Claxton at the moment, at least until the Nets figure out how to use Queen's unique talents.
9) Toronto Raptors—Kon Kneuppel
With the status of the Toronto Raptors's pick up in the air, we'll pencil in Kon Kneuppel in here. He can knock down open threes or run off screens to get open for shots.
He is also more than capable of operating as the ball handler in the pick and roll and creating open shots for himself in the midrange or using tight dribbles and maneuvers to muscle his way to the rim with his bulky frame.
Defensively, he won't be a stopper, but he was a part of a talented defense at Duke, suggesting that he can be a capable team defender in the NBA. If he can, and if he can continue to drill threes at a 40% clip, then he'd be a fantastic pick as the best player available.
10) Phoenix Suns—Colin Murray-Boyles
Colin Murray-Boyles feels like either a no-brainer lottery pick or a future draft bust, with no in-between. Concerns over his lack of size at just 6'7½ without shoes and a lack of a 3-pointer have hurt him, while his defensive versatility and skill attacking off the dribble have helped.
His career will likely depend on where he lands. The Suns need help in the frontcourt, but Murray-Boyles is not a center. Still, he is a highly skilled defender who should have no problem defending multiple positions.
Offensively, he doesn't have a consistent 3-point shot but is terrific facing up and attacking from the high post. He might not be the most exciting pick at 10, but he is probably the right choice for the Suns.
11) Portland Trail Blazers—Noa Essengue
French forward Noa Essengue is one of the hottest names in this year's draft class, with his stock steadily rising. His unique combination of speed, size, and length makes him an intriguing gamble, with him having the standing reach of a center but the agility of a guard.
He should have no problem playing and guarding both forward spots. And while his 3-point shot is a work in progress, he is terrific in the fast break and attacking closeouts in the half court to generate high-percentage shots and free throws.
His shooting 73% on 5.6 free throw attempts per game hints that he could develop into a good shooter, which would make him a steal for the Portland Trail Blazers.
12) Chicago Bulls—Asa Newell
The Bulls should be proud that they are toward the bottom end of the lottery after a surprisingly solid 2024-25 season. They exceeded expectations thanks to strong play from Colby White, Josh Giddey, and a resurgent Nikola Vucevic.
Vucevic isn't getting any younger, and Chicago would be wise to snag one of the many talented centers in this year's draft. That means selecting Georgia center Asa Newell.
He is known for his athleticism, defense, and rebounding and would be a solid pick-and-roll center who can potentially anchor Bulls teams of the future defensively. That would be a solid pick at 12.
13) Atlanta Hawks—Kasparas Jakucionis
The Hawks will need to address their lack of a backup point guard and could turn to one of the few point guards available in the first round, Kasparas Jakucionis. The Illinois guard had a solid season, averaging 15.4 points and 5.6 assists per game and showcasing impressive playmaking abilities.
He is known for playing with pace and is terrific at creating for himself and others even despite his physical limitations and lack of consistency as a shooter. He should at the very least be a starting-caliber point guard and potentially an above-average one if he can develop a consistent shot. With Trae Young's future up in the air, he'd also be a good insurance policy if Young abruptly left after next season.
14) San Antonio Spurs—Carter Bryant
The Spurs appear increasingly likely to keep their second lottery pick. And, if and when that happens, they will be able to get a fantastic prospect at 14.
Arizona forward Carter Bryant would be a fantastic pick for the Spurs, given that he's just 19 and has the chance to be a three-and-D wing immediately. He is already a good shooter and a good defender and can even attack the paint, making him all the more intriguing for a team such as the Spurs.
15) Oklahoma City Thunder—Jase Richardson
The champion Oklahoma City Thunder don't have many flaws, but they could use another shooter like Jase Richardson. The son of former NBA player Jason Richardson has turned heads with his efficiency as a scorer. He drilled an impressive 41% of his threes and is reliably able to knock down pull-ups and floaters.
If Richardson were a bit taller than 6'1, then he would likely be higher on this list, and his size makes him a bit of a tweener. Even so, he can be valuable as a bench scorer or a low-minutes starter as a sharpshooter.
16) Memphis Grizzlies—Liam McNeely
The Memphis Grizzlies have a chance to further reshuffle their lineup after the Desmond Bane trade with the 16th pick. Shooting remains a big need after they moved their best shooter, and they should select forward Liam McNeely as a result.
His shooting numbers aren't as impressive as other prospects, but McNeely wasn't always able to play off-ball. That likely negatively affected his shooting numbers, and he may fall to 16 based on that.
However, he projects to be a good shooter who has some experience playing with the ball in his hands. He also has good size at 6-8 to boot, making him an interesting prospect for the Grizzlies.
17) Minnesota Timberwolves—Rasheer Fleming
The Minnesota Timberwolves could get very expensive this summer, with them having to re-sign Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Naz Reid, and Julius Randle for $50 million or less. That would allow them to avoid the second apron.
With Reid expected to receive a big offer and Randle possibly opting out, the Wolves would be wise to use the 17th pick to add depth at power forward. That would be Rasheer Fleming, who is the perfect fit since he is a power forward who has the length to play center as well.
He is a proven shooter, a threat as a finisher and as a roll man in the pick and roll, and can guard at the rim and on the perimeter. That makes him a unique three-and-D big man and perfect for Minnesota.
18) Washington Wizards—Joan Beringer
French big man Joan Beringer has steadily climbed up the draft board after previously being seen as a mid-second-round pick. Now, he's firmly a first-round selection, and the Wizards should have interest in him.
While they already have Alex Sarr, who projects to be a stretch big man, with two firsts, they should take the best player available or who projects to be that. Beringer is a 6'10" center with a freakish 7'6" arm span.
That size and length are promising, and so is his agility, with him being able to guard the perimeter on defense while being able to protect the paint and rebound, which is interesting. Combine that with his age at just 18 and a half, and he's worth picking to see if he could pair with Sarr.
19) Brooklyn Nets—Egor Denmin
The Nets have four first-rounders, and while they are certain to consolidate picks, if they don't, then they'll take the best available player. That could be Egor Denmin, who has lottery-level talent, but question marks about his shooting and NBA fit might cause him to fall to 19. If he pans out, then he'd give the Nets a 6'9 playmaker in the mold of Josh Giddey.
20) Miami Heat—Cedric Coward
It's questionable whether the Miami Heat will keep this pick. But if they keep the 20th pick, then Cedric Coward seems like a perfect addition. Coward's tantalizing physical profile at 6'6", with a 7'2 1/2" wingspan and 38.5 max vert, is all impressive, and his college numbers were solid.
He averaged a solid 17.7 points and 7 rebounds and shot 40% from deep on 5 threes per game. The fact that his season ended after five games tempered his draft stock, but his numbers were comparable to his 2023-24 season.
Coward has a reliable shot, can create for himself off-the-dribble, and can defend. That would be a solid option at 20 for the Heat if they want to add a relatively polished rookie to their new-look roster.
21) Utah Jazz—Nolan Traore
With rumors that the Jazz might consider trading Jordan Clarkson and Colin Sexton, they could use more playmaking and should spend their second first-round pick on Nolan Traore.
Traore is an intriguing prospect given his size at 6-5, with quickness and crafty passing. He might take a while to develop. If the Jazz can get a great haul for Clarkson and Sexton, then having Traore on the roster would be a nice insurance policy, with him possibly developing into a starting-caliber point guard.
22) Atlanta Hawks—Thomas Sorber
The Hawks will need to add more frontcourt depth with Clint Capela and Larry Nance Jr. being free agents. They could turn to one of the few remaining centers available in the first round by picking Thomas Sorber.
He projects to be a productive big man who can finish at a high rate at the rim, protect the basket with long arms and good verticality, and crash the glass. With Capela and Nance Jr. not under contract beyond next season, they should select Sorber here to shore up backup center.
23) New Orleans Pelicans -Danny Wolf
The Pelicans recently acquired the Pacers' 2025 first, giving them a second chance to find young talent. Previously I picked Danny Wolf to be picked by the Pacers, but he might fit on the Pelicans too.
The Pelicans still have a thin backcourt even after striking gold picking Yves Missi last year. Taking Wolf would give them a floor-spacing center who can knock down open threes, pass, and rebound.
The Pelicans had success playing with a playmaking big next to Zion Williamson with Kelly Olynyk. They might have the same success with Wolf, who averaged an impressive 4.5 assists by primarily creating from the perimeter.
24) Oklahoma City Thunder—Nique Clifford
The newly crowned NBA champion Thunder will have two first-round picks and few flaws. Neither does prospect Nique Clifford.
His senior season, averaging 19 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 4.4 assists, is impressive enough, while his 61.4 true shooting percentage is stellar. He's an elite shooter from outside and a terrific finisher inside the paint.
Clifford's being 23 and a half by the draft may actually help his case with the Thunder, considering that he'd be ready to play on the wing immediately.
25) Orlando Magic—Walter Clayton Jr.
After giving up an arm and a leg to land Desmond Bane, the Orlando Magic should double down on adding more shooting. Florida's Walter Clayton Jr. is an elite shooter who drilled an impressive 38.6% from three on 7.8 3-point attempts per game last season.
He also plays point guard, and after trading Cole Anthony, that helps his case, potentially giving the Magic a cheap sharpshooter at a position of need.
26) Brooklyn Nets—Will Rilley
At 26, the Nets must take Illinois wing Will Riley if he's still available. The 6'8 Riley has significant offensive upside, with his combination of size and shot creation being a big strength.
He was terrific as a one-on-one scorer, can score using ball screens, and can shoot despite struggling in this past season. He didn't fare nearly as well on defense, but if he did, he wouldn't be available at 26. Upside-wise, he'd be a perfect fit for a Nets team that doesn't have much going for it at the moment.
27) Brooklyn Nets—Yang Hansen
With the last of four first-round picks, the Nets should take a flyer on 7-2 center Yang Hansen, who made a name for himself at the NBA Draft Combine. Hansen is an intriguing prospect considering that he is a 21-year-old 7'2 center with good court vision, solid moves in the post, and decent range.
He might be a fringe first-round pick, but if the Nets use all four picks, which is questionable whether they will, then they can afford to take a chance on him to see if he can prove to be a steal at 27.
28) Boston Celtics—Maxime Raynaud
The Celtics need a good draft with their championship core at risk. They may have to move on from the likes of Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kornett, and Al Horford, leaving them thin at center. Fortunately for them, they will have several intriguing big man options at the 28th and 32nd picks.
First up, they should select Stanford center Maxime Raynaud, who posted monster numbers in his senior season, averaging 20.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks. He also connected on a solid 34.7% of 5.5 3-point attempts per game.
He may not have much untapped potential beyond that. But if he can score in the paint, knock down open threes, pass, and rebound, then he'd be worth taking late in the first round for the Celtics.
29) Phoenix Suns—Ben Saraf
Now that the Suns traded Durant for the 10th pick, they could use their own pick to take a flyer on Ben Saraf. Getting Saraf would be solid value at a position of need, with Saraf previously being seen as a potential lottery pick.
With the Suns not getting a point guard in the Durant trade, they could get a 6-5 guard with excellent court vision. He is a terrific pick-and-roll passer who can get into the paint and find teammates.
There are definitely questions regarding his shooting, with him hitting 26.1% of his 3.0 3-point attempts, but he shot better inside the arc thanks to crafty finishes. If his shot comes around, then he could be a solid, offensive-minded point guard.
If it doesn't, then his strongest ability, which is to create, likely wouldn't work nearly as well in the NBA. At 29, he'd still be a worthwhile gamble in the hope that Phoenix lands a steal.
30) L.A. Clippers—Adou Thiero
Arkansas forward Adou Thiero could be the last pick of the first round and might be a strong option for the Clippers. Thiero is known for his defensive versatility, with him projecting to be an OG Anunoby type of defender, with him potentially being able to guard guards and forwards alike.
He proved effective as a small-ball four, scoring efficiently despite shooting just 25.1% from three. It's questionable whether he can become a good shooter, but if he can, then 30 would be a great place to buy low on him.