The 2025 NBA Draft is still three months away, but with March Madness soon set to start, things will soon kick into high gear. Players who weren't on the draft radar will be able to make a name for themselves, while others that already have can solidify their position or improve upon it. Next, let's go through and look at how the 2025 draft may turn out with our first mock draft of 2025!
With the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft, the Washington Wizards are projected to select Cooper Flagg. The Wizards currently have the worst record in the NBA, are in desperate need of a franchise player, and Flagg would be the perfect fit. Washington is short on talent, and Flagg would give them the perfect infusion of young talent.
After all, he is considered to be an elite two-way prospect, showing that he can score with both his back to the basket in the post and facing the basket on the perimeter. He is also a top-tier defensive prospect, with him being both a terrific shot blocker and capable of guarding both forward spots. He has often drawn comparisons to former NBA defensive standout Andrei Kirilenko, but of course with far more upside offensively.
Flagg fits perfectly in between their two recent lottery picks, Bilal Coulibaly and Alex Saar, potentially giving the Wizards the frontcourt of their future with Flagg fitting in at power forward. Better still, he is the youngest draft prospect in history, with him essentially being the age of a high school senior right now. His being this talented at such a young age suggests he has superstar potential, and the Wizards would be lucky to have him.
Word has it that the New Orleans Pelicans franchise was built on a burial ground. They have had a nightmarish season that saw their best player miss significant time. They also traded star Brandon Ingram for two rotation players and a first, and their big offseason addition, Dejounte Murray, suffered a serious injury.
Murray only played 31 games this season after breaking his hand in his debut, only to tear his Achilles shortly after his return. With Murray potentially out for all of next season, the Pelicans are between a rock and a hard place but could be aided by the loaded 2025 NBA draft.
They could end up with the second pick, in which case they can select guard Dylan Harper. Harper has all of the tools needed to be a star in the NBA, with him having outstanding size for a point guard at 6-5 and being a talented scorer and passer. He could also fill a long-term need at point guard for the Pelicans. Especially if Murray is unable to make an impact upon his return.
That will give them a chance at a future star that they can either pair with Zion Williamson or start over and build around. Harper is arguably the best playmaker in this draft class, with his combination of size and athleticism helping him to consistently create advantages on offense.
Dylan Harper's combination of size, shot-creation, passing creativity, finishing skill and scoring instincts have drawn comparisons in NBA circles to a young James Harden. The 18-year old will be an exciting addition to the NBA team lucky enough to land his services. pic.twitter.com/XtPCvdoCvY
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) February 12, 2025
Pairing him with Zion as a pick-and-roll partner would almost be unfair. It would give the team a reliable form of offense that can be expanded upon as Harper's role grows with the Pelicans. Even if Zion isn't in the Pelicans' long-term plans, Harper is the right choice at number two.