NBA Mock Draft 1.0: Wizards land a future superstar, Spurs get two major upgrades

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.

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.

NBA Mock Draft 3) Utah Jazz- Ace Bailey

The Utah Jazz have been uncharacteristically bad this season, considering that they were at least competitive over the last couple of seasons. That at least gives them a chance to select in the top 3 for the first time in more than a decade since they selected Enes Kanter third back in 2011.

Rutgers wing Ace Bailey should be the pick here, with Bailey's size and shooting ability being too hard for most teams to pass up. Especially for a team such as Utah, who have actual talent but needs more to compete. Bailey's comparisons range widely, including a few 6'10 wings. Bleacher Report has compared him to the likes of Brandon Miller, Michael Porter Jr., and Rashard Lewis, while Brandon Ingram might be a more accurate comp.

Bailey projects to be a good shooter in the NBA and an overall scorer, but how good depends on several factors. His handle isn't particularly good, which could make it harder for him to create for himself against bigger and stronger defenders in the NBA.

He also has a low assist-to-turnover ratio, with him occasionally being criticized for having tunnel vision even though he is clearly the best player on a mediocre Rutgers team. Even so, having a player of his archetype is intriguing, especially if he emerges as a consistent offensive weapon.

The Jazz already have a sharpshooting star forward in Lauri Markkanen and a potential long-term center option in Walker Kessler, with Bailey potentially being the missing piece to their frontcourt. That combination would give them plenty of size, shooting, and defense, with Bailey's height and length being a potential asset on that end. All told, he should be Utah's pick at three.

4) Charlotte Hornets-V.J. Edgecombe

The Charlotte Hornets have been among the worst teams in the NBA over the last several seasons, thanks to poor drafting and disastrous lottery luck. After all, they missed out on a chance to pair LaMelo Ball with Victor Wembanyama and instead may have to take the long route to building a contender.

With the fourth pick in this year's draft, they will have another opportunity to pair Ball with a future star player. In this scenario, they should select wing V.J. Edgecombe, putting him with Ball and fellow high lottery pick Brandon Miller. That would make for an impressive core, especially considering Edgecombe's numerous impressive attributes.

For one, he is an explosive athlete who can effortlessly dunk or sky for a chase down or weak side block. On offense, he looks comfortable operating as the ball handler in the pick and roll, and he has more than enough speed and explosiveness to consistently get to and finish at the rack.

He also has a solid jumper, with him drilling 36.4 % of his 4.5 3-point attempts per game at the time of writing while also hitting 80% of his free throws. That shooting touch, combined with his athleticism, makes for a potentially impressive mix, especially if paired with a terrific passer in Ball.

As a 6-5 guard, he is an impactful wing who generates plenty of live-ball turnovers and consistently blocks shots. His defensive metrics are terrific and match the eye test, and combined with his offense, it makes him a well-rounded player. Therefore, he is an easy choice for Charlotte to pick fourth.

5) Toronto Raptors-Kasparas Jakucionis

Despite potentially having a top five pick in this year's draft, the Toronto Raptors have made strides to try and improve. They made a big trade to land former all-star Brandon Ingram to pair with their core of Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, Scottie Barnes, and Jakob Poeltl.

We have yet to see that lineup in action, but they are building beyond this season. By selecting Kasparas Jakucionis in the draft, they can continue to bolster their roster. His production has been impressive for Illinois, averaging 15.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game.

Jakucionis has drawn a comparison to Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton with his playing style. He looks to push the pace at certain points of the game, masterfully uses screens, and uses change-of-pace moves to get to the rim.

He might dribble into the paint and use a hesitation dribble to freeze his defender or turn on the jets to blow by his man. Jakucionis' knack for attacking the paint has led to him living at the free throw line, averaging 5 free throw attempts per game.

That is surprisingly high for someone who only takes 10.3 shots per game, and that is usually a skill that translates to the NBA. And while he is only shooting 33% from three, he takes a lot of pull-ups and hits them at a solid rate. At the next level, he could play both on- and off-ball as either a primary or secondary ball-handler, with him having plenty of offensive skill to help the Raptors.

6) Philadelphia 76ers—Tre Johnson

The Philadelphia 76ers have had a disastrous season that has seen them stuck near the bottom of the standings rather than being a top-four seed in the Eastern Conference. Fortunately, they could have a top-six pick to show for it, and they could use that selection to draft Tre Johnson.

Johnson is known as a scorer, averaging a terrific 20.2 points per game for Texas with impressive shooting splits, including shooting 37.4% from three on 6.7 attempts per game. That is solid, though he tends to be reliant on both mid-range and 3-point shooting.

That is somewhat of a concern considering he has good size for a shooting guard at 6'6, but he doesn't get to the rim as much as he perhaps should. Still, his scoring ability is hard to teach and could help the Sixers turn the page. Particularly as they figure out their next move involving injured superstar Joel Embiid.

Getting a player of Johnson's caliber would help them going forward, with him pairing nicely with Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain. That would give them a path forward, potentially without Embiid, who is facing a big potential offseason surgery. If Embiid comes back fully healthy next season, the Sixers could still use what Johnson provides, giving them a proven scorer and shooter who can grow into a larger role.

Getting a cheap influx of talent could also help to offset Paul George's ugly-looking contract. If both Embiid and George can bounce back next season fully healthy, then Johnson would be a rotation player on a contending team and could eventually evolve into a star.

7) Brooklyn Nets-Jeremiah Fears

Despite not having much of an identity currently and only a few building blocks, the Brooklyn Nets can start to turn things around by picking seventh in the NBA draft. While they would probably have hoped for a top-three pick, the Nets have five first-round picks, and they can use the first to select Oklahoma's Jeremiah Fears. Fears would make for a terrific offensive fit alongside Cam Thomas, giving them a potential high-scoring backcourt that could instantly make them more competitive.

Fears has put up solid numbers across the board, averaging 15.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.6 steals. Those are solid numbers, and while he hasn't shot the ball particularly well from three, drilling only 27.1% of his threes, he has found other ways to put the ball in the basket.

He's averaging nearly six free throw attempts per game in under 30 minutes, something that is sure to translate to the NBA. He is also terrific at creating his own shot in the midrange and mixing in floaters with drives. He'll have to cut down on his high turnovers and improve as a 3-point shooter to make an impact in the NBA. That is doable, and if he can work on those issues, he should make for a terrific fit in Brooklyn's backcourt.

8) Chicago Bulls-Khama Maluach

After trading Zach Lavine, the Chicago Bulls have failed to fall in the standings enough to secure a high first-round pick. As a result, they will be picking near the second half of the lottery. Considering all that they need, that will hurt their rebuild, but they could at least take a step in the right direction by selecting Duke center Khama Maluach.

The 7-2 big man is widely seen as a top-10 pick and could be a terrific starting center in the NBA for at least a decade given all that he showed thus far. He has the biggest standing reaches in the draft, and his size and agility make him a big rim-protecting threat. He also can crash the glass and is a terrific rebounder, particularly on the offensive end.

His size and mobility should make him an easy target as a role player in the pick-and-roll, while he has shown enough range to suggest that he can eventually knock down threes at a consistent level. If that is the case, then he can be a borderline star starting center with a floor of a good starting five.

Considering that Nikola Vucevic is 34 and will be entering the final year of his contract in the summer, the Bulls will need a long-term fit at center, and he could be that player. As a result, the Bulls should select Maluach eighth overall in the 2025 draft.

9) San Antonio Spurs-Kon Knueppel

With two lottery picks in this year's draft, the San Antonio Spurs have two issues that need to be addressed, and they can potentially resolve them here. The two biggest issues involve their lack of shooting and their lack of a backup center.

Fortunately, they can resolve both of those issues or work to resolve those issues here. Shooting is the bigger priority and the reason why the Spurs should select Kon Knueppel at 9. Knueppel is seen as being one of the best knockdown shooters in his draft class, drilling 38.3% of his 5.7 3-point attempts per game.

That alone should warrant attention given his shooting volume, while his shot variety is also promising. He isn't just a spot-up threat; he can knock down threes running off screens, which would be useful in the Spurs rotation with them not having a shooter of his caliber on their roster.

Better still, he is a good team defender, with him being able to hold his own on that end, with his size at 6'7 also being a plus. The Spurs are becoming increasingly expensive, with Devin Vassell making nearly $30 million and De'Aaron Fox's pending extension.

Therefore, having a cheap young prospect who can step in and contribute is a must. Knueppel would be given a cheap offensive weapon on the wing who can space the floor, defend his position, and could grow into a larger role with the Spurs.

10) San Antonio Spurs (via the Hawks)—Rasheer Fleming

The Spurs will get a second crack at drafting in the lottery, and they should go big with this pick. As a result, Rasheer Fleming should be their choice. Fleming has filled up the stat sheet for Saint Joseph, averaging 15.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, and an impressive 1.6 blocks and 1.6 steals.

His combination of size at 6'9, athleticism, and length with a 7'5 arm span is intriguing. Better still, he is just 20 and can space the floor, shooting 39% from deep on 4.4 attempts per game.

As a result, he should have no problem playing power forward in the NBA, and his length and leaping ability should ensure that he can play some center. It just so happens that the Spurs could use help at both spots going forward. Harrison Barnes has been a perfect fit at power forward, playing alongside Victor Wembanyama, but is only under contract through the end of next season.

He is also 32, and while Jeremy Sochan would seem like the ideal power forward pairing with Wembanyama, they really only make sense on defense. Offensively, Sochan doesn't have enough offensive skills to draw defensive attention away from Wembanyama. That increases the need for an alternative option at the four, and Fleming could fit well next to Wembanyama.

He can serve as a roll man while Wembanyama spots up, or Fleming can space the floor while Wemby works in the paint. Defensively, his length and mobility are disruptive and, paired with Wembanyama, would be a problem. Factor in that can help them fill a need at backup center, and Fleming makes too much sense for the Spurs.

11) Portland Trail Blazers-Egor Denmin

All things considered, the Portland Trail Blazers have had a successful season thus far and have been far more competitive than most expected them to be. They still don't have a clear-cut star in the making on their roster but at least have enough building blocks to be on the right track.

With them picking outside of the top 10, they could take a swing on BYU's Egor Denmin. The 6'9 guard has strong comparisons to Chicago Bulls player Josh Giddy. The comparison is fair, with Denmin having a similar size and playmaking chops, though he is probably less of an athletic version of Giddy.

To his credit, while he is only shooting 27% from three at BYU, the form on his jumper looks good, and if that ever became a reliable weapon, then he could be worth the roll of the dice at 11 for the Blazers.

If he can't, then he may struggle to carve out a significant role in the NBA given some of his limitations. After all, he is unlikely to thrive playing without the ball and unlikely to land in the spot where he can be the primary playmaker.

Even so, the talent is there, and outside of the top 10, it tends to be anyone's guess who will actually emerge and become a good NBA player. Denmin has the potential to be a very good player at the next level, but there is enough risk to keep him from going as high as he otherwise could.

12) Houston Rockets (via Suns)-Ben Saraf

With the Houston Rockets currently being fifth in the Western Conference despite being one of the younger teams in the NBA, it's safe to say that the Houston Rockets are ahead of schedule in terms of their rebuild. They have taken a huge step forward this season thanks to their young talent.

While they would need to consolidate some of their young assets to build a more sustainable roster going forward, they can add to their young core with the 12th pick in this year's draft. Based on that, Ben Saraf should be their choice at number 12.

With the Rockets not necessarily having a long-term answer at point guard once Fred VanVleet's contract expires, they should invest in Saraf and hope that either he or Reed Sheppard will emerge as their future starting one.

Saraf is a terrific passer who is skilled at manipulating defenses and throwing off defenders with his unpredictability. He is also impressive at getting to the rim and has a reliable mid-range jumper to fall back on. Nevertheless, his 3-point shooting will be key to his development as an NBA player, with him currently being below average in that regard.

Defensively, there are some question marks about his game. Still, there are enough positives to outweigh the negatives, and he could certainly fill a role on a team that may be very good for the next decade if they play their cards right.

13) Atlanta Hawks (via Sacramento)-Collin Murray-Boyles

With the 16th pick, the Atlanta Hawks should select South Carolina power forward Collin Murray-Boyles. That would give them more frontcourt depth, with them likely to trade Clint Capela and Larry Nance Jr. as unrestricted free agents this summer.

As a result, they should take Murray-Boyles, who has drawn comparisons to Minnesota Timberwolves big man Julius Randle, and for good reason. He can score in the post and also face up away from the rim and punish opposing fours by blowing by them and finishing at the rim.

On the positive side, he doesn't rely as much on mid-range jumpers, causing him to shoot 60.1% from the field. On the negative end, he hasn't quite shown the ability to score consistently outside the paint. His size at 6'7 is also a question mark, with some of his offensive skills unlikely to convert to the NBA. He probably isn't going to bully bigger players in the NBA, but his knack for scoring around the rim is hard to teach.

Defensively, his size may keep him from being an effective rim protector, but he can defend multiple positions. Having a power forward who is the size of a small forward, can't scale up, or shoot from outside might make him a tricky fit, but there is enough there.

14) Utah Jazz (via Minnesota)-Derek Queen

The Jazz will be back on the clock at 14, thanks to the Rudy Gobert trade from back in 2021. After taking three players in the top 40 last year, each of whom had first-round talent, they can add to that talent pool by selecting Derek Queen of South Carolina.

Queen is one of the bigger question marks in this year's draft. He has good size and length, and his production is impressive, with him averaging nearly 16 points, 9 rebounds, and a block per game. He has also shown good skills in scoring in the post and also displays impressive passing for a big man, which is a relatively rare skill that is coveted among certain teams.

On the other hand, he has some potential flaws, with him likely unable to switch on to smaller players, defend power forwards, and may not be a particularly effective rim protector at the NBA level. Add in that he doesn't project to be a stretch 5, and that may be enough to see him slide down the draft board.

Nevertheless, he could still be a productive big man, and the Jazz, who have three first-round picks and only one long-term option at center, should take him and see what he can develop into. If he is able to minimize his flaws and accentuate his strengths, they likely won't regret the pick.

15) Orlando Magic—Liam McNeely

With two selections in the 2025 NBA draft, the up-and-coming Orlando Magic can continue to add to their strong young core. While they have been snakebitten with injuries, there is still a lot to be excited about, assuming they can address their biggest weakness, which is shooting.

Liam McNeely would do just that, given that he isn't a terrific free-throw shooter who can fill it out from outside. In fact, he even recently dropped 37 points in a game against UConn, despite playing primarily off-ball, proving his value as an offensive weapon.

His shooting versatility would be a welcome addition to an offense that simply struggles to reliably and efficiently score. The Magic rank 23rd in offensive rating and 25th in three-point percentage. The latter definitely affects the former, with their lack of shooting playing a role in their poor offensive rating.

Beyond McNeely's offensive fit is that he is a solid defensive player, particularly as a team defender. That means he won't be a weak link in Orlando's versatile defensive lineup. Ultimately, with the Magic having two cracks and adding cheap, young, future rotation players, McNeely would be a safe choice given his likely fit as a potential three and D prospect.

16) Oklahoma City Thunder (via Heat)-Noa Essengue

With three first-round picks, the Oklahoma City Thunder can afford to take on projects, and they should take a look at French forward Noa Essengue. Essengue has intriguing tools that could eventually be useful for contending teams such as the Thunder.

The Thunder have been known to take athletic forwards regardless of shooting ability, and Essengue has the potential to be a weapon on both ends of the floor. He already has the remnants of an outside game with him, currently shooting around 30% from three on a decent amount of attempts per-minute.

Perhaps more interesting is his speed, with him being able to attack closeouts and openings in the paint before defenses can react, something that is unusual for a 6'10 forward to be able to do. He also is a terrific cutter who can thrive playing off-ball.

Defensively, his size and mobility should allow him to defend multiple positions or switch on to smaller players. Not just that, but he is terrific at playing the passing lane and forcing turnovers as well as protecting the paint with help-side shot blocking.

Considering that he is one of the younger players in the draft, his having a solid skill set already bodes well for his future. Based on that, the Thunder should be willing to take a flyer on him to see if he can develop into something useful down the road.

17) Dallas Mavericks-Nolan Traoré

After foolishly trading Luka Doncic, the Dallas Mavericks have no choice but to make the best of their current roster. Unfortunately, Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, their two best players, are both out for the season.

Davis was expected to be out for several weeks after only playing one game with the Mavericks since being acquired from the Lakers but may instead sit out the rest of the season. Meanwhile, Irving was just ruled out for the rest of the season and possibly won't be available for the first couple of months of next season.

That will increase the need for Dallas to make the most of their pick. After all, they still have plenty of talent—albeit aging talent. The Mavs are fully stocked at power forward and center but could use an eventual replacement for Irving at point guard with him getting up in age.

As a result, they should pick point guard Nolan Traoré. Traoré has high upside as a passer and scoring potential to make him a future starting point guard. Getting a player who could eventually grow into a starting guard with a pick in the teens would be a nice piece of business for the free-falling Mavericks.

18) Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers)-Hugo Gonzales

The Oklahoma City Thunder are still flush with picks, and this year's draft will be no different, with them currently having at least three selections. With 13 players under contract for next season, barring them combining those picks to trade up or trading out of this year's draft, they could opt to go the draft and stash route.

In that case, they should take a look at Real Madrid's Hugo Gonzalez. Gonzalez is considered to be among the best international prospects in the draft class, but his draft stock has fallen somewhat due to his offensive flaws, particularly his lack of three-point shooting, with him hitting just 20% of his threes thus far.

Nevertheless, he has been playing professionally for the last two seasons, and his size, toughness, and activity level make him a plus defender even at 18 years old. Having a wing that can't shoot is a problem, but assuming his shot comes around, he could be a worthwhile selection.

Stashing him for a season or two and then signing him to a rookie-scale contract could help the Thunder get a rotation player on the cheap. That will be especially important with them having to pay Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams at least $35 million annually by then.

He may not be ready to immediately contribute, but he has the potential to be a solid wing if given time to further develop. That could make him a possible draft-and-stash candidate, especially for teams with multiple first-round picks.

19) Golden State Warriors (via Heat)-Thomas Sorber

The Golden State Warriors made a big in-season trade to land Jimmy Butler, and the early returns have been encouraging. However, they will still have to work on their roster. The Warriors have been in need of more size for a while now, and with a pick in this year's draft, they should take Thomas Sorber.

He has an intriguing skill set and a nice combination of size and length that could help Golden State going forward. Sorber has a nice offensive array with him having nice touch from the midrange, good timing, and finishing ability at the rim.

He also flashes nice footwork in the post, making him an effective big man who can put the ball in the basket. Defensively, he is a good rebounder and has the mobility and size to be a capable rim protector.

That all should make him a good center in the NBA, and the Warriors should be interested in him as a result. After all, Kevon Looney will be an unrestricted free agent, and given Looney's age, the Warriors would be wise to let him leave in free agency and turn to the draft for a long-term replacement.

While Sorber may not be able to play an immediate role on a playoff team, he could quickly develop into a good backup center or even a starting-caliber big man. With them having the 19th pick in the draft, that would be a very good outcome for Golden State as they continue to try to build around Steph Curry and also look to the future post-Curry.

20) Minnesota Timberwolves (via Detroit)—Noah Penda

After trading their first-round pick to the Utah Jazz in the Rudy Gobert trade, the Minnesota Timberwolves will be fortunate enough to have a selection this year thanks to the Karl-Anthony Towns deal, which included the Detroit Pistons pick.

The Pistons have been better than expected, resulting in that protected first-round selection likely conveying and giving the Wolves a chance to add a cheap young prospect to an expensive roster. They added Rob Dillingham and Terence Shannon last year and could add to that young collection of prospects by drafting Noah Penda 20th overall.

The Wolves could look a lot different next season with them potentially having to let Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Julius Randle leave in free agency with both set to get big pay raises. They will need young players that can grow into a larger role, and that could include Penda, who projects as a three-and-D wing with some shot creation.

His numbers don't necessarily impress, but he has shot the ball well on open catch-and-shoot threes and should be able to defend multiple positions. He has been compared to fellow Frenchman and NBA player Nic Batum, and landing a player in that mold with the 20th pick would be a boon for the Wolves.

21) Indiana Pacers—Asa Newell

The Indiana Pacers are an interesting blend of young players and veterans who have combined to make for a solid, playoff-bound team. While they seem unlikely to return to the Eastern Conference Finals this season, they can try to keep their increasingly expensive small-market roster as cheap as possible by nailing their first-round selection.

Asa Newell has been compared to Brooklyn Nets big man Nic Claxton because of his versatility. Newell is sort of a Swiss army knife, with him being able to play and defend power forward and center while also being switchable too. He has the mobility needed to guard switches and keep smaller, quicker players in front of him.

He also has enough rim protection to anchor a defense. With the Pacers seemingly annually putting starting center Evan Turner on the trading block, having a younger big man in the pipeline will make for an easier transition.

One that could potentially save them a lot of money, with Turner potentially set to earn around $30 million a season when his contract expires this summer. Based on that, Newell should be the Pacers pick.

22) Brooklyn Nets (via Milwaukee)-Jase Richardson

With four first-round picks, including back-to-back selections in the twenties, the Brooklyn Nets may look to trade these two picks. They could either trade them to a contending team for a distant, unprotected first or pair them together to try and move up into the teens.

Assuming that they keep both, they could take Jase Richardson. He has shot up the draft board in recent weeks, with several mocks having him go in the second round before he recently cracked the top 14 in Bleacher Report's mock draft.

The Michigan State University combo guard has a versatile repertoire and an NBA pedigree with him being the son of former NBA player Jason Richardson. Like his father, he is a good athlete and a good shooter, with him hitting nearly 40% of his threes this season for the Trojans.

Not just that, but he can shoot off the bounce and hit pull-up jumpers in the paint, resulting in him shooting a blistering 52% from the field simply by mixing up his offensive attack. Defensively, he is a bit small for a shooting guard but has quick hands and good timing, allowing him to force a solid amount of turnovers on defense.

With so many first-round picks, it's possible that Richardson might not play for the Nets with a trade to consolidate their draft selections seemingly likely. Nevertheless, no matter who selects him, they would have a solid shooting guard prospect.

23) Brooklyn Nets (via Rockets) Boogie Fland

The Nets are back on the clock with the 23rd pick, and while they may not end up keeping this selection, let's pretend they do, and they select Boogie Fland. The Nets don't have much of an identity with their roster failing to have a young player to build around. Instead, they should focus on making the most of each of their selections and taking the best player available.

At this point, it could be argued that Fland would fit that bill. While Fland might have overlap with Cam Thomas, he has the potential to be a starter or even a sixth man given his shot creation and shooting.

He's currently averaging 15.1 points and 5.7 assists for Arkansas while showcasing his shooting ability. His shot profile is that of a high-volume 3-point shooter who can mix in floaters to get points in the paint.

With so many picks, I could see this pick being moved by Brooklyn on draft night. Particularly if a contender sees the potential for Fland to be a microwave scorer in the second unit. In the meantime, Fland should be a solid selection for the Nets, who will have plenty of assets and therefore plenty of cracks at finding young talent.

24) Atlanta Hawks (via Lakers)-Kam Jones

The Hawks are back on the clock courtesy of the Los Angeles Lakers, who traded this pick to the New Orleans Pelicans in the Anthony Davis deal. The Hawks acquired the pick from the Pelicans in the Dejounte Murray trade.

Which, combined with the pick they own from the Kings, helps to offset the one they gave to the Spurs to acquire Murray in the first place. With the 24th selection, they should look to address their point guard depth, with them currently not having an NBA-caliber guard behind Trae Young, and Kam Jones would be a safe pick.

Jones has some of the best across-the-board numbers in the draft, averaging 18.4 points, 6.2 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.4 steals. He is also one of the more experienced players expected to go into the first round, with him being a 23-year-old senior, potentially giving the Hawks a ready-made rotation player.

His 3-point percentage dipped this season, hitting 31.5% of his threes this season compared to 38.3% of his threes on 6.4 attempts per game over his first three seasons of his college career. Some of that is due to him playing more with the ball in his hands this season after playing more off-ball over his first three seasons.

Having plenty of experience playing both with and without the ball means that he should be able to fit on just about any team. His size should also help him on the defensive end with him being able to guard and play both guard spots, making a seemingly great fit for the Hawks.

25) Washington Wizards (via Grizzlies)-Alex Karaban

Connecticut forward Alex Karaban has the makings of a prospect who could stick in the NBA as a jack-of-all-trades player. The 22-year-old has already won two NCAA championships and has more than 100 college games under his belt and counting. That could be useful for a team such as Washington, which could suddenly try to pivot to winning with Cooper Flagg in the fold.

Karaban's versatility is an intriguing draw, with him possibly being able to play both a small forward or power forward, with him being a reliable, high-volume 3-point shooter. He is also an impressive shot blocker for his size, averaging 1.6 rejections per game despite only being 6'8. Factor in that he is a good passer, and there is a lot to like about his game.

While he could stand to be better on the glass, he could potentially thrive as a four who can both space the floor by knocking down threes, score in the post, and provide weakside shot-blocking. He also defends on the perimeter, though he may struggle against quicker wings. Still, he may be able to hold his own against bigger small forwards.

Karaban may not have a very high ceiling given his age, but he has already played roles on championship teams and should be a solid NBA player given his potential role as a three and D player.

26) Orlando Magic (via Denver) Carter Bryant

What a frustrating season it's been for the Orlando Magic, who have dealt with injury after injury. Their three best players, Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs, all missed significant time, and Mo Wagner tore his ACL to boot. All of which have combined to hurt their seeding and thus their playoff chances.

Nevertheless, they could continue to build on what is a solid foundation with the 26th pick, courtesy of the Denver Nuggets. Although Orlando could use more offense, they should also consider taking Arizona forward Carter Bryant. Although he is currently only averaging 6.4 points per game for the Razorbacks thus far, he has shown impressive tools that could make him a terrific rotation player on a good team for years to come.

At 6-8, he has the ideal size to play both small forward and power forward and has shown enough shooting ability to toggle between the two positions, with him shooting nearly 36% on 2.7 attempts per game. He has even flashed some playmaking ability when given the chance to operate as a ball handler in pick and rolls.

Defensively, he is terrific at playing the passing lane and forcing turnovers as well as shutting down drives by stuffing his defensive assignment at the rim. With Orlando having plenty of size, they could take a flyer on Bryant and see if he can emerge as a prototypical three-and-D forward. One who can step in and immediately contribute on a team that is becoming increasingly expensive.

27) Brooklyn Nets (via New York)-Will Riley

The Nets are back on the board for the fifth and final time of the first round, and this time they are projected to take Illinois forward Will Riley. His size, at 6-8, makes him a potential wing or even a small ball four.

Be that as it may, his offensive role will hinge on his three-point shooting. He got off to a hot start to the season from three, raising the possibility that he could fit in in the NBA as a three and D wing. His shot has since cooled off, and he is currently shooting just 31.5% from three on a little more than four attempts per game.

His shot doesn't look broken, and he is at least shooting above 70% from the free throw line, suggesting that he still has a chance to become a high-volume three-point shooter. That is a crucial skill that would allow him to fit into just about any lineup.

As the season has progressed, he has also shown off more of his passing skill, but that may not be a prominent feature of his game in the NBA. Defensively, he has good length and size and should be able to hold his own against multiple positions, but specifically wings.

With player types like Riley at a premium in the league, he will likely hear his name called in either the late first round or the early second round. Teams will likely be willing to give him a chance to develop into a wing stopper who can knock down open threes.

Assuming the Nets trade at least one of these picks, Riley could end up on another team by the time June 25th, AKA draft night, is through. However, as of now, we will pencil him in to go to the Nets at 27.

28) Boston Celtics-Danny Wolf

Michigan big man Danny Wolf ranks as one of the bigger wildcards in the draft. His size will allow him to play center in the NBA, with him being 7'0, but his agility, handles, and passing instincts are unlike a center.

He averages nearly four assists per game—impressive, though he also struggles with turnovers. Some of that is due to the fact that he often handles the ball like a small forward might, with him attacking the basket off the dribble or even using ball screens to gain an advantage to attack the paint.

That is an interesting skill set for a player his size, and Wolf projects to be a stretch forward, posting 12.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks while shooting nearly 34% from deep. Assuming that can be his role in the NBA, then he would be a worthwhile selection for the Boston Celtics.

Al Horford is 37 years old and possibly in his final season in the NBA, while Luke Kornet is a free agent after this year. They also have Kristaps Porzingis, who has frequently struggled with injuries. All of which should result in the Celtics taking a look at Wolf.

With three years of college experience and tantalizing potential, he would be a solid pick at 28. Wolf would give them a cheap player that should be able to step in and contribute as early as next season.

29) LA Clippers (via Oklahoma City) Ian Jackson

The infamous Paul George trade continues to haunt the LA Clippers. The Clippers would have had the 16th pick in this year's draft, but thanks to a pick swap from that deal, they will instead have the 29th selection, while the Oklahoma City Thunder will pick 16th.

Having a pick in this year's draft is better than nothing, but they really could have used a near-lottery pick to try and improve their roster long-term. It will be a while before they own their pick outright.

Instead, the Clippers will be forced to settle for a late first-round pick, and North Carolina guard Ian Jackson is an impressive offensive prospect for any team picking in the mid to late 20s. Jackson's minutes have fluctuated of late, but he's put up big numbers for UNC, including eight 20+ scoring games this season.

His shooting has been a big part of his game, with him drilling 40% of his 4.3 3-point attempts per game and also mixing in drives with a quick first step. He is also very aggressive in transition, either streaking out for threes or trying to barrel his way to the rim.

With the Clippers unable to rebuild through the draft, they should instead focus on getting a player who can contribute, and Jackson could end up being a solid contributor in the NBA.

30) Phoenix Suns (via Cleveland) Johni Broome

Last but not least, the Phoenix Suns wouldn't have had a pick in this year's draft had it not been for their decision to trade their 2031 first to the Oklahoma City Thunder. In exchange, they received three first-round picks, including Cleveland's selection. That is generally seen as a questionable move since it mortgages their future. After all, they are trying to build around a core that hasn't won much in their nearly two seasons together.

Worse yet, it seems as though these Suns are heading for a teardown, with Kevin Durant likely to be traded this summer, and they're almost certainly trying to move Bradley Beal as well. Nevertheless, they should jump at the opportunity to add a young prospect to a cheap long-term deal.

They have a couple of areas of need, including point guard with Tyus Jones only on a one-year contract and at center with only Nick Richards under contract through next season. As a result, they should take Johni Broome.

The Auburn center has put up impressive numbers even though he is consistently mocked to go in the late first-round. This is despite posting 18.4 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game. Those are terrific numbers, and he also showed solid court vision as a passer and just enough of a 3-point shot to make it seem possible that he could develop into a stretch five.

His age has been the biggest knock against him, with him turning 23 less than a month after the draft, making him a senior citizen in terms of the average draft age. Even so, that could work to his advantage with the Suns in need of ready-made players, and if they decide to give their core another try, then Broome would be a potential rotation player next season.