The 2025 NBA Draft class has been closely analyzed over the past year, with the spotlight primarily on top prospects. From the moment he reclassified to expedite his professional timeline, Cooper Flagg has been widely expected to be the No. 1 overall pick. Meanwhile, Rutgers’ Dylan Harper has solidified his position as the consensus No. 2 pick. The remaining lottery-caliber players have experienced a dynamic shuffle on the draft board, and now it's time for their moment in the spotlight.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have emerged as champions after beating the Indiana Pacers in the 2025 NBA Finals. The playoffs highlighted the significance of high-feel players, the importance of winning the possession battle, and the need for a versatile bench. These qualities will undoubtedly influence this year’s draft selections, making it an exciting time for teams as they prepare for the upcoming draft.
As the draft approaches, it becomes increasingly challenging to differentiate between genuine rumors and smoke screens. While the top of the first round appears to be stabilizing, several pivotal moments could shift the order. Recently, the Phoenix Suns acquired the No. 10 pick in a trade with the Houston Rockets involving Kevin Durant, adding another layer of intrigue to the draft landscape.
The 2025 NBA Draft is just around the corner, with the first round scheduled for Wednesday, June 25, followed by the second round on June 26. As the season concludes, it's time to delve into an updated mock draft and explore the most pressing questions surrounding the first round.
One of the most intriguing prospects is Ace Bailey, who was initially viewed as a front-runner for the No. 2 pick during the preseason. Despite a tumultuous freshman year at Rutgers, where the team struggled to secure an NCAA tournament bid, Bailey has remained a top-five prospect on various boards. His performance has been a mix of electrifying moments and glaring inefficiencies, leading to speculation about how far he might fall in the draft.
Bailey's decision to avoid private workouts, including canceling one with the Philadelphia 76ers, has raised eyebrows. According to ESPN’s Jon Givony, Bailey is looking for a clear path to stardom, aiming for a situation that offers ample minutes and usage. The Brooklyn Nets, with the No. 8 pick, are seen as a potential landing spot for him. However, the possibility remains that a team may trade up to secure him before then.
Another area of interest lies in three lower-probability prospects with significant star potential but equally concerning low-end outcomes: Khaman Maluach from Duke, Jeremiah Fears from Oklahoma, and Derik Queen from Maryland. All three are projected as lottery picks in this mock draft, with Queen being the most likely to experience a draft night slide.
Maluach, towering at over 7’2” with a 7’6” wingspan, has shown promise in interior scoring and defensive paint protection. However, his shooting and defensive skills need further development. His limited three-point shooting during his college career raises questions about his immediate NBA impact.
Fears, who showcased excellent ball-handling skills and speed, faces scrutiny regarding his shooting efficiency and turnover rate. His potential as a top-10 pick hinges on teams believing he can improve his strength and shooting consistency.
Queen, a powerful big man, possesses outstanding scoring capabilities but struggles defensively and as a consistent three-point shooter. His ability to drive to the basket makes him an exciting prospect, but teams will need to weigh his current defensive limitations.
In addition to top prospects, Collin Murray-Boyles from South Carolina has emerged as one of the best players in this draft class. Despite being an undersized big man, his work ethic and versatility have drawn attention. His potential landing spots include the Houston Rockets (No. 10), Chicago Bulls (No. 12), and Oklahoma City Thunder (No. 15).
The Phoenix Suns now face a critical decision with the No. 10 pick they acquired for Kevin Durant. The Suns need to capitalize on this opportunity, especially since they do not control their first-round pick until 2032. Candidates range from Collin Murray-Boyles, who would bolster their defense, to Derik Queen, who could offer significant scoring potential alongside Devin Booker.
The 2025 NBA Draft is set for June 25 at 8 p.m. ET, with the second round following on June 26. Fans can catch all the action on ESPN and Watch ESPN. Stay tuned for more updates and analyses as draft night approaches!
