The NBA playoffs are underway, meaning 14 teams are already starting their offseason. The 2025 NBA Draft features an especially deep class, with potential superstars and perennial All-NBA prospects throughout the lottery.
Let’s forecast all 30 picks for the first round. Note that for NCAA players, anyone can enter the draft but may still withdraw to preserve their college eligibility until June 15 at 5 p.m. ET. Therefore, the actual prospect pool that teams will be picking from is still evolving.
This 2025 NBA Mock Draft order is based on the NBA standings at the conclusion of the regular season. The actual order will be determined by the NBA Draft Lottery on May 12.
1) Utah Jazz
Cooper Flagg, Duke
The Utah Jazz ended up with the outright worst record at 17-65. That would have been a huge deal under the old lottery system, but all it means is that the Jazz can’t fall any lower than the No. 5 overall pick if four teams jump them in the lottery.
If Utah does get the first overall pick, you can bet Danny Ainge will run Cooper Flagg’s name to the podium. Ainge has always prioritized swinging for bigger stars rather than chasing play-in berths, and winning the Flagg Sweepstakes would validate that approach. Given that Flagg has drawn comparisons to Jayson Tatum, whom Ainge drafted for the Boston Celtics, getting the latest Duke superstar as Utah’s franchise player would be a fitting conclusion.
Flagg was every bit the five-tool player many expected at Duke. He averaged 18.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in the regular season. In his final game against Houston, Flagg led or co-led the Blue Devils in all five major categories (points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks). That’s the type of impact that only true NBA superstars like Nikola Jokic, Luka Dončić, and Giannis Antetokounmpo have. It’ll take time, but Flagg could easily be next in that lineage.
2) Washington Wizards
Dylan Harper, Rutgers
Bub Carrington’s buzzer-beater on the final day didn’t actually change the Washington Wizards’ odds to earn the first overall pick. The Wizards will still have a 14% chance of earning the top selection, but their lottery floor is now one pick lower at sixth overall.
If they stay at No. 2, Rutgers combo guard Dylan Harper would be a long-awaited replacement for what the franchise lost when John Wall and Bradley Beal moved on. Harper was a very effective scorer, pouring in 19.4 points per game for the Scarlet Knights as a freshman. Early on, he’ll likely lean on his athleticism, as he shot 48.4% from the field but just 33% from three-point range.
Harper would be the top overall pick in many drafts that didn’t include Flagg. His natural strength should make him one of the game’s deadliest drivers in the mold of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Ja Morant. That would provide an immediate boost to a Wizards team that ranked last in offensive efficiency this past season.
3) Charlotte Hornets
V.J. Edgecombe, Baylor
V.J. Edgecombe averaged 15.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game en route to Big 12 Freshman of the Year and All-Big 12 Second Team honors. The 6’5” Baylor wing plays bigger than his listed size due to an extremely high motor and outlier athleticism.
Edgecombe got better as the competition got stiffer, improving after a slow start to his freshman season. A gritty defender, Edgecombe ranked fourth in the Big 12 with 2.1 steals per game. As he develops his shot creation ability on offense, he should be an immediate source of on-ball pressure in the NBA, much like how Victor Oladipo’s career developed (prior to his devastating knee injuries).
The Charlotte Hornets have been a woeful defense for years, though they improved to 24th in defensive efficiency under first-year head coach Charles Lee. Edgecombe would be a nice complement to offense-first guard LaMelo Ball and give the Hornets a pair of freakishly athletic and long wings with Brandon Miller.
4) New Orleans Pelicans
Tre Johnson, Texas
The New Orleans Pelicans are at a crossroads after a stunning 21-61 disaster. Head coach Willie Green figures to be on a short leash with Joe Dumars calling the personnel shots now. Zion Williamson continued his pattern of alternating healthy seasons with virtually non-existent ones, which could leave the Pelicans searching for a new franchise player in short order.
Tre Johnson could be that player after leading Texas in minutes (34.7) and points (19.9) per game. Offense was his calling card in his freshman season, as he recorded 15 games with 20+ points. His shooting should project to the NBA right away, as Johnson shot 39.7% from deep on the season.
His shot selection will need better judgment in the NBA, and his lack of size is an imperfect fit considering the Pelicans are already a little undersized. However, Johnson would also make a pivot away from Williamson’s extremely unique playing style a little easier, giving New Orleans a higher floor when Zion isn’t available.
5) Philadelphia 76ers
Ace Bailey, Rutgers
While the Philadelphia 76ers were one of the NBA’s most disappointing teams in 2024-25, their reward could be a top-five pick. The Sixers have a 64% chance of keeping their pick, which would enable them to add to a very talented but injury-prone roster.
The other half of Rutgers’ freshman star duo, Ace Bailey, also had a tremendous season. He averaged 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game on 46% shooting. Bailey’s shot selection will need to improve as he adjusts to NBA defenders, but his ability to hit difficult shots could make him a cheat code in clutch situations and the playoffs, when the pace slows down to more of a halfcourt tempo.
The 6’10”, 200-pound Bailey is a smooth yet explosive athlete. That physical profile should immediately translate to Bailey providing value on defense. As his instincts improve, he should also improve upon the 1.3 blocks per game he averaged in college, serving as a plus rim protector who can’t be targeted in space by ball-handlers. That would be a welcome boon for a Sixers team that has had to work around Joel Embiid’s mobility limitations on defense for years.
6) Brooklyn Nets
Khaman Maluach, Duke
Few players have risen more than Khaman Maluach. The Duke freshman is 7’2″ and could serve as an elite rim protector while also possessing the mobility to switch and defend in space against ball-handlers. That could make him a perennial All-Defense member with the upside for more if his offense comes around.
Maluach does have a long way to go on that side of the court. Right now, he’s essentially a lob threat only, as he averaged 8.6 points per game and shot 4-for-16 from three for the season. The South Sudan native began playing basketball when he was 13, so he’ll need some patience with his development. However, he’s not as raw as his inexperience would suggest, and all of the physical pieces are in place for him to continue his rapid improvement.
Brooklyn is scheduled to hold four first-rounders and can afford to take some upside swings as the Nets search for their next foundational superstar. Maluach could also allow the Nets to trade Nic Claxton, given their similar skill sets, after Claxton regressed defensively and as a rebounder this season.
7) Toronto Raptors
Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma
Jeremiah Fears doesn’t turn 19 until October, which has him as a likely lottery pick after an impressive freshman season. The Sooners point guard averaged 17.1 points, 4.1 assists, and 4.1 rebounds, and had a 20-point effort in Oklahoma’s season-ending loss to UConn in the NCAA Tournament.
Fears is a crafty ball-handler who uses his quickness and sneaky strength to get downhill, make tough shots, and absorb contact. The 6’4″ guard is capable of lighting up the scoreboard on any given night. While young offense-first guards typically face a steep learning curve adjusting to pro defenders, Fears’ polished skill set gives him a chance to be a plus on that end of the court right away
His ability to get anywhere on the floor is also useful for setting up his teammates. Many of Fears’ assists in college came off drive-and-kicks, a staple for most three-point oriented offenses in the NBA. Immanuel Quickley’s injuries exposed the Raptors’ need for another primary ballhandler, as Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett were stretched in that role.
8) San Antonio Spurs
Kon Knueppel, Duke
Kon Knueppel won’t turn 20 years old until August, but already looks like a fairly polished prospect. The Duke wing should emerge as a lethal 3-point shooter fairly quickly, giving him a clear role in an NBA rotation.
During his lone season in college, Knueppel hit 40.6% of his 3s, while also sinking 91.4% of his free throws. Knueppel is a player who could threaten the 50/40/90 club during his prime, giving the San Antonio Spurs a sorely needed perimeter threat. The Spurs took 3s at the eighth-highest rate this past season, but ranked only 20th in three-point field goal percentage.
Knueppel also owns a 6’7″ frame, which allowed him to exceed expectations on the defensive end with the Blue Devils. The Spurs don’t necessarily need more size so long as Victor Wembanyama is healthy, but leaning into that team identity could make San Antonio even tougher to score on.
9) Houston Rockets (via PHX)
Derik Queen, Maryland
The Maryland big has seen his stock rise throughout the pre-draft process, to the point where Derik Queen could easily be a top-10 pick. At 6’10” and 246 pounds, Queen has an NBA-ready body for a big, along with advanced handles and a soft touch around the rim.
There are concerns about Queen’s interior defense, but his offense is ready to go. The freshman averaged 16.5 points and 9.0 rebounds per game, shooting 56% on 2-point field goal attempts. His jumper is in the early stages but showing signs of development, and he can at least move defensively so that he’s not a total mismatch on the perimeter against ball-handlers.
Queen is only 20 years old, so his combination of interior scoring and nose for rebounding should help him go in the lottery. The Rockets have been deadly with double-big lineups and would likely love a more sustainable long-term solution than Steven Adams to pair next to Alperen Şengün. While a Şengün-Queen duo would have defensive question marks, they would also allow Houston to continue destroying teams on the glass.
10) Portland Trail Blazers
Liam McNeeley, Connecticut
UConn wing Liam McNeeley will need more seasoning after shooting 38.1% from the field and 31.7% from 3 as a freshman. However, he actually profiles as a sniper from long range, and his 86.6% free-throw percentage is more indicative of what scouts expect his long-term shooting accuracy to look like.
McNeeley does have strong instincts as a passer, which should allow him to serve as a cog in a cohesive offense while his jumper smooths out. And at 6’7”, McNeeley would add a sorely needed wing-sized player to the Portland Trail Blazers’ roster, which mostly consists of smaller guards and true bigs.
The Blazers ranked 26th in 3-point field goal percentage (34.2%) and could use more perimeter threats. McNeeley may not reach that ceiling right away, but he’s worth an upside swing for the team that drafted his Huskies teammate Donovan Clingan a year earlier.
11) Dallas Mavericks
Jase Richardson, Michigan State
The son of 13-year NBA veteran Jason Richardson, Jase Richardson won’t win any Slam Dunk contests, but he was very effective for Michigan State nevertheless. The younger Richardson came on in the second half of the season and finished the year averaging 12.1 points per game on 49.3% shooting, including 41.2% from deep.
The younger Richardson is not as explosive, but he has a more well-rounded shot profile that his father didn’t discover until later in his career. As the season went on, Richardson shouldered more scoring responsibility, leading the Spartans in points in six of the team’s final eight games of the regular season as well as during the Sweet 16 win over Ole Miss.
His feel for the game is fairly advanced, which would give the Dallas Mavericks some desperately needed backcourt depth. The Mavs’ lack of ballhandling was exposed after Kyrie Irving’s torn ACL, and Richardson would likely see immediate minutes in the first half of 2025-26 while Irving recovers from his March injury.
12) Chicago Bulls
Kasparas Jakučionis, Illinois
The Chicago Bulls are about to pay out big extensions to their starting backcourt in Josh Giddey (a restricted free agent this summer) and Coby White (who is extension-eligible but will likely play it out for a bigger contract next summer). However, Kasparas Jakučionis complements that duo in a different way, with a higher 3-point ceiling and better size and versatility.
Jakučionis filled up the stat sheet at Illinois, averaging 15.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game. The 6’6″ combo guard handled a large offensive role for the Illini, which led to spates of turnovers and struggles from deep (31.8% from 3). However, he shot 84.5% from the free throw line, suggesting the potential for better accuracy from deep over time.
The Bulls could play Jakučionis either on- or off-ball, giving them different lineup possibilities with their other young guards. His unselfishness as a playmaker would also enable him to adapt to a lower-usage offensive role, at least at the beginning of his career.
13) Atlanta Hawks (via SAC)
Asa Newell, Georgia
Asa Newell averaged 15.4 points and 6.9 rebounds per game for Georgia this season, earning All-SEC Freshman honors. His 6’11” frame is even more enticing when realizing that his explosive athleticism is his biggest strength, giving him the potential to play above the rim on both offense and defense.
That translates to rebounding and defensive versatility right away. Newell had the third-highest offensive rebounding percentage in the SEC at 13.9% while also averaging a block per game. His jumper isn’t there yet, as he shot 29.2% on 3s, but his solid 74.8% free throw percentage hints at untapped potential there. Newell also improved as the year went on, shooting 34.2% from 3 over his final 11 games (up from 25.5% to start the year).
The Atlanta Hawks will get this pick from the Sacramento Kings barring a huge jump into the top four for the Kings, as it’s only top-12 protected. That would give Atlanta a pair of first-rounders after also getting the Los Angeles Lakers’ pick, a nice consolation prize for an otherwise disappointing season.
14) San Antonio Spurs (via ATL)
Nique Clifford, Colorado State
Nique Clifford is a versatile 6’6” wing who can defend multiple positions, making him an easy fit into the San Antonio Spurs’ frontcourt. Clifford’s defensive multiplicity is his biggest strength. He’s also a strong rebounder (9.6 boards per game last season at Colorado State) despite being a smaller wing.
However, Clifford’s most obvious calling card is his ability to score from everywhere. He averaged 18.9 points per game on 49.6% shooting for the Rams this past season, including 37.7% from 3 on nearly five attempts per game. He’s also made drastic improvements at the free-throw line, jumping from 53.2% two years ago to 77.7% this past season.
Clifford has checked every box you could ask for at the collegiate level. He’s an older prospect at 23 years old, which could keep him out of the lottery, but the Spurs would be happy to add a player who could be part of their wing rotation right away.
15) Oklahoma City Thunder (via MIA)
Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina
Thanks to the Miami Heat going from the 10 seed to the playoffs, their lottery-protected pick is headed to the team that’s as stacked as any in the Oklahoma City Thunder. With their unexpected extra first, the Thunder can take a skill offensive big in South Carolina’s Collin Murray-Boyles.
Murray-Boyles is a little undersized for the position at 6’8″. However, the Thunder with Chet Holmgren and a hellacious collection of defensive wings are well equipped to cover up for a smaller player in the frontcourt to take a swing on his offensive upside.
The South Carolina big possesses an advanced offensive feel and tenacity to do the dirty work on both ends of the floor. As a sophomore this season, Murray-Boyles averaged 16.8 points per game on 58.6% shooting, while also pulling down 8.3 rebounds per game.
His effort on defense led to lots of highlight plays, with 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks per game this past season. He hasn’t developed a three-point jumper yet, as he shot 26.5% from deep this season after attempting only five total 3s as a freshman. Even so, Murray-Boyles profiles as a strong complementary role player who can develop into a worthy depth piece behind Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein.
16) Orlando Magic
Chaz Lanier, Tennessee
Chaz Lanier was a starter for Tennessee this season after transferring from North Florida. The fifth-year senior guard will have a floor as a deadeye shooter in the NBA, as he hit 39.5% of his 3-pointers on 8.2 attempts per game. His 123 total 3-pointers led the SEC in 2024-25 and should translate immediately.
At 6’4”, the 23-year-old has the size of a ball-handler but plays more off-guard. Lanier hasn’t demonstrated great facilitation skills as a passer, topping out at 1.8 assists per game in 2023-24, but that could be explained by his team wanting to fully leverage his shooting as opposed to working on developing his NBA profile.
No team needs Lanier’s shooting more than the Orlando Magic, who took a step back this season. Injuries didn’t help, but the Magic’s 31.8% three-point percentage was also the worst by any team in the last nine seasons. Even though Lanier could be a fairly one-dimensional player in the NBA, that singular skill is incredibly valuable, particularly for an offensively-challenged team like Orlando.
17) Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET)
Egor Demin, BYU
Egor Demin’s positional versatility is his most enticing attribute. At 6’9″ and 190 pounds, the BYU standout is a massive point guard who leverages his size advantage for playmaking purposes. He demonstrates terrific ball-handling skills and vision for a player of his size, in the mold of what Josh Giddey was as a prospect.
Unfortunately, that comparison extends to Demin’s jumper. He shot just 27.3% from 3 and 69.5% from the free throw line this season, suggesting there isn’t necessarily much upside for improvement. And as much as his size helps him on defense, he struggles equally to create and get his shot off against similarly sized players on offense. To be fair, Demin isn’t a total offensive non-factor due to his ability to cut and finish around the rim, which enabled him to average 10.6 points per game for BYU this season.
Regardless, the Minnesota Timberwolves need an eventual successor to Mike Conley at point guard and would probably prefer a bigger option who is less of a target on defense. If he approaches his ceiling, Demin could provide a similar level of initiation on offense while being a much larger positive on defense.
18) Miami Heat (via GS)
Danny Wolf, Michigan
Danny Wolf is one of the more unique players in the draft. At 7’0″, the Michigan center possesses an unusually high level of ball-handling and passing skill for the position. He nearly averaged a double-double for the Wolverines this season with 13.2 PPG and 9.7 RPG, while adding just under four assists per game as one of the primary playmakers.
Wolf isn’t an efficient 3-point shooter (33.6% for his collegiate career), but he is a fluid athlete for his size. His footwork has allowed him to take step-back jumpers and beat defenders off the dribble, albeit while averaging 3.2 turnovers per game due to his lack of a polished handle.
The bigger issue is on defense, where Wolf’s lack of explosive athleticism hurts. Still, the Heat have a void at offensive creation with Jimmy Butler gone. Using the pick they got from the Golden State Warriors for Butler, Miami could take a shot at filling that need with the rare non-lottery pick with enough upside to handle that large of an offensive burden.
19) Washington Wizards (via MEM)
Will Riley, Illinois
Possessing an unorthodox skill set for a wing, Will Riley profiles as an excellent slash-and-kick player who can create off the dribble — both for himself and his teammates. He averaged 12.6 points per game for Illinois this season, with a strong assist-to-turnover ratio for a wing (roughly 2-to-1).
Riley is a streaky shooter whose overall numbers don’t appear particularly impressive (43.2% from the field, 32.6% from 3, and 72.4% from the free-throw line). Continuing to develop his game off the dribble will be key since his jumper currently isn’t reliable enough to be his only method of scoring on offense.
Riley also needs to add more weight, as his lanky frame (6’8″, 195 pounds) shows up on defense. Without the agility to stay in front of guards in space, Riley was also overpowered at times by wing-sized players. That will make him a target on that end of the floor early in his career, though physical maturation could help in that regard.
20) Brooklyn Nets (via MIL)
Carter Bryant, Arizona
An oversized guard at 6’8″ and 225 pounds, Carter Bryant represents the type of rangy athlete that can replace what the Nets traded away in Mikal Bridges. Early on, Bryant should serve as an impactful defender who can make plays off the ball on offense.
Bryant played just under 20 minutes per game as a bench player for Arizona this season. His very low usage translated to just 6.5 points per game. However, he also garnered 4.1 rebounds per game while shooting 37.1% from three, suggesting upside to develop into a desirable 3-and-D wing.
21) Utah Jazz (via MIN)
Nolan Traore, France
One of the youngest prospects in the draft, 18-year-old Nolan Traore will need some time to develop. However, he’s already 6’4″ and an effective playmaker, which gives him the type of upside that could eventually make for a lethal two-man game with Cooper Flagg (who the Jazz picked first overall in this scenario).
Traore has a lethal first step and terrific speed, which enables him to get to the rim at a high rate for a young player. His jumper does need significant improvement, as he shot just 37% from the field and 26.9% from 3 this season for Saint-Quentin in LNB Elite (France’s top basketball league).
However, the good news is that he improved his free-throw percentage from 60.7% last year to 73.7% this season, a massive leap that suggests some overall shooting improvement is on the horizon. Traore would almost certainly need some G League time to further develop his passing instincts. However, anyone with his combination of size and explosive athleticism as a teenager is likely going to end up in the first round, with the early-20s looking like his floor.
22) Atlanta Hawks (via LAL)
Noa Essengue, France
With their second first-rounder, the Hawks can afford to take a home run swing. Noa Essengue may end up as the youngest player available when the prospect pool is finalized, as he’ll be 18 years old until December. A bundle of athleticism, Essengue has a slight 6’9” frame, but his energy and versatility fit the mold of a potential rotation piece.
Essengue is still developing his ballhandling, which is in its infancy and hampers his ability to score or create reliably. And yet, his raw athleticism still led to a very respectable 12.4 points per game and 5.3 rebounds per game for Ratiopharm Ulm in EuroCup play this season. Also, Essengue got to the line 5.6 times per game, an impressive total for such a young player.
He’ll need to smooth out his jumper after shooting only 29.4% on 3s while fewer than two a game. Regardless, his size and defensive versatility give him a decent floor while he smooths out the rough edges in his game. The Hawks have collected a nice bundle of highly athletic 3-and-D wings, and Essengue could be their latest addition to that collection.
23) Indiana Pacers
Thomas Sorber, Georgetown
Thomas Sorber missed the last month of the season for Georgetown after a foot injury, which is always a red flag for a big. As such, Sorber’s medicals will likely determine whether he’s a first-round pick.
If those come back clean, the 6’10”, 255-pounder offers plenty of upside on both ends of the court. As a freshman this past season, Sorber averaged 14.5 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 2.0 BPG, and 1.5 SPG for the Hoyas. Sorber’s post-centric game isn’t the cleanest fit in the NBA, but he also demonstrates promising passing skills. His disruptiveness on defense is a huge asset and should also help keep him on the floor.
The Indiana Pacers could lose Myles Turner in free agency this year, particularly if they remain unwilling to dip into the tax. Sorber could at least replicate some of Turner’s rim protection while supplying improved rebounding.
He’s not a shooter at all yet, which would be a big blow, but Turner wasn’t a 3-point merchant at the beginning of his career either. Sorber’s willingness to work on his jumper at Georgetown was encouraging and could raise his ceiling if it ever comes around.
24) Orlando Magic (via DEN)
Isaiah Evans, Duke
A member of Duke’s much-ballyhooed freshman class, Isaiah Evans didn’t quite live up to expectations. That could lead to a second season at Durham, but Evans is still a fringe first-rounder due to his high school profile, which suggests untapped scoring upside.
Evans played fewer than 14 minutes per game for the Blue Devils this season, averaging only 6.8 points per game. He was essentially out of the rotation during the NCAA Tournament, playing fewer than 10 minutes in every game except for the Round of 64 game against 16-seed Mount St. Mary’s. Still, even in his very limited playing time, Evans shot 41.6% from 3, and he could thrive as a bench scorer in the NBA.
The Magic could afford to take a chance on that development with this late first-round pick, the final piece of the Aaron Gordon trade. While the 6’6” Evans isn’t projected to provide much beyond scoring, that’s exactly what Orlando needs.
25) Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC)
Bogoljub Markovic, Serbia
No team is more likely to take a draft-and-stash player than the Oklahoma City Thunder. The 68-win Thunder have the most stacked rotation in the NBA, and even a seasoned college vet is highly unlikely to contribute to Oklahoma City in the short term.
That makes a prospect like 19-year-old Bogoljub Markovic a decent upside swing for OKC. At 6’11” and 195 pounds, Markovic badly needs to add mass to his frame, but he possesses incredible shooting and ball-handling skills for a young center. Playing for KK Mega Basket in Serbia, Markovic averaged 13.8 points per game and 6.7 rebounds per game on 53.4% shooting, including 39.7% from 3 (albeit on fewer than three attempts per game).
His wiry frame and precocious offensive skill are reminiscent of Aleksej Pokusevski, a first-rounder from 2020. While Poku never panned out for the Thunder, that doesn’t mean the home-run swing was a bad one for Sam Presti to take. Markovic would represent another shot at an extremely raw big with massive upside, except this time, Oklahoma City can wait far longer to see if he develops into an NBA-ready rotation player.
26) Brooklyn Nets (via NY)
Noah Penda, France
French forward Noah Penda would be a potential draft-and-stash option, as the Nets aren’t likely to roster all four of their first-round picks right away. Vision is Penda’s best trait, as he is an excellent passer who was a secondary playmaker for Le Mans in the French League despite being only 20 years old. He showed more scoring ability than most teenagers, averaging 10 points per game.
Penda does need to improve his efficiency, as he shot just 43% on field goals and 29% on 3s. However, he profiles as a solid role player due to his effort on defense and on the boards. He plays without much ego on offense, setting screens and cutting off-ball. His 75.3% free-throw percentage suggests there’s projectable improvement with his jumper, which could pay off in a couple of years as he matures.
27) Brooklyn Nets (via HOU)
Rasheer Fleming, St. Joseph’s
Rasheer Fleming showed promise as a scoring big for St. Joseph’s. He averaged 14.7 points per game on an impressive 39% from deep during his junior season, a meaningful jump from his 32.4% 3-point shooting percentage last season.
Defensively, his motor allows him to win on the glass, as he averaged 8.5 rebounds per game this season and 1.5 blocks per game each of the past two seasons. He won’t create much for his teammates (just 1.0 assist per game for his career), so a role as an energy big who can score for bench units might be his best utilization.
At 6’9″ and 220 pounds, Fleming isn’t a pure center, but he can play in the frontcourt next to a bigger, defense-first big. In this mock, Brooklyn took Duke big Khaman Malauch with their first pick, and Fleming would be a very logical frontcourt pairing with the defense-first Blue Devils center.
28) Boston Celtics
Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton
A year after taking Creighton fifth-year senior Baylor Scheierman, could the Boston Celtics repeat the process with his Bluejays teammate Ryan Kalkbrenner?
The four-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year will immediately be a plus rim protector in the NBA. At 7’1″, Kalkbrenner blocked 399 shots during his five-year collegiate career, an average of 2.4 per game. More impressively, he never fouled out in 169 college games, demonstrating remarkable timing, basketball IQ, and body control.
The Creighton center also improved offensively, increasing his scoring average in all five seasons and topping out at 19.2 PPG in 2024-25. That may not translate directly to the NBA since he feasted on a heavy diet of post-ups. However, he did improve his 3-point percentage from 29.6% last year to 34.4% this season (albeit still on a low volume of attempts at 1.7 per game).
Luke Kornet has been a valuable reserve big for the Celtics this season, but he has also likely priced himself out of Boston as he hits unrestricted free agency. Kalkbrenner would effectively be a one-for-one replacement, helping replace some of Kornet’s rebounding and rim protection (while also bringing some of the same limitations in terms of mobility in space).
29) Phoenix Suns (via CLE)
Boogie Fland, Arkansas
Boogie Fland is a freshman guard who is flying under the radar after missing roughly two months due to right thumb surgery. Fland was a non-factor in the NCAA Tournament during Arkansas’ Sweet 16 run, but that’s not a huge surprise after such an extended absence.
When he was healthy, Fland was a reliable offensive playmaker. During the regular season, he averaged 13.5 points, 5.1 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game. His usage led to some ugly shots and an unsightly 37.9% field goal percentage, but he also shot 34% from deep and better than 83% from the line, suggesting better accuracy should come with a smaller role.
The issues will come on defense, where his size (6’2”, 210 pounds) will make Fland a liability. However, the Phoenix Suns won’t have a true point guard if Tyus Jones leaves in free agency, and could need more offensive creation if Kevin Durant is traded as expected. Fland could therefore fill an immediate hole on the depth chart.
30) Los Angeles Clippers (via OKC)
Walter Clayton Jr., Florida
The Los Angeles Clippers are picking at the end of the first round because of a pick swap with the 68-win Thunder. That trade didn’t turn into the disaster many expected in the preseason, but the Clippers need to hit on an immediate contributor if they’re to win with an aging core.
Enter Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr., who doesn’t need any introduction. The reigning Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Tournament was a consensus First Team All-American for the national champs. Clayton can immediately contribute on offense after averaging 18.3 points per game on 44.8% shooting (including 38.6% from 3) while also dishing out 4.2 assists per game.
He’s not an asset on defense, and his lack of above-the-rim athleticism likely limits his ceiling. But for a Clippers team that has always sought to remain relevant since Steve Ballmer became governor, Clayton would represent an immediate rotation piece who can inject some life off the bench and take some of the scoring load off of Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and Norman Powell (all of whom will be 32 or older next season).
