The 2025 NBA draft begins Wednesday in New York at Barclays Middle, with the Dallas Mavericks on the clock holding the No. 1 pick and the correct to pick Duke’s Cooper Flagg, the consensus top prospect.
There can be 59 picks over two rounds, with the draft being held throughout two nights for the second time ever.
Two massive questions heading into the draft: The place will Rutgers star Ace Bailey go if the Philadelphia 76ers go on him at No. 3? How will groups such because the Brooklyn Nets, who’ve 4 first-rounders, use their a number of picks to construct round their stars?
With insights and evaluation from ESPN draft specialists Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo, we offer you a one-stop store for every part you should know: occasions, places, draft order, prime prospects, rankings, mock drafts, stats and extra. Learn concerning the draft’s greatest gamers and what to anticipate this week.
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Dates, times, green room invites
Draft order | How good is this class?
Questions on Bailey, 2026, more
Top 100 rankings | Latest mock, intel
Top players by skill | Comps | 5 things to know
Spherical 1: Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET (ABC, ESPN and the ESPN app)
Spherical 2: Thursday at 8 p.m. ET (ESPN and the ESPN app)
5 extra gamers have acquired invites to attend the draft in New York and sit within the inexperienced room, including to the 19 prime prospects already invited beforehand.
Joan Beringer, Nique Clifford, Cedric Coward, Walter Clayton Jr. and Danny Wolf have been the third and remaining batch of gamers invited by the NBA league workplace to absorb the draft in New York Metropolis with their households. They be part of Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey, VJ Edgecombe, Tre Johnson, Khaman Maluach, Jeremiah Fears, Kon Knueppel, Kasparas Jakucionis, Egor Demin, Carter Bryant, Derik Queen, Asa Newell, Noa Essengue, Collin Murray-Boyles, Thomas Sorber, Liam McNeeley, Nolan Traore and Will Riley.
The inexperienced room is a staging space in entrance of the NBA draft podium the place gamers, their households and brokers await commissioner Adam Silver’s announcement of gamers’ names upon choice. Gamers are allowed to ask six folks to take a seat at their tables.
Receiving an invite is taken into account a optimistic signal for a participant’s draft inventory. Nevertheless, there have been situations of prospects falling to the second spherical whereas sitting within the inexperienced room, together with Johnny Furphy and Kyle Filipowski in 2024.
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Why there’s a number of uncertainty round Ace Bailey within the draft
Jonathan Givony and Brian Windhorst analyze the importance of Ace Bailey canceling his go to to the 76ers.
There can be 59 picks on this yr’s draft: 1-30 on the primary night time and the remainder on the second. The Mavericks had only a 1.8% likelihood to win the lottery and jumped 10 spots to seize the highest choose, the largest transfer by any crew in lottery historical past, in response to ESPN Analysis.
The Nets have probably the most picks with 5, together with 4 within the first spherical (Nos. 8, 19, 26, 27 and 36). Eight groups (Suns, Nets, Spurs, Wizards, Hawks, Thunder, Jazz and Pelicans) have a number of first-round picks. The Spurs are the one franchise with a number of lottery picks (No. 2 and No. 14).
The New York Knicks‘ second-round choose was rescinded by the NBA after an investigation into Jalen Brunson‘s free company signing in the summertime of 2022.
High 14 (lottery picks):
1. Dallas Mavericks
2. San Antonio Spurs
3. Philadelphia 76ers
4. Charlotte Hornets
5. Utah Jazz
6. Washington Wizards
7. New Orleans Pelicans
8. Brooklyn Nets
9. Toronto Raptors
10. Phoenix Suns (from HOU)
11. Portland Trail Blazers
12. Chicago Bulls
13. Atlanta Hawks (by way of SAC)
14. San Antonio Spurs (by way of ATL)
Extra: Draft assets for every team | Full draft order
How good is the 2025 draft class?
This class is powerful, led by a transparent franchise-caliber expertise on the prime, Cooper Flagg, adopted by a possible All-Star, Dylan Harper, at No. 2.
There’s some uncertainty after that, with a bunch of six gamers — VJ Edgecombe, Ace Bailey, Kon Knueppel, Tre Johnson, Jeremiah Fears and Khaman Maluach — anticipated to observe.
The primary spherical is taken into account deep, notably with wings and forwards prone to dominate a lot of the rest, interspersed with a handful of huge males and guards.
Traditionally, the very best gamers within the draft not often go in any particular order on the prime. NBA executives anticipate this pattern to proceed this yr, offering a chance for groups with elite expertise evaluators and intel gatherers to tell apart themselves from those who weren’t paying shut sufficient consideration in the course of the season and may simply change into distracted within the predraft course of.
The second spherical of this yr’s class took a big hit, as a minimum of 15 draftable gamers selected to not enter by the deadline or withdrew from consideration on the NCAA and worldwide deadlines. Although there’s expertise to be discovered within the first half of the second spherical, particularly within the 30s, many groups imagine the worth of their second-round picks has been severely diminished, even in contrast with final yr, which was not seen as a sturdy draft.
Monetary implications surrounding the wage cap and luxurious tax apron guidelines, which will heavily impact this summer, are prone to trigger quite a few trades each days. — Givony
Former Duke star Cooper Flagg, a 6-foot-9 ahead, has been thought-about the front-runner to be the highest choose within the draft since August 2023, when he introduced his resolution to graduate highschool a yr early and enroll in school as a 17-year-old.
Read ESPN’s coverage of the 18-year-old from Maine
The largest questions on this draft are…
Which crew will choose Bailey?
With Flagg and Harper seemingly locked in at Nos. 1 and a couple of, the actual intrigue begins at No. 3. The 76ers are coming off a difficult season going from championship contenders to one of many worst groups within the NBA (24-58), they usually face vital selections in a pivotal offseason.
Do the 76ers choose Edgecombe or Bailey, or do they commerce down a number of spots and attempt to higher place their wage books and choose up extra property?
Bailey canceled a visit to the 76ers, sources instructed ESPN. He was slated to fly to Philadelphia on Friday for dinner with the crew’s entrance workplace and a non-public exercise, however elected to cancel Wednesday, in response to the sources.
Bailey’s predraft technique has perplexed NBA groups over the previous month, as he’s presently the one U.S.-based prospect but to go to any golf equipment. He has declined invites from a number of groups in his draft vary, which is taken into account to be wherever from No. 3 to No. 8. Sources say Bailey’s camp has knowledgeable groups that they imagine he’s a top-three participant within the draft, but additionally that he seeks a transparent pathway to stardom, maybe feeling snug {that a} franchise will commerce as much as get him at Nos. 3 or 4 ought to he drop.
The Sixers haven’t dominated out choosing Bailey regardless of his refusal to go to, sources instructed ESPN.
Groups comparable to Washington, New Orleans and Brooklyn, drafting 6-7-8, are absolutely monitoring the scenario intently, as they’ve ample minutes and alternatives to supply, probably making them engaging to Bailey’s camp. — Givony and Shams Charania
How is the projected talent-rich prime of the 2026 draft affecting this yr’s, whether it is in any respect?
With 30 of the highest 40 picks within the draft concentrated within the palms of simply 12 groups, we’re anticipating vital motion on each nights of the draft as golf equipment look to place their books and preserve flexibility with roster spots, contract ensures and wage and luxurious tax concerns.
Early on, groups are reporting the marketplace for picks outdoors the highest 10 has proved to be softer than anticipated, with extra franchises open to transferring picks and gamers than ones on the lookout for them. The Indiana Pacers are swapping the No. 23 choice to reacquire subsequent yr’s first-rounder, giving them added flexibility this summer time to mixture extra picks in a much bigger commerce with out violating the NBA’s Stepien rule.
Issues can, and certain will, change on draft night time as soon as groups are on the clock and get to see who’s on the board at completely different slots.
Although the 2026 draft is loaded on the prime — with a number of potential franchise-caliber skills out there in Darryn Peterson, A.J. Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer and Nate Ament — groups nonetheless have loads to find out about the remainder of the lottery and first spherical, as this isn’t thought-about a very deep highschool senior class presently enrolling in school, nor probably the most thrilling (2007-born) group of worldwide gamers about to change into NBA draft eligible for the primary time.
With that stated, a big variety of gamers elected to both not enter this yr’s draft or withdrew on the deadline, including fairly a little bit of “older” depth within the school ranks that does not usually exist. Groups should weigh learn how to worth future picks with that in thoughts, one thing that has change into a three way partnership between conventional scouts, technique analysts and analytics departments. — Givony
The Nets have 5 picks inside the highest 40. How will they method this draft?
Brooklyn has been one of the lively groups within the lead-up to the draft out of necessity. With the No. 8, No. 19, No. 26, No. 27 and No. 36 picks, the Nets have the levers and the motivation to optimize their return on draft night time, contemplating it is unlikely they will roster 5 rookies subsequent season. They’re additionally the one crew with significant wage cap area, giving them optimum flexibility to not solely make their very own strikes, but additionally to facilitate issues for different groups.
What precisely which means for the Nets continues to be enjoying out in actual time behind the scenes. Can they mix their picks to maneuver up from No. 8? Do they choose at No. 8 and as an alternative attempt to transfer from No. 19 into the late lottery? Do they use each, after which look to commerce among the later picks? The variety of picks they’ve in several areas of the draft has allowed them to solid a large internet (no pun supposed) and convey within the majority of prospects for conferences and exercises.
It doesn’t matter what it finally does, Brooklyn is seen by participant brokers as a fascinating touchdown spot, as a result of developmental minutes it has out there that not many different groups can concretely provide. The Nets are trying by means of a long-term lens and prioritizing expertise over NBA readiness, with a powerful 2026 lottery class on the horizon earlier than they begin angling to flip the swap towards competing for the postseason. — Woo
How do the prospects rank?
For a full record of the highest 100 prospects (together with strengths and weaknesses), check out the complete rankings compiled by Givony and Woo.
Any suspense so far as Flagg was involved was put to relaxation on lottery night time, with the Mavericks shockingly successful the correct to pick him.
Anticipate Flagg to be up for the problem, as he has held down the highest spot on our draft board largely unchallenged, and continues to get higher at a powerful fee. He’ll be an impactful defender and versatile choice for Dallas instantly, with room to develop and improve his consolation as a scorer and playmaker over time. At this level, the query is extra about what heights he’ll finally attain, with a promising future awaiting.
ESPN’s prime 10 prospects:
1. Cooper Flagg, SF/PF, Duke
2. Dylan Harper, PG/SG, Rutgers
3. Ace Bailey, SG/SF, Rutgers
4. VJ Edgecombe, SG, Baylor
5. Tre Johnson, SG, Texas
6. Kon Knueppel, SG/SF, Duke
7. Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
8. Jeremiah Fears, PG, Oklahoma
9. Noa Essengue, PF, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)
10. Kasparas Jakucionis, PG, Illinois
Extra: Kevin Pelton’s top 30 prospects
Givony and Woo can be monitoring information and crew and participant info till the Mavericks go on the clock Wednesday, with this version of the mock draft present process updates till draft time, based mostly on our commander-in-chief intel.
Walter Clayton Jr.‘s touchdown spot?: Clayton has showcased his dynamic shotmaking in exercises and labored his manner up boards in a primary spherical that has formed up considerably gentle on level guard choices. Contemplating the Warmth’s want for a correct level guard and the way in which Clayton appears to suit their mould, this match is smart on paper.
Suns’ plans with their new choose at No. 10?: With the Suns desperately needing to improve their frontcourt — particularly after shedding their beginning energy ahead in Kevin Durant — Collin Murray-Boyles is probably going somebody the crew will think about closely in the event that they hold the choose.
Woo shares his record of the highest prospects based mostly on abilities and traits in 20 classes. Listed here are notable names who stand out:
Finest pull-up shooter: Ace Bailey, F, Rutgers
No participant on this draft class is extra harmful in a good window than Bailey, whose potential to rise and fireplace over defenders at troublesome angles and knock down robust photographs off the bounce make him a tantalizing scoring prospect.
Finest intangibles: Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
Maluach is anticipated to be the primary heart off the board due to his impression for Duke as considered one of school basketball’s premier paint deterrents, however his enchantment as an NBA prospect additionally has a lot to do with who he’s as an individual and what he’ll deliver to a locker room.
Finest rim protector: Joan Beringer, C, Cedevita Olimpija (Adriatic League)
Beringer’s draft inventory skyrocketed this season as scouts regularly made the journey to see him in Europe, as his wonderful defensive skills and shot-blocking chops at 18 years outdated have been on show.
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Joan Beringer’s NBA draft profile
Try among the highlights which have made Joan Beringer a prime NBA draft prospect.
The aim right here is not to attract an ideal comparability for every of the 14 projected lottery picks — we would be assured to be fallacious. This train serves as a lens to consider a prospect’s future position, study his vary of potential outcomes, and think about which areas of growth are most crucial to long-term success.
Listed here are a few notable comps and excerpts from Woo’s current story:
VJ Edgecombe, SG, Baylor
Excessive finish: Victor Oladipo
Low finish: Jaden Ivey
The elevator pitch with Edgecombe facilities largely across the risk that he develops right into a succesful on-ball creator, the place his velocity, energy and elite explosiveness might greatest create issues for defenses. Getting him the reps he must make that leap can be the 1st step wherever he lands, however the downhill, hyperathletic slashing mould he matches makes Oladipo a sound level of comparability.
Tre Johnson, SG, Texas
Excessive finish: Michael Redd
Low finish: Cam Thomas, however taller
Johnson is a reasonably easy prospect to grasp. He is probably going to shoot it effectively; he is in all probability going to shoot loads; and no matter else he finally ends up giving his future crew can be gravy, not essentially baked into their expectations. If Johnson can come near the kind of profession Redd put collectively (though Redd’s peak within the early 2000s was finally hampered by severe knee accidents in 2009), that will be a reasonably excellent outcome, and there are some comparable parts right here.
Extra: Flagg’s best NBA comps: Tatum, Pippen and Kawhi
ESPN Analysis: 5 issues to learn about this draft
1. Assuming they make the choose, the Mavericks will change into the fourth crew within the trendy draft period (since 1966) to make the No. 1 choose within the draft inside a yr of reaching the NBA Finals. The others: The Bulls gained the NBA Finals in 1998 and drafted Elton Model with the No. 1 choose in 1999. The Lakers gained the NBA Finals in 1982 and drafted James Worthy with the No. 1 choose in 1982. The Path Blazers gained the NBA Finals in 1977 and drafted Mychal Thompson with the No. 1 choose in 1978.
2. Flagg, who reclassified, can be 18 years and 186 days outdated on draft night time, making him the second-youngest No. 1 choose in draft historical past, behind LeBron James (18 years, 178 days outdated) in 2003. Additionally, Flagg will give Duke its fifth participant chosen first within the draft, probably the most prime picks of any college. The Blue Devils already had probably the most with 4: Elton Model (1999), Kyrie Irving (2011), Zion Williamson (2019), Paolo Banchero (2022).
3. Primarily based on ESPN’s latest mock draft, the primary eight picks are projected to be freshmen. If that occurs, it should mark probably the most consecutive freshmen chosen in a row at any level in a single draft. The earlier most got here in 2017, when the primary seven picks have been freshmen. In all, 12 of the 14 lottery picks are projected to be freshmen, which might set a file for many chosen within the lottery period. It might mark the third time double-digit freshmen have been picked within the lottery (11 in 2017 and 10 in 2018).
4. Kentucky doesn’t have a participant projected to go in Spherical 1, which might snap a streak of 15 consecutive drafts with a first-round choose, the longest within the trendy draft period (since 1966). The final time Kentucky did not have a participant chosen within the first spherical was in 2009, John Calipari’s remaining season at Memphis earlier than taking up at Kentucky. Cooper Flagg had but to show 3 years outdated.
5. Primarily based on ESPN’s latest mock draft, 5 Frenchmen are projected to be chosen within the first spherical (Joan Beringer, Noa Essengue, Nolan Traoré, Noah Penda and Stanford’s Maxime Raynaud). This comes one yr after 4 gamers representing France have been chosen within the 2024 draft, which tied Canada (2019) for probably the most gamers from a non-U.S. nation taken within the first spherical of a single draft. France has had a minimum of one participant chosen within the first spherical in every of the previous three NBA drafts, together with the previous two No. 1 picks.
Jonathan Givony is an NBA draft skilled and the founder and co-owner of DraftExpress.com, a non-public scouting and analytics service utilized by NBA, NCAA and worldwide groups.
Jeremy Woo is an NBA analyst specializing in prospect analysis and the draft. He was beforehand a employees author and draft insider at Sports activities Illustrated.