2025 NBA mock draft: Debating 30 Spherical 1 picks, want, worth

Our NBA mock drafts lean closely on intel to make projections for the gamers and the 30 groups. This mock draft, with Cooper Flagg because the projected No. 1 decide, is not just like the others.

As a substitute, ESPN draft analysts Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo explored the primary spherical of the 2025 NBA draft from two differing views: choosing for crew want versus drafting for finest accessible.

How would groups strategy this yr’s draft in the event that they had been choosing with their largest wants for the upcoming season on the forefront? How may that strategy change in the event that they had been trying to extract essentially the most worth for his or her decide in selecting the right participant accessible, no matter match?

This mock draft is not what we venture every NBA crew will do, but it surely’s a helpful method to consider the draft, its eligible gamers and the way entrance workplaces is perhaps pondering by it because the two-day occasion attracts nearer (June 25-26, 8 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN).

Givony drafted gamers for every crew by prioritizing want, whereas Woo chosen gamers matched with groups angling for worth. This is the way it labored out:

Extra NBA draft protection:
Trade offers for No. 1 | Lottery pick comps
Mock draft: Flagg to the Mavs and more
Draft assets | Top 100 rankings | Pelton’s top 30

First spherical

Givony’s decide that fills the largest want:
Cooper Flagg, SF/PF, Duke, Freshman | TS%: 60.0

With the Mavericks’ three finest gamers all of their 30s and possessing critical harm historical past, with the ability to add an 18-year-old Energizer Bunny reminiscent of Flagg is a godsend. He tasks as an 82-game participant who brings nonstop depth to each observe and possession he’s concerned in, a power in transition and on protection, whose fast enchancment as a ball handler and shooter will proceed to be tapped into extensively because the Mavs are brief on shot creation in the meanwhile.

Maybe extra importantly, Flagg’s addition can be a welcome page-turner for the Mavs’ entrance workplace after the exiling of franchise stalwart Luka Doncic, giving the fan base a real younger star to gravitate towards, with precisely the type of off-court habits and defensive mentality the entrance workplace mentioned it covets in its rationalization for why it determined to commerce the longer term Corridor of Famer.

Woo’s decide that will get the perfect worth: Flagg

Irrespective of which crew gained the lottery, Flagg was all the time going to be the No. 1 decide. Worth on the high of the draft is relative to who’s accessible — you are merely concentrating on the perfect prospect — but it surely’s value noting that Flagg profiles as a No. 1-worthy participant in practically any draft.

His distinctive season at Duke was backed up by statistics and by the attention take a look at, pointing to the actual likelihood he may turn into a franchise-caliber participant in Dallas. His versatile affect on each ends of the ground coupled with robust intangibles provides Flagg a terrific baseline as he develops in years to come back. There isn’t any higher — or safer — star guess on this draft.

---

Givony’s decide that fills the largest want:
Kon Knueppel, SG/SF, Duke, Freshman | TS%: 64.8

Surrounding Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox with high-feel, dynamic perimeter shooters is a significant precedence for the entrance workplace this offseason, and no participant on this draft matches that bit higher than Knueppel. He is the draft’s finest shooter, able to capturing off motion coming off screens, but in addition is a stable defender and playmaker who performs a selfless, extremely aggressive type.

He was completely satisfied to play second fiddle to Flagg, his teammate and rising celebrity this season, making him a really perfect match to pair with a future MVP candidate reminiscent of Wembanyama.

Woo’s decide that will get the perfect worth:
Dylan Harper, PG/SG, Rutgers, Freshman | TS%: 59.3

Harper settled in because the consensus No. 2 prospect round midseason, along with his flashes of main playmaking expertise elevating him because the strongest choice after Flagg. Resulting from that perceived upside as a jumbo ball handler who can create offense for himself and others, Harper separated himself — to the extent that even the Spurs, who have already got Fox and Citadel of their backcourt, are more likely to spend money on his talent set and will wait to determine the query of on-court match later.

There are different prospects who may fill roster wants extra neatly, however the largest worth swing right here is Harper.

---

Givony’s decide that fills the largest want:
Airious “Ace” Bailey, SG/SF, Rutgers, Freshman | TS%: 54.0

Bailey appears to be like as if he’d be a seamless match for the 76ers’ roster, in a position to slide between the capturing guard and energy ahead positions in quite a lot of lineup configurations alongside the likes of Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain, Quentin Grimes, Paul George and Kelly Oubre Jr.

The Sixers want a star-level wing to emerge and finally surpass George and his gaudy contract, which appears to be like more and more unlikely to age nicely over the following three years. His dimension, shotmaking prowess and depth give Bailey important upside to develop into at 18 years previous.

Woo’s decide that will get the perfect worth:
VJ Edgecombe, SG, Baylor, Freshman | TS%: 56.1

Edgecombe has made a robust case because the third-best prospect on this draft: Groups love his mixture of total athleticism and downhill slashing capability and see main upside as he grows extra snug making performs with the ball in his arms. I might additionally make the argument that he presents the perfect mixture of upside and ground at this spot within the draft. His proponents across the league see star potential.

Whereas Edgecombe won’t be the cleanest match on paper contemplating Philadelphia’s backcourt state of affairs, there isn’t any one participant anticipated to be accessible at No. 3 who considerably alters the Sixers’ outlook for subsequent season. I view him as the perfect guess right here by a long-term lens.

---

Givony’s decide that fills the largest want: Harper

Harper slides to No. 4 on this state of affairs, as each the Spurs (Fox/Citadel) and Sixers (Maxey/McCain) don’t have any main wants within the backcourt and would maybe look to different positions if fielding a roster from that lens had been the one concern.

The Hornets would certainly love so as to add Harper’s downhill driving, foul-drawing and powerful inside ending prowess to a giant backcourt with a 6-foot-7 LaMelo Ball, who is extremely able to enjoying alongside one other shot creator.

Woo’s decide that will get the perfect worth: Knueppel

Knueppel has an actual likelihood of listening to his identify known as among the many high 5 on draft night time, with groups contemplating his rapid on-court utility and the long-term room to flesh out his offensive sport. Knueppel’s wonderful perimeter capturing and measured type as a playmaker can be a robust addition for the Hornets, along with his presence probably useful to take stress off of Ball and Brandon Miller.

Whereas there is a case for Bailey’s upside being tough to go up right here, Knueppel arguably has a greater likelihood to succeed in his full potential with the Hornets and represents the worth play if each are on the board. It is a good illustration of how the variable of crew match can — and may — issue into the matter of situational worth.

---

Givony’s decide that fills the largest want: Edgecombe

With Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson each getting into the ultimate years of their contracts, there is a want for the Jazz on the capturing guard place, and presumably at level guard relying on how new lead decision-maker Austin Ainge feels about Keyonte George and Isaiah Collier in the long run.

Enter Edgecombe, essentially the most explosive guard prospect on this draft, who possesses the kind of star upside the Jazz presently lack of their backcourt. Edgecombe confirmed critical flashes of potential as a lead ball handler ultimately summer season’s FIBA Olympic qualifying match with the Bahamas nationwide crew, and he has lengthy considered the purpose guard place as his pure touchdown spot long-term.

Woo’s decide that will get the perfect worth: Bailey

This is the place Bailey turns into a really robust worth play: Utah would nonetheless get to snag a participant with wonderful upside regardless of its decide falling to No. 5 on lottery night time. Bailey’s shotmaking prowess is in contrast to that of another participant within the class, giving him important room to develop into a high quality scorer.

The disadvantage is that Bailey is uncooked sufficient in different areas that choosing him and getting essentially the most out of him goes to require the factor of time, one thing not each crew can afford. Though the Jazz is perhaps dropping persistence with their present tank, they nonetheless have to make this decide with a long-term lens in thoughts. Bailey is the kind of expertise who might help change their circumstances if issues click on for him — a dive value taking at No. 5.

---

Givony’s decide that fills the largest want:
Khaman Maluach, C, Duke, Freshman | TS%: 74.7

Alex Sarr has lengthy fancied himself extra of an influence ahead than a middle, capturing greater than 5 3-pointers per sport final season whereas persevering with to publish pedestrian defensive rebounding numbers, as he has for a lot of his profession.

Enter Maluach, a real heart at 7-2 who tasks as a defensive anchor within the paint, giving the Wizards one other long-armed huge man to play behind or with Sarr in the kind of twin-tower lineups which might be changing into more and more en vogue within the NBA (suppose the Cleveland Cavaliers).

Woo’s decide that will get the perfect worth: Maluach

Because the consensus high defensive huge man within the class, Maluach can be a robust addition most anyplace, though groups with younger facilities in place may see extra worth in going a special path.

The Wizards, working with the good thing about time as they rebuild, may contemplate the advantages of a super-sized defensive entrance line pairing Maluach with the extra agile Sarr on the 4.

---

Givony’s decide that fills the largest want:
Tre Johnson, SG, Texas, Freshman | TS%: 56.1

With CJ McCollum, 34, getting into the ultimate yr of his contract, it is sensible to begin eager about his successor. The Pelicans had been one of many worst capturing groups within the NBA final season, they usually offloaded considered one of their major shot creators in Brandon Ingram on the February commerce deadline, making a particular void on the wing.

Enter former Longhorn Johnson, an aggressive, dynamic shotmaker who places nonstop stress on opposing defenses along with his insatiable starvation to attain. His serious-minded strategy would slot in nicely on this Pelicans roster, and there are sufficient prolonged defenders to assist compensate for a few of his shortcomings in that division.

Woo’s decide that will get the perfect worth:
Jeremiah Fears, PG, Oklahoma, Freshman | TS%: 57.0

When swinging for upside early within the draft, Fears is the kind of expertise I might have a tough time letting fall too far. His playmaking instincts and talent to get downhill can put main stress on defenses, and he is so early in his growth that there is time and room for his leap shot to come back round.

Whereas Fears is unlikely to be a direct high-impact addition in a successful context, his talent set is value investing in early, notably for a crew reminiscent of New Orleans that would use a long-term start line guard.

---

Givony’s decide that fills the largest want: Fears

The Nets haven’t got a degree guard on their roster, biking by the likes of D’Angelo Russell (free agent), Dennis Schroder (traded), Ben Simmons (waived), Killian Hayes and others as a part of their 26-56 season. Ought to Fears fall, selecting him right here at No. 8 looks as if a no brainer, as he has one of many highest ceilings of any prospect on this draft, flashing critical star energy in his lone season at Oklahoma.

Simply kicking off their rebuilding course of this season, the Nets certainly have their eyes on the glowing high of the 2026 NBA draft, so dwelling by the rising pains of an 18-year-old rookie level guard won’t be that daunting with a few of the star gamers who might be accessible on the opposite finish of one other dropping season.

Woo’s decide that will get the perfect worth: Johnson

Johnson’s knack for bucket-getting makes him nicely value a swing within the high 10. Whereas I’ve some reservations about his type of play, if a crew can get Johnson to purchase in and share the ball, his capturing capability may pay actual dividends.

The Nets have sufficient photographs to go round subsequent season that this example is sensible, and that is the place I might goal Johnson, after the opposite top-scoring wing prospects are off the board.

---

Givony’s decide that fills the largest want:
Derik Queen, C, Maryland, Freshman | TS%: 60.0

It is arduous to see the place a rookie guard, wing or ahead would match into the Raptors’ depth chart as presently constructed, because the crew has no less than eight gamers vying for minutes at these positions. The state of affairs on the inside appears to be like much more unsure, with Jakob Poeltl getting into the ultimate assured yr of his contract and possessing a participant choice in 2026-27.

Enter Queen, essentially the most expert huge man on this draft, able to scoring dealing with the basket or along with his again to it, with spectacular passing capability in addition. His capturing will probably want to enhance for him to function successfully alongside Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram, however he brings one thing to this roster that the Raptors do not presently possess, with upside to develop into if his conditioning improves.

Woo’s decide that will get the perfect worth: Queen

The No. 9 spot is the place the draft begins to flatten out a bit valuewise; this subsequent group of prospects is a little more eye-of-the-beholder, they usually deliver very totally different talent units to the desk.

For a crew such because the Raptors, the place there is not essentially an ideal match on the board right here, this spot might be one to easily swing on expertise. Queen is essentially the most offensively gifted huge man within the class, and though he has a number of areas for enchancment, notably as a defender, Toronto has room to develop expertise up entrance and will definitely justify a swing right here.

---

Givony’s decide that fills the largest want:
Kasparas Jakucionis, PG, Illinois, Freshman | TS%: 59.8

Recent off an impressive season ending with the NBA’s fourth-best file (52-30) and flush with younger expertise all through the roster, it is arduous to level to particular wants for the Rockets, apart from maybe Steven Adams‘ impending free company or Fred VanVleet‘s crew choice.

Jakucionis has the scale, body and size to play any of the backcourt positions alongside the likes of Reed Sheppard and Amen Thompson, with shotmaking prowess and a robust really feel for the sport in addition, and upside to develop into at 19 years previous.

Woo’s decide that will get the perfect worth:
Collin Murray-Boyles, PF/C, South Carolina, Sophomore | TS%: 64.0

The Rockets are in a lucky place holding the Suns’ decide at No. 10, with depth throughout the roster and with out main personnel wants. If something, there might be worth in buying and selling it to improve the crew elsewhere.

But when we’re taking a look at this from a best-available lens, Murray-Boyles is a robust candidate, bringing a various role-player instrument equipment that makes a number of sense as a price add for Houston, a company that may probably respect his robust analytic profile because it tasks out.

---

Givony’s decide that fills the largest want:
Egor Demin, PG/SG, BYU, Freshman | TS%: 51.3

The Path Blazers do not seem to have any rapid wants that may be stuffed with a participant drafted on this vary, however they is perhaps intrigued with the thought of including a giant playmaking guard reminiscent of Demin, who has the scale and flexibility to play on or off the ball, can slide throughout totally different positions and may develop alongside Portland’s younger core long run.

Woo’s decide that will get the perfect worth: Jakucionis

Jakucionis is without doubt one of the craftiest playmakers on this draft, and that degree of imaginative and prescient, coupled along with his capability to play each guard positions and room to develop as a shooter, makes him a great guess to settle in as a helpful backcourt choice within the execs.

He is drawing curiosity increased than the No. 11 decide because of this. His versatility and unselfishness make him a robust choice on this vary of the draft, and he is a participant who would improve the Blazers’ guard group.

---

Givony’s decide that fills the largest want: Murray-Boyles

The Bulls haven’t got a lot in the best way of long-term keepers within the huge man division, with Nikola Vucevic, 35, a candidate to be traded and getting into the ultimate yr of his contract.

They might definitely stand so as to add some defensive versatility within the frontcourt, one thing Murray-Boyles brings in abundance. His playmaking capability is a giant a part of his attraction, as is what he brings off the courtroom along with his toughness and unselfishness.

Woo’s decide that will get the perfect worth:
Noa Essengue, PF, Ratiopharm Ulm, Germany | TS%: 61.1

Essengue’s robust current play has helped solidify him as a lottery candidate — his dimension, mobility and enhancing motor make him an intriguing guess on this vary of the draft. Whereas there’s some developmental threat baked in, his productiveness this season has been a robust constructive indicator. Including an 18-year-old participant along with his sort of instruments and beneficial mould makes for a robust proposition within the late lottery.

For the Bulls, this may be a sound upside play, with a giant swing on a flexible prospect making sense as they try and work their method out of the center of the Jap Convention pack.

---

Givony’s decide that fills the largest want:
Joan Beringer, C, Cedevita Olimpija, Adriatic | TS%: 61.5

With part-time starter Clint Capela, 31, getting into free company, the Hawks will probably want so as to add one other huge man to the frontcourt to assist Onyeka Okongwu, who performed a whopping 50 minutes of their ultimate sport of the season.

Enter Beringer, a extremely intriguing long-term prospect who boasts excellent bodily instruments, defensive versatility and shot-blocking prowess. The 18-year-old will want time to fill out his body and acquire expertise, however he has the kind of size, mobility and timing that is not simple to come back by.

Woo’s decide that will get the perfect worth: Demin

The opportunity of including an offensive expertise reminiscent of Demin this late within the draft needs to be interesting to any crew no matter want: Ball handlers along with his dimension and passing imaginative and prescient are uncommon, giving him an opportunity to listen to his identify known as increased than this.

If Demin’s leap shot comes round, it ought to open up a pathway for him to earn a giant function as a tall facilitator on the perimeter. The Hawks do not essentially want a participant in his mould, however the expertise is definitely value an extended look regardless.

---

Givony’s decide that fills the largest want:
Carter Bryant, SF/PF, Arizona, Freshman | TS%: 59.9

After including a wing shooter in Knueppel with their first decide, the Spurs may goal a ahead who additionally brings ground spacing with their second lottery decide as nicely in Bryant.

His 7-foot wingspan, spectacular body, defensive versatility, perimeter capturing and off-court intangibles would complement the opposite younger gamers the Spurs have assembled.

Woo’s decide that will get the perfect worth: Bryant

Bryant’s inventory has crested on this late-lottery vary, with NBA groups bullish on his probabilities of changing into a dependable 3-and-D wing. These kinds of gamers, notably in the event that they earn NBA minutes on their rookie contracts, are beneficial on any crew in practically any context — and there aren’t all that lots of them on this draft class.

Whereas Bryant wants some seasoning earlier than changing into a high-impact participant, he is sensible as a precedence addition for groups with playoff aspirations such because the Spurs.

---

Givony’s decide that fills the largest want: Essengue

On a crew that legitimately goes 12 deep, not even accounting for 2024 lottery decide Nikola Topic, who redshirted this season whereas recovering from knee surgical procedure, it will not be simple for any rookie to see the ground subsequent season.

Essengue’s size, mobility and defensive versatility sliding all around the courtroom is perhaps a match made in heaven with the best way the Thunder terrorize opponents on and off the ball and generate turnovers in bunches. Changing into a extra dependable perimeter shooter might be key for him getting on the courtroom early in his NBA profession, however Essengue has been discovering methods to supply regardless, enjoying at a fairly excessive degree for an 18-year-old and demonstrating his important long-term upside to faucet into.

Woo’s decide that will get the perfect worth: Beringer

If there’s one crew that may clearly prioritize worth above all else, it is the Thunder, who haven’t solely the league’s deepest roster however are nonetheless loaded with future draft capital to maintain including to that group and reloading.

Beringer’s robust upside as a rim-running, defensive-minded heart has made him a goal for groups on this vary of the draft, and his lack of expertise is much less of a priority on a crew like Oklahoma Metropolis that would not want him to play instantly.

---

Givony’s decide that fills the largest want:
Jase Richardson, PG/SG, Michigan State, Freshman | TS%: 63.2

The Magic want capturing within the worst method but in addition noticed their lack of backcourt depth uncovered with the season-ending harm to Jalen Suggs, which compelled them to begin journeyman Cory Joseph, 33, within the playoffs.

Enter Richardson, a 41% 3-point shooter who brings wonderful defensive depth and a robust understanding of who he’s as a participant, making him very nicely suited to function off the star energy of franchise stalwarts Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero.

Woo’s decide that will get the perfect worth:
Will Riley, SG/SF, Illinois, Freshman | TS%: 53.8

This spot at No. 16 is round the place the following tier of the draft opens up. I am personally bullish on Riley’s long-term upside and would guess on him right here within the teenagers, as wings along with his sort of dimension, really feel and capturing potential aren’t all the time simple to search out exterior the lottery.

This is able to be a developmental decide for the Magic, and Orlando’s want for capturing provides to Riley’s case at this spot.

---

Givony’s decide that fills the largest want:
Danny Wolf, PF, Michigan, Junior | TS%: 56.6

The Timberwolves are dealing with appreciable uncertainty within the frontcourt this offseason, with each Julius Randle and Naz Reid, who averaged a mixed 60 minutes per sport, possessing participant choices of their contracts, permitting them to doubtlessly discover free company this summer season. With each of these conditions more likely to come to a head after the draft, including a giant man with this decide is sensible as an insurance coverage coverage, as retaining each huge males may show too expensive.

Wolf has the scale and flexibility to play both big-man spot, like he did at Michigan, and needs to be extra able to contribute than most rookies at 21 years previous.

Woo’s decide that will get the perfect worth:
Asa Newell, PF/C, Georgia, Freshman | TS%: 62.0

Newell has been a bit divisive for groups and has a considerably big selection, however his youth, productiveness and potential to develop right into a helpful stretch-4 are robust calling playing cards.

Minnesota needs to be trying to domesticate roster depth right here and doubtlessly pondering long run, attributable to its restricted future draft capital, making Newell an fascinating funding who may remedy for a few of its frontcourt points in time.

---

Givony’s decide that fills the largest want:
Nolan Traore, PG, Saint-Quentin (France) | TS%: 51.0

The Wizards haven’t got a sure-fire, starting-caliber level guard they will level to on the roster presently and may afford to take a swing on expertise with Traore, who simply turned 19 and is arguably the perfect passer on this draft.

After beginning the season projected as a top-10 decide, Traore’s draft inventory dropped due to inconsistent play, however there’s nonetheless loads to love along with his dimension, ballhandling, playmaking creativity and upside, making him a worthy gamble for a crew in Washington’s state of affairs and at this level within the draft.

Woo’s decide that will get the perfect worth:
Liam McNeeley, SG/SF, UConn, Freshman | TS%: 53.6

McNeeley entered the season within the late lottery combine and continues to obtain appears to be like within the high 20 due to his capturing potential, perimeter versatility and powerful pre-college pedigree.

The dearth of high quality wings in the midst of the primary spherical would make him a sound play right here for the Wizards, who’re in full youth motion mode and covet positional dimension and basketball IQ.

---

Givony’s decide that fills the largest want: McNeeley

The Nets’ wing depth is not notably spectacular, beginning the likes of Keon Johnson and Ziaire Williams for 101 video games this previous season. They had been one of many league’s worst capturing groups in 2024-25, so a participant reminiscent of McNeeley, a profession 38% 3-point shooter (136 video games) at 6-8 who has deep vary, can shoot working off screens and brings a bit of extra to the desk along with his toughness and smarts, might be engaging at this stage of the draft.

McNeeley did not have as constant of a season at UConn as some had hoped, however he has proved himself in different settings and has the kind of work ethic, competitiveness and really feel for the sport to maximise his potential long run.

Woo’s decide that will get the perfect worth:
Thomas Sorber, C, Georgetown, Freshman | TS%: 58.7

Sorber, who has robust defensive prowess, makes for an fascinating worth proposition because of the foot injury that ended his season, as a result of had he not gotten damage and had he been in a position to do extra within the predraft course of, it is potential he would have made a case to go increased than this projection at No. 19.

The Nets have minutes to supply their rookies subsequent season and can probably be capable to maximize the worth of a youthful developmental participant at this spot.

---

20. Miami Heat (through Golden State)

Givony’s decide that fills the largest want:
Ben Saraf, PG/SG, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany) | TS%: 53.9

The Warmth haven’t got quite a lot of shot creation or playmaking they will level to on their present roster, making the purpose guard place a transparent precedence this offseason.

Saraf has wonderful dimension, tempo and creativity at 6-6, enjoying a giant function for Ratiopharm Ulm in Germany, with an particularly spectacular playoff marketing campaign thus far. His robust instincts on each ends of the ground (mixed along with his youth) give him intriguing upside he can faucet into long run.

Woo’s decide that will get the perfect worth: Richardson

Richardson’s robust analytical profile combined along with his subpar positional dimension has made him divisive for NBA entrance workplaces, however on this a part of the draft he turns into an fascinating worth guess, with robust function participant qualities as a great shooter, decision-maker and keen defender who might help bolster virtually any backcourt.

The Warmth want assist in that space as they proceed transitioning to a youthful roster.

---

21. Utah Jazz (through Minnesota)

Givony’s decide that fills the largest want:
Nique Clifford, SG, Colorado State, Tremendous Senior | TS%: 60.9

It seems the Jazz might be attempting a special technique after ending with the league’s worst file (17-65), which resulted in netting solely the No. 5 decide. “It is go time for us,” proprietor Ryan Smith instructed ESPN, after including a brand new president of basketball operations in Austin Ainge. Including extra youngsters to the roster won’t make quite a lot of sense in that regard, with the Jazz sporting the second-youngest roster within the NBA (common age of 24.8).

A 23-year-old like Clifford may make sense as a plug-and-play wing with a superb really feel for the sport and powerful defensive versatility who transformed 38% of his 3-pointers for the Rams final season.

Woo’s decide that will get the perfect worth: Wolf

The Jazz won’t be overly beholden to any participant they’ve on their present roster, with Ainge already on file saying the crew plans to compete subsequent season.

That makes Wolf a fairly fascinating play at this spot, as a participant who may doubtlessly plug in as a rookie and provide fascinating mismatch and lineup prospects. Touchdown him exterior the highest 20 can be a worthwhile guess on this state of affairs.

---

22. Atlanta Hawks (through Los Angeles Lakers)

Givony’s decide that fills the largest want:
Cedric Coward, SF, Washington State/Duke, Junior | TS%: 71.0

The Hawks hiring two veterans to their entrance workplace in Bryson Graham and Peter Dinwiddie presents some readability to their entrance workplace, liberating them as much as discern the best way to proceed relating to Trae Young‘s future in Atlanta.

Assuming they proceed with the established order, including an older wing prospect with robust perimeter capturing prowess in Coward definitely may make sense, as his 7-2 wingspan ought to assist him play a couple of totally different positions alongside the likes of Jalen Johnson and Zaccharie Risacher. The small pattern dimension of video games at NBA scouts’ disposal attributable to his abbreviated season makes him a difficult analysis with a fairly big selection on draft night time, however his size and capturing ought to give him a comparatively stable ground as his really feel for the sport, defensive consciousness and toughness evolve.

Woo’s decide that will get the perfect worth:
Maxime Raynaud, PF/C, Stanford, Senior | TS%: 56.1

After grabbing a guard at No. 13, I’ve the Hawks going with a frontcourt participant with their second decide, with Raynaud on the rise after a robust mix as a stretch-5 with room to develop.

Atlanta’s state of affairs factors to the best way worth and match can intersect — whereas there are high quality perimeter gamers left on the board right here, some with arguably extra upside, there are sometimes diminishing returns in doubling down on overlapping talent units and limiting rookies’ alternatives. Raynaud would plug in properly as developmental depth.

---

Givony’s decide that fills the largest want: Sorber

Accidents depleted a few of the Pacers’ frontcourt depth, forcing them to get artistic on the commerce and free agent market. Myles Turner is a free agent this summer season however has proved indispensable to their NBA Finals run.

Drafting a younger heart reminiscent of Sorber to groom and develop long run alongside their younger core is sensible, permitting them to focus assets on different positions whereas their title competition window stays open. Sorber’s size, really feel for the sport and budding talent degree give him an opportunity to emerge as a contributor within the coming years, even when it’ll take him a while to get there.

Woo’s decide that will get the perfect worth: Clifford

The dearth of plug-and-play wings on this class makes Clifford a stable addition in most locations on this vary of the draft. You possibly can by no means have too many huge, versatile perimeter gamers, and with the Pacers in the midst of a contending run, including Clifford at this spot versus going youthful may pay rapid dividends.

---

Givony’s decide that fills the largest want:
Hugo Gonzalez, SG/SF, Actual Madrid, EuroLeague | TS%: 50.9

The Thunder won’t also have a roster spot at their disposal for each of their first-round picks, so it is unclear precisely which path they may go on draft night time.

Gonzalez may match Oklahoma Metropolis’s type of play with the spectacular bodily instruments and frenetic power he brings defensively, which has allowed him to carve out a robust function for Actual Madrid within the ACB playoffs of late. There’s additionally the chance a crew may persuade him to be stashed for an additional yr in Europe — one thing that certainly would not be interesting to his camp at this stage — however is perhaps a necessity if the numerous buyout in his contract does not receives a commission this offseason (it is an choice Actual Madrid would certainly be open to contemplating his impactful play). The ultimate withdrawal deadline for the draft is June 15.

Woo’s decide that will get the perfect worth: Traore

Traore completed the season on a greater notice after beginning it as a possible top-10 decide, and though he will be inconsistent, that is the vary of the draft the place he turns into an apparent worthwhile guess.

He nonetheless brings engaging playmaking expertise to the desk, and may he make all of it the best way down the board into the 20s, a crew such because the Thunder, who can let him develop with out stress to supply anytime quickly, may wind up with a steal on this vary.

---

Givony’s decide that fills the largest want: Raynaud

It isn’t clear what the Magic’s urge for food might be for including two rookie youngsters to an already younger roster, maybe inflicting them to discover extra mature upperclassmen reminiscent of Raynaud, who would deliver some much-needed frontcourt spacing that the roster presently lacks.

Raynaud, at 7-1, hit 67 3-pointers this season in 35 video games and had a robust displaying on the NBA draft mix, suggesting there’s upside nonetheless left to faucet into attributable to his late-blooming trajectory, having targeted full-time on basketball solely as a highschool senior.

Woo’s decide that will get the perfect worth: Gonzalez

Gonzalez is one other fascinating choice if he is on the board within the late first spherical, as a participant as soon as considered as a lottery-level choice who has had inconsistent alternatives to showcase himself till lately at Actual Madrid.

There’s purpose to be bullish about his potential, and though he would not handle a necessity for the Magic (who won’t find yourself choosing right here anyway), it is a good value-based alternative on a prospect with an actual pathway to contributing along with his power and defensive mentality.

---

Givony’s decide that fills the largest want: Riley

With 4 first-rounders at their disposal, it would not be stunning to see the Nets take a number of expertise swings, hoping to uncover gems with a few of their later picks.

At 6-9 and with the power to make photographs from all around the ground and showcase his creativity as a passer, there’s so much to love about Riley’s long-term upside. Even at 19 years previous, Riley is clearly at a really early stage of growth bodily and skillwise — a constructive for the Nets.

Woo’s decide that will get the perfect worth: Coward

Coward has benefited from a dearth of bankable wing expertise, rising up draft boards regardless of hardly enjoying this season.

His lack of high-level expertise is a disadvantage, however his spectacular body and 3-and-D potential make for a pleasant guess late within the first spherical. Whether or not the Nets make both of those picks within the 20s stays to be seen, however drafting Coward is the kind of gamble that is sensible for a rebuilding crew of their place.

---

Givony’s decide that fills the largest want: Newell

With their ultimate first-rounder, the Nets may definitely look to bolster their frontcourt depth, including one other one-and-done freshman with upside in Newell.

At 6-10, his mobility, aggressiveness and depth degree are important property that allowed him to have a extremely productive, environment friendly freshman marketing campaign at Georgia, making 26 3-pointers in 33 video games and changing 75% of his free throws, pointing to floor-stretching potential.

Woo’s decide that will get the perfect worth: Saraf

Saraf’s playmaking capability, dimension and powerful season in Germany make him a sound guess the additional he falls within the first spherical, with room to emerge as a stable NBA choice if he can enhance as a shooter and maintain his personal defensively.

As an outsized perimeter creator who may turn into a beneficial multipositional depth choice, Saraf is the best sort of guess for the Nets in the event that they wind up utilizing these late first-round picks.

---

Givony’s decide that fills the largest want:
Noah Penda, SF/PF, Le Mans, (France)| TS%:55.5

The Celtics have some huge wants to deal with within the wake of Jayson Tatum‘s season-ending Achilles injury, however they can not have any actual expectation to deal with them within the draft, definitely not this late within the first spherical.

Discovering a combo ahead reminiscent of Penda, who’s able to absorbing minutes, hopefully gaining some expertise and maybe rising as able to including worth in a yr from now, can be a significant win. Penda’s versatility and powerful really feel for the sport performed an vital function in carving out a robust function within the French first division. He’s an clever passer who slides all around the courtroom on protection and performs a mature type of basketball for a 20-year-old.

Woo’s decide that will get the perfect worth:
Walter Clayton Jr., PG, Florida, Senior | TS%: 61.1

The Celtics hit a house run choosing Payton Pritchard at No. 26 within the first spherical in 2020, and will see worth in growing one other scoring-oriented reserve guard in Clayton.

With Boston more likely to roster its draft picks because it considers modifications to the crew shifting ahead, Clayton is perhaps helpful straight away as a bench choice who can pinch hit for its different guards or step in if the Celtics make trades. His capturing, explosiveness and toughness give him an opportunity to achieve a task long run.

---

Givony’s decide that fills the largest want: Clayton

The Suns have so much to determine past the draft, however discovering backcourt assist can be a pleasant begin, and choosing a senior in Clayton may go a good distance. Clayton is coming off a spectacular NCAA match by which he confirmed off his scoring instincts, shotmaking prowess and aggressiveness in a significant method, serving to Florida win a nationwide championship.

Tyus Jones (who began 58 video games, averaging 27 minutes per sport) is getting into free company, that means there are definitely minutes available on the Suns’ level guard place.

Woo’s decide that will get the perfect worth:
Rasheer Fleming, PF, Saint Joseph’s, Junior | TS%: 64.4

With Kevin Durant commerce talks swirling, the Suns are probably getting into a transition part with their roster; they badly wanted an infusion of size and defensive versatility final season.

This decide might be finest maximized with somebody reminiscent of Fleming, who ought to be capable to knock down open photographs and provide satisfactory minutes early in his profession. Place and match apart, merely discovering a respectable contributor at No. 29 can be a win for a crew that does not management its future draft capital.

---

30. LA Clippers (through Oklahoma Metropolis)

Givony’s decide that fills the largest want: Fleming

The Clippers do not management their draft decide outright in any of the following three years and have main wage cap hurdles to navigate with their roster within the close to future, making it important they hit on the picks they do have of their possession.

Fleming would characterize a swing on trying so as to add a participant who’s already productive and bodily mature sufficient to hopefully contribute quickly, but in addition has upside to develop into long run. Fleming scores effectively inside and outdoors the arc and may slide all around the courtroom defensively along with his 7-5 wingspan.

Woo’s decide that will get the perfect worth:
Ryan Kalkbrenner, C, Creighton, Tremendous Senior | TS%: 68.5

That is one other spot the place want and worth intersect for me: Whereas Kalkbrenner does not essentially provide essentially the most upside, he is more likely to turn into a serviceable rim protector off the bench — a task the Clippers had been lacking on final season’s roster.

Nabbing a helpful roster participant with the final decide within the first spherical, on a cost-controlled contract, might be significant for the Clippers, who’re in a aggressive window however have plenty of high-priced contracts.

---

Jonathan Givony is an NBA draft professional 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 workers author and draft insider at Sports activities Illustrated.