2025 NBA Mock Draft (Post-Lottery Edition)

The ping pong balls have spoken — and the 2025 NBA Draft landscape just got flipped on its head.

This year’s class is loaded with talent — from versatile wings like Ace Bailey and VJ Edgecombe, to crafty guards like Dylan Harper and Kasparas Jakucionis, and towering bigs like Khaman Maluach. With a mix of NBA-ready prospects and long-term upside swings, this draft could reshape several franchises.

Let’s dive into the full lottery mock based on team needs, player rankings, and potential fit.

1. Dallas Mavericks — Cooper Flagg (6’9’’, PF, Duke, Fr.)

Flagg is the consensus No. 1 and the perfect fit for a Dallas team that just traded Luka and is building around Anthony Davis—for now. He brings elite two-way instincts, motor, and versatility. He can be the face of the franchise or part of a blockbuster trade for Giannis.

2. San Antonio Spurs — Dylan Harper (6’6’’, SG, Rutgers, Fr.)

Harper gives the Spurs a high-IQ combo guard to pair with Wembanyama. He’s shifty, smart, and unselfish—traits that will flourish in Popovich’s system. A backcourt of Harper and Devin Vassell with Wemby in the frontcourt is a tantalizing young trio.

3. Philadelphia 76ers — Ace Bailey (6’10’’, SF, Rutgers, Fr.)

Bailey’s length and athleticism on the wing offer upside Philly desperately needs. He’s raw but flashes star-level potential as a scorer and defender. With Embiid anchoring the middle, Bailey can grow into a primary or secondary option.

4. Charlotte Hornets — VJ Edgecombe (6’5’’, SF, Baylor, Fr.)

Charlotte adds a powerful downhill athlete and defensive tone-setter. Edgecombe might not have the high-end creation chops, but his energy and versatility are perfect next to LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.

5. Utah Jazz — Tre Johnson (6’6’’, SG, Texas, Fr.)

Utah continues to add high-upside scorers. Johnson’s a smooth bucket-getter with real shot-making talent. He fits the Jazz’s need for offensive firepower in the backcourt.

6. Washington Wizards — Jeremiah Fears (6’4’’, PG, Oklahoma, Fr.)

Fears plays with a pro-ready pace, makes reads, and can shoot. The Wizards need a franchise lead guard, and Fears fits their timeline while bringing real upside.

7. New Orleans Pelicans — Derik Queen (6’10’’, C, Maryland, Fr.)

Queen’s feel and scoring touch inside give New Orleans flexibility. He can play next to Zion Williamson or come off the bench and dominate mismatches. The rise of double-big lineups makes this a smart pick.

8. Brooklyn Nets — Asa Newell (6’10’’, PF, Georgia, Fr.)

Newell has concerns on defense, but his shooting potential and vertical threat profile are intriguing. Brooklyn’s young core needs size with stretch potential, and Newell fits the bill as a long-term play.

9. Toronto Raptors — Nolan Traore (6’4’’, PG, France)

A rising international guard with pop and playmaking. Toronto goes back to their international roots with a lead guard who can score, defend, and push pace.

10. Houston Rockets (via Phoenix) — Khaman Maluach (7’2’’, C, Duke, Fr.)

Maluach is one of the most NBA-ready bigs in the class. His rim protection, mobility, and lob threat potential would complement the Rockets’ young backcourt and provide a defensive backbone.

11. Portland Trail Blazers — Kasparas Jakucionis (6’5’’, PG, Illinois, Fr.)

A skilled, playoff-style guard with scoring and defensive balance. Jakucionis has been rising rapidly and fits Portland’s rebuild as a high-IQ connector who can also take over late-game possessions.

12. Chicago Bulls — Noa Essengue (6’10’’, PF, France)

Chicago grabs a physical 3&D forward with upside. Essengue can switch, rebound, and hit open shots—a modern power forward to pair with their existing core.

13. Atlanta Hawks (via Sacramento) — Jase Richardson (6’3’’, SG, Michigan State, Fr.)

Explosive and productive at just 18.7 years old, Richardson is a two-way guard who gives Atlanta options if they move Trae Young. Great fit as a developing scorer and defender.

14. San Antonio Spurs (via Atlanta) — Carter Bryant (6’8’’, SF, Arizona, Fr.)

The Spurs use their second pick to swing on a versatile, long-term wing prospect. Bryant brings size, shooting potential, and projectable defense to one of the league’s best developmental pipelines.

Key Takeaways:

• Jakucionis has cooled slightly in this board, but still ranks as a top-12 talent due to his playoff-friendly skill set.

• Khaman Maluach may slide due to fit/team needs but remains one of the most NBA-ready bigs in the class.

• VJ Edgecombe rises again despite creation concerns—teams value athleticism and 2-way tools at the top.

• Ace Bailey moves into the top 3, thanks to elite physical traits and positional scoring value.

• Nolan Traore and Noa Essengue represent the latest wave of elite French prospects, continuing international dominance in the draft.