Does this month's 2025 NBA Draft really start with the No. 3 pick?
The National College Player of the Year Cooper Flagg, a consensus All-American First Team forward out of Duke, and Third-Team All-Big Ten Rutgers combo guard Dylan Harper, seem all but guaranteed to be the Nos. 1 and 2 selections on June 25.
Two Texas clubs, the Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs, possess those picks. The Philadelphia 76ers, who had a shocking down year even after bringing in nine-time All-Star combo forward Paul George and other appetizing talent in free agency, have the No. 3 selection.
Philadelphia had gone 47-35 in 2023-24, but long-term injuries to All-Star center Joel Embiid, George, and All-Star point guard Tyrese Maxey — plus chemistry issues and a massive performative regression for George — doomed them to a 24-58 finish this past season.
2025 NBA Draft Lottery at McCormick Place.
2025 NBA Draft Lottery at McCormick Place.
© David Banks-Imagn Images
Rutgers forward Ace Bailey and Baylor swingman V.J. Edgecombe are considered the top two candidates to be taken third, with Texas shooting guard Tre Johnson looming.
Will Philadelphia want to hold on to that selection, with the franchise apparently already excited about two incumbent backcourt talents, Maxey and shooting guard Jared McCain?
Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints indicates that several clubs have reached out to Philadelphia's front office, led by general manager Daryl Morey, about the pick.
Sources inform Siegel that the New Orleans Pelicans, who themselves had a down season in 2024-25 after a 49-win run in 2023-24, have been particularly aggressive in talking about a potential deal for the pick.
New Orleans already has the No. 7 pick in this year's draft. Seemingly, the Pelicans are convinced that one of these better-regarded talents who will be gone by then may be important to acquire.
The Pelicans are now led in the front office by newly hired president Joe Dumars, who brought the Detroit Pistons their 2004 championship in the same role.
Philadelphia, meanwhile, would likely acquire additional future draft equity while still selecting an elite lottery-level prospect in what is said to be a loaded 2025 class.