With the 2025 NBA Draft just one week away, the _Daily Wildcat_ sports staff compiled a list of the Top 25 picks who look ready to make an immediate impact on their new teams. The draft, held from June 25-26, in Brooklyn, N.Y., is unlike any other before, featuring a team that has two projected Top 10 picks, despite failing to make it to the NCAA Tournament. Among the most highly anticipated picks are Rutgers University standouts, Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper, both projected to be selected within the first few picks. The No. 1 spot has a unique look this year as there is a firm expectation that Cooper Flagg from Duke University is headed to the Dallas Mavericks, being that he is a generational talent and best American basketball prospect since Lebron James.
Once projected as one of the strongest draft classes in recent years, this year’s NBA draft faces skepticism about its depth. Despite the premature concerns, the class still features highly rated prospects eager to refine their game as they transition to the professional level.
#### **Melisa Guzeloglu’s picks**
#### **No. 1: Dallas Mavericks**
#### **Cooper Flagg – 6-foot-8 forward – 18 years old – Duke**
Who else other than Flagg? There is very little doubt in anyone’s mind, including Nico Harrison, that the No. 1 pick will be anyone except him. With the year Dallas has had, including the blasphemous trade of Luka Dončić back in February, the Mavericks landed the top spot in the lottery as the odds were in their favor, with just a 1.8% chance of landing the pick.
Reaching new ceilings, Flagg, the Newport, Maine, native earned nearly every major national player of the year award. He was decided as the front runner ever since he declared for the draft in April. What better time to introduce a high-level, generational talent like Flagg to build around two stars in Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis.
The youngest player in the draft class, with a Dec. 2006, birthday, has made waves in his early career, leading the Blue Devils in all major categories. Flagg completed his lone season at Duke averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.4 steals per game, solidifying the phenom as a monster producer. Looking like a complete prospect, Flagg has the perfect combination of skill, athleticism and a high-level basketball IQ that can help teams control both sides of the floor. The forwards playmaking ability needs to be studied as Flagg’s offensive prowess and intense skill to defend all positions is a major factor as to why he turns heads. With what Flagg has proved this year, including leading Duke to a Final Four appearance, he looks to impact any team he joins with the two-way player he is.
#### **No. 2: San Antonio Spurs**
#### **Dylan Harper – 6-foot-6 guard – 19 years old – Rutgers**
Landing the No. 2 pick is the San Antonio Spurs who are looking to add talent around centerpiece Victor Wembanyana and co-star Stephon Castle. Harper is a poised player with exceptional vision and ball-handling control. The guard was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team, playing in 29 games where he averaged 19.4 points on 48.4 percent shooting in 32.7 minutes on the court. Additionally, Harper led the team in scoring and assists (117) while averaging 4.6 rebounds and four assists per game for Rutgers. Harper ranked third among NCAA freshmen in points per game.
Harper has the skill to apply pressure on the rim being an elite guard who will fit right in as a supplemental piece with the Spurs. As he is already gaining comparisons to De’Aaron Fox who is already in San Antonio, Harper looks to bring a necessary layer to add in the backcourt with pick-and-roll instincts and pro-ready game.
#### **No. 3: Philadelphia 76ers**
#### **VJ Edgecombe – 6-foot-4 guard – 19 years old – Baylor**
The No. 3 spot has been heavily debated as Philadelphia can either go with who I have in my No. 5 projected pick in Ace Bailey and VJ Edgecombe. Edgecombe, named Big 12 Freshman of the Year, can give the defensive versatility and intensity compared to Bailey. Bailey has an extreme up-side in his versatility and shot-making abilities that gain the interest of multiple teams. Edgecombe, who led the Big 12 freshman class in scoring (15 ppg) and set a Baylor freshmen record recording 68 steals, can give the Sixers that explosiveness as a two-way player that provides high effort. At the NBA Combine, Edgecombe was measured at 6-foot-4 barefoot, making it that much more impressive when he had a vertical leap of 38.5 inches.
With his speed and agility, Edgecombe looks to refine his shot creation, being more of an undervalued wing player. He also has the ability to defend on the wing and be lethal in transition. In his single college season with Baylor, he averaged 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.1 steals in 32.7 minutes per game.
#### **No. 4: Charlotte Hornets**
#### **Tre Johnson – 6-foot-5 guard – 19 years old – Texas**
The Hornets have a few options in who they might choose, considering Edgecombe can also be a good fit if he isn’t already selected, but Johnson possesses the ability as an all-around scorer and I don’t expect him to go anywhere outside of the top 10. Being a guard that fits in plenty of spaces for teams looking for a player who can move off the ball, Johnson serves as a wing where he provides much versatility in catch-and shoot situations. Johnson is a high-level scorer able to complete shots, averaging nearly 40% from the field this season for Texas. Imagining him alongside Lamelo Ball and Brandon Miller can put Charlotte in a position to build on Johnson’s potential and playmaking ability.
Johnson averaged more points than any true freshmen this year in the SEC, putting up 19.9 ppg for the Longhorns. His room to develop around the rim as he works on polishing his already advanced shot selection is what makes him so alluring to teams.
#### **No. 5 Utah Jazz**
#### **Ace Bailey – 6-foot-8 guard/forward – 18 years old – Rutgers**
With his size at 6-foot-8, the athletic wing can score on all three levels that make him a potential fit on a Jazz team looking for more production. Bailey was the highest-ranked recruit in Rutgers basketball history, named to the Big Ten All-Freshman team where he played and started in 30 games, averaging 17.6 points per game in 33.4 minutes of play. Additionally, Bailey grabbed a team-best 7.2 rebounds, leading the team with 38 blocks and 30 steals for the season.
Bailey’s athleticism allows him to make those tough, mid-range jumpers when he has trouble getting to the rim. He also impresses with his ability to make catch-and-shoot 3-pointers as he can look to complement Keyonte George and Taylor Hendricks, who are fundamental pieces for the Jazz. However, Bailey does see the chance of his stock dropping a few spots after catching the attention of some observers following the decline of several invitations from teams within his draft range. The shooting guard is scheduled for a workout this week with the Sixers, but it is unclear if he will plan to visit another team.
#### **Ellie Conover’s picks**
#### **No. 6: Washington Wizards**
#### **Khaman Maluach – 7-foot-1 center – 18 years old – Duke**
While the Wizards are well-rounded across the court with their starting five, Maluach would be a high-level competitor beneath the hoop as he’s the tallest of their starting forwards and center. At just 18-years-old, Maluach has a long career ahead of him – a valuable trait that’s hard to pass up. His addition would allow the Wizards to open up their guards and seek more opportunities from outside the perimeter. With Jordan Poole, the Wizards’ leading scorer, on the outside, it’s likely plays between the two would find success.
In his prior season with the Blue Devils, Maluach led in blocks with 51 for the season. Additionally, he shot 71.2% from inside the perimeter and 76.6% from the free throw line. He averaged 8.6 points per game paired with 6.6 rebounds per game. Maluach and No. 1 pick Flagg’s duo was a near unstoppable force on the court, something that could be replicated with Poole. He is an impressive pick heading into this draft.
#### **No. 7: New Orleans Pelicans**
#### **Jeremiah Fears – 6-foot-3 guard – 18 years old – Oklahoma**
Fears would fit right in with the Pelicans, only three states away from his home in Illinois. While the Pelicans have a wide range of guards, forwards and centers on their roster, Fears isn’t a player to pass up. He dominated across the board during his previous season with the University of Oklahoma, leading with 17.1 points per game, 56 steals and 140 assists.
His shooting capabilities ranged from 43.4% inside to 85.1% from the line. While his 3-point abilities were kept at 28.4% last season, his movement off the ball and playmaking skills declare him a one-of-a-kind player. Fears’ high shooting percentage from inside is a valuable asset to any team in this year’s draft, specifically for the Pelicans.
#### **No.** **8: Brooklyn Nets**
#### **Kon Knueppel – 6-foot-7 guard/small forward – 19 years old – Duke**
Knueppel was an asset for Duke during the Blue Devils 2024-2025 season. He averaged the most playing time for the team with 30.6 minutes per game and fell second in scoring behind Flagg with an average of 14.4 points per game. Knueppel is a strong shooting guard, with a value of 40.6% from outside the perimeter. His defense is another recognizable trait, averaging four boards per game and earning 40 steals for the season.
The Nets have height beneath the hoop and several crucial forwards such as Cameron Johnson, the Nets’ leading scorer. Knueppel would serve as a strong point from around the perimeter, offering options to play in and out of the key. His height would give him an advantage as a guard as well, offering opportunities to drive inside and find shots against towering opponents. Knueppel’s contribution to Duke’s success in the 2024-2025 season is nothing short of remarkable when entering this year’s draft.
#### **No. 9: Toronto Raptors**
#### **Derik Queen – 6-foot-9 forward/center – 20 years old – Maryland**
Queen arguably kept Maryland in the running this last season alongside Ja’Kobi Gillespie. As the team’s center, his ball handling skills stood out – he was capable of bringing the ball up the court and creating key plays. Queen led the team in scoring with 16.5 points per game. Despite slower transitions on defense, Queen earned 39 steals as well as blocks for the season. His hustle found its way in other areas of the court.
Jakob Poeltl, the Raptors 29-year-old starting center, averaged 9.6 rebounds in their previous season. Queen is behind him with a nine-board average for his season with Maryland. Assuming he’s utilized as a center, Queen could likely share time with Poeltl on the court, leaving no room for holes in the Raptors roster. It would be a smart move for Toronto to bolster their talent on the bench.
#### **No. 10: Houston Rockets**
#### **Kasparas Jakučionis – 6-foot-5 guard/forward – 19 years old – Illinois**
The Rockets had an impressive season, ending first in the southwest division. Their crucial player was Alperen Sengun, a 6-foot-11 center who led in all categories but blocks. Their top shooting guard of the season was Jalen Green who averaged 13.3 points per game and 5.4 rebounds. Jakučionis averaged 15 points per game and 5.7 boards per game with Illinois, just above Green’s professional record for the last season.
Jakučionis would likely be behind Green on the Rockets, working his way into the lineup and earning minutes on the court. He shot an impressive 44% from the perimeter and 31.8% from around the arc. With 156 assists for the season, Jakučionis is not a player to overlook. He excelled through his ball movement, making him an intentional and smart pick for Houston.
#### **Kellen O’Halloran’s picks**
#### **No. 11: Portland Trail Blazers**
#### **Collin Murray-Boyles – 6-foot-7 forward – 20 years old – South Carolina**
Murray-Boyles is one of the most versatile defenders in the class, capable of guarding multiple positions thanks to his quick feet and strong frame. He is a very effective scorer and passer out of the mid-post, where he utilizes his strength and skill to create easy baskets. His shooting is a work in progress, but Portland can afford to be patient as he is able to impact the game in so many other ways. Murray-Boyles toughness and ability to impact the game right away will help a young Portland team seeking to find an identity.
#### **No. 12: Chicago Bulls**
#### **Noa Essengue – 6-foot-9 forward – 19 years – Ratiopharm Ulm**
Essengue fits Chicago’s timeline and need for athletic frontcourt depth. Essengue’s measurables combined with his good defensive instincts allow him to guard multiple positions at a high level. Offensively, he’s raw but showing signs of growth, averaging 12.4 points and 5.3 rebounds for Ratiopharm Ulm since January while operating mostly in transition or as a slasher. His jumper can use work—he shot just 29.4% from deep—but his touch around the rim is encouraging and at only 18, there’s time for his shot to come around. He would not contribute right away for the Bulls, but with patience, he could turn into an All-Star caliber player.
#### **No. 13: Atlanta Hawks**
#### **Danny Wolf – 6-foot-11 forward/center – 21 years old – Michigan**
A skilled big with floor-spacing ability, Wolf brings size, passing vision and high basketball IQ. At 6-foot-11, he’s a true stretch big who can operate from the top of the key or short roll. Wolf, who played at Yale before transferring to the University of Michigan, dominated games by operating as the ball handler in a big-to-big pick and roll. His point-forward play style will translate well given more spacing in the NBA. He will need to improve on the defensive end both as an on-ball defender and rim protector, but his offensive ability makes him a safe pick at No. 13. The Hawks will value his ability to keep the offense humming without needing high usage.
#### **No. 14: San Antonio Spurs**
#### **Carter Bryant – 6-foot-7 forward – 18 years old – Arizona**
Bryant brings prototypical wing size (7-foot-1 wingspan) and possesses great basketball instincts. While he didn’t get many opportunities to showcase his full offensive arsenal at Arizona, he showed encouraging signs as a shooter late in the season (nearly 40% from 3-point range in Big 12 play) and has flashed the skill level to be able to create his own shop. His upside as a three and defensive wing is enticing for a Spurs team focused on building a talented roster around Wembanyana.
The Spurs acquired their second first-round pick via the Atlanta Hawks in 2024 free agency when Dejounte Murray was sent to San Antonio for a package that included two first-round draft picks, the first appearing this year.
#### **No. 15: Oklahoma City Thunder**
#### **Thomas Sorber – 6-foot-9 forward/center – 19 years old – Georgetown**
Thomas Sorber is a 6-foot-9 center with a 7-foot-6 wingspan and possesses one of the most unique skill sets in this year’s draft. Despite a season-ending foot injury, he impressed at Georgetown with his combination of strength, feel, and court awareness, drawing comparisons to legendary Hoyas bigs. Sorber is a gifted passer out of the post and short role, with an advanced understanding of spacing and timing that fits perfectly in modern NBA offenses. He defends with discipline and instincts, posting elite block and steal rates while rarely fouling and shows surprising lateral mobility for his size. While not an elite leaper or rim-runner, he offers upside as a potential floor spacer and high-IQ connector piece for the Thunder.
#### **Michael Smith’s picks**
#### **No. 16: Memphis Grizzlies**
#### **Egor Demin – 6-foot-8 guard/forward – 19 years old – BYU**
After trading Desmond Bane in a blockbuster deal to Orlando, Memphis needs a playmaker to play through Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. The 6-foot-8 guard, Demin, fits that role perfectly, being the best passer in the class despite not having a fully developed jump shot.
#### **No. 17: Minnesota Timberwolves**
#### **Nique Clifford – 6-foot-5 forward – 23 years old – Colorado State**
Minnesota has several key questions to address this offseason, with Naz Reid and Julius Randle both having player options for this summer and Rudy Gobert turning 33. Additionally, the Timberwolves are in the Kevin Durant sweepstakes, leaving them with the flexibility to go in any direction. Selecting the 23-year-old forward who has experience playing multiple roles at different positions helps the Wolves stay in contention despite being in a very competitive Western Conference.
#### **No. 18: Washington Wizards**
#### **Jase Richardson – 6-foot-1 guard – 19 years old – Michigan State**
The 6-foot-1 guard did not enter the starting lineup for the Spartans until the final 15 games of the season. Since joining the starting five, Richardson averaged 16.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists and only 0.7 turnovers. Richardson has raw talent as a pure scorer, knocking down 41% of his 3-point attempts last season.
#### **No. 19: Brooklyn Nets**
#### **Will Riley – 6-foot-8 guard/forward – 19 years old – Illinois**
The Illinois forward will be a project for Brooklyn with a draft range as early as mid-lottery to the latest as early as mid-20s. The 6-foot-8 freshman finished the year shooting 43.2% with high upside as a three-level scorer. Riley’s aggressiveness driving to the rim shows good signs of flashes to Brooklyn to take him at 19.
#### **No. 20: Miami Heat**
#### **Liam McNeeley – 6-foot-7 forward – 19 years old – UConn**
McNeeley will add some much-needed backcourt depth and talent, which is a high priority for Miami this offseason. The former UConn freshman only converted 31.7% from beyond the arc, but his draft stock is rising after great positive workouts and can be a key contributor on both sides of the ball for Erik Spoelstra’s squad.
#### **Gabriel Paz’s picks**
#### **No. 21: Utah Jazz**
#### **Thomas Sorber – 6-foot-9 forward/center – 19 years old – Georgetown**
For the Jazz’s second pick, Thomas Sorber is a proven warrior on the court. The 6-foot-9 center freshman from Georgetown University averages 8.5 rebounds per game. One concern is his field goal percentage sitting at 53.2%. This as he is often sent to the free throw line. Luckily, Sorber will have a great teacher in former Arizona Wildcat, Lauri Markkanen. Either way, the Jazz have a great center to develop if they chose Sorber.
#### **No. 22: Atlanta Hawks**
#### **Maxime Raynaud – 7-foot center – 22 years old – Stanford**
As Atlanta is in dire need of upfront ball movement. The French Stanford play, Rayaund will be a smart choice. Raynaud’s greatest strength is his rebounding. As a 7-foot center, he averages 10.6 rebounds a game, the ninth best rebounder in college basketball by averages. He shoots 46.7% from the field and 77% from the free throw line. He’s also ranked as the fifteenth best shooter averaging 20.2 per game. The Cardinals forward will be sure to start affecting the Hawk’s playstyle from day one.
#### **No. 23: New Orleans**
#### **Cedric Coward – 6-foot-5 guard/forward – 21 years old – Washington State**
Although hesitant at first, Coward has decided to take up the NBA rather than take his talents to Duke after performing well during the compound. Originally, the Indiana Pacers had the No. 23 pick, but this week the Pacers traded the selection and rights to Mojave King to the Pelicans in exchange for a 2026 first rounder. Coward seems to be a good choice as he falls in a spot with teams who are looking for an athletic playmaker and with Coward’s 17.7 points per game alongside seven rebounds per game, teams have no specific demands looking at Coward for their overall needs. The Pelicans may see the potential in the shooting guard for his field goal percentage sitting at 55.7%. A player like Coward fits what they’ll need going forward, adding a defensive upside and efficient shooting.
#### **No. 24. Oklahoma City Thunder**
#### **Nolan Traoře – 6-foot-5 guard – 19 years old – Saint-Quentin BB**
There is not much the Thunder need to improve on following a historic season for the team. So, for their second pick in the first round, the French point guard has plenty of potential, however, he’ll definitely need a powerhouse team like Oklahoma City to adjust his senses to professional basketball. The 19-year-old’s stats may not stand out as he averaged just 13 points from Jan. 15 to April 6, which makes it a disadvantage for American audiences to see how effective a player is while in game. Traoře did however shoot 50% from the field and from talks amongst professional outlets, this pick comes from the potential of Traoře rather than his current skill level.
#### **No. 25: Orlando Magic**
#### **Drake Powell – 6-foot-6 guard/forward – 19 years old – UNC**
For Orlando’s next pick, they’ll go for a potential pick from a blue blood school full of talented players. That’ll be forward, Drake Powell. The 19-year-old freshman from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, is bound to find success in Orlando. It doesn’t hurt Powell is shooting 64.8% from the free throw line and 37.9% at the 3-point line. Although he is not the most stand out amongst all the class. His number compares to that of the senior classes currently available. Making Powell even more of a good pick knowing he can adapt to a level of play on par with the Tar Heels.
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