2025 NBA Mock Draft 3.0 Projecting all picks after blockbuster trades, NBA comparisons

The 2025 NBA Draft is 2 days away, and with loads of expertise up and down the primary spherical, soon-to-be-picked gamers are incomes their NBA comparisons, from all-time greats to key function gamers.

Since our first mock draft was revealed, there have been three trades, all involving draft picks within the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft.

Kevin Durant was traded for the tenth decide this 12 months, Desmond Bane for the sixteenth, and the Indiana Pacers agreed to half with the twenty third decide in alternate for their very own subsequent 12 months, which, after Tyrese Haliburton’s harm, looks like a superb transfer since they could take a step again.

The highest of the draft, with Cooper Flagg going first to the Dallas Mavericks, stays the very same, though with solely two days left earlier than Adam Silver takes the stage, every participant has earned an NBA comparability from previous or current gamers.

Cooper Flagg is a two-way drive and was anticipated to be the primary general decide lengthy earlier than his freshman season with the Duke Blue Devils. After successful the NCAA Participant of the 12 months and Naismith awards, Flagg is likely one of the most evident prime picks in latest reminiscence.

He’s a strong shooter, and his outdoors shot (38.5%) would possibly very nicely be the worst a part of his recreation. Flagg is predicted to impression the Dallas Mavericks immediately, and the Mavs, who beforehand noticed themselves as short-term contenders, needs to be a crew to reckon with for the following a number of years with Flagg main the best way.

Cooper Flagg’s NBA comparability: Scottie Pippen

Flagg is perhaps the consensus first decide, and Dylan Harper is well the second-best participant within the draft. As a whole combo guard, he discovered success individually at Rutgers by enjoying on the ball.

The San Antonio Spurs, with Harper, Stephon Fort, and De’Aaron Fox, could have a crowded guard rotation, however all three are strong defenders and versatile offensive gamers, and the Spurs, round Victor Wembanyama, are anticipated to thrive with extra high-level passers than some other crew within the NBA.

Dylan Harper’s NBA comparability: James Harden

Flagg, Harper, and Ace Bailey appear to be the highest three picks in each mock draft, and for good cause. Bailey is a tough-shot taker and, critically, maker.

Whereas he isn’t notably athletic or bodily, he’s a strong defensive participant and a very good scorer. Very like Paul George, he can merely get a bucket and is predicted to headline the following technology of Philadelphia 76ers basketball alongside Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain.

Bailey has been reluctant–if not downright resistant–to satisfy with the Sixers or some other crew, though his upside needs to be sufficient for him to go third, regardless.

Ace Bailey’s NBA comparability: Rashard Lewis

Khaman Maluach was a standout starter for the Duke Blue Devils, and he’s the primary decide the place we deviate from the norm. With LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller already on the Charlotte Hornets, the crew wants an inside drive to spherical out its play on each ends of the ground.

Maluach is extremely uncooked, however has been in comparison with Joel Embiid and is likely one of the largest draft risers this 12 months. The Hornets aren’t ready to play it protected, and swing for the fences with their fourth decide.

Khaman Maluach’s NBA comparisons: Joel Embiid

Tre Johnson, very similar to Keyonte George, is a real bucket-getter. Whereas each can play on-ball, the Utah Jazz can construct a younger core of Johnson, George, Isaiah Collier, Taylor Hendricks, and whoever they draft subsequent season.

The Jazz completed with the worst file within the league and landed the fifth general decide, and are anticipated to be unhealthy once more subsequent season, permitting them to bolster their younger rotation with Johnson, who averaged 19.9 factors for the Texas Longhorns.

Tre Johnson’s NBA comparability: Cam Thomas

Whereas Johnson and Bailey can rating from everywhere in the ground, the Washington Wizards nab VJ Edgecombe, who appears to be like like prime Russell Westbrook when he will get a full head of steam. Sadly, for now, he additionally shoots like prime Westbrook.

It’s believable that Edgecombe has the very best ceiling out of anybody within the draft, and with Bub Carrington, Kyshawn George, and Alexandre Sarr already on the town, the Wizards are slowly constructing one thing particular.

VJ Edgecombe’s NBA comparability: Donovan Mitchell

The New Orleans Pelicans are in flux. Will they hold Zion Williamson? Nobody appears to know, though they don’t have time to attend round, drafting Jeremiah Fears, essentially the most promising participant on the board.

Fears is quick, wiry, and may get his shot off from anyplace, and he makes these round him higher. Whatever the course the Pelicans go, Fears is a dependable decide who ought to flip into one of many higher guards within the Southwest Division with a while.

Jeremiah Fears NBA comparability: Jordan Poole

Kon Knueppel is the third and remaining Duke participant to be chosen within the first spherical. He may very simply be the perfect shooter within the draft, and isn’t a nasty defender by any means.

If the Nets commerce as much as nab one other lottery decide, Knueppel is a high-level ground spacer to pair with whoever else they draft. In the event that they win the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes, having an elite shooter subsequent to the Greek Freak will solely show to be useful.

Kon Knueppel’s NBA comparability: Gordon Hayward

Is Immanuel Quickley a long-term resolution at level guard for the Toronto Raptors? His five-year contract suggests that he’s, however that wage is well movable in a seek for a “huge fish” this offseason.

Kasparas Jakučionis is the perfect passer within the draft class and is a strong scorer. He’s a gritty, scrappy participant who suits in nicely with the Raptors’ younger core or may very well be paired with a win-now participant like Kevin Durant or Giannis.

Kasparas Jakucionis NBA comparability: Kyle Lowry

After getting their decide again within the commerce that despatched Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets, the Phoenix Suns want so as to add the perfect participant accessible who does not play taking pictures guard, as Devin Booker, Jalen Inexperienced, Grayson Allen, Dillon Brooks, and Ryan Dunn all can play on the wing.

Noa Essengue has the scale, mobility, and athleticism to thrive, and he has discovered success within the French League, averaging 12.4 factors and 5.3 rebounds whereas enjoying strong protection. From day one, he needs to be a strong rim-runner with glorious two-way potential who can thrive subsequent to Booker and Inexperienced long-term.

Noa Essengue NBA comparability: Jerami Grant

Is it too early to declare Scoot Henderson a bust? The Portland Path Blazers won’t be able to admit that, and in the event that they aren’t able to draft a Henderson alternative this 12 months, they might nab Collin Murray-Boyles, who may very well be a alternative for Jerami Grant as he ages.

Murray-Boyles is a strong athlete with some floor-spacing potential, though his calling card is his bodily protection. He may carry with him reminders of the overtly bodily “Jail Blazers,” minus all of the off-court points.

Collin Murray-Boyles NBA comparability: Paul Milsap

The NBA Mix was not pleasant to Derik Queen, however the Mix doesn’t have an train to measure clutchness, which Queen has in spades.

The Chicago Bulls have their backcourt core of Josh Giddey, Lonzo Ball, and Coby White, and Queen is a strong rebounder and lob risk who additionally pushed out Nikola Vucevic, lastly permitting the Bulls to commit totally to youth.

Derik Queen’s NBA comparability: Zach Randolph

Thomas Sorber missed a lot of his freshman season with a foot harm, however he’s nonetheless one of many higher facilities within the nation. He averaged 14.5 factors and eight.5 rebounds for Georgetown.

With Sorber, Jalen Johnson, Zaccharie Risacher, Trae Younger, and Dyson Daniels, the Atlanta Hawks are poised to compete on each ends of the ground, particularly in a weak Japanese Convention.

Thomas Sorber’s NBA comparability: Steven Adams

Maxime Raynaud is an enormous human being, standing at 7-foot-1. The San Antonio Spurs want a backup heart, and whereas 14th general is perhaps excessive for Raynaud, he’s shut mates with Victor Wembanyama off the court docket.

Is utilizing the 14th decide to appease your finest participant an excellent thought? Not normally, though Raynaud is a strong participant who fills a place of want, and Wembanyama is precedence primary in San Antonio.

Maxime Raynaud NBA comparability: Brook Lopez

Very like Raynaud and Essengue, Danny Wolf going fifteenth general is a attain, though the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder can afford to overlook on a decide.

Wolf is a giant, cellular participant who can block some photographs and cross the ball like a degree guard. Whereas his outdoors shot and defensive versatility want some work, the Thunder are ready to roll the cube on the following Nikola Jokic.

Danny Wolf’s NBA comparability: Al Horford

For now, the Grizzlies boast a beginning 5 of Ja Morant, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Jaylen Wells, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Zach Edey. They may use protection to assist out Jackson Jr., and after a down 12 months in Orlando, KCP won’t be the elite defender he as soon as was.

We predict that the Grizzlies will draft primarily based on their crew id. Nique Clifford is a system participant who doesn’t thoughts doing the soiled work, which is precisely the kind of participant Memphis has lengthy liked, relationship again to the Grit’and’Grind days.

Nique Clifford’s NBA comparability: Josh Hart

After the Grizzlies handed on Liam McNeeley, the Timberwolves add him. He shot solely 31.7% from deep in his lone faculty season, though he’s anticipated to be a deadly shooter as soon as he finds his footing.

Offering kick-out choices for Anthony Edwards and spacing round Rudy Gobert looks like a no brainer, and the Wolves make the good decide.

Liam McNeeley’s NBA comparability: Harrison Barnes

Asa Newell is likely one of the finest athletes within the 2025 draft class, and the Wizards, as a younger crew, are drafting the perfect participant accessible, not the perfect match. Newell is a superb secondary defender who’s a beast within the open ground.

Whereas he’s not the perfect half-court offensive participant, anticipate the Wizards to stay affected person, and Newell could have loads of time to seek out his footing.

Asa Newell’s NBA comparability: Daniel Gafford

After enjoying for the Michigan State Spartans listed at 6-foot-3, the Draft Mix revealed that Jase Richardson is definitely a fair six ft, extremely undersized for an off-ball participant.

Nonetheless, he can area the ground and may turn into a strong scorer subsequent to Cam Thomas. With Kon Knueppel taking pictures the rock, the Brooklyn Nets could have a pleasant, offensive-minded core of kids.

Jase Richardson’s NBA comparability: Rip Hamilton

Tyler Herro took over level guard duties for the Miami Warmth, and whereas it wasn’t a complete catastrophe (he made the All-Star Recreation!), the Warmth missed the playoffs.

With shooters and scorers like Herro, Bam Adebayo, Duncan Robinson, and Andrew Wiggins on the roster, the Warmth want a ground common, and Egor Demin, regardless of a lackluster faculty season that noticed his draft inventory tank, is likely one of the finest passers within the draft class, rivaling Jakučionis.

Egor Demin’s NBA comparability: Anthony Black

If the Jazz commerce Walker Kessler, Beringer can be his alternative. He’s a strong shot blocker and rebounder, and is a a lot better athlete.

He’s a really uncooked participant and can probably spend time within the G League, though the Jazz are in no rush and haven’t any delusions of successful many video games subsequent season, so Beringer merely rounds out their core as they hope that the lottery is extra pleasant subsequent season.

Joan Beringer’s NBA comparability: Gorgui Dieng

The Hawks, regardless of having plain expertise, aren’t winners. Except for their fluke run to the Convention Finals in 2021, followers haven’t had a lot to rejoice.

Walter Clayton Jr. led the Florida Gators to the nationwide title and may play off the ball subsequent to both Younger or Daniels, though he will definitely come off the bench in his rookie season. His outdoors shot was a dependable 38.6%, and even when that takes a dip, it will likely be serviceable.

Walter Clayton Jr.’s NBA comparability: Patty Mills

Yves Missi is a strong younger heart, and Zion Williamson, when wholesome, is likely one of the finest energy forwards within the league. Nonetheless, Williamson is completely unreliable, and the New Orleans Pelicans’ frontcourt may use extra depth. Rasheer Fleming is a strong scorer, rebounder, and shooter who can block photographs regardless of solely being 6-foot-9.

He’s not the perfect ball-handler, however thrives in area, and with on-ball stars like Trey Murphy III, Dejounte Murray, and CJ McCollum all on the town, an off-ball participant ought to match nicely.

Rasheer Fleming’s NBA comparability: Dorian Finney-Smith

The Thunder, for the second time this draft, take a flier on an missed participant. Will Riley didn’t begin for the Illinois Preventing Illini, though he did win Huge 10 Sixth Man of the 12 months honors.

His outdoors shot wants work, though he’s a gritty, bodily participant who ought to rapidly carve out a job on the Thunder’s bench.

Will Riley’s NBA comparability: Michael Porter Jr.

The Orlando Magic want some taking pictures, though, as confirmed with final 12 months’s decide of Tristan da Silva, they worth protection much more than offense. With the twenty fifth decide, they choose Cedric Coward, one other participant who spent a number of years in faculty, who ought to be capable of impression each side of the ball.

Coward is a strong shooter and underrated defender. The Magic want taking pictures, and he delivers, he can maintain his personal on the opposite facet of the ball, too.

Cedric Coward NBA comparability: Stephen Jackson

If the Nets don’t commerce up, it’s arduous to do higher than Carter Bryant with the twenty sixth decide. He is a superb, quick athlete with a strong shot.

If he bought extra run in faculty, he probably would get picked a lot earlier, though he performed solely 19.3 minutes per recreation and averaged 6.5 factors per recreation, which ought to give the Nets some pause, as he’s very uncooked.

Carter Bryant’s NBA comparability: Kevin Knox

After selecting Bryant, who has little or no expertise, the Nets flip round and add Ryan Kalkbrenner, who spent 5 years at Creighton, 4 as a starter.

He’s an elite shot-blocker and inside scorer, thanks largely to being a real seven-footer. He doesn’t have the perfect pace or athleticism and gained’t area the ground, however he may anchor the paint for years to come back if he lives as much as his potential.

Ryan Kalkbrenner’s NBA comparability: Jakob Poeltl

Relying on who the Boston Celtics commerce to chop wage, there may very well be a gap within the beginning lineup, though the deep crew will probably permit a extra skilled participant to step in, even for Jayson Tatum.

Noah Penda is an outsized ahead who can deal with the ball, shoot, cross, and get to the rim. Nonetheless, he lacks the blistering athleticism wanted to be an earlier decide, though he lands in an excellent developmental scenario in Boston.

Noa Penda’s NBA comparability: PJ Tucker

The Phoenix Suns want expertise, no matter place. Gonzalez doesn’t deal with an space of want like rim safety or facilitating, however till Bradley Beal is off the books, the Suns will stay in purgatory.

Hugo Gonzalez has NBA measurement, and appears to have an honest taking pictures stroke, though his 27.1% mark from 3 within the Spanish League leaves lots to be desired. Nonetheless, the Suns aren’t dashing, and taking a strong two-way perimeter participant who can play off-ball ought to bolster their new-look lineup round Inexperienced and Booker.

Hugo Gonzalez’s NBA comparability: Bojan Bogdanovic

The Los Angeles Clippers nonetheless owe their total future to the Thunder, though they at the very least get off with a decide swap this 12 months. With the ultimate decide within the first spherical, they add Israeli standout Ben Saraf.

Saraf averaged 12.8 factors and 4.6 assists for Ulm, though his scoring effectivity is a serious space of concern. He’s a strong defender who can play in both guard spot, and can probably be a centerpiece of the Clippers as their core continues to age.

Ben Saraf’s NBA comparability: Goran Dragic

31. Minnesota Timberwolves (through UTA) – Drake Powell

Drake Powell is a excessive upside wing who shot 37.9% from deep whereas flashing glorious athleticism, though his deal with and ground imaginative and prescient want work.

32. Boston Celtics (through WSH) – Yanic Konan Niederhauser

Glorious shot-blocker and lob risk, giving the Celtics much more pleasure off the bench. If Porzingis will get traded, he may very well be elevated up the depth chart early.

33. Charlotte Hornets – Kam Jones

A poor senior season from behind the arc slides him into the second spherical, however Jones is a do-it-all guard who ought to have a productive profession

34. Charlotte Hornets (through NOP) – Adou Thiero

Thiero places the “D” in 3-and-D, though till he can carry the offensive effectivity, anticipate him to be extra of a venture than anything.

35. Philadelphia 76ers – Johni Broome

Among the best NCAA gamers is able to make the leap to the NBA, though he may need already hit his ceiling, making him excellent for a win-now crew.

36. Brooklyn Nets – Alex Toohey

Strong offensive participant who can facilitate and rating, though his athleticism leaves lots to be desired.

37. Detroit Pistons (through TOR) – Rocco Zikarsky

Zikarsky is a mammoth of a human being who ought to substitute Paul Reed immediately, and makes Isaiah Stewart expendable.

38. San Antonio Spurs – Hansen Yang

Taking part in for China, Yang has a mushy contact and respectable footwork, though his lack of pace and athleticism may maintain him again. Provides the Spurs two towers down low.

39. Toronto Raptors (through POR) – Bogoljub Marković

Lengthy and prolonged, he wants so as to add weight, however averaged 13.7 factors and 6.2 rebounds for MegaBasket, though the protection isn’t as polished because the offense.

40. Washington Wizards (through PHX) – Sion James

Glorious defender with an environment friendly shot from deep, though the amount doesn’t counsel that he can be a high-level NBA scorer.

41. Golden State Warriors (through MIA) – Chaz Lanier

Huge-time scoring guard who averaged an environment friendly 18 factors for the Vols, however he doesn’t do a lot else. Nonetheless, a superb shooter is all the time welcome in Golden State.

42. Sacramento Kings (through CHI) – Michael Ruzic

Can area the ground, dribble, and cross all whereas being a below-average defender. Very a lot a venture participant, however Domantas Sabonis may very well be the perfect mentor.

43. Utah Jazz (through DAL) – Tyrese Proctor

Undersized athlete with strong athleticism and a nice-looking bounce shot, though struggles from the free-throw line counsel his ceiling is nearing.

44. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder (through ATL) – Micah Peavy

In his fifth faculty season, Micah Peavy discovered his shot and protection, taking pictures 40% from deep whereas main the Huge East in steals. The Thunder can take a danger, though he may very well be a strong defender from day one.

45. Chicago Bulls (through SAC) – Amari Williams

Offensive legal responsibility, who makes up for it together with his protection. The Bulls must shore up their protection, and within the second spherical, there isn’t a greater possibility.

46. Orlando Magic – RJ Luis

All-American guard who can get rebounds, defend, and struggles to shoot, making him excellent for the crew Orlando is constructing, for higher or worse.

47. Milwaukee Bucks (through DET) – Koby Brea

Shot 43.5% from deep in 5 faculty seasons, which is outstanding, though he’s gradual and unathletic, stopping him from being drafted greater.

48. Memphis Grizzlies (through GSW) – Dink Pate

A combo guard who spent two seasons within the G League and struggled to seek out his footing, though he’s a particular athlete who desires to be a real level guard.

49. Cleveland Cavaliers (through MIL) – Eric Dixon

Led the nation in scoring final season and will slot in as a starter if the Cavs commerce Evan Mobley, though anticipate him to be a sound backup for a very long time.

50. New York Knicks (through MEM) – Kobe Sanders

Kobe Sanders is an outsized combo guard who can get to the rim and take up contact. He isn’t essentially the most environment friendly scorer, however coming off the Knicks’ bench, anticipate New York to be in search of quantity greater than anything, particularly with such a late decide.

51. Los Angeles Clippers (through MIN) – Caleb Love

Strong score-first guard who doesn’t look to arrange his teammates, however he can hit photographs from anyplace. He’s additionally 23 years previous, which could trigger him to slide to the Clippers.

52. Phoenix Suns (through DEN) – Jamir Watkins

Not an elite scorer, passer, rebounder, shooter, or defender, however he isn’t unhealthy at any of these issues, both, making him a protected decide for the Suns.

53. Denver Nuggets (through LAC) – Javon Small

Pesky on-ball defender who is a superb creator on offense, though he isn’t the perfect scorer and his lack of athleticism will maintain him again from being a star.

54. Indiana Pacers – Hunter Sallis

Streaky shooter who can get to the rim and can excel in a fast-paced offense, though anticipate most of his success to come back on the rim, not from deep.

55. Los Angeles Lakers – Alijah Martin

Excessive-motor defender with a observe file of successful with the Florida Gators. Is a strong shooter, however anticipate his main impression to come back on the defensive finish.

New York Knicks (FORFEITED over Jalen Brunson signing in 2022).

56. Memphis Grizzlies (through HOU) – Max Shulga

Excessive-level shooter who may flip right into a secondary facilitator as nicely, and will ultimately lead a bench unit if he continues to enhance, though he’s already 22.

57. Orlando Magic (through BOS) – John Tonje

Spent six seasons in faculty, turning into a strong shooter and scorer. Could be a win-now participant seeking to take the Magic to the following stage or have a really quick profession.

58. Cleveland Cavaliers – Mackenzie Mgbako

Between his two faculty seasons, he confirmed no enchancment or regression, though he’s a strong scoring ahead who may add some depth to the Cavs if all goes nicely.

59. Houston Rockets (through OKC) – Vladislav Goldin

A real seven-footer who must develop on his offensive recreation to discover a function within the NBA, though the Thunder have the time to be affected person.