ESPN's First 2025 Mock Draft: Wizards Select Flagg as No. 1 Pick, Lakers Hold No Draft Picks

Renowned media outlet ESPN has released the first edition of its 2025 NBA Draft simulation for this year. Unlike the previous two versions, this one takes into account the NBA standings as of this morning and the needs of each team.



Duke University's rising star Cooper Flagg, who has been performing exceptionally well recently, is projected to go first overall to the Washington Wizards. The New Orleans Pelicans and Utah Jazz are predicted to select Rutgers University talents Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey with the second and third picks, respectively. Lithuanian guard Kasparas Jakucionis has climbed to fifth in the rankings and is projected to be picked by the Charlotte Hornets due to his outstanding performances. The Suns and Lakers have no first-round picks, while the Warriors are expected to select Spanish player Hugo González from Real Madrid with the 13th pick. The Brooklyn Nets hold four first-round picks, while the Thunder, Spurs, and Jazz each have three. Chinese players Yang Hansen and Lin Wei did not make the list.



Detailed Rankings:

1. Washington Wizards: Cooper Flagg, SF/PF, Duke University
2.New Orleans Pelicans: Dylan Harper, PG/SG, Rutgers University
3. Utah Jazz: Ace Bailey, SG/SF, Rutgers University
4. Toronto Raptors: VJ Edgecombe, SG, Baylor University (Bahamas)
5. Charlotte Hornets: Kasparas Jakucionis, PG, University of Illinois (Lithuania)
6. Brooklyn Nets: Nolan Traore, PG, Saint-Quentin, France
7. Portland Trail Blazers: Kon Knueppel, SG/SF, Duke University
8. Sacramento Kings: Yegor Demin, PG/SG, BYU (Russia)
9. Houston Rockets (via Phoenix Suns): Jeremiah Fears, PG, University of Oklahoma
10. San Antonio Spurs: Tre Johnson, SG, University of Texas
11. Detroit Pistons: Khaman Maluach, C, Duke University (South Sudan)
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Philadelphia 76ers): Ben Saraf, PG/SG, Ratiopharm Ulm (Israel)
13. Golden State Warriors: Hugo González, SG/SF, Real Madrid (Spain)
14. San Antonio Spurs (via Chicago Bulls): Liam McNeeley, SG/SF, University of Connecticut
15. San Antonio Spurs (via Atlanta Hawks): Drake Powell, SG/SF, University of North Carolina
16. Indiana Pacers: Derrick Queen, C, University of Maryland



17. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Miami Heat): Will Riley, SG/SF, University of Illinois (Canada)
18. Utah Jazz (via Minnesota Timberwolves): Noa Essengue, PF, Ratiopharm Ulm (France)
19. Brooklyn Nets (via Milwaukee Bucks): Colin Murray-Boyles, PF/C, University of South Carolina
20. Atlanta Hawks (via Los Angeles Lakers): Labaron Philon, PG/SG, University of Alabama
23. Dallas Mavericks: Danny Wolf, C, University of Michigan (Israel)
24. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Los Angeles Clippers): Asa Newell, PF, University of Georgia
25. Orlando Magic: Adou Thiero, SF/PF, University of Arkansas
26. Orlando Magic (via Denver Nuggets): Ian Jackson, SG, University of North Carolina
27. Brooklyn Nets (via New York Knicks): Alex Karaban, PF, University of Connecticut
28. Memphis Grizzlies: Boogie Fland, PG, University of Arkansas
29. Brooklyn Nets (via Houston Rockets): Carter Bryant, SF/PF, University of Arizona
30. Boston Celtics: Joao Bellinger, C, Cedevita Olimpija (France)
31. Utah Jazz (via Cleveland Cavaliers): Michael Ruzic, PF, Joventut Badalona (Croatia)
32. Los Angeles Clippers (via Oklahoma City Thunder): Dink Pate, SG/SF, G League, Mexico City Capitanes

Notable Players in the Second Round:

Motiejus Krivas, C, University of Arizona (Lithuania)
Cannon Catchings, SF/PF, BYU
Noa Penda, SF/PF, Le Mans (France)
Tyrese Proctor, PG, Duke University (Australia)
Roko Prkačin, C, Brisbane Bullets (Australia)
Dariq Reed, SF/PF, University of Alabama
JT Toppin, PF, Texas Tech University