It’s finally draft day. The culmination of years of scouting, months of speculation, and weeks of intense workouts is here. The 2025 NBA Draft class is defined by a can’t-miss prospect at the top, a clear-cut secondary tier, and a ton of volatility throughout the lottery that promises to reshape multiple franchises. To bring you the most accurate projection possible, we didn’t just rely on one opinion. We did the work.
Following our proven 3-step model, we analyzed nearly 50 of the top mock drafts, big boards, and scouting reports from every corner of the industry—from ESPN and The Ringer to the most dedicated YouTube analysts and social media insiders. After synthesizing all that data, we’ve built our ultimate curated mock draft. Our projection is anchored by the growing belief that a new face is crashing the top three, creating a fascinating ripple effect that will leave a top talent falling into a lucky team’s lap.
Here is ReCover 3’s official and final curated 2025 NBA Mock Draft!
1. Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg, F, Duke
The unanimous, undisputed, no-brainer pick. Flagg is considered the best prospect in this class by a wide margin, with some analysts calling him the safest No. 1 pick in years. He is an elite two-way player with game-changing defensive instincts and a rapidly improving offensive game. His motor, basketball IQ, and knockdown jumper make him a perfect cornerstone to pair with Anthony Davis, providing Dallas with both immediate impact and a future face of the franchise.
2. San Antonio Spurs: Dylan Harper, G, Rutgers
While the Spurs may listen to offers, the consensus is that they will stand pat and take the second-best player in the class. Harper is a big, physical lead guard with elite playmaking instincts and a high floor. His ability to control the pace of the game and create for others makes him the ideal backcourt partner to build around alongside Victor Wembanyama. If his jumper becomes consistent, he possesses clear All-Star upside.
3. Philadelphia 76ers: VJ Edgecombe, G, Baylor
This is where the draft truly begins. Based on strong intel and workout buzz, we’re projecting Edgecombe to leapfrog other prospects into the top three. The 76ers are drawn to his explosive, high-motor athleticism and his potential to be a lockdown perimeter defender. He’s a perfect fit for a win-now team, as he doesn’t need the ball in his hands to make an impact and can develop his offensive creation skills alongside established stars.
4. Charlotte Hornets: Kon Knueppel, G/F, Duke
After the top tier of athletes, the Hornets opt for one of the safest and most polished prospects in the draft. Knueppel is a sharpshooter with an incredibly high basketball IQ and crafty pick-and-roll playmaking ability. He is a perfect connecting piece who can immediately space the floor for LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller and make smart decisions with the basketball.
5. Utah Jazz: Tre Johnson, G, Texas
With Ace Bailey still on the board, the Jazz opt for the best pure scorer available. Johnson is a dynamic shot-maker who can get hot from anywhere on the floor, drilling step-backs and off-screen jumpers with ease. While he needs to develop his point guard skills and improve defensively, Utah is in a position to bet on elite talent, and Johnson’s offensive upside is too great to pass up at this spot.
6. Washington Wizards: Ace Bailey, F, Rutgers
This is the most rumored player-team connection in the draft. Bailey’s potential slide stops here, giving the Wizards a player with arguably the highest offensive ceiling outside of Cooper Flagg. Bailey is a ridiculous shot-making machine with the swagger of a primary scorer. On a Wizards team in need of a star identity, he gets the keys to the offense from day one.
7. New Orleans Pelicans: Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
The Pelicans swing for defensive upside and fill a major position of need. Maluach is a towering 7’2″ rim protector with shocking mobility, allowing him to erase shots at the rim and shadow guards on the perimeter. His offense is a work in progress, but his potential as a defensive anchor and lob threat is a perfect fit for a team built around Zion Williamson.
8. Brooklyn Nets: Kasparas Jakucionis, G, Illinois
The Nets need a lead guard to build around, and Jakucionis fits the bill perfectly. The 6’6″ point guard from Illinois plays with poise and vision beyond his years, thriving in the pick-and-roll. His size, feel for the game, and potential as a three-level scorer give the Nets a high-upside player to initiate their offense for the future.
9. Toronto Raptors: Asa Newell, F, Georgia
The Raptors love players with length, athleticism, and defensive versatility, and Newell fits that mold perfectly. He’s a 6-foot-9 rim protector who can comfortably switch onto the perimeter. He has springs in his legs for lobs and blocks, and if his jumper ever becomes consistent, he could vastly outperform his draft slot and become a cornerstone for Toronto’s frontcourt.
10. Phoenix Suns: Carter Bryant, F, Arizona
The Suns need cost-controlled players who can contribute, and the hometown product from Arizona is an ideal fit. Bryant projects as a high-level “3-and-D” wing. He’s a rangy, athletic forward who shot over 45% on catch-and-shoot threes and has the tools to defend multiple positions, making him a perfect role player for a contender.
11. Portland Trail Blazers: Collin Murray-Boyles, F, South Carolina
Portland doubles down on its defensive identity by selecting the versatile forward from South Carolina. Murray-Boyles operates like a defensive savant, using his quick hands and strong frame to lock down multiple positions. Offensively, he’s a bulldozer finisher with a great playmaking feel. He’s the type of high-character, tough player this young Blazers team needs.
12. Chicago Bulls: Derik Queen, C, Maryland
The Bulls need a long-term plan at center, and Queen offers the highest offensive upside of any big man left on the board. He is a burly center with guard-like handles, dazzling with spin moves and crafty finishes. His interior scoring, playmaking chops, and magnetic rebounding make him a fascinating offensive hub to pair with Coby White.
13. Atlanta Hawks: Joan Beringer, C, Cedevita Olimpija
The Hawks are reportedly looking to add a center, and Beringer is the best lob threat available. At just 18 years old, the French big man is a raw project but possesses elite athleticism and quickness for his size. On a team with Trae Young, Beringer’s potential as a rim-runner and vertical spacer is a perfect fit.
14. San Antonio Spurs: Cedric Coward, G, Washington State
After getting their lead guard at #2, the Spurs add a quintessential “3-and-D” wing. Coward has been a massive riser in the draft process, impressing teams with his 6’5″ frame, 7’2″ wingspan, and career 39% three-point shooting. He fits the Spurs’ mold of high-character, defensive-minded role players.
15. Oklahoma City Thunder: Thomas Sorber, F/C, Georgetown
The Thunder address their need for more size and physicality in the frontcourt. Sorber is great value at this spot, with a massive frame and a throwback skill set built on strong screens, soft-touch finishes, and gritty drop-coverage defense. He provides immediate backup center depth and has the potential to be a long-term starter.
16. Memphis Grizzlies: Egor Demin, G, BYU
Memphis adds a unique playmaker to their roster. Demin has a rare ability at his size (6’9″) to make dazzling passes and operate as a jumbo-sized connector. While his shooting is a question mark, his court vision and ability to facilitate for scorers like Ja Morant and Desmond Bane make him an intriguing high-upside pick.
17. Minnesota Timberwolves: Walter Clayton Jr., G, Florida
With a need for more shooting and shot creation, the Timberwolves grab arguably the best shooter left on the board. Clayton is a fearless, versatile scorer who can light it up from deep and made significant strides as a playmaker this past season. He provides instant offensive firepower to complement Anthony Edwards.
18. Washington Wizards: Noa Essengue, F, Ratiopharm Ulm
After taking their primary scorer in Ace Bailey, the Wizards swing for upside with another toolsy wing. Essengue is an 18-year-old from France with a fluid handle, dynamic finishing package, and highly versatile defensive potential. He’s raw, but his ceiling is as high as almost any wing outside the top 10.
19. Brooklyn Nets: Will Riley, F, Illinois
With multiple first-round picks, the Nets can afford to be patient, and Riley is a perfect developmental prospect. He has the frame and dynamic driving ability of a modern shot-creating wing. While his jumper and defense are inconsistent, his playmaking instincts and upside are worth the investment for a team in the middle of a rebuild.
20. Miami Heat: Jase Richardson, G, Michigan State
This is a classic Miami Heat pick. Richardson is a tough, poised combo guard with a high basketball IQ and a lethal midrange game. The son of an NBA veteran, he plays with a pro’s feel and can share creation duties in the backcourt. He fits the “Heat Culture” mold of hard-nosed, ready-to-contribute players.
21. Utah Jazz: Nique Clifford, G, Colorado State
Clifford is a do-it-all wing who can fill a number of roles for the Jazz. He is a tough-as-nails defender, crashes the boards aggressively, and scores from all over the floor. As a super senior, he brings maturity and a well-rounded game that can help establish a winning culture.
22. Brooklyn Nets: Danny Wolf, C, Michigan
The Nets grab another high-upside big man. Wolf is a uniquely skilled 6’11” center who ran point for Michigan at times. His slick handles, risky passes, and step-back jumpers make him a highlight factory. If Brooklyn can rein in his turnovers and develop his shooting, he could be a steal.
23. New Orleans Pelicans: Nolan Traoré, G, Saint-Quentin
Traoré is a high-upside pick who was once considered a top-10 talent. He has blazing speed and a shifty handle, giving him the raw tools to be an elite creator. He’s an inefficient scorer right now, but his potential as a lead guard is too tantalizing for the Pelicans to pass up with their second pick.
24. Oklahoma City Thunder: Liam McNeeley, F, Connecticut
The Thunder grab a perfect system player. McNeeley is a sharpshooting wing with superb instincts for moving without the ball. He projects as a knockdown spot-up shooter who thrives in motion-heavy offenses. For the defending champs, he provides cheap, controllable wing depth and floor spacing.
25. Orlando Magic: Rasheer Fleming, F, Saint Joseph’s
With a clear need for shooting and defensive energy, the Magic opt for one of the draft’s most intriguing role players. Fleming is a high-motor forward with a great frame and the athleticism to make an immediate impact on the defensive end. He is also a reliable spot-up shooter, draining nearly 40% of his threes on good volume. On a team with primary creators like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, Fleming’s ability to play a low-usage, high-energy role makes him an excellent fit in Orlando.
26. Brooklyn Nets: Drake Powell, G/F, North Carolina
With their third first-round pick, the Nets bet on pedigree and defense. Powell is a former five-star recruit with a chiseled frame and all the tools to be a “switch-everything” defender at the next level. His motor runs hot, and he excels at creating defensive events. If his spot-up jumper translates to the NBA, he has a very high floor as a valuable “3-and-D” role player.
27. Brooklyn Nets: Maxime Raynaud, F/C, Stanford
The Nets finish their first-round haul by adding a different flavor to their frontcourt. Raynaud is a skilled 7-footer who has improved every year at Stanford, developing into a legitimate floor-spacer who can pop for 3s. He can also attack closeouts with a smooth handle and make smart passes from the high post. His offensive versatility makes him an intriguing modern big with significant upside.
28. Boston Celtics: Ryan Kalkbrenner, C, Creighton
With their frontcourt aging, the Celtics grab a player who can contribute immediately. Kalkbrenner is a four-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year and one of the most decorated rim protectors in recent college basketball history. As a super senior, he’s an NBA-ready backup who provides an instant defensive presence and valuable, cost-controlled minutes for a contender.
29. Phoenix Suns: Adou Thiero, F, Arkansas
The Suns need tough, athletic defenders, and Thiero fits that description perfectly. He’s a slasher with a jacked frame and an explosive first step that allows him to guard multiple positions and play with relentless energy. While his offensive game is a major work in progress, his defensive impact and toughness make him a useful specialist for a team that already has plenty of scoring firepower.
30. L.A. Clippers: Noah Penda, F, France
The Clippers add a smart, versatile forward who has been rising on draft boards thanks to his high basketball IQ. Penda is a great defender who can guard multiple positions and rebound with tenacity. On a veteran team with established stars, he can develop without immediate pressure, and learning from a master like Kawhi Leonard is an ideal situation. He’s a solid long-term investment to round out the first round.
Final Thoughts/Analysis
The 2025 NBA Draft is headlined by a generational talent in Cooper Flagg, but the real story is the intrigue that follows. The depth of versatile wings in the lottery and the high-upside international prospects make this a fascinating class to project. As always, expect trades to shake up the draft board, but based on our extensive research, these picks reflect the best combination of talent, team need, and insider buzz.
Let us know what you think of our mock draft on social media or in the comments!
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