The 2025 NBA Draft is already drawing rave reviews for its top-end talent. Cooper Flagg profiles as a generational talent and the entire top-five would have gone number one overall last year. Teams have tons of excitement heading into the NCAA season, which means plenty of tanking to improve lottery odds.

The San Antonio Spurs could have four first-round picks to build out their roster around Victor Wembanyama. They have an unprotected selection from the Hawks, a top-ten protected Chicago pick, and a lottery protected choice from the Hornets. Two of those may stay with their respective teams, but any young talent put around Wemby could make the Spurs dangerous. San Antonio is building for the long term and will soon return to contention.

This is a first look at the 2025 class. The order was set based on a preseason look at the teams on Tankathon. Things will change mightily before June with several teams joining the race to the bottom and players shining or fading during this season. Here is an early look at the prospects and where they might land.

Flagg solidified his place at number one after drawing rave reviews from Team USA camp. He was part of the select team that helped the Americans get ready for the Olympics.

The 17-year-old is one of the youngest players in this class. It is his defense and versatility that makes him an elite prospect. The 6’9 forward can guard multiple positions, make plays, rebound, space the floor, and get buckets with a high motor and basketball IQ.

Flagg’s offensive game will be something to watch. Can he operate as a high-level shot creator and consistently make jumpers at Duke? If so, expect him to go number one overall and have massive hype entering the NBA.

The Nets entered a rebuild after trading Mikal Bridges and are the favorites to have the worst record in the NBA. They will certainly be trying to capture the Flagg this season. 

Bailey is an absolute bucket at 6’9. He could be the next elite two-way wing in the NBA if everything comes together, and fans can expect the teenager to challenge Flagg for the top spot in this draft.

Bailey can make all the shots, but his selection and ball-handling are things worth monitoring. Does he shoot efficiently and keep his turnovers down for Rutgers? Expect standout moments on both ends of the floor, but scouts will be watching his overall impact.

The Wizards are in the middle of a total rebuild and need their superstar. Bailey has that potential and could form a dynamic young trio with Alex Sarr and Bub Carrington in the nation’s capital.

Two of the top three players are playing for Rutgers this season. Not a traditional college basketball powerhouse, but all eyes will be on Piscataway as the Scarlet Knight’s stars attempt to overtake Flagg for the first overall selection.

Harper is an elite scorer with strong playmaking. The 18-year-old will be the top creator for Rutgers this season. His high basketball IQ and incredible skill will have teams interested. Expect him to have some monster games as he tries to solidify himself as a top-three pick.

The Blazers have Scoot Henderson, Anfernee Simons, and Shaedon Sharpe, but need to take the best available talent. Harper’s elite scorer and size make him a potential fit at the two in Portland. Do not rule out trades to clear the deck for Harper, especially if he fully blossoms into an elite scorer at the next level.

The 19-year-old put on a show for the Bahamas in the Olympic qualifying tournament in Spain this summer where he averaged 16.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.0 steals in 27.5 minutes per game. It pushed him into the top four of this class and has some scouts believing he can make a case to go number one.

Edgecombe makes highlight plays on both ends of the floor and has superstar potential. His draft stock will largely be determined by his play at Baylor this season. Can he showcase some improved ball-handling and playmaking? Does his game pop on both ends of the floor in a larger college sample? He has the athletic ability and scoring chops.

The Pistons are in a difficult position here. Cade Cunningham has star potential, and Jaden Ivey is still a promising prospect. If the Pistons end up here, things have gone south again and it is time to change things up. Getting an athlete with V.J. Edgecombe’s potential could help Detroit get back on track.

The French season is already underway, and Traore has averaged 13.9 points, 5.6 assists, 1.6 rebounds, and 0.7 steals in 24.2 minutes per game over his first seven contests. The 6’3 point guard is a strong playmaker with massive scoring upside. Consistency is an issue at this stage, but teams will be betting on the 19-year-old’s upside.

His shooting and efficiency must improve. Traore has made just 28.3 percent of his 413 3-point attempts over the previous three seasons. He is 15 of 41 to begin this year and must take a step in this area. The French point guard has also committed over three turnovers per game for two straight years. Improving his overall efficiency is a must to become an NBA star.

The Bulls traded for Josh Giddey and have a loaded backcourt, but they must select the best player available. Traore could be a game-changing guard if he finds his shooting stroke and can make his highs the norm, which is precisely what Chicago needs to return to contention.

The 6’6 wing is a bucket with his shooting and scoring being calling cards for his draft stock. Knueppel needs to be an elite scorer and shot-maker to go in the lottery. He has the potential to shoot over 40 percent from 3-point range and lead Duke in points per game.

The Blue Devils will get plenty of buzz this season with Flagg. It will create significant opportunities for Knueppel and others to shine in a similar way to Bilal Coulibaly playing his way into the top ten next to Victor Wembanyama in 2023.

The Jazz are building in the Celtics mold by taking multiple wings with versatility. Kneuppel could be the elite floor spacer Utah needs to take that next step. This class feels wide open after the top five with Kon Knueppel’s shooting standing out as an NBA skill that gives him the early edge.

The 6’6 wing is getting plenty of on-ball reps for Ulm in his first nine games. He is averaging 13.2 points, 4.7 assists, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 23.6 minutes per game. Saraf was MVP Under-18 European championships but has serious questions.

He is left-hand dominant, and teams are already forcing him right. Saraf shot just 24.5 percent from 3-point range last season on 102 attempts. His jumper and playmaking will be swing skills. Saraf is not an elite athlete and uses his deceleration to get off clean looks. He must make open shots and be able to play on the ball to reach his full potential.

The Raptors love oversized talent with versatile skill sets. Ben Saraf feels like a fit with what Toronto wants, but the prospect has a wide range. Without improvements, he will likely be more of a late first-rounder than in the top ten.

McNeeley is dealing with a calf injury, but it does not appear to be a major concern. Joining the two-time defending national champions feels like a perfect fit for McNeeley to maximize his stock. His high basketball IQ, shooting, and versatility give him a chance to cement himself as a top-ten pick.

Every NBA team wants 6’6 wings capable of spacing the floor and defending multiple positions. McNeeley is not an elite athlete, but he fits this mold with upside for more. The 19-year-old will need time, but feels like a safe bet to go somewhere from sixth to 20th on draft night.

The Hornets need shooting and defense around LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. Getting a knockdown wing with upside feels like a strong play for a team eager to get back to playoffs.

The 18-year-old Lithuanian is playing in the NCAA this season for Illinois and is already shooting up draft boards. Jakucionis has shown flashes on and off the ball and could be the perfect fit in the modern NBA. At 6’6, he can do a lot of different things, which is what NBA teams want.

Jakucionis averaged 19.4 points, 5.3 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.7 steals in the Under-18 European championships this year. That could be seen as a coming-out moment that makes him a potential top-five pick. He must make shots, play stout defense, and get buckets to make that leap, but the potential is there.

The Spurs would love to add a versatile option next to Stephon Castle as they look to create a championship contender around Victor Wembanyama. This could be the dynamic young core that helps San Antonio return to contention, and the Spurs are not done.

The Spurs have arguably the best defender in the NBA in Wemby but would love to improve on the perimeter. Castle should help, and Powell could be the 3-and-D wing every team covets. Having a versatile option like Jakucionis and a solid role player like Powell would be a significant upgrade in the Alamo.

The UNC freshman needs to make shots and prove his defense translates. He will showcase his strengths for the Tar Heels, but may take a backseat on offense. Powell doing a bit more with the ball and becoming an elite scorer would lift him up draft boards. There is upside, but will he make the most of his opportunities?

Newell played with Cooper Flagg in high school and is one of three Montverde players projected to go in the lottery. The 6’9 forward figures to be one of the top options for Georgia. He is a plus athlete with a versatile skill set. Can Newell turn that into becoming an elite scorer? Time will tell.

The Thunder love players that can dribble, pass, and shoot. Newell’s jumper is something to watch this season. He showed some promise as a transition playmaker and could blossom into a dangerous floor spacing four with rim-protecting ability.

Oklahoma City is loaded with talent and could snag another versatile option that raises their ceiling in Asa Newell in the lottery if the Clippers falter this season. Kawhi Leonard’s injury is concerning and could create a disaster scenario for LA.

The lottery features plenty of uncertainty at this stage, but the buzz continues to grow around Freeman. The 6’8 forward could be a two-way force with a versatile skill set. He is a plus athlete capable of putting down impressive highlights. He must showcase improvements in his playmaking and defense to end up in the lottery, but scouts are excited about his growth over the last year.

Freeman is worth watching closely during his freshman season at Syracuse. He could vault into the top ten or play his way out of the 2025 class. The opportunities should be there. He has the size and athletic chops. It is all about putting it together on the floor.

The Hawks have two first-rounders and the freedom to take a swing. They need more talent around Trae Young to get back into serious contention, and Freeman has a massive ceiling.

Bethea profiles as one of the best freshman scorers in the NCAA. He has NBA shooting range and can get to his spots. The Miami Hurricanes will give him plenty of opportunities to shine this season, and his game is certainly conducive to climbing draft boards.

There are questions about Bethea’s ideal NBA role, but teams are always looking for scorers with upside. The 18-year-old feels like a safe bet in the first round with room to climb. It will come down to his playmaking, defense, and efficiency.

The Houston Rockets are loaded with young talent and should go best player available. It is still early, but Bethea’s ability to score has scouts tuning in.

Duke could have three lottery selections if everything breaks right. The 7’2 big man has immense upside. Maluach started playing basketball late, but his size and rim-protection will interest teams. His offensive game will be the separator between him being in the top ten or the late first round.

The Blue Devils will be arguably the most watched team in the NCAA this season, which will provide plenty of opportunities to impress. If he becomes a serious threat as a roll man, Maluach may make it three players from Duke in the opening ten picks.

The Golden State Warriors missed on James Wiseman and have struggled to find a big man. This is an upside swing, but Khaman Maluach’s potential could make him a key piece for the Dubs as their current core exits.

The 6’8 forward has helped UConn win back-to-back championships as he shot 38.9 percent from 3-point range. Coupled with a high basketball IQ, Karaban has been a difference-maker for the Huskies and could be a high-level role player in the NBA.

The Thunder have their stars locked in. They are searching for complementary pieces to space the floor and knock down open looks. Karaban fits that mold and figures to take another step forward as UConn goes for a three-peat.

Johnson is a player to watch closely this season. He is a bucket-getter with lottery potential, but the ancillary parts of his game will determine his stock. The 6’6 wing can score from all three levels and should play a massive role for Texas this season.

His defense, shot selection, efficiency, and playmaking will be key factors in his draft stock. If he is just a bucket, it will depress his stock. Johnson has a ton to prove in his freshman year and could go anywhere from top ten to outside the first round.

The Pelicans likely move on from Brandon Ingram and may be searching for a score-first wing replacement. Johnson will need time to develop, and New Orleans has had success helping players grow.

The 6’6 wing is a strong playmaker but struggled to efficiently score for the G League Ignite last season. He averaged 8.0 points, 3.6 assists, 2.9 rebounds, and 0.6 steals in 23.6 minutes per game while shooting 35.8 percent from the field and committing 2.5 turnovers per game.

The 18-year-old is playing for the Mexico City Capitanes after the Ignite folded. He must hit shots and increase his percentages to be a first-round draft pick. If the teenager takes a step forward, he could go in the lottery. His playmaking, size, and rebounding are positives. It is all about developing as a scoring threat.

The Hawks have multiple first-round picks and a reputation for developing talent. They can take a shot on someone like Pate if they believe they can help him reach his ceiling.

The 6’7 wing returns for his second season at South Carolina. He averaged 10.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.0 steal, and 1.0 block in 22.8 minutes per game as a freshman. There was some draft buzz in 2024, but he opted for another year in college.

Defense is his calling card and has most projecting him in the lottery. His offensive game needs work. He missed all five of his 3-point attempts as a freshman and committed 1.2 turnovers per game. Improving his shooting and efficiency is a must for Murray-Boyles to be a lottery pick.

NBA teams want 6’7 wings with versatility, but without a jumper, it is hard to see Collin Murray-Boyles being a lottery selection. He would jump up quickly if shots begin to fall, but that is a massive if entering his second season. The Grizzlies love upside and are not afraid to take a non-shooter, which is why the South Carolina wing slides here.

The 7’2 big man projects to be Arizona’s starting center after being a reserve last season. He averaged 5.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 0.5 blocks in 12.1 minutes per game. Krivas is a strong rim protector and has upside as a defensive anchor.

Scouts hope to see more of his offensive game this season. He did not attempt a 3-pointer as a freshman. Krivas must showcase his game as a rim finisher and lob threat. Without it, he is a man without a position on this end of the floor.

The Orlando Magic have invested significantly in their current core but could see Krvias as a low-cost option around Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs for the future.

The 6’8 forward is headed to BYU after playing the last two years for Real Madrid. Demin could not get minutes for the parent club, but he was impressive in the under-18 division. He is an oversized ball-handler with shooting upside.

His playmaking and efficiency are things to monitor in his first college season. Demin has struggled with his percentages. Scouts will find out if he is a primary creator or secondary option this season. Those will be key factors in determining his draft stock.

The Dallas Mavericks are led by an oversized ball-handler and want more versatility on their roster. Egor Demin has significant potential but needs to showcase improvements to be a first-round selection in June.

The Pacers want shooting and defense around Tyrese Haliburton. They have depth and plan on contending for years to come. Indiana should be searching for someone who can play a role and raise the team’s ceiling.

Toohey is in his second season with the Sydney Kings in the NBL. Through nine games, he averages 14.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.3 steals in 25.8 minutes per game contest. The 6’8 wing has improved his jumper and has the size to defend multiple positions. He could be the perfect option for a contender like Indiana.

Gonzalez is a tough prospect to place. He shined at the Under-18 Euros by averaging 20.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 2.0 steals, and 2.7 blocks in 30.7 minutes per game over seven contests, but has barely played for Real Madrid. Fans may not get to see much of the 18-year-old, which will decrease his draft stock.

He is a versatile defender with upside, but his offensive game is a question mark. Gonzalez has struggled to knock down jumpers and is not a high-level creator. It will be tough to stay on the floor without a shot. Couple that with a lack of playing time, and his draft stock feels like it will land more in the late first than the lottery.

The Brooklyn Nets are rebuilding and shooting for upside. Hugo Gonzalez has elite defensive potential and becomes sought after if he finds his shooting stroke. That could be a steal at 22.

Sallis put down some impressive tape after transferring to Wake Forest. He averaged 18.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.1 steals in 35.4 minutes per game as a junior. The 6’5 guard shot 48.7 percent from the field and north of 40 percent on his threes in a breakout season, but decided to return for his senior year.

Sallis needs to prove his 3-point shooting from last season is the new norm and improve his playmaking to vault up draft boards. He connected on just 25.8 percent of his threes during his two seasons at Gonzaga and scouts want to see more on-ball creation.

The 22-year-old could be in lottery consideration if he takes another leap. The Jazz need help in the backcourt and could benefit from a plus-shooter and defender. Utah hopes to exit their rebuild in short order and may be interested in a more developed prospect like Sallis.

Evans Jr. showed flashes during his freshman season at Oregon, including averaging 1.2 steals and 1.0 block in just 22.5 minutes per game. The 6’9 forward was a force on defense, but his offensive game is a question mark.

His shooting is the swing skill. He made just 26.7 percent of his 75 3-point attempts last season but shot 79.5 percent on his free throws. Connecting from long-range and improving his offensive game could help the 20-year-old climb into the lottery.

The Magic desperately need shooting around their young core, but this could be a steal if his jumper develops. Orlando has a knack for bringing the best out of players and may take a shot on the 6’8 wing.

Toppin was impressive during his freshman year at New Mexico. He averaged 12.4 points, 9.1 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 1.9 blocks in 26.6 minutes per game. The 6’9 forward shot 62.3 percent from the field and 34.4 percent from 3-point range.

He transferred to Texas Tech for his sophomore campaign. Can he translate his production from the Mountain West to the Big 12? There is tons of potential, but his play will determine his stock. Toppin could be a lottery selection or not even in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Essengue is coming off the bench for Ulm to start this season. He averaged 11.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 0.9 steals in 23.8 minutes per game through his first ten contests. The 6’9 forward is shooting 35.3 percent from 3-point range but has struggled over a larger sample. There is tons of upside, but significant risk too.

The Thunder can afford to wait and are stockpiling talent. Essengue developing a jumper could transform him into a switchable four with a versatile skill set. It will take time but do not be surprised to see someone take a chance on the teenager.

The 7’2 big man plays for Brisbane in the NBL. He played just 7.4 minutes per game last season and is only getting slightly more so far. This season, Zikarsky is averaging 5.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks in 12.4 minutes each night. He has attempted two 3-pointers and has immense defensive potential.

The Jazz drafted a wing and point guard already in this mock, so adding a big man makes sense. Zikarsky needs time to develop but could be a threat on both ends of the floor in his prime.

Ruzic averaged 4.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks in 16.8 minutes per over his first eight contests for Joventut Badalona in Spain. He shot over 40 percent from 3-point range last season and is one of the most experienced 18-year-olds in this class.

Finding a 6’10 forward who can space the floor and is already playing significant minutes in a professional league as a teenager is not easy. The Nets are just beginning a rebuild and would love to add his versatility to their core.

The 19-year-old struggled in his freshman season at Alabama, but the 6’11 big man can play in transition and has a developing jumper. Scouts will want to see him shoot better than the 31.7 percent he made on his 101 3-point attempts last year, but this is another upside shot on a player who should have a larger role in year two.

His 19-point game in the Elite Eight, which helped the Crimson Tide make the Final Four put his name on more radars. Can he make that his consistent production as a sophomore? The Clippers need young talent with upside, and Stevenson fits that bill.

The 6’5 wing had a breakout year after transferring to Colorado State and hopes to take another step in his fifth year. He averaged 12.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.9 blocks in 30.3 minutes per game while shooting 52.2 percent from the field and 37.6 percent on his threes. Clifford increasing his well-rounded game and making a few more plays could make him a first-round selection.

The Celtics are loaded with depth but need players on rookie contracts to keep things rolling. Clifford could be a key role player in a few years if everything breaks right.

The 2025 NBA Draft is loaded with talent and will change significantly before draft night. This is a first look at the prospects to watch. There will be breakouts and fallers. San Antonio Spurs fans should keep an eye out because the franchise will have multiple picks to add more talent around Victor Wembanyama.