With men’s college basketball crowning the Florida Gators as champions Monday night and the NBA in the final week of its regular season, the NBA draft will soon take center stage for the prospects and teams focused on their futures.
The NCAA tournament served as quite the platform for players such as Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr., Duke’s Kon Knueppel, Maryland’s Derik Queen and Colorado State’s Nique Clifford to showcase their talents in front of NBA executives.
On the international stage, Joan Beringer (Cedevita/Slovenia) and Noa Essengue (Ratiopharm Ulm/Germany) have also impressed scouts, consolidating their standing in the top-20 among talent evaluators.
ESPN draft experts Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo lean on their own scouting and exclusive intel from league executives to inform and guide their latest mock draft, slotting prospects to teams. The first- and second-round order was generated by ESPN’s BPI forecast, which predicts how well all 30 NBA teams will perform during what’s left of this season.
Notes: The draft order, as updated through April 7, reflects picks owed and owned via trades. True shooting percentage (TS%) is a formula that blends field goal percentage with free throw shooting and 3-point shooting into one catchall number.
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First round
1. Utah Jazz
Cooper Flagg, SF/PF, Duke
Freshman | TS%: 60.0%
Flagg’s outstanding freshman season ended in surprising fashion, as a controversial late-game call helped Houston overcome a significant deficit to advance past Duke to the national championship game. Though Flagg came up short on a potential game-winning shot, he had a string of phenomenal plays on both ends of the floor, confirming his status as the best player in college basketball. He finished the game with 27 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks and 2 steals in somewhat of an off-night from an efficiency standpoint for him.
It’s difficult to see Flagg not declaring for the draft at this point considering the No. 1 pick is at stake, and the Jazz would surely be thrilled to add a player with his versatility and star power to pair with Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler in what would quickly become a formidable frontcourt. — Givony
2. Washington Wizards
Dylan Harper, SG/PG, Rutgers
Freshman | TS%: 59.3%
Though Rutgers didn’t come close to making the NCAA tournament, Harper did what he needed to this season, positioning himself as the favorite to come off the board at No. 2. His archetype as a jumbo playmaking guard with real feel isn’t easy to find; NBA teams have been drawn to Harper’s mix of pick-and-roll instincts, downhill scoring and physical strength.
There are questions about just how good a shooter Harper is (he averaged 75% from the line and 33% from 3), something he can help answer in predraft workouts. He’ll likely be tough to pass on at this spot, and would be a strong fit with the Wizards, who could use a playmaker in his mold. — Woo
play1:06Who does Dylan Harper remind scouts of?
Rutgers’ Dylan Harper reminds NBA draft analyst Jeremy Woo of Cade Cunningham and Jalen Brunson.
3. Charlotte Hornets
Airious “Ace” Bailey, SG/SF, Rutgers
Freshman | TS%: 54.0%
Bailey’s season was polarizing by top-five-pick standards, but the rarity of his skill set has held him steady near the top of teams’ draft boards. There were some impressive highs that put his talent on full display, as well as some predictable inconsistency and subpar efficiency that he’ll have to iron out as he matures. Still, there aren’t many players Bailey’s size (6-foot-10, 200 pounds) who can create and make the difficult shots he takes, which will earn him the opportunity to continue developing in the pros.
Though he’s probably not ready to contribute to winning immediately, landing with a patient NBA team that can afford him the time he needs should help. There could be some duplication in Charlotte with Brandon Miller, but Bailey’s upside is tempting. — Woo
4. New Orleans Pelicans
VJ Edgecombe, SG, Baylor
Freshman | TS%: 56.1%
The Big 12 Freshman of the Year, Edgecombe had a largely successful season showing off his explosive physical tools, strong intensity and rapidly improving skill level as a ball handler, finisher and perimeter shooter.
The Pelicans need some star power to build around and could pair two of the league’s most tantalizing talents alongside each other in Edgecombe and Zion Williamson, which would make New Orleans an exciting team to watch next season. — Givony
5. Philadelphia 76ers
Tre Johnson, SG, Texas
Freshman | TS%: 56.1%
Johnson is a prototype for what many NBA teams are seeking at the wing position, standing 6-6 with a 6-10 wingspan, dynamic shotmaking prowess and the skill level, versatility and aggressiveness to create shots in bunches. He scored about 20 points per game and made 40% of his 3s in 2024-25, and he shouldn’t have issues filling up the scoring column in the NBA.
The Sixers, already eliminated from the postseason, would be thrilled to keep their pick after a miserable season and could have interest in adding a 19-year-old wing who’d bring plenty of scoring power. — Givony
6. Brooklyn Nets
Jeremiah Fears, PG, Oklahoma
Freshman | TS%: 57.0%
Fears emerged as a top freshman despite being one of the youngest players in college basketball (he turns 19 in October). His combination of size, speed, pace, shotmaking and shot creation gives him significant long-term upside, as he gets anywhere he wants on the floor, either to create opportunities for teammates while dishing on the move, to finish skillfully in the lane or to get to the free throw line.
The Nets have a significant void in their backcourt, and Fears’ youth and talent could make him a player they’d want to closely study. — Givony
play2:20OU’s Fears talks NBA prep, praises SEC after draft announcement
After declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft on The Paul Finebaum Show, Oklahoma’s Jeremiah Fears shares his next steps before June and credits the SEC for preparing him.
7. Toronto Raptors
Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
Freshman | TS%: 74.7%
Maluach was in the middle of a strong NCAA tournament — posting a combined 27 points, 15 rebounds and 6 blocks in 55 minutes against Arizona and Alabama in the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight, respectively — until he ran into a physical, veteran Houston team that dominated him inside the paint in the Final Four. The 18-year-old center needs to get stronger, tougher and more experienced to handle those types of matchups, but he had a fantastic freshman season overall.
His ability to anchor a defense with his 7-foot-6 wingspan and provide vertical spacing as a roller and cutter while sprinting the floor aggressively in transition is clearly valuable, and the Raptors have a clear need for a player in that mold with his long-term projection. — Givony
8. San Antonio Spurs
Kon Knueppel, SG/SF, Duke
Freshman | TS%: 64.8%
Knueppel was highly dependable within his role at Duke, giving the Blue Devils elite efficiency and spacing while proving a better playmaker and defender than some expected in the preseason. Though not especially athletic by NBA standards, Knueppel helped himself in a big way this season, reinforcing how much substance there is to his game.
Duke’s Final Four exit wasn’t reflective of his contributions, and the constant demand for perimeter shooting has kept his draft stock strong. The Spurs could use a wing in his mold to help steady their young roster and space the floor for their stars. — Woo
9. Portland Trail Blazers
Kasparas Jakucionis, PG, Illinois
Freshman | TS%: 59.8%
Jakucionis made a successful leap from Europe to Division I and boosted his perception as an NBA prospect. The Lithuanian guard showcased his playmaking savvy and admirably handled a huge role at Illinois. He faced challenging stretches during the season, struggling with efficiency and turnovers as defenses loaded up to stop him.
There’s still plenty to like long term with his intangibles and ability to play both backcourt spots, keeping him in the lottery picture amid an intriguing group of guards. The Trail Blazers could benefit from adding his decision-making and unselfish style to their backcourt mix. — Woo
10. Houston Rockets (via Phoenix)
Collin Murray-Boyles, PF/C, South Carolina
Sophomore | TS%: 64.0%
Despite a challenging campaign that left South Carolina with a 2-16 record in SEC play, it’s hard to fault Murray-Boyles, given his consistent effort and production. His draft stock held steady in the mid-first round, with a chance for him to wind up in the lottery depending on what teams prioritize. Though undersized (6-foot-8 and 245 pounds) for his position, Murray-Boyles’ mix of offensive feel, defensive playmaking, physicality and toughness endears him to NBA teams that can picture him scaling down into a supporting role.
The predraft process will allow him to demonstrate room for growth as a jump shooter, something that will be essential to maximizing his value in the pros. His intangibles and potential versatility could make him a strong fit with the Rockets, who could use another big to help do the dirty work. — Woo
11. Miami Heat
Derik Queen, C, Maryland
Freshman | TS%: 60.0%
Queen exceeded expectations at Maryland, not only turning in a fine individual season but also leading the Terrapins to a 27-9 record and the Sweet 16. He established himself as the most offensively gifted big in this draft class, giving NBA teams a lot to think about with his ability to handle, pass, and create mismatches, along with his flashes of shooting potential. His motor on the defensive end and on the glass were often questionable, something Queen will have to answer for in the predraft process as teams get to know him.
Better effort is within his control, and he can adjust, making him a worthwhile lottery candidate. The Heat have been open to swinging big on talent, and Queen could benefit from landing in Miami, an organization that could get the most out of him. — Woo
play1:42Maryland’s Derik Queen announces NBA decision
Maryland big man Derik Queen joins Scott Van Pelt to announce his intention to enter the NBA draft.
12. Chicago Bulls
Egor Demin, PG/SG, BYU
Freshman | TS%: 51.3%
Demin finished his college season playing confident and decisive basketball down the stretch and helping BYU to a Sweet 16 berth. He remains a polarizing evaluation and fit for NBA teams as an excellent passer with size who struggles to beat opponents one-on-one and is inconsistent shooting from long range. Demin should benefit from the adversity he faced adjusting to Division I, but he will have work to do in the predraft process, where teams will want a better feel for his shooting potential.
The Bulls don’t need a player in his mold, with Josh Giddey on their roster, but Demin’s upside at this point in the draft could warrant consideration. — Woo
13. Dallas Mavericks
Liam McNeeley, SG/SF, UConn
Freshman | TS%: 53.6%
McNeeley earned Big East Freshman of the Year honors, handling a demanding role at UConn in which he played out of his comfort zone as a higher-usage offensive option. His strong feel and skill level were apparent during the team’s ups and downs, and he has held steady as a first-round prospect.
McNeeley will need to answer questions about his streaky shooting season, but his maturity and role versatility could be appealing to a team such as the Mavericks, who are still re-imagining their roster after trading Luka Doncic. — Woo
14. Atlanta Hawks (via Sacramento)
Jase Richardson, PG/SG, Michigan State
Freshman | TS%: 63.2%
Richardson turned the corner in a major way over the second half of the Spartans’ season, finding another notch with his aggressiveness and productivity while shouldering greater offensive responsibility efficiently as a starter. His pace, skill level, feel for the game and shotmaking prowess give him an outstanding framework at 19 years old, especially with his defensive intensity.
A team such as the Hawks could be interested in Richardson’s winning qualities and upside. — Givony
15. San Antonio Spurs (via Atlanta)
Joan Beringer, C, Cedevita Olimpija
France | TS%: 60.4%
Beringer continues to draw many NBA executives every time he steps on the floor. He has been highly impactful for Cedevita, leading the Adriatic League in block percentage. His tremendous physical tools, combined with his ability to cover ground on the perimeter, switch onto smaller players, and protect the rim at 18 years old, give him significant upside, especially because he has been playing basketball for only three years.
The Spurs could be intrigued with adding another long-armed, shot-blocking, French big man to their rotation. Beringer will likely be closely studied in the Adriatic League playoffs, starting May 9. — Givony
16. Orlando Magic
Will Riley, SG/SF, Illinois
Freshman | TS%: 53.8%
After reclassifying to attend Illinois a year early and with limited high-level experience, Riley had a strong season, overcoming midseason struggles and playing his best basketball in February and March. Though it’s likely to take some time for him to add strength and sharpen his efficiency as a scorer, Riley’s mix of feel and projectable shooting at his size makes him an attractive prospect to develop.
His defensive struggles and lack of physicality are concerning, but he offers an offensive blueprint that will entice NBA teams. The Magic need perimeter shooting and could view Riley as a fit with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. — Woo
17. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Detroit)
Noa Essengue, PF, Ratiopharm Ulm
Germany | TS%: 61.3%
Essengue has found another gear with his productivity, posting 12.5 points and 5.1 rebounds in 26 minutes over his past 10 German BBL games, with impressive efficiency. He has started making 3-pointers again at a decent clip (35%) during that span. His Ratiopharm Ulm team is in second place in the BBL, giving Essengue a chance to showcase himself in May, and possibly June, in the playoffs.
A team such as Minnesota, which doesn’t have many draft picks over the next few years, could be intrigued by Essengue’s long-term upside, while also having the requisite depth and patience, considering he’s the second-youngest player in this draft (he turns 19 in December). — Givony
18. Brooklyn Nets (via Milwaukee)
Nolan Traore, PG, Saint Quentin
France | TS%: 49.2%
Traore has been up and down all season and will need to find another gear with his productivity and efficiency as NBA scouts turn their attention to international prospects. His Saint Quentin team (12-12) is fighting for a playoff berth in Pro A France, and will need Traore at his best in its final six regular-season games.
His outstanding speed, shot creation and passing prowess could be intriguing to a team drafting in this range, but he has taken some lumps this season in a bigger role, struggling with perimeter shooting, decision-making and physicality on both ends. The final stretch of the season should give scouts a better feel for Traore’s NBA readiness.
Some might be surprised to see the Nets take another point guard after selecting Fears at No. 6 in this mock draft, but the Nets will likely need to take swings on upside and could be intrigued with Traore’s potential at this stage in the draft. — Givony
19. Washington Wizards (via Memphis)
Danny Wolf, PF, Michigan
Junior | TS%: 56.6%
Wolf delivered as one of the most impactful transfers in college basketball, making a successful leap from Yale to Michigan and leading the Wolverines to the Big Ten tournament title and Sweet 16. He’s unlike any other player in this draft class, with legitimate perimeter versatility and feel at his size at 7-foot, but there are questions about his athleticism, shooting and defensive translation to the NBA game.
This was a positive season for Wolf, who proved he could anchor a winning power-conference team that relied on him heavily, but his unorthodox profile will make him a situational fit for certain NBA teams. The Wizards are rife with draft capital and could take a swing on Wolf. — Woo
play0:17Danny Wolf rises for Michigan slam
Danny Wolf throws it down with authority to for the Wolverines.
20. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LA Clippers)
Carter Bryant, SF/PF, Arizona
Freshman | TS%: 59.9%
Bryant carved out a key bench role in what was a successful freshman season for Arizona. His strong frame, defensive versatility, passing and 3-point marksmanship (37.6%) make him an appealing developmental target for NBA teams, despite his limitations as a ball handler. Bryant will have an opportunity to help his case in predraft workouts, where his shooting and athleticism should stand out.
He’s not quite NBA-ready, but his profile could rise over the next couple of months. He would be a solid addition to Oklahoma City’s deep roster at this stage of the draft. — Woo
21. Orlando Magic (via Denver)
Asa Newell, PF/C, Georgia
Freshman | TS%: 62.0%
Newell solidified his case as a first-round talent at Georgia, thanks to his knack for playing hard, crashing the glass, and finishing plays in a large role.
He is still a work in progress, needing to develop more consistency as a shooter (29% on 3-pointers) and defender to carve out an NBA role. He is caught between the 4 and 5 positionally. His production and motor remain appealing. — Woo
22. Utah Jazz (via Minnesota)
Hugo Gonzalez, SG/SF, Real Madrid
Spain | TS%: 51.1%
Gonzalez isn’t getting consistent playing time with EuroLeague playoff-bound Real Madrid, as he alternates between sometimes starting in the Spanish league and other times not on the 12-man roster. NBA teams have struggled to get a handle on Gonzalez, who hasn’t made shots with any consistency (27% from 3) and has posted more turnovers than assists this season despite his team winning 13 of its past 14 games.
When given the opportunity, Gonzalez has shown defensive intensity, aggressiveness and explosiveness. He can guard multiple positions, and has shown glimpses of passing prowess and winning qualities that made him a highly regarded prospect at a young age. For a team such as Utah, armed with multiple first-round picks, taking a swing on Gonzalez, 19, could make sense. — Givony
23. Miami Heat (via Golden State)
Ben Saraf, PG/SG, Ratiopharm Ulm
Germany | TS%: 52.1%
Saraf went through a rough patch in February and early March, but he is coming off two of his best games of the season for Ulm, rediscovering his jumper and rekindling the playmaking creativity that made him a highly regarded prospect earlier in the season. With Ulm in the home stretch of its regular season, and important games approaching in the German league playoffs, NBA teams will be shifting more attention his way.
A team such as Miami, which might want to add a shot creator, could be interested in Saraf’s size, youth, creativity, feel for the game and toughness. — Givony
24. Indiana Pacers
Thomas Sorber, C, Georgetown
Freshman | TS%: 58.7%
Sorber entered college relatively unheralded and made a strong impression in his 24 games before a foot injury ended his season. He turned NBA heads with his defensive production and mature understanding of his role, despite average athleticism and some turnover struggles. He faces a tricky decision, with a real opportunity to improve his standing if he returns for his sophomore season. The amount of on-court work during the predraft process might impact how high Sorber will rise before the NCAA withdrawal deadline May 28.
It’s possible that NBA teams with significant interest in the first round could get him to stay in the draft. The Pacers have a long-term need up front, and Sorber could be a fit. — Woo
25. Atlanta Hawks (via Los Angeles Lakers)
Nique Clifford, SG, Colorado State
Super senior | TS%: 60.9%
After testing the draft last season and then returning to school, Clifford’s breakout super-senior season at Colorado State elevated him into the first-round picture. His all-around production, solid shooting, and impact on both ends bode well for his chances at getting useful rookie minutes.
A team such as the Hawks, who are aiming to compete, would likely value his versatility and effort as a rebounder and defender who can also knock down open shots and make plays for teammates. Clifford’s age (23) might work against him, but the dearth of experienced college wings in this class makes him a valid target in this range. — Woo
26. Brooklyn Nets (via New York)
Adou Thiero, PF, Arkansas
Junior | TS%: 61.8%
Thiero missed eight games because of a knee injury to end the season, unable to contribute to Arkansas’ postseason run beyond a brief return in its Sweet 16 loss to Texas Tech. He is expected to be ready for the predraft process, allowing him to improve his standing.
Thiero is one of the best athletes in the draft class and a consistent competitor, but will be a project for his next team. He needs to improve his ball skills and shooting as well as defensive positioning and tendencies. A team such as the Nets, who hold four first-round picks, could bring him along as a high-energy role player. — Woo
27. Brooklyn Nets (via Houston)
Yaxel Lendeborg, PF/C, UAB
Senior | TS%: 60.1%
Lendeborg is testing the draft process, weighing a move to Michigan next season versus the potential for securing guaranteed money in the draft. With his ability to handle, pass, shoot, and rebound, the 6-9 power forward has the two-way versatility and skill that NBA teams covet.
Brooklyn, with its four first-round picks, could promise a player such as Lendeborg that it would select him to ensure he stays in the draft. He has more upside than a typical 22-year-old because he has been playing basketball seriously for only five years, including only 11 varsity games in high school. — Givony
28. Boston Celtics
Walter Clayton Jr., PG, Florida
Senior | TS%: 61.1%
Clayton helped his standing significantly in the NCAA tournament, posting an efficient 30 and 34 points in the Elite Eight and national championship semifinals, before struggling in the final but still helping his team cut down the nets. The 6-4 guard earned first-team All-America honors with his tremendous shotmaking prowess and all-around scoring, making big plays in clutch moments all season while creating chaos for opposing defenses with his speed and unpredictable nature.
NBA teams have questions about Clayton’s defense, passing and feel for the game, as he can be mistake-prone on both ends of the floor and isn’t blessed with great physical tools with his average size, length and strength. Scouts are comparing his NCAA tournament performance with Shabazz Napier a decade ago, which similarly earned him a spot in the late first round, though Clayton is taller and more explosive, but also a little more mercurial. — Givony
play1:01Most Outstanding Player Clayton Jr. praises Florida’s toughness
Walter Clayton Jr. highlights the Gators handling adversity so well all season and credits his teammates for stepping up in Florida’s championship win over Houston.
29. Phoenix Suns (via Cleveland)
Alex Condon, C, Florida
Sophomore | TS%: 56.1%
Condon didn’t have the best NCAA tournament. He was hampered by an ankle injury and struggled at times with his lack of offensive polish and the physicality of some of the bigger frontcourts he encountered. Still, his excellent feel for the game was evident with the way he passes and plugs gaps defensively off the ball, as well as his nonstop intensity. He ultimately helped Florida win the national championship, making some important plays in timely moments.
He will need to weigh the option of returning for his junior season with a possible spot in the late first or early second round, depending on how he fares in the predraft process. A team such as the Suns, who are shallow in the frontcourt, need to improve defensively, and already have established scoring options, could have interest. Still, it might not be easy for him to gauge his standing by the May 28 withdrawal deadline. — Givony
30. LA Clippers (via Oklahoma City)
Rasheer Fleming, PF, Saint Joseph’s
Junior | TS%: 64.4%
Fleming was efficient and productive this season, converting 65% of his 2-pointers and 39% of his 3s. He is a stretch big who has strong finishing prowess and can slide all over the court with his 7-foot-5 wingspan, even if his feel for the game and defensive awareness are still not fully developed.
The Clippers don’t have much frontcourt depth and could add a player in Fleming’s mold to their roster, in hopes he can develop as a 3-and-D player. — Givony
play0:36Alex Karaban makes clutch plays down the stretch to secure UConn’s victory
Alex Karaban drains a couple of buckets and has a block late in the game to secure UConn’s victory over Oklahoma.
Second round
31. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Utah)
Drake Powell, SG/SF, North Carolina, freshman
32. Boston Celtics (via Washington)
Noah Penda, SF/PF, Le Mans (France)
33. Charlotte Hornets
Ryan Kalkbrenner, C, Creighton, super senior
34. Charlotte Hornets (via New Orleans)
Alex Karaban, PF, Connecticut, junior
35. Philadelphia 76ers
Maxime Raynaud, C, Stanford, senior
36. Brooklyn Nets
Bennett Stirtz, PG/SG, Drake, junior
37. Detroit Pistons (via Toronto)
Sergio De Larrea, PG/SG, Valencia ACB (Spain)
38. San Antonio Spurs
Johni Broome, C, Auburn, super senior
39. Toronto Raptors (via Portland)
Tahaad Pettiford, PG, Auburn, freshman
40. Washington Wizards (via Phoenix)
Alex Toohey, SF/PF, Sydney (Australia)
41. Golden State Warriors (via Miami)
Chaz Lanier, SG, Tennessee, super senior
42. Sacramento Kings (via Chicago)
Milos Uzan, PG, Houston, junior
play0:19Milos Uzan knocks down his 6th 3 of the game
Milos Uzan carries Houston in the second half with his sixth 3-pointer of the game.
43. Utah Jazz (via Dallas)
Isaiah Evans, SG/SF, Duke, freshman
44. Chicago Bulls (via Sacramento)
Darrion Williams, SF/PF, Texas Tech, junior
45. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Atlanta)
JT Toppin, PF, Texas Tech, sophomore
46. Orlando Magic
Kam Jones, PG/SG, Marquette, senior
47. Milwaukee Bucks (via Detroit)
John Tonje, SF, Wisconsin, super senior
48. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Milwaukee)
Michael Ruzic, PF, Joventut (Spain)
49. New York Knicks (via Memphis)
Eric Dixon, C, Villanova, super senior
50. Utah Jazz (via LA Clippers)
Miles Byrd, SG, San Diego State, sophomore
51. Phoenix Suns (via Denver)
Bogoljub Markovic, PF/C, Mega MIS Adriatic (Serbia)
52. LA Clippers (via Minnesota)
Tyrese Proctor, PG, Duke, junior
53. Memphis Grizzlies (via Golden State)
Sion James, SF, Duke, super senior
54. Indiana Pacers
Koby Brea, SG/SF, Kentucky, super senior
55. Los Angeles Lakers
Cedric Coward, SF, Washington State, senior
56. Memphis Grizzlies (via Houston)
Dink Pate, SG/SF, Mexico City Capitanes (G League)
57. Orlando Magic (via Boston)
Rocco Zikarsky, C, Brisbane (Australia)
58. Cleveland Cavaliers
Braden Smith, PG, Purdue, junior
59. Houston Rockets (Oklahoma City)
Johann Grunloh, C, Vechta (Germany)
Note: The New York Knicks forfeited their 2025 second-round pick.
Source: espn.com