The 2025 NBA Draft has the makings of a fascinating and unpredictable night in Brooklyn. Why? Because while we know that Cooper Flagg will be heading to Dallas in one of the wildest lottery outcomes we’ve ever seen, there are a variety of possibilities for what ensues after that, starting with the San Antonio Spurs and the Philadelphia 76ers holding the second and third picks.

We didn’t see the teams with the top odds win the lottery or even jump into the top three. Instead, the Spurs — with Victor Wembanyama and a rising core — and the 76ers — with star power in Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey — find themselves in crucial draft positions after disappointing seasons.

In a class packed with value and one-and-done freshman talent, expect at least one of these teams to seriously consider a trade. And when you're the Hornets, Jazz, or Wizards, selecting fourth through sixth, doing something bold to move up could prove worthwhile.

What’s refreshing about this class is the renaissance of the college freshman. A year after four of the top six picks were non-college players, this group more than makes up for it. There’s a real argument that every lottery pick — outside of maybe one or two — will be a one-and-done freshman. In fact, five to seven of these prospects might have been the No. 1 pick last year.

With that, here’s my updated 2025 NBA Mock Draft:

---

1. Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg, Duke
Forget the Giannis rumors. Pick the best prospect we’ve seen since Zion Williamson. Flagg is a game-changer with incredible defensive instincts, shooting touch, and elite feel. The thought of him alongside Dereck Lively is a tantalizing one for Mavs fans.

---

2. San Antonio Spurs: Dylan Harper, Rutgers
While a trade back would be tempting, Harper is too talented to pass up. The backcourt needs more weapons, and Harper is a dynamic scorer and playmaker who could thrive alongside Wembanyama.

---

3. Philadelphia 76ers: Khaman Maluach, Duke
At 18 years old, Maluach is already a dominant defensive force. With a 7'6" wingspan and 9'6" standing reach, the upside is undeniable. A slight reach? Maybe. But he fits a real need in Philly’s frontcourt.

---

4. Charlotte Hornets: Tre Johnson, Texas
The Hornets need help on both ends, and Johnson brings a polished offensive game and competitive edge. Averaging 20 PPG last season, he’s the smart pick next to LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.

---

5. Utah Jazz: VJ Edgecombe, Baylor
Utah needs a tone-setting guard, and Edgecombe fits the mold. He’s a defensive disruptor who brings energy and averages of 15-6-3. His perimeter shot is a work in progress, but his two-way potential is immense.

---

6. Washington Wizards: Ace Bailey, Rutgers
Bailey is a flashy, high-upside prospect with elite athleticism. At 6'7.5", he’s versatile and explosive. If he tightens his shot selection and plays within the system, he could be a star.

---

7. New Orleans Pelicans: Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma
Fears is a rock-solid point guard who takes care of the ball and competes. His freshman season averages — 17.1 PPG, 4.5 APG — show he’s ready to lead a team.

---

8. Brooklyn Nets: Kon Knueppel, Duke
High IQ. Steady shooter. Knueppel plays like a seasoned vet and could be the cultural tone-setter Brooklyn needs. A seamless fit for a team with multiple first-round picks.

---

9. Toronto Raptors: Derik Queen, Maryland
With urgency ramping up in Toronto, Queen brings poise and polish. The 6'10" Big Ten Freshman of the Year adds frontcourt depth and can slow the game down with his inside-out scoring.

---

10. Houston Rockets: Carter Bryant, Arizona
At nearly 6'7" with a 7-foot wingspan, Bryant has the physical tools and raw potential. His development curve is steep, but his upside as a two-way wing could be lottery gold.

---

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Egor Demin, BYU
A versatile international guard with great vision and feel, Demin offers Portland an intriguing building block for their future.

---

12. Chicago Bulls: Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina
An explosive forward who plays with force and control, Murray-Boyles gives the Bulls some much-needed energy in the frontcourt.

---

13. Atlanta Hawks: Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois
A steady European prospect with a strong perimeter game and feel for running an offense. Jakucionis fits Atlanta’s style and provides depth behind Trae Young.

---

14. San Antonio Spurs (via TOR): Jase Richardson, Michigan State
Adding athleticism and shooting to their backcourt, Richardson is a great complement to Harper and another building block around Wemby.