The 2025 NBA Draft is two days away, and with plenty of talent up and down the first round, soon-to-be-picked players are earning their NBA comparisons, from all-time greats to key role players.
Since our first mock draft was published, there have been three trades, all involving draft picks in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft.
Kevin Durant was traded for the tenth pick this year, Desmond Bane for the 16th, and the Indiana Pacers agreed to part with the 23rd pick in exchange for their own next year, which, after Tyrese Haliburton’s injury, seems like a good move since they might take a step back.
The top of the draft, with Cooper Flagg going first to the Dallas Mavericks, remains the exact same, although with only two days left before Adam Silver takes the stage, each player has earned an NBA comparison from past or present players.
Cooper Flagg is a two-way force and was expected to be the first overall pick long before his freshman season with the Duke Blue Devils. After winning the NCAA Player of the Year and Naismith awards, Flagg is one of the most obvious top picks in recent memory.
He is a solid shooter, and his outside shot (38.5%) might very well be the worst part of his game. Flagg is expected to impact the Dallas Mavericks right away, and the Mavs, who previously saw themselves as short-term contenders, should be a team to reckon with for the next several years with Flagg leading the way.
Cooper Flagg’s NBA comparison: Scottie Pippen
Flagg might be the consensus first pick, and Dylan Harper is easily the second-best player in the draft. As a complete combo guard, he found success individually at Rutgers by playing on the ball.
The San Antonio Spurs, with Harper, Stephon Castle, and De’Aaron Fox, will have a crowded guard rotation, but all three are solid defenders and versatile offensive players, and the Spurs, around Victor Wembanyama, are expected to thrive with more high-level passers than any other team in the NBA.
Dylan Harper’s NBA comparison: James Harden
Flagg, Harper, and Ace Bailey seem to be the top three picks in every mock draft, and for good reason. Bailey is a tough-shot taker and, critically, maker.
While he isn’t particularly athletic or physical, he is a solid defensive player and an excellent scorer. Much like Paul George, he can simply get a bucket and is expected to headline the next generation of Philadelphia 76ers basketball alongside Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain.
Bailey has been reluctant–if not downright resistant–to meet with the Sixers or any other team, although his upside should be enough for him to go third, regardless.
Ace Bailey’s NBA comparison: Rashard Lewis
Khaman Maluach was a standout starter for the Duke Blue Devils, and he is the first pick where we deviate from the norm. With LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller already on the Charlotte Hornets, the team needs an interior force to round out its play on both ends of the floor.
Maluach is incredibly raw, but has been compared to Joel Embiid and is one of the biggest draft risers this year. The Hornets are not in a position to play it safe, and swing for the fences with their fourth pick.
Khaman Maluach’s NBA comparisons: Joel Embiid
Tre Johnson, much like Keyonte George, is a true bucket-getter. While both can play on-ball, the Utah Jazz can build a young core of Johnson, George, Isaiah Collier, Taylor Hendricks, and whoever they draft next season.
The Jazz finished with the worst record in the league and landed the fifth overall pick, and are expected to be bad again next season, allowing them to bolster their young rotation with Johnson, who averaged 19.9 points for the Texas Longhorns.
Tre Johnson’s NBA comparison: Cam Thomas
While Johnson and Bailey can score from all over the floor, the Washington Wizards nab VJ Edgecombe, who looks like prime Russell Westbrook when he gets a full head of steam. Unfortunately, for now, he also shoots like prime Westbrook.
It’s plausible that Edgecombe has the highest ceiling out of anyone in the draft, and with Bub Carrington, Kyshawn George, and Alexandre Sarr already in town, the Wizards are slowly building something special.
VJ Edgecombe’s NBA comparison: Donovan Mitchell
The New Orleans Pelicans are in flux. Will they keep Zion Williamson? No one seems to know, although they don’t have time to wait around, drafting Jeremiah Fears, the most promising player on the board.
Fears is fast, wiry, and can get his shot off from anywhere, and he makes those around him better. Regardless of the direction the Pelicans go, Fears is a reliable pick who should turn into one of the better guards in the Southwest Division with some time.
Jeremiah Fears NBA comparison: Jordan Poole
Kon Knueppel is the third and final Duke player to be selected in the first round. He could very easily be the best shooter in the draft, and is not a bad defender by any means.
If the Nets trade up to nab another lottery pick, Knueppel is a high-level floor spacer to pair with whoever else they draft. If they win the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes, having an elite shooter next to the Greek Freak will only prove to be beneficial.
Kon Knueppel’s NBA comparison: Gordon Hayward
Is Immanuel Quickley a long-term solution at point guard for the Toronto Raptors? His five-year contract suggests that he is, but that salary is easily movable in a search for a “big fish” this offseason.
Kasparas Jakučionis is the best passer in the draft class and is a solid scorer. He is a gritty, scrappy player who fits in well with the Raptors’ young core or could be paired with a win-now player like Kevin Durant or Giannis.
Kasparas Jakucionis NBA comparison: Kyle Lowry
After getting their pick back in the trade that sent Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets, the Phoenix Suns need to add the best player available who does not play shooting guard, as Devin Booker, Jalen Green, Grayson Allen, Dillon Brooks, and Ryan Dunn all can play on the wing.
Noa Essengue has the size, mobility, and athleticism to thrive, and he has found success in the French League, averaging 12.4 points and 5.3 rebounds while playing solid defense. From day one, he should be a solid rim-runner with excellent two-way potential who can thrive next to Booker and Green long-term.
Noa Essengue NBA comparison: Jerami Grant
Is it too early to declare Scoot Henderson a bust? The Portland Trail Blazers might not be ready to admit that, and if they aren’t ready to draft a Henderson replacement this year, they could nab Collin Murray-Boyles, who could be a replacement for Jerami Grant as he ages.
Murray-Boyles is a solid athlete with some floor-spacing potential, although his calling card is his physical defense. He could bring with him reminders of the overtly physical “Jail Blazers,” minus all the off-court issues.
Collin Murray-Boyles NBA comparison: Paul Milsap
The NBA Combine was not friendly to Derik Queen, but the Combine doesn’t have an exercise to measure clutchness, which Queen has in spades.
The Chicago Bulls have their backcourt core of Josh Giddey, Lonzo Ball, and Coby White, and Queen is a solid rebounder and lob threat who also pushed out Nikola Vucevic, finally allowing the Bulls to commit fully to youth.
Derik Queen’s NBA comparison: Zach Randolph
Thomas Sorber missed much of his freshman season with a foot injury, but he is still one of the better centers in the country. He averaged 14.5 points and 8.5 rebounds for Georgetown.
With Sorber, Jalen Johnson, Zaccharie Risacher, Trae Young, and Dyson Daniels, the Atlanta Hawks are poised to compete on both ends of the floor, especially in a weak Eastern Conference.
Thomas Sorber’s NBA comparison: Steven Adams
Maxime Raynaud is a massive human being, standing at 7-foot-1. The San Antonio Spurs need a backup center, and while 14th overall might be high for Raynaud, he is close friends with Victor Wembanyama off the court.
Is using the 14th pick to appease your best player a great idea? Not usually, although Raynaud is a solid player who fills a position of need, and Wembanyama is priority number one in San Antonio.
Maxime Raynaud NBA comparison: Brook Lopez
Much like Raynaud and Essengue, Danny Wolf going 15th overall is a reach, although the Oklahoma City Thunder can afford to miss on a pick.
Wolf is a big, mobile player who can block some shots and pass the ball like a point guard. While his outside shot and defensive versatility need some work, the Thunder are in a position to roll the dice on the next Nikola Jokic.
Danny Wolf’s NBA comparison: Al Horford
For now, the Grizzlies boast a starting five of Ja Morant, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Jaylen Wells, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Zach Edey. They could use defense to help out Jackson Jr., and after a down year in Orlando, KCP might not be the elite defender he once was.
We predict that the Grizzlies will draft based on their team identity. Nique Clifford is a system player who doesn’t mind doing the dirty work, which is exactly the type of player Memphis has long loved, dating back to the Grit’and’Grind days.
Nique Clifford’s NBA comparison: Josh Hart
After the Grizzlies passed on Liam McNeeley, the Timberwolves add him. He shot only 31.7% from deep in his lone college season, although he is expected to be a lethal shooter once he finds his footing.
Providing kick-out options for Anthony Edwards and spacing around Rudy Gobert seems like a no-brainer, and the Wolves make the smart pick.
Liam McNeeley’s NBA comparison: Harrison Barnes
Asa Newell is one of the best athletes in the 2025 draft class, and the Wizards, as a young team, are drafting the best player available, not the best fit. Newell is an excellent secondary defender who is a beast in the open floor.
While he is not the best half-court offensive player, expect the Wizards to remain patient, and Newell will have plenty of time to find his footing.
Asa Newell’s NBA comparison: Daniel Gafford
After playing for the Michigan State Spartans listed at 6-foot-3, the Draft Combine revealed that Jase Richardson is actually an even six feet, incredibly undersized for an off-ball player.
However, he can space the floor and should become a solid scorer next to Cam Thomas. With Kon Knueppel shooting the rock, the Brooklyn Nets will have a nice, offensive-minded core of youngsters.
Jase Richardson’s NBA comparison: Rip Hamilton
Tyler Herro took over point guard duties for the Miami Heat, and while it wasn’t a total disaster (he made the All-Star Game!), the Heat missed the playoffs.
With shooters and scorers like Herro, Bam Adebayo, Duncan Robinson, and Andrew Wiggins on the roster, the Heat need a floor general, and Egor Demin, despite a lackluster college season that saw his draft stock tank, is one of the best passers in the draft class, rivaling Jakučionis.
Egor Demin’s NBA comparison: Anthony Black
If the Jazz trade Walker Kessler, Beringer will be his replacement. He is a solid shot blocker and rebounder, and is a much better athlete.
He is a very raw player and will likely spend time in the G League, although the Jazz are in no rush and have no delusions of winning many games next season, so Beringer simply rounds out their core as they hope that the lottery is more friendly next season.
Joan Beringer’s NBA comparison: Gorgui Dieng
The Hawks, despite having undeniable talent, are not winners. Aside from their fluke run to the Conference Finals in 2021, fans haven’t had much to celebrate.
Walter Clayton Jr. led the Florida Gators to the national title and can play off the ball next to either Young or Daniels, although he will certainly come off the bench in his rookie season. His outside shot was a reliable 38.6%, and even if that takes a dip, it will be serviceable.
Walter Clayton Jr.’s NBA comparison: Patty Mills
Yves Missi is a solid young center, and Zion Williamson, when healthy, is one of the best power forwards in the league. However, Williamson is totally unreliable, and the New Orleans Pelicans’ frontcourt could use more depth. Rasheer Fleming is a solid scorer, rebounder, and shooter who can block shots despite only being 6-foot-9.
He is not the best ball-handler, but thrives in space, and with on-ball stars like Trey Murphy III, Dejounte Murray, and CJ McCollum all in town, an off-ball player should fit well.
Rasheer Fleming’s NBA comparison: Dorian Finney-Smith
The Thunder, for the second time this draft, take a flier on an overlooked player. Will Riley did not start for the Illinois Fighting Illini, although he did win Big 10 Sixth Man of the Year honors.
His outside shot needs work, although he is a gritty, physical player who should quickly carve out a role on the Thunder’s bench.
Will Riley’s NBA comparison: Michael Porter Jr.
The Orlando Magic need some shooting, although, as proven with last year’s pick of Tristan da Silva, they value defense a lot more than offense. With the 25th pick, they select Cedric Coward, another player who spent multiple years in college, who should be able to impact both sides of the ball.
Coward is a solid shooter and underrated defender. The Magic need shooting, and he delivers, he can hold his own on the other side of the ball, too.
Cedric Coward NBA comparison: Stephen Jackson
If the Nets don’t trade up, it’s hard to do better than Carter Bryant with the 26th pick. He is an excellent, fast athlete with a solid shot.
If he got more run in college, he likely would get picked much earlier, although he played only 19.3 minutes per game and averaged 6.5 points per game, which should give the Nets some pause, as he is very raw.
Carter Bryant’s NBA comparison: Kevin Knox
After picking Bryant, who has very little experience, the Nets turn around and add Ryan Kalkbrenner, who spent five years at Creighton, four as a starter.
He is an elite shot-blocker and interior scorer, thanks in large part to being a true seven-footer. He doesn’t have the best speed or athleticism and won’t space the floor, but he could anchor the paint for years to come if he lives up to his potential.
Ryan Kalkbrenner’s NBA comparison: Jakob Poeltl
Depending on who the Boston Celtics trade to cut salary, there could be an opening in the starting lineup, although the deep team will likely allow a more experienced player to step in, even for Jayson Tatum.
Noah Penda is an oversized forward who can handle the ball, shoot, pass, and get to the rim. However, he lacks the blistering athleticism needed to be an earlier pick, although he lands in a great developmental situation in Boston.
Noa Penda’s NBA comparison: PJ Tucker
The Phoenix Suns need talent, regardless of position. Gonzalez does not address an area of need like rim protection or facilitating, but until Bradley Beal is off the books, the Suns will remain in purgatory.
Hugo Gonzalez has NBA size, and seems to have a decent shooting stroke, although his 27.1% mark from 3 in the Spanish League leaves a lot to be desired. Still, the Suns aren’t rushing, and taking a solid two-way perimeter player who can play off-ball should bolster their new-look lineup around Green and Booker.
Hugo Gonzalez’s NBA comparison: Bojan Bogdanovic
The Los Angeles Clippers still owe their entire future to the Thunder, although they at least get off with a pick swap this year. With the final pick in the first round, they add Israeli standout Ben Saraf.
Saraf averaged 12.8 points and 4.6 assists for Ulm, although his scoring efficiency is a major area of concern. He is a solid defender who can play in either guard spot, and will likely be a centerpiece of the Clippers as their core continues to age.
Ben Saraf’s NBA comparison: Goran Dragic
| Pick order | Team | Projected pick |
| 1 | Dallas Mavericks | Cooper Flagg |
| 2 | San Antonio Spurs | Dylan Harper |
| 3 | Philadelphia 76ers | Ace Bailey |
| 4 | Charlotte Hornets | Khaman Maluach |
| 5 | Utah Jazz | Tre Johnson |
| 6 | Washington Wizards | VJ Edgecombe |
| 7 | New Orleans Pelicans | Jeremiah Fears |
| 8 | Brooklyn Nets | Kon Knueppel |
| 9 | Toronto Raptors | Kasparas Jakučionis |
| 10 | Houston Rockets (via PHO) | Noa Essengue |
| 11 | Portland Trail Blazers | Collin Murray-Boyles |
| 12 | Chicago Bulls | Derik Queen |
| 13 | Atlanta Hawks (via SAC) | Thomas Sorber |
| 14 | San Antonio Spurs (via ATL) | Maxime Raynaud |
| 15 | Oklahoma City Thunder (via MIA) | Danny Wolf |
| 16 | Memphis Grizzlies | Nique Clifford |
| 17 | Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET) | Liam McNeely |
| 18 | Washington Wizards (via MEM) | Asa Newell |
| 19 | Brooklyn Nets (via MIL) | Jase Richardson |
| 20 | Miami Heat (via GSW) | Egor Demin |
| 21 | Utah Jazz (via MIN) | Joan Beringer |
| 22 | Atlanta Hawks (via LAL) | Walter Clayton Jr. |
| 23 | Indiana Pacers | Rasheer Fleming |
| 24 | Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC) | Will Riley |
| 25 | Orlando Magic (via DEN) | Cedric Coward |
| 26 | Brooklyn Nets (via NYK) | Carter Bryant |
| 27 | Brooklyn Nets (via HOU) | Ryan Kalkbrenner |
| 28 | Boston Celtics | Noah Penda |
| 29 | Phoenix Suns (via CLE) | Hugo Gonzalez |
| 30 | Los Angeles Clippers (via OKC) | Ben Saraf |
31. Minnesota Timberwolves (via UTA) – Drake Powell
Drake Powell is a high upside wing who shot 37.9% from deep while flashing excellent athleticism, although his handle and floor vision need work.
32. Boston Celtics (via WSH) – Yanic Konan Niederhauser
Excellent shot-blocker and lob threat, giving the Celtics even more excitement off the bench. If Porzingis gets traded, he could be elevated up the depth chart early.
33. Charlotte Hornets – Kam Jones
A poor senior season from behind the arc slides him into the second round, but Jones is a do-it-all guard who should have a productive career
34. Charlotte Hornets (via NOP) – Adou Thiero
Thiero puts the “D” in 3-and-D, although until he can bring the offensive efficiency, expect him to be more of a project than anything else.
35. Philadelphia 76ers – Johni Broome
One of the best NCAA players is ready to make the leap to the NBA, although he might have already hit his ceiling, making him perfect for a win-now team.
36. Brooklyn Nets – Alex Toohey
Solid offensive player who can facilitate and score, although his athleticism leaves a lot to be desired.
37. Detroit Pistons (via TOR) – Rocco Zikarsky
Zikarsky is a mammoth of a human being who should replace Paul Reed right away, and makes Isaiah Stewart expendable.
38. San Antonio Spurs – Hansen Yang
Playing for China, Yang has a soft touch and decent footwork, although his lack of speed and athleticism could hold him back. Gives the Spurs two towers down low.
39. Toronto Raptors (via POR) – Bogoljub Marković
Long and lengthy, he needs to add weight, but averaged 13.7 points and 6.2 rebounds for MegaBasket, although the defense isn’t as polished as the offense.
40. Washington Wizards (via PHX) – Sion James
Excellent defender with an efficient shot from deep, although the volume doesn’t suggest that he will be a high-level NBA scorer.
41. Golden State Warriors (via MIA) – Chaz Lanier
Big-time scoring guard who averaged an efficient 18 points for the Vols, but he doesn’t do much else. Still, a good shooter is always welcome in Golden State.
42. Sacramento Kings (via CHI) – Michael Ruzic
Can space the floor, dribble, and pass all while being a below-average defender. Very much a project player, but Domantas Sabonis could be the ideal mentor.
43. Utah Jazz (via DAL) – Tyrese Proctor
Undersized athlete with solid athleticism and a nice-looking jump shot, although struggles from the free-throw line suggest his ceiling is nearing.
44. Oklahoma City Thunder (via ATL) – Micah Peavy
In his fifth college season, Micah Peavy found his shot and defense, shooting 40% from deep while leading the Big East in steals. The Thunder can take a risk, although he could be a solid defender from day one.
45. Chicago Bulls (via SAC) – Amari Williams
Offensive liability, who makes up for it with his defense. The Bulls need to shore up their defense, and in the second round, there isn’t a better option.
46. Orlando Magic – RJ Luis
All-American guard who can get rebounds, defend, and struggles to shoot, making him perfect for the team Orlando is building, for better or worse.
47. Milwaukee Bucks (via DET) – Koby Brea
Shot 43.5% from deep in five college seasons, which is remarkable, although he is slow and unathletic, preventing him from being drafted higher.
48. Memphis Grizzlies (via GSW) – Dink Pate
A combo guard who spent two seasons in the G League and struggled to find his footing, although he is a special athlete who wants to be a true point guard.
49. Cleveland Cavaliers (via MIL) – Eric Dixon
Led the nation in scoring last season and could slot in as a starter if the Cavs trade Evan Mobley, although expect him to be a sound backup for a long time.
50. New York Knicks (via MEM) – Kobe Sanders
Kobe Sanders is an oversized combo guard who can get to the rim and absorb contact. He isn’t the most efficient scorer, but coming off the Knicks’ bench, expect New York to be looking for volume more than anything else, especially with such a late pick.
51. Los Angeles Clippers (via MIN) – Caleb Love
Solid score-first guard who doesn’t look to set up his teammates, but he can hit shots from anywhere. He is also 23 years old, which might cause him to slip to the Clippers.
52. Phoenix Suns (via DEN) – Jamir Watkins
Not an elite scorer, passer, rebounder, shooter, or defender, but he isn’t bad at any of those things, either, making him a safe pick for the Suns.
53. Denver Nuggets (via LAC) – Javon Small
Pesky on-ball defender who is an excellent creator on offense, although he isn’t the best scorer and his lack of athleticism will hold him back from being a star.
54. Indiana Pacers – Hunter Sallis
Streaky shooter who can get to the rim and will excel in a fast-paced offense, although expect most of his success to come at the rim, not from deep.
55. Los Angeles Lakers – Alijah Martin
High-motor defender with a track record of winning with the Florida Gators. Is a solid shooter, but expect his major impact to come on the defensive end.
New York Knicks (FORFEITED over Jalen Brunson signing in 2022).
56. Memphis Grizzlies (via HOU) – Max Shulga
High-level shooter who could turn into a secondary facilitator as well, and could eventually lead a bench unit if he continues to improve, although he is already 22.
57. Orlando Magic (via BOS) – John Tonje
Spent six seasons in college, becoming a solid shooter and scorer. Would be a win-now player looking to take the Magic to the next level or have a very short career.
58. Cleveland Cavaliers – Mackenzie Mgbako
Between his two college seasons, he showed no improvement or regression, although he is a solid scoring forward who could add some depth to the Cavs if all goes well.
59. Houston Rockets (via OKC) – Vladislav Goldin
A true seven-footer who needs to expand on his offensive game to find a role in the NBA, although the Thunder have the time to be patient.
| Pick order | Team | Projected pick |
| 31 | Minnesota Timberwolves (via UTA) | Drake Powell |
| 32 | Boston Celtics (via WSH) | Yanic Konan Niederhauser |
| 33 | Charlotte Hornets | Kam Jones |
| 34 | Charlotte Hornets (via NOP) | Adou Thiero |
| 35 | Philadelphia 76ers | Johni Broome |
| 36 | Brooklyn Nets | Alex Toohey |
| 37 | Detroit Pistons (via TOR) | Rocco Zikarsky |
| 38 | San Antonio Spurs | Hansen Yang |
| 39 | Toronto Raptors (via POR) | Bogoljub Marković |
| 40 | Washington Wizards (via PHX) | Sion James |
| 41 | Golden State Warriors (via MIA) | Chaz Lanier |
| 42 | Sacramento Kings (via CHI) | Michael Ruzic |
| 43 | Utah Jazz (via DAL) | Tyrese Proctor |
| 44 | Oklahoma City Thunder (via ATL) | Micah Peavy |
| 45 | Chicago Bulls (via SAC) | Amari Williams |
| 46 | Orlando Magic | RJ Luis |
| 47 | Milwaukee Bucks (via DET) | Koby Brea |
| 48 | Memphis Grizzlies (via GSW) | Dink Pate |
| 49 | Cleveland Cavaliers (via MIL) | Eric Dixon |
| 50 | New York Knicks (via MEM) | Kobe Sanders |
| 51 | Los Angeles Clippers (via MIN) | Caleb Love |
| 52 | Phoenix Suns (via DEN) | Jamir Watkins |
| 53 | Denver Nuggets (via LAC) | Javon Small |
| 54 | Indiana Pacers | Hunter Sallis |
| 55 | Los Angeles Lakers | Alijah Martin |
| 56 | Memphis Grizzlies (via HOU) | Max Shulga |
| 57 | Orlando Magic (via BOS) | John Tonje |
| 58 | Cleveland Cavaliers | Mackenzie Mgbako |
| 59 | Houston Rockets (via OKC) | Vladislav Goldin |
| – | New York Knicks | Forfeited |
