Context:

The 2025 NBA Draft is highly anticipated, with the Dallas Mavericks securing the first pick and selecting Duke's Cooper Flagg, a dynamic player with significant two-way potential expected to impact the league immediately. Other top prospects include Rutgers' Dylan Harper, chosen by the Spurs, and Ace Bailey, picked by the 76ers, both bringing unique skills and high potential to their respective teams. The draft class is notable for its depth, featuring one-and-done players like Baylor's VJ Edgecombe and Duke's Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach, who are expected to make immediate contributions. The NBA Draft Lottery on May 12 determined the draft order, significantly impacting the future of the league and the strategies of numerous teams. With a mix of local and international talent, this draft is poised to shape the NBA landscape for years to come.

Dive Deeper:

• Cooper Flagg, a standout player from Duke, was selected first overall by the Dallas Mavericks, thanks to their unprecedented lottery luck, and he is expected to become an NBA superstar alongside Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving.

• Dylan Harper, regarded as the best guard in the draft, was picked second by the Spurs; he is known for his excellent game sense and playmaking ability, inheriting NBA skills from his father, Ron Harper.

• Ace Bailey, another top prospect from Rutgers, was drafted by the 76ers; he possesses significant talent with guard skills and a knack for hitting tough shots, although his shot selection may need refinement.

• VJ Edgecombe, selected by the Hornets, is recognized for his competitive nature and defensive potential, complementing the existing talents of LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller on the team.

• The Jazz picked Tre Johnson, who is praised for his scoring ability and potential to fit into Utah's need for a blue-chip prospect, making him a valuable asset to the team.

• International prospects like Kasparas Jakucionis (Lithuania) and Khaman Maluach (South Sudan) were also notable selections, bringing unique strengths and versatility to the Wizards and Raptors, respectively.

• The draft is characterized by a strong international presence and a mix of positions, with teams like the Wizards and Nets focusing on versatile players to build depth and future potential.

• The 2025 NBA Draft is fast approaching, and a few ping pong balls had a major influence over the next six weeks of the draft cycle and, most likely, the next six years of the league.

• On Monday, May 12, the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery took place in Chicago, one day after the 2025 NBA Draft Combine opens nearby. And while Cooper Flagg is expected to be the first name off the board in late June, fans eagerly anticipate the lottery results to see where Duke's star will land.

• Beyond Flagg's superstar potential, there are several talented prospects capable of making an immediate impact at the NBA level. Flagg is among several one-and-done prospects headlining this class, which also includes Rutgers' duo of Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper, Baylor's VJ Edgecombe and a pair of other Dukies in Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach.

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• Where will these players land? Ahead of the NBA Draft Lottery, here's an updated NBA Mock Draft based on declarations and reporting since our last mock during March Madness.

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• NBA Mock Draft 2025

  1. Mavericks: Cooper Flagg, Duke

  Age: 18

• Position: Guard/Forward

• Measurements: 6-9, 205 pounds

• This draft isn’t quite “Cooper Flagg and everyone else,” but it’s close. That said, Flagg was expected to go No. 1 regardless of who won the pick. It just so happens that the Mavericks benefited unprecedented lottery luck to move up.

• He’s a dynamic talent with menacing two-way potential and projects to be a superstar in the NBA sooner rather than later. He’s going to make an immediate impact in Dallas and star alongside two former No. 1 overall picks in Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving.

• NOH: Why Cooper Flagg is a can't-miss No. 1 prospect

• 2. Spurs: Dylan Harper, Rutgers

  Age: 19

• Position: G

• Measurements: 6-6, 220 pounds`

• Harper is the best guard in this class and the clear-cut second-best player available. In an era where big guards are in, Harper is set to thrive.

• Team success came at a premium in Piscataway, N.J. last year, but Harper’s got an amazing feel for the game and an ability to create for himself and others. The NBA DNA from his dad, Ron, helps, too. Keep an eye on if this pick is actually going to be made for the Spurs.

• 3: 76ers: Ace Bailey, Rutgers

  Age: 18

• Position: G/F

• Measurements: 6-8, 210 pounds

• Philadelphia got some lottery luck and now hopes to parlay that into injury luck in 2025-26. When healthy, the 76ers are playoff-ready and can go for the best talent here.

• Bailey is certainly not lacking for talent. At 6-8, Bailey has guard skills and the ability to knock down tough shots consistently. There are concerns about his shot selection at times, but that can be corrected in the right situation. He also has the physical tools to be a game-changer on defense.

• 4. Hornets: VJ Edgecombe, Baylor | Bahamas

  Age: 19

• Position: G

• Measurements: 6-4, 180 pounds

• Charlotte's roster is not lacking talent, but it has been dealt an awful hand with injuries in the past few seasons. Understanding the Hornets' needs, Edgecombe is the best fit based on his competitive nature, athleticism, and scary potential on the defensive end.

• He can run the floor, benefit from the playmaking of LaMelo Ball, and can grow alongside Brandon Miller, forming a nice triumvirate for the future.

• 5. Jazz: Tre Johnson, Texas

  Age: 19

• Position: G

• Measurements: 6-6, 190 pounds

• Falling to fifth isn't ideal for the Jazz, but they have an opportunity to address the need for a scoring punch in a major way.

• Johnson may be the best scorer in this draft class, but where he lands was heavily dependent on how the lottery shapes up. Utah needs a blue-chip prospect and Johnson can be that. He was prolific in college and his game may be even better suited for the NBA level.

• 6. Wizards: Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois | Lithuania

  Age: 19

• Position: G

• Measurements: 6-6, 205 pounds

• Jakucionis is a box-office attraction thanks to a game that is equal parts style and substance. Washington was probably expecting to get a big guard in this year's draft and it can do so with the Lithuanian maestro.

• Bub Carrington is the point guard of the future in D.C. but Jakucionis' size allows him to play multiple positions. The Wizards are stockpiling talent quickly and will be fun to watch.

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