With the 2024-25 season winding down, groups across the NBA are hyper-focused on the upcoming draft class that options some potential franchise-changing prospects.
The NBA introduced on Tuesday that 106 gamers filed as early entry candidates, down from 195 final 12 months. The decline instantly stems from the rise of title, picture and likeness (NIL), as gamers had been afforded extra incomes potential by staying on the collegiate stage.
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The predraft course of tipped off final month with the highest seniors within the nation taking part within the Portsmouth Invitational Match in Virginia. Elsewhere, prospects are busy within the health club forward of the draft mix and G League Elite Camp later this month.
The draft board will change into clearer within the coming days, with the lottery set to happen on Might 12 in Chicago, Illinois. The Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards and Charlotte Hornets enter the festivities with the most effective odds of touchdown the No. 1 choose at 14%.
Rookie Wire seemed on the upcoming draft class following the early entry deadline and the place issues stand earlier than the lottery and mix. The rankings will undoubtedly change, however it may be a productive train to see the place gamers are actually forward of the draft on June 25-26.
1. Utah Jazz: Cooper Flagg, Duke
Apr 5, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Duke Blue Devils ahead Cooper Flagg (2) reacts after a 3 level basket in opposition to the Houston Cougars through the first half within the semifinals of the boys’s Last 4 of the 2025 NCAA Match on the Alamodome. Necessary Credit score: Bob Donnan-Imagn Pictures
Top: 6-9 Weight: 225 12 months: Fr. Place: F
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After taking a while to determine, Flagg introduced on April 21 that he was formally declaring for the draft following an amazing freshman marketing campaign with the Blue Devils. He was the Participant of the 12 months and a consensus first-team All-American, averaging 19.2 factors, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks on 38.5% capturing from 3-point vary.
Flagg entered the season with large expectations because the consensus prime recruit within the class of 2024. He was extremely touted because the doubtless prime choose within the draft and lived as much as the hype after turning into the face of the game this previous season. He doubtless was set on coming into the draft no matter how the season went, regardless of some debate about presumably returning to this system subsequent 12 months.
The 18-year-old has drawn comparisons to former Duke legend and Corridor of Famer Grant Hill due to his measurement, athleticism and skill to have an effect on video games in numerous methods. He’s projected to have the ability to step in instantly and contribute at a excessive stage within the NBA, making the draft lottery a must-watch for followers and groups with excessive odds.
Word: This choose is protected for picks 1-10
2. Washington Wizards: Dylan Harper, Rutgers
Mar 12, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Dylan Harper (2) shoots the ball whereas USC Trojans guard Desmond Claude (1) defends within the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Necessary Credit score: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Pictures
Top: 6-6 Weight: 220 12 months: Fr. Place: G
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Harper averaged 19.4 factors, 4.6 rebounds, 4 assists and 1.4 steals on 33.3% capturing from 3-point vary en path to a third-team All-American honorable point out by the AP. He registered 20 20-point video games, setting the Rutgers single-season scoring document by a freshman (564 factors). He ranked third amongst all freshmen within the nation in scoring.
The 19-year-old is thought to be one of many prime lead guards within the upcoming draft class. His measurement allows him to get to his spots and rating from just about everywhere in the court docket and get to the free-throw line after averaging 5.8 makes an attempt per sport. He’s considered because the consensus No. 2 choose behind Flagg and tasks to be a high-impact participant on the subsequent stage.
Word: This choose is protected for picks 1-10
3. Charlotte Hornets: VJ Edgecombe, Baylor
Mar 21, 2025; Raleigh, NC, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs ahead RJ Melendez (22) defends in opposition to Baylor Bears guard VJ Edgecombe (7) through the second half within the first spherical of the NCAA Match at Lenovo Middle. Necessary Credit score: Zachary Taft-Imagn Pictures
Top: 6-5 Weight: 180 12 months: Fr. Place: G
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Edgecombe was the Large 12 Freshman of the 12 months, averaging 15 factors, 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists and a couple of.1 steals on 34% capturing from 3-point vary in 33 video games. He’s considered as one of the vital athletic gamers within the draft class this 12 months and was a pressure on offense at instances, together with his capability to create for himself and house the ground from past the arc.
The 19-year-old dazzled final 12 months with the Bahamas within the FIBA Olympic qualifying event because the group narrowly missed advancing to Paris. On a workforce that includes Deandre Ayton, Eric Gordon and Buddy Hield, Edgecombe completed third in scoring, averaging 16.5 factors, 5.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists and two steals on 38.5% capturing from 3-point vary. His vary seems to be 3-5 in the meanwhile.
Word: This choose is protected for picks 1-14
4. New Orleans Pelicans: Ace Bailey, Rutgers
Mar 12, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Ace Bailey (4) shoots the ball within the second half in opposition to the USC Trojans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Necessary Credit score: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Pictures
Top: 6-10 Weight: 210 12 months: Fr. Place: F
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Bailey was a third-team All-Large Ten choice, averaging 17.6 factors, 7.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.3 blocks and one steal on 34.6% capturing from 3-point vary. He had the second-most factors by a real freshman in program historical past (527) and was sixth amongst all freshmen within the nation after registering three 30-point performances with the Scarlet Knights.
The 18-year-old is considered as a top-five choose due to his measurement, scoring and instincts on each ends of the court docket. He can get his shot off in numerous methods within the paint and mid-range, and he proved to be a very good cutter on offense. Bailey has an unimaginable really feel for the sport and may rating from every stage after rising as a knockdown shooter off the catch or on the transfer.
5. Philadelphia 76ers: Derik Queen, Maryland
Mar 27, 2025; San Francisco, CA, USA; Maryland Terrapins middle Derik Queen (25) stands on court docket through the second half in opposition to the Florida Gators throughout a West Regional semifinal of the 2025 NCAA event at Chase Middle. Necessary Credit score: Eakin Howard-Imagn Pictures
Top: 6-10 Weight: 246 12 months: Fr. Place: C
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Queen entered the season projected to be a late first-round choose, however after a historic freshman marketing campaign, the Large Ten Freshman of the 12 months is now considered as a excessive choose this 12 months. He set this system scoring document (594 factors) by a freshman after registering 12 20-point video games and 15 double-doubles and ranked sixth in scoring common amongst Energy 4 freshmen.
The 20-year-old is extremely touted for his versatility on offense and skill to attain in numerous methods. He’s an amazing competitor and confirmed all year long his capability to have an effect on video games on the defensive finish, together with his exercise, instincts and measurement. After serving to the Terrapins to their first Candy 16 look in almost a decade, Queen is a sizzling title this draft cycle.
Word: This choose is protected for picks 1-6. Will probably be conveyed to the Thunder if it falls outdoors the highest six.
For extra protection on the 76ers, go to Sixers Wire
Mar 19, 2025; Dayton, OH, USA; Texas Longhorns guard Tre Johnson (20) dribbles pressured by Xavier Musketeers guard Dailyn Swain (3) within the first half at UD Enviornment. Necessary Credit score: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Pictures
Top: 6-6 Weight: 190 12 months: Fr. Place: SG
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Johnson was named the SEC Freshman of the 12 months after averaging 19.9 factors, 3.1 rebounds and a couple of.7 assists in 33 video games on 39.7% capturing from 3-point vary. He scored in double figures in all however two video games, turning into the sixth freshman in historical past to steer the SEC in scoring common.
The 19-year-old dazzled on offense by creating for himself and hitting troublesome pictures on the transfer or together with his patented step-backs and side-steps. He additionally boasts a reported 6-foot, 10-inch wingspan that ought to intrigue groups together with his potential on each ends of the court docket.
For extra protection on the Nets, go to Nets Wire
7. Toronto Raptors: Khaman Maluach, Duke
Mar 21, 2025; Raleigh, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils middle Khaman Maluach (9) dunks the ball in opposition to the Mount St. Mary’s Mountaineers through the first half within the first spherical of the NCAA Match at Lenovo Middle. Necessary Credit score: Bob Donnan-Imagn Pictures
Top: 7-2 Weight: 250 12 months: Fr. Place: C
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Maluach, born in South Sudan, was named to the ACC All-Freshman Workforce after averaging 8.6 factors, 6.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks on 71.2% capturing from the sector. He ranked sixth within the nation in offensive rebound proportion (16.5) and 2-point proportion (75.4).
The 18-year-old began taking part in basketball roughly seven years in the past in Uganda. He joined the NBA Africa Academy in Senegal and has made a speedy rise due to his measurement and flexibility as a participant who can shoot and defend, together with his reported 7-foot, 4 1/2-inch wingspan.
8. San Antonio Spurs: Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma
Mar 12, 2025; Nashville, TN, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Jeremiah Fears (0) reacts after a 3 level basket in opposition to the Georgia Bulldogs through the second half at Bridgestone Enviornment. Necessary Credit score: Steve Roberts-Imagn Pictures
Top: 6-4 Weight: 182 12 months: Fr. Place: PG
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Fears put himself on the radar after an unimaginable begin, turning into the primary Sooners freshman since Trae Younger to attain in double figures in every of his first 15 video games. He completed as considered one of three Energy 4 gamers to common at the least 17 factors, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 1.5 steals.
The 18-year-old dazzled all year long by moving into the paint and ending on the rim, utilizing his velocity and skill to create for himself. He’s additionally a participant who can get to the free-throw line after rating tenth within the nation in makes an attempt. Fears ought to have a number of suitors within the lottery.
9. Houston Rockets (by way of Phoenix): Kasparas Jakučionis, Illinois
Mar 21, 2025; Milwaukee, WI, USA: Illinois Combating Illini guard Kasparas Jakucionis (32) drives to the ring previous Xavier Musketeers guard Dayvion McKnight (20) through the first half at Fiserv Discussion board. Necessary Credit score: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Pictures
Top: 6-6 Weight: 205 12 months: Fr. Place: PG
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Jakučionis, born in Lithuania, led Illinois in scoring, tying the freshman document for whole factors in a season (494). He set the freshman program document with 10 20-point performances, together with 24 factors, six rebounds and 5 assists on Dec. 10 in a win over Wisconsin.
The 18-year-old is projected to be a lottery choose this 12 months, together with his capability to attain in any respect three ranges, playmaking, imaginative and prescient and passing. Given his huge high-level expertise, after beforehand taking part in with Barcelona, Jakučionis ought to hear his title referred to as on this vary on June 25.
10. Portland Path Blazers: Kon Knueppel, Duke
Mar 29, 2025; Newark, NJ, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Kon Knueppel (7) drives to the basket in opposition to Alabama Crimson Tide guard Labaron Philon (0) through the first half within the East Regional ultimate of the 2025 NCAA event at Prudential Middle. Necessary Credit score: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Pictures
Top: 6-7 Weight: 217 12 months: Fr. Place: F
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Knueppel, 19, was a second-team All-ACC choice after averaging 14.4 factors, 4 rebounds, 2.7 assists and one steal in 39 video games on 40.6% capturing from 3-point vary. He ranked seventh within the nation in free-throw proportion (91.4), eighth in offensive score (133.7) and ninth in win shares (6.9).
The 6-foot-7 ahead is projected to be a lottery choose, together with his capturing and skill to facilitate offenses. He ascended draft boards because the season progressed and was the MVP of the ACC event, averaging 21 factors, 5.7 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.7 steals.
Word: This choose is protected for picks 1-14
11. Dallas Mavericks: Liam McNeeley, UConn
Mar 21, 2025; Raleigh, NC, USA; Connecticut Huskies ahead Liam McNeeley (30) reacts through the first half in opposition to the Oklahoma Sooners at Lenovo Middle. Necessary Credit score: Zachary Taft-Imagn Pictures
Top: 6-7 Weight: 210 12 months: Fr. Place: F
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McNeeley, 19, had a sensational freshman marketing campaign with the Huskies, registering 5 20-point video games, together with a career-high 38 factors and 10 rebounds on Feb. 11. He joined Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant as the one freshmen in trendy historical past with 35 factors, 10 rebounds and 5 3s in a street sport.
The Large East Freshman of the 12 months is taken into account a possible lottery choose, given his measurement, really feel and bodily taking part in model. He was inconsistent from past the arc, capturing 31.7% on 5.4 makes an attempt per sport, however he checks many different bins that must be intriguing to groups on this vary.
12. Chicago Bulls: Jase Richardson, Michigan State
Mar 28, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Jase Richardson (11) within the second half of a South Regional semifinal of the 2025 NCAA event in opposition to the Mississippi Rebels at State Farm Enviornment. Necessary Credit score: Brett Davis-Imagn Pictures
Top: 6-3 Weight: 185 12 months: Fr. Place: G
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Richardson, the son of former 14-year veteran Jason Richardson, started the season within the second unit earlier than shifting into the beginning lineup in early February. He elevated his play after the change, averaging 16.1 factors and 4.6 rebounds on 42% capturing from past the arc over the past 15 video games.
The 19-year-old proved to be a dependable guard who takes care of the ball, shoots nicely and may defend. He dazzled within the open court docket and has an ideal contact within the paint that enabled him to get to his floater or convert troublesome finishes on the rim. His present vary seems to be 8-16.
13. Atlanta Hawks (by way of Sacramento): Egor Demin, BYU
Mar 27, 2025; Newark, NJ, USA; Brigham Younger Cougars guard Egor Demin (3) shoots the ball through the second half in opposition to the Alabama Crimson Tide throughout an East Regional semifinal of the 2025 NCAA event at Prudential Middle. Necessary Credit score: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Pictures
Top: 6-9 Weight: 190 12 months: Fr. Place: G
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Demin was named to the Large 12 All-Freshman Workforce after averaging 10.6 factors, 5.5 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 1.2 steals. He ranked third within the convention in assists after setting the freshman program document (180) and is considered one of 4 BYU freshmen with a number of 10-assist video games.
The Russian dazzled all year long together with his capability as a playmaker and measurement on the level guard place. Nonetheless, he shot simply 27.3% from 3-point vary on 4.3 makes an attempt per sport, and might want to present enchancment in that space over the predraft course of.
Word: This choose is protected for picks 1-12. Will probably be conveyed to the Hawks if it falls outdoors the highest 12.
14. San Antonio Spurs (by way of Atlanta): Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina
Mar 8, 2025; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks ahead Collin Murray-Boyles (30) goes to the basket in opposition to the Tennessee Volunteers through the second half at Thompson-Boling Enviornment at Meals Metropolis Middle. Necessary Credit score: Randy Sartin-Imagn Pictures
Top: 6-8 Weight: 245 12 months: So. Place: F
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Murray-Boyles had a robust second 12 months, ending as the one participant in a Energy 4 convention to common at the least 16 factors, eight rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block on 50% capturing from the sector (58.6). He led the SEC in field-goal proportion, rating twenty first nationally.
The 19-year-old is projected to be a possible lottery choose, together with his defensive depth, submit presence and skill to make performs for others. He additionally boasts a reported 7-foot, 2-inch wingspan that permits him to guard the rim and pressure turnovers, which ought to stand out to groups.
15. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder (by way of Miami): Nique Clifford, Colorado State
Mar 23, 2025; Seattle, WA, USA; Colorado State Rams guard Nique Clifford (10) dribbles the ball in opposition to Maryland Terrapins guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie (0) and ahead Julian Reese (10) within the second half at Local weather Pledge Enviornment. Necessary Credit score: Steven Bisig-Imagn Pictures
Top: 6-6 Weight: 200 12 months: Sr.+ Place: G
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Clifford took benefit of a bigger position with the Rams, averaging 18.9 factors, 9.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.2 steals on 37.7% capturing from 3-point vary. He registered 15 double-doubles, together with a 31-point, 13-rebound efficiency on Nov. 8.
The 23-year-old established himself as a flexible participant who can rating, defend at a excessive stage and playmake for others. Given his total ability set and potential, he tasks to have the ability to step in and influence video games off the bench for a contender who can finally develop right into a starter.
For extra protection on the Thunder, go to Thunder Wire
16. Orlando Magic: Carter Bryant, Arizona
Feb 17, 2025; Waco, Texas, USA; Arizona Wildcats ahead Carter Bryant (9) scores a three-point basket in opposition to the Baylor Bears through the first half at Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion. Necessary Credit score: Chris Jones-Imagn Pictures
Top: 6-8 Weight: 225 12 months: Fr. Place: G
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Bryant got here off the bench for a lot of the season, averaging 6.5 factors, 4.1 rebounds and one help on 37.1% capturing from 3-point vary in 37 video games. He’s projected to be a mid-first-round choose, together with his scoring potential, playmaking capability and defensive versatility. Bryant additionally proved to be a dependable flooring spacer after connecting on at the least two 3-pointers in 12 video games. He’s mentioned to have declared for the draft whereas sustaining his faculty eligibility, so there’s a probability he may return to Arizona, but when he has a robust displaying within the predraft course of, the 19-year-old may choose to show professional.
17. Minnesota Timberwolves (by way of Detroit): Noa Essengue, ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)
Noa Essengue is averaging 10.6 factors, 4.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists and one steal on 51.4% capturing from the sector in 45 video games with ratiopharm Ulm.
Top: 6-8 Weight: 194 12 months: N/A Place: F
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Essengue is taken into account a possible lottery choose, together with his measurement and defensive versatility. He has a very good inside sport and has dazzled within the open court docket in fastbreak conditions after creating turnovers together with his size and instincts. The Frenchman had arguably his greatest efficiency of the season in his most up-to-date sport on April 21, ending with 22 factors and 6 rebounds. With ratiopharm Ulm gearing up for the playoffs, Essengue appears to be peaking on the proper time.
18. Washington Wizards (by way of Memphis): Asa Newell, Georgia
Mar 20, 2025; Wichita, KS, USA; Georgia Bulldogs ahead Asa Newell (14) shoots in opposition to Gonzaga Bulldogs ahead Braden Huff (34) within the first half of a primary spherical males’s NCAA Match sport at Intrust Financial institution Enviornment. Necessary Credit score: Nick Tre. Smith-Imagn Pictures
Top: 6-11 Weight: 220 12 months: Fr. Place: F
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Newell grew to become the primary freshman to steer the Bulldogs in scoring (15.4 factors) and rebounding (6.9) since Jumaine Jones within the 1997-98 season. He made a reputation for himself on the offensive glass all through the season, rating twentieth within the nation (110), together with his mobility and relentless pursuit down low. He additionally proved to be a dependable scorer and may present frontcourt measurement for groups drafting on this vary.
19. Brooklyn Nets (by way of Milwaukee): Nolan Traoré, Saint-Quentin (France)
[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Feb 14, 2025 Caen, FRANCE; St Quentin level guard Nolan Traore in motion throughout a LNB Professional A Leaders Cup match. Necessary Credit score: Franck Faugere/Presse Sports activities by way of Imagn Pictures
Top: 6-4 Weight: 175 12 months: N/A Place: PG
Traoré, the youthful brother of Lakers ahead Armel Traoré, is projected to be a first-round choose, given his capability in transition to setting the desk on offense within the half-court. He has had some inconsistent showings within the aggressive French League, however he has the potential to be an elite playmaker on the subsequent stage, together with his really feel, instincts and passing.
20. Miami Warmth (by way of Golden State): Will Riley, Illinois
Mar 14, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Combating Illini ahead Will Riley (7) dribbles the ball whereas Maryland Terrapins guard DeShawn Harris-Smith (5) defends within the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Necessary Credit score: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Pictures
Top: 6-8 Weight: 195 12 months: Fr. Place: G
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Riley was the Large Ten Sixth Man of the 12 months after averaging 12.6 factors, 4.1 rebounds and a couple of.2 assists on 43.2% capturing from the sector in 35 appearances. He flourished by offering a scoring punch off the bench and proved he can rating in numerous methods, together with his array of dribble strikes, jab steps and step-backs on the perimeter. Groups will need to see him enhance as a shooter, after changing 32.6% on 4.1 makes an attempt per sport, however the Canadian ought to draw appears on this vary based mostly on his scoring potential.
First Spherical: Nos. 21-25
21. Utah Jazz (by way of Minnesota): Danny Wolf, Michigan
22. Atlanta Hawks (by way of Lakers): Ben Saraf, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)
23. Indiana Pacers: Thomas Sorber, Georgetown
24. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder (by way of Clippers): Yaxel Lendeborg, UAB
25. Orlando Magic (by way of Denver): Walter Clayton Jr., Florida
First Spherical: Nos. 26-30
26. Brooklyn Nets (by way of New York): Rasheer Fleming, Saint Joseph’s
27. Brooklyn Nets (by way of Houston): Hugo González, Actual Madrid (Spain)
28. Boston Celtics: Noah Penda, Le Mans (France)
29. Phoenix Suns (by way of Cleveland): Johni Broome, Auburn
30: LA Clippers (by way of Oklahoma Metropolis): Kam Jones, Marquette
Second Spherical: Nos. 31-40
31. Minnesota (by way of Utah): Joan Beringer, Cedevita Olimpija (Slovenia)
32. Boston (by way of Washington): Maxime Raynaud, Stanford
33. Charlotte: Alex Toohey, Sydney Kings (NBL)
34. Charlotte (by way of New Orleans): Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton
35. Philadelphia: Adou Thiero, Arkansas
36. Brooklyn: Ian Jackson, North Carolina
37. Detroit (by way of Toronto): Alex Condon, Florida
38. San Antonio: Bogoljub Marković, Tennessee
39: Toronto (by way of Portland): Sergio De Larrea, Valencia (Spain)
40. Washington (by way of Phoenix): Tyrese Proctor, Duke
Second Spherical: Nos. 41-50
41. Golden State (by way of Miami): Milos Uzan, Houston
42. Sacramento (by way of Chicago): Chaz Lanier, Tennessee
43. Utah Jazz (by way of Dallas): Drake Powell, North Carolina
44. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder (by way of Atlanta): Tahaad Pettiford, Auburn
45. Chicago Bulls (by way of Sacramento): Labaron Philon, Alabama
46. Orlando: Darrion Williams, Texas Tech
47. Milwaukee (by way of Detroit): Izan Almansa, Perth Wildcats (NBL)
48. Memphis (by way of Cleveland): Michael Ruzic, Joventut (Spain)
49. Cleveland (by way of Milwaukee): John Tonje, Wisconsin
50. New York (by way of Memphis): Eric Dixon, Villanova
Second Spherical: Nos. 51-59
51. LA Clippers (Minnesota): Miles Byrd, San Diego State
52. Phoenix (by way of Denver): Sion James, Duke
53. Utah (by way of Clippers): Koby Brea, Kentucky
54. Indiana: Dink Pate, Mexico Metropolis Capitanes (G League)
55. Lakers: Rocco Zikarsky, Brisbane Bullets (NBL)
New York: Forfeited
56. Memphis (by way of Houston): Mouhamed Faye, Reggio Emilia (Italy)
57. Orlando (by way of Boston): Braden Smith, Purdue
58. Cleveland: Jamir Watkins, Florida State
59. Houston (by way of Oklahoma Metropolis): Vladislav Goldin, Michigan
This text initially appeared on Rookie Wire: 2025 NBA Mock Draft 2.0: The most recent projections at first of Might