Just like in Part 1, I’ve mocked each player to a team and, following in the footsteps of my brother Rafael, added my own twist on how each prospect could realistically fit with the franchise I paired them with. The top 14 may grab the headlines, but there’s real value — and real intrigue — in picks 15 through 30.

15. Brayden Burries

Arizona
Freshman
Guard
6’4” | 205
Age on draft night: 20.7

Mock Draft 1.0 Rank: NR

Burries’ freshman season started slow, but he turned the corner in game six and reminded everyone why he was a top high school player. The former McDonald’s All-American is averaging 15.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists for an Arizona team that remains among the best in the country.

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The process of positioning for a top lottery pick has started earlier than expected, with plenty of “tank-influenced” moves happening before the February trade deadline. We’ve seen the league hand out fines to the Pacers and the Jazz. We’ve seen social and traditional media alike weigh in on the idea of tanking. Some understand the process; others think it messes with the integrity of the game.

Me? I think you do what you need to do to improve your team. If that means taking a longer look at backend rotation guys a little earlier, why not?

So is this draft class worth tanking for?

YES.

Even in this exercise of putting together a mock, I honestly feel like there are three guys who would be first-round picks in most drafts. Picks four through six could also have All-Star upside, and there are a ton of rotation pieces scattered throughout the class.

Like last time, I went to Tankathon and hit “sim” on the draft lottery. My apologies if your team didn’t land where you wanted them to, but here we go.

Part 2 drops tomorrow, covering picks 15–30 and the rest of the first round.

1. AJ Dybantsa

BYU
Freshman
Wing
6’9” | 210
Age on draft night: 19.3

Mock Draft 1.0 Rank: 2

In what has largely been a three-man race, Dybantsa comes in as the number one player in the draft. The combination of scoring, athleticism, and improved playmaking is too much to ignore. Dybantsa is the first freshman to lead the nation in scoring since Trae Young did it in 2017.

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And this is when I put together my first mock draft. My philosophy when building a mock is to account for roster construction and salary situations while keeping a pulse on what’s happening in real time. For this particular mock, I used the Tankathon Lottery Simulator to generate the draft order.

So without further suspense, the results are in.

THE BROOKLYN NETS ARE ON THE CLOCK.

1. Darryn Peterson

Kansas
Freshman
Guard
6’5” | 205
Age on draft night: 19.4

Number one on my big board and number one on this mock draft. Peterson has a rare combination of shot-making, defense, and athleticism. He’s been lights out from three this season for Kansas, even in limited minutes. Assuming he’s healthy, he has the tools to eventually become Brooklyn’s number one option in the half court. The Nets get their star through the draft.

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This range is where teams often uncover long-term starters, late bloomers, and upside swings who can outperform their draft slot.

There’s real talent here, and several of these guys have the potential to rise as the season progresses.

15. Bennett Stirtz

Iowa
Senior
Point Guard
6’4” | 190
Age on draft night: 22.7

Stirtz is an analytical darling anchoring the Iowa offense. This is his second year at the Division I level after starring at Drake, and he’s looking to replicate last season’s breakout.

The Big Ten will give him a different challenge, but he’s equipped to handle it. Stirtz is one of the better pick and roll point guards in the country and is a very good decision maker. He uses his size to post up smaller guards and has become deadly on off the dribble threes.

He’ll be 22 on draft night, so teams will question his upside. He’s also not the best athlete, and his self created rim attempts are limited. His style reminds me a lot of Ty Jerome.

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This class hits differently. Depending on who you talk to, you’ll hear a different name at the top. Some evaluators see Darryn Peterson as the best bet to go first. Others will tell you AJ Dybantsa has the biggest upside. And plenty will make the case that Cameron Boozer is the most polished, dependable prospect in the draft.

What we do know is this: the talent at the top is real. Multiple guys in this group project as potential tier-one, superstar-level prospects. There’s even been online chatter suggesting Flagg wouldn’t be a lock to go No. 1 if he were in this class.

That’s how strongly people feel about this group. It’s a stark contrast to the projected 2027 draft, which many already view as a class without a true franchise anchor.

1. Darryn Peterson

Kansas
Freshman
Guard
6’5” | 205
Age on draft night: 19.4

Unfortunately, we’ve only been able to see Peterson twice this season, three times if we count the exhibition game against Louisville, due to a hamstring injury. Still, Peterson remains number one on my big board. He has all the tools of a franchise player: offensive creativity, competitive fire, and defensive playmaking.

In just two games, Peterson is averaging 21.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. Against North Carolina, Peterson flashed his skillset, scoring 22 points in only 28 minutes. The sample size is extremely small, but he’s upped his three-point attempt rate from the prep level. He looks like every bit of an offensive engine, and hopefully we see him at full strength sooner rather than later.

2. AJ Dybantsa

BYU
Freshman
Wing
6’9” | 210
Age on draft night: 19.3

Even with the production advantage leaning toward Boozer, I still think Dybantsa is in play for the first or second pick. He has a ton of scoring upside in a unique playing style. Dybantsa is very comfortable operating out of the mid-post but has also shown the ability to be effective in pick-and-roll actions.

One of the more impressive aspects of Dybantsa’s game is how well he rebounds from relatively poor first halves and adjusts to whatever the opposing defense throws at him. What could keep him from being the 1st or 2nd pick will likely come down to his outside shooting and whether he stays fully engaged on defense.

3. Cameron Boozer

Duke
Freshman
Big
6’9” | 250
Age on draft night: 18.9

Boozer has been ultra productive this season and had arguably the best game of any freshman with his monster 35-point performance against Arkansas. I thought Boozer would have the opportunity to win National Player of the Year, and it looks like that proclamation could be true.

Boozer is a glass cleaner with an advanced inside-out game for his age. He simply plays winning basketball. Outside of the Arkansas game, Boozer has struggled against length and athleticism, so his half-court rim efficiency will be something to monitor since he doesn’t have the deepest bag on the block nor elite athleticism. Is he someone you can give the ball to late in the clock?

Still, Boozer looks like a great foundational piece for whichever team lands in the top three.

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We’ve already had a flurry of trades shake up the board in the last seven days—and I’d bet we’re not done. This mock is my best guess based on the latest intel, some educated speculation, and what I’m hearing from league sources. But let’s be clear: nobody truly knows what’s going to happen. We could see major movement in the lottery and chaos in the 20s, where teams with multiple picks are dangling them to either climb the board or trade out entirely for future assets. The appetite to deal is real on both ends—teams looking to get in, and teams trying to get out.

One thing’s for sure: tonight’s going to be crazy.

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So with that being said, I’m ready for the drama. I’ll be in attendance in Brooklyn to experience it live. And with that, here’s my updated first-round mock draft. This is just my personal opinion—how the draft would unfold if every decision were up to me. And in true Rafael fashion, there are going to be some big swings, some bold calls, and several players I’m higher or lower on than consensus. I give my brief breakdown of each prospect and explain how I think they could fit with each team.

Here we go.

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After a long day of travel that started with me arriving at the airport around 4 a.m. and spending nearly 10 hours stuck there, I finally made it to Chicago on Monday evening—just in time for the announcement that the Dallas Mavericks had won the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery and earned the right to select Duke’s Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 pick next month. The Mavericks came in with just a 1.8% chance of landing the top pick and somehow climbed 10 spots to pull it off. As soon as the pick was announced, my phone started buzzing—friends and family texting me wild conspiracy theories, asking how Dallas pulled it off, and tossing out everything from cold envelopes to rigged algorithms.

And to make things even more interesting, while I was stuck at the airport waiting on standby, I ran into a few Mavericks front office execs at DFW—Nico Harrison and Michael Finley. We had brief conversations while they were en route to Chicago. Little did I know—and little did they know—that just a few hours later, some of the pressure and volatility aimed at the Mavericks front office would suddenly come to a screeching halt. The Luka Dončić era may be over, but with Cooper Flagg on the way, Mavs fans have reason to feel very optimistic about what’s next.

But that wasn’t the only headline. Earlier in the day, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Giannis Antetokounmpo is open to exploring opportunities outside of Milwaukee. So yes—you will hear Giannis’ name come up a couple times in this mock draft.

This is my personal 2025 NBA Mock Draft, based on how I would approach each pick. There are going to be players I’m higher on than consensus. There are going to be guys I’m lower on.

I’ve updated the height and weight measurements based on the official NBA Combine numbers, and this version will focus solely on the lottery.

Stay tuned—I’ll be dropping my full first-round mock later this week and sharing live reactions from the NBA Combine here in Chicago.

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With only 106 players filing as early entry candidates—the lowest total in recent years—it’s clear the rise of NIL and the financial incentives to stay in college are reshaping the draft process. I also believe it’ll have a significant impact on how this year’s draft plays out in June.

This class is unusually heavy on freshmen and seniors, with far fewer sophomores and juniors in the mix unless they’re locked-in first-rounders.

And I expect several prospects will ultimately return to school if they’re not satisfied with their draft range.

With that in mind, here are my top 70 prospects heading into Chicago—based purely on my personal evaluations. As always, there are players I’m much higher on than the consensus… and a few I’m notably lower on.

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Earlier this week, the NBA released its early entry list, and the number of players who declared for the draft is the lowest it’s been in years—just 106 names. NIL is changing the game. Several agents and scouts told me the same thing: for many players, returning to college simply pays more than a late first-round deal. Some prospects didn’t even test the waters. I personally know of players who’d need to be drafted in the lottery just to match what they’re being offered to come back to school.

But for those who are in? The evaluation process is officially on. In this post, I’m revealing the top 14 players on my Big Board 3.0—my projected lottery. There are some risers. Some surprises. And yes, a few names you won’t find on consensus mocks. This is based on my film, my intel, and a whole lot of time asking myself, “Am I sure this guy’s better than the player ranked behind him?”

This is just the lottery tier—my full Top 65 will be out next week, so keep an eye out.

Let’s get into it.

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My top three remains unchanged, with Duke’s Cooper Flagg and Rutgers’ freshman duo of Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey leading the way. However, in my eyes, the real intrigue begins at pick No. 4. In this article, I’ll be fully transparent, sharing my thoughts on what I like and what concerns me about each prospect—whether minor or significant.

This is my honest, no-fluff evaluation based on updated statistics as of February 25th and where things currently stand in the ever-changing 2025 draft landscape.

1. Cooper Flagg

Duke
Freshman
Combo Forward
6’9” | 205
Age on draft night: 18.5

Big Board 2.0 Rank: 1

Cooper Flagg has been as good as advertised—but to be honest, he’s been even better than I expected. He currently leads Duke in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks, and you can see the steady improvements he’s made to his offensive game throughout the season. Flagg has consistently shown up in big games, delivering on both ends of the floor. Defensively, he’s been dominant, but it’s his offensive versatility, competitive fire, athleticism, and skill set that have truly stood out. The fact that he came into the season with immense hype and has not only met but exceeded expectations—while leading Duke to a 24-3 record—is a testament to just how good he actually is.

One of the most impressive things about Flagg is his toughness. Even with defenses entirely geared to stop him, he finds ways to impact the game and impose his will. He’s also a really good passer—comfortable making plays out of ball screens, the short roll, and double teams. He can find shooters and make interior passes in tight spaces, which makes him even more dangerous as a lead option.

There’s not much to criticize without overanalyzing. He’s now shooting 37% from three, which has exceeded my expectations, and he continues to show growth as a shooter. If you’re looking for areas to improve, you could point to his handle needing some tightening or the fact that he’s converting just 51% of his non-dunk finishes around the rim. But at that point, you’re digging deep.

Right now, there’s no real debate—Cooper Flagg has clearly separated himself from the rest of the pack, and in my eyes, he’s a 100% lock to be the first player taken in the 2025 NBA Draft.

2. Dylan Harper

Rutgers
Freshman
Combo Guard
6’6” | 215
Age on draft night: 19.3

Big Board 2.0 Rank: 2

Dylan Harper remains locked in at No. 2 and is finally back to looking like himself after dealing with illness and injuries. Over his last two games, he’s been outstanding—dropping 34 points against Washington on 9-of-18 shooting, including 4-of-8 from three, while getting to the line 14 times and converting 12. He also added five rebounds and three assists in that performance. Then on Sunday, he followed it up with 25 points, nine assists, and six steals on an efficient 9-of-13 shooting, once again going 4-of-8 from deep. Harper has now made eight of his last 16 threes and is 18-of-31 from the floor in that span, further solidifying the gap between him and his Rutgers teammate, Ace Bailey, at No. 3.

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While I remain fascinated by the depth of talent and upside in this class, I’ve started to notice a wide range of variance among prospects. This draft has several tier-one talents who could shape the NBA for years to come, but it’s also filled with players whose tantalizing potential comes with significant flaws and boom-or-bust risk.

My rankings reflect my personal assessment, with a few notable omissions and prospects I’m higher on than consensus, as I continue to embrace the complexity of this class.

Cooper Flagg is locked in as the top prospect, while Dylan Harper’s flu-shortened stretch has been one of the few things to slow him down. Ace Bailey’s high ceiling as a scorer keeps him at number three, though his inconsistent play makes it unlikely he’ll challenge Harper or Flagg for the top spot.

With many prospects competing in the historically strong SEC, a standout stretch in conference play could dramatically alter the landscape of this draft.

Cooper Flagg

Duke
Freshman
Combo Forward
6’9” | 205
Age on draft night: 18.5

Cooper Flagg remains firmly atop my 2025 NBA Mock Draft, and the Swiss Army knife has largely lived up to the hype. Leading Duke in scoring, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks per game, Flagg’s all-around impact has been undeniable.

Flagg has strung together three consecutive standout performances in conference play, further solidifying his status as the top prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft. He posted back-to-back 24-point games against SMU and Virginia Tech. Most recently, in Duke’s game against Pitt, Flagg left no doubt about his dominance. Scoring 14 of his 19 points in the second half, he delivered a series of highlight plays, including one of the best dunks in college basketball this season.

Flagg’s athleticism, toughness, and competitive fire were on full display, as he overwhelmed the opposition on both ends of the floor and intimidated defensively. While his jump shot remains a work in progress, there’s reason for optimism—he’s now shooting 30.8% from three but has connected on five of his last eight attempts, signaling real growth in his perimeter game.

Flagg’s dominance in ACC play should only continue, especially in a down year for the conference, with the SEC and Big Ten establishing themselves as the top leagues in college basketball.

Still, Flagg’s elite two-way impact solidifies him as the premier prospect in this class. If the Washington Wizards land him, pairing him with Alex Sarr and Bilal Coulibaly would give them a versatile, defensive-minded young frontcourt capable of switching across positions while also providing elite rim protection and athleticism.

A trio of Flagg, Sarr, and Coulibaly would represent a massive step forward for the Wizards’ rebuild, offering immense upside on both ends of the floor.

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Part two, which will cover the remainder of the first round, will drop later this week. With all that being said, here are my top 14 prospects as we kick off 2025.

Cooper Flagg

Duke
Freshman
Combo Forward
6’9” | 205
Age on draft night: 18.5

Cooper Flagg remains firmly atop my 2025 NBA Mock Draft, and the Swiss Army knife has largely lived up to the hype. Leading Duke in scoring, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks per game, Flagg’s all-around impact has been undeniable. He’s coming off back-to-back 24-point outings against SMU and Virginia Tech, showing signs of improved shooting by connecting on four of his last six three-point attempts and hitting his last 12 free throws.

While his jump shot remains a work in progress—he’s currently shooting just 29% on jumpers overall—the recent stretch is an encouraging sign of growth. Flagg’s dominance in ACC play should only continue, especially in a down year for the conference, with the SEC and Big Ten establishing themselves as the top leagues in college basketball.

Still, Flagg’s elite two-way impact solidifies him as the premier prospect in this class. If the Washington Wizards land him, pairing him with Alex Sarr and Bilal Coulibaly would give them a versatile, defensive-minded young frontcourt capable of switching across positions while also providing elite rim protection and athleticism.

A trio of Flagg, Sarr, and Coulibaly would represent a massive step forward for the Wizards’ rebuild, offering immense upside on both ends of the floor.

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With new performances and emerging talent, this updated ranking reflects where I currently stand on the next wave of NBA prospects.

15. Will Riley

Illinois
Freshman
Wing
6’8” | 180
Age on draft night: 19.4

Big Board 1.0 Rank: NR

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The list is fluid and will continue to evolve as the season progresses, with the remaining version of Big Board 2.0 set to be released in the coming days. For now, here’s where I stand on the draft’s most intriguing talents, from Cooper Flagg maintaining his hold on the top spot to Dylan Harper making a serious case to challenge him.

1. Cooper Flagg

Duke
Freshman
Combo Forward
6’9” | 205
Age on draft night: 18.5

Big Board 1.0 Rank: 1

Cooper Flagg remains the top prospect on my Big Board 2.0, but his lead is no longer as secure as it once seemed. He’s led Duke to an 8-2 record while leading the team in points, rebounds, assists, and blocks, which speaks volumes about his productivity. He’s also stepped up in some big games against Kentucky, Arizona, Kansas, Auburn, and Louisville.

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While it’s still early in the season, this class has already proven difficult to evaluate. Some players are off to unsustainable hot starts, while others—particularly highly touted freshmen with first-round buzz—are struggling to earn consistent minutes in their rotations. However, I expect many of those freshmen to gain their coaches’ trust as the season progresses.

Adding to the intrigue is an interesting mix of international prospects, some of whom could make noise in the 2025 NBA Draft. The draft order for this mock is based on Friday’s standings, and with multiple college basketball tournaments happening this week, there’s no shortage of high-level matchups featuring NBA talent. For some prospects, these tournaments represent their first real test against Power 5 or elite competition, which could have a significant impact on their draft stock moving forward.

Rasheer Fleming

St. Joseph’s
Junior
Forward-Center
6’9” | 230
Age on draft night: 20.9

Fleming is one of the toughest prospects to leave outside my top 30, and I fully expect him to receive first-round consideration as the season progresses. Through six games, Fleming has been a force, averaging 14.2 points, 9.7 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and 1.8 steals per game. He’s been efficient offensively, shooting 40.9% from three on 3.7 attempts per game, adding versatility to his profile as a big man.

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From explosive playmakers to versatile defenders, this group has a little bit of everything, making it a joy (and a challenge) to rank.

As always, this mock reflects my personal evaluations—there are players I’m higher on than consensus and a few who I believe are being overhyped.

Without further ado, let’s dive into Mock Draft 1.0, with the draft order based on the Tankathon standings as of Thursday night, November 21st.

Cooper Flagg

Duke
Freshman
Combo Forward
6’9” | 205
Age on draft night: 18.5

At number one, I have Cooper Flagg going to the Philadelphia 76ers—a scenario that feels strange given the preseason hype surrounding the team after signing Paul George in free agency. Yet, injuries have derailed their early season. Joel Embiid missed time at the start of the year, Paul George has dealt with two hyperextended knees in the past month, and Tyrese Maxey is just returning from a six-game absence caused by a right hamstring strain.

On the bright side, Jared McCain has been a revelation for the Sixers, which could push them out of the lottery once healthy.

But if they find themselves at the top of the draft, the question remains: can they stay healthy moving forward? If not, Cooper Flagg would be the obvious choice.

Flagg has been as good as advertised, averaging 16.3 points, 9.5 rebounds, and four assists per game while continuing to prove why he’s one of the most dominant prep defenders I’ve ever scouted. His defensive numbers stand out, with 1.8 blocks and 2.0 steals per game, and he has lived up to his reputation as a game-changing disruptor on that end.

Flagg is currently leading Duke in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks per game, showcasing his all-around impact on both ends of the floor.

Offensively, one of the most pleasant surprises has been how much trust Duke has shown in him as an on-ball playmaker, evident in his four assists per game. Flagg’s outside shooting has been a glaring weakness so far—he’s shooting just 22% from three and has connected on only 7-of-27 jumpers this season.

However, his performance in his lone high-profile game—a 26-point, 11-rebound, two-block outing against Kentucky—has solidified his position as the early favorite for the number one pick.

Ace Bailey

Rutgers
Freshman
Wing
6’10” | 200
Age on draft night: 18.8

While Flagg is widely regarded as the favorite to go first overall in June, Bailey has a legitimate shot at surpassing him. Despite a delayed start to his freshman season due to injury, Bailey has been phenomenal, averaging 20.8 points per game while shooting 56% from the field and an impressive 42.9% from three. He’s also addressed concerns about his ability to draw fouls, averaging six free throw attempts per game so far.

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This year’s class reintroduces the thrilling possibility of a No. 1 pick debate among college players—something we haven’t seen since the Banchero-Holmgren-Smith race in 2022.

While most scouts currently see Cooper Flagg as the top choice, others believe Ace Bailey may have the highest long-term potential in this group. It’s a class filled with talent at the top, with multiple prospects who could project as tier one, potential superstar players—a stark contrast from the 2024 draft, which many scouts considered a weaker class without a clear-cut franchise talent.

While this class is deep in talent, it presents unique evaluation challenges. Several first-round-caliber prospects could find themselves limited by stacked rosters and veteran depth, a scenario common in overseas but now also affecting some college players.

Many of these prospects are on loaded teams with fourth- and fifth-year seniors who are more prepared to contribute immediately, even if they don’t carry the same NBA potential.

To clarify, this Big Board is not a mock draft predicting team selections—that will come later with my 2025 mock draft. Instead, this is a ranking based on my personal scouting reports and assessments, reflecting each prospect's projected NBA potential. With such a strong class and a season full of high-stakes games ahead, college basketball fans and NBA scouts alike have plenty to look forward to this year.

This is just the first edition: Big Board 1.0.

Future editions will track changes in draft stock among top prospects as the season unfolds, incorporating insights from NBA sources.

Stay tuned—these are just the top 25 prospects. Prospects 26 through 50 will be posted later this week.

1. Cooper Flagg

Duke
Freshman
Combo Forward
6’9” | 205
Age on draft night: 18.5

Flagg is the clear frontrunner to be the first player to shake Adam Silver’s hand on draft night in June 2025, and it’s easy to see why. The excitement surrounding him is enormous, not just because of his talent but also due to the fact that, after two straight years of No. 1 overall picks coming from overseas—Victor Wembanyama and Zaccharie Risacher—Flagg will be playing under the bright spotlights of college basketball.

He’ll take the floor for Duke, one of the most iconic programs in basketball history, where national TV games and March Madness pressure will only add more intrigue to his already compelling journey.

Listed at 6'9", Flagg combines skill, versatility, and explosive highlight-reel athleticism, already making him a social media sensation. His game is set to fill arenas in a way reminiscent of Zion Williamson’s impact during his 2019 season at Duke. Offensively, Flagg is tough to define by a traditional position—he’s equally effective as a play finisher, spot-up shooter, or connector/playmaker. His ability to impact the game in multiple roles makes him one of the most dynamic prospects in recent memory.

What truly separates Flagg is his motor. His relentless energy impacts every facet of the game—he can easily score 10 to 12 points a night purely off hustle plays, be it put-backs, running the floor, or crashing the offensive glass.

Defensively, he’s in a class of his own for a high school prospect. Flagg’s shot-blocking instincts and timing are elite, and his presence changes the geometry of the court, deterring opponents from even considering challenging him at the rim. Scouts saw flashes of this in July during his run with the USA Select Team, where Flagg held his own against NBA talent, showcasing the defensive chops that will immediately translate to the next level.

The biggest questions I have for Flagg in 2024-25

Can he carry an offense?

While Flagg’s defensive floor is extraordinarily high, the 2024-25 season at Duke could be pivotal in determining what kind of offensive player he can become. Right now, he projects as an elite play finisher and connector, but can he develop into a legitimate No. 1 option for an NBA offense? Flagg has shown flashes of improved shooting, especially from deep, including hitting threes on the move. His mechanics look more refined than they did a year and a half ago, but I want to see if he can sustain that over the course of a college season.

The key question for me is whether Flagg can be a primary creator or if he’s better suited as a secondary offensive option, someone who can carry stretches but needs to be paired with a more dynamic scorer or closer in the long run. If he continues to refine his handle and shooting, there’s a pathway to him becoming a focal point. That said, right now I’m leaning toward him being a great No. 2 option—someone who can thrive in a playoff setting but will need a co-star to close games. This year will help answer those questions.

2. Ace Bailey

Rutgers
Freshman
Wing
6’10” | 200
Age on draft night: 18.8

Bailey has a legitimate shot at being the top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, thanks to his combination of physical tools, competitive fire, and offensive firepower. Listed at 6'10" on the Rutgers team site, Bailey possesses guard-like ball-handling skills and dynamic three-level scoring potential, making him a prime candidate to evolve into a No. 1 scoring option at the next level. He’s already shown the capability to finish efficiently in the paint, knock down pull-up jumpers, and stretch defenses with his range from beyond the arc.

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I want to explain why I didn't post a final mock draft and Big Board this week. Unfortunately, my wife's chemotherapy started earlier than expected. Here's a screenshot of a tweet I posted yesterday explaining the situation.

Despite the challenges, I was still able to follow the 2024 NBA Draft, which had many of the elements we expect on draft night — trade rumors and actual trades, surprise lottery picks, and Green Room invitees who didn’t get selected in the first round. Wednesday night was a great night for French basketball, marking the second consecutive year a Frenchman has been drafted as the first overall pick. French prospects Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr went back-to-back at the top of the draft, with Tidjane Salaun joining them in the top 10 and Pacome Dadiet going No. 25 overall to the Knicks.

The Washington Wizards, Minnesota Timberwolves, and the Oklahoma City Thunder rank as my biggest draft night winners. Additionally, Zach Edey going to the Grizzlies and AJ Johnson getting picked in the first round ahead of Tyler Smith, Kyle Filipowski, and Tyler Kolek were among the more shocking moves from last night.

Here are my thoughts on last night's draft.

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I've made some tweaks to last week's Mock Draft, with Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle, and Tidjaun Saluan rising, while Nikola Topić and Ron Holland have fallen to the back end of the lottery.

With so much trade talk swirling around, it’s possible that a number of these picks will be on the move. Where trade talk is happening, I’ll note it.

Here is a new and updated look at the full NBA draft in a little over 11,500 words, based on my personal opinion.

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1. Atlanta Hawks

Alex Sarr

Perth Wildcats (Australia)
International
PF/C
7’1” | 224
Age on draft night: 19.1

Atlanta faces significant decisions this summer and might contemplate trading players like Trae Young, Dejounte Murray, and Clint Capela as part of a potential full rebuild strategy.

Alternatively, the Hawks could leverage the top overall pick in a package to upgrade their roster with a win-now player, aiming to overcome their struggles in getting past the first round of the playoffs since their surprising run to the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals.

Sarr has the tools to be one of the better two-way players in the NBA. He has the size and length to serve as a rim protector, along with the speed and agility to switch out and guard wings on the perimeter.

Though his defense is the skill he’ll hang his hat on early in his career, offensively he’s just scratching the surface of his potential and checks several boxes that NBA teams seek in a modern-day big man.

He’s an athletic vertical lob threat with a promising low post game, also showing flashes as a ball handler, floor spacer, and is comfortable attacking the rim on closeouts. Nonetheless, his blend of size, length, defensive capabilities, and shooting potential solidify him as the top prospect in my view.

If Sarr is indeed the pick, the Hawks will likely move either Clint Capela or Onyeka Okongwu, who are set to earn a combined $36.2 million next season, to make room for him.

2. Washington Wizards

Zaccharie Risacher

JL Bourg (France)
International
Wing
6’10” | 205
Age on draft night: 19.2

I’ve had my reservations about Risacher, but even as one of his biggest critics, I can’t deny his impressive season playing professionally in France's premier league at just 18 years old. He started strong, shooting an impressive 44.8% from downtown over 41 games. However, he hit a rough patch, averaging just 7 points per game on 31% shooting from the floor and 17% from three over an 11 game stretch, which highlighted my concerns about his effectiveness when his shot isn’t falling.

However, Risacher finished the season on a high note, averaging 15.1 points and 7.4 rebounds per game while shooting 52% from the field and 37.8% from deep during JL Bourg’s playoff run.

Arguably the safest pick in an uncertain draft class, Risacher’s combination of size, skill, athleticism, and shooting makes him an immediate plug-and-play option and a potential replacement for Kyle Kuzma, who turns 29 next month and doesn’t fit the Wizards' timeline or youth movement.

Washington has significant gaps to fill at point guard and center, making Nikola Topić and Donovan Clingan potential options for the Wizards at the No. 2 pick.

3. Houston Rockets

Reed Sheppard

Kentucky
Freshman
Combo Guard
6’3” | 182
Age on draft night: 19.9

Houston might consider trading the No. 3 pick for established talent, given the Rockets don't have any glaring positional needs, but will look to find ways to improve their offense this summer. The team has been linked to players like Brandon Ingram, Mikal Bridges, and Donovan Mitchell, indicating a strong interest in bypassing another young prospect to help transform the Rockets—who are picking in the top 5 for the fourth time in five years— into a legitimate contender.

Should the Rockets choose to keep the pick, they may look for shooting as the Rockets were 20th overall in offensive rating last season and just 23rd in three-point shooting.

Sheppard emerges as a compelling option, as his lights-out shooting would be particularly beneficial for a Rockets team that features athletic slashers in Jalen Green and Amen Thompson who need space to operate.

He has a defined role as a shooting specialist and his game is adaptable to any offensive system. In today’s NBA, where floor spacing holds significant value, he could serve as the ideal complement to Alperen Şengün and Jalen Green.

Sheppard shot a ridiculous 52% from deep 4.4 attempts per game. Not only is he a deadly shooter off the catch, draining 51.6% of his catch-and-shoot attempts, he’s also dangerous off the dribble, where he connected on 52% of his shots.

4. San Antonio Spurs

Stephon Castle

Connecticut
Freshman
Guard/Wing
6’6” | 210
Age on draft night: 19.6

Opinions on Castle's draft potential vary widely: some scouts believe he could contend for the top pick if he showcases improved shooting in pre-draft workouts, while others see him as a jack-of-all-trades, master of none, with a shaky jumper.

Outside shooting remains a consistent concern, with Castle only connecting on 26% of his attempts from beyond the arc this season.

Castle's main appeal lies in his versatility on both ends of the floor. He can play and defend multiple positions and was a star in his role on UConn’s national title team. At 6’6”, Castle's size, length, and strength are intriguing, and his team-first and unselfish style of play make him an attractive target for Gregg Popovich.

While the Spurs appear to have redundancy on the wings, Castle would offer defensive toughness, rebounding, and playmaking in a multi-playmaker system aimed at involving Wembanyama more in the offense. However, Castle's potential upside ultimately hinges on his ability to improve his outside shooting.

5. Detroit Pistons

Matas Buzelis

G League Ignite
Wing
6’10” | 197
Age on draft night: 19.6

Detroit finished the season with a league-worst 14-68 record and, unfortunately, fell to the fifth pick in the draft lottery. This marks the sixth consecutive season that the team with the worst record failed to secure the top spot, and it's the third consecutive year the Pistons will hold the No. 5 pick.

Detroit has been rumored to have a strong interest in Buzelis, with speculation centered around his strong ties to the Pistons front office. He’s represented by Michael Tellem from Excel Sports Management, whose father, Arn, is the vice chairman of the Pistons.

However, Buzelis is a legitimate top 5 pick regardless of his representation. He fits the mold of the modern-day versatile jumbo wing with the potential to score on three levels. At 6'11", Buzelis has a unique blend of size and skill, making him a tough matchup as he can use his size to elevate over smaller opponents and beat slower bigs off the dribble.

Adding Buzelis to the Pistons' current core comes with risk, as the team ranked dead last in the NBA in 3-pointers made and is in dire need of perimeter shooting. Buzelis struggled to adjust to the longer NBA 3-point line, finishing the season shooting only 26% from deep. This could be a red flag for Detroit, who selected Ausar Thompson, an 18% 3-point shooter, fifth overall last summer.

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