Mock Draft 1.0
Mock Draft 1.0: My Insights on the Battle for Number One and the Risers and Fallers in the First Round.
The wait is over. After weeks of analyzing film, tracking performances, and debating the merits of this year’s standout players, I’m thrilled to release my first mock draft of the 2024-25 season. This year’s draft class has been one of the most highly anticipated in recent memory—a deep pool of talent that boasts multiple tier-one prospects and several players with the potential to become perennial All-Stars.
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.