Mock Draft 2.0: Full First-Round Analysis and Rankings
Boom-or-bust talents, untapped potential, and nightly tests in the SEC and Big Ten define this draft class.
Earlier this week, I released my Mock Draft 2.0: Lottery Edition, highlighting the top 14 picks in this intriguing 2025 draft class. Now, I’m excited to unveil the full first-round edition, featuring analysis on 30 prospects, including updated insights on the lottery picks I previously discussed.
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.