2025 NBA Mock Draft 3.0: Cooper Flagg to Mavs; what will Spurs, 76ers do?

The 2025 NBA Draft has the makings of a fascinating and unpredictable night in Brooklyn. Why? Because while we know that

will be heading to Dallas in one of the wildest lottery outcomes we’ve ever seen, there are a variety of outcomes for what ensues after that, starting with the

and the

with the second and third picks in the draft. 

We did not see the teams with the top odds win the lottery or hop into the top three, but rather, a San Antonio franchise with Victor Wembanyama and a rising core, along with a Philadelphia organization that has star power with Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey, but carries many questions after a flop of a 2025-26 campaign. 

In a class with this much value and one-and-done freshman talent, expect at least one of these teams to seriously consider a trade. And when you’re the Hornets, Jazz or Wizards, selecting fourth, fifth and sixth, respectively, doing something bold to move up could prove to be worthwhile with the talent at the top of the class. 

What is really refreshing about this class is the renaissance of the college freshman. A year after we saw four of the top six picks in the draft as non-college players, this group more than makes up for it and there’s a case to be made that every player picked in the lottery, outside maybe one or two players, will be one-and-done freshmen. There’s also a legitimate case to be made that at least five-to-seven of these prospects would have been the No. 1 pick a year ago. 

With that, here’s my updated 2025 NBA Mock Draft:

1. Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg, Duke

First and foremost, I’ve seen the takes out there about the Mavs trying to do something to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo. Forget about all of that and pick the best prospect at the top of the draft that we’ve seen since Zion Williamson. The thought of pairing Flagg and Dereck Lively in the frontcourt is super intriguing, but think about this combination if everyone is healthy:

3. Philadelphia 76ers: Khaman Maluach, Duke

The Sixers have been on a long search for a backup big man to Embiid. Why not get the 7-footer out of Duke, who is 18 years of age and loaded with upside. His wingspan measured 7-foot-6, along with a 9-foot-6 standing reach, the latest testament to the explosiveness he can bring as a rim protector and mobile big man. Do I think it’s a slight reach at No. 3? Maybe. But the fit makes sense in Philadelphia and I think Maluach is a big-time riser in this class. 

4. Charlotte Hornets: Tre Johnson, Texas

Charlotte has been lost offensively for several years and that lack of identity has led to the franchise not reaching the playoffs in nearly a decade. LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller need more help, and Ace Bailey isn't the answer here due to some of the hero ball he plays and lack of decision-making at times. Johnson, who willed a pedestrian Texas offense to the NCAA Tournament last season and averaged 20 points per game, is a difficult matchup on both ends.

5. Utah Jazz: VJ Edgecombe, Baylor

The Utah Jazz were 29th in defense last season and the worst team in the league in fast break points allowed. So, the franchise needs a lot of things, but among them would be a bulldog guard who sets the tone defensively and impacts winning. If Edgecombe falls into Utah GM Justin Zanik’s lap, he shouldn't think twice. Edgecombe contained high-end Big 12 scorers defensively in his lone season in Waco while averaging 15 points, six rebounds and three assists per game. His offense is a work in progress on the perimeter, but he checks a lot of boxes.

6. Washington Wizards: Ace Bailey, Rutgers

The Wizards are trying to dig out of this hole while also making a splash. Bailey would be the best available talent, and he does have a unique skillset that has proven to be successful with big guards in the NBA. One item: He did measure at 6-7½ (after Rutgers noted on their roster he was 6-foot-10). Scarlet Knights head coach Steve Pikiell told FOX Sports that Bailey is the most extraordinary prospect he’s ever coached from an athleticism standpoint. If he’s willing to have a more efficient shot diet and show more discipline, Bailey could end up being right there with Flagg in terms of success in the league.

7. New Orleans Pelicans: Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma

New Orleans is in need of a point guard for its future and the Oklahoma one-and-done freshman makes a ton of sense. Fears does not turn the ball over, averaging 17.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game as a freshman in the SEC, willing his Sooners to the NCAA Tournament. 

8. Brooklyn Nets: Kon Knueppel, Duke

This would be a slam dunk for the Nets to start a busy night as Brooklyn possesses the 19th, 26th and 27th picks in the first round of the draft as well. Knueppel is beyond his years in IQ and feel for the game, showing a great knack at getting to his spots and drilling jumpers while being like a coach on the floor defensively.

10. Houston Rockets: Carter Bryant, Arizona 

The 19-year-old is a riser who has the makeup of a prototypical wing at the next level. At close to 6-7 with a 7-foot wingspan, Bryant can cover a lot of ground defensively and has an offensive game with a lot of untapped potential. He was not a star in his lone season in Tucson, but that doesn’t mean his upside isn't there. As Bryant fills out his body and grows his perimeter game, watch out. He could be the steal of the lottery. 

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