2025 NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Cooper Flagg remains No. 1 in a freshman-heavy first round. Sitting courtside at Madison Square Garden during Duke’s impressive 110-67 victory over Illinois, it became evident that Cooper Flagg is a standout talent. The 6-foot-9 freshman exhibited remarkable skill and composure, finishing the game with 16 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, despite only scoring once in the first half. His ability to impact the game is undeniable.
“He’s really, really good. What I love about him the most is he’s a team guy,” remarked an NBA general manager to FOX Sports. “He embodies what it means to be a winning player, adjusting his game to what the team needs. Cooper is someone you would love to have on your side, consistently giving maximum effort. The sky’s the limit for him, and he’s the reason why Duke stands out as a favorite to win it all.”
An ACC coach who faced Flagg echoed this sentiment, praising his competitive spirit.
Where does Flagg rank among the elite NBA prospects? According to ten scouts, he is considered the best prospect since Zion Williamson in 2019. Williamson, the last freshman to earn National Player of the Year honors, averaged 23 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and two blocks during his freshman season at Duke. The team featuring Williamson, RJ Barrett, and Cam Reddish reached the Elite Eight. Flagg has the potential to surpass all of them, possibly even winning a championship.
Here’s the latest NBA Mock Draft:
1. Washington Wizards: Cooper Flagg, Duke
The Wizards currently sit at 10-48, and while Flagg alone won’t transform the franchise, he represents a promising start. An evaluator mentioned that Flagg is a guaranteed No. 2 option and has the potential to become an elite No. 1. His impressive wingspan of over 7 feet allows him to defend all five positions effectively, a rare trait for an 18-year-old.
2. Utah Jazz: Dylan Harper, Rutgers
The Jazz have struggled with offensive efficiency, making their need for a talented guard apparent. Harper, averaging 19 points, four rebounds, and four assists per game, is a dynamic scorer and playmaker. His 6-foot-6 frame and basketball IQ make him a valuable asset.
3. New Orleans Pelicans: Ace Bailey, Rutgers
Bailey, standing at 6-10, plays with the finesse of a guard, averaging 18 points and seven rebounds per game. He has demonstrated the ability to take over games, with multiple 30-point performances this season. While there are concerns about his ball-handling, his scoring ability and defensive potential make him a top prospect.
4. Charlotte Hornets: Tre Johnson, Texas
Johnson has been a scoring machine for the Longhorns, averaging over 20 points while contributing three rebounds and three assists. His ability to create shots and score efficiently, shooting 44% from the field and 37% from beyond the arc, makes him a valuable player for a team in need of scoring.
5. Toronto Raptors: Derik Queen, Maryland
“I believe Derik Queen is the biggest riser in this draft class,” noted one scout. “His understanding of the game is impressive for his age, making him a top-10 prospect.” The Raptors could benefit from a big man, and Queen’s shooting touch and physicality add to his appeal. He is averaging 16 points, nine rebounds, and two assists per game, including a standout performance with 53 points across two games against Rutgers and Nebraska.
6. Philadelphia 76ers: VJ Edgecombe, Baylor
Edgecombe, a 6-5 guard, is a strong athlete and a solid defender. He averages 15 points, five rebounds, and three assists. While his outside shooting needs work, his ability to drive to the basket makes him a valuable prospect.
7. Brooklyn Nets: Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma
Fears is a versatile scorer, capable of impacting the game at multiple levels. Averaging 16 points, four rebounds, and four assists, he has shown promise as a playmaker for the Sooners.
8. Chicago Bulls: Khaman Maluach, Duke
9. San Antonio Spurs: Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois
Jakucionis is a 6-6 combo guard with a unique skill set, averaging 15 points, six rebounds, and five assists. While he has faced turnover issues, his ability to fit into a pick-and-roll offense could make him a valuable asset for the Spurs.
10. Portland Trail Blazers: Liam McNeeley, UConn
The Blazers are in dire need of perimeter shooting, and McNeeley could provide that spark. Recently, he scored 38 points and grabbed 10 rebounds against Creighton, setting a new UConn freshman record for a Big East game. His 6-7 frame and basketball instincts make him a promising prospect.
11. San Antonio Spurs (via Hawks): Asa Newell, Georgia
12. Houston Rockets (via Suns): Kon Knueppel, Duke
13. Atlanta Hawks (via Kings): Egor Demin, BYU
14. Miami Heat (via Warriors): Noa Essengue, Ratiopharm Ulm
15. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Heat): Will Riley, Illinois
16. Orlando Magic: Ben Saraf, Ratiopharm Ulm
17. Utah Jazz (via Timberwolves): Carter Bryant, Arizona
18. Dallas Mavericks: Nolan Traore, Saint-Quentin
19. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Pistons): Rasheer Fleming, Saint Joseph’s
20. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers): Noah Penda, Le Mans
21. Brooklyn Nets (via Bucks): Boogie Fland, Arkansas
22. Indiana Pacers: Thomas Sorber, Georgetown
23. Brooklyn Nets (via Rockets): Nique Clifford, Colorado State
24. Atlanta Hawks (via Lakers): Donnie Freeman, Syracuse
25. Washington Wizards (via Grizzlies): Danny Wolf, Michigan
26. Brooklyn Nets (via Knicks): Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina
27. Orlando Magic (via Nuggets): Jaland Lowe, Pittsburgh
28. Boston Celtics: Ian Jackson, North Carolina
29. Los Angeles Clippers (via Thunder): Kanon Catchings, BYU
30. Phoenix Suns (via Cavaliers): JT Toppin, Texas Tech
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