The confetti is still fresh on the court from Florida winning the 2025 men's NCAA National Championship, which means it's time to start thinking about where some of today's college stars land in the NBA tomorrow.
Cue my first NBA mock draft for 2025.
Yes, it's still more than two months away, but it's never too early to predict how a Cooper Flagg or a Walter Clayton might impact the league later on in this calendar year.
While the Duke faithful are eyeing the Blue Devils' +1000 odds to win it all next year, Wizards fans are just crossing their fingers they land a star that will help them sniff the playoffs next season.
With that in mind, let's dive into the first version of my NBA mock draft.
1. Washington Wizards : Cooper Flagg , F, Duke
WSH odds to draft Flagg: +500
This moribund franchise hasn’t won a playoff series since 2017, but Flagg will change that. He should have a Kevin Garnett-type impact on the Wizards, playing hard at both ends and, ultimately, becoming an MVP candidate.
2. Utah Jazz: Ace Bailey , F, Rutgers
The Jazz have two first-round picks. The other one is courtesy of the Donovan Mitchell trade in 2022. Using this one on the 6-foot-10 Bailey sets up their front court for the next five years (alongside Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler). Utah has had 12 players start at least 10 games this season. Not a recipe for success.
3. Charlotte Hornets : Dylan Harper , G, Rutgers
It’s nearly time to have a LaMelo Ball discussion. Even though he’s wildly popular, it might be time to move off Ball, who plays with great flair and style but doesn’t always play serious, winning basketball. A Harper-Nick Smith backcourt is young and has potential.
4. New Orleans Pelicans : Tre Johnson , G, Texas
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