2025 NBA Draft Overview

The 2025 NBA Draft is set to be one of the most exciting in recent years, with a plethora of talented prospects ready to make their mark in the league. The draft will take place over two nights at the Barclays Center in New York, with the Dallas Mavericks holding the coveted No. 1 pick. The spotlight is on Duke's Cooper Flagg, the consensus top prospect, who is expected to be the first player selected.

Key Questions and Teams to Watch

1. Where will Ace Bailey land? The Rutgers star is a top prospect, but his draft strategy has been enigmatic. Will the Philadelphia 76ers take him at No. 3, or will another team trade up to secure his services?
2. How will the Brooklyn Nets use their picks? With four first-round selections, the Nets have the opportunity to build a strong foundation around their stars. Their approach to the draft will be closely watched.

Draft Order and Lottery Picks

The draft will consist of 59 picks, with the first 30 selections taking place on the first night. The Mavericks, with a mere 1.8% chance, made history by jumping 10 spots to secure the No. 1 pick. The Nets lead with five picks, including four in the first round.

Top 14 Lottery Picks:

1. Dallas Mavericks
2. San Antonio Spurs
3. Philadelphia 76ers
4. Charlotte Hornets
5. Utah Jazz
6. Washington Wizards
7. New Orleans Pelicans
8. Brooklyn Nets
9. Toronto Raptors
10. Phoenix Suns (from HOU)
11. Portland Trail Blazers
12. Chicago Bulls
13. Atlanta Hawks (via SAC)
14. San Antonio Spurs (via ATL)

Top Prospects and Mock Drafts

Cooper Flagg is the clear frontrunner, but the draft class is deep with talent. Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey, and VJ Edgecombe are among the top prospects expected to make an immediate impact.

ESPN's Top 10 Prospects:

1. Cooper Flagg, SF/PF, Duke
2. Dylan Harper, PG/SG, Rutgers
3. Ace Bailey, SG/SF, Rutgers
4. VJ Edgecombe, SG, Baylor
5. Tre Johnson, SG, Texas
6. Kon Knueppel, SG/SF, Duke
7. Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
8. Jeremiah Fears, PG, Oklahoma
9. Noa Essengue, PF, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)
10. Kasparas Jakucionis, PG, Illinois

How to Watch

• Round 1: Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET (ABC, ESPN, and the ESPN app)
• Round 2: Thursday at 8 p.m. ET (ESPN and the ESPN app)

Conclusion

The 2025 NBA Draft promises to be a pivotal event for many teams looking to rebuild or add key pieces to their roster. With a strong draft class and numerous intriguing storylines, basketball fans are in for a treat.