The 2025 NBA Draft early entry list has been released, revealing a much smaller pool of 106 early entrants compared to 195 last year. This significant decrease is primarily attributed to the growing influence of NIL deals in college basketball.
Cooper Flagg is the consensus No. 1 pick regardless of which team secures the top selection on lottery night. The Duke freshman and national player of the year averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while shooting 51.1% from the field after January.
“Flagg isn’t quite at the Victor Wembanyama level of prospect over the last 20 years, but he belongs in the Anthony Davis tier,” notes Sam Vecenie. “Barring injury, he’s about as can’t-miss as it gets because of his skill level, athleticism, shot-creation ability and mentality.”
Rutgers guard Dylan Harper has solidified his position as the likely second overall selection, with Texas wing Tre Johnson, Baylor’s V.J. Edgecombe, and Rutgers’ Ace Bailey rounding out the projected top five.
Draft Class Concerns
NBA teams have expressed serious concerns about the overall depth of the 2025 draft class. Scouts and executives believe the talent level drops significantly after the top two selections, with teams particularly worried about the value of picks in the 40s.
The decrease in early entries is expected to impact the later rounds dramatically, as many potential draftees are opting to return to college where guaranteed NIL money exceeds the uncertainty of two-way contracts worth approximately $600,000.
2025 NBA Mock Draft (First Round)
1. Washington Wizards: Cooper Flagg, F, Duke2. Utah Jazz: Dylan Harper, G, Rutgers3. Portland Trail Blazers: Tre Johnson, W, Texas4. New Orleans Pelicans: V.J. Edgecombe, G, Baylor5. Charlotte Hornets: Ace Bailey, W/F, Rutgers6. Philadelphia 76ers: Kon Knueppel, G, Duke7. Brooklyn Nets: Kasparas Jakučionis, G, Illinois8. Toronto Raptors: Derik Queen, C, Maryland9. San Antonio Spurs: Carter Bryant, W, Arizona10. Houston Rockets: Collin Murray-Boyles, W/F, South Carolina11. Dallas Mavericks: Jeremiah Fears, G, Oklahoma12. Chicago Bulls: Khaman Maluach, C, Duke13. Atlanta Hawks: Thomas Sorber, C, Georgetown14. San Antonio Spurs: Noa Essengue, F, Ratiopharm Ulm15. Oklahoma City Thunder: Danny Wolf, C, Michigan16. Orlando Magic: Nolan Traoré, G, Saint-Quentin17. Minnesota Timberwolves: Nique Clifford, G, Colorado State18. Washington Wizards: Egor Demin, G, BYU19. Brooklyn Nets: Jase Richardson, G, Michigan State20. Miami Heat: Walter Clayton Jr., G, Florida21. Utah Jazz: Liam McNeeley, W, Connecticut22. Atlanta Hawks: Ben Saraf, G, Ratiopharm Ulm23. Indiana Pacers: Joan Beringer, C, Cedevita24. Oklahoma City Thunder: Noah Penda, F, Le Mans25. Orlando Magic: Hugo González, W/F, Real Madrid26. Brooklyn Nets: Asa Newell, F/C, Georgia27. Brooklyn Nets: Rasheer Fleming, F, Saint Joseph’s28. Boston Celtics: Labaron Philon, G, Alabama29. Phoenix Suns: Cedric Coward, W, Washington State30. LA Clippers: Ryan Kalkbrenner, C, Creighton
