After months of anticipation, the race for Cooper Flagg will culminate on Monday during the NBA Draft Lottery. The Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards, and Charlotte Hornets each hold an equal 14% chance of winning the lottery and potentially altering the future trajectory of their franchises for years.
The team that secures the top pick in next week`s lottery is highly likely to select Flagg. The standout player from Duke was named Player of the Year as a freshman and possesses the profile of a two-way talent capable of impacting the game in multiple facets at the professional level.
While Flagg stands out as the most prominent name in this draft class, the remainder of the lottery pool is rich with high-level talent. A significant characteristic of this lottery group is the prevalence of first-year college players. South Carolina forward Collin Murray-Boyles and Saint Joseph`s Rasheer Fleming are noted as the only non-freshmen projected within the lottery segment of this mock draft.
With the official draft order set to be finalized in just a few days, let`s delve into our latest mock draft projection, beginning with the team holding the first overall selection.
Mock Draft – Round 1
| Pick | Player | Projected Team | Ranks / Stats | Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round 1 – Pick 1 |
Cooper Flagg Position: SF Duke • Fr. • 6`9″ / 205 lbs |
Utah |
Overall Rank: 1st Position Rank: 1st
Stats:
PPG: 19.2, RPG: 7.5, APG: 4.2, 3P%: 38.5% |
The term `generational talent` is often used loosely, but Flagg truly fits the description. The Duke star was arguably the top player in college basketball this season, notably playing much of it at just 17 years old. At the professional level, Flagg projects as a high-impact, two-way forward capable of being a cornerstone player for a franchise for years. The Jazz would undoubtedly be thrilled if they landed the top pick.
|
| Round 1 – Pick 2 |
Dylan Harper Position: PG Rutgers • Fr. • 6`6″ / 215 lbs |
Washington |
Overall Rank: 2nd Position Rank: 1st
Stats:
PPG: 19.4, RPG: 4.6, APG: 4, 3P%: 33.3% |
Harper has consistently been ranked as the second-best prospect by most experts throughout the 2024-25 college basketball season. This left-handed combo guard is an exceptional shot-creator who consistently demonstrated the ability to finish effectively around the rim. Regardless of their current roster, the team picking second should strongly consider selecting him. While missing out on the first pick might sting, Harper represents a significant and valuable consolation prize.
|
| Round 1 – Pick 3 |
Tre Johnson Position: SG Texas • Fr. • 6`6″ / 190 lbs |
Charlotte |
Overall Rank: 5th Position Rank: 2nd
Stats:
PPG: 19.9, RPG: 3.1, APG: 2.7, 3P%: 39.7% |
Johnson`s draft stock has soared dramatically over the past few months. The Texas standout was among the top scorers in college basketball last season and possesses the potential to make a significant impact at the next level with his elite shot-making skills. The Hornets have various options at this pick, but betting on Johnson`s significant upside would be a smart move.
|
| Round 1 – Pick 4 |
VJ Edgecombe Position: SG Baylor • Fr. • 6`5″ / 180 lbs |
New Orleans |
Overall Rank: 4th Position Rank: 1st
Stats:
PPG: 15, RPG: 5.6, APG: 3.2, 3P%: 34% |
Beyond Flagg, Edgecombe might be considered the most compelling player in this draft class. There`s strong belief in Edgecombe`s potential as a two-way player at the next level. He showed improvement in his shooting throughout the season and stands out as one of the most athletic prospects available.
|
| Round 1 – Pick 5 |
Ace Bailey Position: SF Rutgers • Fr. • 6`10″ / 200 lbs |
Philadelphia |
Overall Rank: 3rd Position Rank: 2nd
Stats:
PPG: 17.6, RPG: 7.2, APG: 1.3, 3P%: 34.6% |
Bailey is one of the most debated prospects in this draft class. His shot selection during his single season at Rutgers was quite notable; he could consistently make incredibly difficult jumpers, even if they weren`t typically high-percentage attempts. A common comparison for him entering the year was Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr., and that comparison still holds true.
|
| Round 1 – Pick 6 |
Kon Knue… |
Brooklyn |
…
Jasper Hawthorne