The 2025 NBA Draft is fast approaching, scheduled over two days starting Wednesday evening in New York. It`s widely expected that Duke star Cooper Flagg will be selected first overall by the Mavericks, followed by Rutgers` Dylan Harper going to the Spurs at No. 2. The draft is poised to become much less predictable after these top two picks.
Given the significant uncertainty surrounding the rest of the first round, we`re presenting some audacious forecasts. Here are four bold predictions for the 2025 NBA Draft from three experts at CBS Sports.
Ace Bailey Projected to Fall to Pick No. 6
Ace Bailey was once widely regarded as the third-best player in the 2025 draft class and expected to be a top-three pick just weeks ago. However, there`s now a real possibility he could slide out of the top five entirely. This comes amidst a puzzling pre-draft process where he reportedly canceled a meeting with the 76ers (picking 3rd) and declined meetings with the Hornets (4th) and Jazz (5th). NBA circles suggest his representatives might be aiming for him to land with the Wizards (6th), Pelicans (7th), or Nets (8th). Whether this strategy succeeds remains to be seen. While a team in the top four could still trade up or pick him despite lack of meetings, the current momentum suggests he might indeed fall out of the top five, potentially landing with Washington at No. 6. — Kyle Boone
Will Riley Could Be the Draft`s Biggest Steal
Most mock drafts place Will Riley, an Illinois small forward, in the 20s, but I believe he possesses legitimate top-10 talent. His shooting range is limitless, and he fires with confidence. He also demonstrates flashes of advanced playmaking, like finding open shooters with one-handed passes after driving. Riley has a solid midrange game and high basketball IQ, making him an effective cutter and connective passer. While defensive concerns exist due to his lean build (6-foot-8, 186 pounds), his offensive potential is strong enough to make him a net positive player. In five years, we might look back and wonder how he dropped so far. — Colin Ward-Henninger
Spurs Might Target a Center
This might seem surprising given they already have Victor Wembanyama and need spacing. However, if “Wemby” prefers playing the power forward role, similar to Anthony Davis, then pairing him with another big man could be San Antonio`s move. It`s notable that Khaman Maluach`s agents reportedly allowed him a second workout recently, even though he`s unlikely to be available when the Spurs pick at No. 14 (after their second overall pick). There`s been speculation about the Spurs trading their second pick, but I`m told there`s a greater likelihood they try to move up from 14 to secure Maluach while keeping their No. 2 pick. If they can`t move up for Maluach, they might consider someone like Joan Beringer if he`s still available at 14. If neither is an option, they might then focus on a spacing wing player such as Cedric Coward or Liam McNeeley. — Adam Finkelstein
Nique Clifford Predicted for Top-Three Rookie of the Year Finish
Here`s a bold prediction for after the draft. This isn`t solely based on my appreciation for Clifford`s game and belief that he`s highly underrated, which is true. It`s also a logical projection due to his age (23), suggesting he`s more prepared for immediate contribution compared to younger 18 or 19-year-old prospects. He`s also expected to be drafted in the mid-to-late first round, implying his future team will likely aim to be competitive next season. Therefore, when he achieves the impressive stats he`s capable of (even triple-doubles are possible), they`ll occur in meaningful games, which tend to hold more weight with voters. For these reasons, Clifford has a genuine chance to be a top contender in the Rookie of the Year race throughout the season. — Colin Ward-Henninger