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Here are The Hoop Doctors’ early picks for the first round of the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft. For other sites mock draft picks, don’t forget to check out The Hoop Doctors Mock Draft Database.
1. Utah Jazz – Cooper Flagg
Team: DukePosition: ForwardAnalysis: Flagg is a versatile forward with exceptional defensive instincts and a high basketball IQ. His ability to guard multiple positions and contribute offensively makes him a top prospect. However, he needs to continue developing his perimeter shooting to maximize his offensive impact.
2. Washington Wizards – Dylan Harper
Team: RutgersPosition: GuardAnalysis: Harper is a strong, left-handed guard known for his scoring ability and playmaking skills. He excels in pick-and-roll situations and has a knack for getting to the rim. Improving his outside shooting consistency will be key to his NBA success.
3. Charlotte Hornets – Ace Bailey
Team: RutgersPosition: ForwardAnalysis: Bailey is a 6’10” wing with impressive shot-making abilities, especially off the dribble. His size and scoring prowess make him a valuable asset, though he needs to work on his playmaking and decision-making under pressure.
4. New Orleans Pelicans – VJ Edgecombe
Team: BaylorPosition: Guard/ForwardAnalysis: Edgecombe is an athletic wing known for his defensive versatility and improving offensive game. He has the potential to be a two-way player in the NBA but must refine his ball-handling and shooting consistency.
5. Philadelphia 76ers – Derik Queen
Team: MarylandPosition: Forward/CenterAnalysis: Queen is a skilled big man with excellent footwork and scoring ability in the post. He has a soft touch around the basket and can stretch the floor. Defensively, he needs to improve his lateral quickness and rim protection.
6. Brooklyn Nets – Kasparas Jakucionis
Team: IllinoisPosition: GuardAnalysis: Jakucionis is a crafty guard with a high basketball IQ and excellent passing skills. He can control the tempo of the game but needs to work on his shooting efficiency and reducing turnovers.
7. Toronto Raptors – Khaman Maluach
Team: DukePosition: CenterAnalysis: Maluach is a 7’2″ center with elite shot-blocking abilities and a strong defensive presence. He runs the floor well for his size but must develop his offensive game, particularly his shooting range and post moves.
8. Chicago Bulls – Tre Johnson
Team: TexasPosition: GuardAnalysis: Johnson is a dynamic scorer with a smooth shooting stroke and the ability to create his own shot. He needs to improve his defensive consistency and decision-making as a playmaker.
9. San Antonio Spurs – Jeremiah Fears
Team: OklahomaPosition: GuardAnalysis: Fears is a quick and explosive guard who excels in transition and attacking the basket. His perimeter shooting is developing, and he must work on his shot selection and defensive awareness.
10. Atlanta Hawks – Carter Bryant
Team: ArizonaPosition: ForwardAnalysis: Bryant is a versatile forward with a strong defensive skill set and a reliable three-point shot. His offensive role was limited in college, so expanding his scoring repertoire will be important at the next level.
11. Portland Trail Blazers – Matas Buzelis
Team: G League IgnitePosition: ForwardAnalysis: Buzelis is a tall, skilled forward with the ability to handle the ball and shoot from the perimeter. He needs to add strength and improve his defensive consistency to thrive in the NBA.
12. Sacramento Kings – Ron Holland
Team: G League IgnitePosition: ForwardAnalysis: Holland is an athletic wing known for his energy and defensive versatility. His offensive game is still raw, and he must develop a more consistent jump shot and ball-handling skills.
13. Houston Rockets – Justin Edwards
Team: KentuckyPosition: ForwardAnalysis: Edwards is a smooth scorer with a good shooting touch and the ability to create off the dribble. He needs to improve his defensive intensity and add strength to compete at the NBA level.
14. Orlando Magic – Kyle Filipowski
Team: DukePosition: Forward/CenterAnalysis: Filipowski is a skilled big man with a high basketball IQ and the ability to stretch the floor. He must work on his lateral quickness and defensive positioning to be effective in the NBA.
15. Indiana Pacers – Tyrese Proctor
Team: DukePosition: GuardAnalysis: Proctor is a combo guard with solid playmaking abilities and a reliable jump shot. He needs to improve his decision-making under pressure and defensive consistency.
16. Los Angeles Lakers – DJ Wagner
Team: KentuckyPosition: GuardAnalysis: Wagner is a scoring guard with a quick first step and the ability to finish at the rim. He must work on his shot selection and defensive effort to succeed in the NBA.
17. Minnesota Timberwolves – Liam McNeeley
Team: UConnPosition: Guard/ForwardAnalysis: McNeeley is a versatile wing with good shooting mechanics and the ability to play off the ball. He needs to improve his defensive footwork and add strength to compete at the next level.
18. Brooklyn Nets – Will Riley
Team: IllinoisPosition: ForwardAnalysis: Riley is an athletic forward with a high motor and the ability to score in transition. He must develop a more consistent jump shot and refine his defensive skills.
19. Utah Jazz – Danny Wolf
Team: MichiganPosition: CenterAnalysis: Wolf is a skilled big man with the ability to stretch the floor and pass effectively. He needs to improve his defensive mobility and physicality to handle NBA competition.
20. Orlando Magic – Asa Newell
Team: GeorgiaPosition: CenterAnalysis: Newell is a mobile big man with shot-blocking abilities and a developing offensive game. He must work on his shooting consistency and strength to be effective in the NBA.
21. Miami Heat – Nique Clifford
Team: Colorado StatePosition: GuardAnalysis: Clifford is a mature guard with a reliable three-point shot and solid defensive skills. He needs to improve his ball-handling and playmaking abilities to contribute at the next level.
22. Phoenix Suns – Cedric Coward
Team: Washington StatePosition: ForwardAnalysis: Coward is a scoring wing with a strong shooting touch and the ability to create his own shot. He must work on his defensive consistency and recover fully from his recent shoulder injury.
23. Milwaukee Bucks – Noa Essengue
Team: FrancePosition: ForwardAnalysis: Essengue is a young, athletic forward with great positional size and the ability to defend multiple positions. He is still developing offensively and needs to improve his shooting range.
24. New York Knicks – Tre Mann Jr.
Team: FloridaPosition: GuardAnalysis: Mann is a skilled scorer with excellent shooting ability and ball-handling skills. His defensive effort and physicality will need to improve for the NBA.
25. Dallas Mavericks – Olu Famutimi
Team: G League IgnitePosition: GuardAnalysis: Famutimi is a tenacious defender with good athleticism. He is still developing his offensive game, particularly his shooting consistency.
26. Denver Nuggets –
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27. Golden State Warriors – Jalen Wilson
Team: KansasPosition: ForwardAnalysis: Wilson is a hardworking forward with a solid all-around game. His defensive versatility and scoring ability make him a valuable role player.
28. Cleveland Cavaliers – Cam Whitmore
Team: VillanovaPosition: ForwardAnalysis: Whitmore is a powerful scorer with athleticism and rebounding ability. He must improve his shooting and defensive positioning.
29. Memphis Grizzlies – Jaden Ivey
Team: PurduePosition: GuardAnalysis: Ivey is an explosive guard with great athleticism and scoring ability. Consistency in shooting and decision-making will be vital for his success.
30. Boston Celtics – Maxwell Lewis
Team: HawaiiPosition: ForwardAnalysis: Lewis is a versatile wing with good athleticism and defensive potential. His offensive game needs development, especially his shooting and playmaking.
