The 2025 NBA Draft is just around a month away, and with the draft lottery all set, it’s the right time to mock where college’s biggest stars from the 2024-25 season land in the NBA to start their professional career in hopes of becoming a champion and end up in the Basketball Hall of Fame one day.
1. Dallas Mavericks – Cooper Flagg – SF/PF – Duke University
Cooper Flagg is just what the Mavericks need: a versatile, do-it-all forward who was the best college freshman since Zion Williamson in 2019. Flagg averaged 19.2 PPG during his lone season at Duke, showcasing strong court vision and elite agility. Pairing Flagg with Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving creates a formidable trio for a team only one year removed from an NBA Finals appearance. The Mavericks add a much-needed young superstar—even though they arguably already had one.
2. San Antonio Spurs – Dylan Harper – PG/SG – Rutgers
Assuming the Spurs keep this pick, Dylan Harper is the most likely choice to pair with a roster that looks ready to compete for the playoffs from the jump in 2025. Harper was an impactful freshman during his one-and-done season at Rutgers, averaging 19.4 PPG alongside another top freshman in Ace Bailey at Rutgers. Harper to the Spurs creates one of the best young trios in the NBA, as Harper would be paired with the last two rookie of the year winners in Victor Wembenyama and Stephon Castle. If the Spurs can’t or don’t pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo, Harper is the next best guy that the Spurs need to push them on the brink of contention in the west.
3. Philadelphia 76ers – Ace Bailey – SF – Rutgers
Another one from the Scarlet and Black, Rutgers freshman Ace Bailey fits perfectly for the 76ers, with his unique ability to make contested shots using length and elevation. Pairing Ace Bailey alongside an aging Paul George to eventually be his successor is just what the 76ers need to try to get out of a constant up and down roller coaster. If the Sixers can just manage to stay healthy, Ace Bailey could be a type of player to mesh well with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, as the Sixers are desperate for that playoff win.
4. Charlotte Hornets – VJ Edgecombe – SG – Baylor
VJ Edgecombe was one of the bright spots at Baylor in a down year for the Bears, as he averaged 15 PPG, and 5.6 rebounds. Edgecombe is a very athletic player who has good movement skills, change of speed, direction, and a quick burst. Edgecombe can make some questionable offensive decision-making, but for the most part he is just what the Hornets need to pair alongside Lamelo Ball and Miles Bridges as Charlotte tries to end a decades long playoff drought that feels as though it will never end.
5. Utah Jazz – Jeremiah Fears – PG/SG – Oklahoma
A surprise at pick five, as the Jazz take Oklahoma PG Jeremiah Fears. Although SG Tre Johnson out of Texas is the best player to pick here, the Jazz have two Shooting Guards already locked up for at least the next two years in Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson. The Jazz really are missing that true Point Guard, and picking Fears clears some fog at that position. It’s important to note that you’re not totally ignoring the Shooting Guard Position, as fears can play that position as well. Fears in his lone year at Oklahoma averaged 17.1 PPG, and 4.1 Rebounds a game. Fears would give the Jazz speed, as he brings shifty play, good change of speed and hand position. His only major flaw is overshooting 3s, but if that can improve at the pro level, I have no doubt Fears will be an all star for the Jazz.
28. Boston Celtics – Ryan Kalkbrenner – C – Creighton
The Celtics have big needs at three positions, mainly at Point Guard, Center, and Power Forward. The Celtics will be in the market for a point guard and small forward assuming Jrue Holiday is traded, and will most likely need a center after they trade Kristaps Porzingis. The Celtics likely target most of those holes in free agency, as the draft pool for Point Guards and Power Forward is weak by pick 28. The Celtics likely go the route of drafting a center, as they take former Creighton star Ryan Kalkbrenner. Kalkbrenner played all four years at Creighton, winning 4 Big East Defensive Player of the Year awards, all big east honors three times, and unanimous first team all-BIG-EAST honors in 2024-25, and Naismith National Defensive Player of the Year. Kalkbrenner is coming off a season where he averaged 19.2 PPG, and 8.7 rebounds. Kalkbrenner is an elite rim protector type center who can stretch the floor along with good touch. With Al Horford contemplating retirement and Kristaps Porzingis likely to be traded, the Celtics fill the big man need at pick 28 with an experienced center.
