The Dallas Mavericks secured the top overall selection in the 2025 NBA draft lottery held on Monday, earning the No. 1 pick for the two-day draft scheduled for June 25-26 in Brooklyn.
In a remarkable turn of events, Dallas, with only a 1.8% probability, won the lottery, giving them the opportunity to potentially draft Duke`s Cooper Flagg, widely considered the consensus top prospect for the 2025 class. The San Antonio Spurs, Philadelphia 76ers, and Charlotte Hornets also saw positive outcomes on Monday, landing the Nos. 2, 3, and 4 picks, respectively.
The Spurs had a mere 6.3% chance of climbing to No. 2 from No. 8, and the 76ers a 10.6% chance of moving to No. 3 from No. 5. These jumps added to the unpredictability after Dallas` unexpected win. The Hornets slipped just one spot from their pre-lottery odds at No. 3 to No. 4 but still benefited as Utah, Washington, and New Orleans all fell outside the top four.
Flagg, along with approximately 120 other players including Dylan Harper, Derik Queen, and Walter Clayton Jr., is currently in Chicago participating in the NBA draft combine, G League Elite Camp, and agency pro days. ESPN`s draft analysts will be providing ongoing updates from Wintrust Arena as prospective players engage in drills, measurements, athletic testing, medical evaluations, team interviews, and 5-on-5 scrimmages.
Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo present their initial post-lottery mock draft encompassing all 59 projected picks. This projection is based on a thorough assessment of the 2025 class and incorporates information gathered from scouts and front office personnel. Notably, the New York Knicks` second-round pick was forfeited by the NBA following an inquiry into Jalen Brunson`s free agency signing in the summer of 2022.
- First round
- 1. Dallas Mavericks
- 2. San Antonio Spurs
- 3. Philadelphia 76ers
- 4. Charlotte Hornets
- 5. Utah Jazz
- 6. Washington Wizards
- 7. New Orleans Pelicans
- 8. Brooklyn Nets
- 9. Toronto Raptors
- 10. Houston Rockets (via Phoenix)
- 11. Portland Trail Blazers
- 12. Chicago Bulls
- 13. Atlanta Hawks (via Sacramento)
- 14. San Antonio Spurs (via Atlanta)
- 15. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Miami)
- 16. Orlando Magic
- 17. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Detroit)
- 18. Washington Wizards (via Memphis)
- 19. Brooklyn Nets (via Milwaukee)
- 20. Miami Heat (via Golden State)
- 21. Utah Jazz (via Minnesota)
- 22. Atlanta Hawks (via Los Angeles Lakers)
- 23. Indiana Pacers
First round
1. Dallas Mavericks
Cooper Flagg, SF/PF, Duke
Freshman | TS%: 60.0
Scouting report: Flagg solidified his position as the consensus No. 1 pick with a standout freshman season that ranks among the best of the one-and-done era. Statistically, he compares favorably to elite college wings from this period, highlighted by his consistent performance and leadership for Duke`s young squad.
Some NBA scouts view Flagg as a legitimate franchise cornerstone, while others believe he might be more of an elite secondary star. This level of high-end discussion reinforces his status as the class`s top player. His rapid development, versatile two-way contribution, exceptional focus, and competitive drive at 18 years old make him a truly special prospect. — Woo
NBA intel and fit: Winning the lottery with just 1.8% odds is an incredibly fortunate and impactful outcome for the Mavericks, making their decision at No. 1 straightforward with the availability of Flagg. Dallas has been focused on maximizing its current contention window with players like Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving nearing their mid-30s, and Flagg`s readiness and versatility should immediately enhance the Mavericks` lineup.
With Irving recovering from an injury, Flagg might initially take on significant ball-handling and shot-creation responsibilities, offering a valuable opportunity to develop as a playmaker and potentially evolve into an offensive star. This lottery result significantly alters the trajectory for the Mavericks, who seemed headed for uncertainty after trading away Luka Doncic and seemingly shortening their championship window. — Woo
2. San Antonio Spurs
Dylan Harper, PG/SG, Rutgers
Freshman | TS%: 59.3
Scouting report: Harper`s skillset, shot creation, and scoring ability kept the No. 1 pick conversation interesting for parts of the season. He demonstrates the capacity to get to his desired spots on the court and exhibits strong passing vision.
The physicality witnessed in the NBA playoffs highlights the value of a robust playmaker like Harper. His ability to finish through contact and draw fouls is a key appeal, alongside his knack for filling the box score thanks to an excellent feel for the game. — Givony
NBA intel and fit: The Spurs were already in an enviable position within the lottery, holding two picks in the top 14 to complement a roster featuring back-to-back NBA Rookie of the Year winners Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle. Their jump from 8 to 2 in the lottery is a significant stroke of luck.
While Harper`s fit alongside De`Aaron Fox and Castle may not appear seamless, it would be surprising for San Antonio`s forward-thinking front office to pass on Harper, who is widely regarded as the draft`s second-best prospect after Flagg. This positioning also creates a potential opportunity for a team with a greater need for a primary ball-handler to trade up, possibly sending needed shooting to the Spurs to better surround Wembanyama. — Givony
3. Philadelphia 76ers
Airious `Ace` Bailey , SG/SF, Rutgers
Freshman | TS%: 54.0
Scouting report: Bailey has generated more varied opinions among scouts than typical top-five selections. While at Rutgers, he showed flashes of significant scoring potential but is still developing in other key areas. Lottery teams are keen to learn more about him through the predraft process, including interviews, to understand his proximity to making a positive impact in the NBA.
Wings possessing Bailey`s combination of size, athletic ability, and shooting touch are uncommon. This sought-after profile has kept his draft stock relatively stable despite inconsistencies in his decision-making, ball-handling, and defense. Some teams express concerns about the risks in these areas, but his scoring talent offers compelling appeal for front offices seeking star power. — Woo
NBA intel and fit: The Sixers can not only relax but celebrate after their pick moved up to No. 3 instead of falling outside the top six and conveying to Oklahoma City. A high-value draft selection provides a genuine positive outcome after a 24-58 season, as they aim to balance competing around Joel Embiid with building for the long term.
Bailey`s shotmaking skills and notable scoring upside would give Philadelphia another solid foundational piece for the future, complementing their developing backcourt featuring Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain. — Woo
4. Charlotte Hornets
VJ Edgecombe, SG, Baylor
Freshman | TS%: 56.1
Scouting report: The Big 12 Freshman of the Year, Edgecombe had a largely successful season, showcasing his physicality, intensity, and rapid growth as a ball-handler, finisher, and perimeter shooter. Edgecombe is the most explosive athlete in this class, possesses a strong feel for the game, and delivered exceptional defensive plays, pointing to significant future potential.
NBA teams have some questions regarding his best projected position, the extent of his ability as a shot creator and overall scorer, and whether he was playing somewhat cautiously at times during the season. — Givony
NBA intel and fit: While the Hornets had hoped to land the first overall pick, remaining in the top four while teams like Utah and Washington dropped is still a favorable result. Charlotte is in the early stages of its rebuild, with LaMelo Ball coming off a career-best scoring season (25.2 points per game) and Brandon Miller showing significant emergence.
However, the roster is still developing, following a season where both stars missed substantial time due to injuries. Edgecombe`s defensive capabilities and athletic slashing ability would fit well alongside them. He has the potential to play with Ball in the short term and could possibly take on greater shot-creation responsibilities if the franchise decides to move in a different direction from Ball. — Woo
5. Utah Jazz
Jeremiah Fears, PG, Oklahoma
Freshman | TS%: 57.0
Scouting report: Fears, at 18, had an impressive freshman season, leading Oklahoma to the NCAA tournament despite being one of the youngest players in college basketball. His combination of size, speed, control, shotmaking, and shot creation suggests significant long-term upside. He can penetrate anywhere on the court to create opportunities for teammates with dynamic passing, finish skillfully near the basket, or draw fouls to get to the free throw line.
Fears` youth, slender build, and occasional inconsistency in finishing and decision-making will likely require patience from his drafting team, though there`s little doubt about his potential star power, which could see him selected higher than this spot. — Givony
NBA intel and fit: Dropping out of the top four is quite disappointing for the Jazz, who face a more complex evaluation process after falling to fifth. The Jazz are committed to a patient, internal rebuilding process under CEO Danny Ainge but have not yet drafted a player with the kind of homegrown star potential that could accelerate their return to contention.
They will now aim to find that player at No. 5, where Fears and his shot-creation talents might be appealing, even with other young guards already on the roster. — Woo
6. Washington Wizards
Tre Johnson, SG, Texas
Freshman | TS%: 56.1
Scouting report: Johnson is one of the draft`s top scorers, capable of hitting difficult shots from anywhere with a strong scoring-first mentality. He needs to develop several aspects of his game, including finishing inside, playmaking for others, and defensive consistency. However, NBA teams are attracted to his shooting, length, and skill level. He possesses a good fundamental skillset for a shooting guard, and if he can refine some of his tendencies over time, Johnson could become a valuable building block for the future. — Woo
NBA intel and fit: The NBA`s youngest team, the Wizards, have completely overhauled their roster, front office, and coaching staff in the past two years. They still have considerable room for growth, with several solid young pieces already in place. Falling four spots to the No. 6 pick must be seen as a major disappointment for their fanbase, who endured an 18-64 season after having the NBA`s worst record (15-67) the previous year and also falling to the No. 2 pick.
The Wizards will likely need to take a chance on the scoring talent of a player like Johnson here and then hope for better luck in the lottery of next year`s highly touted draft class. — Givony
7. New Orleans Pelicans
Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
Freshman | TS%: 74.7
Scouting report: Maluach stands out as the top defensive center prospect in this draft, offering an appealing combination of length, mobility, finishing ability, and paint protection at a young age. This year`s playoffs have reinforced for some teams the value of having size on the floor, with more traditional centers like Rudy Gobert and Steven Adams making significant impacts.
Maluach`s ability to deter opponents near the rim and his strong intangibles suggest he can provide immediate value in a rotation with plenty of potential for improvement. — Woo
NBA intel and fit: Coming off a challenging, injury-plagued season that led to significant changes in the front office, the Pelicans are in need of star power to complement Zion Williamson, who has played in only 130 games over the past four seasons due to injuries.
Unfortunately, this task became much more difficult when the Pelicans unexpectedly dropped four spots to the No. 7 pick, significantly complicating their draft strategy. It will be interesting to see if the shift to a new front office leadership gives them a directive from ownership to pursue a full rebuild, potentially looking towards the talent-rich 2026 draft class. — Givony
8. Brooklyn Nets
Kon Knueppel, SG/SF, Duke
Freshman | TS%: 64.8
Scouting report: Despite his modest athletic profile, Knueppel`s stock grew among NBA teams as the season progressed. He showed consistent production and delivered impressive performances in the NCAA tournament, highlighting his value as a skilled, versatile wing capable of contributing in various ways on both ends. He made 41% of his 3-pointers from different situations and also demonstrated his ability to handle the ball, pass out of pick-and-rolls, and hold his own defensively.
NBA teams are eager to see his measurements and get a clearer understanding of how much his lack of explosiveness and quickness might limit his potential, even though his excellent feel for the game should allow him to succeed. — Givony
NBA intel and fit: The Nets shifted direction in last year`s draft following the Mikal Bridges trade and now possess four first-round picks along with significant salary cap flexibility to actively pursue their rebuild. It remains to be seen what approach the Nets will take this offseason; they have the flexibility to try and compete sooner but could also opt for a longer rebuilding path with another strong draft class anticipated in 2026.
They might be disappointed to drop a few spots from No. 6 to No. 8, but they are still picking in a range where significant talent is available, and they have the assets to potentially trade up if they choose to be aggressive. — Givony
9. Toronto Raptors
Collin Murray-Boyles, PF/C, South Carolina
Sophomore | TS%: 64.0
Scouting report: Murray-Boyles has been on NBA teams` radar for the past few seasons, with his statistical profile being appealing in analytics models and his on-court performance supporting those numbers. Although he is undersized for his position, his toughness, finishing ability, passing, and defensive skills are attractive attributes.
Teams will be particularly interested in seeing his shooting performance in workout settings, as the 3-point shot isn`t a consistent part of his game yet but is a critical skill for his development. The things he already excels at offer immediate utility for a team. — Woo
NBA intel and fit: Toronto has started to move beyond its multiyear rebuild, signaled by the acquisition of Brandon Ingram at the February trade deadline. Scottie Barnes remains the team`s primary cornerstone, and this pick provides the Raptors one more opportunity to draft a potential top-10 talent before possibly increasing their focus on competing for a playoff spot going forward.
Murray-Boyles would give them a true power forward who could improve their defensive lineups on a roster that otherwise has many scorers. — Woo
10. Houston Rockets (via Phoenix)
Kasparas Jakucionis, PG, Illinois
Freshman | TS%: 59.8
Scouting report: Jakucionis significantly boosted his draft stock at Illinois, where he took on a substantial role as an 18-year-old transitioning to the Division I level and had a strong season. Despite the expected adjustments and variability, NBA teams remain largely optimistic that his toughness, playmaking instincts, size, and versatility at either guard position will lead to a promising professional career.
While there have been concerns about his ability to create separation off the dribble, Jakucionis` proficiency in pick-and-roll situations and potential for growth as a shooter should enable him to contribute as part of a team`s rotation, at minimum. — Woo
NBA intel and fit: The Rockets acquired the rights to swap picks with Phoenix in a deal last summer, and the Suns` disappointing performance made it a valuable selection. After a successful regular season that ended in a first-round playoff exit, this pick offers Houston a chance to strengthen its already deep roster, either by drafting a prospect or using the pick as a trade asset.
Jakucionis might not directly address an immediate need, but he would provide significant backcourt depth for the Rockets as they consider their roster`s future, particularly if they decide to move on from Jalen Green and/or Fred VanVleet and transition towards Reed Sheppard and potentially the player selected here. — Woo
11. Portland Trail Blazers
Derik Queen, C, Maryland
Freshman | TS%: 60.0
Scouting report: Queen is arguably the most skilled big man in this draft class. He is an excellent target in pick-and-roll action, can create his own shot facing the basket with a diverse set of moves, and shows intriguing passing vision. NBA teams picking in this range (or earlier) will want to get a clearer understanding of his conditioning, occasional lack of defensive effort, and shooting range during the predraft process. Interviews, workouts, and further research will determine whether he is selected higher or lower, as there is no consensus among scouts on how to evaluate his unique profile long term. — Givony
NBA intel and fit: Portland`s rebuild is progressing ahead of schedule, with the Blazers finishing 23-18 over their final 41 games as Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara, and Donovan Clingan demonstrated significant promise, forming a strong core to build around. This unexpected success reduced the Blazers` lottery odds, placing them in a position to select from a group of prospects with notable talent but also clear weaknesses.
Queen`s lack of shooting might not seem ideal on paper for a Portland team that already struggled from beyond the arc, but his overall talent might be too significant to overlook, especially if Clingan can improve his shooting, having shown flashes of it in limited opportunities as a rookie. — Givony
12. Chicago Bulls
Egor Demin, PG/SG, BYU
Freshman | TS%: 51.3
Scouting report: Demin is a polarizing prospect, seen more for his theoretical potential than for consistent production and immediately bankable skills early in his NBA career. However, he is exceptionally talented, a 6-foot-9 point guard capable of making every pick-and-roll read and pass, often spectacularly. The development of his shooting will be a crucial factor for his progress. He made promising strides in several areas as the season went on and clearly possesses significant upside to develop at 19 years old. — Givony
NBA intel and fit: The Bulls continued to tread water this season, exiting in the opening round of the play-in tournament after a 39-43 campaign, a decade removed from their last playoff series win. Chicago will likely need to make more substantial roster changes to realistically contend for avoiding the play-in tournament in the near future. However, the team has limited internal options for improvement, making this pick an important asset for the front office. — Givony
13. Atlanta Hawks (via Sacramento)
Jase Richardson, PG/SG, Michigan State
Freshman | TS%: 63.2
Scouting report: Richardson unexpectedly emerged as a one-and-done prospect at Michigan State, earning a significant role and impressing with his composure and versatility in the backcourt. There has been some difference of opinion among evaluators between his strong analytic profile and the eye test; he showed excellent all-around production but possesses average physical tools and raises questions about his long-term capability as a full-time point guard.
Richardson has many admirers among league executives, but his draft range might be broader than some other players projected in this area. — Woo
NBA intel and fit: The Hawks showed encouraging progress this season, with the additions of Dyson Daniels and Zaccharie Risacher injecting youth and depth into their starting lineup. Atlanta underwent leadership changes in the offseason and is still seeking a president of basketball operations, but they should continue to build depth through the draft in a similar manner.
Richardson`s feel for the game and versatility at either guard spot would provide the Hawks with a valuable connective player to integrate alongside their young core. — Woo
14. San Antonio Spurs (via Atlanta)
Carter Bryant, SF/PF, Arizona
Freshman | TS%: 59.9
Scouting report: Bryant is the type of player who could improve his draft position during the predraft process as teams evaluate him in workout settings. He fits several desired criteria for NBA teams at his position, presenting an easy fit with his combination of size, length, perimeter shooting, passing, and defensive versatility. He played various roles for the Wildcats this season, seeing time at both forward spots. Bryant was not consistently productive coming off the bench for Arizona, averaging just 6.5 points per game, as he is not a primary shot creator and needs to develop on both ends of the floor. However, he possesses significant long-term potential. — Givony
NBA intel and fit: With their second lottery pick in this draft, it will be interesting to see San Antonio`s willingness to add another rookie to an already young roster, as the team likely aims to push for a postseason appearance, nine years removed from their last playoff series victory. The direction the Spurs take with their first selection will likely influence their decision here, but the idea of trading one of these picks for immediate help might appeal to the front office, depending on how the draft board unfolds. If the Spurs keep the pick, a young combo forward like Bryant who can space the floor and guard multiple positions makes considerable sense. — Givony
15. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Miami)
Nolan Traore, PG, Saint-Quentin
France | TS%: 51.0
Scouting report: Traore was initially projected firmly in the top 10 at the start of the year but fell down draft boards following an inefficient season marked by turnovers, inconsistent defense, and streaky shooting and finishing. Recently, he has been on a strong upward trend, delivering some of his best performances as the season concludes. This has reminded teams of his potential, highlighted by his ability to reach scoring spots and create shots in volume for himself and teammates. The 18-year-old possesses considerable talent, showing flashes of brilliance with his ball-handling, passing, and overall creativity. His scoring touch and shotmaking ability have been more evident lately, drawing significant attention from NBA teams. — Givony
NBA intel and fit: With three first-round picks and an expected 14 players already under contract next season, it`s unclear how much roster space Oklahoma City has for more rookies. The front office might consider options like packaging picks to move up, trading non-rotation players, or deferring draft capital by swapping this year`s picks for future first-rounders. The Thunder might not have an immediate need for a player like Traore, but they have few pressing needs that this draft class uniquely addresses anyway. The team will likely prioritize selecting the best talent available if they end up using all their picks. — Givony
16. Orlando Magic
Will Riley, SG/SF, Illinois
Freshman | TS%: 53.8
Scouting report: While not a finished product, Riley is considered by NBA teams to be a significant long-term talent. He is a versatile scorer with excellent shotmaking ability from all areas of the floor, showing impressive flashes of creating shots for himself and others. He also possesses polished creativity as a passer, which is particularly intriguing for a 19-year-old. Adding strength and improving his consistency as a shooter and defender will be the next steps in his development, but he showed encouraging progress for Illinois as the season advanced. — Givony
NBA intel and fit: After consecutive playoff appearances, Orlando`s front office appears focused on helping the team win its first playoff series since 2010, stating they plan to `look through a more win-now lens.` This could signal a willingness to trade one or both of the team`s first-round picks (Orlando also holds the No. 25 pick) if `proven offensive help` becomes available, a search likely to continue throughout the offseason. — Givony
17. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Detroit)
Danny Wolf, PF, Michigan
Junior | TS%: 56.6
Scouting report: Embracing the versatility of an unconventional prospect like Wolf, who handled considerable playmaking duties for Michigan as a 7-footer, could be intriguing. Wolf`s skill level, creativity, and overall instincts on both ends of the court suggest a higher ceiling than a typical 21-year-old prospect, especially given his developmental trajectory over the past three years. — Givony
NBA intel and fit: Detroit making the playoffs resulted in this pick conveying to the Timberwolves, who have a good opportunity to add talent after trading away most of their draft capital since Tim Connelly became president. Wolf would provide them with a versatile frontcourt player capable of contributing relatively soon. Minnesota will also consider using this pick to improve their roster as they aim to contend around an ascending Anthony Edwards. — Woo
18. Washington Wizards (via Memphis)
Noa Essengue, PF, Ratiopharm Ulm
Germany | TS%: 61.1
Scouting report: One of the youngest prospects in this class at 18, Essengue has had a very good season in Germany, giving himself a chance to be the first international player selected. His size and versatility at forward align well with the direction of the modern NBA. He demonstrates good feel playing off the ball and is also capable of making plays when needed. He needs to significantly increase his physical strength, but Essengue possesses the potential for two-way impact that teams are often eager to develop. Performing well in workouts could potentially move him into the lottery, depending on how the draft board unfolds. — Givony
NBA intel and fit: With four picks in the top 40 and no immediate pressure to win just two years into a comprehensive roster teardown, the Wizards have numerous options in this portion of the draft. All eyes will first be on their selection at No. 18. — Givony
19. Brooklyn Nets (via Milwaukee)
Joan Beringer, C, Cedevita Olimpija
Adriatic | TS%: 61.5
Scouting report: Yet to turn 19, Beringer showed significant improvement this season. His late-blooming potential, excellent physical tools, and intriguing long-term upside have boosted his draft stock. While likely some time away from being a major contributor in the NBA, Beringer offers considerable developmental appeal as a defensive-minded center with fluid mobility. Offensively, he is quite raw and would greatly benefit from joining a team that can afford him patience and playing time for development. — Woo
NBA intel and fit: This is the second of Brooklyn`s four first-round picks. The team is expected to be very active in trade discussions, seeking to maximize the value of their strong draft position. However, Beringer`s long-term potential as a mobile paint protector would make him a good fit for the Nets, who can provide him with the minutes and focus needed for his improvement. — Woo
20. Miami Heat (via Golden State)
Liam McNeeley, SG/SF, UConn
Freshman | TS%: 53.6
Scouting report: McNeeley`s size, shooting ability, feel for the game, and competitive nature are valuable traits that NBA teams look for in wings. However, he will need to reaffirm his positive attributes throughout the predraft process. He had some impactful moments as a freshman at UConn but struggled with scoring efficiency, making only 44% of his 2-pointers and 32% of his 3-pointers, and occasionally appeared out of position defensively.
He will likely be expected to play a different role in the NBA, leaning more heavily on his potential as a dynamic perimeter shooter, which was more apparent in settings prior to college. Strong workout performances will be crucial for McNeeley to remind teams of what made him highly regarded entering the season, especially concerning his shooting, which is the foundation of his NBA appeal. — Givony
NBA intel and fit: Advancing out of the play-in tournament meant Miami lost its lottery-protected first-round pick (No. 15) to Oklahoma City – a consequence of the 2019 trade that brought Jimmy Butler III to Miami. Trading Butler to Golden State six years later secured this pick, providing the front office another opportunity to showcase their talent evaluation skills, building on past draft successes. The Heat conveying their 2025 first-rounder eliminates their draft pick obligation to Oklahoma City (the pick was set to be unprotected in 2026), giving them complete flexibility this offseason, perhaps with an eye on the deep top of next year`s draft class. — Givony
21. Utah Jazz (via Minnesota)
Asa Newell, PF/C, Georgia
Freshman | TS%: 62.0
Scouting report: Newell`s production and pre-college track record make him an interesting prospect for development. He offers size, energy, and mobility but needs to refine his offensive skills and overall awareness to become a high-impact NBA player. Teams will be eager to assess his perimeter skills in workout settings, as he likely projects best as a power forward long term and will need to be able to consistently make shots and confidently handle the ball to successfully make that transition. He was highly regarded coming out of high school and had a solid season at Georgia, profiling as a developmental pick for an NBA team that doesn`t need him to contribute significant minutes right away. — Woo
NBA intel and fit: The Jazz acquired this second first-round pick from Minnesota in the Rudy Gobert trade. While Utah`s lottery pick will be their most significant decision, they found value with their later selections last season (Isaiah Collier and Kyle Filipowski) and could potentially do so again at this spot. — Woo
22. Atlanta Hawks (via Los Angeles Lakers)
Thomas Sorber, C, Georgetown
Freshman | TS%: 58.7
Scouting report: Sorber is not expected to participate extensively in on-court activities during the predraft process due to recovering from foot surgery in February. Nevertheless, his strong feel for the game, defensive versatility, length, physicality, and skill as a pick-and-roll finisher are attractive qualities for a 19-year-old that should garner significant interest in this part of the draft. — Givony
NBA intel and fit: The Hawks obtained the Lakers` pick as part of the Dyson Daniels-Dejounte Murray trade, giving them their second first-round selection. With Clint Capela potentially becoming an unrestricted free agent, it makes sense for the Hawks to consider drafting a successor to serve as a backup to Onyeka Okongwu at center. — Givony
23. Indiana Pacers
Nique Clifford, SG, Colorado State
Super Senior | TS%: 60.9
Scouting report: Clifford has generated positive buzz this spring, receiving consideration from teams within the top 20 and having the potential to rise over the next few weeks. The scarcity of experienced, reliable older college wings will help Clifford`s stock following a versatile season at Colorado State. As an above-average athlete capable of playing multiple roles, he is projected as a player who can immediately contribute for teams looking to address a specific need with their pick. — Woo
NBA intel and fit: Indiana has effectively utilized the draft to build depth in recent years and is now entering a phase focused on winning with Tyrese Haliburton elevating the franchise.


















