The Oklahoma City Thunder have secured their spot in the NBA Finals, while the Indiana Pacers hold a 3-2 series lead over the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference. As of June 25, all 30 NBA teams are focused on strengthening their lineups through the 2025 NBA Draft. Cooper Flagg is widely expected to be the first overall pick, though many questions remain about how the rest of the first round will unfold. Several notable players—including Yaxel Lendeborg, Tahaad Pettiford, Milos Uzan, Otega Oweh, and Alex Condon—have withdrawn from the draft to return to college, signaling that surprises are likely in the first round. By May 30, 50 early entrants had already withdrawn.
Here is Fox Sports Research’s projected top 30 picks for the 2025 NBA Draft:
1. Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg, Forward, Duke
Flagg is a standout freshman and a game changer on both ends of the court, making him a near-lock for the first overall pick.
2. San Antonio Spurs: Dylan Harper, Guard, Rutgers
Harper is a natural scorer and an ideal fit for the Spurs’ young core anchored by Victor Wembanyama.
3. Philadelphia 76ers: Ace Bailey, Forward, Rutgers
Averaging 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds, Bailey is an all-around player with strong offensive and defensive skills.
4. Charlotte Hornets: VJ Edgecombe, Guard, Baylor
Edgecombe brings versatile scoring ability and elite athleticism, complementing LaMelo Ball in the backcourt.
5. Utah Jazz: Jeremiah Fear, Guard, Oklahoma
Fear offers offensive versatility and immediate impact, though his three-point shooting needs improvement.
6. Washington Wizards: Khaman Maluach, Center, Duke
With a 7’6″ wingspan, Maluach combines rare athleticism and tenacity, projecting a high ceiling.
7. New Orleans Pelicans: Kon Knueppel, Forward, Duane
Knueppel impressed in the NCAA tournament with strong shooting and playmaking skills.
8. Brooklyn Nets: Tre Johnson, Guard, Texas
Johnson is arguably the best shooter in this draft, leading all freshmen in scoring and shooting nearly 40% from deep.
9. Toronto Raptors: Derrick Queen, Center, Maryland
Known for his iconic buzzer-beater, Queen boasts a soft touch around the rim and physicality in the paint.
10. Houston Rockets: Kaspar Jakucionis, Guard, Illinois
Jakucionis is a top playmaker with three-point shooting prowess, a perfect fit for the Rockets.
Further picks include Colin Murray Boyles to Portland at 11, Egoldemin to Chicago at 12, French prospect Noah Esenjou to Atlanta at 13, Thomas Solver to San Antonio at 14, and Uptick Riley to Oklahoma City at 15, among others. The draft features a mix of college stars and promising international talents, with particular strength coming from French prospects.
Fan Take: This draft preview highlights a deep and diverse pool of talent primed to reshape the NBA landscape. Basketball fans should pay attention to how these young stars develop, as their arrival could signal a new era of exciting, high-level competition across the league.
