While our typical NBA mock drafts rely heavily on internal information to project player and team pairings, this particular 2025 mock draft, featuring Cooper Flagg as the likely first overall selection, takes a different approach.
Instead, draft analysts Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo examine the first round through two distinct lenses: one focusing on selecting the player who best fits a team`s immediate needs, and the other prioritizing drafting the player considered the best available talent for long-term value, regardless of current team composition.
How would NBA teams approach the draft if their primary goal was addressing their most pressing requirements for the upcoming season? How might this strategy differ if the focus shifted to maximizing the pick`s value by selecting the highest-rated player available, irrespective of how they fit the current roster?
This exercise presents a simulated outcome rather than a firm prediction of each team`s actual decisions. It serves as a valuable framework for understanding the draft class, evaluating eligible players, and considering the potential thought processes of front office personnel as the two-day event approaches.
In this dual mock draft, Givony made selections for each team based on their perceived needs, while Woo chose players by prioritizing the best long-term value. Here`s a breakdown of their picks:
1. Dallas Mavericks
Givony`s Selection (Prioritizing Need):
Cooper Flagg, SF/PF, Duke, Freshman | TS%: 60.0
Given the age and injury history of the Mavericks` top three players, adding an energetic 18-year-old like Flagg is highly beneficial. He`s projected as a consistently available player who brings intense effort to practices and games, excelling in transition and defense. His rapid growth as a ball handler and shooter is expected to continue, addressing the Mavs` current lack of shot creation.
Furthermore, Flagg`s arrival could represent a positive shift for the Mavericks` front office following the departure of key players. He offers the fanbase a genuine young star to support, embodying the off-court discipline and defensive mindset that the team leadership has emphasized they value.
Woo`s Selection (Prioritizing Value): Flagg
Regardless of which team secured the top pick, Cooper Flagg was the consensus No. 1 prospect. At the very top of the draft, `value` is relative to the available talent, and Flagg is widely seen as a player worthy of the first overall selection in almost any draft class.
His impressive performance at Duke, supported by both statistics and observation, indicates a strong possibility of him becoming a cornerstone player for Dallas. His versatile contributions on both offense and defense, combined with strong character traits, provide Flagg with an excellent foundation for future development. He is considered the most secure and promising star prospect in this draft class.
2. San Antonio Spurs
Givony`s Selection (Prioritizing Need):
Kon Knueppel, SG/SF, Duke, Freshman | TS%: 64.8
Surrounding Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, and De`Aaron Fox with dynamic, high-feel perimeter shooters is a key objective for the front office this offseason. No player in this draft better fits this description than Knueppel. He is recognized as the draft`s top shooter, effective off screens while also being a capable defender and playmaker who exhibits a selfless, highly competitive playing style.
He was content to play a supporting role to his teammate and rising superstar Flagg this season, making him an ideal complement to a future MVP contender like Wembanyama.
Woo`s Selection (Prioritizing Value):
Dylan Harper, PG/SG, Rutgers, Freshman | TS%: 59.3
Harper solidified his position as the consensus No. 2 prospect midway through the season. His flashes of significant playmaking talent distinguish him as the strongest option after Flagg. Due to his perceived upside as a large guard capable of creating scoring opportunities for himself and teammates, Harper stands out. Even teams like the Spurs, who already have Fox and Castle in their backcourt, would likely invest in his skill set and address the fit later.
While other prospects might align more seamlessly with current roster needs, the greatest potential value swing at this pick is Harper.
3. Philadelphia 76ers
Givony`s Selection (Prioritizing Need):
Airious `Ace` Bailey, SG/SF, Rutgers, Freshman | TS%: 54.0
Bailey appears to be a natural fit for the 76ers` roster, offering versatility to play shooting guard or power forward in various lineups alongside players like Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain, Quentin Grimes, Paul George, and Kelly Oubre Jr.
Philadelphia needs a star-level wing to develop and eventually surpass George, whose large contract might not age well over the next three years. Bailey`s physical attributes, scoring ability, and intensity provide him with significant potential to develop at just 18 years old.
Woo`s Selection (Prioritizing Value):
VJ Edgecombe, SG, Baylor, Freshman | TS%: 56.1
Edgecombe has presented a compelling case as the third-best prospect in this draft. Teams are impressed by his combination of overall athleticism and ability to drive aggressively to the basket, seeing substantial upside as he becomes more comfortable creating plays with the ball. I would also argue that he offers the best balance of upside and readiness at this position in the draft. Those who advocate for him around the league see star potential.
Although Edgecombe might not be the most obvious fit on paper given Philadelphia`s guard situation, no single player expected to be available at No. 3 would drastically change the 76ers` immediate future. I view him as the most promising long-term investment here.
4. Charlotte Hornets
Givony`s Selection (Prioritizing Need): Harper
In this scenario, Harper falls to No. 4 because both the Spurs (with Fox/Castle) and Sixers (with Maxey/McCain) have no significant needs in the backcourt and might look to other positions if drafting solely based on current roster composition.
The Hornets would undoubtedly benefit from adding Harper`s driving ability, talent for drawing fouls, and strong finishing near the rim to a large backcourt featuring the 6-foot-7 LaMelo Ball, who is fully capable of playing alongside another primary ball handler.
Woo`s Selection (Prioritizing Value): Knueppel
Knueppel has a strong possibility of being selected among the top five on draft night. Teams are considering his immediate utility on the court and the potential for his offensive game to expand over time. His excellent perimeter shooting and composed playmaking style would be a valuable addition for the Hornets, likely helping to alleviate pressure on Ball and Brandon Miller.
While there`s an argument for Bailey`s upside being hard to pass up here, Knueppel arguably has a better chance to reach his full potential with the Hornets and represents the better value pick if both are available. This illustrates how team fit can and should influence the assessment of situational value.
5. Utah Jazz
Givony`s Selection (Prioritizing Need): Edgecombe
With Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson entering the final year of their contracts, the Jazz have a need at the shooting guard position, and potentially at point guard depending on how the new head of basketball operations, Austin Ainge, evaluates Keyonte George and Isaiah Collier long-term.
Edgecombe, the draft`s most explosive guard prospect, offers the type of star potential that the Jazz`s backcourt currently lacks. He showed significant flashes of ability as a primary ball handler playing for the Bahamas national team in last summer`s FIBA Olympic qualifying tournament, and he has consistently seen himself developing into a point guard long-term.
Woo`s Selection (Prioritizing Value): Bailey
This is where Bailey becomes a very attractive value pick. Utah would still acquire a player with excellent upside despite their pick landing at No. 5 after the lottery. Bailey`s skill in hitting shots is unique in this draft class, providing significant room for him to grow into a high-level scorer.
The drawback is that Bailey is raw in other areas, meaning his development and maximizing his potential will require time, which not every team can afford. Although the Jazz may be getting impatient with their current rebuilding phase, this pick should still be made with a long-term perspective. Bailey is the kind of talent who could change their situation if he develops successfully – a worthwhile gamble at No. 5.
6. Washington Wizards
Givony`s Selection (Prioritizing Need):
Khaman Maluach, C, Duke, Freshman | TS%: 74.7
Alex Sarr has often seen himself playing more as a power forward than a true center, taking over five 3-pointers per game last season while his defensive rebounding numbers remained modest, consistent with much of his career.
Maluach, a genuine 7-2 center, is projected as a defensive anchor in the paint. He would provide the Wizards with another long-limbed big man to pair with or play behind Sarr, facilitating the kind of `twin towers` lineups that are increasingly popular in the NBA (like the Cleveland Cavaliers).
Woo`s Selection (Prioritizing Value): Maluach
As the widely recognized top defensive big man in this draft class, Maluach would be a strong addition to most teams, although those with established young centers might prefer a different direction.
The Wizards, benefiting from ample time in their rebuilding process, might consider the advantages of a supersized defensive frontcourt pairing Maluach at center with the more agile Sarr at power forward.
7. New Orleans Pelicans
Givony`s Selection (Prioritizing Need):
Tre Johnson, SG, Texas, Freshman | TS%: 56.1
With CJ McCollum, age 34, entering the final year of his contract, it`s sensible for the Pelicans to begin considering his long-term replacement. New Orleans was one of the league`s worst shooting teams last season, and they moved one of their primary shot creators, Brandon Ingram, at the February trade deadline, leaving a clear vacancy on the wing.
Johnson, a former Longhorn, is an aggressive, dynamic scorer who constantly challenges opposing defenses with his relentless focus on scoring. His serious mindset would fit well with the Pelicans` roster, and the team has enough lengthy defenders to help mitigate some of his defensive weaknesses.
Woo`s Selection (Prioritizing Value):
Jeremiah Fears, PG, Oklahoma, Freshman | TS%: 57.0
When targeting upside early in the draft, Fears is the type of talent I would be hesitant to let fall too far. His instincts as a playmaker and ability to drive downhill create significant pressure on defenses, and he is still early enough in his development that there is time and opportunity for his jump shot to improve.
While Fears is unlikely to provide immediate significant impact in a winning context, his skill set warrants an early investment, particularly for a team like New Orleans that could use a long-term starting point guard.
8. Brooklyn Nets
Givony`s Selection (Prioritizing Need): Fears
The Nets currently lack a primary point guard on their roster, having rotated through players like D`Angelo Russell (free agent), Dennis Schroder (traded), Ben Simmons (waived), Killian Hayes, and others during their 26-56 season. If Fears is available here at No. 8, selecting him seems like a straightforward decision, as he possesses one of the highest ceilings of any prospect in this draft, showing serious star potential during his single season at Oklahoma.
Just starting their rebuilding process this season, the Nets are likely looking ahead to the promising top prospects in the 2026 NBA draft. Therefore, enduring the growing pains of an 18-year-old rookie point guard might not be daunting, especially with potential star players available after another losing season.
Woo`s Selection (Prioritizing Value): Johnson
Johnson`s natural ability to score makes him well worth considering in the top 10. While I have some reservations about his playing style, if a team can encourage Johnson to be more collaborative and share the ball, his shooting talent could be highly rewarding.
The Nets have enough scoring opportunities to go around next season, making this situation a sensible fit. This pick is where I would target Johnson, after other top-scoring wing prospects have already been selected.
9. Toronto Raptors
Givony`s Selection (Prioritizing Need):
Derik Queen, C, Maryland, Freshman | TS%: 60.0
It`s challenging to identify where a rookie guard, wing, or forward would fit into the Raptors` current depth chart, as the team already has at least eight players competing for minutes at these positions. The situation in the frontcourt is much less certain, with Jakob Poeltl entering the final guaranteed year of his contract and holding a player option for 2026-27.
Queen is the most skilled big man in this draft, capable of scoring facing the basket or with his back to it, and possesses impressive passing ability. His shooting will likely need to improve for him to effectively play alongside Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram, but he brings a skill set the Raptors currently lack, with potential to grow if his conditioning improves.
Woo`s Selection (Prioritizing Value): Queen
At the No. 9 spot, the draft begins to spread out a bit in terms of perceived value. This next group of prospects is more subject to individual preference, and they offer very different skill sets.
For a team like the Raptors, where there isn`t necessarily a perfect fit available, this pick could be used to simply take a swing on talent. Queen is the most offensively gifted big man in the class, and despite areas needing improvement, particularly defensively, Toronto has room to develop frontcourt talent and could certainly justify selecting him here.
10. Houston Rockets (via Phoenix)
Givony`s Selection (Prioritizing Need):
Kasparas Jakucionis, PG, Illinois, Freshman | TS%: 59.8
Coming off an outstanding season with the NBA`s fourth-best record (52-30) and boasting young talent throughout the roster, it`s difficult to pinpoint specific needs for the Rockets, other than perhaps addressing Steven Adams` impending free agency or Fred VanVleet`s team option.
Jakucionis has the size, frame, and length to play any backcourt position alongside players like Reed Sheppard and Amen Thompson. He also possesses scoring ability and a strong feel for the game, with room to grow at 19 years old.
Woo`s Selection (Prioritizing Value):
Collin Murray-Boyles, PF/C, South Carolina, Sophomore | TS%: 64.0
The Rockets are in a fortunate position holding the Suns` pick at No. 10, with depth across their roster and no major personnel deficiencies. If anything, trading the pick to upgrade elsewhere could be a consideration.
However, viewed through a best-available lens, Murray-Boyles is a strong candidate. He brings a diverse toolkit as a role player that aligns well with Houston`s needs and is an organization likely to value his strong analytical profile.
11. Portland Trail Blazers
Givony`s Selection (Prioritizing Need):
Egor Demin, PG/SG, BYU, Freshman | TS%: 51.3
The Trail Blazers don`t appear to have any immediate needs that can be addressed with a player drafted in this range. However, they might be intrigued by the prospect of adding a large, playmaking guard like Demin, who possesses the size and adaptability to play on or off the ball, switch positions, and develop alongside Portland`s young core long-term.
Woo`s Selection (Prioritizing Value): Jakucionis
Jakucionis is one of the most creative playmakers in this draft. His vision, combined with his ability to play both guard spots and potential to improve as a shooter, makes him a solid bet to become a useful backcourt player in the NBA.
As a result, he is drawing interest higher than the No. 11 pick. His versatility and unselfishness make him a strong option in this range of the draft, and he is a player who would enhance the Blazers` guard rotation.
12. Chicago Bulls
Givony`s Selection (Prioritizing Need): Murray-Boyles
The Bulls lack significant long-term building blocks in the big man department. Nikola Vucevic, age 35, is a potential trade candidate entering the final year of his contract.
They could certainly benefit from adding defensive versatility in the frontcourt, which Murray-Boyles provides in abundance. His playmaking ability is a key part of his appeal, as is his toughness and unselfishness off the court.
Woo`s Selection (Prioritizing Value):
Noa Essengue, PF, Ratiopharm Ulm, Germany | TS%: 61.1
Essengue`s strong recent performances have helped solidify him as a lottery candidate. His size, mobility, and improving motor make him an intriguing prospect in this part of the draft. While there`s some developmental risk involved, his production this season has been a strong positive sign. Adding an 18-year-old player with his physical tools and valuable archetype presents a compelling opportunity in the late lottery.
For the Bulls, this would be a valid swing for upside, with a significant gamble on a versatile prospect making sense as they attempt to move out of the middle of the Eastern Conference standings.
13. Atlanta Hawks (via Sacramento)
Givony`s Selection (Prioritizing Need):
Joan Beringer, C, Cedevita Olimpija, Adriatic | TS%: 61.5
With part-time starter Clint Capela, age 31, entering free agency, the Hawks will likely need to add another big man to their frontcourt to support Onyeka Okongwu, who played a remarkable 50 minutes in their final game of the season.
Beringer is a highly interesting long-term prospect with outstanding physical tools, defensive versatility, and shot-blocking ability. The 18-year-old will need time to gain muscle and experience, but he possesses the kind of length, mobility, and timing that is difficult to find.
Woo`s Selection (Prioritizing Value): Demin
The possibility of adding an offensive talent like Demin this late in the draft should appeal to any team, regardless of need. Ball handlers with his size and passing vision are rare, giving him a chance to be selected higher than this spot.
If Demin`s jump shot develops, it should pave the way for him to earn a significant role as a tall perimeter facilitator. The Hawks may not have a critical need for a player in his specific mold, but his talent is certainly worth serious consideration regardless.
14. San Antonio Spurs (via Atlanta)
Givony`s Selection (Prioritizing Need):
Carter Bryant, SF/PF, Arizona, Freshman | TS%: 59.9
After selecting a wing shooter in Knueppel with their first pick, the Spurs might target a forward who also provides floor spacing with their second lottery selection in Bryant.
His 7-foot wingspan, impressive physique, defensive adaptability, perimeter shooting, and positive off-court characteristics would complement the other young players the Spurs have assembled.
Woo`s Selection (Prioritizing Value): Bryant
Bryant`s draft stock has risen into this late-lottery range, with NBA teams optimistic about his potential to become a dependable 3-and-D wing. These types of players, especially if they contribute on their rookie contracts, are valuable assets for virtually any team – and they are relatively scarce in this draft class.
Although Bryant requires development before becoming a high-impact player, he makes sense as a priority addition for teams like the Spurs with playoff aspirations.
15. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Miami)
Givony`s Selection (Prioritizing Need): Essengue
On a team that truly has deep depth, not even accounting for 2024 lottery pick Nikola Topic, who missed this season recovering from knee surgery, it will be challenging for any rookie to earn significant playing time next season.
Essengue`s length, mobility, and defensive versatility, allowing him to guard multiple positions, could be an excellent match for the way the Thunder disrupt opponents and generate turnovers. Becoming a more consistent perimeter shooter will be crucial for him to get on the court early in his NBA career, but Essengue has already shown the ability to produce at a respectable level for an 18-year-old, demonstrating significant long-term potential.
Woo`s Selection (Prioritizing Value): Beringer
If there`s one team that can clearly prioritize value above all else, it`s the Thunder. They not only possess the league`s deepest roster but are also well-stocked with future draft capital to continue adding talent.
Beringer`s strong upside as a rim-running, defense-focused center has made him a target for teams in this range of the draft. His lack of experience is less concerning for a team like Oklahoma City, which would not need him to contribute immediately.
16. Orlando Magic
Givony`s Selection (Prioritizing Need):
Jase Richardson, PG/SG, Michigan State, Freshman | TS%: 63.2
The Magic desperately need shooting and also saw their lack of backcourt depth exposed when Jalen Suggs suffered a season-ending injury, forcing them to start veteran Cory Joseph, age 33, in the playoffs.
Richardson is a 41% 3-point shooter who brings excellent defensive intensity and a clear understanding of his role. This makes him very well-suited to play off the star power of franchise cornerstones Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero.
Woo`s Selection (Prioritizing Value):
Will Riley, SG/SF, Illinois, Freshman | TS%: 53.8
The next tier of prospects arguably begins around this No. 16 spot. I am personally optimistic about Riley`s long-term potential and would bet on him here in the teens. Wings with his size, feel for the game, and shooting potential are not always easy to find outside the lottery.
This pick would be a developmental one for the Magic, and Orlando`s need for shooting further strengthens Riley`s case at this position.
17. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Detroit)
Givony`s Selection (Prioritizing Need):
Danny Wolf, PF, Michigan, Junior | TS%: 56.6
The Timberwolves face considerable uncertainty in their frontcourt this offseason. Julius Randle and Naz Reid, who combined for an average of 60 minutes per game, both hold player options, potentially allowing them to explore free agency this summer. As both situations will likely be resolved after the draft, adding a big man with this pick makes sense as an insurance policy, as retaining both players might be too expensive.
Wolf possesses the size and versatility to play either frontcourt position, as he did at Michigan, and at 21 years old, he should be more prepared to contribute than most rookies.
Woo`s Selection (Prioritizing Value):
Asa Newell, PF/C, Georgia, Freshman | TS%: 62.0
Newell has been a somewhat polarizing prospect for teams, leading to a relatively wide range in projections. However, his youth, production, and potential to develop into a useful stretch-four are strong positive indicators.
Minnesota should be looking to build roster depth here and potentially think long-term due to their limited future draft capital. This makes Newell an interesting investment who could eventually help solve some of their frontcourt issues.
18. Washington Wizards (via Memphis)
Givony`s Selection (Prioritizing Need):
Nolan Traore, PG, Saint-Quentin (France) | TS%: 51.0
The Wizards currently do not have a definite starting-caliber point guard on their roster and can afford to take a chance on the talent of Traore, who recently turned 19 and is arguably the best passer in this draft.
After being projected as a top-10 pick at the start of the season, Traore`s draft stock declined due to inconsistent play. However, there is still much to like about his size, ballhandling, creative playmaking, and upside, making him a worthwhile gamble for a team in Washington`s situation and at this point in the draft.
Woo`s Selection (Prioritizing Value):
Liam McNeeley, SG/SF, UConn, Freshman | TS%: 53.6
McNeeley entered the season projected in the late lottery and continues to receive consideration in the top 20 thanks to his shooting potential, perimeter versatility, and strong pre-college reputation.
The lack of high-quality wings in the middle of the first round makes him a valid choice here for the Wizards, who are fully committed to a youth movement and value positional size and basketball IQ.
19. Brooklyn Nets (via Milwaukee)
Givony`s Selection (Prioritizing Need): McNeeley
The Nets` wing depth is not particularly strong; they started players like Keon Johnson and Ziaire Williams for a combined 101 games last season. They were one of the league`s worst shooting teams in 2024-25. A player like McNeeley – a career 38% 3-point shooter (across 136 games) at 6-8, capable of shooting off screens, who also brings toughness and intelligence – could be appealing at this stage of the draft.
McNeeley`s season at UConn wasn`t as consistent as some hoped, but he has performed well in other settings and possesses the work ethic, competitiveness, and feel for the game needed to maximize his potential long-term.
Woo`s Selection (Prioritizing Value):
Thomas Sorber, C, Georgetown, Freshman | TS%: 58.7
Sorber, who demonstrates strong defensive prowess, presents an interesting value proposition due to the foot injury that ended his season. Had he remained healthy and been able to participate more in the pre-draft process, it`s possible he could have been projected higher than No. 19.
The Nets have playing time available for their rookies next season and are likely to be able to extract value from a younger, developmental player at this pick.
20. Miami Heat (via Golden State)
Givony`s Selection (Prioritizing Need):
Ben Saraf, PG/SG, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany) | TS%: 53.9
The Heat`s current roster lacks significant shot creation and playmaking, making the point guard position a clear priority this offseason.
Saraf possesses excellent size, composure, and creativity at 6-6, playing a substantial role for Ratiopharm Ulm in Germany, with a particularly impressive playoff run to date. His strong instincts on both ends of the floor (combined with his youth) give him intriguing upside to develop long-term.
Woo`s Selection (Prioritizing Value): Richardson
Richardson`s strong analytical profile mixed with his somewhat undersized build for his position has made him a divisive prospect for NBA front offices. However, at this point in the draft, he becomes an interesting value bet. He offers strong role player qualities as a good shooter, decision-maker, and willing defender who can improve almost any backcourt.
The Heat need assistance in that area as they continue transitioning to a younger roster.
21. Utah Jazz (via Minnesota)
Givony`s Selection (Prioritizing Need):
Nique Clifford, SG, Colorado State, Super Senior | TS%: 60.9
It appears the Jazz will adopt a different strategy after finishing with the league`s worst record (17-65), which resulted in only the No. 5 pick. “It`s go time for us,” owner Ryan Smith told ESPN after bringing in a new president of basketball operations, Austin Ainge. Adding more teenagers to the roster might not align well with this approach, especially since the Jazz already have the second-youngest roster in the NBA (average age of 24.8).
A 23-year-old like Clifford could make sense as a player ready to contribute immediately on the wing. He possesses an excellent feel for the game and strong defensive versatility, and he converted 38% of his 3-pointers for the Rams last season.
Woo`s Selection (Prioritizing Value): Wolf
The Jazz may not feel strongly tied to any player currently on their roster, with Ainge already stating the team plans to compete next season.
This makes Wolf a rather interesting option at this position. As a player who could potentially contribute as a rookie and offer intriguing lineup and mismatch possibilities, selecting him outside the top 20 would be a worthwhile investment in this situation.
22. Atlanta Hawks (via Los Angeles Lakers)
Givony`s Selection (Prioritizing Need):
Cedric Coward, SF, Washington State/Duke, Junior | TS%: 71.0
The Hawks hiring two experienced executives, Bryson Graham and Peter Dinwiddie, to their front office provides some clarity, freeing them up to decide on Trae Young`s future in Atlanta.
Assuming they maintain the current core, adding an older wing prospect with strong perimeter shooting ability like Coward could make sense. His 7-2 wingspan should allow him to play multiple positions alongside players like Jalen Johnson and Zaccharie Risacher. The limited number of games NBA scouts have to evaluate him due to his shortened season makes him a complex evaluation with a wide range on draft night. However, his length and shooting should provide a relatively stable foundation as his feel for the game, defensive awareness, and toughness develop.
Woo`s Selection (Prioritizing Value):
Maxime Raynaud, PF/C, Stanford, Senior | TS%: 56.1
After selecting a guard at No. 13, I have the Hawks adding a frontcourt player with their second pick. Raynaud is rising after a strong combine, showing potential as a stretch-five with room for growth.
Atlanta`s situation highlights how value and fit can intersect. While there are quality perimeter players still available here, some with arguably more upside, there are often diminishing returns in drafting players with overlapping skill sets, which can limit rookie opportunities. Raynaud would fit well as developmental depth.
23. Indiana Pacers
Givony`s Selection (Prioritizing Need): Sorber
Injuries reduced the Pacers` frontcourt depth, forcing them to seek creative solutions via trades and free agency. Myles Turner is a free agent this summer but proved essential to their NBA Finals run.
Drafting a young center like Sorber to mentor and develop long-term alongside their young core makes sense, allowing them to focus resources on other positions while their championship contention window remains open. Sorber`s length, feel for the game, and developing skill level give him a chance to become a contributor in the coming years, even if it takes some time.
Woo`s Selection (Prioritizing Value): Clifford
The scarcity of wings ready to contribute immediately in this draft class makes Clifford a solid addition for most teams in this range. You can never have too many large, versatile perimeter players, and with the Pacers in the midst of a competitive run, adding Clifford at this spot versus a younger player could provide immediate benefits.
24. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LA Clippers)
Givony`s Selection (Prioritizing Need):
Hugo Gonzalez, SG/SF, Real Madrid, EuroLeague | TS%: 50.9
The Thunder may not even have roster spots available for both of their first-round picks, making their direction on draft night somewhat uncertain.
Gonzalez could fit Oklahoma City`s style of play with the impressive physical tools and intense energy he brings defensively, which has allowed him to carve out a solid role for Real Madrid in the ACB league.