With men`s college basketball crowning the Florida Gators as champions and the NBA season nearing its end, the NBA draft is becoming the main focus for prospects and teams.
The NCAA tournament provided a great stage for players like Florida`s Walter Clayton Jr., Duke`s Kon Knueppel, Maryland`s Derik Queen, and Colorado State`s Nique Clifford to impress NBA scouts.
Internationally, Joan Beringer (Cedevita/Slovenia) and Noa Essengue (Ratiopharm Ulm/Germany) have also stood out, solidifying their positions in the top 20 for talent evaluators.
ESPN draft experts Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo use their scouting and information from league executives to create this mock draft, predicting team selections. The draft order is based on ESPN`s BPI forecast, which predicts team performance for the rest of the season.
Notes: The draft order is updated as of April 7 and includes trades. True shooting percentage (TS%) combines field goal, free throw, and 3-point percentages.
First round
1. Utah Jazz
Cooper Flagg, SF/PF, Duke
Freshman | TS%: 60.0%
Flagg`s impressive freshman season ended controversially in a game against Houston. Despite the loss, Flagg showed his skills on both ends of the court, confirming his top player status. He scored 27 points, with 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks, and 2 steals.
It`s expected Flagg will enter the draft, and the Jazz would likely be excited to add his talent to their team with Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler. — Givony
2. Washington Wizards
Dylan Harper, SG/PG, Rutgers
Freshman | TS%: 59.3%
Although Rutgers didn`t make the NCAA tournament, Harper has positioned himself as a likely No. 2 pick. His playmaking guard style is valued by NBA teams due to his pick-and-roll skills, scoring, and strength.
Shooting questions exist (75% free throw, 33% 3-point), but he fits well with the Wizards who need a playmaker. — Woo
3. Charlotte Hornets
Airious `Ace` Bailey, SG/SF, Rutgers
Freshman | TS%: 54.0%
Bailey`s season had highs and lows, but his unique skillset keeps him high on draft boards. His size (6-foot-10, 200 pounds) and shot-making ability are rare, offering potential for development in the NBA.
He may need time to develop, but his upside is appealing for the Hornets, even with Brandon Miller. — Woo
4. New Orleans Pelicans
VJ Edgecombe, SG, Baylor
Freshman | TS%: 56.1%
The Big 12 Freshman of the Year, Edgecombe showed explosive athleticism and improved skills as a ball handler and shooter.
The Pelicans could pair Edgecombe with Zion Williamson for an exciting team. — Givony
5. Philadelphia 76ers
Tre Johnson, SG, Texas
Freshman | TS%: 56.1%
Johnson fits the NBA wing prototype with his size (6-6, 6-10 wingspan), scoring ability, and versatility. He averaged around 20 points and shot 40% from 3 in 2024-25.
The Sixers could add a young, scoring wing like Johnson. — Givony
6. Brooklyn Nets
Jeremiah Fears, PG, Oklahoma
Freshman | TS%: 57.0%
Fears stood out as a top freshman despite his young age (turns 19 in October). His size, speed, and scoring ability offer long-term potential.
The Nets need backcourt help, and Fears could be a focus for them. — Givony
7. Toronto Raptors
Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
Freshman | TS%: 74.7%
Maluach had a strong NCAA tournament, but struggled against Houston in the Final Four. The 18-year-old center needs strength and experience.
His defensive ability and size (7-foot-6 wingspan) are valuable, and the Raptors need a player like him. — Givony
8. San Antonio Spurs
Kon Knueppel, SG/SF, Duke
Freshman | TS%: 64.8%
Knueppel was reliable for Duke, providing efficiency and spacing, and showing better playmaking and defense than expected.
His shooting ability keeps his draft stock high, and the Spurs could use a wing like him. — Woo
9. Portland Trail Blazers
Kasparas Jakucionis, PG, Illinois
Freshman | TS%: 59.8%
Jakucionis transitioned well from Europe and improved his draft prospects. He showed playmaking skills at Illinois, but faced challenges with efficiency and turnovers.
His versatility and decision-making are still attractive, and the Trail Blazers could use his style. — Woo
10. Houston Rockets (via Phoenix)
Collin Murray-Boyles, PF/C, South Carolina
Sophomore | TS%: 64.0%
Despite South Carolina`s struggles, Murray-Boyles played consistently. His draft stock is mid-first round, with lottery potential.
His offensive feel and defensive playmaking are appealing, and he could fit with the Rockets. — Woo
11. Miami Heat
Derik Queen, C, Maryland
Freshman | TS%: 60.0%
Queen exceeded expectations at Maryland, showing offensive talent as a big man. His handling, passing, and shooting potential are notable.
His effort levels are questioned, but the Heat might be a good fit to maximize his potential. — Woo
12. Chicago Bulls
Egor Demin, PG/SG, BYU
Freshman | TS%: 51.3%
Demin finished his college season strongly, helping BYU to the Sweet 16. He`s a skilled passer with size, but needs to improve his scoring and shooting consistency.
The Bulls may consider his upside despite having Josh Giddey. — Woo
13. Dallas Mavericks
Liam McNeeley, SG/SF, UConn
Freshman | TS%: 53.6%
McNeeley was Big East Freshman of the Year at UConn. His skill and feel for the game are evident, keeping him as a first-round prospect.
Shooting consistency is a question, but his versatility could appeal to the Mavericks. — Woo
14. Atlanta Hawks (via Sacramento)
Jase Richardson, PG/SG, Michigan State
Freshman | TS%: 63.2%
Richardson improved significantly in the second half of the season. His speed, skill, and shooting ability are promising at 19 years old.
The Hawks might be interested in his potential and winning qualities. — Givony
15. San Antonio Spurs (via Atlanta)
Joan Beringer, C, Cedevita Olimpija
France | TS%: 60.4%
Beringer impresses NBA executives with his physical tools and defensive abilities at 18 years old. He`s been playing basketball for only three years.
The Spurs could add another French big man with shot-blocking potential. — Givony
16. Orlando Magic
Will Riley, SG/SF, Illinois
Freshman | TS%: 53.8%
Riley had a good season after reclassifying to Illinois. He needs to add strength and improve his scoring efficiency.
His shooting potential is attractive for the Magic who need perimeter shooting. — Woo
17. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Detroit)
Noa Essengue, PF, Ratiopharm Ulm
Germany | TS%: 61.3%
Essengue`s productivity has increased, averaging 12.5 points and 5.1 rebounds in his last 10 games. He`s shooting 3-pointers better recently.
The Timberwolves could be interested in his long-term potential. — Givony
18. Brooklyn Nets (via Milwaukee)
Nolan Traore, PG, Saint Quentin
France | TS%: 49.2%
Traore has been inconsistent, needing to improve his efficiency. His speed and playmaking are notable.
Despite drafting Fears earlier, the Nets might take another point guard with upside. — Givony
19. Washington Wizards (via Memphis)
Danny Wolf, PF, Michigan
Junior | TS%: 56.6%
Wolf was an impactful transfer, leading Michigan to the Sweet 16. He`s versatile for his size (7-foot), but athleticism and shooting are questions.
The Wizards could take a chance on Wolf`s unique profile. — Woo
20. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LA Clippers)
Carter Bryant, SF/PF, Arizona
Freshman | TS%: 59.9%
Bryant played a key role for Arizona. His frame, defense, and shooting (37.6% from 3) are appealing.
He`s not NBA-ready yet, but could be a good fit for Oklahoma City. — Woo
21. Orlando Magic (via Denver)
Asa Newell, PF/C, Georgia
Freshman | TS%: 62.0%
Newell solidified his first-round case at Georgia with his energy and rebounding.
He needs to improve his shooting consistency (29% from 3) and defense. — Woo
22. Utah Jazz (via Minnesota)
Hugo Gonzalez, SG/SF, Real Madrid
Spain | TS%: 51.1%
Gonzalez lacks consistent playing time at Real Madrid. His shooting is inconsistent (27% from 3).
Utah, with multiple first-round picks, could take a chance on Gonzalez. — Givony
23. Miami Heat (via Golden State)
Ben Saraf, PG/SG, Ratiopharm Ulm
Germany | TS%: 52.1%
Saraf is recovering from a rough patch, showing better play recently. NBA teams are paying more attention.
Miami might be interested in his shot creation and potential. — Givony
24. Indiana Pacers
Thomas Sorber, C, Georgetown
Freshman | TS%: 58.7%
Sorber impressed in college before a foot injury. His defense and understanding of his role are strengths.
The Pacers could address their frontcourt need with Sorber. — Woo
25. Atlanta Hawks (via Los Angeles Lakers)
Nique Clifford, SG, Colorado State
Super senior | TS%: 60.9%
Clifford`s strong super-senior season elevated him into first-round consideration. His all-around game is valuable.
The Hawks could value his versatility and experience. — Woo
26. Brooklyn Nets (via New York)
Adou Thiero, PF, Arkansas
Junior | TS%: 61.8%
Thiero missed games due to injury. He`s a great athlete but needs development.
The Nets, with multiple picks, could develop Thiero. — Woo
27. Brooklyn Nets (via Houston)
Yaxel Lendeborg, PF/C, UAB
Senior | TS%: 60.1%
Lendeborg is considering the draft. His versatility is valued by NBA teams.
Brooklyn could ensure he stays in the draft with a promise. — Givony
28. Boston Celtics
Walter Clayton Jr., PG, Florida
Senior | TS%: 61.1%
Clayton improved his draft stock in the NCAA tournament. His scoring is impressive, but defense and passing are questioned.
He could fit in the late first round, like Shabazz Napier before him. — Givony
29. Phoenix Suns (via Cleveland)
Alex Condon, C, Florida
Sophomore | TS%: 56.1%
Condon had a less impactful NCAA tournament due to injury. His feel for the game is good, especially defensively.
The Suns, needing frontcourt help, could be interested. — Givony
30. LA Clippers (via Oklahoma City)
Rasheer Fleming, PF, Saint Joseph`s
Junior | TS%: 64.4%
Fleming was efficient and productive, shooting well from 3-point range. His wingspan is impressive.
The Clippers could add frontcourt depth with Fleming. — Givony