As the NBA offseason arrives, the Toronto Raptors will have their fair share of big-picture decisions they'll have to sort through. At the start of the NBA summer, the Raptors could dictate the rest of their offseason with how they operate with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. With the clear need in the frontcourt, there's a sense the Raptors will target one of the highly-touted big men.
Taking a look at what the 2025 NBA Draft could look like, we explore how the board might fall in our latest mock draft.
1. Utah Jazz - Cooper Flagg, F, Duke
This is one of those NBA Draft classes that could go a long way in completely changing the fortunes for an NBA franchise. For the Utah Jazz, that is very much the case. If the Jazz does end up with the No. 1 overall pick, taking Cooper Flagg could go a long way in helping resurrect the narrative around this team.
As they currently stand, there is a ton of uncertainty for this team heading into the future. If the Jazz can add Flagg alongside Lauri Markkanen, it will at the very least give the team some added intrigue heading into next season. For the Jazz, intrigue is a whole lot better than what they experienced for much of this season. How good can Flagg and Markkanen be as a duo? The Jazz is surely hoping we will all find out together.
2. Washington Wizards - Dylan Harper, G, Rutgers
It's going to be quite gut-wrenching for any team that finishes second and loses their chance to select Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick. Nevertheless, taking Dylan Harper wouldn't be a bad consolation prize. Harper is a dynamic lead guard with the potential to be a franchise-changing selection. During his freshman season at Rutgers, Harper proved his ability to be a three-level scorer while being a strong playmaker.
Assuming Harper still hasn't yet reached his ceiling as a player, there's reason to believe that he carries superstar potential as he prepares to make the jump to the NBA level. If the Wizards can get the most out of Harper, he could be one of the best draft picks in recent team history.
3. Charlotte Hornets - Ace Bailey, F, Rutgers
Even though there are real question marks about Ace Bailey's long-term ability to be a team player and buy into a system once he makes the successful leap to the NBA, the talent is simply too much for a rebuilding team like the Charlotte Hornets to pass up on. On paper, the trio of LaMelo Ball, Bailey, and Brandon Miller could give the Hornets one of the most exciting offenses in the league.
Of course, the Hornets still must do the heavy lifting in terms of development. But, make no mistake, if this young core can develop and reach their respective ceilings, there's no question they could emerge into one of the most intriguing teams in the Eastern Conference.
4. New Orleans Pelicans - V.J. Edgecombe, G, Baylor
The New Orleans Pelicans will be hoping to secure a truly franchise-changing prospect with this selection in the top 4. One prospect who could fit that narrative for the Pelicans is V.J. Edgecombe. A prospect who could be taken in the top 3, Edgecombe could be exactly what the Pelicans are looking for to inject some excitement back into this franchise.
As a dynamic, athletic wing, the combination of Edgecombe and Zion Williamson could give the Pelicans an athletic dominance that few other teams in the league have. The ceiling is high for Edgecombe as he prepares to make the jump to the Association, and the Pelicans could be in the perfect position to help him reach his next level as a pro.
5. Philadelphia 76ers - Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
I wouldn't say the Philadelphia 76ers are going to be hunting for Joel Embiid's replacement with their projected top 5 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. That would be a pretty outlandish statement. However, if the right opportunity does arise, it wouldn't be surprising for the Sixers to explore taking a center who could help take some of the pressure off Embiid's shoulders. That's exactly what Khaman Maluach would be able to do for the franchise.
Maluach is a strong defender with much promise on the offensive end. Learning behind Embiid for a few years could do wonders for his development as a young center in the Association.
6. Brooklyn Nets - Jeremiah Fears, G, Oklahoma
Jeremiah Fears in the Barclays Center just feels right. With the star potential he carries at the point guard position, Fears could be worth the gamble for the Nets at No. 6. The Nets are starting from the ground up heading into the offseason and will need to hit a home run with this selection. I'm not sure if Fears would be exactly that, but the high ceiling he has as a prospect would make this a worthy risk.
With four projected first-round picks in this year's NBA Draft, the Nets could get creative with their selections. Finding a potential star talent with this first draft pick could be crucial to their overall team-building process heading into the future.
7. Toronto Raptors - Derik Queen, C, Maryland
With the moves that the Toronto Raptors have made over the last calendar year, the argument can be made that they have one of the most talented young cores in the league. However, if there are any weaknesses on the roster, it's probably in the frontcourt. While Jakob Poeltl has been a pretty consistent center for the Raptors over the last two and a half seasons, he doesn't fit this team's young timeline.
That's where taking a prospect like Derik Queen could make a ton of sense for the Raptors. As an intriguing offensive talent in the frontcourt, Queen would give the Raptors the hope of a long-term answer at the center position, and one who could continue to grow alongside this year's young core.
8. San Antonio Spurs - Kon Knueppel, G, Duke
Mocking Kon Knueppel seems like the safest prediction outside the top 4. On paper, Knueppel is a prospect that fits almost perfectly alongside De'Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama. Who knows how ready to contribute of a prospect Knueppel ends up being, but his skill set falls in line with what the Spurs could be missing at the moment.
Knueppel would probably emerge as the team's best shooter as soon as he walks into the building, and because of that, you'd assume he'd be able to carve out a role in the rotation almost right away. If Knueppel can continue to develop other parts of his offensive game, he could end up being a really good player for the Spurs down the line.
9. Houston Rockets (via PHO) - Tre Johnson, G, Texas
The Houston Rockets' No. 1 priority heading into the offseason will likely revolve around trading for a veteran star. However, with this projected No. 9 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, it would make sense for the Rockets to look to add another dynamic to the team's bench, especially with how much they struggled at times during their first-round playoff series against the Golden State Warriors.
If Tre Johnson is still on the board when the Rockets go on the clock, they should run to the podium. One of the most talented offensive prospects in this draft class, Johnson would be an immediate upgrade for the team off the bench. Who knows if Johnson can survive enough on the defensive end to emerge as a consistent contributor or a starter down the line, but at this point in the lottery, it would be insane for the Rockets to allow him to fall any further down the board.
10. Portland Trail Blazers - Carter Bryant, F, Arizona
With the success that the Portland Trail Blazers experienced over the last few months of the season, you can't help but wonder just how aggressive this team is going to be heading into the 2025 NBA Draft. If they are willing to take a big gamble with the No. 10 overall pick in the NBA Draft, one prospect who could make a ton of sense for the team is Carter Bryant.
As a player who didn't fully come to his own until late in the season, the sky is the limit with the measurables and physical abilities that Bryant has. In the right system, there's a reason to believe that Bryant could develop into a strong two-way player down the line. Portland could feel he's worth the risk at this point in the lottery.
11. Dallas Mavericks - Kasparas Jakucionis, G, Illinois
Considering that the Dallas Mavericks will have a need in the backcourt heading into the offseason, Kasparas Jakucionis falling into their laps at No. 11 could be exactly the lifeline that this franchise needs. With Kyrie Irving likely to miss a good portion of the start of the season, Jakucionis could help cushion the blow at the point guard position.
It would be crazy to say that Jakucionis would be a Kyrie replacement, especially considering how different they are as players, but his playmaking and scoring ability could be a welcome sight for the Mavs. If Jakucionis is still on the board when Dallas goes on the clock, there wouldn't be much of a debate here. Or at least there shouldn't.
12. Chicago Bulls - Thomas Sorber, C, Georgetown
Looking to take a big risk with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Chicago Bulls could attempt to find a long-term replacement at the center position. With the likelihood that the Bulls are going to move on from Nikola Vucevic sooner rather than later, a prospect like Thomas Sorber could make a ton of sense for Chicago here at No. 12.
Sorber is a unique prospect who always plays under control, while having a strong skill set on both ends of the floor. Sorber had one of the most underrated freshman seasons for a big man at Georgetown this past season, and if he can prove he's healthy and has put his foot injury behind him, he'll have a shot to be a late lottery target.
13. Atlanta Hawks (via SAC) - Egor Demin, F, BYU
As the Atlanta Hawks explore the possibility of some big changes this offseason, with a new decision-maker leading the charge, it'll be difficult to envision (for now) what this team may end up doing with this selection. Nevertheless, one of the more versatile prospects who could make sense on several levels for the Hawks is Egor Demin.
During his freshman year at BYU, Demin proved that he could play all over the floor - in the backcourt or even on the wing. If he fills his body a bit more, the argument could be made that he could even play in the frontcourt some. For the Hawks, Demin's versatility could be a real tool as they explore how to proceed forward.
14. San Antonio Spurs (via ATL) - Asa Newell, F, Georgia
After taking the safe selection of Kon Knueppel with their first selection in the lottery, I wouldn't be surprised to see the San Antonio Spurs take a gamble on a big man. Even though some of the natural fits next to Victor Wembanyama may already be off the board, I can't help but wonder if a player like Asa Newell could pique their interest.
Newell was surprisingly productive during his freshman season at Georgia, and his versatility and athleticism could make him a popular target at this range in the first round. If Newell can prove to play a little more under control during his pre-draft workouts, the Spurs could be a soft landing spot for him.
15. Oklahoma City Thunder (via MIA) - Jase Richardson, G, Michigan State
The Oklahoma City Thunder won't have any grave needs heading into the 2025 NBA Draft, but with two first-round selections, they could go a long way in solidifying their supporting cast around their strong core. One prospect who could be in play for the Thunder outside the lottery is Jase Richardson.
As one of the better shooters in this year's draft class, Richardson's all-around offensive game could be too much to pass up for the Thunder at this point in the first round. He won't have to contribute right away and could continue to work on his game behind one of the best backcourt rotations in the league.
16. Orlando Magic - Labaron Philon, G, Alabama
The Orlando Magic could very well be back in the market for their long-term answer at the point guard position this offseason. With a relatively valuable pick at No. 16, the Magic could take a shot on a playmaking prospect like Labaron Philon. Even though he struggled with his shooting efficiency numbers during his freshman season at Alabama, his playmaking skills could help him stand out.
Philon's draft stock has been all over the place this season, especially because he played on such a talented Alabama team. However, if he does have a good showing in the weeks leading up to the NBA Draft, the Magic could be one of the teams interested in snagging him outside the lottery.
17. Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET) - Nique Clifford, G, Colorado State
The Minnesota Timberwolves have to be considered one of the more intriguing teams in the Western Conference heading into the offseason, especially with the way that Anthony Edwards has performed in the NBA Playoffs this year. If they can add a difference-making player with the No. 17 pick, it could go a long way in helping this team turn the corner next season.
One ready-to-contribute prospect who could be an asset next to Edwards on the Wolves next season is Nique Clifford. One of the more experienced players in this year's draft class, Clifford's offensive skill set could be a great asset for the team.
18. Washington Wizards (via MEM) - Collin Murray-Boyles, F, South Carolina
After landing Dylan Harper with their first pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, taking a frontcourt player could be the move for the Washington Wizards at No. 18. One versatile frontcourt player with a bit of intriguing upside is Collin Murray-Boyles. If he can reach his potential on both ends of the floor, Murray-Boyles has the chance to be a foundational piece next to Harper in the future.
What Murray-Boyles has proven the ability to do during his time in college makes him a worthy selection for any team that is looking for some added depth to the frontcourt. Murray-Boyles is not a traditional power forward and could be considered a bit undersized, but he could be a real steal late in the first round.
19. Brooklyn Nets (via MIL) - Noa Essengue, F, France
With another first-round pick, the Brooklyn Nets could look to take a talented wing after making the bold move for Jeremiah Fears. Noa Essengue is a prospect who could be in play for the Nets at this point in the first round. Still widely unproven, that could work to the Nets' advantage as they take a flier on a strong, defensive-minded wing.
Essengue is going to make the early waves of his career on the defensive end of the floor, and if he develops any offensively, he could emerge into an intriguing two-way player down the line. Essengue would be a good prospect for the Nets to take a gamble on late in the first round.
20. Miami Heat (via GS) - Tahaad Pettiford, G, Auburn
As the Miami Heat prepare to embark on the post-Jimmy Butler era, they're going to need to take some risks heading into the offseason. One NBA Draft gamble that the Heat could make revolves around taking a prospect like Tahaad Pettiford with their projected No. 20 overall draft pick.
Pettiford may not have the hype surrounding him like some of the other prospects on this list, but his offensive explosiveness and playmaking could be exactly what the Heat needs opposite of Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. If Pettiford reaches his ceiling, he could be a very good player at the next level.
21. Utah Jazz (via MINN) - Ben Saraf, G, Israel
If the Utah Jazz were to land Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick, it would go a long way in stabilizing the franchise heading into the future. However, one other goal that the Jazz needs to have heading into this year's NBA Draft revolves around finding a potential long-term answer at the point guard position.
Trying to select a guard with that level of potential and high ceiling at this point in the NBA Draft could prove to be a tall task. However, Ben Saraf is one player who could offer some of that potential for the Jazz if they wanted to target a lead guard with this pick.
22. Atlanta Hawks (via LAL) - Danny Wolf, C, Michigan
Under the assumption that they could use some added depth in the frontcourt, the Atlanta Hawks could look to target a center prospect like Danny Wolf. A dynamic big with some real offensive upside, there's not much that Wolf can't do on that end of the floor. The real concerns surrounding Wolf revolve around whether he can be consistent enough on the defensive end of the floor.
If the Hawks believe that Wolf can be even average on defense, it would be reasonable to expect them to be interested in taking a flier on the 7-footer.
23. Indiana Pacers - Yaxel Lendeborg, F, UAB
With how good the Indiana Pacers have looked over the last few months of the season, it would be surprising if they didn't attempt to move mountains to try and keep Myles Turner heading into the offseason. However, it would still be smart for the Pacers to prepare for the worst.
Selecting a prospect like Yaxel Lendeborg could be just that. He's been a late riser on draft boards and with a unique ability to make a difference no matter what role he finds himself in. He has promise as a playmaker while playing all over the floor as a 6-foot-9 big with quickness.
24. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC) - Liam McNeeley, F, UCONN
With this second first-round pick, the Oklahoma City Thunder could look to steal a faller like Liam McNeeley. A do-it-all wing during his freshman season at UCONN, he's suffered from a drop on draft boards of late because of his relatively low ceiling. The good news is that he has a high floor.
If nothing else, the expectation is that McNeeley is going to emerge as a usable rotation player for any team. In the right system, there's reason to believe that he could emerge as a third or fourth option on a good playoff team. The Thunder could be an intriguing landing spot if he were to fall this late in the first round.
25. Orlando Magic (via DEN) - Will Riley, F, Illinois
With another late first-round pick, the Orlando Magic could take a flier on a talented two-way prospect like Will Riley. In such a deep class, it's easy for Riley to get lost in the shuffle. However, with his athleticism and position versatility, Riley could emerge as a truly intriguing developmental project for any team.
The Magic have had success in developing wing prospects in the past, and Riley does have all the skills that you'd want in a prospect in the age of positionless basketball. If Riley can prove that he can emerge as a consistent 3-point shooter, he could make a late move up draft boards.
26. Brooklyn Nets (via NY) - Joan Beringer, C, France
With Nic Claxton on the roster, it may not be the smartest move for the Nets to use one of their first-round draft picks on Joan Beringer. However, with four first-rounders, the Nets have to at least show some creativity with their selections. Beringer offers some of that element for Brooklyn late in the first round.
Beringer would not be a player you'd expect to contribute right away for the Nets, but one who could develop into a potential role down the line. If the Nets have any hesitation with keeping Claxton on the roster long term, the addition of Beringer could help with that decision process in the next couple of years.
27. Brooklyn Nets (via HOU) - Hugo Gonzalez, G, Spain
With this final pick in the first round, the Brooklyn Nets could take a flier on Hugo Gonzalez. A prospect whose draft stock has been quite volatile over the last couple of months, this does seem like the right spot for Gonzaelz to be taken. He'll need a few years to develop, but he does have a strong skill set that could point to a promising future.
The Nets would be taking the chance on Gonzalez's potential, and this is the type of move that would be anything but a guarantee in the long run.
28. Boston Celtics - Walton Clayton Jr., G, Florida
If there was one player who stood out amongst the rest of the pack during the NCAA Tournament, it was Walton Clayton Jr. Helping lead Florida to a National Championship, Clayton was clutch in big moments and proved that he can hang with the best of the best. If he can continue that momentum into the pre-draft process, there's no question he's going to carve out a spot in the first round.
The Boston Celtics could see this as a golden opportunity to add even more depth to their championship roster before they have to make some big decisions regarding their salary cap.
29. Phoenix Suns (via CLE) - Nolan Traore, G, France
The Phoenix Suns could be in the market for a new playmaker heading into the 2025 NBA Draft. One prospect who could be considered somewhat of a steal at this point in the first round is Nolan Traore. A guard whose game is built around his quickness with the ball, Traore would give the Suns a strong development piece heading into the future.
Depending on how quickly he can develop, Traore could be considered a key piece of the next era of Suns basketball (on top of whatever the team ends up doing the rest of the offseason).
30. LA Clippers via (OKC) - Rasheer Fleming, F, Saint Joseph's
The LA Clippers could be on the verge of a deep playoff run, but they could use some added depth heading into the summer. One underrated experienced prospect the Clippers could target with the final pick in the first round is Rasheer Fleming. A player who got better and better throughout his three-year career in college, it will be interesting to see where his development leads next.
But if Fleming can continue to be the impactful player he was during his final year at Saint Joseph's, there's promise he can evolve into a contributing two-way player for the Clippers.