NBA Mock Draft: Lottery Edition

January 9, 2025

Here’s our first and incredibly early NBA Mock Draft with the college basketball season just having entered conference play.

1. Washington Wizards: Cooper Flagg, SF/PF, Duke
The Wizards would be ecstatic to add Flagg, a versatile, high-motor forward who excels on both ends of the floor. His defensive chops and evolving offensive game make him an ideal building block alongside Alexandre Sarr.

2. New Orleans Pelicans: Dylan Harper, SG/PG, Rutgers
Harper’s ability to create shots, run the pick-and-roll, and hit from beyond the arc should make him a perfect fit for New Orleans’ future backcourt, especially after a season plagued by injuries.

3. Utah Jazz: Airious “Ace” Bailey, SG/SF, Rutgers
Bailey’s explosive athleticism and smooth scoring potential make him an enticing option for the Jazz, who could use an aggressive, dynamic wing to pair with their young core.

4. Toronto Raptors: VJ Edgecombe, SG, Baylor
Edgecombe’s combination of defensive playmaking and scoring versatility offers a solid fit for the Raptors, who could use another combo guard to complement Scottie Barnes.

5. Charlotte Hornets: Kasparas Jakucionis, PG, Illinois
Jakucionis has proven to be one of the most efficient players in the class, excelling at creating offense and playing with poise, which should complement LaMelo Ball in Charlotte’s backcourt.

6. Brooklyn Nets: Nolan Traore, PG, Saint Quentin (France)
Traore’s intriguing mix of playmaking and shot-creation upside makes him an appealing option for the Nets, though his inconsistency and defensive struggles remain areas for growth.

7. Portland Trail Blazers: Kon Knueppel, SG/SF, Duke
Knueppel’s dynamic scoring and playmaking ability, especially in the pick-and-roll, gives the Blazers a versatile wing who could immediately contribute to their rebuilding efforts.

8. Sacramento Kings: Egor Demin, PG/SG, BYU
Demin is one of the draft’s most skilled passers, though his struggles with strength and foot speed could limit his on-ball upside. He’s a solid developmental prospect with high basketball IQ.

9. Houston Rockets (via Phoenix): Jeremiah Fears, PG, Oklahoma
Fears has established himself as one of the top freshmen, showcasing impressive playmaking and scoring abilities that could add another layer to the Rockets’ young core.

10. San Antonio Spurs: Tre Johnson, SG, Texas
Johnson’s elite scoring ability and shooting touch make him a prime candidate for the Spurs, who could look to add another offensive weapon to their growing roster of talent.

11. Detroit Pistons: Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
Maluach’s exceptional efficiency and defensive presence make him an intriguing developmental project for the Pistons, who could use a versatile big man to grow alongside their young stars.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Philadelphia): Ben Saraf, PG/SG, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)
Saraf’s blend of size, playmaking, and scoring ability continues to turn heads, though his inconsistent shooting and defense need to improve for him to secure a higher lottery spot.

13. Golden State Warriors: Hugo Gonzalez, SG/SF, Real Madrid (Spain)
Gonzalez’s flashes of defensive versatility and playmaking show his potential, even if inconsistent minutes at Real Madrid limit his ability to truly shine. Still, he’s an intriguing buy-low candidate.

14. San Antonio Spurs (via Chicago): Liam McNeeley, SG/SF, UConn
McNeeley’s high basketball IQ, defensive impact, and smooth shooting touch give him a lot of upside, and his ability to contribute in a connective role would complement the Spurs’ developmental efforts.

For picks 15-30, check out what ESPN has to say here.