Cooper Flagg has consistently been a top pick contender in the upcoming NBA draft, with Kon Knueppel presenting Duke with the possibility of having two players in the top five selections. An intriguing aspect of this draft is whether Rutgers might have two of its own players going early, given the uncertainty surrounding Ace Bailey. Although Dylan Harper is a solid pick for the second spot, Bailey’s positioning has been less certain, fueled by his lack of participation in workouts with the Philadelphia 76ers. This unexpected development could affect his draft order, despite his promising talent.
In previous mock drafts, Bailey’s potential selection ranged from fourth to seventh. However, for this final assessment, he is settled at the sixth position, behind Knueppel who boasts an impressive shooting record.
1. Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg, forward, Duke
Following a departure from Luka Doncic, the Mavericks gain a 6-foot-8, 221-pound versatile forward. Flagg’s freshman year was noteworthy, marking history by becoming the fourth freshman to earn AP men’s college basketball national player of the year honors. His impressive stats include a freshman-record 42 points against Notre Dame, and his all-around game is anticipated to help Dallas reshape its future.
2. San Antonio Spurs: Dylan Harper, guard, Rutgers
Dylan Harper, son of former NBA player Ron Harper, is known for his commanding presence at 6-5, 213-pound with averages of 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists. Teaming up with Victor Wembanyama, Harper could bolster the Spurs’ backcourt despite a discouraging team record with prospect Ace Bailey.
3. Philadelphia 76ers: VJ Edgecombe, guard, Baylor
Amidst injuries impacting its star players, the Philadelphia 76ers seek redemption by selecting Edgecombe. At 6-4, 193 pounds, Edgecombe offers untapped potential and could evolve into a key player through his combination of athleticism and shooting ability.
4. Charlotte Hornets: Kon Knueppel, forward, Duke
Knueppel displays a consistent scoring prowess, standing at 6-7 and weighing 217 pounds. His shooting statistics are impressive, notably his 40.6% from beyond the arc, and his contribution as a secondary playmaker marks him as a valuable asset for the Hornets.
5. Utah Jazz: Tre Johnson, guard, Texas
The Utah Jazz aims to improve upon their struggling performance by adding Tre Johnson. Johnson, a 6-5, 190-pound player, led his conference with 19.9 points per game while setting a freshman record at Texas.
6. Washington Wizards: Ace Bailey, forward, Rutgers
With the potential to enhance the Wizards, Bailey offers a versatile play style as a 6-8 athlete capable of bolstering defenses, having averaged 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds.
7. New Orleans Pelicans: Jeremiah Fears, guard, Oklahoma
Fears, a 6-3 guard, provided a strong showing in his college play, characterized by significant scoring contributions and respectable free-throw performance.
8. Brooklyn Nets: Khaman Maluach, center, Duke
The Nets invest in Maluach’s future, whose height and defensive skills fit their strategic aims. Standing tall at 7-1 and possessing exceptional reach, Maluach’s developmental trajectory presents interesting possibilities.
9. Toronto Raptors: Kasparas Jakucionis, guard/forward, Illinois
Jakucionis brings an all-around court skill set to the Raptors, capable of influencing the game in various areas, particularly as a young and versatile player.
10. Phoenix Suns (from Houston): Carter Bryant, forward, Arizona
Set to join Phoenix, Bryant displays shooting and defensive talents, matched with athletic prowess shown in his vertical leap.
11. Portland Trail Blazers: Collin Murray-Boyles, forward, South Carolina
The 6-7 Boston native, Murray-Boyles, is a formidable force, offering both scoring and rebounding prowess. His defensive contributions could integrate well into Portland’s system.
12. Chicago Bulls: Noa Essengue, forward, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)
Essengue’s international experience brings versatility to the Bulls. This 6-9 forward from France demonstrates potential to expand his on-court contributions significantly.
13. Atlanta Hawks: Egor Demin, guard/forward, BYU
The versatile 19-year-old Russian prospect offers playmaking talents combined with positional size, making him a dynamic addition to a forward-thinking team.
14. San Antonio Spurs: Derik Queen, center, Maryland
Queen caught attention with his critical lead in Maryland to the Sweet 16, indicating his potential as he transitions into the NBA.
15. Oklahoma City Thunder: Thomas Sorber, center, Georgetown
The newly crowned NBA champions could see immediate benefits from drafting Sorber, whose defensive capabilities and size offer promise for the Thunder’s future plans.
16. Memphis Grizzlies: Jase Richardson, guard, Michigan State
Memphis boosts their backcourt options by selecting Jase Richardson. His shooting proficiency adds depth to their roster.
17. Minnesota Timberwolves: Asa Newell, forward/center, Georgia
Minnesota bets on Newell’s potential as a versatile piece in their future, providing options in various lineup configurations.
18. Washington Wizards: Rasheer Fleming, forward/center, Saint Joseph’s
A strong build and refined shooting abilities make Fleming an appealing fit for the Wizards’ team strategy.
19. Brooklyn Nets: Ben Saraf, guard, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)
Saraf enhances the Nets’ guard options, bringing his proven scoring ability from the European leagues to the forefront.
20. Miami Heat: Liam McNeeley, forward, UConn
UConn’s McNeeley brings refined shooting and sturdy defensive skills to Miami, adding value with his NCAA championship experience.
21. Utah Jazz: Danny Wolf, forward/center, Michigan
The Jazz could capitalize on Wolf’s talents, honed through an impressive collegiate career, as their future looks for robust additions.
22. Atlanta Hawks: Nolan Traore, guard, Saint-Quentin BB (France)
Selected for his scoring and playmaking, Traore is a significant find for Atlanta, demonstrating impressive skills on both ends of the floor.
23. New Orleans Pelicans: Cedric Coward, guard, Washington State
Coward’s commendable performances in college and the combine make him an intriguing pick for the Pelicans alongside his unique journey.
24. Oklahoma City Thunder: Nique Clifford, guard, Colorado State
Clifford’s collegiate growth diversifies the Thunder’s player repertoire, presenting promising potential.
25. Orlando Magic: Walter Clayton Jr., guard, Florida
Clayton has shown his mettle in critical matchups, making him another dynamic addition to the Magic’s lineup.
26. Brooklyn Nets: Will Riley, guard/forward, Illinois
Investing in Riley’s development is an opportunity the Nets seize, capitalizing on his scoring and assisting qualities.
27. Brooklyn Nets: Drake Powell, guard/forward, North Carolina
Powell’s defense and shooting fit well within Brooklyn’s future plans as they consolidate their roster through strategic drafting.
28. Boston Celtics: Maxime Raynaud, center, Stanford
The Celtics anticipate Raynaud contributing toward floor spacing, with his shooting and rebounding standing out in strategic roles.
29. Phoenix Suns: Joan Beringer, center, Cedevita Olimpija (Slovenia)
Poised to grow into his role, Beringer offers future potential as a dynamic pick-and-roll participant.
30. Los Angeles Clippers: Hugo Gonzalez, guard/forward, Real Madrid (Spain)
Gonzalez’s international success and impactful play could provide the Clippers with additional offensive and defensive firepower
These draft choices reflect the array of talents available this year, setting an exciting scene for the league’s future stars as they enter the NBA.