2025 NBA Mock Draft: Predicting Where Cooper Flagg, VJ Edgecombe, and Other March Madness Stars Will Land
The 2025 NBA Draft is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated in recent history, thanks to an exciting mix of elite high school talent, international prospects, and breakout March Madness stars. With potential generational players like Cooper Flagg and electric athletes like VJ Edgecombe leading the pack, teams will be looking to secure franchise-changing talent.
As the NCAA Tournament showcased a handful of players who elevated their draft stock, it’s time to project how the lottery might unfold based on team needs, scouting reports, and tournament performances.
1. Atlanta Hawks – Cooper Flagg (PF, Duke)
The Atlanta Hawks land the most coveted prospect in the draft in Cooper Flagg. At 6’9” with elite defensive instincts, shot-blocking ability, and a versatile offensive game, Flagg is widely viewed as a franchise-altering player. His dominance at Duke, especially in the NCAA Tournament, solidified his status as the consensus No. 1 pick. Pairing him with Trae Young (if he remains in Atlanta) gives the Hawks a defensive anchor who can also stretch the floor.
2. Washington Wizards – Alexandre Sarr (C, Perth Wildcats – NBL Australia)
The Wizards continue their rebuild with Alexandre Sarr, a 7’1” defensive force with perimeter skills. Sarr’s athleticism and rim protection make him an ideal fit for a team lacking interior defense. His experience in the NBL proved he can compete at a high level, and Washington gets a potential defensive cornerstone to pair with Bilal Coulibaly.
3. Detroit Pistons – VJ Edgecombe (SG, Baylor)
Detroit needs a high-energy two-way wing, and Edgecombe fits the mold. The Baylor freshman is an explosive scorer, tenacious defender, and excellent finisher at the rim. His March Madness performances showcased his ability to take over games, making him an ideal complement to Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey.
4. San Antonio Spurs – Stephon Castle (PG/SG, UConn)
After drafting Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs continue their rebuild by adding a dynamic guard in Stephon Castle. The 6’6” playmaker proved himself as a defensive stopper and reliable scorer during UConn’s NCAA Tournament run. His ability to defend multiple positions and create offense makes him a great fit in San Antonio’s system.
5. Charlotte Hornets – Dylan Harper (SG, Rutgers)
Dylan Harper, the son of NBA champion Ron Harper, brings an all-around skill set that Charlotte desperately needs. The Hornets lack a strong perimeter presence alongside LaMelo Ball, and Harper’s ability to score, facilitate, and defend makes him an excellent addition to their young core.
6. Portland Trail Blazers – Ron Holland (SF/PF, G League Ignite)
Portland continues its youth movement with Ron Holland, an aggressive scorer and two-way wing. His athleticism and defensive potential make him an exciting prospect for a team looking to add toughness and energy. Playing for the G League Ignite, he showcased NBA-ready skills, making him a great fit for the Blazers.
7. Houston Rockets – Matas Buzelis (SF, G League Ignite)
Matas Buzelis is a 6’10” forward with elite shooting ability and high upside as a playmaker. Houston, already loaded with young talent, takes a swing on a high-ceiling player who can complement their existing core. His length and versatility fit perfectly into the Rockets’ system.
8. Utah Jazz – Isaiah Collier (PG, USC)
The Jazz add a dynamic lead guard in Isaiah Collier, a powerful 6’5” playmaker with elite finishing ability. His size and strength give Utah an upgrade in their backcourt, and his March Madness performances showed his ability to thrive under pressure.
9. Chicago Bulls – Cody Williams (SF, Colorado)
The Bulls need wing depth, and Cody Williams, the younger brother of Thunder’s Jalen Williams, fits the bill. His length, defensive versatility, and improving offensive game make him an ideal fit for a Chicago team in transition.
10. Toronto Raptors – Reed Sheppard (SG, Kentucky)
Sheppard emerged as one of college basketball’s most efficient shooters, and his ability to space the floor makes him a perfect fit for the Raptors. Toronto needs perimeter shooting, and Sheppard’s high basketball IQ ensures he can contribute immediately.
11. Oklahoma City Thunder – Jared McCain (PG/SG, Duke)
OKC loves skilled guards, and McCain’s ability to shoot, handle, and create plays makes him a seamless fit alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey. His poise in March Madness boosted his stock significantly.
12. Memphis Grizzlies – Justin Edwards (SF, Kentucky)
Memphis needs more wing depth, and Justin Edwards offers defensive intensity and scoring upside. His ability to guard multiple positions aligns well with the Grizzlies’ grit-and-grind identity.
13. Sacramento Kings – Kel’el Ware (C, Indiana)
With Domantas Sabonis as their primary big, the Kings need a rim protector, and Ware fits the profile. The 7-footer showed major improvement at Indiana, making him an intriguing defensive anchor for Sacramento.
14. Miami Heat – Ja’Kobe Walter (SG, Baylor)
Miami thrives on tough, defensive-minded players, and Ja’Kobe Walter’s tenacity and scoring ability make him an ideal Heat culture prospect. His ability to hit shots under pressure was evident in March Madness.
Breakout March Madness Stars Who Could Climb the Draft Board
While players like Flagg and Edgecombe were already lottery locks, March Madness helped several prospects raise their stock. Here are a few names to watch:
- Tyrese Proctor (Duke, PG) – A steady floor general with elite passing skills, Proctor’s tournament performances could push him into the top 20.
- Zach Edey (Purdue, C) – The reigning National Player of the Year is still a question mark for NBA teams due to his mobility, but a strong March Madness run keeps him in first-round discussions.
- Tristan da Silva (Colorado, SF/PF) – His versatility and shot-making ability make him an appealing late-first or early-second-round pick.
- Ryan Kalkbrenner (Creighton, C) – A defensive specialist who could be a steal for a team needing rim protection.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 NBA Draft class is stacked with potential superstars, role players, and hidden gems. With Cooper Flagg leading the way, teams will be looking to find the next big thing while addressing their weaknesses. March Madness provided a final showcase for many of these prospects, and as the draft approaches, their stock will continue to fluctuate based on team workouts and interviews.
Who will emerge as the biggest steal of the draft? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—the future of the NBA is in good hands.
