NBA mock draft: Post-lottery projections
With Monday's NBA draft lottery in the books, all 30 first-round selections are set ahead of the event June 25 in Brooklyn, New York.
Considering team-specific needs, here's how we think the first night of the draft will unfold.
Stats from Europe-based players are compiled from all competitions.
Cooper Flagg (Duke) 🇺🇸
Position: Forward
Height: 6-foot-8
Age: 18
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 37 | 48.1 | 38.5 | 84 | 7.5 | 4.2 | 19.2 |
Flagg could be a square peg in a round hole on any team's roster and that franchise would still be foolish to pass on the National Player of the Year at No. 1. Traditionally, 6-foot-8 freshmen with his natural athleticism lack the level of on-ball comfort that made him so difficult to stop in half-court settings - never mind his developing 3-point shot or his ability to defend all five positions. Fostering that all-encompassing skill set is all the Mavericks will need to do in Year 1.
Dylan Harper (Rutgers) 🇺🇸
Position: Point guard
Height: 6-foot-4
Age: 19
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29 | 48.4 | 33.3 | 75 | 4.6 | 4 | 19.4 |
Harper is an excellent consolation prize for the Spurs. The lefty is a big, physically imposing guard with incredibly polished footwork for a college freshman. He has some explosiveness but mostly relies on a crafty handle and change of pace to get to the rim whenever he wants. Once there, he's one of the best finishers we've ever seen among guards, converting 71.8% of his 181 shots at the basket. Improving his jumper off the dribble is a must if he wants to reach his superstar ceiling.
Ace Bailey (Rutgers) 🇺🇸
Position: Small forward
Height: 6-foot-7
Age: 18
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | 46 | 34.6 | 69.2 | 7.2 | 1.3 | 17.6 |
The Sixers lack scoring punch beyond Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey and now get the opportunity to add an electric shot-creator. Bailey showed flashes of his ability in college, but entering the league as a third option will give him time to round out his game. Although the combine revealed he's shorter than expected, Philly has enough size on the roster that this shouldn't be an issue. Bailey's 3-point shooting percentage would have led the Sixers last season.
VJ Edgecombe (Baylor) 🇧🇸
Position: Shooting guard
Height: 6-foot-4
Age: 19
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33 | 43.6 | 34 | 78.2 | 5.6 | 3.2 | 15 |
The Hornets land a dynamic guard in Edgecombe to pair with LaMelo Ball. On top of his solid stats, the Big 12 Freshman of the Year really shined on the defensive end, pairing his impressive athleticism with impeccable timing on blocks and steals from the passing lane. Edgecombe projects to be a physical scorer with improved accuracy from deep, giving Charlotte another promising perimeter option alongside Ball and Brandon Miller.
Tre Johnson (Texas) 🇺🇸
Position: Shooting guard
Height: 6-foot-5
Age: 19
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33 | 42.7 | 39.7 | 87.1 | 3.1 | 2.7 | 19.9 |
Stellar shooting splits at Texas paired with premium size and a 6-foot-10 wingspan make Johnson a top-tier talent, but his ball control and ability to avoid turnovers are what make him one of this draft's most well-rounded players. He's as capable of penetrating as he is at shooting off the dribble, and his offensive bag is incredibly deep and refined. Johnson is a sure bet for the Jazz.
Derik Queen (Maryland) 🇺🇸
Position: Center
Height: 6-foot-9
Age: 20
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | 52.6 | 20 | 76.6 | 9 | 1.9 | 16.5 |
The Wizards are at the stage of their rebuild where they just need to accrue talent, no matter how flawed. Queen has the highest upside left on the board because of his ability to be a playmaking hub at center. The Big Ten Rookie of the Year is adept at using his wide shoulders and leverage to bulldoze his way to the basket, where he shot 71.6%. Queen is undersized, but he makes up for it on defense with quick hands and solid positioning.
Kon Knueppel (Duke) 🇺🇸
Position: Shooting guard
Height: 6-foot-5
Age: 19
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 39 | 47.9 | 40.6 | 91.4 | 4 | 2.7 | 14.4 |
Arguably the best shooter in this draft, Knueppel drained 40.6% of his attempts from three in his lone season at Duke. The 19-year-old displayed elite awareness while navigating multiple offensive levels, breaking down opposing defenses with his catch-and-shoot prowess or pick-and-roll navigation. Knueppel would instantly improve the Pelicans' 3-point attack: They ranked 27th in triples per game (12) and 24th in shooting percentage from beyond the arc (34.7%).
Khaman Maluach (Duke) 🇸🇸
Position: Center
Height: 7-foot-1
Age: 18
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | BLK | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 39 | 71.2 | 25 | 76.7 | 6.6 | 1.3 | 8.6 |
The Nets could add arguably the best defensive center in the draft. Brooklyn's opponents posted the fifth-highest field-goal percentage within 6 feet last season (64.9%), so a rim-protector like Maluach would make a difference. He'd be the tallest player on the roster, and he also boasts an absurd 9-foot-6 standing reach coupled with a 7-foot-6 wingspan. Maluach's presence changes opponents' minds about entering the paint.
Collin Murray-Boyles (South Carolina) 🇺🇸
Position: Power forward
Height: 6-foot-6
Age: 19
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32 | 58.6 | 26.5 | 70.7 | 8.3 | 2.4 | 16.8 |
After the Raptors finished with the second-best defense post-All-Star break, they add the versatile Murray-Boyles to help maintain their momentum. The South Carolina forward finished the season with 2.8 stocks per game (steals and blocks combined) as a testament to his hustle and strength in the post and along the perimeter. He'll need to improve his shot, but the 19-year-old should have ample runway to do so in Toronto.
Jeremiah Fears (Oklahoma) 🇺🇸
Position: Point guard
Height: 6-foot-2
Age: 18
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 34 | 43.4 | 28.4 | 85.1 | 4.1 | 4.1 | 17.1 |
The Rockets might decide not to pick up Fred VanVleet's pricey team option, and Fears could be an ideal replacement coming off his spectacular freshman season. Fears possesses top-tier speed that allows him to find his shot from all over the court, and he can also create for his teammates. Houston would also provide Fears with an ideal pick-and-roll partner in Alperen Sengun.
Kasparas Jakucionis (Illinois) 🇱🇹
Position: Point guard
Height: 6-foot-5
Age: 18
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33 | 44 | 31.8 | 84.5 | 5.7 | 4.7 | 15 |
The Trail Blazers lack a pass-first point guard to organize Chauncey Billups' offense. Jakucionis can fill that void; he's the best pick-and-roll creator in this class and has an NBA-ready step-back, primarily when driving left, that he can use to pick defenses apart. There are legitimate questions about his ability to create separation without a ball screen, but his strong physical measurements give him a chance to be a high-quality starter.
Jase Richardson (Michigan State) 🇺🇸
Position: Guard
Height: 6-feet
Age: 19
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | 49.3 | 41.2 | 83.6 | 3.3 | 1.9 | 12.1 |
Richardson broke through late in his lone season at Michigan State. His shooting would make him a great addition to the Bulls' backcourt, especially after Chicago rotated backup point guards last season due to injuries. Despite size concerns, Richardson could be a great option to deputize for Josh Giddey and an emerging replacement for Tre Jones.
Noa Essengue (Ratiopharm Ulm) 🇫🇷
Position: Small forward
Height: 6-foot-9
Age: 18
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | 47.4 | 24.3 | 67.9 | 4.5 | 1.1 | 9.7 |
The second-youngest player in the draft comes with upside galore. Essengue is lightning quick at both ends and showed flashes of a fluid offensive game in the Bundesliga this season. That alerted scouts to a talent with heaps of potential, although he'll need to work on his jumper and man-to-man defense to excel in the NBA. Another Frenchman to the ATL.
Asa Newell (Georgia) 🇺🇸
Position: Power forward
Height: 6-foot-9
Age: 19
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | BLK | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33 | 54.3 | 29.2 | 74.8 | 6.9 | 1 | 15.4 |
Newell ranked 20th in the NCAA in offensive rebounds thanks to his never-ending motor on the glass. The big man did most of his offensive damage around the basket off putbacks, lobs, and backdoor cuts. Newell also showed the ability to switch out onto the perimeter and offered some weak-side rim-protection.
Egor Demin (BYU) 🇷🇺
Position: Guard
Height: 6-foot-8
Age: 19
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33 | 41.2 | 27.3 | 69.5 | 3.9 | 5.5 | 10.6 |
Demin boasts elite size at the point and is arguably the best passer in this year's class. The 6-foot-8 guard was the lead facilitator for KenPom's ninth-ranked offense, finishing third in the Big 12 with 180 assists. He had success orchestrating out of the pick-and-roll and setting up teammates off drive-and-kicks, and he can effortlessly sling precise live-dribble passes.
Nolan Traore (Saint-Quentin) 🇫🇷
Position: Point guard
Height: 6-foot-3
Age: 18
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29 | 39.7 | 31.7 | 71.9 | 1.7 | 5.1 | 11.7 |
The Magic need several things, one of which is a primary ball-handler and facilitator. Traore is exactly that, and after a mercurial start to the campaign, the speedy Frenchman has displayed skillful playmaking chops in his first full season running an offense as a pro. Whether or not he can improve his perimeter game will determine how much of an impact he can make at the next level.
Danny Wolf (Michigan) 🇺🇸
Position: Center
Height: 6-foot-10
Age: 21
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 37 | 49.7 | 33.6 | 59.4 | 9.7 | 3.6 | 13.2 |
With both Julius Randle and Naz Reid potentially entering free agency this summer, Wolf would give the T-Wolves a versatile big man who could play if needed or develop behind other players. His adaptability on both ends of the court makes him an ideal plug-and-play center in the mold of the modern do-it-all big man.
Thomas Sorber (Georgetown) 🇺🇸
Position: Center
Height: 6-foot-9
Age: 19
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | BLK | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 | 53.2 | 16.2 | 72.4 | 8.5 | 2 | 14.5 |
Alex Sarr's long-term future is likely at power forward, so the Wizards need to bolster their frontcourt depth. Sorber combines a massive 7-foot-6 wingspan with an elegant fluidity rarely seen in humans his size. He's a good play-finisher and showed flashes of self-creation at fellow D.C. outfit Georgetown.
Liam McNeeley (UConn) 🇺🇸
Position: Small forward
Height: 6-foot-7
Age: 19
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27 | 38.1 | 31.7 | 86.6 | 6 | 2.3 | 14.5 |
McNeeley's shooting percentages during his lone year at UConn aren't entirely indicative of his floor-spacing potential. The reigning Big East Freshman of the Year made 43% of his uncontested catch-and-shoot triples and showed promise as a movement shooter. McNeeley could help a Nets squad that finished 25th in 3-point percentage last season.
Walter Clayton Jr. (Florida) 🇺🇸
Position: Point guard
Height: 6-foot-2
Age: 22
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 39 | 44.8 | 38.6 | 87.5 | 3.7 | 4.2 | 18.3 |
The Heat lacked shot creation beyond Tyler Herro this season, and who better to fill that need than the second-leading scorer in March Madness. Clayton was named the Final Four Most Outstanding Player after leading Florida to the national championship. His ability to score from all angles is what Miami desperately needs.
Ben Saraf (Ratiopharm Ulm) 🇮🇱
Position: Shooting guard
Height: 6-foot-5
Age: 19
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | 46.3 | 33.8 | 71.4 | 2.9 | 4.1 | 11.6 |
The Jazz have stockpiled young talent since their rebuild began in 2022, but they haven't enlisted many facilitators in that time. Saraf - a 6-foot-5, pass-first combo guard who showed off impressive vision as a teenager in Europe - is an ideal fit for a squad well-equipped with scorers but ranked bottom 10 in assists last season (25.5 per game).
Joan Beringer (KK Cedevita Jr.) 🇫🇷
Position: Center
Height: 6-foot-10
Age: 18
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | BLK | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | 59.4 | N/A | 59.6 | 4.1 | 1.5 | 4.9 |
Few players in this draft are as raw as Beringer, which makes sense considering he only started playing a few years ago. Still, he's an explosive athlete with remarkable footwork for his angular frame. He's also a solid rim-protector and rebounder. The sky's the limit, and he's worth the risk for a Hawks team building a stable of emerging French talent.
Carter Bryant (Arizona) 🇺🇸
Position: Small forward
Height: 6-foot-7
Age: 19
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 37 | 46 | 37.1 | 69.5 | 4.1 | 1 | 6.5 |
Bryant's numbers don't jump off the page, but he's got the physical attributes and shooting range to be an effective 3-and-D wing at the next level. The former McDonald's All-American also boasts a stout 225-pound frame, shows great timing as a shot-blocker, and can seamlessly guard one through five.
Nique Clifford (Colorado State) 🇺🇸
Position: Shooting guard
Height: 6-foot-5
Age: 23
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | 49.6 | 37.7 | 77.7 | 9.6 | 4.4 | 18.9 |
Clifford is one of the oldest prospects in this year's class and should be able to contribute right away with his all-around skill set. The fifth-year wing paced Colorado State in scoring, rebounds, assists, and steals last season. The Thunder are in win-now mode, and Clifford's versatility could earn him an early rotation spot.
Rasheer Fleming (St. Joseph's) 🇺🇸
Position: Power forward
Height: 6-foot-8
Age: 20
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | BLK | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | 53.1 | 39 | 74.3 | 8.5 | 1.5 | 14.7 |
Fleming's intriguing blend of size, shooting, and highly touted defensive versatility make him a safe addition to a young Magic core coming off back-to-back first-round exits. Some positional overlap with Moritz Wagner and Paolo Banchero means a reserve role would mutually benefit Fleming and the Magic, whose bench had the league's sixth-worst defensive rating last season.
Will Riley (Illinois) 🇨🇦
Position: Small forward
Height: 6-foot-8
Age: 19
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | 43.2 | 32.6 | 72.4 | 4.1 | 2.2 | 12.6 |
With four first-round picks, the Nets should take as many swings at high-upside prospects as possible. Riley projects to be someone who can make shots and defend multiple types of players at the NBA level, an archetype that every team could use. Polishing his offensive game will boost his efficiency.
Labaron Philon (Alabama) 🇺🇸
Position: Point guard
Height: 6-foot-3
Age: 19
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 37 | 45.2 | 31.5 | 76.7 | 3.3 | 3.8 | 10.6 |
Philon's a savvy point guard whose craftiness with his dribble and ability to get to the rim offsets his lack of explosiveness and a missing outside shot. Defensively, he hounds opposing ball-handlers with persistent effort. He's an ideal fit for Brooklyn, which not only needs a creator on the bench but one who could eventually succeed D'Angelo Russell in the starting lineup.
Noah Penda (Le Mans Sarthe) 🇫🇷
Position: Small forward
Height: 6-foot-8
Age: 20
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29 | 44 | 30.4 | 69.3 | 5.1 | 2.6 | 10.2 |
Penda has the tools to contribute immediately on defense in the NBA, and his steal and block numbers can lead to easy buckets in transition. His feel for the game and sturdy frame have attracted comparisons to a more robust Nicolas Batum. His high-value skill set could make him a steal late in the first round.
Ryan Kalkbrenner (Creighton) 🇺🇸
Position: Center
Height: 7-foot-1
Age: 23
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | BLK | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | 65.3 | 34.4 | 68.1 | 8.7 | 2.7 | 19.2 |
Phoenix has been desperate for a reliable center for a couple of seasons. Kalkbrenner was one of the best drop-coverage bigs in the nation, racking up four Big East DPOYs. The 7-footer also turned into a reliable floor-spacer, knocking down 34.4% of his threes in his final collegiate campaign. This pick may not be flashy, but it makes a lot of sense.
Kam Jones (Marquette) 🇺🇸
Position: Guard
Height: 6-foot-3
Age: 23
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 34 | 48.3 | 31.1 | 64.8 | 4.5 | 5.9 | 19.2 |
A lefty shooter with pristine mechanics and a quick release, Jones took a sizable step in his senior year by improving as a facilitator, more than doubling the 2.4 assists he put up per game as a junior. With Bogdan Bogdanovic's long-term Clippers future uncertain, Jones could eventually become the off-the-bench microwave scorer/secondary creator they need.