The 2025 NBA Draft is set to tip off, marking a pivotal moment where dreams transform into reality for the next generation of basketball stars. Round 1 of the draft commences tonight, June 25, 2025, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., with Round 2 following tomorrow. The event maintains the two-night format introduced in 2024, providing teams with five minutes between picks in Round 1 and four minutes in Round 2. This year’s draft is anticipated to be one of the deepest in recent memory, featuring a rich pool of college standouts and burgeoning international talent.

Key storylines abound as Commissioner Adam Silver prepares to step to the podium. The Dallas Mavericks hold the No. 1 overall selection, a significant leap given they overcame the fourth-lowest odds (1.8%) for a Lottery winner since its inception in 1985. Duke’s Cooper Flagg remains the consensus projected No. 1 pick, potentially becoming Duke’s fifth first overall pick, the most of any school in NBA history. This would place him on a team with playoff aspirations, a departure from the rebuilding situation often expected for top picks, which could impact his Rookie of the Year chances by limiting his offensive volume.

The consensus mock draft highlights the top 10 projected picks, each bringing unique attributes to the league. Following Flagg, Dylan Harper (G, Rutgers) is projected to go second to the Spurs, a big-bodied combo guard with crafty finishing. VJ Edgecombe (G, Baylor), an explosive two-way athlete from the Bahamas, is projected third to the 76ers. Ace Bailey (F, Rutgers) is slated for fourth to the Hornets, a pure shooter and rangy defender, despite pre-draft antics where he canceled a workout with the 76ers, sparking questions about his entitlement. Tre Johnson (G, Texas) is projected fifth to the Jazz as a natural three-level scorer. Kon Knueppel (G-F, Duke) is expected sixth to the Wizards, a knockdown three-point shooter. Jeremiah Fears (G, Oklahoma) is projected seventh to the Pelicans, a shifty slasher. Khaman Maluach (C, Duke) is projected eighth to the Nets, a defensive monster with a 7-7 wingspan. Kasparas Jakucionis (G-F, Illinois) is ninth to the Raptors as an offensive orchestrator, and Derik Queen (F-C, Maryland) is tenth to the Rockets (reportedly traded to Suns), a nimble big with unique touch.

Trends in the 2025 Draft reflect the evolving landscape of basketball. The streak of 13 straight years of college freshmen going No. 1 overall (2010-22) ended with back-to-back Frenchmen, Victor Wembanyama (2023) and Zaccharie Risacher (2024), indicating a rising international presence. In fact, at least two international players have been selected in the top 11 in each of the last 12 drafts. Duke's strong showing is notable, with Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach potentially joining Flagg in the top 14, marking only the third time Duke could have three lottery picks in the same draft. Rutgers teammates Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey also have a chance to be among the top picks, potentially becoming only the fourth and fifth first-rounders in their school's history.

Prospects have been actively engaging with the media, expressing their excitement and insights. Dylan Harper praised his Rutgers teammate Ace Bailey's energy, while Cooper Flagg championed Maine basketball, stating, “it doesn’t matter where you’re from … it matters if you believe in yourself.” Flagg also reunited with high school teammate Liam McNeeley, while Asa Newell discussed the friendly rivalry among the Montverde four, including Derik Queen. The draft class also gave back to the NYC youth, hosting a clinic and posing for portraits ahead of their momentous day.

NBA teams are navigating the draft with distinct strategies shaped by recent performances and financial considerations. The Minnesota Timberwolves, after a deep playoff run, are approaching the draft with anticipation but also a sense of change. President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly is widely speculated to make trades, possibly packaging picks 17 and 31 to move up or trading down for draft-and-stash prospects, influenced by the current collective bargaining agreement's