Get ready for the future of the NBA! The 2025 NBA Draft promises to be a pivotal event for teams looking to add franchise-altering talent. While Duke phenom Cooper Flagg leads the class, there’s plenty of intrigue surrounding the players projected to go after him, curious second-round circumstances, and questions about potential lottery picks like Ace Bailey.
Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming draft:
Key Dates & Location
The 2025 NBA Draft is scheduled to unfold over two nights at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
First Round: Wednesday, June 25, 2025, starting at 8 p.m. ET.
Second Round: Thursday, June 26, 2025, also starting at 8 p.m. ET.
Both nights of the draft are expected to be televised nationally on ESPN, with the first round also airing on ABC.
The Top of the Class: Beyond Cooper Flagg
Widely considered the consensus top prospect, Cooper Flagg, a 6-foot-9 forward from Duke, is the overwhelming favorite to be selected with the No. 1 overall pick. His stellar freshman season, which included leading Duke to the Final Four and earning prestigious awards like Naismith National Player of the Year, solidified his status. Flagg is seen as a versatile, “do-it-all” star comparable in prospect hype perhaps only to Victor Wembanyama in recent memory, known for his two-way ability, post moves, playmaking, shooting, and physical presence. If he goes No. 1, he’d be the sixth Duke player to achieve that feat.
While Flagg stands alone at the top, the 2025 draft class boasts other high-level prospects who would likely contend for the top spot in many other years. Leading the group immediately behind Flagg are Rutgers teammates Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey. Harper is a skilled guard known for his scoring and playmaking, while Bailey is a dynamic forward with scoring and rebounding prowess.
Other potential lottery picks and top-five contenders include players like Duke wing Kon Knueppel, Baylor wing VJ Edgecombe, and Texas guard Tre Johnson. Knueppel, another key Duke contributor, has impressed scouts with his efficient scoring, shooting ability, and surprising recent athletic testing numbers.
The Ace Bailey Situation: Draft Stock Concerns
One of the most discussed storylines revolves around forward Ace Bailey. Despite being ranked as a top prospect (often No. 3), speculation persists that Bailey could slide down draft boards. This concern stems partly from his unconventional pre-draft approach.
Reports indicate that Bailey has canceled scheduled workouts and hasn’t met with several teams holding high lottery picks, including the Philadelphia 76ers at No. 3. Furthermore, criticism has emerged regarding claims that his representatives sought compensation for interviews. Six-time NBA champion Robert Horry notably voiced disapproval of this strategy, viewing it as potentially indicative of immaturity and an “inflamed ego,” urging teams to prioritize readiness over pure potential.
While some teams might be hesitant due to this approach, others, like the Sixers, have a history of drafting players without individual workouts, suggesting that despite the unusual circumstances, Bailey could still be a target for a team high in the lottery.
The Unusual Second Round: Why Only 29 Picks?
Typically, the NBA Draft features 30 picks in each round, for a total of 60 selections. However, the 2025 second round will be short one pick, featuring only 29 selections.
This anomaly is a result of a tampering penalty levied against the New York Knicks. The NBA found the Knicks contacted guard Jalen Brunson before the official start of the 2022 free agency period, ahead of signing him to a large contract. As punishment, the Knicks forfeited their second-round pick in the 2024 draft and were penalized again in the 2025 draft, losing what would have been the No. 56 overall pick. While the penalty cost them a pick, the Knicks likely see Brunson’s emergence as a star point guard as well worth the price.
Lottery Picture and Other Prospects
The 2025 NBA Draft Lottery, which determines the order for the top 14 picks, has already been finalized, setting the stage for which teams will have the first crack at this talented class. The Dallas Mavericks hold the coveted No. 1 pick, followed by the San Antonio Spurs, Philadelphia 76ers, and Charlotte Hornets in the top four.
Beyond the immediate lottery, several other prospects from prominent programs are expected to hear their names called. Duke, in particular, projects to have multiple players drafted, including likely first-rounders like center Khaman Maluach and potentially second-round picks such as guard Tyrese Proctor and forward Sion James.
As draft night approaches, teams will finalize their evaluations, weigh potential concerns, and strategize on how to best build their rosters with the promising talent available in the 2025 NBA Draft.
