Day 1 of the 2025 NBA Draft delivered its share of excitement, from Duke phenom Cooper Flagg landing with the Dallas Mavericks at the top pick to the New Orleans Pelicans trading up for Maryland center Derik Queen at No. 13. But as the league shifts focus to Day 2, the intrigue only intensifies. Round 2, featuring picks 31 through 59, is where teams hunt for hidden gems, valuable rotation players, and developmental prospects who could outperform their draft slot.
What can we expect as the second round unfolds on Thursday night? Let’s dive into the key questions, analyze which teams are positioned for an impactful Day 2, and project how the draft board might fall based on the latest intel.
The Best Players Still on the Board
Several prospects considered to have first-round talent remain available heading into Round 2. Players like forward Rasheer Fleming, versatile big man Maxime Raynaud, and high-feel forward Noah Penda are among those expected to hear their names called early on Thursday. Finding value among this group is crucial for teams seeking immediate impact or high-upside potential.
Teams Poised for an Intriguing Round 2
Some teams are particularly well-positioned to make noise in the second round, either through strategic picks or potential trade activity.
Charlotte Hornets: Holding back-to-back picks at Nos. 33 and 34, the Hornets are a hotspot for trade discussions. After adding two first-rounders (Kon Knueppel, Liam McNeeley) on Day 1, their appetite for adding more rookies is uncertain. However, having traded Mark Williams, they possess a clear need for size inside. Prospects like Ryan Kalkbrenner, Maxime Raynaud, Rasheer Fleming, and Adou Thiero could be targets to address this paint void.
Minnesota Timberwolves: With the first pick of Round 2 at No. 31 (via Utah), the Timberwolves hold significant leverage. They have their pick of the remaining players or could use the valuable slot as a trade asset. Needing frontcourt reinforcements regardless of Naz Reid’s free agency status, targeting a player like Rasheer Fleming, a “big-bodied shooter,” makes strategic sense to bolster their depth.
Indiana Pacers: Fresh off an “Unforgettable” run to the NBA Finals, powered significantly by the exceptional play of Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers are looking to add depth to their successful young core. Haliburton’s clutch performances throughout their playoff victories over Milwaukee, Cleveland (including a game-winner in Game 2), and New York showcased the high-level talent the Pacers are built around. With pick No. 38, they have an opportunity to bring in a player who can complement their high-energy, efficient style and help continue their push for contention.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Coming off a dominant 64-18 regular season and securing the Eastern Conference’s No. 1 seed thanks to improved health, Coach Kenny Atkinson’s offensive revamp, and star turns from Evan Mobley, Donovan Mitchell, and Darius Garland, the Cavaliers are in championship mode. Finishing top-eight in defense anchored by Mobley and Jarrett Allen, they also boasted one of the league’s most efficient offenses. Holding picks Nos. 49 and 57, the Cavaliers can look to add low-cost depth, specific role players, or international stash prospects to a roster built for deep playoff runs.
Los Angeles Lakers: The Lakers made a significant splash by acquiring superstar Luka Dončić, pairing him with LeBron James. While James, even at 40, showed flashes of his vintage self, the move for Dončić signals a clear intention to contend now while also securing a future star. With pick No. 45, the Lakers could target a player who fits their immediate need for depth or a developmental prospect to grow alongside their star duo.
Golden State Warriors: In another major deadline move, the Warriors brought in Jimmy Butler, described by coach Steve Kerr as a necessary “energy shift.” Draymond Green highlighted Butler’s toughness, believing he adds a winning mentality the team needed. Butler himself noted his “basketball joy” returning alongside Stephen Curry and Green. Despite Curry showing some age signs (like a high-volume, inefficient game mentioned in recent context), the Warriors are clearly focused on winning now. With picks Nos. 58 and 59, they can add players who fit their system, offer specific skills, or are developmental projects aligning with their veteran core’s timeline.
Potential Under-the-Radar Steals
Day 2 is famous for producing players who become significant contributors down the line.
Noah Penda: Drawing first-round looks due to his defensive versatility, passing, and feel, Penda’s stock might have dipped slightly due to streaky shooting. However, his strong season in France (Pro B to Pro A transition) makes him an appealing target for playoff teams in the 30s who might consider stashing him in Europe, though he prefers to come to the U.S. immediately if possible.
Jamir Watkins: At 23, Watkins is slightly older but potentially undervalued. An excellent perimeter defender with an NBA-ready frame (6-foot-11 wingspan), he could stick on a bench if his shot becomes consistent enough. His physicality and intensity impressed at the NBA combine, making him a good target for teams aiming to win next season.
Expert Picks: Best Player-Team Fits
Based on analysis, some potential pairings in Round 2 stand out as particularly good fits:
Maxime Raynaud to the Boston Celtics (No. 32): As an older, skilled 7-footer who can space the floor, Raynaud makes sense for Boston, especially after trading Kristaps Porzingis. His potential readiness and smaller salary slot could provide much-needed financial flexibility for the Celtics heading into the offseason.
Rasheer Fleming to the Minnesota Timberwolves (No. 31): Given Minnesota’s need for frontcourt depth and Fleming’s blend of size (7-foot-5 wingspan), shooting potential, and toolsy athleticism, he could be a value pick. He might even slide into bench minutes early, regardless of Naz Reid’s free agency outcome. Taking the best player available at the start of Round 2 holds significant value.
Full 2025 NBA Mock Draft: Round 2 (Picks 31-51)
Here is a projection for the first 21 picks of the second round, based on the latest team intel and player evaluations:
#31 Minnesota Timberwolves (via Utah): Rasheer Fleming, F, Saint Joseph’s
A toolsy forward with massive length (7-foot-5 wingspan) and improved scoring, Fleming offers potential defensive versatility but needs to improve his feel and awareness on both ends. A high-upside developmental swing for a team seeking frontcourt length.
#32 Boston Celtics (via Washington): Maxime Raynaud, C, Stanford
A skilled, late-blooming 7-footer who can space the floor, Raynaud’s size and shooting ability give him a quicker path to an NBA role despite needing defensive improvements in physicality and explosiveness. A potential rotation piece for a team needing size and shooting.
#33 Charlotte Hornets: Ryan Kalkbrenner, C, Creighton
An experienced center known for rim protection, pick-and-roll efficiency, and occasional 3-point flashes. Despite average physicality, his size (7-foot-6 wingspan) and consistency make him a reliable backup option for teams needing depth at center.
#34 Charlotte Hornets (via New Orleans): Tyrese Proctor, G, Duke
A sweet-shooting guard capable of playing on or off-ball, Proctor improved his spot-up shooting but needs to add toughness and physicality to have a meaningful NBA role off the ball. His positional size and flashes of creation are intriguing.
#35 Philadelphia 76ers: Noah Penda, F, France
A strong-framed wing-forward with excellent feel, defensive versatility (6-foot-11½ wingspan), and stat-stuffing ability (rebounds, assists, steals, blocks). His perimeter inconsistency and unorthodox mechanics are key swing skills, but his two-way potential is significant.
#36 Phoenix Suns (from Brooklyn): Jamir Watkins, SG/SF, Florida State
A stout perimeter defender (6-foot-11 wingspan) with an NBA-ready frame and high intensity. While his outside shot lacks consistency, his defensive tools and ability to fill the box score make him an appealing immediate contributor for teams needing wing defense.
#37 Detroit Pistons (via Toronto): Chaz Lanier, SG, Tennessee
A true late-blooming movement shooter with solid size and a 6-foot-9 wingspan. He excels at spacing the floor but needs to improve his feel, passing, and defensive impact when his shot isn’t falling. A niche role player with a clear elite skill.
#38 Indiana Pacers (via San Antonio): Koby Brea, SG/SF, Kentucky
Considered one of the best shooters in college basketball (hitting 47%+ from three), Brea is a standout floor spacer. While his defense and athleticism are limitations, his elite shooting is at a premium in the modern NBA, giving him a clear path to a role.
#39 Toronto Raptors (via Portland): John Tonje, SF, Wisconsin
A solidly built wing with good size and length, Tonje had a breakout scoring season. His maturity and aggressive style are assets, but his lack of passing and great defensive tools mean he’ll need to prove his bully-ball game translates against NBA physicality.
#40 New Orleans Pelicans (via Washington): Micah Peavy, SG/SF, Georgetown
A versatile wing with high-level defensive intensity who made notable strides in 3-point shooting as a senior. Despite unorthodox mechanics and average length (even wingspan), his motor and assertive scoring could translate, though decision-making and age (turns 24) are concerns.
#41 Phoenix Suns (via Golden State): Bogoljub Markovic, PF/C, Mega Superbet
A skilled big man who scored efficiently in the Adriatic League, offering floor spacing and finishing touch. However, his narrow frame, average length (6-foot-11 wingspan), and defensive/awareness struggles mean he needs significant progress in physicality and feel.
#42 Sacramento Kings (via Chicago): Rocco Zikarsky, C, Brisbane
A young (18) center with massive size (9-foot-6½ standing reach) and obvious defensive potential around the rim. While his movement and physicality are areas for growth, his size and youth make him an intriguing long-term bet for teams with strong development programs.
#43 Washington Wizards (from Utah, via Dallas): Sion James, SF, Duke
A steady, unselfish, and defensively versatile wing with a ripped frame, James brings toughness and experience. While not a prolific scorer or dynamic creator, his ability to guard multiple positions and do the “little things” could make him a valuable utility player, especially if his shooting improves.
#44 Oklahoma City Thunder (via Atlanta): Javon Small, PG, West Virginia
A tough, well-rounded guard who carried West Virginia with his defense and creation off the dribble. Despite lacking ideal NBA size/length, his burst, passing vision (showcased at the combine), and defensive energy make him appealing for teams seeking guard depth if he continues improving his efficiency and decision-making.
#45 Los Angeles Lakers (from Chicago): Eric Dixon, PF, Villanova
A wide-bodied power forward who transformed into a dynamic perimeter shooter (leading the nation among bigs) during his productive college career. While his average physical traits and inconsistent defensive impact are limiting, his unique scoring ability could carve out a niche if he regains some earlier physicality.
#46 Orlando Magic: Kam Jones, PG/SG, Marquette
A productive, efficient guard who excelled as both an off-ball shooter and pick-and-roll creator. While not overly explosive and experiencing streaky shooting, his decisiveness as a scorer and passer makes him an interesting prospect if he can become more consistent defensively and offensively in a tighter NBA role.
#47 Milwaukee Bucks (via Detroit): Alex Toohey, SF/PF, Sydney
An intelligent, versatile forward whose maturity, feel for the game, length, and defensive instincts stand out. While an average athlete, strides in shooting make him an appealing developmental prospect if he can become a more consistently aggressive and impactful offensive threat.
#48 Memphis Grizzlies (via Golden State): Amari Williams, C, Kentucky
A center with impressive length (7-foot-6 wingspan), rebounding, shot-blocking, and passing feel. While limited as a scorer and needing defensive awareness/versatility improvements, his physical tools and specific skills (handoffs, finishing on the move) make him an interesting situational fit.
#49 Cleveland Cavaliers (via Milwaukee): Johni Broome, C, Auburn
A physical, highly productive inside-outside big man with a good feel for the game, Broome was incredibly effective in college. Despite lacking length/explosiveness and having streaky shooting, his instincts as a scorer, passer, and rebounder make him one of the draft’s most proven prospects, potentially fitting a contending team’s need for a reliable interior presence.
#50 New York Knicks (via Memphis): Alijah Martin, SG, Florida
A strong, explosive wing known for shotmaking and defensive versatility, playing bigger than his size (6-foot-7½ wingspan). While not a great ball handler/passer and prone to shooting streakiness, his physical tools and two-way flashes make him an intriguing prospect if he can become more reliable offensively.
- #51 LA Clippers (via Minnesota): Adou Thiero, PF, Arkansas
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Perhaps the draft’s most explosive player and a defensive event creator, Thiero is a mismatch attacker who draws fouls and finishes highlight plays. A work in progress skill-wise and defensively, his significant progress, physical tools, and high trajectory make him an interesting developmental swing despite recent injury concerns.
Round 2 promises more trades, surprise picks, and the potential emergence of players who will carve out significant roles in the NBA. As teams finalize their boards and prepare for the second wave of selections, finding value and the right fit becomes paramount.
