In the world of NBA draft speculation, every year brings a new set of prospects to be scouted and evaluated. This year, the focus is on the 2025 NBA Draft, and the excitement is palpable as teams prepare for the draft combine in Chicago. As a seasoned NBA draft analyst, I've been reflecting on past drafts and the impact of certain players on their respective teams. One of the most memorable drafts in recent memory was the 2019 NBA Draft, when the New Orleans Pelicans secured the first overall pick and selected Zion Williamson. The then-Pelicans coach, Alvin Gentry, famously did the "ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?" routine from "Gladiator," which was a turning point for the franchise. However, six years later, the Pelicans have yet to win a playoff series with Williamson, and he's played just 214 games due to injuries and roster shuffles. This year's draft is shaping up to be just as unpredictable, with teams not only focusing on the top prospects but also scouting for players who could outplay their draft position in the future. The draft combine in Chicago provides an opportunity for teams to get up close and personal with prospects, asking questions and gathering information that doesn't show up on Synergy clips. With eight teams holding multiple first-round picks this year, there's bound to be a lot of movement in the draft. Teams with ammo to make trades will be targeting the player they define as the likely steal of the draft. After a week in Chicago, a few names are rising in this mock draft. Could the draft night steal be Carter Bryant, the versatile Arizona freshman forward who's starting to blossom at the end of the season? Or Cedric Coward, who's gone from Division III to projected first-rounder? Or maybe it's a guy who wasn't even in Chicago, like French forward Noa Essengue, who's shining to close his season overseas. Zion's story serves as a reminder that the top of the draft doesn't always deliver a franchise cornerstone, and the best player in a class is often found further down the board. That's why teams are digging for prospects who might outplay their slots and look like true prizes years from now. With that in mind, here's my latest mock draft after a week of interviews, front-office whispers, and recalibrated evaluations: The Mavericks are expected to keep the first pick and select Flagg, a do-it-all forward who can hustle, make his teammates better as a passer, and has a dialed-in jumper. He's both the best offensive and defensive prospect in this draft class, making him the safest No. 1 pick in ages. If the Spurs keep the second pick, it seems like Dylan Harper will be the pick. He has a high floor with skill, poise, and playmaking instincts but needs to improve his jumper to fit next to De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle. The Philadelphia 76ers are expected to select Ace Bailey, viewed as a ridiculous shot-making machine but with questions about his short-term fit in Philly due to his shooting inconsistency and raw edges as a shot creator and defender. The Sixers will likely look around and see if there are any offers worth taking for this pick.
