It’s an exciting time for the NBA. The OKC Thunder are celebrating their first championship and basketball fans get to celebrate the next crop of young talent entering the league Wednesday night. Headlined by Duke phenom Cooper Flagg, the 2025 NBA Draft class is loaded with talent that could become stars, role players — or busts.
Using Kevin O’Connor’s latest mock draft, here’s your quick-hit guide to every lottery pick’s fantasy outlook — plus a few sleepers to track.
1. Cooper Flagg, F
Dallas Mavericks
Fantasy Take: Flagg’s elite defense and all-around versatility make him an immediate top-75 fantasy candidate. He’ll stuff the stat sheet across all categories, especially steals and blocks — think rookie-year Scottie Barnes with more range.
2. Dylan Harper, G
San Antonio Spurs
Fantasy Take: I’m not a fan of the San Antonio fit for Harper’s skill set, as he will likely compete for touches with De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle. Still, Harper’s playmaking upside next to Victor Wembanyama is intriguing, but his shaky jumper caps early fantasy returns. The usage and assist rate will be key if he’s going to be impactful in his rookie year for fantasy.
3. VJ Edgecombe, G
Philadelphia 76ers
Fantasy Take: Edgecombe reminds me of Victor Oladipo and the Sixers could use a high-energy, athletic defender in the backcourt. The Baylor product can shoot, too, so I could see a world where Nick Nurse staggers lineups between Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain, Edgecombe and Quentin Grimes.
4. Kon Knueppel, G/F
Charlotte Hornets
Fantasy Take: Arguably one of the best shooters in his draft class, Knueppel’s movement shooting and high-IQ playmaking could mesh well with the Hornets’ young core. A low turnover rate and efficient stroke could warrant some waiver appeal if an injury arises.
5. Tre Johnson, G
Utah Jazz
Fantasy Take: Another sniper, Johnson has the shot-making tools to pop early. The Jazz are an ideal landing spot for opportunity. Inefficiency will likely diminish his value in category formats, but he’s capable of being the top scorer in his draft class if he goes to Utah.
6. Khaman Maluach, C
Washington Wizards
Fantasy Take: Defensive stats will be there Day 1, but foul trouble, limited offense and minutes volatility are known risks. Maluach could be a deep-league defensive specialist at some point in the fantasy season, though.
7. Ace Bailey, F
New Orleans Pelicans
Fantasy Take: Rumor has it Pelicans GM Joe Dumars wants Bailey, so a trade might have to occur to pull this off. He possesses some star qualities offensively that would translate well in fantasy, but red flags have been popping up during the pre-draft process. There’s also a logjam with Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones. Washington and Brooklyn would be better options.
8. Jeremiah Fears, G
Brooklyn Nets
Fantasy Take: Fears is raw but electric. I like the fit long term, but initially, I’d expect him to be closer to Keyonte George, an inefficient shooter who will likely turn over the ball too much in 9-cat.
9. Asa Newell, F
Toronto Raptors
Fantasy Take: I think this is too high for Newell, but his defense, high-motor and rim-running would be a nice addition to the Raptors frontcourt. He’s more natural at PF right now and could compete for minutes against the likes of Chris Boucher and Jonathan Mogbo.
10. Carter Bryant, F
Phoenix Suns
Fantasy Take: Bryant’s freakish athleticism fits well for a team like Phoenix. He reminds me of another former Wildcat, Aaron Gordon. Bryant averaged 3.7 stocks per 36 minutes, so if the shot improves, perhaps there’s another 3-and-D wing with fantasy appeal here, with the Suns trending towards a rebuild.
11. Collin Murray-Boyles, F
Portland Trail Blazers
Fantasy Take: If Murray-Boyles goes to the Blazers, that’ll only add ammo to an underrated and effective defensive unit. CMB’s versatility stands out from a fantasy perspective, so if Portland can move on from Jerami Grant, the path to fantasy relevance isn’t far away.
12. Derik Queen, C
Chicago Bulls
Fantasy Take: Queen’s defense is suspect, but I love his offensive skill set. He’s a crafty scorer and playmaker who rebounds well. Queen would be a nice pivot off Patrick Williams and Nikola Vučević.
13. Joan Beringer, C
Atlanta Hawks
Fantasy Take: It’s been a nice run for Clint Capela, but now it’s time to inject more youth and size into the Hawks’ frontcourt. Beringer has the size but is very raw — more of a dynasty dart than a redraft pick.
14. Thomas Sorber, F/C
San Antonio Spurs
Fantasy Take: The Spurs desperately need a companion to Wemby in the frontcourt and Sarber would allow Wemby to play more PF. Sorber could slide into real fantasy relevance like Zach Collins last season (for a time) with boards and high-efficiency scoring. Keep Sorber on your watchlist if this ends up being his actual destination.
Sleeper Spotlight
15. Cedric Coward, G
Oklahoma City Thunder
Fantasy Take: Presti doesn’t miss with late-round wings. Coward’s 3-and-D skill set would be a fantasy steal in OKC’s deep rotation. Think Khris Middleton before the injuries — keep tabs.
17. Walter Clayton Jr., G
Minnesota Timberwolves
Fantasy Take: Clayton Jr. is a clutch bucket-getter and the Wolves could need another threat off the bench if Nickeil Alexander-Walker bounces in free agency. Mike Conley is also another year older, but there might be some competition with Rob Dillingham.
BONUS
Rasheer Fleming, F
Los Angeles Clippers
Fantasy Take: The Clippers are old and injury luck needs to be on their side. Fleming makes sense as an athletic PF/C who projects as a strong spot-up shooter, rebounder and secondary rim protector.
It’s an exciting time for the NBA. The OKC Thunder are celebrating their first championship and basketball fans get to celebrate the next crop of young talent entering the league Wednesday night. Headlined by Duke phenom Cooper Flagg, the 2025 NBA Draft class is loaded with talent that could become stars, role players — or busts.
Using Kevin O’Connor’s latest mock draft, here’s your quick-hit guide to every lottery pick’s fantasy outlook — plus a few sleepers to track.
Dallas Mavericks
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Fantasy Take: Flagg’s elite defense and all-around versatility make him an immediate top-75 fantasy candidate. He’ll stuff the stat sheet across all categories, especially steals and blocks — think rookie-year Scottie Barnes with more range.
San Antonio Spurs
Fantasy Take: I’m not a fan of the San Antonio fit for Harper’s skill set, as he will likely compete for touches with De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle. Still, Harper’s playmaking upside next to Victor Wembanyama is intriguing, but his shaky jumper caps early fantasy returns. The usage and assist rate will be key if he’s going to be impactful in his rookie year for fantasy.
Philadelphia 76ers
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Fantasy Take: Edgecombe reminds me of Victor Oladipo and the Sixers could use a high-energy, athletic defender in the backcourt. The Baylor product can shoot, too, so I could see a world where Nick Nurse staggers lineups between Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain, Edgecombe and Quentin Grimes.
Charlotte Hornets
Fantasy Take: Arguably one of the best shooters in his draft class, Knueppel’s movement shooting and high-IQ playmaking could mesh well with the Hornets’ young core. A low turnover rate and efficient stroke could warrant some waiver appeal if an injury arises.
Utah Jazz
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Fantasy Take: Another sniper, Johnson has the shot-making tools to pop early. The Jazz are an ideal landing spot for opportunity. Inefficiency will likely diminish his value in category formats, but he’s capable of being the top scorer in his draft class if he goes to Utah.
Washington Wizards
Fantasy Take: Defensive stats will be there Day 1, but foul trouble, limited offense and minutes volatility are known risks. Maluach could be a deep-league defensive specialist at some point in the fantasy season, though.
New Orleans Pelicans
Fantasy Take: Rumor has it Pelicans GM Joe Dumars wants Bailey, so a trade might have to occur to pull this off. He possesses some star qualities offensively that would translate well in fantasy, but red flags have been popping up during the pre-draft process. There’s also a logjam with Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones. Washington and Brooklyn would be better options.
Brooklyn Nets
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Fantasy Take: Fears is raw but electric. I like the fit long term, but initially, I’d expect him to be closer to Keyonte George, an inefficient shooter who will likely turn over the ball too much in 9-cat.
Toronto Raptors
Fantasy Take: I think this is too high for Newell, but his defense, high-motor and rim-running would be a nice addition to the Raptors frontcourt. He’s more natural at PF right now and could compete for minutes against the likes of Chris Boucher and Jonathan Mogbo.
Phoenix Suns
Fantasy Take: Bryant’s freakish athleticism fits well for a team like Phoenix. He reminds me of another former Wildcat, Aaron Gordon. Bryant averaged 3.7 stocks per 36 minutes, so if the shot improves, perhaps there’s another 3-and-D wing with fantasy appeal here, with the Suns trending towards a rebuild.
Portland Trail Blazers
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Fantasy Take: If Murray-Boyles goes to the Blazers, that’ll only add ammo to an underrated and effective defensive unit. CMB’s versatility stands out from a fantasy perspective, so if Portland can move on from Jerami Grant, the path to fantasy relevance isn’t far away.
Chicago Bulls
Fantasy Take: Queen’s defense is suspect, but I love his offensive skill set. He’s a crafty scorer and playmaker who rebounds well. Queen would be a nice pivot off Patrick Williams and Nikola Vučević.
Atlanta Hawks
Fantasy Take: It’s been a nice run for Clint Capela, but now it’s time to inject more youth and size into the Hawks’ frontcourt. Beringer has the size but is very raw — more of a dynasty dart than a redraft pick.
San Antonio Spurs
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Fantasy Take: The Spurs desperately need a companion to Wemby in the frontcourt and Sarber would allow Wemby to play more PF. Sorber could slide into real fantasy relevance like Zach Collins last season (for a time) with boards and high-efficiency scoring. Keep Sorber on your watchlist if this ends up being his actual destination.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Fantasy Take: Presti doesn’t miss with late-round wings. Coward’s 3-and-D skill set would be a fantasy steal in OKC’s deep rotation. Think Khris Middleton before the injuries — keep tabs.
Minnesota Timberwolves
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Fantasy Take: Clayton Jr. is a clutch bucket-getter and the Wolves could need another threat off the bench if Nickeil Alexander-Walker bounces in free agency. Mike Conley is also another year older, but there might be some competition with Rob Dillingham.
Rasheer Fleming, F
Los Angeles Clippers
Fantasy Take: The Clippers are old and injury luck needs to be on their side. Fleming makes sense as an athletic PF/C who projects as a strong spot-up shooter, rebounder and secondary rim protector.
