The 2025 NBA Draft begins on Wednesday night at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, and there is little doubt about who the No. 1 overall pick will be when the Dallas Mavericks go on the clock. They are widely expected to take Duke forward Cooper Flagg, and the oddsmakers agree, as Flagg is a -10000 favorite (bet $100 to win $1) at BetMGM to go No. 1.
For Yahoo Sports NBA draft analyst Kevin O’Connor’s latest NBA mock draft, click here. This mock is looking at the draft a little bit differently: through the prism of draft odds from BetMGM.
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The sportsbook has a market for which exact player will be drafted with each of the Top 10 picks in Round 1. Based on those odds, here is a mock draft of the top 10 picks, selecting the favorite at each slot, along with a scouting report from O’Connor:
O’Connor’s mock 5.0 pick: Flagg
Scouting report: Flagg is a do-it-all forward who hustles like a madman, makes his teammates better as a passer, and has dialed in a knockdown jumper. He’s both the best offensive and defensive prospect in this draft class, making him the safest No. 1 pick in ages. It’s his growth as a shot creator that will decide if he reaches his All-Star floor or soars to his Hall of Fame ceiling.
O’Connor’s mock 5.0 pick: Harper
Scouting report: Harper is a big-bodied lefty combo guard with NBA blood in his veins, as the son of Ron Harper, who was a 20/5/5 guy before winning five titles as a role player. Like his father, Harper has a high-floor with the skill, poise and playmaking instincts to dictate the game at his pace. But the fate of his jumper will determine whether he’s an All-Star or just one of the league’s many solid guards.
O’Connor’s mock 5.0 pick: Edgecombe
Scouting report: Edgecombe is an explosive, high-motor wing who flies out of nowhere for poster dunks and chase-down blocks. He pairs his elite athleticism with a knockdown spot-up jumper and fearless slashing, though he needs to improve his shot creation to become more of a primary creator.
O’Connor’s mock 5.0 pick: Knueppel
Scouting report: Knueppel brings more than just a sharpshooter’s stroke thanks to his brainy pick-and-roll playmaking and crafty scoring feel. He’s got a slick midrange bag and strength scoring inside, but to become a player that takes over games he’ll need to overcome his average athleticism.
O’Connor’s mock 5.0 pick: Johnson
Scouting report: Johnson is a clutch shot-maker who can catch fire from all over the floor, drilling step-backs and off-screen jumpers with ease. But he needs to continue developing his point guard skills while also honing his shot selection and dramatically improving his defense.
O’Connor’s mock 5.0 pick: Khaman Maluach
Scouting report: Bailey is a ridiculous shot-making machine, capable of splashing contested jumpers from every spot on the floor with the swagger of a throwback bucket-getter. But his shooting consistency, plus his raw edges as a shot creator and defender, need sanding down to turn him into a full-on star.
O’Connor’s mock 5.0 pick: Ace Bailey
Scouting report: Fears is a dynamic guard with a twitchy attacking style and a knack for coming through as a clutch shooter. He was one of college basketball’s youngest freshmen, and it showed with his shaky decision-making as a shooter and passer. But he has a feel for shot creation and a handle that lets him get anywhere on the floor, so he may only need time to emerge as a star.
O’Connor’s mock 5.0 pick: Fears
Scouting report: Demin has a rare ability at his size to make dazzling passes. But he’s also struggled to shoot and create his own shot against lengthy defenders, making him more of a love-him or hate-him prospect than a sure thing.
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*tied at +450 odds with Jeremiah Fears and Khaman Maluach
O’Connor’s mock 5.0 pick: Asa Newell
Scouting report: Maluach is a towering rim protector with switchable mobility, erasing shots at the rim and shadowing quick guards on the perimeter. But beyond dunking lobs, he’s a work in progress on offense with a lack of seasoning as a screener, shooter and creator. Such a raw skill-set should come as no surprise since the South Sudan native didn’t start playing basketball until he was 13.
O’Connor’s mock 5.0 pick: Carter Bryant
Scouting report: Queen is a burly big with guard-like handles who dazzles with spin moves, and crafty finishes like his game-winning leaning jumper to send Maryland to the Sweet 16. If he translates his velvet touch to the perimeter he has offensive star upside, though his interior scoring, playmaking chops and magnetic rebounding alone give him tantalizing potential.
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