2025 NBA Mock Draft Has Thunder Landing BYU Star to Boost Backcourt

2025 NBA Mock Draft has Thunder selecting BYU star

With much of the focus on the NBA Finals, it's easy to forget that the NBA Draft is less than two weeks away. The Thunder have the No. 15 pick in the upcoming draft from the Miami Heat.

In a recent NBA mock draft, CBS Sports' Gary Parrish has the Thunder selecting BYU star guard Egor Demin. Demin fits the profile of a tall guard at 6-foot-8. We've seen the Thunder value players of this type, as he's similar to former Thunder guard Josh Giddey.

"Demin is a backcourt player with tremendous size — but one who turned it over 2.9 times per game this season, which should be at least a little concerning for franchises viewing him as a ball-in-his-hands guard," Parrish wrote. "The 3-point percentage is also an issue. So it's easy to understand why the one-and-done freshman from Russia is a divisive prospect, but there's still little chance he goes much lower than the middle of the first round."

Demin helped lead the Cougars to the Sweet 16 in the most recent NCAA Tournament before falling to the high-octane Alabama Crimson Tide. He likely wouldn't get playing time right away, considering the depth that the Thunder possess, which could see him start in the G League. However, his size and skill set make him a worthwhile prospect; they could stash and develop him over time.

The 2025 NBA Draft is Wednesday, June 25, at 8 p.m. ET.