2025 NBA Mock Draft 3.0: Post-March Madness Edition

With March Madness coming to a close, it is time again for another NBA mock draft. The placements of prospects have changed in comparison to previous versions of our mock drafts, with March Madness performances being a factor. Based on the draft order as of April 10th, 2025, let’s dive into a post-March Madness edition mock draft of the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft.

2025 NBA Mock Draft 3.0: Post-March Madness Edition

1. Washington Wizards: Cooper Flagg, Duke, SF/PF

To no one’s surprise, Duke forward Cooper Flagg goes number one overall to the Washington Wizards. There isn’t much more that can be said about Flagg that hasn’t already been said. Unquestionably, Flagg is one of the most well-rounded prospects in the class this year.  Standing at 6-foot-9, Flagg has already shown himself to be an elite defender with the talent and versatility to excel in any defensive role. Offensively, Flagg has demonstrated efficient three-level scoring and great playmaking abilities. To top all that off, Flagg is one of the most competitive players in the class and will constantly strive to play winning basketball.

Regardless of the heart-breaking loss to Houston in the Final Four, there never have been any doubts as to who the first pick will be. He has the size, length, and skills to be an incredible two-way star in the league for years to come. For the Wizards, adding Flagg would mean creating one of the best defensive frontcourts in the NBA with Flagg, Alex Sarr, and Bilal Coulibaly. Those three, plus the other talented Wizards players, will serve as the foundation for the next great Wizards team. Undoubtedly, Flagg is one of those prospects who can change the fortunes of a franchise down on their luck like Washington.

2. Utah Jazz: Dylan Harper, Rutgers, PG/SG

Similar to Flagg, there hasn’t been much doubt as to who the second pick will be. Standing at 6-foot-6, Rutgers guard Dylan Harper has the potential to be an amazing lead guard at the NBA level and someone who can be the primary option on a team. Harper possesses excellent ball handling, shot creation, and playmaking. Furthermore, he can score at all three levels, though his three-point shot still needs improvement. Harper is especially great at getting to the rim and finishing. Defensively, Harper has the tools and basketball IQ to be a good defender.

While Harper may not be the same level of prospect compared to Flagg, he is still an excellent pick for the Jazz. Utah has needed a long-term lead guard who can serve as the offensive engine for the team. Harper can certainly fill that need and be the centerpiece of Jazz basketball for the long haul. Alongside Utah’s existing young core, Harper will bring a brighter future for the Jazz.

3. Charlotte Hornets: VJ Edgecombe, Baylor, SG

Standing at 6-foot-5, the Charlotte Hornets takes Baylor guard VJ Edgecombe third overall in this post-March Madness mock and pairs him with the star tandem of LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. In short, Edgecombe will bring athleticism, defense, and motor to a Hornets team that desperately needs those qualities. Additionally, Edgecombe’s scoring potential will perfectly fit next to Ball and Miller. While his shooting hasn’t been consistent, he has made improvements throughout the season. If that improvement translates to the NBA, he will be the perfect backcourt player to pair with Ball, providing off-ball spacing and elite defense. Also, there are questions about his shot-creation and ball-handling skills, but he already possesses all the skills and motor to be an elite two-way player for the Hornets. By and large, Edgecombe’s combination of skills, physical tools, and energy will be a great fit with the Hornets.

4. New Orleans Pelicans: Ace Bailey, Rutgers, SF

Despite an up-and-down season with an underwhelming Rutgers squad, the 6-foot-10 forward Ace Bailey still has the talent and physical tools to be an excellent player at the next level. Specifically, Bailey’s shot-making abilities paired with his size make him one of the better bucket-getters among prospects. He has a beautiful shooting form and can elevate over defenders. Plus, he has great touch in the mid-range and beyond the arc. The big knocks on Bailey’s offensive game are that he has poor shot selection, has trouble going to the rim, and isn’t much of a playmaker. Defensively, Bailey has the physical tools to be a good defender and weakside shot-blocker. However, he isn’t consistently locked in on the defensive end, particularly, he can have trouble staying aware defensively when not guarding on-ball.

While Bailey has his issues, it is difficult to pass up on his blend of size, athleticism, and scoring ability. That is why the Pelicans take him at four. Regardless of Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones being present on the roster, Bailey’s upside can pay massive dividends for New Orleans. His shooting skills, paired with Murphy, will give star forward Zion Williamson all the spacing he needs to get into the paint and score. Overall, his talent and physical tools outweigh his concerns as a prospect.

5. Philadelphia 76ers: Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina, PF

While the future of the 76ers remains uncertain, they need more frontcourt depth next to Joel Embiid. To that end, South Carolina forward Collin Murray-Boyles can help Philadelphia. Standing at 6-foot-7, Murray-Boyles possesses a unique blend of defensive and offensive talent at his size. He has shown himself to be an excellent finisher at the rim who can also initiate offense from the perimeter. On the defensive end, Murray-Boyles is a terror defending both on and off the ball.

Furthermore, he has the strength, motor, and athleticism to guard multiple positions including taller players. If he ever develops into a competent shooter, it isn’t outside the realm of possibility that Murray-Boyles can be an all-star. Nevertheless, his current two-way play will be a major boon for a Sixers team that needs quality frontcourt depth.

6. Brooklyn Nets: Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois, PG/SG

The Brooklyn Nets take Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis in this post-March Madness mock draft. Despite falling to sixth on this mock draft,  Jakucionis is still a great offensive guard with excellent playmaking abilities and a feel for the game. The 6-foot-6 guard can score the ball on all three levels and is a good shot-creator for himself. The most eye-popping aspect of Jakucionis is his playmaking ability, where he has demonstrated great creativity with his passes. While, Jakucionis does turn the ball over a lot, which was evident in his tournament run, he is still figuring out and experimenting with his passing game. A talented player like Jakucionis is exactly what the Nets need for the future. Brooklyn needs talented prospects on the roster who have the potential to be a part of Brooklyn’s long-term core.

7. Toronto Raptors: Khaman Maluach, Duke, C

7-foot-2 Duke center Khaman Maluach goes seventh overall to the Toronto Raptors, giving the team a long-term big with immense upside. Given that Jakob Poeltl isn’t on the same timeline as the rest of the team, it makes sense for the Raptors to go for a talented defensive big in Maluach. He is excellent at protecting the rim, utilizing his length to be a deterrent in the paint. Not only that, but Maluach has shown flashes of being able to switch out on the perimeter, using his length and quickness for his size to defend guards. While he isn’t the best rebounder, his ability to grab offensive boards is impressive. Speaking of offense, Maluach is a work in progress in that regard, but he does have a good touch around the rim. Furthermore, Maluach is a good free-throw shooter as well.

His combination of physical tools and defensive talent is what the Raptors need from a long-term swing at the center position. Plus, Scottie Barnes will get an elite play-finisher in Malauch to lob or dump-off passes to. Maluach does have his areas to improve, but his potential can give the Raptors their center of the future.

8. San Antonio Spurs: Kon Knueppel, Duke, SF

Duke forward Kon Knueppel goes to the Spurs in this post-March Madness mock and the fit couldn’t be more perfect. Standing at 6-foot-7, Knueppel’s shooting ability is much needed for a Spurs team that doesn’t have much spacing for their stars in Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox. Additionally, Knueppel can provide secondary ball-handling and playmaking, making him a versatile offensive piece for the Spurs. Knueppel isn’t the quickest player and can struggle to defend in ball screens, but he does have a high basketball IQ and the size to guard bigger players. The skills that Knueppel can provide, which were on full display during the tournament, are exactly what San Antonio needs to put around their stars. He has the talent and feel for the game to be a long-term role player for an ascending Spurs franchise.

9. Houston Rockets (via Phoenix Suns): Tre Johnson, Texas, SG

The Houston Rockets alleviate a clear need by selecting Texas guard Tre Johnson with the ninth pick. Houston needs more shooting and Johnson can provide just that. Johnson is a three-level scorer who is one of the best shooters in the class. Regardless of how he is deployed as a shooter, whether it be as a spot-up guy or a movement shooter, Johnson will light it up from beyond the arc. Johnson can provide the much-needed perimeter shot-making that the Rockets need to take their team to the next level. While Johnson isn’t a great defender or playmaker, he will benefit from the defensive and playmaking personnel that the Rockets already have. Johnson’s skill set makes perfect sense for the Rockets and their needs.

10. Portland Trail Blazers: Derik Queen, Maryland, PF/C

The Portland Trail Blazers add more frontcourt depth in Maryland big Derik Queen with the 10th overall pick. In Queen, the Blazers will get an elite paint scorer and rebounder who can also serve as an offensive hub in the middle. As a scorer, Queen has amazing touch around the rim and can knock down shots in the mid-range. Queen isn’t a three-point shooter right now, but there is potential to change that due to his mid-range shot and good free-throw numbers. An area of concern for Queen is his defensive ability as a big given that he isn’t much of a rim protector. He does have quick hands though, which allows him to get steals or deflections.

What he demonstrated during his tournament performance can be a big help to a Blazers squad that can use more interior scoring and playmaking. Plus, they have the defensive wings and bigs to help Queen out on the defensive end. If Queen ever improves his shooting or defense, he could be a star for the Blazers.

11. Chicago Bulls: Thomas Sorber, Georgetown, PF/C

While Georgetown big Thomas Sorber suffered a season-ending injury before March, he is still one of the best two-way bigs in the draft and someone that Chicago takes at 11. As a player, the 6-foot-10 big can play on both sides of the floor at a high level. He is an amazing interior scorer who can also be a good playmaker. Specifically, Sorber is an effective post-player who can throw effective passes to open teammates when he attacks. Defensively, Sorber is an effective shot-blocker and overall rim protector despite his limitations as a vertical athlete. He has the physicality to hang with anyone on the court and can power through contact for rebounds on both ends.

His skills and discipline on both ends make him a perfect candidate to serve as a long-term piece at center for the Bulls. With Nikola Vucevic being on the older end, the Bulls need a younger center to replace him. Sorber can be just that while also having great two-way potential. His defensive ability is an excellent fit next to Matas Buzelis and his athletic form of defense.

12. Miami Heat: Jase Richardson, Michigan State, SG/PG

The Miami Heat get one of the best risers in the draft in Michigan State guard Jase Richardson. He brings a versatile and steady game to a slumping Heat team that traded away Jimmy Butler. Richardson can efficiently score on all three levels both on and off the ball. Furthermore, Richardson is excellent at using his great handle and feel for the game to create his own shot, especially when his on-ball opportunities increased throughout the season. Despite his size at 6-foot-3, Richardson plays defense with motor and intensity. Richardson simply plays the game with maturity and possesses all the skills to be an excellent two-way guard. That skill and mentality fit perfectly in Heat culture. His skill set makes him a great complement to the Heat stars and he has the upside to be more than just a role player for the Heat.

13. Dallas Mavericks: Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma, PG

After the entire Luka Doncic trade saga, the Dallas Mavericks need another long-term ball-handler on their roster. They can find one in Oklahoma guard Jeremiah Fears at pick 13. In Fears, the Mavericks will get a 6-foot-4 guard who can get into the paint at will and pressure the rim. He knows how to utilize his handle and speed to shake off defenders and finish at the basket. Fears has had a run of games through the final parts of the season and into the tournament where his scoring ability was on full display.

While he still needs improvement as a shooter and passer on the offensive end, Fears has demonstrated flashes of those aspects clicking with the rest of his game. Fears will need time to improve, but his flashes of greatness are apparent and something that the Mavericks should bet on. Fears can be the lead guard of the future if everything goes right in his development.

14. Atlanta Hawks (via Sacramento Kings): Asa Newell, Georgia, PF/C

The Atlanta Hawks take the 6-foot-11 big man from Georgia, Asa Newell, with the 14th pick. As a player, Newell excels as an offensive rebounder and defender using his athleticism. The main sources of offense that Newell generates are putbacks and cutting to the basket. He has a good touch around the rim, but he isn’t a shot-creator. Newell isn’t much of a shooter either, however, he does have the potential to extend his range to the three-point line. Defensively, Newell operates well as both a rim protector in the paint and guarding in space along the perimeter. He has the defensive versatility to guard multiple positions or serve in different defensive roles. However, Newell does need to add more weight to his frame to guard stronger players.

Given his athletic abilities and defensive talent, he fills a clear need in Atlanta for another big who can be another defender next to Trae Young. He gives the Hawks extra frontcourt depth that they can use. Also, he can serve as a suitable replacement for Clint Capela as he declines and is a free agent this summer. Newell will feast playing next to a playmaker like Young and if he can figure out the offense, he could be a great two-way player.

15. San Antonio Spurs (via Atlanta Hawks): Rasheer Fleming, Saint Joseph’s, PF/SF

The Spurs take Saint Joseph’s forward Rasheer Fleming with the 15th pick, adding more shooting to the roster. Fleming has the skill set to be a perfect 3-and-D forward next to Wembanyama and Fox. He shot nearly 40 percent from three on the season, primarily serving as a spot-up player, which is exactly the type of shots he will get with the Spurs. Fleming is also an efficient scorer at the rim, using his athleticism to be a threat in transition. He also uses his athleticism on defense, where it is most apparent when he is blocking shots. Fleming’s athleticism allows him to be a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions. On top of all that, Fleming plays the game with incredible energy and motor.

The combination of Fleming and Wembanyama will give the Spurs a great defensive frontcourt without giving up offense. He isn’t much of a self-creator or ball-handler, but the skills he already has make him valuable as a prospect to the Spurs. His ability to shoot threes, hustle, and be a great defender will give San Antonio a long-term forward who can be an impactful player for the franchise.

16. Orlando Magic: Nique Clifford, Colorado State, SG/SF

The Orlando Magic take Colorado State wing Nique Clifford with the 16th pick in this mock draft. Clifford has the size, athleticism, and skills to be a valuable role player for the Magic. Moreover, he can play immediately due to his status as a super senior. Clifford can score on all three levels and has some passing chops. Also, he can play on or off the ball and create his own shot. He is specifically great at creating mid-range shots for himself. Defensively, he plays good defense on the wings and can guard multiple positions. Clifford is especially good at using his length to rack up blocks and steals, turning them into transition opportunities that he thrives off of. Additionally, Clifford is a great rebounder at his size of 6-foot-5.

Clifford’s versatility as a player can help a Magic team that could use more wings. His ability to generate offense, both on or off the ball, is much needed off the bench for Orlando. He has the right skills and physical tools to fit perfectly with a young Magic team ready to take the next step as a franchise.

17. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Detroit Pistons): Liam McNeeley, UConn, SF

The needs of the Minnesota Timberwolves are clear as they need size and perimeter shooting next to Anthony Edwards. Taking UConn forward Liam McNeeley can alleviate those needs as he provides size at 6-foot-7 and good shooting on the wing. While he has been underwhelming this season and the shooting numbers don’t look great, McNeeley is still a good shooting prospect who can translate his shot to the NBA level. He operates the best as a catch-and-shoot player, which he will mainly be. Playing next to Edwards will give him many open looks and the chance to show his shooting touch. McNeeley isn’t a great defender either, but he has the size and basketball IQ necessary to be at least an average defender. Adding McNeeley to the Wolves gives Minnesota another option on the wings that they need.

18. Brooklyn Nets (via Milwaukee Bucks): Noa Essengue, Ratiopharm Ulm, SF/PF

As stated before, the Nets need all the talent and upside they can get which leads them to take French wing Noa Essengue with the 18th pick. The 6-foot-10 Essengue has one of the highest potentials as a player in the draft, but he is also one of the most raw players as well. Specifically, his size and athleticism make him an intriguing player on both ends of the floor. He can make highlight dunks in transition and highlight blocks on the other end. Essengue has also shown the ability to be a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions. Offensively, he isn’t much of a shooter, passer, ball-handler, or shot-creator, but he has shown flashes in all of these areas. He does draw fouls well though. If the Nets can develop those skills and Essengue’s overall game, he can be an incredibly valuable player for their core.

19. Utah Jazz (via Minnesota Timberwolves): Labaron Philon, Alabama, PG/SG

Alabama guard Labaron Philon brings his motor, defense, and playmaking to a Utah team that sorely needs it. Standing at 6-foot-4, Philon is a great defensive guard who can create offensive advantages with his handle despite being an underwhelming athlete. Furthermore, Philon is capable of shifting speeds to throw off defenders. While not a shooter, he has an excellent floater in his game and good playmaking skills. In particular, Philon’s playmaking shines when he is operating the pick-and-roll. In short, Philon is a high-IQ basketball player who brings defense and motor to his team. The Jazz lack that sort of player in the backcourt and need more perimeter defense. He can be an excellent defensive option next to Walker Kessler and Flagg, bringing the defensive intensity that helped Alabama throughout the season and NCAA Tournament.

20. Miami Heat (via Golden State Warriors): Danny Wolf, Michigan, PF/C

After taking Richardson earlier in the draft, Miami adds more frontcourt depth with the 20th pick in Michigan big Danny Wolf, who led his team to the Sweet 16. The 7-foot big possesses a unique skill set that would fit well in Miami’s offensive despite his athletic limitations. Wolf has shown the ability to be a ball-handler and playmaker at the four or five positions. He can utilize his ball-handling and footwork to shake off defending bigs and get to the paint. As a playmaker, Wolf has dished dazzling passes, but he can turn the ball over a lot. Wolf has demonstrated that he can shoot threes, including step-backs, but there are questions about whether he could be an actual floor spacer in the NBA. Defensively, he can be a decent rim protector and shot blocker.

While he does need more development, his unique skill set gives Miami an offensive boost. For a team that needs more frontcourt depth, Wolf can provide the Heat with more size off the bench. His ball-handling, playmaking, and shooting potential will give Miami one of the better frontcourts in the league.

21. Washington Wizards (via Memphis Grizzlies): Carter Bryant, Arizona, SF/PF

The Wizards pick up one of the better wings in the class in Arizona forward Carter Bryant at pick 21. Despite an underwhelming performance in the tournament and generally not playing many minutes with Arizona throughout the season, Bryant has shown that he has all the tools to be an impactful wing. Standing at 6-foot-8, Bryant has the length and athleticism to be a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions. Speaking of length, he has shown impressive shot-blocking skills, both on the ball and on the weak side. Bryant is a good defender, but he does foul a lot and will need to clean that up.

Offensively, Bryant isn’t the type of player to be a shot-creator, though he can handle the ball in a limited capacity. However, Bryant is a good three-pointer shooter and off-ball cutter. He can fit in perfectly as a complementary piece who plays around primary initiators. In short, Bryant is in the 3-and-D wing archetype of a player that any team will want. The Wizards need someone like Bryant to provide defense and floor-spacing at the forward position. If he can continue to improve his overall game, Bryant will be a valuable wing for the Wizards.

22. Orlando Magic (via Denver Nuggets): Ben Saraf, Ratiopharm Ulm, PG/SG

Orlando adds Israeli guard Ben Saraf at 22 after taking Clifford to give the bench more offensive juice. For the Magic, Saraf provides rim pressure through his crafty handle and excellent playmaking. He is great at using his handle and changing speed to throw off defenders when going to the basket and can get separation for mid-range shots. However, the more impressive part of his game is his abilities as a playmaker. He can throw a wide variety of passes and do so with confidence. He isn’t much of a defender or shooter, but he can still provide an offensive spark off the bench for the Magic. Orlando is equipped with the exact personnel to cover his defensive weakness. Overall, they desperately need someone who can generate offense outside of their stars making Saraf an ideal pick.

23. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Los Angeles Clippers): Noah Penda, Le Mans Sarthe, SF/PF

While the Thunder have been the best team in the NBA this season, they can still use more size. Due to that, they will take French forward Noah Penda with the 23rd pick. Standing at 6-foot-6, Penda is one of the best defenders in the class. His size, athleticism, and feel for the game allow him to be a versatile defender who can create offensive opportunities with his defensive playmaking. Penda has the size and strength to hang with bigger players while having enough quickness and length to bother guards. Additionally, Penda is a quick processor who knows where he needs to be on defense. Penda is excellent at racking up blocks and steals, converting them into transition opportunities for his team.

Penda’s offense is still a work in progress, but he has shown some offensive capabilities. Specifically, Penda can handle the ball and be a connective playmaker. Also, he can use his strength to brush past contact going into the paint. However, Penda is simply not consistent enough as a shooter or finisher to be a reliable scorer. Nevertheless, Penda’s defense on the wings is something that the Thunder needs. The team can help Penda develop to become a more consistent scorer while his defensive abilities can help the team immediately.

24. Indiana Pacers: Joan Beringer, Cedevita Olimpija, C

The Indiana Pacers need another long-term option at the center position outside of Myles Turner. They can find that in French center Joan Beringer, whose athleticism, length, and finishing ability perfectly fit into Indiana’s system. Standing at 6-foot-9, Beringer is one of the more athletic players in the draft and it shows up on both ends. His length and quickness make him a versatile defensive piece who can hang with guards and wings when defending in space. Beringer does need to fill out his frame more to guard bigs better, but that will come in time. His length and athleticism show up the most when he is protecting the rim, constantly blocking rim attempts.

Offensively, Beringer is a rim-runner and screen-setter, his athletic profile fits with Indiana’s fast-paced offense. He would give Tyrese Haliburton another transition threat while still having a defensive presence in the paint. Beringer will need a lot of development, but the tools and potential can pay off big for the Pacers if he does improve.

25. Atlanta Hawks (via Los Angeles Lakers): Nolan Traore, Saint Quentin, PG

The Hawks added frontcourt depth earlier in this mock draft and now add backcourt depth in French guard Nolan Traore. The 6-foot-4 point guard is excellent at using his quickness and ball-handling to create advantages for himself and his teammates. He can slither easily into the lane with his speed and shiftiness, drawing the defense’s attention to himself. From there, he can throw a diverse range of passes using his great court vision and feel. Whether it be a pocket pass or a lob, Traore can get it through to his man. Unfortunately, Traore hasn’t been very efficient in scoring the ball outside of his floater. He will need to develop as a scorer to unlock his potential. However, his playmaking, ball-handling, and speed are intriguing aspects that the Hawks can use. Traore can help take some of the playmaking burden from Young.

26. Brooklyn Nets (via New York Knicks): Egor Demin, BYU, PG/SF

The Nets make their second selection in this mock draft by taking BYU star Egor Demin. Standing at 6-foot-9, Demin is one of the best pure passers in the draft. He can throw a variety of dazzling passes as a super-sized point guard and has the court vision to zip passes to the right person. While he may not be a point guard at the NBA level, Demin’s passing is still a tantalizing playmaker on the wing.

The big problem area in his offensive game is that he doesn’t put even pressure on defenses with his scoring to make his passing more functional. Specifically, Demin isn’t a good shooter nor does he put pressure on the rim. He must improve as a scorer to fully take advantage of his passing. While not a strong defender, he is good at using his length to bother passing lanes to force transition opportunities. Demin does have his issues, but for a Brooklyn team that needs talent, taking an upside swing on Demin could pay off in the long run.

27. Brooklyn Nets (via Houston Rockets): Hugo Gonzalez, Real Madrid, SG/SF

The Nets go back-to-back as they take Real Madrid wing Hugo Gonzalez at 27. Gonzalez is another upside swing for the Nets, betting on his physical tools, defense, and shooting potential. Standing at 6-foot-7, Gonzalez has the size, basketball IQ, and defensive talent to be a great wing defender with high defensive versatility in the league. Furthermore, Gonzalez has consistently given high effort on the defensive end, even with limited minutes. Gonzalez is more raw offensively, though he is a good slasher to the rim and has shooting potential. He must continue to get better from behind the arc to become a high-level 3-and-D wing. If everything cuts right for the Nets in Gonzalez’s development, he can be a highly impactful role player for their franchise.

28. Boston Celtics: Johni Broome, Auburn, PF/C

The current NBA champions don’t have gaps in their roster, but they can still use more center insurance. That’s where Auburn big Johni Broome comes into the picture as he can be an immediate contributor as a big. Standing at 6-foot-10, Broome had led his team to a Final Four appearance with his two-way skill set. He is a good interior scorer who can power through opponents with his size and strength on the block. Broome can leverage his post-scoring to create open shots for his team. His physical tools show up on defense as well, he is good at using his length to be a great rim protector and rebounder. Broome isn’t much of a shooter, but he does have the confidence to take them. Overall, Broome has the ready-made skill set to provide the Celtics with frontcourt depth in the middle of contention.

29. Phoenix Suns (via Cleveland Cavaliers): Yaxel Lendeborg, UAB, PF

Despite the uncertain future of the Phoenix Suns, they still need talented frontcourt players around Devin Booker. The Suns can get that from the six-foot-nine UAB forward Yaxel Lendeborg, whose presence in the draft remains in doubt as he has retained his college eligibility. Specifically, Lendeborg has chosen Michigan as his new team if he decides to return to college. Nevertheless, he is still in the draft and has been one of the top risers. Lendeborg has an extremely well-rounded skill set as a forward. He can score, shoot, rebound, defend, and play-make at a solid level. In particular, his rim finishing, defense, and playmaking stand out as his best attributes. He has the versatility to guard multiple positions and the motor to defend at a high level. Lendeborg’s passing was good enough to focus UAB’s entire offense around him as a hub.

Lendeborg has the skills and talent to be an impactful role player with the Suns, regardless of their direction. He may not have as much upside as a younger prospect, but he has shown that he can get better even at 22 years old. He can help fill the void that a potential Kevin Durant trade could make and be a young piece for Phoenix’s future.

30. Los Angeles Clippers (via Oklahoma City Thunder): Walter Clayton Jr., Florida, PG

The Clippers have several needs to address on the roster, but they can fix one of them by taking newly-minted NCAA champion Walter Clayton Jr. with the 30th pick. His incredible tournament run puts his best aspects as a player on full display. The 6-foot-2 Florida guard is an amazing scorer who can knock down big shots in the clutch. He can score efficiently on all three levels and is one of the best shooters in the class. Clayton Jr. regularly put up big-scoring games, both in the regular season and the tournament. He is a decent playmaker but can be turnover-prone as well. Defensively, Clayton Jr. can be a good on-ball defender, however, he can struggle against bigger players.

He won’t have the same upside as a younger player, but his shooting and general scoring can be immediately helpful. That offensive skill will especially help a Clippers team that can use more shooting around their stars. Also, the personnel on the Clippers can help alleviate defensive concerns with Clayton Jr.’s height. If he can give the Clippers the same shooting he gave Florida, he will be a long-term piece for them.