About this Episode
In this episode of Podcasty NBA, hosts Niko and Stella analyze insights from Jonathan Givony's and Jeremy Woo's post-combine mock draft following the 2025 NBA Draft Combine in Chicago. They break down key prospects such as Cooper Flagg—the projected No.1 pick—alongside other lottery hopefuls including Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey, VJ Edgecombe, Tre Johnson, Khaman Maluach, Kon Knueppel among others while exploring team strategies across franchises like Dallas Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs, Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets,and Utah Jazz.The discussion covers detailed player measurements,test results,and fit within team rosters based solely on reported content ahead of June's NBA draft.
Article Discussed: "2025 NBA mock draft: Projecting all 59 picks post-combine"
Author: Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo
This podcast was generated by AI using Podcasty.
Episode Transcript
Niko: Welcome to Podcasty NBA! Today, we're diving deep into the 2025 NBA Draft Combine and the latest mock draft projections from Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo. The combine just wrapped up in Chicago, featuring measurements, athletic testing, drills, and scrimmages that have given teams plenty to think about.
Stella: Absolutely, Niko. This episode will explore how top prospects like Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper performed at the combine and how their stock has shifted. We'll also discuss how teams like the Dallas Mavericks, Brooklyn Nets, and Philadelphia 76ers are shaping their draft strategies with multiple picks in play.
Niko: Right on. We’ll break down key players’ measurements and performances from the combine, plus some international prospects who couldn’t attend in Chicago but will be evaluated soon in Italy. And of course, we’ll look at what this means for team fits and potential trades leading up to the draft on June 25th.
Stella: It’s a lot to cover! From rookies winning awards like Flagg becoming only the fourth freshman to win the Wooden Award to teams juggling multiple first-round picks. Let’s get into the details starting with the top selections.
Niko: Starting with the Dallas Mavericks holding the No. 1 pick, they’re expected to select Cooper Flagg from Duke. Flagg had a spectacular freshman season — a Wooden Award winner — showing defensive versatility and competitiveness while contributing offensively all over the floor.
Stella: Yes, Flagg measured 6-foot-7¾ without shoes with a seven-foot wingspan and an impressive standing reach of 8-foot-10½. Despite initial shock at lottery results, sources say he’s excited about joining a playoff-contending Mavericks team filled with strong veterans.
Niko: "Lightning struck" is how ESPN’s Tim MacMahon described it regarding Dallas landing Flagg after their Luka Doncic trade drama. The big question scouts have is whether Flagg will be an All-Star or one of those rare players who impacts both ends of the floor at an elite level.
Stella: "Exactly. Moving to No. 2, San Antonio Spurs picked Dylan Harper from Rutgers — a guard measuring 6-foot-4½ barefoot with nearly a seven-foot wingspan. Harper impressed with his shooting efficiency (59.3 TS%) and fits well alongside Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle."
Niko: "The Spurs seem thrilled about their lottery luck again," says Jeremy Woo. They’re building around young talent on rookie contracts while maintaining salary cap flexibility — though there’s been trade speculation around this pick, it looks like Harper is staying put for now."
Stella: "At No. 3, Philadelphia has options including Ace Bailey from Rutgers among others like VJ Edgecombe and Tre Johnson. Bailey stands out as a versatile wing who can play shooting guard through power forward positions but has been somewhat polarizing due to his interview style compared to previous top picks like Anthony Edwards."
Niko: "The Sixers might be active in trade talks involving stars like Kevin Durant or Lauri Markkanen along with Paul George and this pick," Givony notes. Adding young talent could help reset their timeline amid concerns over Joel Embiid's injuries and George's contract."
Stella: "Charlotte Hornets hold No. 4 pick where VJ Edgecombe from Baylor is considered a safer choice than Bailey by some teams due to his downhill explosiveness and defensive potential fitting nicely between LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller."
Niko: "Edgecombe offers room to grow into more ballhandling duties which could be attractive long term for Charlotte as they continue rebuilding after missing playoffs nine straight seasons."
Stella: "Utah Jazz at No. 5 surprised some by dropping from projected No.1 slot; Jeremiah Fears from Oklahoma could provide star power with his size-speed combo despite being one of college basketball's youngest players."
Niko: "Fears' ability to create shots anywhere on court gives him upside but questions remain about Utah's timeline especially given Markkanen's uncertain future on roster."
Stella: "Washington Wizards at six might target Tre Johnson from Texas — known for perimeter shooting but also some concerns about selfish play style during interviews."
Niko: "Johnson fits Wizards' need for star talent during rebuild phase offering immediate offensive role despite lingering questions about shot selection long term."
Stella: New Orleans Pelicans picked Khaman Maluach from Duke seventh overall — a young center with great physical tools including size (7-foot tall barefoot) and wingspan (7-foot-6¾) who plays intense defense and runs well in transition.
Niko: Maluach represents high-upside big man prospect for Pelicans needing star power after tough season; his off-court intangibles make him beloved by coaches too.
Stella: Brooklyn Nets at eight have four first-round picks but dropped two spots; Kon Knueppel from Duke is projected as reliable shooter adding scoring depth.
Niko: The Nets might explore trades but Knueppel provides solid wing scoring upside regardless of direction they take.
Stella: Toronto Raptors selected Collin Murray-Boyles ninth — versatile forward known for passing ability despite lacking perimeter shooting; fits Raptors’ culture focused on toughness.
Niko: Raptors are likely adopting best-player-available strategy here given many consider top tier limited to first eight picks.
Stella: Houston Rockets hold tenth pick via Phoenix; Kasparas Jakucionis is skilled ball handler/shooter needing better decision-making but offers positional size advantage.
Niko: Rockets have assets for trades but if keeping pick Jakucionis fits best-available mold providing backcourt versatility.
Stella: Portland Trail Blazers at eleven eye Egor Demin – big guard measuring unexpectedly tall (6-9¼ barefoot) who impressed scouts with pro day shooting mechanics despite low college three-point percentage.
Niko: Demin’s combination of size and skill makes him an intriguing option able to fit multiple lineups long term.
Stella: Chicago Bulls at twelve look toward Derik Queen – talented offensive big man who struggled athletically at combine but showed high basketball IQ during Maryland season.
Niko: Queen could slip in draft range but film suggests strong potential especially if team believes it can develop his skills further.
Stella: International prospects like Joan Beringer (Hawks) stand out too – young center leading Adriatic League in blocks despite only three years playing basketball.
Niko: Beringer’s physical tools combined with perimeter mobility make him intriguing long-term project especially if Hawks finalize front office plans soon.
Stella: San Antonio Spurs also hold fourteenth pick selecting Carter Bryant – promising shooter/pass-first forward who can add spacing around Wembanyama without requiring heavy ball usage.
Niko: Bryant’s frame compares favorably to Dorian Finney-Smith; adding strength could boost defensive versatility making him valuable role player option.
Stella: Oklahoma City Thunder have multiple picks including fifteenth where German PF Noa Essengue projects as developmental piece rather than immediate contributor given roster constraints.
Niko: Thunder may package picks or trade depending on roster flexibility; best-talent-available approach likely if they keep selections intact.
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