The 2025 NBA Draft is shaping up to be one of the most talent-rich and narrative-driven classes in recent memory. Leading the charge is none other than Duke’s transcendent forward Cooper Flagg, who has solidified his place as the projected No. 1 overall pick. Joining him near the top is his fellow Duke Blue Devil, Kon Knueppel, whose meteoric rise throughout the 2024–25 college season has launched him into the top five. The combination of Duke talent dominating the mock draft is stirring excitement across the NBA and college basketball landscapes alike.
Let’s dive deep into this latest 2025 NBA Mock Draft, focusing on Cooper Flagg’s impact, Kon Knueppel’s climb, and how both have altered the outlook for teams at the top of the lottery.
No. 1 Overall Pick: Dallas Mavericks Select Cooper Flagg (F, Duke)
The Dallas Mavericks, winners of the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery, hold the golden ticket, and according to the latest projections, they’re not passing up the opportunity to draft Cooper Flagg—widely considered a generational prospect.
At 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot wingspan, Flagg has been nothing short of spectacular in his lone season at Duke. The Maine native has drawn comparisons to Kevin Durant, Luka Dončić, and Larry Bird for his combination of scoring touch, basketball IQ, and defensive versatility. But perhaps more uniquely, Flagg brings a rare intensity that blends leadership with relentless competitiveness.
In 2024–25, Flagg averaged:
- 21.4 points
- 8.6 rebounds
- 3.1 assists
- 2.5 blocks
- 1.9 steals
- Shooting 51% from the field, 38% from three, and 84% from the free-throw line
These numbers only scratch the surface of his influence on both ends of the court. Scouts have lauded his anticipation on defense, his vision as a secondary playmaker, and his willingness to embrace the big moment.
Why the Mavericks Are a Perfect Fit
The Mavericks’ draft lottery win came at a pivotal time. With Luka Dončić entrenched as the franchise cornerstone and Kyrie Irving providing offensive dynamism, adding a player like Flagg allows Dallas to build a formidable core for the next decade. Flagg’s two-way prowess complements Dončić’s offensive genius, offering the Mavs an elite wing defender who can also score at all three levels.
The idea of Flagg learning under the tutelage of an experienced Luka and a well-run Dallas front office is tantalizing. And with head coach Jason Kidd’s emphasis on defensive accountability, Flagg could blossom into the face of the league by the end of his rookie contract.
The Rise of Kon Knueppel: From Sharpshooter to Top-Five Pick
While Flagg’s No. 1 selection has been all but inevitable, the more surprising development is the sharp rise of Kon Knueppel, Flagg’s teammate at Duke. Projected as a late first-rounder before the season, Knueppel has stunned NBA scouts with his efficiency, shooting prowess, and physical development.
Knueppel, a 6-foot-6 guard from Wisconsin, played a critical role in Duke’s high-octane offense this season. Known in high school for his soft shooting touch and advanced feel for the game, Knueppel proved he could compete physically and defensively at the highest level.
In the 2024–25 season, he averaged:
- 16.2 points
- 5.4 rebounds
- 3.6 assists
- Shooting 48% from the field, 44% from three, and 89% from the free-throw line
What vaulted Knueppel into the top five, however, wasn’t just his stats—it was his consistency and adaptability. Whether it was knocking down catch-and-shoot threes, facilitating in pick-and-rolls, or defending opposing wings, Knueppel was a Swiss Army knife for Jon Scheyer’s Blue Devils.
Projected Landing Spot: San Antonio Spurs (No. 4 Pick)
Knueppel is currently projected to land with the San Antonio Spurs at No. 4, a dream scenario for both player and franchise. The Spurs, who already boast Victor Wembanyama, are seeking high-IQ players to complement their generational big man. Knueppel’s floor spacing, off-ball movement, and feel for the game make him a seamless fit.
Imagine a lineup with Wembanyama in the paint and Knueppel spreading the floor—it would give head coach Gregg Popovich (or his successor) the kind of tactical flexibility that could revitalize the Spurs’ offense.
Mock Draft Top 10 Breakdown
Here’s how the rest of the top 10 in the 2025 NBA Mock Draft currently looks:
- Dallas Mavericks – Cooper Flagg (F, Duke)
- Washington Wizards – Ace Bailey (F, Rutgers)
Explosive wing scorer with elite athleticism. A future All-Star if developed properly. - Detroit Pistons – Isaiah Collier (G, USC)
Powerful, physical point guard with improved decision-making and NBA-ready body. - San Antonio Spurs – Kon Knueppel (G/F, Duke)
Elite shooter and cerebral wing who fits perfectly alongside Wembanyama. - Charlotte Hornets – Matas Buzelis (F, G League Ignite)
Fluid and skilled forward with upside as a primary ball-handler. - Portland Trail Blazers – DJ Wagner (G, Kentucky)
Scoring guard with explosiveness and improved playmaking. - Toronto Raptors – Justin Edwards (F, Kentucky)
Two-way forward with length and a growing offensive game. - Utah Jazz – Tyrese Proctor (G, Duke)
Experienced floor general with size and defense—another Blue Devil in the lottery. - Houston Rockets – Kyle Filipowski (C, Duke)
A skilled big with inside-out scoring and rebounding toughness. - Atlanta Hawks – Ron Holland (F, G League Ignite)
Athletic combo forward who brings high energy and transition scoring.
Yes, four Duke players—Flagg, Knueppel, Proctor, and Filipowski—are all projected in the top 10, an astonishing feat and testament to Jon Scheyer’s recruiting acumen and player development prowess.
Flagg and Knueppel: A Blueprint for NBA Draft Success
Flagg and Knueppel’s journeys to the top of the mock draft reflect different arcs that have converged at the perfect moment.
- Flagg, the celebrated prodigy, shouldered immense expectations and delivered at every turn. His combination of polish, poise, and passion made him a lock for the top spot.
- Knueppel, the more unassuming of the two, worked his way into the national conversation with his skillset and surprising physical growth. Now, he’s one of the draft’s safest bets.
Together, they helped lead Duke to a Final Four appearance in 2025, revitalizing a program that had endured some inconsistency post-Coach K. Their camaraderie, on-court chemistry, and shared professionalism made Duke one of the most exciting watches in college basketball.
Reactions Across the League
The buzz surrounding this mock draft has NBA circles talking. League executives are salivating at the idea of drafting Cooper Flagg and building a franchise around his multi-dimensional game. One Eastern Conference GM was quoted as saying, “He’s got the killer instinct of Kobe, the IQ of LeBron, and the defensive nose of Kawhi. He’s a culture-changer.”
As for Knueppel, scouts are projecting a high floor with room for further growth. “He’s a 50-40-90 guy in the making,” one scout said. “He could become the next Khris Middleton, or better.”
What This Means for Duke Basketball
With multiple top-10 picks projected, Duke cements its role as the premier one-and-done destination yet again. Jon Scheyer has shown the ability to get the best out of elite recruits while also developing their NBA-readiness.
The Blue Devils’ recruiting pitch practically writes itself: come to Durham, compete at the highest level, and prepare to be a top-five pick.
Outlook for the 2025 NBA Draft Class
The 2025 NBA Draft is deeper and more balanced than recent classes, with elite talent coming from all corners—NCAA, G League, and international circuits. But at the top, it’s the Duke duo that dominates headlines.
- Cooper Flagg is a franchise-changer, the type of player who could lead the league in win shares within three years.
- Kon Knueppel is a connector, the type of player who makes winning plays on both ends and raises a team’s ceiling.
With the draft just weeks away, teams are finalizing interviews, workouts, and medical evaluations. But if the current trajectory holds, Duke will once again have two of the top five picks—and possibly four in the lottery.