Following the surprising results of the NBA Draft Lottery, top analysts like ESPN’s Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo, Yahoo’s Kevin O’Connor, and The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie have updated their 2025 mock drafts – and a clear theme has emerged: fit concerns.
While Cooper Flagg is locked in as the projected No. 1 pick, questions surround the next selections. Rutgers’ Dylan Harper, once considered a firm No. 2, may not be an ideal fit alongside Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox in San Antonio.
Similarly, Philadelphia could draft Ace Bailey, though he’s seen as a long-term project and may not align with the Sixers’ win-now mindset, given their existing backcourt depth.
As John Hollinger of The Athletic notes, these unexpected lottery results open the door for big trade possibilities.
With Dallas, San Antonio, and Philly all positioned to contend, teams could explore using their high picks in packages for established stars – possibly even targeting someone like Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Sixers, for instance, might dangle the No. 3 pick in a deal involving Paul George.
Further down the board, the Pelicans (No. 7) and Rockets (No. 10) may shop their picks, while the Blazers could leverage No. 11 to boost trade value for veterans like Jerami Grant or Deandre Ayton.
The lottery shake-up could lead to a highly active and unpredictable offseason.
Draft Lottery Notes: Spurs, Sixers, Mavs, Nets, Hornets, More https://t.co/Sfm8DlvQbt pic.twitter.com/he6UBTxjT0
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) May 13, 2025
