The NBA Draft is just around the corner (June 25-26), and while Duke’s Cooper Flagg has long been the consensus No. 1 overall pick, the latest mock draft from The Associated Press reveals a fascinating trend: this year’s draft is poised to be a goldmine for high-end guard prospects! If you’re a fan of dynamic playmaking, lethal scoring, and two-way potential from the backcourt, get ready for an exciting draft night!
Cooper Flagg: The Unquestioned Top Pick (for Now)
Let’s start with the headliner: Cooper Flagg. Headed to the Dallas Mavericks in this mock draft, Flagg is everything you want in a modern forward. At 6-foot-8, 221 pounds, his versatility is off the charts. He led Duke to the Final Four and became only the fourth freshman to be named AP Men’s College Basketball National Player of the Year. Whether it’s scoring (a freshman-record 42 points vs. Notre Dame), playmaking (4.2 assists), or defense (1.4 steals, 1.4 blocks), Flagg does it all. His advanced all-around game for his age, coupled with room to grow as he turns 19 in December, makes him the perfect cornerstone for a post-Luka Doncic era in Dallas.
The Guard Class: A Deep Dive into the Top Talent
But the real story of this mock draft is the sheer volume and quality of guards projected in the top tier. Five of the top nine picks, and roughly half of the first-round selections, are guards! This signifies a clear shift in how NBA teams are valuing backcourt talent.
Dylan Harper (Rutgers) – No. 2 to San Antonio Spurs: The son of NBA veteran Ron Harper, Dylan brings impressive size for a point guard (6-5, 213 pounds). His all-around game (19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists) makes him an intriguing backcourt partner for Stephon Castle and a potential facilitator for Victor Wembanyama. The only question mark is Rutgers’ 15-17 record despite having both Harper and Ace Bailey.
VJ Edgecombe (Baylor) – No. 3 to Philadelphia 76ers: At 6-4, 193 pounds, Edgecombe offers crucial two-way potential for a Sixers team looking to contend. His athleticism for rim-attacking and 3-point shooting ability make him an immediate impact player.
Tre Johnson (Texas) – No. 5 to Utah Jazz: For the league’s worst team, scoring is paramount, and Johnson delivers. The 6-5 freshman led the SEC and all national freshmen with 19.9 points, shooting an impressive 39.7% from three. He even broke Kevin Durant’s freshman scoring record at Texas with 39 points against Arkansas! A pure scorer the Jazz desperately need.
Jeremiah Fears (Oklahoma) – No. 6 to Washington Wizards: The Wizards need help everywhere, and Fears, a 6-3 combo guard, could be a foundational piece. His scoring (17.1 points), playmaking (4.1 assists), and ability to get to the free-throw line are evident. However, his 3-point shooting (28.4%) and need to add bulk are areas for development.
Kasparas Jakučionis (Illinois) – No. 9 to Toronto Raptors: A versatile 6-5 guard/forward, Jakučionis boasts an all-around game with averages of 15 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists. His ability to perform against ranked teams and contribute across the board makes him a strong prospect for the Raptors.
Why the Guard Dominance?
This trend reflects the evolving NBA. Teams increasingly rely on versatile guards who can score at all three levels, create for others, and contribute defensively. With the game becoming more perimeter-oriented and emphasizing pace and space, having multiple high-IQ, athletic guards who can handle the ball and shoot from deep is invaluable. The depth in this class means teams picking in the top half will have ample opportunity to secure a potential franchise-altering backcourt talent.
Beyond the Top 10: Hidden Gems and Positional Needs
The mock draft also highlights other intriguing prospects fulfilling various team needs:
Big Men: Khaman Maluach (No. 8, Nets), Derik Queen (No. 10, Rockets), Thomas Sorber (No. 15, Thunder), Maxime Raynaud (No. 28, Celtics), and Joan Beringer (No. 29, Suns) offer diverse skill sets from rim protection to modern big-man versatility.
Forwards: Ace Bailey (No. 4, Hornets), Kon Knueppel (No. 7, Pelicans), Collin Murray-Boyles (No. 11, Blazers), Carter Bryant (No. 12, Bulls), Asa Newell (No. 13, Hawks), Noa Essengue (No. 14, Spurs), Rasheer Fleming (No. 17, Timberwolves), Liam McNeeley (No. 20, Heat), Danny Wolf (No. 21, Jazz), and Will Riley (No. 26, Nets) bring a mix of shooting, athleticism, and defensive potential.
More Guards: Jase Richardson (No. 16, Magic), Egor Demin (No. 18, Wizards), Ben Saraf (No. 19, Nets), Nolan Traore (No. 22, Hawks), Cedric Coward (No. 23, Pacers), Nique Clifford (No. 24, Thunder), Walter Clayton Jr. (No. 25, Magic), Drake Powell (No. 27, Nets), and Hugo Gonzalez (No. 30, Clippers) round out a truly deep guard class, offering everything from combo guards to international playmakers.
A Draft That Could Redefine Backcourts
While Cooper Flagg rightly commands attention as the top pick, the 2025 NBA Draft is shaping up to be a pivotal one for guard development across the league. Teams are prioritizing versatile, high-impact guards, and this draft class delivers. Whether it’s a team looking for a primary ball-handler, a dynamic scorer, or a two-way threat, there are elite options available throughout the first round. Get ready for June 25th – it’s going to be a night where many franchises find their backcourt of the future!