Google’s AI technology has entered the fray as the 2025 NBA draft approaches, and USA TODAY Sports obtained exclusive simulations of every first-round pick. Here’s a breakdown of the top teams’ picks based on “current projections, team needs, and some general draft logic.”
The Dallas Mavericks top Cooper Flagg from Duke with the No. 1 overall pick, citing his two-way potential, athleticism, and scoring efficiency as major assets.
The San Antonio Spurs select Dylan Harper from Rutgers second, pairing him with Victor Wembanyama for a lead guard. Harper brings size, on-ball versatility, and strong playmaking to San Antonio.
In Philadelphia, Ace Bailey from Rutgers is chosen fourth, adding an electric scoring wing to the lineup. His defensive capabilities will be crucial in complementing Joel Embiid.
The Chicago Bulls grab Collin Murray-Broyles from South Carolina fifth, bolstering their frontcourt with a dynamic defender and capable interior scorer.
Cedric Coward from Washington State sixth, and Carter Bryant from Arizona seventh, round out San Antonio’s second lottery pick. The latter will add another two-way wing to the roster.
Oklahoma City Thunder selects Asa Newell eighth, providing shot-blocking and rim-running capabilities. Liam McNeeley from UConn ninth, brings a smooth shooting game for the Magic.
Minnesota Timberwolves choose Egor Demin tenth, adding versatility to their playmaking role. Nolan Troare from Saint-Quentin eleventh, gives Washington another international swing.
In Brooklyn, Noah Penda from Le Mans twelfth, and Jase Richardson from Michigan State thirteenth, provide more athleticism and scoring punch.
The Heat acquire Jase Richardson fourteenth. Nique Clifford fifteenth, from Colorado State, joins Utah’s frontcourt with strong defensive instincts.
Rasheer Fleming sixteenth from Saint Joseph’s, adds development to Atlanta’s interior presence. Thomas Sorber seventeenth, Georgetown, gives the Pacers size and interior shot.
Will Riley eighteenth from Illinois provides Oklahoma City more wing depth and shooting. Hugo Gonzalez nineteenth, Real Madrid, solidifies Orlando’s defensive lineup.
Ben Saraf twentieth, Ratiopharm Ulm, follows in Brooklyn’s footsteps as another promising international prospect. Joan Beringer twenty-first, Cedevita Olimpija, rounds out the Nets’ first-round picks.
Boston’s Danny Wolf twenty-second, Michigan, and Maxime Raynaud twenty-third, Stanford, bolster their frontcourt with skilled bigs. Drake Powell twenty-fourth, North Carolina, concludes Los Angeles’ first round with defensive versatility and shot-blocking.
The 2025 NBA draft is scheduled to take place on June 25-26, with the first round starting at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, June 25.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/draft/2025/05/28/nba-mock-draft-2025-google-gemini-ai-predictions/83901607007