NBA Mock Draft 6.0: Rockets rise ranks, Raptors retain Flagg

This could be the last month SpaceCityScoop publishes a mock draft without knowing where the Houston Rockets will pick.

The order will be solidified on May 12. Fans of the Rockets and 13 other teams will eagerly anticipate the announcement. Some teams will be seeking their franchise savior. For a contending Rockets team, whatever pick they land is icing on the cake.

It's a good thing, because the odds don't favor a high pick for the Rockets. They should be somewhere between the 10th and 14th pick, but who knows?

For what it's worth, this is the second month in a row that my Tankathon spin has had the pick surging upward.

1. Toronto Raptors - Cooper Flagg (Duke)

This is also the second mock draft that's seen the Raptors landing the first pick. Meanwhile, Cooper Flagg has gone first in every mock draft - not just on this site, but anywhere you find mock drafts on the internet.

A poor performance in Duke's last tournament game won't change that. With Flagg, it's about the bigger picture. Teams have fallen in love with a potential perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate who can score from three levels and setup teammates.

Flagg is #1 by a landslide.

2. Washington Wizards - Dylan Harper (Rutgers)

For what it's worth, Harper has a similar chokehold on the second pick. It's nearly impossible to imagine any team taking any other direction with the penultimate choice.

Harper looks like a true offensive engine at the NBA level. He's a big point guard who can set up teammates and create his shots. Harper is the type of pick-and-roll maestro that the Wizards will build their offense around for years to come.

3. Brooklyn Nets - Ace Bailey (Rutgers)

The third pick is where the intrigue begins. Some teams may favor the next player to come off the board. Still, it feels like Bailey is the narrow consensus favorite to go third.

It's easy to see his potential. Bailey is a 6'10" wing who's never met a shot he didn't like. The shots don't always agree. Bailey can be prone to bouts of inefficiency, but the Nets should be happy to take a swing at him here. The fact that he profiles as a high-end defender in the NBA only helps his case.

4. Houston Rockets - VJ Edgecombe (Baylor)

The draft order is announced next month. For now, we can dream, right?

Edgecombe would be an intriguing fit with the Rockets. Could he press Jalen Green for his starting role in time? Would Edgecombe fit in at the 3 if Amen Thompson really is a point guard?

Either way, the Rockets should swing for upside if they're blessed with this type of luck. Edgecombe's rare athletic profile, shooting potential, and defensive ability make him the clear-cut choice if Bailey is off the board.

5. Utah Jazz - Kasparas Jakucionis (Illinois)

The buzz around Jakucionis has died down. He was pressing Edgecombe and Bailey, but now, he's slipping out of the top 10 in some mock drafts.

I remain bullish. Jakucionis is a tall point guard with fluid shooting mechanics. He's got great passing instincts. Recent years should have taught us that limited athleticism can be overcome with high feel for the game and skill, and Jakucionis has both.

6. Charlotte Hornets - Khaman Maluach (Duke)

Perhaps due to his injury history, the Hornets distinctly lack confidence in Mark Williams. If not for a failed physical, he'd be catching Luka Doncic lobs as we speak.

So, they should be happy to grab a big man with this pick. Just don't confuse this as exclusively a positional choice. Maluach has an outlier wingspan and impressively quick feet. He should be a defensive monster at the NBA level. Offensively, he's shown some shooting potential and should at least be comfortable finishing in the pick-and-roll.

7. New Orleans Pelicans - Jeremiah Fears (Oklahoma)

Flagg's inconsistent showing in the tournament did nothing to change his draft stock, but for a prospect like Fears. March Madness matters.

He made the most of his opportunities.

Scouts still seem divided on Fears. To be sure, a small guard without plus positional size makes a shaky proposition in today's NBA. That said, Fears may have enough athleticism and playmaking to win the Pelicans over with the seventh overall pick.

8. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Philadelphia 76ers) - Derek Queen (Maryland)

Queen is a divisive prospect. He's likely got more upside than the two picks before him in this mock, but a non-shooting, non-defending big man can cause problems in today's NBA.

That said, the Thunder have the lanky weakside shot-blocker to protect him in Chet Holmgren. They've also found some success with double big man lineups in 2025. They could justify rolling the dice on Queen. His nifty interior footwork and outstanding positional passing give him a chance to be a star in the NBA.

9. San Antonio Spurs - Kon Knueppel (Duke)

Some have suggested that Knueppel was held back by Flagg. Others have implied that he was lucky to play off someone with so much gravity.

Let's table those discussions. Knueppel is a sharpshooting, big guard who competes on both ends. Whether he's a source of creation in the NBA remains to be seen, but even if he's more of a 3-and-D off-guard, he should be valuable. The Spurs would be lucky to pair him with Victor Wembanyama.

10. Portland Trail Blazers - Tre Johnson (Texas)

Pure scorers are a rare commodity in today's NBA. Typically, teams want the ball in the hands of guys who can make plays for themselves and their teammates. Does Johnson possess that combination?

If so, he didn't show much of it at Texas. Johnson was not a source of playmaking. Still, he is a tall guard who can hit seemingly impossible shots. The Blazers have a surplus of young backcourt talent, but they're making a pure best player available play here with the 10th pick.

11. Miami Heat - Collin Murray-Boyles (South Carolina)

Murray-Boyles is another flawed yet intriguing, divisive prospect. A 6'7" wing who can't shoot won't be for everyone.

He does feel like a good fit in South Beach. Murray-Boyles is one of the most versatile defenders in this class. He's also a gifted interior scorer. Miami has a way of making lineups with suspect shooting work. If they like Murray-Boyles' potential, they could surround him and Bam Adebayo with elite shooting (along with Tyler Herro) to form a functional two-way squad.

12. Chicago Bulls - Asa Newell (Georgia)

If anybody tells you they know what the Bulls are planning, do not trust them. That person is a liar.

They should be tanking, but they stubbornly refuse. That's why they're left with a mediocre pick when they should be in the race for Flagg.

In the interim, they'll settle for Newell. He's an agile 6'11" combo big who should be able to guard across positions. Newell doesn't project as elite in any one area, but his well-rounded game should appeal to the Bulls at this stage of the draft.

13. Atlanta Hawks (via Sacramento Kings) - Jase Richardson (Michigan State)

The Hawks are another team with an unclear direction, but there's a bit more to be excited about down south.

Jalen Johnson was thriving before a season-ending injury in 2024-25. Dyson Daniels has emerged as a Defensive Player of the Year candidate. Whatever the Hawks do with Trae Young, they've got a pair of building blocks in their two young wings.

Why not surround them with shooting? Richardson is one of the best shooters in this class. He's flashed enough ball-handling to potentially run point, but he also profiles as a dynamic off-ball weapon.

14. Dallas Mavericks - Noa Essengue (Ratiopharm Ulm)

The Mavericks' intentions are hard to read. That's what happens when you make one of the most puzzling trades in NBA history.

They said that defense wins championships, right? That's why they traded Doncic? If so, they should love Essengue. He's one of the most versatile defensive players in this class. He's offensively raw, but if Dallas is serious about building a defense-first culture, Essengue would make a strong choice.

15. San Antonio Spurs (via Atlanta Hawks) - Liam McNeeley (Connecticut)

A Rockets mock draft favorite, McNeeley isn't elite in any facet of the game. Still, he's well-rounded enough to appeal to anyone - including the Spurs.

Granted, his three-point shooting took a nosedive as the college season wore on. That's a legitimate concern. The hope is that McNeeley was bothered enough by an injury that it hurt his efficiency. If the earlier part of the season is a better indication of what type of shooter he is, he'll justify this selection.

16. Orlando Magic - Will Riley (Illinois)

This is perhaps the biggest reach in this mock so far. Riley is typically found lower than this in a mock draft. Then again, Orlando took Jett Howard when most pundits expected a different choice in 2023.

This team badly needs shooting. Riley provides it. He's also 6'8" and can potentially play the 2. Orlando has a distinct preference for positional size. Riley fits that mold while also providing a needed skill. He may be a project - Riley can struggle to get to the rim - but if this works out, the Magic will look like geniuses down the road.

17. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Detroit Pistons) - Egor Demin (BYU)

Speaking of projects...

Demin is arguably the most boom-or-bust prospect in this class. He's a tall (6'9") playmaker, which automatically gives him star potential. Yet, there are concerns about his athleticism at the NBA level.

Yes, that sounds like Kasparas Jakucionis, but when I say there are concerns about Demin's athleticism, that's with a capital C. Still, the Wolves are taking a player who's got the potential to far exceed the 17th overall pick here. At this stage of the draft, any player with star upside is a great choice.

18. Brooklyn Nets (via Milwaukee Bucks) - Nolan Traore (Saint Quentin)

Does Traore have star upside? At one time, he was seen as one of the best guards in this class. He and Dylan Harper were neck and neck. As time has worn on, Harper has cleared him. Questions about Traore's ability to score in the NBA are bothering scouts.

He still brings plenty to the table. Traore is an impressive athlete with excellent defensive instincts. He's also a plus passer. If he can find his three-point stroke in the NBA, he'll be a starting-caliber point guard one day.

19. Washington Wizards (via Memphis Grizzlies) - Danny Wolf (Michigan State)

The Wizards walk away from this draft with a lot of questions - and near limitless potential. Bailey is boom-or-bust, and now they're taking another volatile prospect in Wolf.

Fortune favors the brave. Folks are wondering about Wolf's ability to defend in the NBA, but he's one of the most intriguing offensive players in this class. Big men who can handle the ball, pass and space the floor are a rare commodity. Wolf checks all three boxes.

20. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Los Angeles Clippers) - Ben Saraf (Ratiopharm Ulm)

It's hard to imagine the Thunder finding room for Saraf in their rotation. Then again, it was hard to imagine them finding room for Nikola Topic, and they selected him anyway. This team has a talent of stockpiling talent, regardless of fit.

Saraf is certainly talented. This is another plus sized point guard (6'6") with a questionable jumper. He's certainly the player with the most potential left on the board here, and that makes him a Thunder player by default.

21. Utah Jazz (via Minnesota Timberwolves) - Hugo Gonzalez (Real Madrid)

Gonzalez has struggled to find playing time for Real Madrid. That's not a substantial concern. He's a kid on a serious professional basketball team. That alone tells you that he's got potential.

Gonzalez is an impressively athletic 6'9" wing. He needs to answer questions about his feel for the game, and his shooting, but if he develops properly, it's hard to imagine where his ceiling is.

22. Indiana Pacers - Nique Clifford (Colarado State)

Colorado State asked Clifford to play a larger role than he's likely to find in the NBA this year. He responded by playing it exceedingly well.

Some scouts will be put off by his inferior competition. They should be intrigued by a wing/guard who averaged 9.6 rebounds per game at 6'5", was able to function as a playmaker (at any level) and shot 37.7% from deep. Clifford's portability makes him a sleeper in this draft, and the Pacers should be thrilled to add him.

23. Miami Heat (via Golden State Warriors) - Rasheer Fleming (Saint Joseph's)

The Heat always gravitate to hard working players. Fleming should appeal by that standard.

This is not a player who's likely to star in the NBA. Fleming is lacking in on-ball chops. That said, he'll guard any position and hit open threes. Fleming is a role player, and the Heat always find reps for guys who work as hard as him.

24. Orlando Magic (via Denver Nuggets) - Thomas Sorber (Georgetown)

This is low for Sorber. It's hard to pinpoint a team who needs a pure 5. The Magic don't fit the bill. If anything, they've required floor spacing at the position that Sorber doesn't provide.

They're taking him because they aren't allowing him to slip any further. Sorber is typically mocked inside the top 20. This is a talent grab for Orlando. Sorber could be a rim protecting big man who can survive in space at the NBA level. Even if Orlando finds him to be an ill fit with their roster, they'll have a valuable trade chip on their hands.

25. Atlanta Hawks (via Los Angeles Lakers) - Carter Bryant (Arizona)

Similarly, the Hawks don't have a dire need for wings. Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels both emerged as building blocks for this team in 2024-25. They also just selected Zaccharie Risacher with the number one pick.

Can an NBA team have too many wings? If the Hawks feel that the answer is no, they should love Bryant. Daniels can play in the backcourt. If the Hawks trade Trae Young, so can Risacher. Either way, they're grabbing the best prospect on the board. Bryant is an archetypical 3-and-D wing who should find a steady NBA role.

26. Brooklyn Nets (via New York Knicks) - Dink Pate (G-League)

Pate is a prospect with a small but devout fan club. His bust potential is too high to pick too early in this draft, but we're in the doldrums by now.

Besides, Brooklyn is all over this draft. They can afford to burn the 26th pick. If Pate hits, they'll have a 6'8" point guard with supreme athleticism. The Nets should live on the edge and take Pate with this spot.

27. Brooklyn Nets (via Houson Rockets) - Joan Beringer (KK Cedevita)

Look at that! The Nets are back on the board. They'll make a safe pick this time - right?

Wrong. Once again, the Nets make a bold move. Beringer isn't mocked in the first round in every draft. Still, this is a big man with serious switchability. Beringer could end up making the draft community look silly if he's able to even finish pick-and-rolls on offense as a dominant defender.

28. Boston Celtics - Adou Thiero (Arkansas)

The Celtics are the defending NBA champions. For a contender on this level, the draft is largely about creating a pipeline of cheap young talent. The Celtics should target someone who could be ready to contribute soon.

Defensively, Thiero fits the bill. He should be able to step onto an NBA floor and defend multiple positions from day one as an athletic 6'8" wing. If he finds a consistent three-point stroke, he'll quickly be a servicable 3-and-D wing.

29. Cleveland Cavaliers - Yaxel Lendeborg (UAB)

It should be noted that Lendeborg is considering a return to college basketball. If he does declare for the draft, he could hear his name called in the first round.

After all, 6'8" forwards with two-way potential don't grow on trees. Lendeborg is an older prospect at 22, but he was late to the game of basketball. The Cavaliers may see a raw talent that they can groom to join their wing rotation.

30. Los Angeles Clippers (via Oklahoma City Thunder) - Boogie Fland (Arkansas)

For some time, Fland's name appeared higher than this in mock drafts. He's slipped lately, but a team that could use quality point guard play should be intrigued by him.

The Clippers qualify. James Harden remains superhuman, but his powers will wear off eventually. Fland doesn't profile as a similar star, but he is a well-rounded guard who can shoot and pass, and competes on defense.