NBA Mock Draft 2025: Google Gemini AI Predicts Every First-Round Pick

It can be challenging to figure out which information to believe in the run-up to each NBA draft. There are mock drafts that turn out to be remarkably accurate. Others turn out to be ludicrously incorrect. This is one of the league’s most important yearly events, and the variety can add to the drama and happiness.

Furthermore, artificial intelligence can now comment on the speculation.

The No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA draft, which is set to begin on June 25, is not particularly mysterious. The Dallas Mavericks, who prevailed in this year’s NBA draft lottery despite overwhelming odds, are expected to select Cooper Flagg of Duke as their top pick, and AI concurs. Google Gemini AI was requested by USA TODAY Sports to simulate each first-round selection in the 2025 NBA draft. The results were based on “current projections, team needs, and some general draft logic.”

Flagg was AI’s top pick, and Duke was in the top 10 picks. Additionally, a sizable number of international talents from professional clubs abroad as well as collegiate levels were eliminated in the first round of the Google Gemini AI simulation. However, 15 of the first 16 selections and all eight of the top eight AI-projected picks participated in college basketball in the 2024–25 campaign.

A Google Gemini AI simulation of the 2025 NBA draft first-round selections is provided here, along with information on how to follow the league’s clubs as they meet in Brooklyn next month to make their actual selections:

NBA draft 2025: AI predictions for every first round pick

1. Dallas Mavericks: F Cooper Flagg, Duke — “The Mavericks, with the surprise No. 1 pick, land the consensus top talent in Flagg. His two-way potential, athleticism, and scoring efficiency will be a massive boost to their post-Luka era.”
2. San Antonio Spurs: G Dylan Harper, Rutgers — “The Spurs find their potential lead guard to pair with Victor Wembanyama. Harper brings size, on-ball versatility, and strong playmaking to San Antonio.”
3. Philadelphia 76ers: F Ace Bailey, Rutgers — “Philadelphia secures an electric scoring wing in Bailey. His shot-making ability, size, and defensive versatility will inject instant firepower and a much-needed athletic presence.”
4. Charlotte Hornets: G VJ Edgecombe, Baylor — “The Hornets add an elite athlete and dynamic scoring guard in Edgecombe. His explosiveness and disruptive defense will complement LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.”
5. Utah Jazz: G Tre Johnson, Texas — “Utah gets a pure scorer and prolific shooter in Johnson. He projects as a young scoring guard who can consistently knock down shots.”
6. Washington Wizards: G/F Kon Knueppel, Duke — “The Wizards pick a smart, fundamental player in Knueppel, known for his excellent shooting and overall basketball IQ. He’ll be a versatile piece for their rebuild.”
7. New Orleans Pelicans: C Khaman Maluach, Duke — “The Pelicans address their frontcourt with the massive and intriguing international prospect, Maluach. His size, instincts around the rim, and defensive upside are undeniable.”
8. Brooklyn Nets: G Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma — “Brooklyn takes a swing on the high-risk, high-reward point guard, Fears. His elite speed and ability to attack the rim could make him a dynamic offensive weapon.”
9. Toronto Raptors: F Noa Essengue, Ratiopharm Ulm — “The Raptors select Essengue, a rapidly rising international prospect. His intriguing skill set and consistent shooting make him a valuable long-term investment.”
10. Houston Rockets: G Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois — “Houston adds a playmaker with good size and finishing ability in Jakucionis. He’ll need to refine his game, but his potential as a connective piece is clear.”
11. Portland Trail Blazers: C Derik Queen, Maryland — “The Blazers find a skilled big man in Queen, who can contribute inside with his crafty scoring and passing. He fills a need for Portland in the frontcourt.”
12. Chicago Bulls: F Collin Murray-Broyles, South Carolina — “The Bulls grab a dynamic defender and capable interior scorer in Murray-Boyles. His defensive impact and physical play will be valuable.”
13. Atlanta Hawks: G Cedric Coward, Washington State — “The Hawks pick up a versatile wing in Coward, who impressed at the combine with his athleticism and wingspan. He offers defensive upside and potential as a shooter.”
14. San Antonio Spurs: F Carter Bryant, Arizona — “With their second lottery pick, the Spurs add another two-way wing in Bryant. He can defend and knock down shots, providing depth and versatility.”
15. Oklahoma City Thunder: F Asa Newell, Georgia — “The Thunder select Newell, a quick and fluid big man who can rim-run and provide shot-blocking. His athleticism and motor fit OKC’s style.”
16. Orlando Magic: F Liam McNeeley, UConn — “The Magic bring in McNeeley, a smooth and natural shooter with a quick release. His offensive game should translate well.”
17. Minnesota Timberwolves: G Egor Demin, BYU — “The Timberwolves add a versatile playmaker in Demin, who has wing size but guard-like decision-making abilities.”
18. Washington Wizards: G Nolan Troare, Saint-Quentin — “The Wizards take another international swing with Traore, a speedy point guard who excels in ball screens. He offers high upside as a creator.”
19. Brooklyn Nets: F Noah Penda, Le Mans — “The Nets continue to build with international talent, selecting Penda. He offers a blend of athleticism and developing skills.”
20. Miami Heat: G Jase Richardson, Michigan State — “The Heat look for a dynamic guard in Richardson, who brings speed, scoring, and creation to the backcourt. He could provide instant bench spark.”
21. Utah Jazz: G/F Nique Clifford, Colorado State — “The Jazz select Clifford, a senior wing with strong defensive instincts and a well-rounded offensive game.”
22. Atlanta Hawks: F/C Rasheer Fleming, Saint Joseph’s — “The Hawks pick a developing big man in Fleming, known for his athleticism and defensive potential.”
23. Indiana Pacers: F/C Thomas Sorber, Georgetown — “The Pacers add size and interior presence with Sorber, a big man with good touch around the rim and a developing jumper.”
24. Oklahoma City Thunder: F Will Riley, Illinois — “OKC adds more wing depth and shooting with Riley, who has shown good scoring flashes.”
25. Orlando Magic: G/F Hugo Gonzalez, Real Madrid — “The Magic invest in another international talent in Gonzalez, an elite defensive wing with the potential to develop his offensive game.”
26. Brooklyn Nets: G/F Ben Saraf, Ratiopharm Ulm — “The Nets utilize one of their multiple picks on Saraf, another promising international prospect who could develop into a versatile forward.”
27. Brooklyn Nets: F Joan Beringer, Cedevita Olimpija — “With their fourth first-round pick, the Nets take another international swing with Beringer, adding more long-term potential to their roster.”
28. Boston Celtics: F Danny Wolf, Michigan — “The Celtics pick up a skilled big man in Wolf, who has a developing offensive game and good passing ability for his size.”
29. Phoenix Suns: C Maxime Raynaud, Stanford — “The Suns look to add more frontcourt depth and shooting with Raynaud, a skilled big who can stretch the floor.”
30. Los Angeles Clippers: G/F Drake Powell, North Carolina — “The Clippers round out the first round with Powell, an active two-way player known for his defensive versatility and shot-blocking.”