NBA Draft 2025: What To Expect
A list of predictions on how the Pelicans may choose to operate
The New Orleans Pelicans will head into the 2025 NBA draft with three picks: 7, 23, and 40. The NBA draft is a two day event now and we should know the outcome of the first two picks by the end of tonight. Without further ado, let me inform you on how I anticipate the draft may play out.
Expect The Pelicans To Use All Three Picks
As I have reported previously, the Pelicans feel confident in their evaluation of this class. They have agressively sought out additional picks and now hold three at various ranges. The Pelicans want multiple shots in this specific draft, so I expect them to use all three picks.
Big Battle At 7
At this junction here is how I anticipate the first 6 picks of the draft unfolding:
Cooper Flagg
Dylan Harper
VJ Edgecombe
Kon Knueppel
Jerimiah Fears
Ace Bailey
This leaves Tre Johnson and Khaman Maluach available at 7 for the Pelicans. It also leaves Baltimore native, Derik Queeen on the table. To my understanding, if one of the first 6 players do not make it to 7, the choice for the Pelicans will be between Maluach and Queen.
The noise on Queen being a Pelicans target hit a crescendo yesterday. It was relayed to me by sources close to the Wizards that Troy Weaver spent a fair amount of time scouting Derik Queen during his stint in Washington. Weaver's son, Thomas, was also a graduate assistant with the Men's basketball team. There is great familiarity with Queen as a prospect - perhaps enough to discount what has been a mixed pre-draft process for the young big man.
Nevertheless, I expect when push comes to shove, the Pelicans move forward with Khaman Maluach. Still, it's worth pointing out the prior relationship with Queen should there be any surprises.
What Happens At 23?
The Pelicans will seek to be opportunisic at 23. There are a number of players are currently being mocked in the mid teens that the Pelicans are eyeing. They feel quite confident one of their higher rated prospects will still be on the board. Here are a few names that might be under consideration:
Walter Clayton
Cedric Coward
Nolan Traore
Danny Wolf
Nique Clifford
Rasheer Fleming
Thomas Sorber
Will Riley
If someone like Egor Demin ends up falling, don't be surprised if the Pelicans pounce.
What Happens at 40?
The second round by nature is difficult to pin down, especially now that the draft is a two day event. I would not be surprised to see the Pelicans go in a number of different directions. A few names I like that might fall to 40:
Vladislav Goldin
Kam Jones
Bogoljub Markovic
Sion James
But more on this pick after tonight and we know how the board is shaking out.