Our NBA mock drafts lean heavily on intel to make projections for the players and the 30 teams. This mock draft, with Cooper Flagg as the projected No. 1 pick, isn't like the others. Instead, ESPN draft analysts Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo explored the first round of the 2025 NBA draft from two differing perspectives: selecting for team need versus drafting for best available.

There’s little to no drama when it comes to predicting the No. 1 overall pick for this month’s NBA draft. Cooper Flagg was earmarked for that spot before ever stepping foot on Duke’s campus last fall.

With the NBA draft just weeks away, prospects are crisscrossing the country for workouts, trying to solidify or improve their stock in front of decision-makers.