Ace Bailey Slides to Wizards, Spurs Bolster Frontcourt with Derik Queen
As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches on June 25-26 in Brooklyn, NY, the basketball world is abuzz with speculation about where top prospects will land. With the draft lottery set and combine performances fresh in scouts’ minds, our 2025 NBA Mock Draft 4.0 dives into the latest projections, highlighting surprises like Ace Bailey’s slide to the Washington Wizards at No. 6 and the San Antonio Spurs’ selection of Derik Queen to complement Victor Wembanyama. Drawing from recent mock drafts and expert analyses, this post breaks down key picks, team needs, and why these selections could shape the NBA’s future. Let’s explore the top prospects, trade rumors, and what makes this draft class so intriguing.
The 2025 NBA Draft: A Talent-Rich Class
The 2025 NBA Draft is headlined by elite talents like Duke’s Cooper Flagg and Rutgers’ Dylan Harper, widely considered the top two prospects. Beyond them, the draft offers a mix of high-upside wings, versatile bigs, and dynamic guards, making it a pivotal moment for rebuilding teams like the Wizards, Spurs, and Pelicans. The lottery, held in Chicago, saw the Dallas Mavericks defy 1.8% odds to secure the No. 1 pick, followed by the Spurs at No. 2, the 76ers at No. 3, and the Hornets at No. 4.
This draft’s depth is evident in players like Ace Bailey, VJ Edgecombe, and Derik Queen, who bring unique skill sets but face questions about fit and readiness. Trade talks are also heating up, with teams like the Spurs, Nets, and Pelicans holding multiple picks, creating opportunities for blockbuster deals. Let’s dive into the top picks and why Bailey and Queen are making headlines.
Top Picks: Flagg and Harper Set the Tone
No. 1: Dallas Mavericks – Cooper Flagg, F, Duke
Cooper Flagg, the consensus top prospect, is a lock for the Mavericks at No. 1. The 18-year-old Duke forward averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, showcasing two-way dominance with 51.1% field goal shooting and 45.1% from three in his final 25 games. Compared to Kevin Garnett for his intensity and versatility, Flagg is a franchise-altering talent for Dallas, who aim to pair him with Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, despite Irving’s early-season injury.
No. 2: San Antonio Spurs – Dylan Harper, PG, Rutgers
The Spurs, holding the No. 2 pick after jumping from No. 8, are poised to select Dylan Harper, a 6’6” guard with elite playmaking and scoring ability. Harper averaged 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists at Rutgers, excelling at rim pressure and finishing through contact. Despite a crowded backcourt with De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle, San Antonio’s forward-thinking front office sees Harper as a can’t-miss talent to build around Wembanyama.
Ace Bailey’s Slide to the Wizards at No. 6
One of the draft’s biggest storylines is Rutgers freshman Ace Bailey’s slide to the Washington Wizards at No. 6. Once projected as a top-three pick, Bailey’s draft stock has taken a hit due to his pre-draft decisions. Reports indicate he refused workouts with teams like Philadelphia, Charlotte, and Utah, citing concerns about developmental pathways, and his interviews at the NBA Draft Combine were described as “immature” and “poorly prepared.”
At 6’10” with a 7’0½” wingspan, Bailey is a prototypical modern wing with elite athleticism, a 36.7% three-point stroke, and shot-creation ability. However, his questionable shot selection, low assist-to-turnover ratio, and lack of defensive engagement have raised red flags. Despite averaging 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds at Rutgers, his high handle and struggles to get to the rim make him a project.
The Wizards, in the early stages of a rebuild with young talents like Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly, and Bub Carrington, are an ideal fit for Bailey. Their patience and developmental infrastructure make them willing to take a chance on his high ceiling. Posts on X suggest Washington is the betting favorite to select Bailey, with some speculating he prefers landing there over other lottery teams.
Spurs Bolster Frontcourt with Derik Queen at No. 14
The San Antonio Spurs, with two lottery picks, make a savvy move by selecting Maryland big man Derik Queen at No. 14. Queen, a polarizing prospect, has seen his stock fluctuate from a lottery lock to a mid-to-late first-rounder due to concerns about athleticism and rim protection. However, his offensive polish and playmaking make him a compelling fit alongside Wembanyama.
At 6’10” with a 7’0.5” wingspan and 9’1.5” standing reach, Queen is a skilled big with elite footwork, ballhandling, and passing ability. His ability to make cross-court passes, read the floor, and operate as a short-roll playmaker sets him apart. During Maryland’s 2024-25 season, Queen showcased his evolving skill set, highlighted by a 31-point performance against Florida, including three three-pointers.
The Spurs, who struggled with frontcourt depth when Wembanyama was sidelined last season, see Queen as a complementary piece. While his defensive limitations are a concern, San Antonio’s system can maximize his offensive upside, pairing him with Wembanyama to create a dynamic frontcourt. Some analysts, like J. Kyle Mann of The Ringer, praise Queen’s fit in San Antonio, noting his potential as a playmaking hub.
Other Notable Lottery Picks
No. 3: Philadelphia 76ers – VJ Edgecombe, SG, Baylor
VJ Edgecombe has surged to No. 3, overtaking Bailey, thanks to a strong combine and private workout with Philadelphia. The Baylor guard’s explosive athleticism, 49 made threes, and defensive tenacity make him a fit alongside Tyrese Maxey and Paul George. Posts on X indicate Edgecombe is the “leader in the clubhouse” for the 76ers.
No. 4: Charlotte Hornets – Kon Knueppel, SG/SF, Duke
Duke’s Kon Knueppel, a 6’5” swingman, lands with the Hornets at No. 4. His reliable shooting and high basketball IQ make him a perfect complement to LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.
No. 7: New Orleans Pelicans – Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
The Pelicans, after trading CJ McCollum, select Duke’s Khaman Maluach at No. 7. The 19-year-old, 7’0¾” center with a 7’6¾” wingspan offers rim protection and upside, addressing New Orleans’ need for a long-term big.
Trade Rumors and Draft Dynamics
The 2025 NBA Draft is ripe with trade potential. The Spurs, with picks at No. 2 and No. 14, are reportedly open to moving their later pick for immediate help, especially if Kevin Durant becomes available. The Nets, holding five first-rounders, could trade up for Bailey or a guard like Kasparas Jakucionis. Posts on X speculate about blockbuster deals, with one suggesting the Nets move to No. 4 for Bailey.
The 76ers, at No. 3, are also in trade talks, potentially targeting a star to pair with Joel Embiid, though Edgecombe remains their likely pick. The draft’s middle tier, including prospects like Jeremiah Fears and Carter Bryant, adds further intrigue, with teams like the Bulls and Trail Blazers eyeing trades to secure their targets.
Why This Draft Matters
The 2025 NBA Draft is a pivotal moment for rebuilding teams. For the Wizards, Bailey represents a high-risk, high-reward swing to add star potential to their young core. For the Spurs, Queen’s selection signals a commitment to building a versatile, playmaking frontcourt around Wembanyama. With stars like Flagg, Harper, and Edgecombe setting the tone, this class could produce multiple All-Stars.
The draft also reflects the NBA’s evolving landscape, where teams prioritize two-way wings and skilled bigs. Bailey’s slide and Queen’s rise highlight the importance of pre-draft processes, from workouts to interviews, in shaping a prospect’s fate.
A Draft Full of Intrigue
The 2025 NBA Mock Draft 4.0 reveals a class brimming with talent and unpredictability. Ace Bailey’s slide to the Wizards at No. 6 reflects the risks of a polarizing pre-draft process, while Derik Queen’s selection by the Spurs at No. 14 showcases their vision for a dynamic frontcourt. With Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper leading the way, and trade rumors swirling, this draft promises to reshape the NBA.
Follow the 2025 NBA Draft on June 25-26 on ESPN, and share your thoughts in the comments. Who’s your favorite prospect, and where do you think Bailey and Queen will ultimately land?
