Flagg & Co: Who's No. 2 in the 2025 NBA Draft?
Tue Jun 24 9:28pm ET
Field Level Media
Here is the challenge for everyone behind the Dallas Mavericks, who will invest the No. 1 pick on purported franchise centerpiece Cooper Flagg: He's one of one.
Flagg is far and away the top prospect available Wednesday, but the 2025 NBA Draft pool is not devoid talent.
The San Antonio Spurs pick second. They're at a fork in the road, equipped with the assets and cap flexibility to choose their own adventure. Victor Wembanyama is already a mainstay in elite player conversations while Stephen Castle, Devin Vassell and Jeremy Sochan round out their youth movement.
The first avenue involves disassembling their young core and surrendering their pick equity in pursuit of premier star power -- assuming Giannis Antetokounmpo is amenable to such a pairing. A roster recalibration that prioritizes winning in the immediate term clutters the books with multiple max salary slots. Additionally, it reconciles with the fact that Brian Wright and Co. voluntarily accelerated their timeline by locking down De'Aaron Fox as their lead guard and designated pick and roll ball handler for the foreseeable future.
The second avenue is staying the course. Standing fully behind their current nucleus in hopes of fostering another homegrown superstar to ride shotgun next to Wemby for the long haul. The low cap figure and team control of a burgeoning star on a rookie deal could dovetail nicely into sustained success.
There is no wrong answer. After all, this type of optionality only comes by once in a blue moon.
Should San Antonio elect to keep their powder dry and the Philadelphia 76ers are unable to tempt the Spurs with a trade offer, history isn't purely against them hitting a winner number again.
The history of franchises falling second, or even third, in line for the league's highest profile, franchise-altering No. 1 picks provides plenty of reassurance. Whether it be Chauncey Billups in 1997, Carmelo Anthony in 2003 or Ja Morant in 2019, the consolation prize in the wake of generational prospects has a glowing track record. 2025 proves to be no different with a three horse race for picks 2 through 4 that requires deep forethought.
Dylan Harper, PG/SG, Rutgers
Ostensibly the best player available at No. 2, Harper is a 6-foot-6 combo guard with the on-ball dynamism to flourish from day one. In many other draft classes, Harper would be No. 1 with a bullet. He has a command of the offense that is beyond his years, dictates pace with dribble creativity, and is capable of carving his way to the rim at will. With Fox and Castle penciled in as San Antonio's backcourt of the future, the Spurs would need to redistribute the ball handling duties with the addition of Harper. Naturally, Castle would take a back seat. Harper's long-term upside, compatibility with Wemby, and ability to pierce defenses on or off the ball may be too enticing to pass up.
Airious "Ace" Bailey, SF/SG, Rutgers
Taking away all of the off-court drama and character critique, Bailey is the best fit for a guard-heavy Spurs core. He possesses show-stopping talent that will need to be harnessed accordingly. An unambiguously elite pull-up shooter as well as a 38.7 percent 3-point shooter off the catch, Bailey's size and skillset on the wing poses to amplify the Fox and Wemby two-man game. He can be weaponized on the second side by attacking closeouts and getting to his spots off the bounce. Additionally, Bailey has the measurables and tools to confront opposing wings defensively. In a streamlined role alongside both a perimeter and interior force, the possibilities are endless.
The trouble is, there's no chance in the world the Spurs are willing to entertain a half-committed Bailey as the second pick in the draft if the franchise isn't convinced he's all in. At this point, how could they be?
V.J. Edgecombe, SG, Baylor
A preternatural athlete with eye-popping verticality and a serviceable jump shot, V.J. Edgecombe is a high-energy two-guard of the plug-and-play variety. He couples striking physical tools with dogged determination on both sides of the ball. V.J. is a highlight factory who runs the floor with abandon and detonates at the rim, complementing Fox's transition tendencies perfectly. To top it off, Edgecombe is a day-ruining defender at the point of attack as well as away from the ball. If the Spurs see a world where he can dabble in small forward minutes with his 6-4 frame and 6-7 wingspan, he will be in the mix at No. 2.
--Ethan Ward, Field Level Media
- NBA roundup: Pistons top Hornets at Fight Night in Charlotte
- Stephen Curry (knee) to miss All-Star Game
- Brawl between Pistons, Hornets results in four ejections
- Suns take aim at recent home woes against retooled Mavs
- Celtics star Jayson Tatum (Achilles) cleared to return to practice
- Pacers F Johnny Furphy out for season with torn ACL
- Bucks sign former Nets G Cam Thomas
- NBA roundup: Knicks forge standings tie with Celtics in head-to-head win
- Two-time champ Damian Lillard to participate in 3-point contest
- Rockets' Alperen Sengun replaces Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in ASG
- Knicks' OG Anunoby out, Karl-Anthony Towns to play vs. Celtics
- Lakers signing former first-round pick Kobe Bufkin to 2-year deal
- NBA roundup: James Harden makes triumphant debut as Cavs down Kings
- Rockets C Alperen Sengun apologizes for sexist remark
- Warriors upgrade G Pat Spencer to NBA deal for rest of season
- NBA finalizes competitors for Slam Dunk, Shooting Stars competitions
- Wizards' Anthony Davis expected to sit out rest of season
- NBA roundup: Stunning comeback lifts Celtics over Heat
- Luka Doncic (hamstring) out vs. Warriors but reportedly isn't badly hurt
- Nuggets' Peyton Watson (hamstring) out at least 4 weeks
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Klay Thompson (rest) is on the injury report with a questionable tag ahead of Tuesday's tilt against the Phoenix Suns. Luckily, the veteran isn't dealing with an injury, but the team is undecided about whether to rest Thompson for the game. Thompson has improved his productivity since the turn of the year, averaging 13.4 points over his last 14 appearances. Khris Middleton is available for his Mavericks debut on Tuesday and will likely soak up most of Thompson's minutes if needed. Middleton is projected to be a bench contributor in Dallas, limiting his fantasy upside.
Los Angeles Clippers point guard Darius Garland (toe) doesn't have a return timeline, Law Murray of The Athletic reports. Garland has been dealing with toe injuries this season and still hasn't fully recovered from offseason left toe surgery. "We're gonna get it right and take as long as it takes," Clippers president Lawrence Frank said on Monday. Once healthy, Garland is set to form a new-look backcourt for the Clippers with Bennedict Mathurin. Kris Dunn will continue to start at point guard until Garland returns. He has averaged 8.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 5.2 assists across February.
Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (knee) underwent successful surgery on his torn right ACL on Monday, the team announced. The veteran star suffered the season-ending injury on Jan. 19. Golden State added that Butler's progress won't be updated until "early next season." Butler will likely be sidelined for a large chunk of the 2026-27 campaign. With Butler III out, the Warriors brought in Kristaps Porzingis (Achilles) to bolster the frontcourt. He is expected to make his team debut after the All-Star break. In the meantime, Gui Santos will have additional fantasy value. The Brazilian forward is averaging 15.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.3 steals this month.
Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (knee) has been ruled out for the 2026 All-Star Game. This essentially means he also won't play on Wednesday versus the San Antonio Spurs. Curry is dealing with patellofemoral pain syndrome, also known as runner's knee. He has been out for four games. Golden State hopes Curry will be back in the lineup after the All-Star break, when the team continues the season with a matchup against the Boston Celtics on Feb. 19. Pat Spencer has taken over as the starting point guard, averaging 16.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.5 steals across the past four games.
Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges and center Moussa Diabate were ejected in the third quarter of Monday's 110-104 loss to the Detroit Pistons. With 7:09 remaining in the quarter, Diabate committed a foul on Pistons center Jalen Duren, leading to the two players butting heads. A brawl broke out after Duren pushed Diabate in the face. Bridges threw punches at Duren and Isaiah Stewart, who joined the altercation from the Pistons' bench. Charlotte also finished the game without head coach Charles Lee, who was ejected in the fourth quarter after losing his cool over a foul call. There are likely suspensions for players involved in the incident. The absence of Bridges and Diabate from the rotation would enhance the fantasy value of Ryan Kalkbrenner and Grant Williams.
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren and forward/center Isaiah Stewart were ejected from Monday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. The two were involved in a brawl that erupted midway through the third quarter after Duren butted heads with Hornets big man Moussa Diabate and pushed him in the face. Stewart joined the altercation off the bench and appeared to throw multiple punches at Hornets forward Miles Bridges. The ugly incident is likely to result in multiple suspensions. Duren returned from a knee injury and was having a great game before he was kicked out. He finished with 15 points and five rebounds in 20 minutes. Paul Reed's workload increased after the ejections, as he finished with 12 points, three rebounds, and two steals.
Nuggets' C Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double, finishing with 22 points, 11 assists and 14 rebounds in a 117-119 loss to the Cavaliers on Monday, Feb. 9.
Timberwolves' F Julius Randle recorded a triple-double, finishing with 18 points, 10 assists and 12 rebounds in a 138-116 win over the Hawks on Monday, Feb. 9.
New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (ankle) is ruled out ahead of Tuesday's game against the Indiana Pacers. This is the front end of a back-to-back set, so the Knicks will take the cautious approach here. Robinson will sit out for rest purposes before suiting up for Wednesday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Sixers are a much more competitive team, so it makes sense that they'd rest Robinson against the Pacers. The absence of Robinson should mean more minutes for Ariel Hukporti as the backup center. He'll offer low-end streaming value, but doesn't have a ton of upside with Karl-Anthony Towns healthy.
Indiana Pacers center Ivica Zubac (ankle) is questionable for Tuesday's matchup against the New York Knicks, as he continues to work back from a left ankle sprain that has delayed his Pacers debut. Zubac closed his Clippers tenure strong with consistent double-double production, but his availability remains uncertain. If he sits again, Jay Huff is a strong short-term stream after starting Sunday and posting 15 points, two 3-pointers, seven rebounds, two assists, two steals, and two blocks in 30 minutes. Huff offers immediate value in points, blocks, and threes, while Zubac remains a stash with upside once cleared.
New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (toe) is listed as questionable ahead of Tuesday's game against the Indiana Pacers. He has missed each of the last two games due to a lingering toe injury. His absence has led to increased playing time for Landry Shamet and Mohamed Diawara in the rotation. Shamet finished with three points, three assists, and four rebounds in 28 minutes of action on Sunday. Neither player has offered viable fantasy value while Anunoby is sidelined. Diawara is the slightly better option, but fantasy managers should be able to find better streaming options if Anunoby misses a third game in a row.
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (Achilles) participated in select portions of practice with the Maine Celtics on Monday before being recalled to Boston to continue his rehabilitation. The controlled work marks another step forward after he was recently cleared for limited five-on-five action in team settings. While there is no firm return timetable, the progression is notable. Fantasy managers in deeper formats can consider a speculative IL stash, as Tatum's upside remains elite once cleared, though patience and roster flexibility are required.
Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels (ankle) will sit out Monday against Minnesota due to right ankle inflammation, removing a key perimeter defender and secondary playmaker. Daniels had averaged 7.2 points, 5.6 assists, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.6 steals across his last five games, so his absence consolidates usage. C.J. McCollum is set to start and becomes a viable stream after logging 12 points, three assists, and one steal on 62.5 percent shooting in his last outing. Nickeil Alexander-Walker should shoulder heavier playmaking.
Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (knee) will sit out Monday against Minnesota after being added to the injury report earlier in the day and ruled inactive with left knee inflammation. His absence creates a short-term opening across Atlanta's frontcourt. Onyeka Okongwu is positioned for a heavier workload and remains the primary fantasy beneficiary after posting 16 points, six rebounds, two assists, and two blocks in 31 minutes in his last outing. Zaccharie Risacher and Corey Kispert should also see steadier minutes, while Johnson remains a firm hold once healthy.
Chicago Bulls forward/center Jalen Smith (calf) will miss Monday's game against Brooklyn, marking his second straight absence as he continues to recover from a right calf strain. With Nikola Vucevic traded, Smith still carries long-term hold value, even as his injury shuffles Chicago's center short-term. Guerschon Yabusele is the primary beneficiary and profiles as a viable streamer. He started Saturday against Denver and logged 26 minutes with 12 points, four 3-pointers, two rebounds, one steal, and two blocks. Nick Richards remains a deeper option, while Yabusele offers short-term value in points, triples, and defensive stats.
Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (ankle) is available to play ahead of Monday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. Carter will shed a questionable tag and will suit up despite dealing with left ankle soreness. There is no word of a minutes limit, so fantasy managers should expect Carter to be a full-go for Monday's contest. Carter has been struggling lately, with 6.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in 23.3 minutes over his last four games. Fantasy managers should hold him through his struggles and hope he bounces out of his slump soon.
Chicago Bulls guards Josh Giddey (hamstring) and Tre Jones (hamstring) will both sit out Monday against Brooklyn, keeping Chicago's backcourt thin heading into the final week before the All-Star break. Giddey is set to miss a seventh straight game, while Jones remains unavailable as his absence stretches toward double digits. Their continued absence locks in expanded roles for Anfernee Simons, Jaden Ivey, and Collin Sexton. In Saturday's loss to Denver, Simons played 33 minutes with 15 points, three triples, four rebounds, and six assists, while Sexton scored 17 points in 29 minutes. Simons is the safest short-term stream, with Ivey offering upside in steals.
According to Farbod Esnaashari of Sports Illustrated, guard Bennedict Mathurin will make his Los Angeles Clippers debut against Houston on Tuesday. The 23-year-old was acquired from Indiana at the trade deadline. Mathurin is expected to have a significant role with his new club, playing alongside Kawhi Leonard. He's averaged 17.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 31.8 minutes across 28 outings so far this season.
On Monday, Michael Scotto of USA Today reports that Indiana Pacers forward/guard Johnny Furphy (knee) will miss the remainder of the season due to sustaining a torn right ACL. Across 31 outings, the 21-year-old averaged 5.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 0.7 three-pointers in 18.4 minutes per game. Now that Furphy is out for the forseeable future, Ben Sheppard and Quenton Jackson will be relied upon to take on expanded roles.
Orlando Magic Franz Wagner (ankle) is set to suit up Monday against the Milwaukee Bucks. The 29-year-old has missed nine consecutive contests due to a sprained left ankle. In his return, Wagner will probably play less than the 32.8 minutes he's averaged this campaign. Anthony Black could continue to see an expanded role this evening, giving fantasy managers a solid option until Wagner is ready to take on his regular workload.
