It’s going to be a big night for Duke basketball at the 2025 NBA Draft.

Cooper Flagg is expected to become the sixth No. 1 pick in school history and third since 2019. Teammates Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach, meanwhile, are also projected to be top-10 selections in the draft beginning Wednesday, June 25 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Multiple Duke players will be selected in the first round for the seventh time in eight years, and for the third time since 2018 the Blue Devils could have three players chosen in the top 10.

There are 102 NBA players all-time who went to Duke, according to Pro Basketball Reference, including 23 active players this past season. But even though the Blue Devils have a storied college basketball history, and enjoyed unprecedented success (and five national championships) under former coach Mike Krzyzewski, ex-players’ success in the pros has often been unpredictable.

Flagg’s status as the top prospect in this year’s draft class comes with the promise that he can soon join the conversation about the best Duke product to play in the NBA. Where he ranks will depend on whether he can fulfill expectations that envision Flagg as one of the prominent players in the league right away. Only a select few Duke players have been able to do so as planned upon reaching the pros.

With that in mind, USA TODAY Sports took a stab at subjectively ranking the best Duke players to play in the NBA based on their accomplishments, statistics and longevity:

NBA draft 2025: What Duke player had the best NBA career?

Note: Accomplishments include NBA championships, NBA All-Star Game appearances, All-NBA status and NBA awards.

1. Grant Hill (1990-94)

NBA draft: No. 3 overall pick in 1994
NBA seasons: 19 (1994-2013)
Accomplishments: Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, 7-time All-Star, 5-time All-NBA, NBA Rookie of the Year
Background: Hill is the only Duke basketball player in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and earned All-NBA status in five of his first six seasons before a foot injury altered the rest of his NBA career.

2. Kyrie Irving (2010-11)

NBA draft: No. 1 overall pick in 2011
NBA seasons: 14 (2011-present)
Accomplishments: 2016 NBA champion, 9-time All-Star, 3-time All-NBA, NBA Rookie of the Year
Background: No Duke player has scored more points or dished out more assists in the NBA than Irving.

3. Jayson Tatum (2016-17)

NBA draft: No. 3 overall pick in 2017
NBA seasons: 8 (2017-present)
Accomplishments: 2024 NBA champion, 6-time All-Star, 5-time All-NBA
Background: Tatum has arguably had the best start to an NBA career among Duke products and could vault past Hill and Irving if he successfully recovers from a torn Achilles suffered with the Celtics during the 2025 NBA playoffs.

4. Elton Brand (1997-99)

NBA draft: No. 1 overall pick in 1999
NBA seasons: 17 (1999-2016)
Accomplishments: 2-time All-Star, 1-time All-NBA, NBA Rookie of the Year
Background: Brand has more minutes, blocks and rebounds in the NBA than any Duke player.

5. Carlos Boozer (1999-2002)

NBA draft: Second round, No. 35 overall pick in 2002
NBA seasons: 13 (2002-2015)
Accomplishments: 2-time All-Star, 1-time All-NBA
Background: Boozer averaged more rebounds per game in the NBA (9.5) than all but one Duke product all-time and averaged a double-double in five different seasons.

6. Luol Deng (2003-04)

NBA draft: No. 7 overall pick in 2004
NBA seasons: 15 (2004-2019)
Accomplishments: 2-time All-Star, 1-time all-defense
Background: Deng has logged the third-most minutes in the NBA among Duke players and ranks among the top 10 in points, rebounds, steals and blocks.

7. Shane Battier (1997-2001)

NBA draft: No. 6 overall pick in 2001
NBA seasons: 13 (2001-2014)
Accomplishments: 2-time NBA champion, 2-time all-defense
Background: Won back-to-back championships with the Miami Heat and ranks in the top three among Duke players in blocks and steals in the NBA.

8. Jeff Mullins (1961-64)

NBA draft: No. 6 overall pick in 1964
NBA seasons: 12 (1964-1976)
Accomplishments: 1975 NBA champion, 3-time All-Star
Background: Ranks third all-time among Duke players in NBA assists.

9. Jack Marin (1963-66)

NBA draft: No. 5 overall pick in 1966
NBA seasons: 11 (1966-1977)
Accomplishments: 2-time All-Star
Background: Marin averaged in double figures in scoring in nine different seasons in the NBA. He averaged 20.6 points, 8.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists during the Baltimore Bullets’ run to the 1971 Finals.

10. Zion Williamson (2018-19)

NBA draft: No. 1 overall pick in 2019
NBA seasons: 6 (2019-present)
Accomplishments: 2-time All-Star
Background: Williamson’s career average of 24.7 points per game is the highest all-time among Duke players in the NBA.

11. Paolo Banchero (2021-22)

NBA draft: No. 1 overall pick in 2022
NBA seasons: 3 (2022-present)
Accomplishments: 1-time All-Star, NBA Rookie of the Year
Background: Banchero’s scoring average through three seasons (22.4) ranks among the top five all-time for Duke players in the NBA. The Orlando Magic star is likely to move into the top five of this list if he stays healthy and continues on his current trajectory.

12. Brandon Ingram (2015-16)

NBA draft: No. 2 overall pick in 2016
NBA seasons: 9 (2016-present)
Accomplishments: 1-time All-Star, 2020 NBA Most Improved Player
Background: Ingram is one of six Duke players to average more than 19 points per game in the NBA.

13. JJ Redick (2002-06)

NBA draft: No. 11 overall pick in 2006
NBA seasons: 15 (2006-2021)
Background: No Duke player has made more 3-pointers in the NBA than Redick.

14. Christian Laettner (1988-92)

NBA draft: No. 3 overall pick in 1992
NBA seasons: 13
Accomplishments: 1-time All-Star
Background: Laettner didn’t live up to his hefty college resume in the NBA, but he ranks among the top 11 Duke products in career rebounds, assists, blocks, steals and minutes played.

15. Corey Maggette (1998-99)

NBA draft: No. 13 overall pick in 1999
NBA seasons: 14 (1999-2013)
Background: Maggette averaged more than 20 points per game in three different seasons during his career.

Also considered: Mike Dunleavy Jr., Mason Plumlee, Mike Gminski, Tyus Jones, Johnny Dawkins

A top NCAA policy-making group on Tuesday, June 24 voted to propose that the association change its rules to allow Division I athletes and athletics staff members to bet on professional sports events, the association announced.

The move by the NCAA Division I Council will not become final until the group concludes meetings on June 25 and will not take effect unless similar governance groups representing Division II and Division III approve the move later this summer. In addition, it will require formal adoption by the Council in October. This past April, the Division III Management Council “took action to support, in concept, noncontroversial legislation deregulating betting on professional sports.”

At that time, by a 21-1 vote, it directed the Council — a panel mainly comprising athletics directors — to: “adopt legislation to deregulate the prohibition on wagering on professional sports and directed the NCAA staff to develop concepts for the appropriate committees to consider regarding a safe harbor, limited immunity or reduced penalties for student-athletes who engage in sports wagering but seek help for problem gambling.” And the Board of Directors has the authority to overrule the Council.

Current NCAA Division I rules say athletes, coaches and administrators cannot “knowingly participate in sports wagering activities or provide information to individuals involved in or associated with any type of sports wagering activities concerning intercollegiate, amateur or professional athletics competition.”

In 2023, 25 athletes from Iowa State and Iowa were arrested for illegal sports betting. Some of those athletes were alleged to have bet on college games. Many of the criminal charges were based on underage betting.

The NCAA’s announcement said that under the Council’s recommendation, college athletes and staff members would continue to be prohibited from betting on college sports and from sharing information with bettors about college sports events. The NCAA also said it would continue to keep NCAA championships free from ‘advertising and sponsorships associated with betting.’

Many college sports coaches’ and athletics directors’ contracts with schools expressly prohibit their involvement with sports betting of any kind. For example, Alabama’s agreement with football head coach Kalen DeBoer states that he is barred from: ‘Soliciting, placing, or accepting … a bet or wager on any intercollegiate or professional athletic contest whether through a bookmaker, a pool, online, or any other person, means, or method, or permitting, encouraging, or condoning such acts by any member of (his) coaching staff, any student-athlete, or any other person; or:

‘Furnishing … information or data relating in any manner to football or any other sport or to any student-athlete to any individual known to (him) to be or whom (he) should reasonably know to be a gambler, bettor, or bookmaker, or an agent of any such person, or the consorting or associating by (DeBoer) with such persons;…’

The Council’s move comes against the backdrop of a proliferation of legalized sports betting in the United State since the Supreme Court struck down federal limits on the activity in May 2018. It is now legal in 38 states and the District of Columbia, according to the American Gaming Association.

‘NCAA rules prohibiting sports betting at all levels were written and adopted at a time when sports gambling was largely illegal nationwide,’ Illinois athletics director and Division I Council chair Josh Whitman said in the NCAA’s statement. ‘As betting on sports has become more widely accepted across the country, Division I members have determined that further discussion of these sports betting rules is warranted, particularly as it relates to the potential distinctions between betting on professional versus collegiate sports. Throughout our discussions, the council has remained focused on student-athlete wellness and educating student-athletes about the risks and potentially harmful impacts of betting.’

NCAA President Charlie Baker has been lobbying lawmakers across the country to ban prop bets on college sports events.

In April, the NCAA and Genius Sports announced the extension of a contract under which the firm provides data to sportsbooks. Under agreement, the firm agreed ‘to strengthen integrity protections and promote responsible betting practices, including limiting risky bet types, ensuring compliance and safeguarding student-athletes,’ according to an announcement by the firm.

This story has been updated with new information

As the NBA calendar crosses off another day and moves on from the NBA Finals – congratulations to Oklahoma City Thunder, and even though the Indiana Pacers came up short, it was enjoyable to watch their commitment – it’s time for the NBA draft.

The Dallas Mavericks, who are still trying recover from trading Luka Doncic, have the No. 1 pick in the first round Wednesday, June 25 (8 p.m., ESPN) and by all accounts, they will select Duke one-and-done forward Cooper Flagg.

Rutgers’ Dylan Harper is the projected No. 2 pick by the San Antonio Spurs, and from there, Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe, Rutgers’ Ace Bailey, Texas’ Tre Johnson, Oklahoma’s Jeremiah Fears and Duke’s Khaman Maluach and Kon Knueppel are in the top-10 mix. All were freshmen last season.

Here’s a look at USA TODAY Sports’ latest NBA mock draft :

(Age listed is age at time of the draft; for U.S. college players, height (without shoes) and weight taken at NBA draft combine)

2025 NBA mock draft

1. Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg, Duke

Freshman, guard-forward, 6-7¾ , 221, 18 years old
2024-25 stats: 19.2 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 4.2 apg, 1.4 spg, 1.4 bpg, 48.1% FG, 38.5% 3PT, 84% FT

The do-it-all young star led the Blue Devils in scoring, rebounding, assists and steals. Flagg has outstanding footwork, especially in the low post. He can use either hand on shots in the paint, knows how to run plays, can hit catch-and-shoot 3s and is an active weakside defender. Flagg, who added more muscle since the start of the year, is a physical player who initiates contact, is confident and plays with force when necessary. He led Duke to an impressive season, which includes the ACC regular-season title, ACC tournament title and Final Four appearance. He had 30 points, seven assists and six rebounds in a regional semifinal victory against Arizona and 16 points and nine rebounds in a regional final against Alabama. Flagg had 27 points, seven rebounds, three blocks and two steals in a Final Four loss to Houston.

2. San Antonio Spurs: Dylan Harper, Rutgers

Freshman, guard, 6-4½ , 213, 19
2024-25 stats: 19.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 4.0 apg, 1.4 spg, 48.4% FG, 33.3% 3PT, 75% FT

The lefty stroke will remind some of Jalen Brunson, but Harper has far more size at 6-6 and tremendous length with a wingspan of 6-foot-10. Harper’s best asset at the next level might be his versatility to run point and play off the ball. In Rutgers’ lone Big Ten tournament game, Harper had 27 points (9-for-21 shooting), eight rebounds, eight assists, two steals and two blocks in a double-overtime loss to Southern California.

3. Philadelphia 76ers: VJ Edgecombe, Baylor

Freshman, guard, 6-4, 193, 19
2024-25 stats: 15.0 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 3.2 apg, 2.1 spg, 43.6% FG, 34% 3PT, 78.2% FT

The Bahamian native has displayed his athleticism, has shown he can be explosive and has an elite knack for steals. He will be able to contribute at the NBA level and can be aggressive at the point of attack. The freshman is a high-level off-ball scorer but can improve when it comes to on-ball scoring. Edgecombe logged significant minutes at the end of the season. He had 16 points, six rebounds and one steal in a NCAA Tournament second-round loss to Duke.

4. Charlotte Hornets: Ace Bailey, Rutgers

Freshman, guard-forward, 6-7½ , 202, 18
2024-25 stats: 17.6 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.3 bpg, 46% FG, 34.6% 3PT, 69.2% FT

Bailey is a hyper-athletic wing with length and size coming into a league that prioritizes players built exactly the way he is with exactly the skill set he has: an effortless and reliable shot and an attack-first mentality with an ability to finish at the rim. Needs to improve as a playmaker on the pass and free throws. But even when offense isn’t easy, he remains active on defense. He had 17 points, seven rebounds, three steals and one block in season-ending loss to USC. He is the only U.S. player who has not worked out for any teams, and his approach to the draft could impact where he is drafted.

5. Utah Jazz: Tre Johnson, Texas

Freshman, guard, 6-4¾, 190, 19
2024-25 stats: 19.9 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.7 apg, 42.7% FG, 39.7% 3PT, 87.1% FT

Johnson is a natural shooter and scorer. He does well when scoring on the move and is a decent playmaker for his size. He still needs to work on his ability to make plays for others. He must also work on his strength and his explosiveness in order to assert himself as a finisher at the rim. He had three 30-point games in the past two months, including 39 against Arkansas on Feb. 26. He had 23 points and six rebounds in an NCAA Tournament loss to Xavier.

6. Washington Wizards: Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma

Freshman, guard, 6-2½, 180, 18
2024-25 stats: 17.1 ppg, 4.1 apg, 4.1 rpg, 1.6 spg, 43.4% FG, 28.4% 3PT, 85.1% FT

Solid start to his freshman season; quick on the dribble; has strength going to the rim and can finish; operates well in the pick-and-roll as a scorer and passer; needs to improve his 3-point shot but potential is there. Fears scored a season-high 31 points and added five assists and four rebounds in a win against ranked Missouri. Fears had a strong SEC tournament, producing 29 points, six rebounds and five steals plus five turnovers in a victory against Georgia and 28 points, five assists, four rebounds and three steals (just one turnover) in a loss to Kentucky. He generated 20 points, five rebounds and four assists in a NCAA Tournament first-round loss to UConn.

7. New Orleans Pelicans: Kon Knueppel, Duke

Freshman, guard-forward, 6-5, 219, 19
2024-25 stats: 14.4 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 2.7 apg, 47.9% FG, 40.6% 3PT, 91.4% FT

He can ignite an offense with his 3-point shot, thanks to an efficient motion, seemingly always ready to receive the ball in his shooting pocket. He can also lace shots from midrange, take care of the ball and is money on free throws. In the ACC tournament, Knueppel averaged 21 points (28 against Georgia Tech) and shot 48.6% from the field, stepping up with Flagg injured. He averaged 20.5 points and shot 11-for-22 from the field (4-for-6 on 3s) in two regional games. He had 21 points, five rebounds and five assists in an Elite Eight victory against Alabama, and 16 points and seven rebounds in a Final Four loss to Houston.

8. Brooklyn Nets: Khaman Maluach, Duke

Freshman, center, 7-0½, 253, 18
2024-25 stats: 8.6 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 1.3 bpg, 71.2% FG, 76.6% FT

Playing about 20 minutes per game, Maluach is a mobile big who excels in pick-and-rolls and has the hands to catch lobs for easy dunks; soft touch at the rim; shot-blocker/rim protector; active on the offensive glass; will get stronger and has a great aptitude for the game, learning concepts quickly. In four NCAA Tournament games, Maluach, who played for South Sudan at the 2024 Paris Olympics, averages 11.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.0 blocks and shoots 86.9% from the field (20-for-23) and had 14 points and nine rebounds in Elite Eight victory against Alabama. He struggled to make an impact in the Final Four loss to Houston with just six points and no rebounds.

9. Toronto Raptors: Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois

Freshman, guard, 6-4¾, 205, 19
2024-25 stats: 15.0 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 4.7 apg, 44% FG, 31.8% 3PT, 84.5% FT

Jakucionis is a playmaker – a scorer and passer. He has range with a nice 3-ball, can shoot off the dribble from deep, including on step-back 3s, and looks for an open teammate when he draws multiple defenders. Jakucionis sees the court well with savvy passes and likes to get to the rim for layups. But he can be turnover-prone. He struggled offensively at the end of the season, shooting 32.5% from the field and committing 24 turnovers in the final four games. He had 16 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds in a first-round NCAA Tournament victory against Xavier.

10. Houston Rockets (traded to Suns for Kevin Durant): Derik Queen, Maryland

Freshman, center, 6-9¼, 248, 20
2024-25 stats: 16.5 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.1 spg, 1.1 bpg, 52.6% FG, 76.6% FT

An active, physical big man, Queen has a soft touch around the rim with either hand but has a power game, too. He can run the court and handle the basketball well for a power forward-center. He is another potential first-round pick with good hands and footwork and has the mechanics to become a shooter who can stretch the floor. Queen had 27 points, five rebounds and two steals in a Sweet 16 loss to eventual champion Florida.

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Carter Bryant, Arizona

Freshman, forward, 6-6½, 215, 19
2024-25 stats: 6.5 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 1.0 apg, 1.0 bpg, 46% FG, 37.1% 3PT, 69.5% FT

The athletic forward provides a solid combination of strength and fluidity. He has lateral quickness to stay in front of the ball and the ability to block shots. He can still improve on his technique as a finisher and in scoring efficiency. He will get an increased opportunity to impress scouts and executives at the draft combine if he enters the draft. Bryant scored 12 points and collected five rebounds and three blocks in 20 minutes in a victory against Akron in the NCAA Tournament.

12. Chicago Bulls: Noa Essengue, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)

Forward, 6-10, 198, 18
2024-25 stats: 10.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 1.1 apg, 51.6% FG, 27% 3PT, 70.5% FT

The next forward with elite finishing ability to come out of France, Essengue figures to be more of a developmental prospect, but his size, instincts at the rim and plus-defensive ability could make him a star if he bulks up.

13. Atlanta Hawks: Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina

Sophomore, forward, 6-6½, 239, 20
2024-25 stats: 16.8 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 2.4 agp, 1.5 spg, 1.3 bpg, 58.6% FG, 26.5% 3PT, 70.7% FT

Although he’s a bit undersized for a power forward, Murray-Boyles plays with intense effort and determination, which will very quickly please his NBA coaches. He also has plenty of strength to finish at the rim and was the SEC’s No. 3 rebounder. Murray-Boyles had 35 points and seven rebounds against Arkansas late in the regular season and had 20 points and 12 rebounds in a loss to Arkansas in the SEC tournament.

14. San Antonio Spurs: Egor Demin, BYU

Freshman, forward, 6-8¼, 199, 19
2024-25 stats: 10.3 ppg, 5.4 apg, 3.8 rpg, 1.2 spg, 41% FG, 27.1% 3PT, 67.5% FT

The Russian is a playmaker who can make quick decisions and facilitate for others. Demin is the size of a wing player but has guard-like skills. On defense, he uses his length to his advantage while forcing turnovers and being active in passing lanes. His shooting efficiency is a concern. Demin had difficulty with his offense as the season progressed. He had just three points with four turnovers, three assists and three rebounds in a Big 12 conference tournament victory against Iowa State and six points on 2-for-9 shooting (1-for-7 on 3s) with four assists and five turnovers in a conference tournament loss to Houston. In three NCAA tournament games, he averaged 13.7 points, 5.7 assists and 4.7 rebounds and was 15-for-35 from the field.

15. Oklahoma City Thunder: Asa Newell

Freshman, forward, 6-9, 224, 19
2024-25 stats: 15.4 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 1.0 spg, 1.0 bpg, 54.3% FG, 29.2% 3PT, 74.8% FT

Based off of his size, Newell wouldn’t appear to be as quick and fluid as he is, which should make him an instant threat in pick-and-roll situations. He was one of the lone bright spots for the Bulldogs in a loss against No. 1 Auburn with a team-high 20 points. His scoring dipped at the end of the regular season, however, he had 20 points and eight rebounds in a first-round NCAA Tournament loss to Gonzaga.

16. Memphis Grizzlies (from Orlando): Joan Beringer, KK Cedevita (Adriatic League)

Forward-center, 6-10, 230, 18
2024-25 stats: 5.0 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.4 bpg, 61.5% FG, 58.4% FT

Beringer has gained traction among NBA scouts and executives as a mobile big man who can run the pick-and-roll as a screener on offense and guard the pick-and-roll. He doesn’t have a lot of experience but his potential, especially as a rim protector, has made him a first-round prospect. Another player who has improved throughout the season.

17. Minnesota Timberwolves: Jase Richardson, Michigan State

Freshman, guard, 6-0½, 178, 19
2024-25 stats: 12.1 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.9 apg, 49.3% FG, 41.2% 3PT, 83.6% FT

Richardson improved as the season progressed and turned into the Spartans’ steady hand with the basketball as a shooter (inside and out) and facilitator. He is an active defender with surprising bouts of athleticism. He also has a knack for collecting rebounds, big plays and poise under pressure. He had an up-and-down NCAA Tournament in four games – 5-for-11 shooting and 15 points against Bryant, 1-for-10 shooting against New Mexico, 20 points on 6-for-8 shooting against Ole Miss, and 4-for-13 shooting against Auburn.

18. Washington Wizards: Thomas Sorber, Georgetown

Freshman, forward-center, 6-9¼, 263, 19
2024-25 stats: 14.5 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 2.4 apg, 2.0 spg, 53.2% FG, 72.4% FT

The standout freshman required surgery to repair a foot injury suffered Feb. 15 and missed the rest of the season. That could alter his plans for the draft, but Sorber is a stellar inside threat who’s just as comfortable cutting to the basket on pick-and-rolls as he is backing down opponents. His rebounding and rim protection will make him an asset, as he continues to grow into his frame.

19. Brooklyn Nets: Liam McNeeley, UConn

Freshman, forward, 6-6¾, 215, 19
2024-25 stats: 14.5 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 2.3 apg, 38.1% FG, 31.7% 3PT, 86.6% FT

What McNeeley may lack in fluid athleticism, he more than makes up for with a smooth, natural shot and knack for drawing fouls and getting to the free throw line. He also has a quick release and plenty of range to suggest that he should get early minutes. He bounced back since suffering an ankle injury New Year’s Day that had sidelined him for a few weeks. McNeeley struggled with his shot at times down the stretch. In a Big East tournament loss to Creighton, McNeeley had 13 points on 6-for-20 shooting (0-for-5 on 3-pointers), and in his final eight games before the NCAA Tournament, he shot 34.1% from the field and 28.2% on 3s. In two NCAA Tournament games, he was 8-for-29 from the field, including 3-of-16 on 3s.

20. Miami Heat: Nolan Traore, Saint-Quentin (France)

Guard, 6-4, 175, 19
2024-25 stats: 12 ppg, 4.8 apg, 1.9 rpg, 40.9% FG, 31.4% 3PT, 72.8% FT

Traore is a point guard who can score and pass and has court awareness but also a propensity for bad turnovers. He’s quick, can get to the rim and is comfortable taking his defender off the dribble. Needs to work on his shooting efficiency, especially on 3s. His brother, Armel, was on a two-way contract with the Los Angeles and South Bay Lakers before being waived in February.

21. Utah Jazz: Nique Clifford, Colorado State

Fifth-year graduate season, guard, 6-5¼, 202, 23
2024-25 stats: 18.9 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 4.4 apg, 1.2 spg, 49.6% FG, 37.7% 3PT, 77.7% FT

Clifford is a versatile wing who does a lot of things – scoring, rebounding, passing and defending. He has a quick burst on drives to the basket and can finish with force or finesse. He logged big minutes for Colorado State and was excellent in the Rams’ final six games before the NCAA tournament, posting 25.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.5 steals and shooting 60% from the field, including 54.8% on 3s. He had 36 points against Boise State at the end of the regular season and recorded two double-doubles in the Mountain West tournament. Clifford had 21 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two blocks in an NCAA tournament second-round loss to Maryland.

22. Atlanta Hawks: Cedric Coward, Washington State

Senior, guard, 6-5¼, 213, 21
2024-25 stats: 17.7 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 3.7 apg, 55.7% FG, 40% 3PT, 83.9% FT

Coward started his college career at Division III Willamette University, then transferred to Eastern Washington and then switched to Washington State. He played in just six games in 2024-25 with a shoulder injury ending his senior season in November. Coward has great size for a guard, is solid on catch-and-shoot 3s and has the ability to get to the rim.

23. New Orleans (from Indiana): Danny Wolf, Michigan

Junior, forward-center, 6-10½, 252, 21
2024-25 stats: 13.2 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 3.6 apg, 1.4 bpg, 49.7% FG, 33.6% 3PT, 59.4% FT

The Yale transfer turned into a first-round selection thanks to his fluid scoring and play-making portfolio in the package of a 7-foot stretch big. Wolf played point guard at times this season for the Wolverines just like he played center. His handles make him a threat as the initiator in pick-and-roll actions and his range should translate to the NBA. Wolf had 21 points and 14 rebounds against Maryland in the Big Ten tournament semifinals and shot 52.9% from the field as the Wolverines won the conference tourney. He had 20 points and six rebounds in a NCAA regional semifinals loss to Auburn.

24. Oklahoma City Thunder: Will Riley, Illinois

Freshman, forward, 6-8¼, 186, 19
2024-25 stats: 12.6 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.2 apg, 43.2% FG, 32.6% 3PT, 72.4% FT

Great size for a shooting guard who can make 3s and find open teammates. Like many, looks for offensive rebounds. His shot is a work in progress but the mechanics are there and he improved as a shooter and scorer as the season progressed. He shot 37-for-72 (51.4%) from the field and averaged 16.3 points in the Illini’s final six games.

25. Orlando Magic: Rasheer Fleming, Saint Joseph’s

Junior, forward, 6-8¼, 232, 20
2024-25 stats: 14.75 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 1.5 bpg, 1.4 spg, 1.3 apg, 53.1% FG, 39% 3PT, 74.3% FT

Fleming is a mobile forward who plays a physical game and has strong footwork to finesse his way around defenders. He likes to get easy buckets in transition, his 3-point percentage in nearly five attempts per game is encouraging and he is valuable in pick-and-rolls as the screener. Defensively, he deflects passes and can protect the rim. Fleming averaged 18.8 points and 7.7 rebounds and shot 58.9% in the last six regular-season Atlantic 10 Conference contests.

26. Brooklyn Nets: Maxime Raynaud, Stanford

Senior, center, 7-0¼, 237, 22
2024-25 stats: 20.2 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1.4 bpg, 46.7% FG, 34.7% 3PT, 77% FT

Born in Paris, Raynaud spent four seasons at Stanford and was first-team All-ACC his senior season. He can make 3s, rebound, protect the rim – the easy comparison is Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren. Raynaud works well in the pick-and-roll, runs the floor well, sees the court and can play in the low post.

27. Brooklyn Nets: Walter Clayton Jr., Florida

Senior, guard, 6-2, 199, 22
2024-25 stats: 18.3 ppg, 4.2 apg, 3.7 rpg, 1.2 spg, 44.8% FG, 38.6% 3PT, 85.7% FT

Named the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four, Clayton had 34 points in the national semifinals against Auburn and 11 points, seven assists and five rebounds in the championship victory against Houston. He also scored 30 points in a regional final against Texas Tech and was 21-for-42 from the field in the Gators’ final three games. Has range on 3-point shots and can shoot off the dribble or pass but needs to improve as a playmaker and defender.

28. Boston Celtics: Hugo Gonzalez, Real Madrid (Spain)

Guard-forward, 6-7, 207, 19
2024-25 stats: 3.2 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 41% FG, 28.1% 3PT, 73.9% FT

One of Europe’s top young NBA prospects, Gonzalez is a versatile wing with the ability to score inside and out. He can handle the basketball, pass and is a surprising shot-blocker. He’s still raw.

29. Phoenix Suns: Drake Powell, North Carolina

Freshman, guard-forward, 6-5¼, 200, 19
2024-25 stats: 7.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.1 apg, 48.3% FG, 37.9% 3PT, 64.8% FT

Active on both ends of the court as a shot-blocker and physical and versatile defender, and as a player who likes to run the court, launch catch-and-shoot 3s and go one-on-one in the halfcourt. Playing on a deep team, especially on the perimeter, Powell doesn’t possess eye-popping offensive stats but his shooting stats reveal his potential. Was an efficient scorer in limited opportunities and can be a solid rebounder from the perimeter.

30. Los Angeles Clippers: Ben Saraf, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)

Guard, 6-6, 200, 19
2024-25 stats: 12.2 ppg, 4.3 apg, 2.6 rpg, 1.2 spg, 45.5% FG, 28.6% 3PT, 72.7% FT

He’s just as comfortable knocking down a step-back jumper, finding creases in the paint and dishing the ball with excellent vision. He may need some time to develop as he adjusts to NBA athletes, but his length and size at point guard will make him an intriguing prospect.

All-Star guard Kyrie Irving opted out of the final year of his contract with the Dallas Mavericks for the 2025-26 season and plans to sign a three-year, $119 million deal with the Mavs, according to ESPN.

Irving, 33, had one season and $42.9 million left on his three-year, $120 million deal but decided to seek a longer contract. He underwent surgery on March 26 for a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee – an injury sustained against the Sacramento Kings – and will miss a significant portion of next season.

As the Mavericks try to maintain roster flexibility under the salary cap, they plan to sign Irving to a longer deal but at an amount closer to $40 million per season. Irving opting out and planning to sign at a lower number should give the Mavs access to a $5.7 million mid-level exception for a roster addition, according to ESPN front-office insider Bobby Marks.

Irving averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.3 steals and shot 47.3% from the field, 40.1% on 3-pointers and 91.6% from the free throw line this season. He made the All-Star team for the ninth time in 2025.

The Mavericks are expected to take Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 pick in the draft on Wednesday, June 25, assembling a team that features Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, Klay Thompson, Max Christie, Irving and Flagg.

Dallas lost to Boston in the 2024 NBA Finals and missed the playoffs this season. The Mavericks traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers at the trade deadline, a move that didn’t sit well with Mavs fans. However, the Mavs won the draft lottery with 1.8% odds and rekindled their championship aspirations.

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Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever concluded a three-game West Coast trip with a 94-86 win over the Seattle Storm on Tuesday, June 24.

The victory ended a two-game losing streak for the Fever, who were defeated by the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday, June 22, and the expansion Golden State Valkyries on Thursday, June 19.

While the Fever blew double-digit leads in their previous two West Coast defeats, they were able to hold onto a lead that grew to as much as 19 points in the fourth quarter. Still, Seattle did manage to crawl back into the game late, but had a comeback attempt thwarted.

Caitlin Clark was largely ineffective in the victory, scoring six points on 3-for-13 shooting. Aliyah Boston scored a game-high 31 points and Kelsey Mitchell added 26 points, shooting 5-for-7 from 3-point range. Lexie Hull (15) and Damiris Dantas (10) also scored double-digit points for Indiana.

The Fever (7-7) return to Gainbridge Fieldhouse to host the Los Angeles Sparks on Thursday, June 26.

USA TODAY Sports provided updates and highlights from the Fever vs. Storm game:

Caitlin Clark stats

Points: 6
Shooting percentage: 23% (3-for-13)
3-point FG percentage: 0% (0-for-6)
Free throw percentage: 0% (0-for-0)
Rebounds: 2
Assists: 9
Steals: 3
Turnovers: 8
Blocks: 0
Fouls: 2

Fever vs. Storm highlights

Fever 75, Storm 58: End of third quarter

Indiana built a 17-point lead by outscoring Seattle 30-19 in the third quarter.

Amazingly, the Fever dominated without getting much point production from Caitlin Clark, who scored two points in the quarter. Kelsey Mitchell (23 points) and Aliyah Boston (22) have been the driving force in Indiana’s surge toward what could be an impressive victory. Lexi Hull (10 points) and Damiris Dantas (10) give the Fever four double-digit scorers.

For Seattle, Skylar Diggins is leading the way with 15 points.

Fever 45, Storm 39: Halftime

Caitlin Clark might be struggling, but her teammates are picking up the slack as the Fever took a six-point lead into intermission at Climate Pledge Arena.

Kelsey Mitchell has a game-high 15 points, while Aliyah Boston has 14. Damiris Dantas has added 10 points off the bench.

Nneka Ogwumike has 10 points to head the Storm, while Gabby Williams has added 9.

Clark, meanwhile, is 1-for-8 on field goal attempts and 0-for-4 from beyond the 3-point arch, going scoreless in the second quarter.

Fever 27, Storm 24: End of first quarter

Coming off back-to-back road losses, the Fever are taking aim at victory as they wrap up a West Coast swing.

Indiana leads by three after one quarter of play, but Caitlin Clark hasn’t done much. The second-year WNBA player has just two points on 1-of-5 shooting (0-for-2 on 3-point attempts).

Aliyah Boston and Damiris Dantas lead Indiana in scoring through one quarter with 8 points apiece. Kelsey Mitchell has 7.

For Seattle, Nneka Ogwumike leads her team with 6 points, while Gabby Williams has 5.

What time is Indiana Fever vs. Seattle Storm?

The Indiana Fever and Seattle Storm will meet at 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. local)) on Tuesday, June 24, at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle.

How to watch Indiana Fever vs. Las Vegas Aces: TV, stream

Time: 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. PT)
Location: Climate Pledge Arena (Seattle)
National TV: NBATV
Local TV: CW Seattle, WTHR NBC 13 (Indianapolis)
Live stream: WNBA League Pass, Fubo (free trial)

Watch Fever vs. Storm on Fubo (free trial)

Fever starting lineup vs. Storm

G Lexie Hull
G Caitlin Clark
G Kelsey Mitchell
F Natasha Howard
C Aliyah Boston

Storm starting lineup vs. Fever

G Skylar Diggins
G Erica Wheeler
F Gabby Williams
C Nneka Ogwumike
C Ezi Magbegor

Indiana Fever, DeWanna Bonner heading toward a split

SEATTLE — DeWanna Bonner is unlikely to return to the Indiana Fever, a league source confirmed to IndyStar on Tuesday afternoon.

Front Office Sports was the first to report the news. Bonner has been away from the team for personal reasons since June 11 and has not played in four straight games for Indiana, and is expected to miss her fifth game in a row against Seattle on Tuesday night. — Chloe Peterson, Indianapolis Star

Caitlin Clark gives nod to Aliyah Boston with new basketball line from Wilson

One of Caitlin Clark’s new signature basketballs has a nod to Indiana Fever teammate Aliyah Boston.

The Aspire ball in Clark’s new line from Wilson appears to be a white basketball. When it’s put in the sunlight, however, several of Clark’s favorite phrases emerge. One of those is, ‘You’re going to be amazing because you are amazing.’ That’s what Clark tells Boston before every game as they’re sitting on the bench. — Nancy Armour

Indiana Fever upcoming schedule

Thursday, June 26: vs. Los Angeles Sparks, 7 p.m. ET (Prime Video)
Friday, June 27: at Dallas Wings, 7:30 p.m. ET (ION)
Tuesday, July 1: at Minnesota Lynx (Commissioner’s Cup championship game), 8 p.m. ET (Prime Video)
Thursday, July 3: vs. Las Vegas Aces, 7 p.m. ET (Prime Video)
Saturday, July 5: vs. Los Angeles Sparks, 7 p.m. ET (NBATV)
Wednesday, July 9: vs. Golden State Valkyries, 12 p.m. ET (NBATV)
Friday, July 11: vs. Atlanta Dream, 7:30 p.m. ET (ION)
Sunday, July 13: vs. Dallas Wings, 1 p.m. ET (ABC)

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NEW YORK — Cooper Flagg isn’t tipping his hand.

The former Duke standout and presumptive No. 1 selection in the 2025 NBA Draft stressed the Dallas Mavericks have not told him he will be selected with the first pick.

“I haven’t had that conversation at all,” Flagg said Tuesday, June 24 during a pre-draft news conference from the Lotte Palace Hotel in Manhattan. “I’m just going through this process like everybody else. I did my workout, so I’m just going to see what happens tomorrow night.”

What’s going to happen, barring some wildly unexpected outcome is that Dallas, the unlikely winners of the NBA lottery, will take Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick Wednesday, June 25, and make him the franchise cornerstone alongside center Anthony Davis.

Flagg, a 6-foot-8, do-it-all forward starred with Duke this past season as a freshman. He averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks per game – all of which led the team. He is still 18 years old and won’t turn 19 until December.

In fact, he could become the second-youngest No. 1 overall pick in an NBA draft behind only LeBron James.

“I think positionless is a great way to put it,” Flagg said, describing his skill set. “I’ll do whatever coach wants me to do, I’ll play any role. For me, it’s just doing a ton of different things on the court – just being an impact player – impacting both sides of the ball at a high level and impact winning at a high level.”

He specifically cited scooping rebounds and pushing the ball up the floor in transition, something that has become invaluable in the modern, high-scoring NBA. This is an area where the Mavericks, who ranked 12th in pace (100.15 possessions per 48 minutes), could stand to improve.

Flagg said he had an “incredible” in-person visit and workout with the Mavericks, in which he participated in an hour-and-15-minute session on the court. He added that multiple Mavericks players were in the building at the time and that he was able to link up with them and discuss the team’s culture.

That also brought up a memory, one just a few months prior, that NBA fans will carry for years to come.

Flagg recalled the night when the Mavericks consummated the blockbuster trade that shipped Luka Dončić to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis on Feb. 1. It was the same night Duke had defeated the North Carolina Tar Heels at home.

“I remember being with all my guys,” Flagg said. “We won that game, and so we were all kind of hanging out together. And I remember my teammate Darren Harris who first saw the (news). We just all started going crazy. Such a shock. It was crazy news.”

When asked if the idea of following Dončić as the face of the Mavericks brought any added pressure, Flagg deflected and said he wouldn’t view it that way, saying he would focus on improving as a player.

“I’m not worried about living up to certain player expectations or anything like that,” he said.

When his press conference was over, multiple NBA staffers carved out a path through a mob of reporters, whisking Flagg away to the next thing. There was a photo shoot of him dribbling a ball and spinning it on his fingers. Throughout it all, he seemed perfectly at ease, unfazed by the momentous change that is looming.

All of which makes sense for someone who has been the best player on any court he has stepped on, except the time when he scrimmaged with Team USA, the eventual Olympic gold medalists, as a member of the 2024 USA Men’s Junior National Select Team.

“It’s surreal,” Flagg said. “That’s the word I would use to describe how I’m feeling. I don’t know that it has all set in yet and whatnot, but I’m just trying to enjoy it, take it one day at a time, and really just soak it all in.”

DeWanna Bonner has been away from the Fever for personal reasons since June 11 and has missed five straight games.
Bonner struggled in her first few games with Indiana and was replaced in the starting lineup with Lexie Hull.

SEATTLE — DeWanna Bonner is unlikely to return to the Indiana Fever, a league source confirmed to IndyStar on Tuesday afternoon.

Front Office Sports was the first to report the news. Bonner has been away from the team for personal reasons since June 11 and has not played in four straight games for Indiana, and is expected to miss her fifth game in a row against Seattle on Tuesday night.

Bonner was a revered signing for the Fever in the offseason, choosing Indiana as just her third team in her 16-year WNBA career and following coach Stephanie White from Connecticut to Indiana. As a two-time WNBA champion and league leader in playoff game appearances, she was expected to be a veteran voice on a team with a young core.

Bonner began the season in the starting lineup, but struggled in the first few games of the season. She was then moved to the bench in place of Lexie Hull. In the nine games she has played for the Fever, Bonner was averaging 7.1 points and 3.8 rebounds in about 21 minutes per game. 

Front Office Sports reported Bonner’s preferred destinations would be the Atlanta Dream or the Phoenix Mercury, but a trade could be difficult because of the size of her contract. Bonner signed with the Fever for $200,000.

The Mercury already have two players on supermax contracts of about $250,000, including Satou Sabally and Bonner’s fiance, Alyssa Thomas. Phoenix only has cap room of about $88,000, per Her Hoop Stats, and six players on minimum contracts of $66,079. A trade to Phoenix would likely necessitate the Mercury sending multiple players back to Indiana.

The same is true for Atlanta, which has just $24,000 in cap space, per Her Hoop Stats. The Dream would need to give up multiple players to trade for Bonner.

Bonner’s contract is unprotected, however, so the Fever could also waive her without any buyout or penalty. Bonner would go on the waiver wire for 48 hours, then be able to sign with any team for as low as the veteran minimum of about $78,000 once she clears waivers.

Waiving Bonner would free up about $140,000 in cap space for Indiana — she has already made about $60,000 for the 13 games she has been part of the roster. 

The Fever are also expected to temporarily suspend Damiris Dantas’ contract when she leaves the team for four games between June 26-July 8 to play in the FIBA AmeriCup with the Brazilian National Team, which would give them about $9,000 extra in cap space.

Adding that onto the approximate $36,000 of space the Fever have now, Indiana could have up to about $185,000 in cap space by waiving Bonner and temporarily suspending Dantas’ contract for the games she is missing. 

But if Indiana is hoping to get a suitable replacement for Bonner, it should look into a trade — even if it isn’t to one of Bonner’s preferred destinations.

Chloe Peterson is the Indiana Fever beat reporter for IndyStar. Reach her at capeterson@gannett.com or follow her on X at @chloepeterson67. Get IndyStar’s Indiana Fever and Caitlin Clark coverage sent directly to your inbox with our Caitlin Clark Fever newsletter.

The quarterback has been debating retirement for years, which first surfaced around his famed darkness retreat. He said at the time that he went into the darkness 90% retired, later electing to be traded to the New York Jets. After two rough years with the green-and-white, Rodgers was released by the team, clouding his future once more.

During an appearance on ‘The Pat McAfee Show’ on Tuesday, Rodgers revealed this will likely be his final season.

‘I’m pretty sure this is it (my last season),’ Rodgers said on June 24. ‘That’s why we just did a one-year deal. Steelers didn’t need to put any extra years on that or anything. This was really about finishing with love and fun and peace for the career that I’ve had. I played 20 freaking years. It’s been a long run and I’ve enjoyed it. What better place to finish than in one of the cornerstone franchises of the NFL?’

It was an ugly breakup with the Jets after last season, but following an offseason of uncertainty, Rodgers eventually inked a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers to give it another shot in 2025.

The four-time NFL MVP made it a point that his final season isn’t about proving people wrong, but rather to celebrate his love of the game.

‘It’s not really, ‘can’t go out like this,” Rodgers said, noting that it’s more about his love for the game. ‘There’s been a beautiful relationship. This is my first love when I was six-years-old dreaming about playing quarterback and being in the Super Bowl and winning the Super Bowl. I wanted to be all-in and I had so many other things going with my life that were taking my mind and my energy elsewhere. That’s why I appreciated how Mike (Tomlin) was the entire time.’

Rodgers has been on a quest for a second Super Bowl victory, something that has eluded him despite being one of the game’s best quarterbacks.

As someone that has demonstrated a magnetic ability to draw headlines, Rodgers wanted everyone to know that he has no interest in living a public life.

‘I didn’t need this,’ Rodgers said. ‘I didn’t need it at all. I don’t feel the need to prove anything to anybody or don’t have any chip on my shoulder that I need to hold onto. I don’t want the attention, I know that’s a narrative out there. When this is all done, you won’t see me. I won’t be in the public. I don’t want to live a public life.’

If he decides to walk away following the upcoming campaign, the 2026 season will mark the first time in over 21 years that an NFL sideline won’t feature Rodgers.

Rodgers’ career famously began with a draft day slide, falling to the Green Bay Packers with the 24th pick in the 2005 NFL draft.

The California product spent three years as the Cheeseheads’ backup to Brett Favre, before No. 4 departed for the Big Apple – ironically the same place Rodgers would leave for when his Packers career came to an end.

When the starting gig became his, Rodgers shined, leading Green Bay to a Super Bowl 45 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, also taking home the Super Bowl MVP award.

Rodgers captured his first of four league MVPs during that 2011 season, stockpiling countless accolades over the years. A four-time All-Pro and 10-time Pro Bowler, Rodgers is still on the hunt for one more triumph in his final season.

Playing in an era that featured other greats like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, Rodgers’ success, from a team standpoint, was never able to stack up. In terms of individual success, the current Steelers’ quarterback stands amongst the best the league has ever seen.

Rodgers now has one more chance to author his final chapter in the way he wants. And as someone that has always beat to his own drum, the future Hall of Famer will do it in a way that only he can – by being himself.

Aaron Rodgers contract details

Rodgers inked a one-year deal worth $13.65 million with the Steelers. The contract comes with $10 million guaranteed and can reach a maximum value of $19.5 million.

Pittsburgh included $5.85 million in potential playing time and performance incentives, which Rodgers can hit if he remains healthy and effective.

According to Spotrac, here are the incentives tied to the deal:

Playoff berth: $500,000
Wild card win: $600,000
Divisional win: $750,000
Conference championship: $1 million
Super Bowl win: $1.5 million
League MVP: $1.5 million

Is Aaron Rodgers married?

Rodgers is married, which he confirmed on June 10 at Steelers’ minicamp. He has not revealed the identity of his wife, something the quarterback plans to keep that way.

Many have tried to figure out who Rodgers married, something that clearly irked him following the potential retirement announcement on Tuesday.

‘My private life is staying private,’ Rodgers said.