As the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers prepare to face each other in the NBA Finals later this week, it highlights the critical importance of successful drafting, savvy trades, and efficient front-office management.

The Thunder serves as a prime example of how a single draft night can alter the trajectory of an organization. During the 2022 draft, Sam Presti chose Chet Holmgren as the second overall pick and subsequently used the 12th pick—acquired via a significant 2019 trade involving Paul George and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander—to select Jalen Williams from Santa Clara. Fast forward to 2025, and the trio of Williams, Holmgren, and Gilgeous-Alexander has matured into a formidable unit.

What makes this draft particularly enticing is the presence of several game-changing players who have the potential to be All-Stars over a long period. This is a stark contrast to previous drafts, especially last year’s, which left many uncertain about available talents.

Questions remain about potential choices in this year’s draft since many top picks will likely be college players who only played one year, generating excitement for fans familiar with their performances over the past season.

Here’s how this draft may unfold:

1. Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg, Duke

Cooper Flagg from the Duke Blue Devils made a noticeable impact at Peach Jam 2023, easily standing out as the top defensive player at the high school level I’ve observed in my 15 years of analysing high school and collegiate basketball. A young talent from Maine, Flagg was discovered at an early age by a parent in the fourth grade, yet shows astonishing focus, even while pursuing his passion.

Odds for No. 1 Pick: -100,000

2. San Antonio Spurs: Dylan Harper, Rutgers

As the Spurs, weighing their options, I’d lean towards accepting a lucrative trade offer if it materializes. However, selecting this 6'6" scoring guard from Rutgers would also be a solid choice. The playoffs revealed depth as a vital theme, placing Harper amongst the top talents in the draft.

Odds for No. 2 Pick: -4000

3. Philadelphia 76ers: VJ Edgecombe, Baylor

Daryl Morey is evidently strategizing hard to entice another team to strategically trade up for players like Ace Bailey while considering their urgent need to be competitive in NCAA with stars like Paul George and Joel Embiid looming in their roster. Edgecombe, a compact guard with a prolific scoring record at Baylor, could provide the immediacy they need.

Odds for No. 3 Pick: +130

4. Charlotte Hornets: Ace Bailey, Rutgers

A versatile player, Bailey stands out for his unique skill set that merges his height of 6'10’’ with guard abilities, proving difficult to defend against in the league.

Odds for No. 4 Pick: +180

5. Utah Jazz: Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma

Fears has been making waves and could become a remarkable choice for a team in need of fresh talent.

Odds for No. 5 Pick: +500