The date for the 2025 NBA Draft has been officially announced, with the first round scheduled to take place on Wednesday, June 25, at 8 p.m. ET from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The second round will follow on Thursday, June 26, at the same time and venue. The first round will be televised on ABC and ESPN, while the second round will exclusively air on ESPN.

This marks the second occasion that the NBA will implement a two-day format for its draft, following the successful debut of this model in the previous year. This approach aligns with practices in other leagues, including the NFL, which traditionally conduct their drafts over the course of multiple days. The 2023 draft notably featured Victor Wembanyama as a prominent favorite for the top pick; he has since emerged as an All-NBA caliber player for the San Antonio Spurs. However, last year's draft lacked a consensus top choice, leading the Atlanta Hawks to select Zaccharie Risacher with their first overall pick.

Looking ahead to this year's draft, predictions suggest a somewhat clearer picture, with Duke freshman Cooper Flagg emerging as a strong candidate for the No. 1 pick. Now 18 years old, Flagg is delivering impressive averages of 19.9 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 4.1 assists for the Blue Devils, including a notable performance where he scored 42 points recently. Analysts, including Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman, project Flagg to be selected by the Washington Wizards at the top of the draft. Following Flagg, several collegiate players are generating excitement, such as Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey from Rutgers. This increased representation of college players at the top of draft boards signifies a shift from the recent years where European prospects often dominated early selections. With the draft date confirmed, attention now shifts to the draft order as lower-tier teams strive to secure the coveted No. 1 pick. Presently, the Wizards are enhancing their lottery odds with only six wins, although teams like the Utah Jazz, New Orleans Pelicans, and Charlotte Hornets remain closely ahead.