POINT GUARDS / SHOOTING GUARDS
1. Ace Bailey (Rutgers, 6-9)
Aggregate mock draft best rank: 3 / Worst rank: 5
Agent: Lifestyle
Statistics: 17.6 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.0 spg, 1.3 bpg, 46.0% FG, 34.6% 3P in 30 games this season
Ace Bailey has been turning heads with his size, athleticism, and scoring ability, making him one of the most intriguing prospects for the 2025 NBA Draft. With a 7-foot wingspan and the skills to score from anywhere on the floor, Bailey has the tools to be a prototypical wing in today’s NBA. Some scouts see shades of Rashard Lewis or Michael Porter Jr. in his game, especially with his perimeter scoring and potential to step into a secondary creator role. But not everyone’s sold – some worry about his shot selection and whether he can improve his game to avoid settling for tough mid-range jumpers.
Bailey’s got star potential, no doubt. He’s got smooth shooting mechanics, advanced footwork, and the ability to create his own shot off the dribble. Defensively, he uses his length and quickness to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots, as a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions. But there are still some question marks. Critics point to his decision-making, saying he doesn’t always make the right reads or generate easy offense. He doesn’t consistently attack the rim for high-percentage finishes, and his off-ball defense could use some work. Still, a lot of teams are willing to overlook those flaws because they believe his shooting will improve in the NBA, especially if he’s not given the green light to take as many tough shots as he does now.
2. Tre Johnson (Texas, 6-5)
Aggregate mock draft best rank: 5 / Worst rank: 10
Agent: WME
Statistics: 19.8 ppg, 2.8 apg, 3.0 rpg, 0.9 spg, 0.4 bpg, 42.7% FG, 37.1% 3P in 32 games this season
Tre Johnson has been putting up big numbers this season, showing he can score from just about anywhere on the floor, including NBA range. Johnson’s got strong footwork and knows how to create separation from defenders, as a dangerous off-the-dribble shooter. He’s arguably the best pull-up shooter in this draft class, and he’s not afraid to take – and make – tough, contested shots. But while he’s a walking bucket, there are still some areas where he needs to grow if he wants to make a bigger impact at the next level. Tre Johnson is more of a swingman than a true guard, large scoring two-guard or small ball wing.
For starters, Johnson’s playmaking is hit-or-miss. He’s averaging just 2.8 assists per game, and for someone who handles the ball as much as he does (with a 28.4 percent usage rate), he should be creating more opportunities for his teammates. Another issue is his lack of free throw attempts – he’s only drawing 2.9 per game, which is low for a high-usage scorer. If he can start attacking the rim more aggressively and drawing fouls, he’ll become even harder to stop.
Defensively, Johnson is pretty much a non-factor. He doesn’t move his feet well enough to stay in front of quicker guards, and he doesn’t bring much energy or effort to disrupt passing lanes or contest shots. If he wants to elevate his draft stock and become more than just a scorer, he’ll need to commit to improving on defense.
Johnson’s scoring ability is legit. He’s got the potential to be a go-to bucket-getter in the NBA, similar to a guy like Cam Thomas. But to really stand out, he’ll need to round out his game. If he can become a better playmaker, start drawing more fouls, and at least hold his own on defense, he could develop into a problem for the league.
3. Liam McNeeley (Connecticut, 6-7)
Aggregate mock draft best rank: 8 / Worst rank: 23
Agent: CAA
Statistics: 14.5 ppg, 2.3 apg, 6.1 rpg, 0.5 spg, 0.2 bpg, 39.1% FG, 33.3% 3P in 25 games this season
Liam McNeeley has had a rocky season, as he had to take on a bigger role this season than he might’ve been ready for. With Connecticut lacking strong guard play, he’s often acted as a point wing, which has exposed some weaknesses in his game. He’s not a great pull-up shooter, and he’s had to take a lot of tough shots as a result. McNeeley’s shooting and basketball smarts make him an intriguing prospect, he is a natural fit in any NBA team’s system.
He’s not just a shooter, though – he’s also a smart decision-maker who can score and facilitate, as a versatile offensive threat. Defensively, he competes hard, but his lack of quickness can be an issue against faster opponents. Teams are also keeping an eye on how he bounces back from an ankle injury that sidelined him for a bit. If he can continue to develop his game and improve his efficiency, he’s got the potential to be a valuable floor-spacer and role player at the next level.
4. Hugo Gonzalez (Real Madrid-Spain, 6-6)
Aggregate mock draft best rank:18 / Worst rank: Not Ranked
Agent: ProMondo
Statistics: 3.3 ppg, 0.5 apg, 1.8 rpg, 0.3 bpg, 0.2 spg, 40.8% FG, 27.4% 3P in 46 games this season
Hugo Gonzalez is the kind of player who makes an impact even when he’s not stuffing the stat sheet.
While the numbers might not jump off the page, Gonzalez’s real value lies in his defensive versatility, relentless motor, and ability to fit into any system without disrupting the flow. He’s a high-energy, 3-and-D wing who can guard multiple positions and excel in transition, making him an appealing prospect for anyone role player who does the little things. The unique facet about Gonzalez's game is his defensive impact. He’s got strong instincts, quick hands, and a non-stop motor.
Offensively, Gonzalez is still a work in progress. His shooting is inconsistent, and he struggles to create his own shot, but he’s shown flashes of potential as a slasher and decision-maker. His jumper doesn’t look broken, but it’s clearly a work in progress, and he’ll need to become more efficient from deep to stick in the NBA. He’s got the tools to be a reliable role player if he can improve his mechanics and improve his decision-making. Gonzalez’s stock is all about upside. He’s not going to wow you with stats, but his defensive versatility, basketball IQ, and high-energy style make him a strong candidate for a long-term role in the NBA.
5. Nique Clifford (Colorado State, 6-6)
Aggregate mock draft best rank:21 / Worst rank: Not Ranked
Agent: Life
Statistics: 19.0 ppg, 4.4 apg, 9.7 rpg, 0.6 bpg, 1.2 spg, 50.7% FG, 39.8% 3P in 34 games this season
Nique Clifford is one of the most versatile players in this draft. He’s got a great feel for the game, can pass at a high level, and has a smooth jumper that makes him a threat from deep. He’s also a strong rebounder, especially on the defensive end, where he’s grabbing over eight boards a game. Offensively, he’s a matchup nightmare because he can score inside, knock down threes, and create for others. He’s got a solid in-between game and can pull up off the dribble, as a tough cover for defenders. Defensively, he’s got good instincts and can guard multiple positions, though he can sometimes get lost off the ball. Still, his athleticism and effort make him a plus defender, and he’s even made the Mountain West All-Defense team this season.
Clifford’s been on fire lately, leading Colorado State to a 15-2 record over their last 17 games while putting up 20 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists per game during that stretch. His passing and court vision are elite for a wing, and he’s shown he can handle the ball and make plays when needed.
Scout Notes:
An NBA scout on Nique Clifford: "Yeah, Nique Clifford is a dog. From last year to this year, his game has really grown, in this post-Isaiah Stevens era, he’s really stepped up as the clear No 1 option."
6. Carter Bryant (Arizona, 6-8)
Aggregate mock draft best rank: 19 / Worst rank: Not Ranked
7. Alex Karaban (Connecticut, 6-8)
Aggregate mock draft best rank: 24 / Worst rank: Not Ranked
8. Miles Byrd (San Diego State, 6-7)
Aggregate mock draft best rank: 27 / Worst rank: Not Ranked
9. Alex Toohey (Sydney Kings-Australia, 6-8)
Aggregate mock draft best rank: 26 / Worst rank: Not Ranked
10. Dink Pate (Mexico City Capitanes-G League, 6-8)
Aggregate mock draft best rank: 25 / Worst rank: Not Ranked
11. Isaiah Evans (Duke, 6-6)
Aggregate mock draft best rank: 24 / Worst rank: Not Ranked
12. Drake Powell (North Carolina, 6-6)
Aggregate mock draft best rank: 24 / Worst rank: Not Ranked
13. Jamir Watkins (Florida State, 6-7)
Aggregate mock draft best rank: 45 / Worst rank: Not Ranked
14. Kanon Catchings (BYU, 6-7)
Aggregate mock draft best rank: 32 / Worst rank: Not Ranked
15. RJ Luis (St. John's, 6-7)
Aggregate mock draft best rank: 37 / Worst rank: Not Ranked
16. Jaxson Robinson (Kentucky, 6-7)
Aggregate mock draft best rank: 39 / Worst rank: Not Ranked
17. Mackenzie Mgbako (Indiana, 6-8)
Aggregate mock draft best rank: 50 / Worst rank: Not Ranked
18. Malique Lewis (Southeast Melbourne Phoenix-Australia, 6-8)
Aggregate mock draft best rank: 59 / Worst rank: Not Ranked
19. Tucker DeVries (WVU, 6-7)
Aggregate mock draft best rank: 49 / Worst rank: Not Ranked
20. Payton Sandfort (Iowa, 6-7)
Aggregate mock draft best rank: 59 / Worst rank: Not Ranked
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Aggregate 2025 NBA Mock Draft 4.0: The best small forwards available
