(Photo Courtesy of Texas Athletics)
We are roughly one month away from the 2025 NBA Draft. The two-day event tips off on June 25, with the Miami Heat owning the No. 20 pick in the first round–their lone pick of the draft. While they have never traded up in the first round in the Pat Riley era, there few prospects that I would consider trading up for if they fell past a certain range. Who are they? Let’s dive into it!
Tre Johnson, G, Texas
I can’t speak for what Philadelphia may or may not do, but if I were them, I’d take Tre Johnson No. 3 overall (or Edgecombe). I’ve pegged Johnson as a top-5 prospect for most of the season. The skill, measurables and the intel surrounding his work ethic are undeniable. The 19-year-old led the SEC in scoring last season (19.9 ppg), in addition to 3.1 rebounds and .27 assists per game on 42.7/39.7/87.1 shooting splits. As of right now, to me, his biggest weaknesses are his ball-handing (he needs to develop a more reliable left hand) and defense, though the latter isn’t for a lack of trying. If Johnson falls past the 5-6 range, I’d be picking up the phone if I were Miami to try and move up to draft him.
Kon Knueppel, G/F, Duke
A lot of the conversation around Duke was rightfully about Cooper Flagg, but Knueppel was their second-best player and doesn’t have many noticeable weaknesses outside of his lack of foot speed and sheer length (plus-1 wingspan). Knueppel was a deadeye shooter in his lone season at Duke, canning 40.6 percent of his 5.3 triples per game. He was physical defensively and had legitimate chops both as a secondary playmaker and rim pressurer; Knueppel did a good job creating off closeouts, even though he lacks an explosive first step. He’s smart and would fit well in the Heat system, so if he falls out of the top-8/10….
Jeremiah Fears, G, Oklahoma
Fears is supposed to be graduating high school right now, but he reclassified last summer and played out his lone season at Oklahoma, where he got better as the season went on. I still have questions about his shotmaking and capabilities as a point-of-attack defender due to his slender frame, Fears is one of the best playmakers in this class. I think his 85.1 three-throw percentage indicates potential growth in his jump shooting. Still, the 6-foot-3 guard had a crafty handle and crafty finishing ability (despite not being very efficient) with the ability to playmake with both hands. I think he’s more of a project, but one where the arrow is projecting up.
Kasparas Jakucionis, G, Illinois
Jakucionis does have athletic limitations that could limit his upside, but he’s one of the most productive guards in the 2025 class. He’s also one of the most well-rounded, in my opinion, though I could see why his lack of efficient long-range shooting (31.8 3P%, 5.2 3PA) could be a concern for some. He’s a flashy playmaker, has a strong base, good positional size and a physical playstyle that I think will be NBA-ready right away. He has a wide range of outcomes, but I am comfortable trading up for Jakucionis if he falls out of the top-10/12-ish range–given the Heat’s need for a true playmaking guard. He fits the bill.
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