The 2025 NBA Draft is set to kick off with the Dallas Mavericks expected to select Duke standout Cooper Flagg as the overall first pick. Flagg, widely considered the consensus top prospect, will lead a draft class that only features 59 selections due to a sanction imposed on the New York Knicks for tampering violations involving Jalen Brunson.

The Knicks' tampering allegations stem from their recruitment of Brunson before free agency in 2022, which ultimately led to the NBA revoking their second-round pick for the upcoming draft. Despite this loss, Brunson has significantly elevated the Knicks' performance, averaging 26.4 points and 6.7 assists, and helping the team reach the Eastern Conference finals last season.