ESPN 2025 NBA Mock Draft has UNC basketball star going early in second round
The North Carolina Tar Heels, who aced the basketball transfer portal earlier this offseason, still have a major roster need to fill at small forward.
Many expected Drake Powell's return to UNC for his sophomore season, but Powell entered his name in the NBA Draft instead. Powell made a North Carolina return possible, but he's staying in the draft, thanks to a strong performance at the NBA Draft Combine.
Speaking of the 2025 Draft, we have an early installation of projections – and Powell lands in it. In a recent mock draft from ESPN NBA Draft Analysts Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo, Powell goes 31st overall – the second round's first pick – to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
If Powell lands in Minnesota, he'll be joining an extremely-talented team led by the likes of Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert. The T-Wolves are currently in the Western Conference Finals, but they are in big need of small forward depth.
During his lone season as a Tar Heel, Powell showcased he can be a special offensive talent, but defense is the highlight of Powell's game. UNC head coach Hubert Davis would typically assign Powell to the opposition's best scorer, with Powell proving to give those players fits.
Today's NBA is dominated by iso ball and launching 3-pointers, both of which Powell is successful at, but defense will carve Powell out a spot in The League. Powell can perfect chase-down blocks, steal the basketball, rebound at high clips and race down the court for a dunk, or give you 10 points in 10 minutes.
Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.
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