2025 NBA Draft Recap

How this will work is the team selects, and the player will be at the top, and then the analysis will be below. Any trade will be noted below in the analysis. Without further ado, here is the 2025 NBA Draft Recap!

First Round

1. Mavericks - Cooper Flagg

Flagg was the obvious number 1 overall pick and has been for the last year or so. His size, playmaking, and overall versatility on both ends of the floor give him the highest floor, along with having the highest ceiling in the draft. Good job, Nico; you didn’t screw it up. 

2. Spurs - Dylan Harper

Harper was the other obvious pick here in this draft. His combination of size and handle gives defense a ton of trouble. He’s the best pick and roll player in the draft and is amazing at finishing around the basket on high volume. People will ask about the fit between him, Fox, and Castle, but if you’re a GM, you figure out the fit later on. 

3. 76ers - VJ Edgecombe

 The Baylor freshman was named Big 12 Freshman of the year and rightfully earned it. His upside for being an uber 3 and D guy is intriguing. The swing factor is whether he can create a little with the ball in his hands makes his ceiling one of the highest in the class. 

4. Hornets - Kon Knueppel

 Admittedly, Knueppel is one of my favorite prospects this year, given the shooting, playmaking, and IQ. He’s a much better athlete than given credit, and he's as competitive as anyone in this class. He can become a monster pick and roll creator, but plays extremely well without the ball in his hands. 

5. Jazz - Ace Bailey

 The most polarizing prospect in this year’s draft finally went 5th overall. The Rutgers freshman had some highlights this season with his shot-making prowess, but reportedly did not want to go to the Jazz. Utah doesn’t seem to mind it, and if they can get the rim finishing and handle to come along, it’ll look like an absolute steal even at pick 5. 

6. Wizards - Tre Johnson

Johnson is considered one of the most prolific shooters in this year’s draft. He plays well with the ball both in and out of his hands. His length gives him the ability to shoot and make tough shots. His defense needs some work, but his size gives him a nice start. 

7. Pelicans - Jeremiah Fears

 Fears is one of the quickest players in the draft with the ball in his hands. The shooting could be a question mark, but the overall consensus says he will figure it out. He’s a dynamic player out of the pick and roll and had an extraordinary usage rate this season at Oklahoma. The free point guard spot will be his with Dejounte Murray out for the foreseeable future. 

8. Nets - Egor Demin

Denim is an intriguing pick as some had him in the lottery, and well outside of the lottery. It seems the Nets don’t care and are gonna trust is ability to make great passes. His size allows him to see over the defense, and he has the profile to become a solid shooter. The defense is questionable overall, so it’ll need some work. 

9. Toronto Raptors — Collin Murray-Boyles 

The Raptors continue to prioritize size and length in their selections. Murray-Boyles is one of the best defenders in the draft, and his physical tools could potentially flex him into a Draymond Green-type role. If the shooting comes in, he’ll be one of the best rookies in this class. 

10. Houston Rockets – Suns - Khaman Maluach 

The Suns decided to trade for Khaman Maluach and get Mark Williams all in one. Maluach is the best rim threat with his size and athletic ability. His standing and reach are the tallest in the draft. However, he’s not great at switching, and his hands and overall skills are pretty raw even for a center  

11. Portland Trail Blazers - Grizzlies - Cedric Coward

The Memphis Grizzlies decided Coward is a guy they’d go after. His size and defensive versatility give him a ton of upside on the wing. He's 6'6 with a 7'2 wingspan. His energy is contagious, and his athleticism is impressive for his size. He’s shown flashes of being a shot maker as well. Shoutout to a former D3 guy as well. Interesting fit for a team that wants to play fast on both ends of the floor. 

12. Chicago Bulls - Noa Essengue

Essengue can be one of the sneaky picks in this draft class. He has ultra length and is the second youngest player in this draft. He’s a smart cutter and can become a complete player for the Bulls. He’s very raw at the moment, but his ceiling gives him the ability to become a great two-way player at 6’11. 

13. Atlanta Hawks -  Pelicans -  Derik Queen

The Pelicans decided to trade with the Hawks for the 13th overall and used it to select Derik Queen. The Hawks also got an unprotected 2026 first-round pick and the 23rd overall pick. They used this pick to select Derik Queen. He’s arguably the best offensive big in this draft and has the footwork of a 10-year NBA vet. The defense is a work in progress, but he’s a highly talented offensive player with the ability to step out on the perimeter. The Pelicans are having a great draft with Fears and Queen. 

14. San Antonio Spurs - Carter Bryant 

Bryant is one of the best athletes in the draft for any person. He’s a versatile defender with his size and length, guarding 2-4 at times for Arizona. His usage wasn’t high on Arizona, but his shot and defense upside give him a runway to be an awesome fit next to the Spurs roster.

15. Oklahoma City Thunder - Thomas Sober 

Sober is a great pick out of Georgetown for the defending champs. He fills a nice defensive post at the center spot, an area of need. He’s great at getting post position down low and has good finishing skills around the basket. Sober has awesome length as well around the basket. 

16. Memphis Grizzlies - Portland - Yang Hansen

The Chinese center was a surprise selection for the Blazers, who acquired the pick in a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies. The 7’2 center has some impressive playing skills along with an advanced feel for the game. Defense could be an issue at the next level, but the passing and overall size are what intrigue the Blazers. 

17. Minnesota Timberwolves - Joan Beringer 

The French center is a defender with his athleticism. He possesses an intriguing ability to switch on the defensive end next to Rudy Gobert. The offense is coming and going for the Frenchman, but the defense is day one. Still not in love with this pick, especially with Clifford and Felmming still on the board. 

18. Washington Wizards - Utah Jazz - Walter Clayton Jr. 

The Wizards decided to trade the pick to the Utah Jazz for the 21st pick in this year's draft. Clayton is a dynamic sorcerer guard who led Florida to a national championship this past season. He’s poised to run an offense and is an awesome shooter. His skills should help him stick in the NBA along with his experience. 

19. Brooklyn Nets - Nolan Traore 

Traore, a year ago, was a consensus top 5 pick, but had a down year in France, and it saw his stock dropped. He’s a frenetic point guard both in the halfcourt and in transition. He can be an absolute game-changer and is a nice swing on Brooklyn to take at 19 with three more picks to come in the first round. 

20. Miami Heat - Kasparas Jakucionis 

Jakucionis's obvious weakness on defense made him fall in this year’s draft, but the upside is enormous. He is lightning in a bottle in the pick and roll with his passing and step back move, but will limited athleticism put a ceiling on him at the NBA level? Either way, this is a good pick from the Heat, who are getting great value from this selection. 

21. Utah Jazz - Wizards - Will Riley 

Riley is an intriguing 6’8 freshman from Illinois, who had questions about his feel for the game. His shooting ability at size is his best ability, along with his length and size. The question is be he can fit in with the NBA speed and size at his thin frame. The shot creation and defense will need some work as well. 

22. Atlanta Hawks – Brooklyn - Drake Powell 

Powell is a fun pick at this point in the draft. Powell showed a defensive ability along with some shooting. However, the shot looks like it has a hitch, but the athleticism gives him a high upside. North Carolina moved him into the starting lineup, and he had a great rest of his freshman season. The shot creation and overall finishing at the basket have some work to do, but he’ll have plenty of opportunity in Brooklyn in his rookie year. 

23. New Orleans Pelicans - Hawks - Asa Newell 

The freshman center from Georgie surprised many in his first year in the SEC his IQ and overall competitiveness stand out, along with his hands and finishing around the basket. The defense isn’t as behind as many believe compared to the offense; either way, the Hawks are winning the night with the moves they’ve made. 

24. Oklahoma City Thunder - Kings - Nique Clifford 

The Kings decide to trade up for the senior from Colorado State, and I love it. He showed more shot creation and on-ball play in his final year at Colorado State. The Kings are showing a nice direction with this pick, as he is an instant plug-and-play player from day one due to his experience and overall versatility on both ends of the floor. 

25. Orlando Magic - Jase Richardson 

Richardson got a lot of hype as a lottery pick, which I did not agree with, but 25 for the Magic and a guy who can shoot the cover off of the ball, this is a great pick for them. The size could be an issue as he did not measure great at the combine, but he offers a great basketball IQ in his limit usage in his lone year at Michigan State, either way I like this pick for the Magic, who are in desperate need for shooting at the moment for the current roster construction. 

26. Brooklyn Nets - Ben Saraf 

The Nets seem committed to taking as many guards as possible in this draft with their recent picks. Saraf is an absolute weapon in the pick and roll. He can make any pass with his left hand, although he’s very left-handed, happy, but his size and feel don't come around often, especially late in the first round. 

27. Brooklyn Nets - Dany Wolf 

Wolf possesses one of the most intriguing prospects with his offensive versatility at his size. The 7’0 center played a lot of lead guard for the Michigan Wolverines. His passing is some of the best in the draft, regardless of position, and he’s incredibly skilled for his size. His defense is suspect at times, and the shooting isn’t always up to par, but it’s a swing the Nets should be willing to take late in the first round. 

28. Boston Celtics - Hugo Gonzalez 

Like many Europeans, Gonzalez possesses some impressive vision in the half-court. He’s a bit undersized at the point guard position, and the defense may take a hit, but the Celtics need a point guard for their current roster, given the apron restrictions and no Jayson Tatum next season. Gonzalez should get a ton of shots for his teammates as they play a unique 5-out offense. 

29. Phoenix Suns - Hornets - Liam McNeely 

The trade from earlier saw the Hornets move back and select McNeely from UCONN. McNeely is a very crafty player and a high-level shooter, something the Hornets need. He and Kueneppel should fit well with the current roster. The lack of athleticism could be an issue, but Dan Hurley usually has his players ready for the NBA, so I like this pick for the Hornets, even though he was a consensus lottery pick in the earlier stages of the pre-draft process. 

30. LA Clippers - Yanic Kanan Niederhauser 

Kiederhauser is one of the best rim protectors in this draft and showed during the season, averaging 2.3 blocks per game. The offense is the trait that needs to come along, as he is a potent rim runner and very athletic. Overall, I like him as a backup for Zubac, and if the Clippers can develop the offense, it’ll be a nice pick. 

Second Round

31. Minnesota - Suns - Rasheer Flemming 

The Saint Joe’s wing was a candidate to go into the first round with his freakish length and size. However, the shooting could be a bit of concern; nonetheless, the Suns felt the need to trade up and get Fleming. It should fit well on the wing for them overall. 

32. Boston - Orlando - Noah Penda

Penda was another candidate to go in the first round. The Frenchman has good size, skill, and length, which allows him to fit well into the Magic DNA of being a pest on defense. He has a great feel as well offensively, making some crafty reads similar to another Frenchman, Boris Diaw. 

33. Charlotte - Sion James 

James is the 4th Duke starter to be drafted in this year’s draft. He’s a complete package with the ability to handle the ball and initiate offense. He’s a versatile defender and allowed Duke to switch 1-4 most of the season. He’s got an improved shot and should bring a veteran college IQ day one to Charlotte. 

34. Charlotte - Ryan Kalkbrenner 

Kalkbrenner is in contention to be the best rim protector in the draft. The 7’1 250-pound center from Creighton won Big East defensive player of the year 4 consecutive times with his rim protection. He’s much more mobile over the last year or so and finishes decently big to the basket and poses as a vertical threat. 

35. Philadelphia - Johni Broome 

The SEC Player of the Year eventually went 35th overall to the 76ers. Broome is one of the polished on the low block with his size and footwork. He makes it challenging to defend as he’s a very good finisher with his left hand, but still can go right as well. He’s not a great passer and doesn’t move great on defense, so those are things he’ll need to improve. Otherwise, he’s shown the ability to improve greatly over his collegiate career. 

36. Brooklyn - Lakers - Adou Thiero 

Thiero also slipped into the second round and down to the Lakers after a trade saw them move up to 36. They got Thiero, who possesses some great two-way ability. He’s a freight train on the open floor and an explosive athlete. His finishing has improved from last year, and the shot is a work in progress. However, the Lakers are getting a freak athlete day one. 

37. Detroit - Chaz Lanier

Lanier is a complete shooter and something the Pistons could use from a needs perspective. He’s an older prospect, but he fills an immediate need in Detroit. Movement shooting, off the dribble, and catch and shoot are all areas he excels. Great pick overall. 

38. San Antonio – Indiana - Kam Jones 

Jones was one of the top point guards in the entire country last season at Marquette. He’s transformed his game from being able to shoot and score to becoming a complete point guard. He’s a very crafty finisher at the basket and around the paint. He’s an instant plug-and-play for a team without a starting point guard currently. 

39. Toronto - Alijah Martin 

Martin was part of the guard trio that led Florida to the national championship this past season. He’s a great athlete laterally and vertically. The shooting and overall shooting stroke a questionable motions, but he competes at a high level to make up for it. Good fit for the team. 

40. Washington – New Orleans - Micah Peavy 

Peavy goes in the second round, New Orleans, after a trade with the Wizards. Peavy is a fun guard who did a lot for Georgetown this past year. He’s shown capabilities of handling the ball, shooting, and defending for the Hoyas. 

41. Golden State - Suns - Koby Brea 

Brea was considered one of the best shooters in college basketball last year. The 5th-year senior boasted a ridiculous 52% from 3 the year before transferring to Kentucky. He’s a dynamic shooter, but there are questions about his defense and overall athleticism. 

42. Sacramento - Maxime Raynuad

Raynuad was a first-team All-ACC player this past season. The Stanford center is a versatile offensive player with great feel and passing ability, along with being able to score. However, the defense is far behind the offensive skillset. Nonetheless, it’s a potential Sabonis backup for the Kings. 

43. Utah - Wizards - Jamir Watkins

A first-night trade saw the Jazz trade away the 43rd pick to the Wizards. Watkins can be a nice two-way player for the Wizards with his size and length. He attacks the rim ferociously and draws a ton of fouls. It is a flyer for the Wizards to take in this spot. 

44. Oklahoma City - Brooks Barnhizer 

Barnhizer is a versatile wing who did a bit of everything for Northwestern this year. His traits of being a tough, physical, hard-playing guy impressed OKC enough to tab him 44th overall. He’s a sneaky Alex Caruso, comparison, in my opinion, and shows the ability to shoot the ball very well. 

45. Chicago - Lakers - Timberwolves - Rocco Zikarsky

This pick bounced around before finally settling in Minnesota. They selected the 6’8 center Zikarsky from Australia. He’s a bit undersized and played limited minutes this past year in the NBL, but showed enough promise to potentially play some small ball with his ability to step out on the perimeter.  

46. Orlando - Celtics - Amari Williams 

The trade for the 32nd pick saw the Celtics get 46 and select the center from Kentucky in Amari Williams. Williams is a long, athletic center who rebounded the ball well despite his small frame. He is a nice vertical threat and played well in Mark Pope’s frenetic offense this past year. 

47. Milwaukee - Bogoljub Markovic

The Serbian forward is as standard as stretch forward gets as he stands at 6’11 and 190 pounds. The Bucks said they hoped he would fall into them. He is very young at just 18 years old and shows a nice feel for the game with his passing and shooting touch overall. 

48. Memphis - Javon Small 

Small comes off a great year at West Virginia this past season. The guard scored all over the place and showed some ability to play great on-ball defense as well. He provides some depth at the guard spot as Morant has struggled to stay healthy over the last couple of seasons. 

49. Cleveland - Tyrese Proctor 

Proctor made the entire Duke starting 5 drafted as the Cavaliers selected him this past year. A year ago, he was considered to be a top-10 pick at one point in his career, but struggled. He bounced back nicely this year, showing his shooting prowess, on-ball play, and defensive versatility. He can be a nice blanket in case they cannot re-sign Ty Jerome in free agency. 

50. New York - Clippers - Kobe Sanders 

The Knicks and Clippers traded 50 and 51, leading to them selecting the 6’9 wing from Nevada. He’s a matchup nightmare and is already 23 years old. Clippers stash already wing to already large portion of their team. 

51. LA Clippers - Knicks - Mohamed Diawara 

Diawara is a project for the Knicks, who has a freakishly long wingspan and stand-and-reach. Diawara is not a good shooter and will need to develop in that aspect. However, he’s a good hustle player and cutter on offense. 

52. Phoenix - Warriors - Alex Toohey 

The 6’8 Australian center is a very solid player on the offensive end. He’s crafty and navigates well in the halfcourt, but will need some work on the defensive end of the floor. 

53. Utah - John Tonje 

Tonje is a level-three scorer who had a great offensive year for Wisconsin this past season. He is good at attacking the basket and will likely be a catch-and-shoot guy. He’s a solid defender, but not an elite athlete, while also already being 23 years old. 

54. Indiana - Taelon Peter 

Peter is a solid 6’4 guard this past season. He is a great shooter and very solid defender with good lateral quickness and agility. He needs to refine some consistency in these areas, though. 

55. Los Angeles Lakers - Chicago Bulls - Lachlan Olbrich 

The 6’10 center from Australia has some polished footwork and feel for the game in the halfcourt. However, he’s a little underdeveloped in terms of strength and size.  

56. Memphis - Warriors - Will Richard

Richard completes the trio of Florida guards to be drafted this year. He 6’4 guard, is a great shooter, and competes on the defensive end of the floor. He’s a high motor player who will find a place in the Warriors' rotations with these skills. 

57. Orlando - Celtics - Max Shulga

The VCU guard was a fun watch this past season. He’s got good size at 6’5 and a solid shooting motion. He’s a smart and crafty player who can get to the basket and has some offensive firepower. Defense is a question mark, though. 

58. Cleveland - Saliou Niang 

Niang has a cool back story, as he started playing basketball not too long ago. He’s an explosive 6’8 defensive threat. He attacks the basket very well. The jumper is a project, but he’s a nice draft-and-stack guy for Cleveland. 

59. Houston - Grizzlies - Jahmai Mashack

The final pick in this year’s draft was the Tennessee senior, who is a great defender and one of the best in all of college basketball. He showed an ability to shoot the ball, creating some 3-and-D potential for the Grizzlies team, which needs to hit on these types of players.