Round 1 of the 2025 NBA Draft kicked off Wednesday with Duke standout Cooper Flagg going first overall to the Dallas Mavericks. Flagg was the first of three Duke players selected, and the round concluded with the LA Clippers choosing center Yanic Konan Niederhauser at pick No. 30.
The night featured notable winners and unexpected picks, including the Utah Jazz surprising fans by drafting Rutgers guard Ace Bailey at No. 5, and the Phoenix Suns securing the draft’s top-ranked center, Duke’s Khaman Maluach, at No. 10.
Which teams made the biggest gains on Day 1? Miami Heat fans have reason to be excited after landing promising guard Kasparas Jakucionis, a potential franchise point guard. Meanwhile, New Orleans Pelicans supporters may have questions after the team traded up to draft Maryland center Derik Queen.
Let’s break down all the major moments from Wednesday’s draft night at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. NBA draft analysts Jonathan Givony, Jeremy Woo, and Kevin Pelton discuss the biggest winners, surprise picks, and lingering questions following the first 30 selections.
Round 2 of the 2025 NBA Draft starts Thursday at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Key Round 1 Highlights & Analysis
Phoenix Suns – No. 10 Pick: Khaman Maluach
Landing Maluach at No. 10 was a major win for Phoenix. The young, versatile center adds rim protection, rebounding, and switchable defense—areas the Suns struggled with last season. His youth and potential make him a strong long-term fit alongside stars like Devin Booker.
Miami Heat – No. 20 Pick: Kasparas Jakucionis
Jakucionis slipped to No. 20 despite being ranked No. 11 on the big board, landing in a perfect situation with Miami. His backcourt versatility and playmaking skill could make him the Heat’s future starting point guard, especially alongside Tyler Herro.
Portland Trail Blazers – No. 16 Pick: Yang Hansen
Selecting Hansen at No. 16 surprised many, as he was ranked No. 35 on ESPN’s big board. Portland has closely scouted Hansen internationally and is eager to develop his unique skill set immediately.
Utah Jazz – No. 5 Pick: Ace Bailey
Bailey’s selection at No. 5 caught even him off guard, as he had hoped to slide lower in the draft. Despite limited pre-draft contact, the Jazz trusted their evaluation and believe Bailey fits well in their system under new president Austin Ainge.
Biggest Trades and Team Takeaways
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Pelicans’ trade to move up for Derik Queen: Raised eyebrows due to the risk of surrendering a 2026 unprotected first-round pick. Analysts question how Queen will fit alongside Zion Williamson long-term.
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Atlanta Hawks’ trade with New Orleans: Considered one of the better value moves, potentially setting Atlanta up for a high pick in 2026 while New Orleans gambled on immediate upside.
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Brooklyn Nets’ five picks: A mix of young international and developmental prospects. Analysts gave mixed grades but appreciated the long-term vision.
Looking Ahead to Round 2
Teams like the Charlotte Hornets and Minnesota Timberwolves hold key picks early in Round 2, with several promising prospects still available, including Rasheer Fleming and Maxime Raynaud. Fans can expect plenty of intriguing selections and possible trades when the draft continues Thursday evening.