Below, we break down every first-round pick and deliver draft grades for each NBA team.
✅ Atlanta Hawks — A
Pick: Asa Newell (No. 23, via Pelicans)
The Hawks moved down 10 spots, landed a 2026 unprotected first-round pick, and still got local standout Asa Newell. He brings energy and rebounding but needs shooting development. Excellent value pick late in the first round.
✅ Boston Celtics — B
Pick: Hugo Gonzalez (No. 28)
A high-upside European center with great instincts and size. However, his 29% from three raises concerns in Boston’s spacing-heavy offense. A developmental project with promise.
✅ Brooklyn Nets — C+
Picks: Egor Demin (8), Nolan Traoré (19), Drake Powell (22), Ben Saraf (26), Danny Wolf (27)
The Nets kept all five first-rounders, betting on numbers. Demin has elite playmaking but needs a scoring touch. Traoré, Powell, and Saraf bring defensive potential but lack polish. Wolf is the most NBA-ready. A mixed haul with long-term upside.
✅ Charlotte Hornets — A-
Picks: Kon Knueppel (4), Liam McNeeley (29 via Suns)
Knueppel is the best shooter in the class and a perfect fit next to LaMelo Ball. McNeeley is a great value pick late in the first — both selections fill key needs.
✅ Chicago Bulls — B+
Pick: Noa Essengue (12)
A long-term swing on a talented, high-motor forward from France. Needs strength and shooting improvement but could prove to be a draft-day steal.
✅ Dallas Mavericks — A+
Pick: Cooper Flagg (1)
The consensus No. 1 pick and best all-around player in the 2025 draft. Flagg fits the Mavericks' present and future perfectly. Elite pick.
✅ LA Clippers — A-
Pick: Yanic Konan Niederhauser (30)
Late-round gem. The 6'11" Swiss center is athletic and a strong shot-blocker. A rim-running big with great upside.
✅ Memphis Grizzlies — B
Pick: Cedric Coward (11 via Blazers)
Explosive athlete with a 7'2" wingspan and 38.8% 3PT shooter. A raw prospect with major upside. A good developmental pick.
✅ Miami Heat — A-
Pick: Kasparas Jakucionis (20)
Smart, international floor general with good size and vision. Rough season at Illinois but should thrive in a bench role behind Tyler Herro.
✅ Minnesota Timberwolves — B
Pick: Joan Beringer (17)
A rim-protecting project center with upside. Doesn’t fill an immediate need, but a nice long-term investment.
❌ New Orleans Pelicans — C-
Picks: Jeremiah Fears (7), Derik Queen (13 via Hawks)
Fears offers quickness and scoring but is inefficient. Trading a 2026 first for Queen — a questionable Combine performer — was a steep price.
✅ Oklahoma City Thunder — B
Pick: Thomas Sorber (15)
Unique 6'9" big man with a 7'6" wingspan. Tough to crack OKC’s rotation, but the Thunder know how to develop talent.
✅ Orlando Magic — A-
Pick: Jase Richardson (25)
Son of Jason Richardson, Jase is a polished, high-IQ guard who brings pace and shot creation. Undersized but fits well with Orlando’s young core.
✅ Philadelphia 76ers — A-
Pick: VJ Edgecombe (3)
Two-way wing with defensive chops and a growing offensive game. Great fit next to Tyrese Maxey and Paul George.
✅ Phoenix Suns — A
Picks: Khaman Maluach (10 via Rockets), Mark Williams (via trade)
Maluach is raw but has elite length and defensive potential. Williams adds depth and talent if he can stay healthy. Smart double dip.
❌ Portland Trail Blazers — D-
Pick: Hansen Yang (16 via Grizzlies)
A questionable reach. Yang has passing and size but lacks NBA-level athleticism. Most viewed him as a second-round or stash candidate.
✅ Sacramento Kings — B
Pick: Nique Clifford (24 via Thunder)
Polished senior who can shoot, pass, and defend. Ready to contribute from day one as a rotational guard.
✅ San Antonio Spurs — A
Picks: Dylan Harper (2), Carter Bryant (14)
Harper is the No. 2 pick and a perfect long-term pairing with Victor Wembanyama. Bryant is a solid 3&D wing — classic Spurs value.
❓ Toronto Raptors — C
Pick: Collin Murray-Boyles (9)
Another long, versatile wing in a crowded group. Smart defender, but his shot must develop for him to stick in the NBA.
✅ Utah Jazz — B
Picks: Ace Bailey (5), Walter Clayton Jr. (via Wizards)
Bailey is a home-run swing with elite scoring upside. Clayton brings clutch shooting but defensive questions. Good upside draft for Utah.
✅ Washington Wizards — B
Picks: Tre Johnson (6), Will Riley (21)
Johnson is a big-time scorer with swagger. Riley is a developmental wing with shooting potential. High-ceiling draft for a rebuilding team.
🚫 Teams Without First-Round Picks
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Los Angeles Lakers
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New York Knicks
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Cleveland Cavaliers
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Indiana Pacers
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Milwaukee Bucks
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Detroit Pistons
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Houston Rockets
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Denver Nuggets
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Golden State Warriors
🏀 Final Thoughts on the 2025 NBA Draft First Round
From the Dallas Mavericks landing Cooper Flagg to the Brooklyn Nets hoarding five picks, the 2025 NBA Draft had everything — surprise trades, overseas prospects, and long-term swings. Teams like the Spurs, Hornets, and Suns nailed their picks, while others, like the Trail Blazers, raised eyebrows.