The 2025 NBA Draft is officially underway, and this year’s class is filled with promising prospects from both the collegiate level and overseas. There’s a deep pool of intriguing talent, but drafting players is an art form, as team fit, timeline, raw ability, and upside all play a role in evaluating a selection.
It’s too early to know which picks will pan out, but we can still assess how well each team maximized their opportunities on draft night. Here are our 2025 NBA Draft grades — from Brandon Austin (BA), Kyle Soppe (KS), and Cam Mellor (CM) — for every selection.
1) Cooper Flagg, F, Duke
Dallas Mavericks
Grade: A+
Cooper Flagg is undeniably a generational talent. At just 18 years old, he showcased remarkable two-way versatility at Duke, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game. His advanced metrics reflect one of the most dominant freshman seasons in college basketball history.
Flagg’s playmaking ability could transform the Dallas Mavericks’ offensive identity. The team hasn’t ranked better than 20th in assist rate during the Jason Kidd era, which is surprising given Kidd’s pedigree as a Hall of Fame point guard.
COOPER FLAGG FADEAWAY JUMPER
ESPN | Auburn-Duke pic.twitter.com/RD1xKjK9rs
— ESPN (@espn) December 5, 2024
Flagg’s basketball IQ sets him apart from other prospects. He plays with the poise of a veteran, never dominating possessions unnecessarily while demonstrating an exceptional feel for spacing, timing, and decision-making. This should allow him to mesh seamlessly with Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis, enhancing rather than competing with their skill sets.
For Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison, who faced criticism after trading Luka Doncic, landing Flagg provides a new franchise cornerstone that brings immediate excitement back to the organization while offering elite upside for years to come. (BA)
2) Dylan Harper, G, Rutgers
San Antonio Spurs
Grade: A-
You don’t often get a team picking second overall that could be in win-now mode, but that’s where the San Antonio Spurs sit with Victor Wembanyama at the core of everything and Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle giving them the potential to accelerate their development.
How do they unlock their true ceiling sooner rather than later? An assassin from distance. Castle doesn’t project as that sort of player, but he proved himself as a real threat off the bounce (more drives per game than Russell Westbrook and more points per drive than Trae Young, an impressive feat given the lack of pressure he put on defenses from three-point land).
MORE: Best Remaining Prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft
Dylan Harper didn’t shoot it well from 3 at Rutgers (33.3%), but the pedigree is there, and the quality of look should be high given the talent on this roster, a luxury the Scarlet Knights give him. He profiles as a better spot-up shooter than a pull-up creator, and that should work out just fine as he fine-tunes his game.
It would take a flipping of their win/loss record this season (34-48 to 48-34) to threaten for a true playoff spot in the loaded Western Conference, but if they can remain reasonably healthy, that’s not at all a result that is out of the question. (KS)
3) VJ Edgecombe, SG, Baylor
Philadelphia 76ers
Grade: A
The Sixers went with VJ Edgecombe, and it makes sense. The reigning Big 12 Freshman of the Year wasted no time making his mark at Baylor. At 6’5″, he’s an elite athlete with a nonstop motor who might just be the most explosive player in this entire class.
But what really separates Edgecombe — especially for a team like Philly — is his defensive versatility and team-first mentality. He isn’t expected to carry a scoring load from day one, which actually plays to his strengths.
The Sixers get a high-impact wing who thrives at pressuring the ball, switching across positions, and playing with a tempo that injects life into every possession. He fits seamlessly into a system that needs toughness, energy, and a defensive edge on the perimeter.
VJ Edgecombe defensive tape.
28.6% (!) dFG when guarding P&R ball-handlers + 33.3% (!) dFG on isolation plays — one of the best defensive guard prospects in recent memory. pic.twitter.com/g8PCIpHVqC
— Mohamed (@mcfNBA) June 5, 2025
Edgecombe’s game isn’t just built on raw athleticism, either. His instincts on defense are real, and he’s shown flashes of shot creation and passing that suggest he’s only scratching the surface. Sure, the handle and offensive polish are still developing, but he’s already comfortable working within a team structure, something the Sixers prioritized.
His upside as a dynamic two-way presence is substantial, but even in the short term, he brings the kind of grit, length, and athleticism that complements their core.
In a class full of upside bets, Philly opted for the one that fills a clear role from day one, while still offering plenty of long-term growth. Edgecombe isn’t just a pick; the Sixers chose fit, identity, and immediate impact.
4) Kon Kneuppel, F, Duke
Charlotte Hornets
Grade: B+
The Charlotte Hornets entered the draft as one of the worst teams in the NBA, so they needed to add talent across the board. Kon Knueppel wasn’t the best player available, but his skill set may be just what this young team needs to improve in 2025 and beyond.
Knueppel is one of the most polished offensive wings in the draft, known for his elite shooting, physical toughness, and high basketball IQ, traits that make him a natural fit alongside Charlotte’s young core of LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Miles Bridges. While he may not have the highest ceiling in the lottery, he offers a high floor and a game that translates immediately to the NBA level.
Arguably the best shooter in this class, Knueppel boasts deep range, a lightning-quick release, and impressive touch, backed up by his 47.9% shooting from the field, 40.6% from three, and 91.4% from the free-throw line. He thrives in the halfcourt, excelling at creating space even without elite athleticism.
Defensively, he’s not the most versatile, but his toughness and awareness help make up for it. For a Hornets team in need of structure and shooting, Knueppel brings both immediate impact and long-term value
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Utah Jazz
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New Orleans Pelicans
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Toronto Raptors
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Chicago Bulls
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Atlanta Hawks
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Oklahoma City Thunder
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Memphis Grizzlies
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Orlando Magic
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Boston Celtics
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Los Angeles Clippers
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