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. (CM)
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 exactly what this young team needs to improve in 2025 and beyond.
Knueppel is one of the most polished offensive wings in the 2025 NBA Draft. He is 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 make up for it. For a Hornets team that needs structure and shooting, Knueppel brings both immediate impact and long-term value. (BA)
5) Ace Bailey, G, Rutgers
Utah Jazz
Grade: C
The Utah Jazz are a franchise in need of a spark (three straight sub-40-win seasons after winning 40+ in seven straight campaigns), and they certainly have a chance in gaining Ace Bailey, a player to who scoring comes easily.
Utah’s offense ranked 24th in terms of efficiency a season ago, and with Bailey, a move toward league average is certainly a possibility in short order. That said, there are game maturity issues to overcome, which could lead to an extended learning curve at the professional level.
In college, tough shots and loose ball handling were on display with regularity. The Jazz committed more turnovers per game last season than any team over the past decade, and while he has Day 1 shot creation upside, there are going to be growing pains as a part of this rebuild.
Keyonte George (2023 16th overall pick, efficiency remains a concern as a scorer, but he did average 2.1 assists-per-turnover in 2024), Brice Sensabaugh (2023 28th overall pick, joined Kevin Durant and Zach LaVine as the only players to average 3 3PM and shoot 45% from deep in the second half of 2024), and Isaiah Collier (2024 29th overall pick, 46 starts last season and 12.0 PPG post-All Star Break) give this team a young foundation with Bailey next to Lauri Markkanen (signed on for five more years last summer).
Rock bottom may have been the 2024 season, and that’s a start, but asking this team to fly up the standings in the short term is wishful thinking, even if Bailey is a hit as a rookie. (KS)
6) Tre Johnson, G, Texas
Washington Wizards
Grade: B+
The Washington Wizards added firepower to their backcourt by drafting Texas freshman Tre Johnson, a dynamic scorer with the physical tools to thrive at the next level. At 6’6″ with a 6’10” wingspan, Johnson checks the boxes for an NBA two-guard and then some.
He’s one of the most polished pure scorers in this class — a tough shot-maker who can create his own offense at all three levels.
Johnson didn’t just flash potential at Texas. As a freshman, he led the SEC in scoring, averaging nearly 20 points per game. His confidence as a scorer stands out, and he’s already shown he can shoulder the offensive load.
Some Tre Johnson highlights
19.9 PPG (1st in the SEC, 22nd in the nation)
39.7 3pt% (2nd in SEC) on 6.8 3pt attempts/game
6’4 ¾, 190 lbs, 6’10 wingspan, 8’5″ standing reach https://t.co/DW1vQlAY5I pic.twitter.com/aEmnruodcx— (@fsh733) May 13, 2025
That said, there’s still room to grow. He’ll need to tighten up his finishing through contact, pick his spots more wisely, and show more consistent engagement on the defensive end. The tools are there — length, athleticism, instincts — it’s just about putting it all together.
For the Wizards, Johnson brings immediate shooting and scoring upside alongside their current core. He may not be a complete two-way player yet, but the offensive ceiling is NBA-ready, and there’s real long-term potential to develop into a three-level weapon that can help stretch the floor and punish defenses. (CM)
7) Jeremiah Fears, G, Oklahoma
New Orleans Pelicans
Grade: A-
Ahead of the draft, the New Orleans Pelicans swapped C.J. McCollum for Jordan Poole, but they just landed their point guard of the future in Oklahoma’s Jeremiah Fears.
After a turbulent 21-61 season and a shakeup in the front office, the Pelicans are searching for long-term stability, and Fears is the kind of high-upside talent who could help anchor their rebuild. One of the youngest players in the 2025 class, he already carries himself with the poise and confidence of a seasoned lead guard.
A dynamic shot creator, Fears blends a lightning-quick first step with elite ball handling and a fearless mentality, making him a constant threat attacking the rim.
His ability to change speeds, manipulate defenders, and finish through contact sets him apart as one of the most dangerous downhill guards in the class. Although he’s still developing physically, he led all freshmen in usage rate and carried Oklahoma to the NCAA Tournament.
Fears may not be the most pro-ready, but with Poole and Dejounte Murray in the fold, the Pelicans have point guards who are comfortable playing off-ball. New Orleans needs a big man, but this is a wise long-term investment. (BA)
8) Egor Demin, G, BYU
Brooklyn Nets
Grade: B
Brooklyn is a team tearing things down to the nuts and bolts ($45 million available in cap space), a situation that will allow for an extended runway for the development of their first pick this season. Nic Claxton is the only player currently on this roster signed through the 2028 season, making the next 12-24 months critical for the overall direction of this franchise.
As for Egor Demin’s fit, it’s hard not to like it. He’s a gifted playmaker with plus size (6’8”), and that plays well in a rebuild situation. He is a versatile piece who should be able to adjust to the talent around him. The shooting needs work, but with his length, if he hones the fundamentals, getting his shot off shouldn’t be a significant issue.
The Nets need help everywhere. Their offense ranked 28th last season, and their defense over the past two years has had the two worst showings in franchise history. Demin is more of an aid on the offensive side of the ball, and he’s the type of guard who should mesh nicely with a volume scorer like Cam Thomas.
There is plenty of work to do in Brooklyn, but we saw point guard play dominate this postseason, so drafting potential at that position is a logical place to start. (KS)
9) Collin Murray-Boyles, F, South Carolina
Toronto Raptors
Grade: B+
With the Toronto Raptors already loaded on the wing, they went big in the 2025 NBA Draft, selecting South Carolina’s Collin Murray-Boyles, a forward who plays far beyond his 6’7” listing.
He may not have the prototypical height for a modern 4, but Murray-Boyles more than makes up for it with sheer force, relentless energy, and an elite feel for the game. He’s a tone-setter in the paint who turns his frame into an advantage by outworking and outthinking opponents on both ends.
Offensively, he thrives around the rim. Whether finishing through contact or creating second-chance opportunities, his presence in the frontcourt is felt every trip down the floor. He doesn’t need plays run for him to be impactful: He finds his way into the action.
MORE: Every Trade Grade From the 2025 NBA Draft
Defensively, this might be one of the most disruptive players in the entire class.
Murray-Boyles brings violent hands, polished footwork, and next-level timing. He guards multiple spots, picks pockets, and racks up deflections and blocks. He’s the kind of defender who makes life miserable for opposing ball-handlers and constantly shifts momentum without needing the ball.
The swing skill here is the jumper, as he hit just 26.5% from deep last season. However, the Raptors clearly believe the rest of his package is too valuable to pass up. Even without a reliable perimeter shot, he projects as a high-impact role-player thanks to his physicality, feel, and motor.
If the shot comes around? Toronto may have just added a rare two-way piece to an already-versatile roster. (CM)
10) Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
Phoenix Suns (via Houston Rockets)
Grade: A-
The Phoenix Suns doubled down on improving their frontcourt by acquiring Mark Williams from the Hornets and then selecting Duke’s Khaman Maluach with the No. 10 pick. It’s puzzling that the Suns added two pure centers on the same night, but they desperately needed to add talent at that spot.
Maluach adds immediate rim protection and long-term upside. Standing 7’2” with a massive 9’8” standing reach, he addressed a key hole in the rotation. Beyond his size, his mobility, defensive instincts, and versatility make him such an intriguing pick for a team trying to build a more balanced roster.
Though still relatively new to the game, Maluach has developed quickly. He’s a high-motor defender who can switch onto guards, disrupt pick-and-rolls, and protect the rim at a high level thanks to his agility and length.
Offensively, he’s raw but promising, finishing well around the basket, flashing soft hands on lobs, and showing potential as a shooter. It will be interesting to see how the Suns deploy their new centers, but this is great value. (BA)
11) Cedric Coward, F, Washington State
Memphis Grizzlies (via Portland Trail Blazers)
Grade: B+
The Memphis Grizzlies have navigated a variety of injuries and uncertainty during the Ja Morant era well, winning 48+ games in three of the past four seasons. Cedric Coward brings a 7’2″ wingspan to Memphis, profiling as a perfect three-and-D player for a franchise that just moved on from Desmond Bane.
Morant’s dynamic athleticism and Zach Edey’s size on the interior are the highlights of what makes this team difficult to deal with. Still, the Coward/Jaylen Wells pairing is one to watch when it comes to this team continuing to post winning seasons.
The Grizz were a top-10 team on both sides of the ball, and Coward’s game fits that balanced build. His star has ascended in a major way since being a lightly recruited D-III player, and there’s enough raw upside to think he could be a big part of both the present and the future in Memphis. (KS)
12) Noah Essengue, F, France
Chicago Bulls
Grade: C+
The Chicago Bulls swung for upside at No. 12, selecting Noa Essengue, a long-term developmental bet with the potential for a high-end return. He’s undeniably raw, but the flashes are real, and the tools are special.
Essengue is a modern forward with elite measurables and an intriguing ceiling.
At just 18 years old, he’s one of the youngest players in the draft class, yet he’s already proven he can hold his own in Germany’s top league. He’s shown flashes of two-way potential that could blossom with time and structure. Physically, he’s a rare blend: the length of a 5 with the mobility of a wing.
Projected lottery pick Noa Essengue in Ulm’s semi-final OT win today:
22 points (8/16 FG, 2/5 3P)
14 rebounds (2 OREB)
1 assist (4 turnovers)
1 block
29 minutes#NBADraft pic.twitter.com/e0l3tWjy0L— Logan Adams (@LoganPAdams) June 1, 2025
Defensively, he’s still learning, but the tools are there. He covers ground with ease, flashes upside as a weak-side helper, and uses his wingspan to bother passing lanes. He’s a moldable piece for an NBA coaching staff.
The swing skill is the jumper. If Essengue develops a reliable perimeter shot and learns to space the floor consistently, his physical gifts and developing skill set could make him a perfect fit in today’s NBA. (CM)
13) Derik Queen, F/C, Maryland
New Orleans Pelicans (via Atlanta Hawks)
Grade: A
Derik Queen makes a lot of sense for a Pelicans team looking to bolster its frontcourt. At 6’9″ and nearly 250 pounds, he brings a powerful interior presence, but his game is defined more by craftiness than athleticism.
Queen is one of the most polished big men in the draft. He combines strength, footwork, and touch with a high basketball IQ that allows him to control the game from the post.
His ability to score around the basket is impressive, but his playmaking ability truly sets Queen apart. He’s among the best passing bigs in the class, capable of reading defenses and creating for others out of the low block.
His outside shot is still a work in progress, but his soft midrange touch and 75% free-throw shooting suggest he could eventually become a reliable floor spacer.
Queen might not be a defensive anchor, but his size, toughness, and instincts give him a solid foundation. He offers post scoring, court vision, and toughness, all traits that could complement the Pelicans’ core, which includes Trey Murphy III, Dejounte Murray, and Zion Williamson. (BA)
14) Carter Bryant, F, Arizona
San Antonio Spurs
Grade: B+
With their second draft pick, the Spurs continued to build a well-rounded foundation set to compete today, tomorrow, and down the road. Carter Bryant was called on for under 20 minutes per game last season with the Arizona Wildcats, but that was more a product of the roster around him than any personal limitations.
He can do a bit of everything, and his shooting touch (37.1% from 3) will be valuable. Victor Wembanyama’s perimeter usage is an asset, but with Harper and now Bryant added, it would appear that San Antonio will be shifting his role (47% of his FGA were 3PA last season).
Given his instincts around the rim and the attacking nature of Castle/De’Aaron Fox, the Spurs are built to handle any defense on any night with an impressive depth of playmakers who complement each other very nicely.
The Thunder are viewed as the class of the Western Conference and, for that matter, the NBA, but the second tier is likely to have a new member as soon as this fall.
15) Thomas Sorber, C, Georgetown
Oklahoma City Thunder
Grade: A-
With the 15th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Oklahoma City Thunder made a forward-thinking move by selecting Thomas Sorber — a player who could very well become a foundational piece in the frontcourt for years to come.
Before a season-ending foot injury in February, Sorber was putting together one of the most impactful freshman campaigns in Georgetown history.
His broad frame, elite screen-setting, and high-level feel for the game made him a standout among his peers, but his poise and IQ — rare traits for a 19-year-old big — truly set him apart.
For a young Thunder team still defining its identity and entering its first season as defending champions, Sorber brings a blend of toughness, instinct, and defensive reliability into their long-term vision. He doesn’t need to be the focal point offensively to make a difference.
Whether it’s crashing the glass for second-chance opportunities or making the extra pass to keep the offense flowing, Sorber thrives doing the little things that lead to winning basketball. He may not be the kind of rim-runner who lives above the rim, but he makes up for it with polished footwork, soft hands, and a mid-range jumper that continues to show promise.
Defensively, Sorber consistently plays bigger than his listed size. He’s fundamentally sound, physically tough, and rarely caught out of position, the kind of interior anchor who could quietly elevate a unit without demanding touches.
If his jumper develops and his perimeter mobility takes another step, Sorber has all the makings of a long-term answer at the five for Oklahoma City.
16) Yang Hansen, C, China
Portland Trail Blazers (via Memphis Grizzlies)
Grade: D+
The Portland Trail Blazers needed to strengthen their frontcourt, but this pick is quite surprising, as there were more polished big men available before Portland took Hansen Yang. He was projected as a second-round pick but came off the board in the middle of the first.
Just 19 years old, Yang was relatively unknown as a combine participant, but showed out during scrimmages. At 7’1” with a 9’3” standing reach, Yang’s size belies his deceptive move ability, as his foot quickness and speed surprised defenders during scrimmages. Though not a high-flyer, Yang has a soft touch around the basket.
Yang did everything he could at the combine to show NBA scouts that he deserves a shot at the next level, and clearly, the Blazers liked what they saw. Portland has some promising frontcourt pieces in Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara, and Donovan Clingan. This pick feels like a long-term upside bet. (BA)
17) Joan Beringer, C, France
Minnesota Timberwolves
Grade: D
Joan Beringer’s developmental process figures to be more dramatic than most, considering that he didn’t pick up a basketball until he was 14 years old. Fellow Frenchman Rudy Gobert is signed through the 2028 season, with nine figures coming his way over that stretch, giving Minnesota time to refine this very raw prospect.
From a macro standpoint, taking a long-term approach is always justifiable, especially if you don’t value any other players as instant impact types. When drilling down to the micro view, it’s a bit of a tough sell as this team has made the playoffs in four straight seasons (one playoff appearance in the 17 years prior).
Anthony Edwards and Jaden Daniels are going to account for over $75,000,000 against the cap in each of the next three seasons, further highlighting the need for cheap rookie production in the hyper-competitive Western Conference (they were one game away from hosting a play-in game and three games away from holding the two-seed).
Beringer might become a Gobert replacement who impacts winning, but that’s unlikely to happen in the short term, and teams in Minnesota’s spot are often best served to draft impact players. Only time will tell, but from a process standpoint, this is a move that can be criticized. (KS)
18) Walter Clayton Jr., G, Florida
Utah Jazz (via Washington Wizards)
Grade: B-
After a breakout NCAA tournament run, Walter Clayton Jr. finds himself headed to Salt Lake City as the 18th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, joining Ace Bailey on a young and exciting Utah Jazz roster.
Clayton has firmly established himself as a legit scoring threat — a guy with the confidence, shot-making ability, and feel to be a microwave scorer at the next level. He’s the kind of guard who can swing momentum in a matter of possessions and rack up points in bunches.
He’s a tough shot-maker with real craft to his game. Clayton doesn’t need much room to get his shot off and has consistently hit from all angles. He put up a high volume of threes last season and still knocked them down at nearly a 37% clip. That ability to score off-balance, under pressure, and with confidence feels tailor-made for a team looking for an offensive spark.
There are some question marks defensively — at 6’2″ without elite burst or strength, there’s a chance he gets hunted on that end early. And while he’s not a pure floor general, he doesn’t have to be. His value right now lies in giving Utah another dynamic scorer off the bench who can create offense and change the pace. (CM)
19) Nolan Traore, G, France
Brooklyn Nets
Grade: A-
After taking Egor Demin earlier in the round, the Nets continue to add young, high-upside talent to their backcourt. Brooklyn is still in the early stages of a rebuild. This team needs talent and long-term direction, especially at point guard, making Nolan Traore an intriguing fit.
At just 18 years old, Traore has a combination of size, speed, and creativity that gives him one of the highest developmental ceilings among lead guards in this class. He has flashed real potential as a dynamic playmaker, one who can break down defenders off the dribble, manipulate defenses, and find teammates with sharp vision and instinctive passing.
Traore’s confident, uptempo style of play suggests he has the intangibles to grow into a true floor general. He needs to improve his efficiency, shot selection, and play strength, but Brooklyn isn’t under pressure to win immediately.
With time and development, he could emerge as a foundational piece of the Nets’ future.
20) Kasparas Jakučionis, C, Illinois
Miami Heat
Grade: B+
The Miami Heat are coming off their fewest wins in a season (37) since 2008, struggling after the Jimmy Butler era came to an end. They could be active as the summer progresses, but for now, this is a team with more talent than their shaky record suggests.
Kel’el Ware is viewed as a long-term piece that they were unwilling to include in Kevin Durant trade negotiations, while more proven pieces like Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo are plus-producers at their respective positions.
In Kasparov Jakučionis, they get a creative ball-handler with nice size (6’5”) and the ability to exploit matchups. He’s going to help make his teammates better as soon as this season, and as the shot diet matures, he could become a true offensive hub that threatens defenses in a variety of ways.
Reports surfaced that the Heat may be interested in Jonathan Kuminga this summer, a slashing forward who would play well next to a court vision savant like Jakučionis. Whether they land the Golden State distressed asset (or not) shouldn’t color your opinion of this selection.
The Heat are trying to retool, not rebuild.
21) Will Riley, SG, Illinois
Washington Wizards (via Utah Jazz)
Grade: B-
After trading down from No. 18 to No. 21 with Utah — who grabbed Walter Clayton Jr. — the Washington Wizards selected Will Riley, a 6’8” wing with legit guard skills. Riley brings a smooth handle, real passing vision, and deep pull-up range to the table, showing off a shot-creator’s mentality and the confidence to match.
His three-point numbers at Illinois were a mixed bag, but the form and the fearlessness are there. He moves well off the ball and doesn’t need much space to get into his jumper.
Off the dribble, Riley can generate looks from NBA range, and if that part of his game continues to sharpen, he’s got a path to becoming a dynamic scoring threat. Physically, he’s wiry, and that might raise some flags given the demands of the league, but with added strength, there’s real two-way potential.
This is a long-term swing, but it’s one with upside. Riley’s size, feel, and perimeter scoring instincts give him a foundation to grow into a real weapon.
If the body catches up, the Wizards might’ve landed a high-upside wing later than expected.
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