The 2025 NBA draft has concluded, with Cooper Flagg going first overall to the Dallas Mavericks and Dylan Harper selected second by the San Antonio Spurs headlining a first round full of unexpected turns.
Ace Bailey was chosen fifth by the Utah Jazz, a team not initially seen as a likely destination, yet it could prove to be an excellent fit. The New Orleans Pelicans made a significant move, trading valuable draft assets to secure both Jeremiah Fears at pick No. 7 and Derik Queen at No. 13. The Portland Trail Blazers surprised many with their selection of Yang Hansen at No. 16 (ranked 35th on our final big board). Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Nets utilized their five first-round picks to initiate a focus on young talent.
With the draft behind us, questions arise: Which pick offered the best value? Which team drafted the strongest class? And who are the top candidates for the All-Rookie First Team? Having extensively scouted the 2025 class, we analyze the noteworthy selections, the surprising decisions, and offer some forward-looking predictions.
Let`s delve into the draft`s outcomes by addressing 15 key questions.
What was your favorite pick of the entire draft?
Givony: Kasparas Jakucionis to the Miami Heat at No. 20. The Heat not only drafted the player ranked No. 10 on my big board but also addressed a roster need with a player who perfectly fits their system and culture. Jakucionis, a 6-foot-6 guard, brings ballhandling and playmaking crucial for shot creation in the backcourt. His size and strength also allow him to play alongside Tyler Herro off the ball. His versatility, including perimeter shooting, is highly valuable in the modern NBA. Adding Vlad Goldin, the No. 2 undrafted prospect on ESPN`s Top 100, further boosts Miami`s international presence, joining Pelle Larsson and Nikola Jovic on the roster.
Woo: Khaman Maluach to the Phoenix Suns at No. 10. While the Suns` immediate future is uncertain, this pick effectively addresses one of their primary issues from last season: the lack of a dominant paint protector. Maluach, combined with Mark Williams, should significantly improve their defensive presence, which was notably absent last season. He is well-suited to complement Phoenix`s ball-dominant perimeter players.
Which player landed in the ideal situation to maximize his talent?
Givony: Bailey to the Utah Jazz at No. 5. Despite initial concerns about Bailey`s preferred destination and agent-related drama, the situation appears to have resolved favorably. Bailey`s lack of leverage under the NBA`s collective bargaining agreement and the public reaction likely contributed to this resolution. Landing in Utah offers him significant opportunity, a chance to step into a leadership role, excellent coaching, and a passionate fan base – an environment conducive to reaching his All-Star potential.
Woo: Egor Demin to the Brooklyn Nets at No. 8. I am more optimistic about Demin than some others. His profile as a large playmaker is highly sought after, and I understand why the Nets invested an early pick in him. Brooklyn offers him significant playing time, opportunities for on-ball development alongside other talented passers in their draft class, and a chance to refine his shooting. While his rookie season may be challenging, his unselfish style aligns with the Nets` desired team identity. This “blank slate” situation could be crucial for Demin`s development, unlike potentially fighting for minutes on a deeper roster.
What was the best value pick?
Givony: Liam McNeeley to the Charlotte Hornets at No. 29. I was surprised McNeeley, ranked 17th on our big board, fell this far. Concerns about his shooting percentage at UConn and inconsistent private workouts seem to have affected his stock. However, I`ve seen him shoot exceptionally well in various settings and believe he will thrive with NBA spacing and a less demanding offensive role. His size (6-foot-8), toughness, court awareness, and skill level are significant assets. Finding a player with his complete package late in the first round is rare, making this potentially a steal for Charlotte.
Woo: Jakucionis to the Heat. Miami benefited from picks made earlier in the draft to select a player many, including myself, saw as a top-10 talent. He addresses the Heat`s need for playmaking in the guard position. While his stock was perhaps more debated than anticipated, I expect this pick to look better for Miami over time compared to the teams that passed on him.
Which pick most surprised you?
Givony: Demin to the Nets. Although I kept Demin in my top 10 despite his struggles in the Big 12, I was slightly surprised to see him selected ahead of Khaman Maluach and Jakucionis, whom I had ranked higher. The Nets reportedly aimed to acquire a starting point guard, and they now have multiple candidates in Demin, Nolan Traore, and Ben Saraf. I like that Demin will have an empowered role similar to his time at BYU, allowing him to develop and play through mistakes, although the overall group could benefit from more shooting. This is something Brooklyn can address long-term, potentially in next year`s deep draft.
Woo: Yang Hansen to the Portland Trail Blazers at No. 16. My reaction was more intrigue than outright shock. Yang possesses an interesting skill set for a young big man worth taking a chance on, and he looked good at the combine. However, there was no widespread expectation he would be drafted within the top 20. It`s a significant gamble on his offensive abilities translating from the lower level of competition in China.
The Nets were the only team heavily linked to Yang among those picking after Portland. While I understand Portland`s strategy of taking a player they love without risking a trade back, selecting Yang this high was not something I had envisioned.
Which team has your favorite class as a whole?
Givony: Charlotte Hornets. Beyond McNeeley, I really like the selections of Kon Knueppel (No. 4) and Ryan Kalkbrenner (No. 34). Knueppel`s strong feel for the game, unselfishness, and toughness make him an excellent fit, particularly alongside LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, whom he could complement well. I was high on Knueppel all season and wasn`t surprised by his top-five selection. With Kalkbrenner, the Hornets acquired an NBA-ready big man on a cost-effective rookie deal, providing immediate rotation depth after trading Mark Williams.
Woo: San Antonio Spurs. Drafting Harper was a fortunate turn, and the Spurs were wise not to trade him to accelerate their competitive timeline. While there are valid concerns about his fit with De`Aaron Fox already present, allowing Harper to develop alongside Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle makes sense. It`s crucial to remember Wembanyama is still very young. San Antonio`s approach of drafting talent and letting them grow together is appropriate. Adding Carter Bryant at No. 14, who provides shooting and perimeter defense to complement ball-dominant teammates, gives the Spurs a potentially excellent young core.
Which team has your least favorite class as a whole?
Givony: No single team stands out as having a clearly poor class, though I would have liked to see the Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets more active in either round. Their focus on current playoff contention likely explains their limited moves.
Woo: New Orleans Pelicans. My concern isn`t primarily the players drafted, but rather the risks and fit issues introduced through their recent transactions. Jeremiah Fears is talented, but maximizing his potential in a potentially crowded backcourt, especially with Jordan Poole now on the roster, is questionable. Similarly, it`s difficult to envision Derik Queen consistently sharing the court effectively with Zion Williamson. Neither offers high-level perimeter shooting or paint protection, and they might hinder each other. I worry about whether either lottery pick will be in a position to fully utilize their skills.
While I understand a new front office wanting to select players they favor and address fit later, it`s less palatable given they traded away their own valuable 2026 first-round pick to facilitate these moves. This puts considerable pressure on the current roster to make significant collective progress.
What was your favorite in-draft trade?
Givony: The Atlanta Hawks trading down to ultimately draft Asa Newell at No. 23. The Hawks` new front office secured what I project to be the No. 8 pick in the 2026 NBA draft simply by moving down 10 spots. While I had Queen ranked significantly higher than Newell, the return Atlanta received for facilitating New Orleans` aggressive move for Queen was excellent. New Orleans clearly signaled their strong interest in Queen beforehand, which likely weakened their negotiating position and led to giving up a potentially high 2026 pick without sufficient compensation.
Woo: The Jazz trading up to draft Walter Clayton Jr. at No. 18. I wasn`t initially a big proponent of Clayton, but upon further evaluation, I started to see his shotmaking as an intriguing prospect, particularly in a draft class lacking point guard depth. The Jazz didn`t have to pay a high price to move up, and while he may have to compete for minutes, there`s a good chance Clayton can become a valuable contributor.
What was your least favorite in-draft trade?
Givony: Memphis trading up five spots with Portland from No. 16 to No. 11. Giving up an unprotected 2028 first-round pick (from Orlando) and two second-round picks seems like an excessive package for moving up just five spots, even with rumors of Oklahoma City also trying to trade up for Cedric Coward. I wasn`t convinced Coward warranted such a high selection, so the outcome of this trade remains to be seen. I would have preferred to see Portland trade down further for Yang and acquire more assets, but the trade market seemed less active outside the top 15.
Woo: New Orleans mortgaging the future for Queen. Regardless of how highly you rate the Maryland center or who you think should have been picked 13th, trading a 2026 first-round pick to move up 10 spots in this draft was difficult to rationalize given all the circumstances. It`s more about the process and cost than the player himself.
In five years, we`re all going to wonder why ____ fell in the draft?
Givony: Hugo Gonzalez to the Boston Celtics at No. 28. I had him ranked 15th on my personal board. He was initially projected as a top-10 pick but likely fell due to limited playing time on a stacked Real Madrid team. Had he played elsewhere, like for Ratiopharm Ulm or in the NBL Next Stars program, I believe he would have been a clear lottery pick. His performance in FIBA youth and junior club competitions prior to this season was impeccable. His fit in Boston is excellent; his defensive intensity will make him a fan favorite. However, his significant buyout with Real Madrid ($1.4 million) means he will likely have to cover a large portion of it, impacting his initial earnings.
Woo: Will Riley to the Washington Wizards at No. 21. Having seen him play live many times last season, I am a strong believer in Riley`s talent. He has a real chance to thrive on a Wizards team that will provide ample opportunity for young players. His physical development will be key – he is 6-foot-8 but only 180 pounds – but historically, few wings with his combination of size and offensive talent have failed solely due to being too thin. Riley has a strong fundamental game and I anticipate he will surprise people over time.
Call it now: Who will win NBA Rookie of the Year?
Givony: Flagg. He is the most talented player in this class and is expected to immediately take on a significant role for the Mavericks, who lack shot creation and will need him to perform like a star from day one, particularly while Kyrie Irving is recovering from injury.
Woo: Anyone other than Flagg? Unlikely. This is not a bold prediction. He`s entering a situation with abundant opportunity to stand out immediately, and I expect him to adapt to the NBA game quickly.
Call it now: Which five players will be named to the NBA All-Rookie first team?
Givony: Flagg, Harper, Bailey, Knueppel, Tre Johnson (Wizards).
Woo: Flagg, Harper, Johnson, Knueppel, and to offer a different perspective, I`ll include the other Jazz rookie, Clayton Jr.
Which player is most likely to light up the G League in 2025-26?
Givony: Javon Small, No. 48 pick by Memphis. An All-Conference player in the tough Big 12, Small carried a short-handed West Virginia team, providing steady shot creation and making while demonstrating toughness on both ends – qualities that often translate well to the G League. He`ll be difficult to handle in transition and should thrive in the G League`s faster pace, likely scoring effectively and making winning plays. He could become another valuable discovery for Memphis, similar to Scotty Pippen Jr. in recent years.
Woo: Ryan Nembhard, undrafted. Nembhard is expected to sign a two-way deal with the Mavericks. Given Dallas`s need for point guard depth, there`s a possibility he could quickly earn a roster spot. I admire Nembhard`s playmaking feel and ability to involve teammates, and believe he can overcome his size limitations (6-foot, 180 pounds). When he is assigned to the G League, he will likely be one of the top guards.
Which undrafted player are you most interested to follow?
Givony: Eric Dixon with the Los Angeles Lakers. The former Villanova player was a top scorer in college basketball, averaging 23 points and shooting 41% from three. He offers more than just spot-up shooting; he can create his own shot and draw fouls effectively. At 6-foot-8 and 260 pounds, he`s a legitimate inside-out threat. Dixon will need to prove his defensive capabilities, but he possesses toughness and physicality to complement his shooting. I like this addition for the Lakers. I heard Lakers president Rob Pelinka met with Dixon and shared a story about Kobe Bryant`s visit to the Sistine Chapel, emphasizing attention to detail and mastering one`s craft under challenging conditions – a mindset Pelinka related to basketball excellence.
Woo: John Poulakidas with the LA Clippers. The former Yale guard was a sleeper I grew to appreciate. Poulakidas (6-foot-6, 205 pounds) has good size for a wing and is already a very good shooter. If he improves defensively, he has a path to making an NBA roster, potentially via an Exhibit-10 contract with the Clippers. Quality three-point shooters with NBA size are often highly valued and can find opportunities more easily than other player types.
Make one prediction about this class for five years from now:
Givony: Joan Beringer (No. 17 to the Minnesota Timberwolves) will be an All-Defensive team candidate in five years. He has a unique opportunity to learn daily from four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert. Beringer, who only started playing basketball in 2021 after a late growth spurt, quickly became the leading shot blocker in the Adriatic League. His exceptional instincts and agility as a rim protector demonstrate significant long-term defensive potential.
Woo: The Nets` draft class ages better than expected. Brooklyn`s draft strategy had a clear purpose: acquiring players like Nolan Traore (No. 19) and Drake Powell (No. 22) coming off challenging seasons, and loading up on intelligent passers with above-average size in Demin, Ben Saraf (No. 26), and Danny Wolf (No. 27). They clearly aim to build an unselfish team that emphasizes ball movement. I`m less concerned about skill set overlap among these players than some might be, especially when they are all willing passers. Allowing them to start their careers together, build chemistry, and play a distinct style should create easier scoring opportunities for everyone. The Nets appear to have sufficient playing time available, and I believe several of these players will exceed expectations.
What is your top overarching takeaway from this draft?
Givony: College basketball remains a major force. Following last year`s draft where the top two picks came from international programs (France and Australia), this year saw zero non-collegiate international players selected in the top 10, and only six in the first round – historically low figures. These numbers might even decrease next year. The financial incentives from NIL deals in college are encouraging players to stay in school and are also attracting international talent to the U.S., as seen with Demin and Jakucionis. It remains to be seen if future revenue-sharing changes will impact the high NIL salaries and potentially lead more international players back to the traditional European development path.
Woo: Consensus is often an illusion. The numerous surprises in the first round demonstrated teams` willingness to prioritize their own evaluations and draft boards over public opinion. Examples like Memphis aggressively pursuing Coward, New Orleans investing heavily in Queen, Portland selecting Yang surprisingly high, and the Nets keeping all their first-round picks illustrate this. The draft is inherently subjective, which is why mock drafts often diverge from the actual results beyond the very top picks. This draft was an entertaining reminder that many teams are ready to draft with conviction, disregarding external notions of value.