The initial round of the 2025 NBA draft wrapped up on Wednesday, commencing with the Dallas Mavericks` top selection of Cooper Flagg, one of three players chosen from Duke University. The first round concluded when the LA Clippers picked center Yanic Konan Niederhauser at number 30.
The night featured notable team successes and unexpected draft choices. For instance, the Utah Jazz surprised many by drafting Rutgers guard Ace Bailey with the fifth pick, while the Phoenix Suns managed to secure Duke`s Khaman Maluach, considered the top center in the draft, at number 10.
Which teams` fan bases should be pleased with their franchise`s moves on the opening night? Should supporters of the Pelicans be concerned about the trade New Orleans executed to move up and select Derik Queen?
It`s time to dissect the events that unfolded Wednesday evening at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. ESPN analysts Jonathan Givony, Jeremy Woo, and Kevin Pelton share their perspectives on the winners, surprises, and most significant questions arising after the first 30 selections were made.
Biggest Winners of Round 1 (According to Jonathan Givony)
Phoenix Suns – Pick: Khaman Maluach (No. 10)
The selection of Khaman Maluach falling to number 10 significantly impacts the Phoenix Suns` roster, particularly given their previous trade for Kevin Durant. This pick addresses a vital need at the center position and brings in one of the draft`s most promising long-term talents. Maluach is expected to provide intense effort, timely rim protection, strong rebounding, and versatile defense – qualities the team lacked. As one of the youngest prospects, his potential for physical and skill development is substantial. Known for his excellent character, he should pair well with Devin Booker in pick-and-roll actions due to his ability to finish lobs.
Miami Heat – Pick: Kasparas Jakucionis (No. 20)
Kasparas Jakucionis dropping to pick 20 was unexpected, especially considering his ranking as the 11th player on ESPN`s top 100 board. However, this turned into a favorable outcome for the player, as he joined a Miami Heat team in need of shot creation and playmaking. Jakucionis`s fit with the Heat`s culture and emphasis on toughness appears ideal. His versatility across guard positions offers Miami flexibility, particularly alongside Tyler Herro. With his advanced feel for the game and pick-and-roll skills, he has the potential to develop into the Heat`s primary point guard in the future.
Biggest Surprises of Round 1 (According to Jonathan Givony)
Portland Trail Blazers – Pick: Yang Hansen, center (No. 16)
Yang Hansen, ranked 35th on ESPN`s board, made the most significant jump in the first round when Portland drafted him at pick 16. The Trail Blazers have tracked Yang extensively, including scouting him with the Chinese national team and working him out privately. Despite selecting another center last year, Portland approaches the draft by selecting the best available player and is enthusiastic about Yang`s skills and character. They intend to integrate him into the NBA immediately for development.
Utah Jazz – Pick: Ace Bailey (No. 5)
Ace Bailey appeared surprised by the Utah Jazz`s selection at number 5, having reportedly explored options with other teams like Washington or Brooklyn. Bailey indicated post-draft that he wasn`t aware of Utah`s interest. He had declined multiple invitations for visits and private workouts with Utah, as well as Philadelphia and Charlotte. Nevertheless, the Jazz felt they had sufficient information on his game and profile to comfortably make the pick. Utah`s new president of basketball operations, Austin Ainge, had previously interviewed Bailey and scouted him multiple times. Immediately after the pick, Ainge expressed strong approval of Bailey as both a player and a fit for their program.
Expert Analysis: What Was the Best Pick?
ESPN analysts weighed in on the top value selections of the first round:
Kevin Pelton
Pelton highlighted Carter Bryant at No. 14 to the Spurs. While he might not contribute immediately, his 3-and-D profile is seen as an ideal long-term fit with San Antonio`s young core of Victor Wembanyama, De`Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper.
Jeremy Woo
Woo chose Khaman Maluach falling to the Suns at No. 10 as a “terrific outcome” that provides Phoenix with a potentially foundational player and addresses a key need. He also praised the Thunder`s selection of Thomas Sorber at No. 15, noting it demonstrates Oklahoma City`s foresight in finding a potential long-term replacement for their starting center position, especially considering potential future contract challenges with Isaiah Hartenstein. The Thunder can be patient with Sorber`s development, securing a prospect with a similar dimension to their current center.
Expert Analysis: Favorite Trade of Round 1?
Analysts discussed the notable trades made during the first round:
Kevin Pelton
Pelton identified the trade where Atlanta moved back 10 spots (from 13 to 23) to acquire the better of Milwaukee`s and New Orleans` 2026 first-round picks as highly significant. He believes this move could greatly benefit the Hawks next year, especially considering the potential challenges New Orleans faces in the tough Western Conference and injury risks for Milwaukee. This move could potentially give Atlanta a better pick next year than the one they traded this year, representing an enormous value win.
Jeremy Woo
While acknowledging the Atlanta-New Orleans trade`s significance in value (he feels Atlanta extracted serious value, including an unprotected 2026 pick that is the better of two different teams), Woo stated it wasn`t his “favorite,” particularly from the Pelicans` perspective. He views New Orleans taking on a “confusing amount of risk” by trading a potentially high future pick for a rookie (Derik Queen), especially without a clear path to playoff contention or adding a player who immediately helps them reach it. He also questions the long-term roster fit of Queen alongside Zion Williamson, noting both are offensive-minded bigs who offer limited rim protection and floor spacing.
Expert Analysis: Which Title Contender Helped Itself the Most?
Considering that players drafted in the first round are unlikely to play a major role in the immediate future for top contenders, analysts looked at moves with potential long-term impact:
Kevin Pelton
Pelton suggested the Mavericks, noting the unlikelihood of draftees impacting immediate playoff runs. He then pointed to the Thunder`s move to push back their No. 24 pick by acquiring a 2026 first-round pick from the Kings as having the most potential long-term impact on a 2026 title contender.
Jeremy Woo
Woo highlighted the Orlando Magic`s activity, including their trade for Desmond Bane and selecting Jase Richardson at No. 25. Woo sees Richardson as a potentially valuable and cost-effective depth player who could contribute off the bench early in his career, supporting the Magic`s core players like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner during their competitive window. He noted that the Magic appear to have managed their offseason effectively so far.
Expert Analysis: Favorite Prospect-Team Fit Outside of the Lottery?
Analysts picked their preferred pairings outside the top 14 picks:
Kevin Pelton
Pelton favored Kasparas Jakucionis to the Heat at No. 20. He compared Jakucionis`s potential to former Heat guard Goran Dragic, noting their physical style and shooting ability. He believes Jakucionis`s size allows him to play alongside other guards and fits the Heat`s culture. The key challenge, like Dragic early on, will be improving his turnover rate.
Jeremy Woo
Woo selected Joan Beringer to the Timberwolves at No. 18. He is high on Beringer`s long-term potential, highlighting his physical traits, ability to run the floor, and rim protection as a center. Woo believes developing behind fellow Frenchman Rudy Gobert could be an ideal situation for Beringer to transition to the NBA and tap into his significant potential, addressing a long-term team need for Minnesota.
Expert Analysis: True or False: Cooper Flagg will average 20 points as a rookie.
Kevin Pelton
False. Pelton does not believe scoring will be the primary strength of Flagg`s game. Given that he joins a contending team with established scorers, averaging 20 points as a rookie is deemed unrealistic.
Jeremy Woo
False, but Woo doesn`t view this as a concern. He suggests Flagg`s scoring average depends more on his usage rate with the Mavericks than his capability. Woo emphasizes that Flagg`s well-rounded game, rather than just scoring, is expected to make him a leading candidate for Rookie of the Year. Dallas should be optimistic about his future without overburdening him with immediate scoring responsibility.
Expert Analysis: Fill in the blank: New Orleans giving up its 2026 unprotected first-round pick is ___________.
Kevin Pelton
Pelton completed the sentence with: “Jumping out of the plane without a parachute.” He referenced the Pelicans` recent injury issues and the unpredictability of the Western Conference. He posed the scenario where Atlanta could potentially win the lottery with New Orleans` pick, highlighting the immense risk taken.
Jeremy Woo
Woo completed the sentence with: “A mistimed decision.” He elaborated that trading a future unprotected pick is risky without a clear path to a playoff spot or for a player who immediately guarantees one. Using it to gamble on a rookie, regardless of how much the team likes him, lacks a safety net if circumstances turn unfavorable. Woo also reiterated his concerns about the long-term fit of Derik Queen alongside Zion Williamson, adding to his confusion regarding the overall plan for the Pelicans` roster.
Expert Analysis: How Would You Grade the Nets` Draft?
The Brooklyn Nets made five selections in the first round. Analysts graded their performance:
Kevin Pelton
Pelton gave the Nets a “C-plus.” He noted Brooklyn appeared to prioritize “project” players, selecting several young international prospects and one-and-done college players, with only one pick over age 19. He would have preferred to see players with more proven production, pointing out that only one of their picks ranked highly in his stats-based projections.
Jeremy Woo
Woo assigned the Nets a “B.” He acknowledged that drafting five players means their board likely differed from consensus, but he appreciated the vision for the roster that the Nets seemed to follow. He noted their commitment to coach Jordi Fernandez`s style, picking players with positional size and passing ability, while also taking a chance on a player who was perhaps misused in college. Woo finds the outcome uncertain but respects the team`s approach and believes they will have ample time to evaluate their numerous new players.
Expert Analysis: Who Are You Most Surprised to See Still on the Board Heading into Round 2?
Analysts identified players unexpectedly not selected in the first round:
Kevin Pelton
Pelton was most surprised that Rasheer Fleming from Saint Joseph`s was not drafted. Fleming was the highest-ranked player in the final mock draft not to go in the first round and was even higher in Pelton`s stats-based projections. Pelton anticipates teams may look to trade up to select Fleming early in the second round.
Jeremy Woo
Woo was surprised to see Maxime Raynaud from Stanford still available. He believed Raynaud had done enough to warrant a first-round selection, particularly in the 20s. Given the number of big men taken, including some surprise jumps, Raynaud was among those who ultimately slipped out of the first round. Woo expects teams will try to acquire him early on Day 2.