Tonight’s first spherical of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Middle in Brooklyn delivered precisely what followers hoped for—drama, emotion, shock picks, and future stars making their first step into the NBA highlight.
High Headlines of the Night time
Cooper Flagg met expectations because the No.1 general decide, heading to the Dallas Mavericks. The versatile Duke ahead, recognized for his protection and basketball IQ, provides a brand new layer to Dallas’ frontcourt technique.
The San Antonio Spurs chosen dynamic guard Dylan Harper at No.2, including a backcourt associate with excessive upside. The transfer alerts San Antonio’s continued construct round youth and tempo.
V.J. Edgecombe was taken at No.3 by the Philadelphia 76ers, giving them a two-way guard who’s already drawn comparisons to top-tier perimeter defenders within the league.
Notable Shock Picks
Khaman Maluach, a 7’2” defensive powerhouse from Duke, surprisingly slid to No.10, the place the Phoenix Suns scooped him up. Many consultants thought of it one of many steals of the night time. Supply
Portland made the boldest attain by deciding on Hansen Yang, a towering prospect from China, at No.16. Although uncooked, his dimension and motor might repay with correct improvement.
Utah’s decide at No.5, Ace Bailey, was one other intriguing second. Regardless of skipping exercises with groups, his potential was too sturdy to move up. The Jazz are betting on upside and long-term progress. However the loopy half was Bailey regarded upset to be picked by Utah, checkout his response…
“This was not certainly one of his most well-liked locations… he hoped to get to both Washington, New Orleans or Brooklyn.”
Jonathan Givony on the Jazz taking Ace Bailey with the fifth decide within the NBA Draft.
The Rutgers star didn’t look too comfortable ?pic.twitter.com/IQJ1n25mw6 https://t.co/wublwXAemx
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 26, 2025
Emotional Moments & Commerce Drama
Khaman Maluach’s tearful response after listening to his title known as was one of many night time’s most heartfelt moments, bringing an ovation from followers and household.
Brooklyn made waves with an unprecedented 5 first-round choices, together with a number of worldwide gamers. Their aggressive technique alerts a full rebuild. Supply
The New Orleans Pelicans moved up within the draft, buying and selling future belongings to land Derik Queen, signaling win-now intent even with a roster already stuffed with younger expertise.
Ultimate Ideas
This yr’s first spherical leaned closely on wings and guards, with a notable presence of worldwide expertise. Groups like Dallas, Utah, and Phoenix made defining strikes that might form their franchises for the following decade.
Whereas some picks got here with controversy or threat, the night time confirmed one factor: the league’s future is in good arms with this rookie class.
First-Spherical Picks: All 30 Alternatives
- Dallas Mavericks – Cooper Flagg (PF, Duke)
- San Antonio Spurs – Dylan Harper (SG, Rutgers)
- Philadelphia 76ers – V.J. Edgecombe (SG, Baylor)
- Charlotte Hornets – Kon Knueppel (SF, Duke)
- Utah Jazz – Ace Bailey (SF, Rutgers)
- Washington Wizards – Tre Johnson (SG, Texas)
- New Orleans Pelicans – Jeremiah Fears (PG, Oklahoma)
- Brooklyn Nets – Egor Demin (PG, BYU)
- Toronto Raptors – Collin Murray Boyles (PF, South Carolina)
- Phoenix Suns – Khaman Maluach (C, Duke)
- Portland Path Blazers – Cedric Coward (SF, Washington State)
- Chicago Bulls – Noa Essengue (PF, Germany)
- Atlanta Hawks – Derik Queen (C, Maryland)
- San Antonio Spurs – Carter Bryant (SF, Arizona)
- Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder – Thomas Sorber (C, Georgetown)
- Memphis Grizzlies – Hansen Yang (C, China)
- Minnesota Timberwolves – Joan Beringer (C, Slovenia)
- Washington Wizards – Walter Clayton Jr. (PG, Florida)
- Brooklyn Nets – Nolan Traoré (PG, France)
- Miami Warmth – Kasparas Jakucionis (PG, Illinois)
- Utah Jazz – Will Riley (SF, Illinois)
- Atlanta Hawks – Drake Powell (SG, North Carolina)
- New Orleans Pelicans – Asa Newell (PF, Georgia)
- Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder – Nique Clifford (SG, Colorado State)
- Orlando Magic – Jase Richardson (SG, Michigan State)
- Brooklyn Nets – Ben Saraf (SG, Israel)
- Brooklyn Nets – Danny Wolf (PF/C, Michigan)
- Boston Celtics – Hugo González (SF, Spain)
- Phoenix Suns – Liam McNeeley (SF, UConn)
- Los Angeles Clippers – Yanic Niederhauser (C, Penn State)
*Phoenix acquired decide No.10 through commerce.
