The 2025 NBA Draft: A New Era for the League
2025 NBA Draft grades: Complete pick-by-pick analysis from Cooper Flagg, Ace Bailey through Round 2
The 2025 NBA Draft is officially in the books. The 2025 NBA Draft will go down as one of the most interesting and influential drafts in recent memory. Not only was it packed with solid talent, but also affected by extreme organizational restructuring, trades that changed the fate of a franchise, and the entry of a potential generational superstar. From the surprising lottery outcomes to Cooper Flagg entering the NBA for the first time, this draft gave a harsh glimpse of the league's future. Franchises used their selections not only to improve rosters, but to set direction and identity for the next decade.
The Cooper Flagg Era Has Begun
The greatest story of the 2025 NBA Draft was Cooper Flagg being selected with the No. 1 overall pick by the Dallas Mavericks. The 6-9 Duke small forward had topped most mock drafts for over a year, and his freshman season didn't do anything to discourage individuals from believing so. Flagg averaged over 19 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game in his initial season, leading Duke to the Final Four. He captured nearly every college player of the year honor, such as the Naismith Trophy, the Wooden Award, and the ACC Player of the Year.
Flagg is considered a one-in-a-million two-way player who will have the ability to impact the game in both directions. On defense, his timing and instincts are second to none—he blocks shots like a big but guards like a guard. Offensively, he's a high-level passer, shot-maker, and emerging three-point shooter. Scouts equated his ceiling to a mix of Jayson Tatum and Scottie Pippen. With the Mavericks entering rebuild mode following the Luka Dončić trade to the Lakers, Flagg instantly became the face of the franchise.
Flagg's coming to Dallas isn't just about skill—it's symbolic. Decades of average-ness are in play, and the Mavericks finally have a cornerstone to build upon. They've connected Flagg with veterans Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, but the future planning is long-term for sure and revolve
s around Flagg. Fans incensed by the Dončić trade just a few short weeks ago were revitalized with optimism.
Dylan Harper and the Spurs' Backcourt Future
San Antonio Spurs possessed the No. 2 pick and selected Dylan Harper, a 6-foot-5 Rutgers point guard. Harper, a son of former NBA champion Ron Harper, possesses a similar combination of athleticism, defense, and slashing ability. He averaged 18.5 points and 5.6 assists at Rutgers and demonstrated toughness and leadership throughout the season.
The Spurs had also secured their future frontcourt in Victor Wembanyama, the 2023 No. 1 overall pick. With Harper, they now possess a dynamic backcourt running mate to grow with their franchise player. The pick is the perfect complement to San Antonio's recent draft strategy—acquiring high-IQ, team-first players with transcendent defensive potential. Harper and Wemby could become one of the most feared young tandems in the NBA by 2027.
Nikola Topić Joins Top Three
No. 3 overall, the Washington Wizards selected Nikola Topić, a Serbian point guard who was compared to Luka Dončić and Goran Dragić. Topić played professionally in Europe for a couple of years and entered the draft as one of the most polished international prospects available. His basketball awareness, pick-and-roll ability, and passing creativity made him a favorite among scouts.
For Washington, the Topić pick is part of a push to finally escape the mediocrity that has consumed their franchise for over a decade. With a rebuilt front office and emphasis on modern, European-style basketball, Topić can emerge as the leader they've been missing for so long.
Other Top Picks
The rest of the lottery was filled with interesting prospects:
Ace Bailey (No. 4 to Charlotte Hornets) – A scoring forward with the ability to score in all three levels. Bailey adds energy to a young Hornets team already young with LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.
Ja'Kobe Walter (No. 5 to Detroit Pistons) – A multi-positional shooting guard with defensive potential and also a top-level shooter with a fluid jumper. Walter is a good complement for Cade Cunningham.
Donovan Dent (No. 6 to Portland Trail Blazers) – A rapidly ascending guard who surprised some by taking him this high, but Portland saw enough to think he is a leader and a big-time scorer.
Mackenzie Mgbako (No. 7 to Toronto Raptors) – A skilled wing who brings shooting and maturity to a rebuilding Raptors team.
This draft class, while heavy at the top, is deep into the lottery and past. Utah, Indiana, and Orlando were all able to discover contributors well beyond the top 10.
Strategic Impacts and Organizational Shifts
Apart from the players, however, the 2025 NBA Draft evidenced the way teams are retooling themselves for the future. The Mavericks' dealing away of Dončić and beginning anew around Flagg indicates a sweeping new direction—like Boston's trade of Pierce and Garnett to rebuild from the draft. The Spurs, in turn, continue their slow-burning, tedious building around Wembanyama, now supplemented with an ignition source in Harper.
At the same time, the Lakers have committed their future by trading draft capital for Dončić, with a win-now mentality even as LeBron James heads toward retirement. The Wizards, Rockets, and Hornets are all seemingly all-in on youth movements, confident that the next three to five years will reward today's risks.
The Evolving Role of the NBA Draft
The 2025 Draft also showed the manner in which the NBA Draft is evolving. More and more international players are becoming part of the scenario, not just as role players but as foundational pieces as stars. College basketball still matters, but other options like the G League Ignite and overtime elite systems continue to play a role in evaluations.
Analytics are currently front office decision-makers. Personnel used sophisticated models to forecast not only output but long-term efficiency, defensive impact, and even health trends. Cooper Flagg's DRIP rating (an internal impact projection metric) was allegedly highest since Zion Williamson. Dallas and Washington were some of the teams that used these models in a big way to make their picks.
:A Pivotal Turning Point
The 2025 NBA Draft will be regarded as a pivot point for several franchises. It wasn't merely changing of the guard—it was the dawning of new ages. Cooper Flagg comes into the league with pressure and potential, Dylan Harper arrives at one of the league's most stable franchises, and Nikola Topić might be the international breakout player of the next decade.
But beyond anecdotal evidence, this draft demonstrated how advanced NBA front offices have become. Talent evaluation is sharper, the margin for mistake slimmer, and the reward for success higher than ever.
By the 2025–2026 season, the narratives established on draft night will start to unravel. Not only will June 25 be remembered as draft night, but as the catalyst for the next generation of NBA stars.
After Wednesday night's Round 1 gave us plenty of surprises – from Ace Bailey landing with the Utah Jazz to the Portland Trail Blazers pulling a stunner and selecting Chinese big man Yang Hansen at No. 16 – some of college basketball's biggest names heard their names called in Round 2 on Thursday. Creighton's Ryan Kalkbrenner, Auburn's Johni Broome and Florida's Alijah Martin were among the college standouts taken off the board early in the second round.
CBS Sports is here to guide you through all 59 picks with grades from CBS Sports NBA Draft analysts Adam Finkelstein (Round 1) and Kyle Boone (Round 2).
2025 NBA Draft grades, Round 1
Adam Finkelstein
1. Dallas Mavericks: SF Cooper Flagg, Duke
Sometimes it's better to be lucky than good. Dallas had less than a 2% chance of getting this pick and in Flagg the Mavs are getting not just an elite two-way prospect but an elite two-way player. He's ready to impact the team and help them win right now and be the bridge to the franchise's future. He can dominate defensively on and off the ball. Great shot blocker. High steal rate. Terrific passer. In his lone college season, he took major strides as a shooter and a creator. He's the future face of the franchise. A home run for Dallas. Grade: A
2. San Antonio Spurs: PG Dylan Harper, Rutgers
The Spurs have an inside-out tandem they can build around for the next 15 years with Harper and Wemby. He's a big lead guard with a natural feel for the game and great playmaking instincts. He makes those around him better. There are some long-term questions about his shooting potential and durability. If he can address those areas, there are clear All-Star outcomes for him in San Antonio. Grade: A
3. Philadelphia 76ers: SG VJ Edgecombe, Baylor
This is solid, not spectacular. Edgecombe is a spectacular athlete with incredible defensive potential. He can put a ton of pressure on the rim but he needs growth with his guard skills, particularly making spot up 3s and being a primary ball handler. I don't know how much he can help drive winning right away but he's a very quality longterm piece. Grade: B
4. Charlotte Hornets: SF Kon Knueppel, Duke
He can play right now. He knows how to play with other good players and can hold his own offensively. He showed it at Duke. And when Cooper Flagg went down in the ACC Tournament, he showed he can be the alpha. He's an incredibly skilled, very strong, very smart player. My concern is on the defensive end. He's not an elite athlete. He wasn't guarding NBA-level two-guards at Duke. How will that fit next to LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller in Charlotte? Grade: B
5. Utah Jazz: SF Ace Bailey, Rutgers
I give this an enthusiastic "A." His upside is significant. He didn't work out for them but Utah was not going to get bullied by Bailey's representation. They took the best prospect on the board. I believe he's a top three prospect in the draft. He's a jumbo wing, high-level athlete and tough shot-maker. If everything clicks, he could have the highest upside in the draft. Ace Bailey is going to have an opportunity to have an immediate impact. I think in the long run this can work out very, very well for the Jazz. Grade: A
6. Washington Wizards: SG Tre Johnson, Texas
The Wizards had the last option of a clear top six in this draft. They tried to get Bailey and came close. If Johnson is the contingency plan, that's a good outcome. He has NBA-caliber size and will be able to score right away in the NBA. He showed tremendous growth in his efficiency at Texas. He made tough shots as the focal point of the opposing defense and made strides with his passing. Grade: A
7. New Orleans Pelicans: PG Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma
I'm skeptical. Fears is one of the most polarizing prospects in the draft. There is bust potential. When you take a guard like Fears, you are saying you believe he can be a primary creator. I think his most likely outcome is an instant impact scorer on a second unit. There are major questions about how a guy who doesn't shoot it great from 3 and is ball dominant fits next to Zion Williamson. Can he adapt to having less chances with the ball in his hands? It's a risky bet given the archetype. Grade: C+
8. Brooklyn Nets: PG Egor Demin, BYU
I'm surprised. Everybody calls him a point guard, but he's 6-foot-9. I don't buy into that. I see him as a facilitating forward. To draft him this high you believe in the upside and believe he's a point guard. You don't take a facilitating forward at this point in the draft especially when he struggles defensively and with shooting from the outside. He mostly defended forwards at BYU. Who will he guard in the NBA? Grade: C+
9. Toronto Raptors: PF Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina
I like him more than most. The knock is he is an undersized big -- he's 6-foot-6 without shoes on -- and is not a 3-point shooter. But he is very long with a 7-foot wingspan and very strong. He plays bigger than he is and is an excellent processor of the game. He's very smart and versatile defensively. In Toronto, he's similar to Scottie Barnes but not as good. Fit becomes important when you try to maximize an asset. Grade: B
10. Phoenix Suns (via Rockets): C Khaman Maluach, Duke
I'm a big believer in Maluach. He has a long future in the league. He's 7-2 with a 7-6 wingspan and is an extreme lob threat. That's what he does best right now. He's exceptionally mobile for his size. He can run end-to-end and also move laterally. He has shot blocking potential but is not a big time shot blocker just yet. Phoenix doesn't have anybody in its frontcourt right now, so he can play immediate minutes and turn into a very good player for a long time. Good value. Grade: A-
11. Memphis Grizzlies (via Trail Blazers): SG Cedric Coward, Washington State
Coward is a late bloomer who worked his way up from the Division III level and was headed to Duke before sticking in the draft. He has long arms, huge hands and a frame that should keep evolving. He'll provide Memphis with much-needed floor spacing and has th
e tools to be a valuable wing defender alongside Jaylen Wells. The hope is that those two can impact winning right away and evolve into a tandem the Grizzlies can rely on for years to come. He's 23, so this is a pick that needs to have an immediate return after the Desmond Bane trade. If he can contribute at the low salary associated with this pick, then it makes a lot of sense. Grade: B
12. Chicago Bulls: PF Noa Essengue, France
This is an upside swing, which is more justifiable at this point in the draft. He's one of the youngest players in the draft and one of the best athletes in the draft with his court coverage and leaping ability. He was playing pro in Germany and was impactful at a high level of international play. There is a lot to be encouraged about but he has to refine his game and add muscle mass to his frame. There's a lot of untapped upside on the defensive end and offensively he has a knack for finding ways to score and getting to the free-throw line. Grade: B
13. New Orleans Pelicans (via Hawks): C Derik Queen, Maryland
I think he's a top 8 or 10 prospect in this class. People criticize his conditioning and athletic concerns, and that brings implications on the defensive end. But he has arguably the best hands in this draft and is exceptionally skilled at his size, particularly as a playmaker, dribbler and passer. The only concern is the fit. It's questionable since Zion Williamson and Jeremiah Fears are also non-shooters. The spacing could be problematic, unless, of course, Williamson is on the trade block. Grade: A-
14. San Antonio Spurs (via Hawks): PF Carter Bryant, Arizona
Bryant only averaged 6.5 points and 4.1 rebounds, but shot 46% on unguarded catch-and-shoot 3-pointers. He's a high-level athlete and multi-positional defender at just 19 years old. He's 6-foot-7 and sometimes Arizona would even match him up defensively with opposing point guards. There aren't many 3-and-D players in this draft but he fits that archetype. It's critical to build floor spacing for Wemby, Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle. They needed shooting and they got it with this pick. Grade: A
15. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Heat): C Thomas Sorber, Georgetown
Coming off a title, Oklahoma City doesn't have rotation minutes up for grabs but the supporting cast needs to turn over around the team's stars. Don't expect much impact right away from Sorber, who has long, magnetic hands and has improved at a rapid rate in recent years. He should be able to really contribute in a year or two, which is what OKC is looking for. Grade: B
16. Portland Trail Blazers (via Grizzlies): C Yang Hansen, China
He's 19 years old and averaged 16 points and 10 rebounds with three blocks and three assists in the CBA in China. This is higher than anyone projected him to be drafted. This is a swing of epic proportions and comes on the heels of the Blazers drafting Donovan Clingan. Perplexing. Can those guys play together? We've had some surprises tonight. This is the biggest surprise bar none. If it hits, they'll be smarter than everyone. Grade: C
17. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Pistons): C Joan Beringer, France
He's very young. He doesn't turn 19 until November and has only played for a few years. But he's just under 7-feet without shoes and has better than a 7-foot-4 wingspan. He's an extreme athlete with excellent mobility and good hands. His archetype is a rim-running shot blocker and lob threat. That's very valued in today's NBA. In Minnesota, Beringer gets to learn under Rudy Gobert -- and could potentially take over for him a few years down the road. That's a great succession plan at the center spot. Grade: A
18. Utah Jazz (via Wizards): PG Walter Clayton Jr., Florida
He is an elite shooter. When you're talking about perimeter role players in the NBA, that's the most important criteria. He is one of the very best shooters in this draft and has the versatility to play both on and off the ball. He has the body type to defend and the physical strength to be a more competitive defender in the NBA than what we saw for most of his college career. Grade: A-
19. Brooklyn Nets (via Bucks): PG Nolan Traore, France
I am high on Traore. He came into the cycle as a top five prospect but regressed a little bit – at least the perception of his stock did. He played better late in his pro season. He has burst as a playmaker with tons of creativity. He gets into the paint and has shown gains as a shooter. Traore at this spot is good value but I'm surprised Kasparas Jakucionis was not in the mix at this spot with Brooklyn choosing a point guard. Grade: B
20. Miami Heat (via Warriors): PG Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois
I understand the concerns. His skill and his basketball acumen are his best assets. He has good size, skill and processing instincts. However, he didn't shoot the 3 particularly well and he had a high turnover rate. I understand why people are nervous, but you just put a chip on this guy's shoulder and sent him to the Miami Heat. This is terrific value. If you're a Heat fan, you are ecstatic about this. They're rebuilding without bottoming out. They're not interested in tanking. Grade: A
21. Washington Wizards (via Jazz): SF Will Riley, Illinois
This is an upside swing similar to Kyshawn George last year. Riley is a long-term stock as he builds up his body and gets more consistent. He has great positional size at 6-8 but he shot just 32% from 3. If you believe in the upside, you believe the shooting will click and you're optimistic about some of the playmaking he showed at Illinois late in the season. But that's a long ways away. He needs time to develop his physicality to finish through contact at the rim in the NBA. I also question the fit. Washington seems to have a lot of similar pieces. Most guys like this went back to college. Grade: C+
22. Brooklyn Nets (via Hawks): SF Drake Powell, North Carolina
This is a little bit of a reach. The upside is a 3-and-D wing but the offense is not there yet. It's a major work in progress. Good athlete. Good defender with long arms. High character kid. Not NBA ready right now. The theme of this class for Brooklyn is they seem to think they can develop shooters. If these guys can develop as shooters, they'll be fine. I don't think he'll help the Nets next year. It's only because of my faith in the Nets' player development program that I'm not being more harsh. Grade: C+
23. Atlanta Hawks (via Pelicans): PF Asa Newell, Georgia
He's a high-energy and mobile big who can split time between the four and the five, though he's probably undersized to play the small-ball 5 in the NBA. Good athlete with a good motor. Plays with great physicality and showed promise guarding the pick and roll. He didn't show much growth with his shooting potential at Georgia. If that hits in the NBA, the pick is a steal. Grade: B+
24. Sacramento Kings (via Thunder): SF Nique Clifford, Colorado State
It's a very solid pick. Clifford is a versatile wing and a good athlete on the perimeter. He's an excellent perimeter rebounder and a good passer and cutter. He became an NBA prospect because he made substantial gains with his shooting. If that's sustainable, then he'll prove to be a very solid NBA player for years to come. Grade: B
25. Orlando Magic (via Nuggets): SG Jase Richardson, Michigan State
The Magic needed backcourt depth and floor spacing with shooting after the Desmond Bane trade. Richardson checks both boxes. He scores in many different spots and did so with efficiency. He even finished well at the rim despite his size. He can play on and off the ball and score at various levels, but he was smaller than expected at the combine. He's just under 6-1, so being a combo guard at that size is going to be tough at the NBA level. Can he develop into a point guard? Grade: B+
26. Brooklyn Nets (via Knicks): PG Ben Saraf, Israel
Saraf is a jumbo southpaw guard with a strong frame. He's one of the most creative passers off the dribble in the draft. He's very creative and he puts pressure on the rim. The question is the shooting, which is a trend with these international guards that Brooklyn has selected tonight. Grade: B
27. Brooklyn Nets (via Rockets): PF Danny Wolf, Michigan
Wolf is highly skilled at nearly 7-feet tall, especially as a ball handler and passer. He was Michigan's primary initiator for significant stretches last season and was a real playmaker. He has terrific hands and terrific touch and his ability to pass the ball is very rare at his size. He didn't shoot it well from outside in college, a common theme with the picks from the Nets in Round 1. There are also questions about his defense. Grade: B+
28. Boston Celtics: SF Hugo Gonzalez, Spain
Gonzalez had a big early reputation in the Real Madrid system. He's a big wing with solid size and a high motor and defensive upside, especially on the ball. The defense is the intrigue here as his best offense is in transition. The shooting is the swing skill -- he shot just 29% last year. Boston shoots a lot of threes, so he'll need to show improvement there to really stick with the Celtics. Grade: B-
29. Charlotte Hornets (via Suns): SF Liam McNeeley, UConn
This is a steal for Charlotte. At pick No. 29, you're looking for a surefire NBA player. McNeeley is that. He's a competitive 6-8 wing and was the primary offensive option for UConn when healthy for much of last season. This is terrific value. There's little doubt in my mind that he's a better shooter than what we saw this year. I think he's a pro for 10-plus years. Grade: A
30. Los Angeles Clippers (via Thunder): C Yanic Konan Niederhauser, Penn State
Seven-footers who are high-level athletes are pros until proven otherwise. Niederhauser was a big winner at the combine. He played well and opened eyes with his athletic testing. He's got legit size and athleticism. He fits the NBA game perhaps better than he did college. He's a rim runner and lob threat. He could end up being a good backup big for the Clippers. Grade: B
2025 NBA Draft grades, Round 2 Kyle Boone
31. Phoenix Suns (via Timberwolves): PF Rasheer Fleming, Saint Joseph's
Fleming was the highest-rated player on my board entering the second round and Phoenix smartly made a trade with Minnesota to acquire this pick and by extension the right to Fleming. He's a 6-foot-9 forward with a 7-foot-5 wingspan who shot 39% on 3s last season and should be a tremendous addition to the Suns' frontcourt. Grade: A
32. Orlando Magic (via Celtics): SF Noah Penda, France
Orlando moved up to grab Penda in a deal that gives the Magic a talented wing from France who has the physical tools and the frame to be a plus-defender early in his career. He's been highly productive in the LNB Pro A and I like the value here for someone who I thought may go Round 1. Grade: B
33. Charlotte Hornets: SG Sion James, Duke
This is about 10 spots higher than where I'd have selected James so this feels like a bit of a reach. But I'll pass along a fair grade here for one reason: Charlotte seems to be drafting with a vision. Kon Knueppel (its No. 4 pick) is the best shooter in the draft and James is a dynamic shooting weapon as well after rating in the 96th percentile last season on jump shots and catch-and-shoot opportunities. Grade: C
34. Charlotte Hornets (via Pelicans): C Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton
This might be the only A+ I hand out in the second round. Love, love, love this for Charlotte, especially after dealing Mark Williams on Wednesday. He's a 7-foot-1 center with a 7-foot-6 wingspan who is ready to contribute early. The four-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year award winner can be an anchor for the Hornets' defense and has become a real threat as a floor-spacer to boot. Grade: A+
35. Philadelphia 76ers: C Johni Broome, Auburn
This is a rare case where a player rank is the exact number as his draft slot. Broome was No. 35 on the Big Board and he lands in a nice spot in Philly. He's an older prospect, but nonetheless a very underrated one. He was the second-best player in college basketball last season and has the maturity and physicality to be a contributor on both ends. Grade: A
36. Los Angeles Lakers (via Timberwolves): SF Adou Thiero, Arkansas
Thiero developed from a bench player at Kentucky in 2022-23 into the leading scorer at Arkansas when healthy last season and made strides each year as a passer, rebounder and defensive playmaker. He needs to improve his jumper to consistently be a reliable weapon and I have some concerns about what type of role he occupies in the NBA if he can't. But he has a great frame and a deep bag of tools to contribute to winning. Grade: C
37. Detroit Pistons (via Raptors): SG Chaz Lanier, Tennessee
Detroit needed to add scoring to its backcourt to surround Cade Cunningham and it accomplished that goal here in Lanier, who was an All-American last season at Tennessee and is a career 40.2% 3-point shooter. Lanier's tough-minded play style and ability to score in bunches should be a nice fit here. Grade: B
38. Indiana Pacers (via Spurs): PG Kam Jones, Marquette
This is a pick destined to make Indiana look smart in a few years. I had a late first-round grade on Jones and love the on- and off-ball capabilities he showcased across four seasons at Marquette. He's more of a scoring guard than point guard and will fit nicely playing alongside a diverse set of shot-creators and shot-makers in Indiana. Grade: A
39. Toronto Raptors (via Trail Blazers): SG Alijah Martin, Florida
Martin is a tough, athletic and versatile wing and a winner. Good grab here by Toronto. Martin helped lead two teams -- Florida Atlantic and Florida -- to the Final Four in his prolific college career and is someone I would have heavily targeted 
in the second round. Grade: B+
40. New Orleans Pelicans (via Wizards): SG Micah Peavy, Georgetown
Peavy is a five-year college player who had a career final season at Georgetown where he shot 40% on 3s and led the team in scoring. He's a big body off-ball guard whose toughness and competitive streak combined with his improved shot could give him a chance to stick long-term. Getting him at No. 40 -- I had him as my No. 34 overall prospect -- is good value and the fit is right in New Orleans. Grade: A
41. Phoenix Suns (via Warriors): SG Koby Brea, Kentucky
I like Koby Brea as a prospect -- he's one of the draft's best shooters and was a 96th percentile shooter in catch-and-shoot opportunities last season at Kentucky -- but No. 41 overall is about 15 spots higher than I'd have taken him. There's some real questions about what value he can add outside of his shooting and I'm skeptical he can hold up defensively given his athletic limitations. Grade: D
42. Sacramento Kings (via Bulls): C Maxime Raynaud, Stanford
A first-round talent for second-round value here gets high marks from me. Raynaud is a unique 7-footer who can attack closeouts and has the ball skills of a guard. I see shades of Naz Reid in his game and think he can be an impact player given his diverse set of skills for his size. Grade: A
43. Washington Wizards (via Jazz): SF Jamir Watkins, Florida State
I love Watkins' big and beefy frame -- he's 6-foot-5 with a 6-11.25 wingspan and is capable of being a game-wrecker defensively -- but I question his ability to be an additive asset on offense given his lackluster outside shooting numbers and propensity to turn it over. He's still a work in progress, and that's not what I love to think about 23-year-old prospects who played four years in college. Grade: D
44. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Hawks): SF Brooks Barnhizer, Northwestern
Barnhizer lost multiple teeth and had to undergo multiple mouth procedures last season because of his physical style that resulted in injuries in games and practices. That's a pretty good example of the type of player he is: a fearless defender who can be a ball-mover and embraces a selfless style of play. He's an irresistible player to watch who could really elevate his game if he consistently knocks down shots. Grade: B
45. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Lakers): C Rocco Zikarsky, Australia
This is a big bet on a big player and one worth exploring at No. 45, so I'm handing out high marks here. Zikarsky is the tallest player in this class at 7-foot-4 and he has produced at a high level in the Australian NBL against grown men as a young teenager. He'll enter the NBA as the league's third-tallest player behind only Victor Wembanyama and Zach Edey. Grade: B
46. Boston Celtics (via Magic): C Amari Williams, Kentucky
A defensive-oriented center who has great anticipation as a shot blocker, Williams brings intrigue because of his passing and feel from the center position. He's 7-foot with a 7-foot-6 wingspan and his length and high IQ are traits I think are worth developing in this range. Grade: B+
47. Milwaukee Bucks (via Pistons): PF Bogoljub Markovic, Serbia
Markovic finished as the No. 50 overall player in the CBS Sports prospect rankings so this is right in line with where I suspected he would and should go. He profiles as a face-up big and is brimming with skill as an offensive weapon, though he lacks the overall two-way polish to project as anything more than a developmental asset right now as he continues to grow into his frame. Grade: B-
48. Memphis Grizzlies (via Warriors): PG Javon Small, West Virginia
This is a great pick that can help fill a need for Memphis as backcourt depth and is appropriate value for a guard like Small. He's a four-year college player who averaged 18.6 points and 5.6 assists last season at West Virginia and I'm a big believer in his disruptive defense and selfless style translating to the NBA. Grade: A
49. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Bucks): SG Tyrese Proctor, Duke
Good pick and good value for a really good player. Proctor was the vocal leader of a 35-win Duke team last season. He has made marked improvement in the last three years as a shooter to go with his on-ball defense and playmaking. There is a lot to like here for someone who I had ranked No. 36 on my final Big Board. Grade: A
50. Los Angeles Clippers (via Knicks): SF Kobe Sanders, Nevada
This is 16 spots higher than where I ranked Sanders but I like that the Clippers moved up to get him and made the pick with obvious conviction. He's a dynamic wing with great positional size and a jack of all trades -- though a master of none. Grade: C
51. New York Knicks (via Clippers): PF Mohamed Diawara, France
This is an interesting pick -- but it is not one I'd have made here at No. 51. Diawara was the No. 81 player on my Big Board and someone I'd have considered targeting as an undrafted free agent. He has some good physical tools but his potential largely ha
s not converted to production in the LNB in France. Grade: C-
52. Golden State Warriors (via Suns): SF Alex Toohey, Australia
Toohey was a screaming value in the 40s and somehow slipped to No. 52 to give Golden State a great value add. He's a long, multi-positional forward whose defensive playmaking and persistent ability to provide energy as a spark plug should be intriguing for the Warriors as a developmental prospect. Grade: A
53. Utah Jazz (via Clippers): SF John Tonje, Wisconsin
Tonje is a rare six-year college player who leveled up every season and developed into an All-American last season at Wisconsin. He's a quality shooter who can convert at all three levels of the floor and is a tremendous rebounder for his position. Grade: C+
54. Indiana Pacers: SG Taelon Peter, Liberty
This pick is completely out of left field and the biggest stunner of Round 2. I didn't have Peter ranked as a top-100 player in this class, though he led college hoops in true shooting percentage last season at Liberty and hit 45.3% of his 3s. You could call this a sleeper, I guess. But I'll call this a reach. Grade: D
55. Chicago Bulls (via Lakers): PF Lachlan Olbrich, Australia
Olbrich has been productive the last few years playing in New Zealand and Australia and has a big 6-foot-10, 240-pound frame that has plenty of potential. He profiles as an old-school big who hasn't shown an ability to consistently space the floor as a shooter but he's been efficient as a rebounder and big-bodied defender. Grade: C
56. Golden State Warriors (via Grizzlies): PG Will Richard, Florida
Richard is the third guard from Florida's national title team this year to be drafted and was a coach's favorite because of his selfless style of play and ability to impact winning with his shooting, attacking ability and playmaking. I'm a believer and had a late second-round grade on him. Grade: B
57. Boston Celtics (via Magic): SG Max Shulga, VCU
I love this swing for the Boston Celtics. Shulga is one of the best pure shooters in the draft who fell because of some obvious deficiencies as a defender with real limitations athletically. I'm not sure he has the physical tools to stick, but his shooting is so elite it's worth finding out. Grade: B
58. Cleveland Cavaliers: SF Saliou Niang, Italy
A Senegalese 6-foot-9 wing, Niang is a toolsy prospect who brings immense defensive upside but is a bit raw on the offensive end. He has a knack for making plays on steals and deflections and is a consistent jumper away from being a potential rotation piece if his body continues to grow. Grade: C
59. Memphis Grizzlies (via Warriors): SG Jahmai Mashack, Tennessee
Mashack is one of the most versatile defenders in this draft class and is a heck of a way to send off the 2025 NBA Draft cycle. He hit above 35% on 3s the last two seasons at Tennessee and has a chance to grow into a 3-and-D player in the NBA because of his ability to guard up and down the lineup. Grade:
Posted on 2025/06/27 01:46 PM