The 2025 NBA Draft has run its course, and it is time to take a look at and grade how the 30 general managers across the association did. Grades will be based on the value of the pick and the fit of the pick.

Atlanta Hawks

Draft Haul: Pick 23: Asa Newell, Georgia

Grade: A+

The Atlanta Hawks have had quite the start to the NBA offseason. Earlier this week, they packaged Terrence Mann’s contract and the 22nd overall pick in a three-team deal to land Kristaps Porzingis and selected Asa Newell with the 23rd pick. Rather than be stagnant and waste Trae Young’s prime, the Hawks went out and made moves, both for the future and for the now.

They originally held the 13th pick but moved back in a deal with the Pelicans that saw them land an unprotected 2026 first-round pick from a team that doesn’t project to be competitive in the West. Newell will stay put in Georgia and will provide nice depth in the frontcourt as Atlanta moves on from Clint Capela. Great Draft for ATL.

Boston Celtics

Draft Haul: Pick 28: Hugo González, Spain,

Pick 46: Amari Williams, Kentucky

Pick 57: Max Shulga, VCU

Grade: B-

Boston has also been quite the busy front office this offseason. They traded away key pieces from their 2024 championship roster in Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis. The new look roster with Anfernee Simons and Georges Niang needed some help going into the draft.

I don’t think that Brad Stevens plans to be super competitive in the time that Jayson Tatum misses, which is why I think they had a decent draft. They added a high-upside guy in Hugo González from Real Madrid who likely would have been a lottery pick had he been given the minutes to shine in Spain. They also added 7-footer Amari Williams to replace Porzingis, and an NBA-ready guard in Max Shulga, who has been one of the A10’s best players over the past couple seasons. Tatum’s time out and Boston’s new roster construction will allow time for these rookies to develop and for Jaylen Brown to lead the team in hopes of getting back into contention.

Brooklyn Nets

Draft Haul: Pick 8: Egor Demin, BYU

Pick 19: Nolan Traoré, France

Pick 22: Drake Powell, North Carolina

Pick 26: Ben Saraf, Israel

Pick 27: Danny Wolf, Michigan

Grade: D

Brooklyn became the first team ever to make 5 first-round selections, and boy, did they have some misses. Passing on the likes of Kasparas Jakucionis and Khaman Maluach to pick Egor Demin had many people scratching their heads. At this point in Brooklyn’s rebuild, they needed to swing for the fences. I applaud them for taking chances with these picks, but they shouldn’t only be selecting project players.

I like the Ben Saraf pick at 26, and that’s about it. Great value. It just seems as if the organization lacks direction. I think that it is safe to say that Brooklyn will be fighting for a top pick come next summer.

Charlotte Hornets

Draft Haul: Pick 4: Kon Knueppel, Duke

Pick 29: Liam McNeeley, UConn

Pick 33: Sion James, Duke

Pick 34: Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton

Grade: D-

Charlotte, to me, had one of the most disappointing drafts. Knueppel is a great shooter but lacks athleticism and any real upside on either side. They passed on Tre Johnson and Ace Bailey to take Kon Knueppel, two players who have massive potential to be stars in this league. I am not super high on Liam McNeely either. It was a good value pick at 29, but he seems to be the same mold as Knueppel and McNeely has struggled from beyond the arc after coming back from injury. There were many better picks at 4 and that has tanked their grade.

The Hornets’ second round was much more promising. Sion James and Ryan Kalkbrenner have the potential to be very good rotational pieces, and I was surprised when they were still available. Kalkbrenner will likely be thrown into the fire quite early on with Charlotte trading Mark Williams to Phoenix, and I think he’s ready. He could have come out in last year’s draft but decided to stay at Creighton to develop. Sion James is a versatile wing and will provide depth in a position where Charlotte has injury problems.

Chicago Bulls

Draft Haul: Pick 12: Noa Essengue, France

Pick 55: Lachlan Olbrich, Australia

Grade: B-

I like the upside for Essengue at 12. I would have taken Derik Queen at that spot, but Chicago opted for the second youngest player in the draft, and I don’t mind it. He has experience at a high level and could prove to be a great building block for the Bulls. Great defender, and he showed his dedication by skipping out on EuroCup play to be at the draft. He has the length and can get to the rim. Chicago didn’t waste assets to move up and take a more polished prospect and in return got a promising, young project in Essengue.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Draft Haul: Pick 49: Tyrese Proctor, Duke

Pick 58: Saliou Niang, Senegal

Grade: B

Coming off a disappointing postseason, the Cavaliers are looking to stay competitive and under the second apron. That is why I like the Tyrese Proctor and Salidou Niang pickups. It is expected that Ty Jerome will look for other options after the best year of his career, and Cleveland took no time in finding replacements. Proctor became the 5th member of Duke starting lineup to be selected and provides good fit either in place of or alongside Darius Garland. Niang will be a draft and stash player for Cleveland and admittedly I don’t know much about him, but Cleveland did a good job filling needs with their late picks.

Dallas Mavericks

Draft Haul: Pick 1: Cooper Flagg, Duke

Grade: A+

Nico Harrison did the right thing in selecting Cooper Flagg first overall. One of the brightest prospects in some time, who possesses the tools to be a creator on offense and is already a monster defensively. The youngest player in his class and will be an All-NBA selection in a few years. Dallas remains competitive in the post-Dončić era.

They also picked up Ryan Nembhard from Gonzaga after the draft as an undrafted free agent. Nembhard can get minutes in Kyrie Irving’s absence and prove to be a good rotation piece. Well done, Dallas.

Denver Nuggets

Draft Haul: N/A

Grade: C

The Nuggets need to get Jokic some help, which is why I am surprised they didn’t make any trades. The next logical step for Denver is to trade away Michael Porter Jr. and retool the roster to better complement Joker. The West just keeps getting better and having the best player in basketball might not be enough. The Thunder, Pacers, Timberwolves, and Knick proved that team construction is more important than star power. Denver needs to take notes. No real moves for the Nuggets, and they get a C.

Detroit Pistons

Draft Haul: Pick 37: Chaz Lanier, Tennessee

Grade C+

Lanier is a good shooter, and if his stroke translates to the next level, he will be a great complement to Cade Cunningham. He has Malik Beasley to learn from, too. Good pickup for Detroit.

Golden State Warriors

Draft Haul: Pick 52: Alex Toohey, Australia

Pick 56: Will Richard, Florida

Grade: C

It is hard to get a read on late-round picks. Will Richard might be a reach, but he is a great player with championship DNA and provides 3 and D depth for the Warriors. The Golden State Warriors have an amazing track record of developing late draft picks. Can’t argue with that. The more glaring hole in this Warriors team is their frontcourt depth. They pick up a high-upside guy in Toohey at 52 who fills that need. They traded their second round pick in exchange for two more to fit positions of need. Decent draft for the Bay Area.

Houston Rockets

Draft Haul: N/A

Grade: A

The Rockets are in a great position. They were the second seed in the West without a reliable offense, and just added one of the best scorers of all time in Kevin Durant. They did so without giving up their young core. They might not have left the draft with any players, but they are in win-now mode and set themselves up for big things come next season.

I’ll take Kevin Durant over a first-round pick any day of the week.

Indiana Pacers

Draft Haul: Pick 38: Kam Jones, Marquette

Pick 54: Taelon Peter, Liberty

Grade: C+

Kam Jones is a great pick-up for the ‘Cers. He can give them minutes right away with Tyrese Haliburton out. The East is as wide open as ever with the injuries we saw in the playoffs, and the Pacers are getting backcourt depth to alleviate the pressure for T.J. McConnell. Peter is a huge reach who they definitely could have gotten in the undrafted free agency market, but I am high on the Kam Jones fit and thus they get a C+. I expect Indiana to be competitive again even without Haliburton.

Los Angeles Clippers

Draft Haul: Pick 30: Yanic Konan Niederhauser, Penn State

Pick 50: Kobe Sanders, Nevada

Grade: C-

Konan Niederhauser could prove to be a good backup with a similar profile to Zubac, but I am not super high on him at the moment. Kobe Sanders, however, I am a fan of. Sanders is a great pick for LA as he is a lengthy guard with playmaking ability. Other than James Harden, that is not something they have. Kris Dunn’s struggles on offense proved costly in the Denver series and Sanders has a great touch and ready to contribute at the NBA level. Sanders is 6’7 and shows huge defensive upside.

Los Angeles Lakers

Draft Haul: Pick 36: Adou Thiero, Arkansas

Grade: B+

This is a huge pick-up for the Lakers. Thiero was one of my favorite prospects in the second round. He has been progressing at a very high rate under Calipari in Kentucky and Arkansas, and has great size for a wing. He will be similar to Jared Vanderbilt for the Lakers, but he shows more promise on the offensive side of the ball. He is super athletic and if he manages to keep his knee healthy, he could easily infiltrate the Lakers’ starting lineup alongside Dončić and James. Great value pick with huge upside.

Memphis Grizzlies

Draft Haul: Pick 11: Cedric Coward, Washington State

Pick 48: Javon Small, West Virginia

Pick 59: Jahmai Mashack, Tennessee

Grade: A

Memphis had quite the draft. After trading away Desmond Bane, who was one of the best spot-up shooters and secondary bucket-getters in the league this season, to Orlando, they might have found his replacement. Cedric Coward is an amazing story, going from Division 3 to the NBA, and has all the tools to be the perfect pairing for Ja Morant. He is a great shooter, super lengthy, and a plus defender. The perfect recipe for a two-guard in the NBA.

They also added Javon Small, who showed his play-making ability at West Virginia this past season, and Jahmai Mashack, who is an outstanding defender out of Tennessee. Memphis is in contention for the best draft of the year. They are starting this semi-rebuild on the right paw.

Miami Heat

Draft Haul: Pick 20: Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois

Grade: B

Many were shocked that Jakucionis fell this far. He is good with the ball in his hands and, while he raises questions on the defensive side of the ball, he is exactly what Miami needs. Miami’s interest in Walter Clayton Jr. was evident in the draft process, and I think they got a guy who they will like just as much. He provides a nice contrast to Davion Mitchell and will be a play maker for years to come in South Beach. They got a guy with lottery pick grades at 20 in a position where they are thin. Can’t be mad at that.

Milwaukee Bucks

Draft Haul: Pick 47: Bogoljub Markovic, Serbia

Grade: D

Markovic is a talented player, but I think Milwaukee should have targeted a guard to fill the Damian Lillard-less minutes. Javon Small was still on the board. This is a miss for the Bucks. For Giannis’ sake, I hope Markovic proves me wrong and shows that he can be the heir to Brook Lopez but, it looks like a bad pick for now.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Draft Haul: Pick 17: Joan Beringer, France

Pick 45: Rocco Zikarsky, Australia

Grade: C-

Joan Beringer is not a name I was super familiar with before it was called at Minnesota’s 17th overall selection. I see the vision, but he is still a very raw prospect. He started playing a few years ago and is almost identical to Rudy Gobert in skill set. He’s a great defender and doesn’t have much impact on offense but, has the potential to keep improving as he is new to the sport. Chris Finch is kind of weird in the minute distribution to rookies so he won’t be counted on right away. He will likely spend some time with the Iowa Wolves this season as he continues to grow as a player. Minnesota is ready to fight in the West for a third season running and with Rudy Gobert starting to age, this is a pick for the future.

Rocco Zikarsky is an intriguing pick. Minnesota traded back twice in the second round and selected the big man from Australia. It was kind of disappointing to see the Wolves pass on NBA-ready prospects that could have contributed right away. Zikarsky is an above-average rebounder and definitely one for the future as opposed to right now. The Timberwolves are in an interesting position where they don’t necessarily need rookies, especially as last year’s class gets more opportunities. That being said, this class could prove a lot of people wrong.

New Orleans Pelicans

Draft Haul: Pick 7: Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma

Pick 13: Derik Queen, Maryland

Pick 40: Micah Peavy, Georgetown

Grade: D+

New Orleans drafted some very talented players in this year’s draft, but did something that Joe Dumars will regret next season. In moving up to select Derik Queen, they traded Atlanta their unprotected 2026 first-round pick. The Pelicans have a talented roster, but ultimately don’t have what it takes to compete in the most competitive Western Conference in some time. That pick will likely be another lottery pick unless Zion Williamson can prove doubters wrong and stay healthy.

Jeremiah Fears is not someone that I am confident will pan out in the NBA. He is a good playmaker but lacks size and defense. Perhaps he could thrive being surrounded by plus defenders like Herbert Jones and Trey Murphy, but right now it doesn’t look certain. I like the Derik Queen pick, they just gave up too much in return, especially when you see who Atlanta was able to take at 23. Peavy could prove to be a versatile wing for the Pels with his defense and 3-point shooting. New Orleans needs these picks to pan out or else they might have to blow it all up next season.

New York Knicks

Draft Haul: Pick 51: Mohammed Diawara, France

Grade: D

The Knicks could have gotten Diawara in free agency, as he was not on a lot of people’s big boards. One for the future, as he will likely be stashed. The Knicks don’t get better right now as a result of this pick, which is something they would have wanted after making the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 20 years, and with a weakened Celtics and Pacers.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Draft Haul: Pick 15: Thomas Sorber, Georgetown

Pick 44: Brooks Barnhizer, Northwestern

Grade: B+

They can’t keep getting away with this. Thomas Sorber is an exceptional pick and one of the night’s best. He brings even more length and defense to OKC and has a year to learn Daigneault’s system as he recovers from injury. The rich get richer.

Barnhizer was an interesting pick for the Thunder. He isn’t a great shooter, but he does provide plus defense. With how deep of a roster the Thunder possesses, he will most likely be a two-way player for them. OKC should have addressed the suspect’s three-point shooting from the playoffs or traded the pick, but why not take a swing? Great Draft for the defending champs.

Orlando Magic

Draft Haul: Pick 25: Jase Richardson, Michigan State

Pick 32: Noah Penda, France

Grade: B

I am a big fan of Jase Richardson. After losing KCP and Cole Anthony in the Desmond Bane trade, the Magic were able to recoup some offensive creation as well as add Noah Penda who is a great piece for the future. Jase Richarson, while undersized, provides the shooting that they will miss from KCP and the creation off of the pick and roll that they will lose from Cole Anthony. The Magic traded 4 seconds to get Penda but it could prove to be worth it as they look to compete in the unpredictable Eastern Conference. Magic making moves.

Philadelphia 76ers

Draft Haul: Pick 3: VJ Edgecombe, Baylor

Pick 35: Johni Broome, Auburn

Grade: A

After striking out on many high picks in the “trust the process” era, I think Philly found their guy. VJ Edgecombe will be able to contribute right away and looks to be a great complement to both Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain, as he does a lot of work off the ball. They made a wise decision, which have been hard to come by in Philadelphia, in passing on Ace Bailey and taking the guy that is ready right now. Edgecombe’s freak athleticism and defensive prowess will prove to be key as the Sixers look to get back to winning ways. If Joel Embiid and Paul George stay healthy, the 76ers might have a chance.

Broome is also a good pick. One of the best players in all of college basketball this last season at Auburn, Broome provides great interior defense and post play. There are questions about his shooting ability, but it isn’t likely that he will be needed behind the arc while playing in Philly. A huge upside pick if his 3-point jumper develops because he already has it on the other two levels.

Phoenix Suns

Draft Haul: Pick 10: Khaman Maluach, Duke

Pick 31: Rasheer Fleming, St. Joe’s

Pick 41: Koby Brea, Kentucky

Grade: A

The Suns might now be without Durant, but they did a great job recouping assets in this year’s draft. Getting Khaman Maluach, who was one of my favorite prospects in the draft, at 10 was great value. He will provide big man play that they have been missing since they parted ways with Deandre Ayton a few seasons ago. Maluach was one of the best lob threats in college basketball and has a 7’7 wingspan, which will allow him to be a menace on defense.

I also really like the Rasheer Fleming pick. He’s a lengthy forward whose shot has gotten better, which will allow him to space the floor next to their new centers, Maluach and Mark Williams. They also add one of the best shooters in the class in Koby Brea. Many Phoenix fans thought the rebuild process would be lengthy in the post-Durant era but this is a great start, especially if they can move on from either Jalen Green or Bradley Beal this offseason.

Portland Trail Blazers

Draft Haul: Pick 16: Yang Hansen, China

Grade: D-

HUGE reach in the first to select Yang Hansen from China. He impressed in the draft combine with his playmaking ability and skill set, but was not on anyone’s first-round board. He was in the crowd when he was drafted… I hope that he proves people wrong as he is a very intriguing prospect but you have to think Portland could have kept their first round pick and went back to get Hansen in the second. Poor value.

Sacramento Kings

Draft Haul: Pick 24: Nique Clifford, Colorado State

Pick 42: Maxime Raynaud, Stanford

Grade: C+

Nique Clifford was one of the most NBA-ready players in the class. He is also 23 years old, meaning he doesn’t have time to develop in Sacramento. He will be expected to contribute right away. I think he can, but if he doesn’t, it is a waste of a pick for Sac town. More likely than not, he will be a good NBA player who will provide 3 and D help for the Kings as they move into a new era without Fox and possible DeRozan or Sabonis.

Maxime Raynaud has huge upside and could be the replacement for Sabonis amidst trade rumors. I like this pick. Clifford and Raynaud are a solid class for the Kings.

San Antonio Spurs

Draft Haul: Pick 2: Dylan Harper, Rutgers

Pick 14: Carter Bryant, Arizona

Grade: A+

Dylan Harper and Carter Bryant make the San Antonio Spurs even scarier. Their backcourt depth of Steph Castle, De’Aaron Fox, and Dylan Harper is a mix of experience and youth that will help take the pressure off of Wemby on offense. They made the right decision in not trading the pick and taking the best player available regardless of fit. Harper is incredible off of the pick and roll with great decision making and his ability to get to the rim at ease.

Carter Bryant will be a great piece for years to come as well. Bryant will help with spacing and shooting, and fits the mold for the “glue guy” that every contender has. We have seen how important role players have been in the past few seasons, and he could prove to be exactly what San Antonio needs if Wemby is to make a deep playoff run. He is just 19 years old, fitting the Spurs’ timeline.

Toronto Raptors

Draft Haul: Pick 9: Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina

Pick 39: Alijah Martin, Florida

Grade B+

Collin Murray-Boyles was one of my favorite players in this class. He is a great interior defender and scorer who will bring physicality to the 6. He’s a true presence down low that will bring bully ball back. He isn’t a great shooter right now, but has been making strides to improve. What he lacks in shooting and size for his position, he more than makes up for in his playmaking ability.

A lot of people aren’t a fan of the Alijah Martin pick, but I am. We all saw his value in his final four runs with both Florida and FAU as a versatile wing. Was it a reach? Absolutely. Is he a proven winner and competitor? Absolutely.

Utah Jazz

Draft Haul: Pick 5: Ace Bailey, Rutgers

Pick 20: Walter Clayton Jr., Florida

Pick 53: John Tonje, Wisconsin

Grade B

Danny Ainge does it again.. It was evident that Ace Bailey was not happy with the selection, but that doesn’t make it a bad pick. Bailey was the consensus 3rd overall pick for months. It was only when he started denying teams workouts that he fell down the boards. He is in a great position. Stakes aren’t high, and he will get a lot of touches, furthering his development. There have been questions about his shot selection but that will straighten out in the league. Perhaps the best scorer in his class and super athletic, Ace will have the keys to the Utah offense very early on.

I am not as high on the Walter Clayton Jr. pick as most people. It has been over 10 years since we got a Final Four Most Outstanding Player who made an All-Star team (Anthony Davis, 2012 MOP). Clayton is undersized, and while he can shoot the lights out, he is a bad defender and lacks length. I am hopeful of his development in a situation like Utah where he, like Bailey, will get lots of touches. Tonje is a decent pick too.

Washington Wizards

Draft Haul: Pick 6: Tre Johnson, Texas

Pick 21: Will Riley, Illinois

Pick 43: Jamir Watkins, Florida State

Grade: A

Pick 6 for the Wizards was actually a touchdown. Washington already had one of the best young cores in the association, and adding Tre Johnson makes it even better. The best shooter in the class, who had a historic freshman season at Texas, will provide the shooting that the Wizards have been missing for some time. Johnson is 19 and will be one for the future. And Washington’s future is as bright as it’s ever been.

The Wizards also did a good job moving back in this draft and still being able to pick up Will Riley and Jamir Watkins. Watkins is an outstanding defender, and Riley is a high upside guy who can grow with the young core. Finally, some good news coming out of D.C.

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Zander Collins