2025 NBA Draft Live Updates: Evaluation and Assessments for Each First-Round Selection
The 2025 NBA Draft has kicked off, and we here at Baller Insiders are bringing you the lowdown on every pick in the first round.
This year, the draft class has been highly anticipated for quite some time, and it's finally their time to shine. After the grueling workouts and endless interviews, it's time to see where these players land. So, grab a drink, sit back, and let's dive into the draft action.
We'll be grading each pick live as they come in, giving you the scoop on whether the selection makes sense or not. Don't expect any surprises with the first two picks, but things may get interesting afterward.
Let's get started!
No. 1: Dallas Mavericks select Cooper Flagg (SF, Duke)
The first pick of the night goes to the Dallas Mavericks, who took Cooper Flagg with the top spot. Flagg is considered a top talent, a versatile player with a huge upside. He's expected to contribute immediately alongside LeBron James, as the Mavs aim to stay competitive through January or February when Kyrie Irving returns from his torn ACL.
Grade: A
No. 2: San Antonio Spurs select Dylan Harper (PG, Rutgers)
The Spurs are up next and choose Dylan Harper. Harper is a playmaker with a strong guard game, which should align well with the Spurs' rebuilding efforts. The rebuilding Spurs continue to add talent to their roster.
Grade: A
No. 3: Philadelphia 76ers select VJ Edgecombe (SG, Baylor)
With the third pick, the Philadelphia 76ers opt for VJ Edgecombe. Edgecombe should provide shooting and scoring depth to a backcourt that's been lacking said depth.
Grade: A
No. 4: Charlotte Hornets select Kon Knueppel (PG, Dayton)
The Hornets use their first-round pick on Kon Knueppel. He's a solid point guard with a reliable floor but may not have a high ceiling. Some experts believe the Hornets should have taken a different approach with this pick.
Grade: D
No. 5: Utah Jazz select Ace Bailey (PG, Villanova)
With the fifth pick, the Jazz select Ace Bailey. Bailey has been making waves with his puzzling pre-draft strategy, so it's no surprise to see him chosen by the Jazz. They've decided to take a swing on talent, hoping to uncover Bailey's huge upside.
Grade: B
No. 6: Washington Wizards select Tre Johnson (SG, Michigan State)
The Wizards are on the clock and opt for shooting guard Tre Johnson. Johnson shows potential to score at the NBA level, but his defense will ultimately determine his ceiling. The Wizards are still in the rebuilding phase and will need to see improvements from Johnson to help them move up the rankings.
Grade: B
No. 7: New Orleans Pelicans select Jeremiah Fears (SG, Florida Gulf Coast)
The Pelicans are up next and take a risk on Jeremiah Fears. Fears has the potential to be a star, but he's raw and has a lot to learn. This pick could pay off if he develops a jumper and focuses on defense.
Grade: A
No. 8: Brooklyn Nets select Egor Demin (PG, CSKA Moscow)
The Nets make their first pick of the night, selecting Egor Demin. Demin is a talented point guard with excellent passing skills, but his jumper is questionable. The Nets could use some guard depth, so Demin could provide solid contributions off the bench.
Grade: B
No. 9: Toronto Raptors select Collin Murray-Boyles (PF, Gonzaga)
The Raptors are next up and select Collin Murray-Boyles. Murray-Boyles is a solid prospect, but his fit on the Raptors roster is a question mark. The Raptors had several other prospects on their radar that might have been a better fit.
Grade: D-
No. 10: Houston Rockets trade their first-round pick to the Phoenix Suns
In a surprise move, the Rockets trade their first-round pick to the Phoenix Suns. The Suns have a dire need for a center, so this pick sets them up to address that need.
Grade: A
No. 11: Portland Trail Blazers select Cedric Coward (SF, Texas Tech)
The Blazers make their first pick of the night, selecting Cedric Coward. Coward has been climbing up draft boards of late, and he should provide scoring depth for the Blazers’ backcourt. However, this might have been a reach, considering other intriguing prospects were still available.
Grade: B-
No. 12: Chicago Bulls select Noa Essengue (PF, Oregon)
With the 12th pick, the Bulls select Noa Essengue. Essengue has tantalizing length and mobility but is rail-thin. He could be a valuable addition to the Bulls’ frontcourt, but his defense and jumper need refining.
Grade: B-
No. 13: Atlanta Hawks trade their first-round pick to the New Orleans Pelicans
In a shocking move, the Hawks trade their first-round pick to the New Orleans Pelicans. The Pelicans seem to be building up their frontcourt with this move.
Grade: A
And that’s it for the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft. Stay tuned for our expert analysis on how each first-round pick will impact their teams. This could be a transformative draft for some teams, so it’s important to keep an eye on these rookies as they start their careers in the NBA.
Basketball fans, get ready for exciting rookie performances in the upcoming basketball season as NBA teams craft their rosters with new talent. Cooper Flagg, drafted first overall by the Dallas Mavericks, demonstrates immense potential as a versatile player who could contribute immediately alongside LeBron James. In sports, every pick matters, and the teams are making strategic decisions that will define their seasons. This year's rookie class is particularly promising, as we've seen with top-tier prospects like Dylan Harper, VJ Edgecombe, and Jeremiah Fears being selected early on. Don't miss the opportunity to witness these future stars making their mark in the NBA.
