2025 NBA Draft grades for every team in the first round

This was a wild first round of the 2025 NBA Draft. We had the expected — Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper going 1-2 — but there were no trades in the top 10, when we expected a lot. Then, after 10, the trades started raining down, as did the unexpected picks.

Here are the grades for every team in the first round.

Atlanta Hawks: A

Asa Newell (23, from trade Pelicans)

This was good work by the Hawks, who traded back 10 spots with the Pelicans, picked up a 2026 unprotected first rounder for their trouble, and still drafted an Atlanta native not expected to fall to them. Newell has a high motor and averaged 15.4 points and 6.9 rebounds a game for the Georgia Bulldogs last season. The problem he faces at the next level is this: He's not quite big and strong enough to play the five in the NBA, but he doesn't have the shooting (29.3% on 3-pointers last season) or ball handling to be a modern four. Quin Snyder and his staff have to figure out how to utilize him, but he's a great addition at 23.

Boston Celtics: B

Hugo Gonzalez (28)

A Real Madrid product, Gonzalez has good size and feel for the game as a center, and shows real promise as a defender, but the question is his shot. He hit just 29% from 3 last season (which is less than ideal in a Joe Mazzulla system). Gonzalez is seen as a bit of a project, and if he can develop a steady shot the rest of his game would fit well with the Celtics.

Brooklyn Nets: C+

Egor Demin (8), Nolan Traoré (19), Drake Powell (22), Ben Saraf (26), Danny Wolf (27)

One of the biggest surprises of the first round: The Nets kept and used all five of their first-round picks. This feels like a numbers game for the rebuilding Nets: draft a bunch of players, and hope a couple of them work out.

Demin is the big swing by Brooklyn. He is a polarizing figure among scouts, but the Nets have bet on his upside. Denim is the best passer in this class, has a good feel for the game and has fantastic positional size as a 6'8" point guard. The question is his shot and ability to score in general, but if that part of his game can be developed then this is going to look like a steal. If not… well, the Nets are rebuilding and it's going to take time.

Another gamble by the Nets. Traoré was the lead ball handler and shot creator for a French professional team at the age of 19 last season, and struggled at first in that role but improved as the season progressed. This is a good roll of the dice by Brooklyn.

Powell is an excellent defender, which will give Jordi Fernandez a reason to play him while Powell and the coaching staff work on his offensive game. Notice a theme here about drafting players who need help with their offensive games in Brooklyn?

Saraf is a big guard with real creativity, the feel and skill to run an offense, and he plays hard on defense. That said, he has a funky shot and hit 29.4% from 3 last season. He fits the theme.

Wolf is the most stable of the Nets' picks. He's not an explosive athlete or a good defender, but he has NBA center size, a great feel for the game, a good basketball IQ, and he's a quality passer. He can be a backup NBA big this coming season.

Charlotte Hornets: A-

Kon Knueppel (4), Liam McNeeley (29, trade from Phoenix)

It was a good day for the Hornets. First, you can never go wrong taking the best shooter on the board, which Knueppel was. It's an especially smart pick when he can spread the floor for LaMelo Ball and knock down 3-pointers. He is also a quality defender (which they need next to Ball). He's going to be a good fit with the Hornets between Ball and Brandon Miller on the wing.

McNeeley is a steal at 29. He came out of Montverde Academy playing alongside Flagg and Queen, and he impressed by shooting well while playing off the ball. However, he was forced to be a primary shot creator for Dan Hurley and the Huskies, shooting 31.7% from 3-point range. The Hornets are betting he can return to his high school form, working more off the ball.

Chicago Bulls: B+

Noa Essengue (12)

The Bulls played the long game here, which is a good sign for them (and is kind of what they did with Matas Buzelis a year ago). Essengue's fluid athleticism and high motor means he could be the guy in a few years where everyone says, "How did he fall to 12th?" The French native played for Ratiopharm Ulm in Germany last season and showed considerable improvement as the season wore on, which is a good sign for his development. He needs to add muscle and improve his shot, but it's good to see the Bulls thinking about the long term.

Dallas Mavericks: A+

Cooper Flagg (1)

Making this pick was a no-brainer, but when you get the best player in the draft, a guy who can help you win now — or, at least when Kyrie Irving gets healthy — and can be the bridge to the future, then you get an A+. It doesn't matter that it was an open-book test, the Mavericks aced it. Flagg is an elite defender, plays with a high motor, can shoot the three or drive the rim, has handles and… what else do you want? Great player, great fit.

LA Clippers: A-

Yanic Konan Niederhauser (30)

One of the standouts at the NBA Draft Combine, the Swiss native who played at Penn State last year is massive — 6'11" with 7'3" wingspan — and an impressive athlete for his size. He led the big 10 in blocks last season. He is a rim-running big who isn't giving the Clippers much offense outside of the restricted area, and there are questions about his hands. Still, for the last pick in the first round, this is a great roll of the dice by the Clippers.

Memphis Grizzlies B

Cedric Coward (11, via Portland)

Coward is a bet on a player with all the tools but who is a bit raw. It's also a bet on the Grizzlies' player development program. Coward could grow into the replacement for Desmond Bane on the wing: He's 6-5 with a 7-2 wingspan, showed off a 32.5-inch standing vertical leap at the NBA Draft Combine, and shot 38.8% from 3 in his college career. He has all the tools to be a good fit next to Ja Morant. This was their guy, and the Grizzlies went and got him.

Miami Heat: A-

Kasparas Jakucionis (20)

This high grade is based on the fact that this is a quality pickup this late in the first round. The Lithuanian who came to Illinois via FC Barcelona is a strong floor general who understands how to run an offense and is a creative passer. He averaged 15.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.8 assists a game last season. He slipped down draft boards after a rough Big 10 season with concerns about his shot (32.6% from 3) and defense. That said, coming off the bench as a secondary shot creator alongside players like Tyler Herro, he could find a role where he thrives.

Minnesota Timberwolves: B

Joan Beringer (17)

This was the Timberwolves picking the best player they saw on the board rather than thinking fit — Minnesota doesn't really have a need for another center right now. Beringer is a bit of a project, but he showed potential as a shot-blocking, rim-running big in the Adriatic League last season. He has good athleticism and the Timberwolves can play the long game with him and give him time to develop.

New Orleans Pelicans: B-

Jeremiah Fears (7), Derik Queen (13, from trade with Atlanta)

With Dejounte Murray out for at least half the season (torn Achilles), the Pelicans have been hunting playmaking and scoring. That's why they traded for Jordan Poole just before the draft. It's why they took Fears with the No. 7 pick — the Pelicans see his quick attack, quality handles and ability to get to the rim (with some spectacular finishes) and believe they have another scorer and playmaker. He averaged 17.1 points and 4.1 assists a game in his year at Oklahoma. However, he shot 28.4% from 3-point range, his finishing at the rim is inconsistent, and he turned the ball over on 18.3% of his possessions. Can Willie Green and company turn those bad habits around?

Queen is the most skilled center in this draft, but after a rough Draft Combine (where his physical testing was unimpressive), the question was how far he would fall. Not past New Orleans. The Pelicans have Yves Missi but are looking for a backup and decided to give Queen a chance.

Oklahoma City Thunder: B

Thomas Sorber (15)

Anyone the Thunder picked here was going to have a hard time cracking the rotation next season, this is the deepest team in the league. This gives the Thunder some time to figure out how to maximize one of the more unique players in the draft: A 6'9 center with a 7'6" wingspan and a strong NBA build that will let him play in the paint at the next level. He's got a good feel for the game and touch at the rim. There isn't a better franchise in the league at finding and developing talent, maybe we're underestimating how good he can be.

Orlando Magic: A-

Jase Richardson (25)

This is a quality pick this late in the first round and a good fit with the roster. Jase is the son of 13-year NBA veteran Jason Richardson, but nobody is going to confuse the two on the court. Jase is a smaller point guard who plays with pace, has a great feel for the game and can get into the lane and break down defenses. He's undersized, which raises defensive concerns, but he can be a quality reserve guard for the Magic and potentially develop into more.

Philadelphia 76ers: A-

VJ Edgecombe (3)

The 76ers decided not to trade the pick (they didn't get an offer Daryl Morey liked enough), and that may be the wise move. Edgecombe could be a good fit in Philly, starting next season. He's an elite defender and athlete, who has developed a shot (36.4% from 3 last season at Baylor).. He knows how to use his athleticism as a cutter or in transition to get buckets, which should be a good fit playing off Tyrese Maxey and Paul George.

Phoenix Suns: A

Khaman Maluach (10, via Rockets), Mark Williams (trade with Hornets)

The Suns lined up two young centers in a matter of minutes on Wednesday night and did some good work with that. Williams' talent isn't in question, it's simply his ability to stay healthy (which is why the Lakers pulled out of a trade for him at the deadline). However, for what the Suns gave up it's a risk worth taking.

Maluach has NBA center size and a 7'6" wingspan, and he showed at Duke he could anchor their defense and moves his feet well. He's got a long way to go to contribute much of anything on the offensive end at the NBA level, but this is a good bet by Phoenix at 10.

Portland Trail Blazers: D-

Hansen Yang (16, traded from Memphis)

The biggest head-scratcher in this draft. It's not that the 7'1" big bodied center from China doesn't have some skills, he is a terrific passer and shot better at the NBA Draft Combine than expected. However, most teams had him as a second-round pick, maybe a draft-and-stash player, because he's not an explosive (or even average) NBA-level athlete, not stronger than his NBA competition, not a great defender when outside the paint, and he's mostly been a post-up scorer in China, something that will not fly in the NBA. Perhaps he will develop into an NBA rotation player, but in the short term, there is a lot of work to be done to get him there. Can the Trail Blazers pull that off?

Sacramento Kings: B

Nique Clifford (24, from Oklahoma City)

Clifford is part of a growing NBA trend: Drafting seniors who can step in now and help teams. He is a plug-and-play guard who can score, pass, and defend, a player who averaged 18.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game last season and shot 37.7% from 3-point range. He can be a backup guard for the Kings next season.

San Antonio Spurs: A

Dylan Harper (2), Carter Bryant (14)

With Harper, the Spurs did the right thing: Take the best player on the board regardless of position. It doesn't matter if they already have De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle — since when is having too much talent a bad thing? Harper receives many comparisons to Cade Cunningham, and with good reason, it's easy to see the similarities in their style of play. If Harper and Wemby develop a strong chemistry then this is a home run, the Spurs can figure the rest of the rotation out later.

Bryant is a classic Spurs pick — a good player who fits right into a role for them. Bryant fills the archetype of an NBA 3&D wing: He has good size for the position, was a defensive monster in college (largely off the bench) and shot 37.1% on 3-pointers. It's easy to see him spacing the floor while Harper and Victor Wembanyama suck in the defense with a pick-and-roll

Toronto Raptors: C

Collin Murray-Boyles (9)

Another 6'7" wing in Toronto just seems fitting, they have quite the collection going (Grady Dick, RJ Barrett, Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, Ochai Agbaji are all between 6'6" and 6'8"). Murray-Boyles is the ultimate "if we can develop his shot" player in this draft. He's a good defender, both in the paint and on the perimeter because of his quick hands. He plays a high-IQ game. But if he can't shoot, there isn't much of a role.

Utah Jazz: B

Ace Bailey (5), Walter Clayton (trade from Wizards)

I like the Bailey pick for Utah. Who cares if it's what he and his camp want? Do what's best for your team (the buzz has been that Bailey and his agent wanted him to go to Washington and stay on the East Coast, although after the pick he said he was "blessed" to be drafted, period).

The Jazz need talent. Bailey has the second-highest ceiling of any player in this draft, but this feels like a boom or bust pick — and good on the Jazz for taking that swing. At this point in their team building, the Jazz should take big swings. Bailey is a prototypical modern NBA wing: he has great size, is a freak athlete, has a high motor, can create his own shot, can shoot the 3 (36.7% last season), and is a tough shot-maker. The problem is that he made tough shots because of his questionable shot selection, something Utah needs to work on. The Jazz have a very good player development staff, if they can mold Bailey, this swing could be a home run.

Clayton was a clutch player for the national champion Florida. He is an impressive catch-and-shoot guy, there's a lot to like (but enough to trade up a few spots for him?). He's also got serious defensive questions. But he should move into the Jazz's guard rotation and could be a quality backup for them (and maybe more eventually).

Washington Wizards: B

Tre Johnson (6), Will Riley (21)

Washington wanted to add some offense, it took some gambles trying to do that.

Johnson plays with an undeniable swagger and the Wizards could use some of that. Johnson is arguably the best pure bucket getter in this class — if you need points, he can get them. At Texas last season he averaged 20.9 points a game shooting 39.1% from beyond the arc on a team with terrible spacing. The concern is he doesn't do much outside of scoring, he's not a great playmaker or defender. Still, the swagger is a good thing in Washington.

Riley is a bit of a project, but the Wizards are in a position to take on projects. He has good size for an NBA wing and showed stretches where he looked like a guy who could be a knock-down shooter at the next level, but he shot just 32.6% from 3 last season. Still a good choice this late in the first round.

Teams without first-round draft picks: Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks, Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets, and Golden State Warriors.

Why Draymond Green likes ex-Warriors teammate Jordan Poole's trade to Pelicans

Why Draymond Green likes ex-Warriors teammate Jordan Poole's trade to Pelicans originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Draymond Green knows how impactful Jordan Poole can be for an NBA team.

The Warriors forward reacted to the blockbuster trade between the Wizards and Pelicans on Tuesday that sent Poole, Saddiq Bey and the No. 40 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft to New Orleans for CJ McCollum, Kelly Olynyk and a future second-round pick, and he praised the move for the Pelicans, who acquired his former championship-winning teammate.

“When I look at this Pelicans move, I like it,” Green stated on the latest episode of “The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis.” “I think when you add a talent like Jordan Poole — CJ is kind of who CJ is — Jordan still has room for growth. I don’t think we’ve seen the best of his growth yet. I think getting in an organization like New Orleans under Joe Dumars’ leadership with Willie Green as coach will be a really good situation for him.

“I think Washington, the first year he spent adjusting. Last year he had a really good year numbers-wise, but when you’re on that team it don’t matter. When I look at this for the Pelicans, I look at this as a net-positive. You didn’t have to go crazy from a salary-cap standpoint. I think Jordan may make a little less than CJ or right around the same amount, but I think you still got time for him to prove himself, a couple more years left on his deal. I think he’s still got time to prove himself, and also with some young guys that are also looking to take that step.”

Poole, whom the Warriors selected with the No. 28 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, broke out for Golden State during its 2021-22 championship season, averaging 18.5 points, 3.4 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game on 44.8-percent shooting from the field and 36.4 percent from 3-point range.

The young guard then averaged 20.4 points, 2.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game on 43-percent shooting from the field and 33.6 percent from 3-point range during the 2022-23 season after he was involved in a physical altercation with Green during training camp.

Golden State eventually traded Poole to Washington for veteran point guard Chris Paul during the 2023 offseason, and in two seasons with the Wizards, Poole averaged 18.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game on 42.2-percent shooting from the field and 35.3 percent from 3-point range combined.

Green believes the Pelicans’ addition of Poole, alongside forwards Zion Williamson, Herb Jones and injured guard Dejounte Murray, could make New Orleans a pesky foe in the Western Conference.

“So I think they’ve become a team that you’ve got to watch out for in the West,” Green added. “They’ve got a lot of talent and if they can put it together they can creep up and possibly have a good year.”

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Flagg, 18, drafted first by Mavericks

Cooper Flagg wearing a Dallas Mavericks baseball cap
Cooper Flagg was named this year's National College Player of the Year [Getty Images]

The Dallas Mavericks selected 18-year-old college star Cooper Flagg with the first pick in the NBA draft.

At 18 years 186 days, the guard is the second-youngest player to be selected first in draft history - LeBron James was eight days younger when picked by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003.

Dallas had the first pick after winning the draft lottery in May, despite having only a 1.8% chance because they finished 10th in the Western Conference.

"I'm feeling amazing. It's a dream come true," Flagg said.

Flagg, who plays shooting guard or small forward, helped Duke University reach the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Final Four in 2024-25, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks per game as a freshman.

He won the Wooden Award - given to the most outstanding college player each season - and was named Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Year.

He is the second number one overall pick in Dallas franchise history after the Mavs selected Mark Aguirre in 1981.

The San Antonio Spurs took guard Dylan Harper with the second pick.

Harper, 19, is the son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper and his older brother Ron Harper Jr on the books with the Detroit Pistons.

"I'm feeling everything - all the emotions mixed in one bucket," Dylan Harper said.

"They've got a great young core over there. I'm just ready to get in there and make an impact any way I can with those guys."

Guard VJ Edgecombe was selected third by the Philadelphia 76ers.

Born in the Bahamas, he was named Big 12 Freshman of the Year after averaging 15 points and 5.6 rebounds per game at Baylor University.

The Charlotte Hornets used the fourth pick to bring in guard Kon Knueppel.

2025 NBA mock draft: Warriors select Duke's Sion James at No. 41 in second round

2025 NBA mock draft: Warriors select Duke's Sion James at No. 41 in second round originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The first round of the 2025 NBA Draft has come and gone, and the Warriors weren’t a part of it at all. 

That doesn’t mean the first 30 picks didn’t have possible short term and long-term effects on Golden State. Just look at the first two picks. Cooper Flagg went to the Dallas Mavericks, and Dylan Harper followed him in the state of Texas as the No. 2 pick to the San Antonio Spurs. Both teams missed out on the NBA playoffs last season, but they don’t expect that to be the case next year.

The Western Conference always is a slugfest, and a handful of top prospects joined the Warriors’ conference. 

Barring a trade, the Warriors now will join the party Thursday with the No. 41 overall pick in the draft. There still is plenty of talent left on the board, too. Here’s our best guess at how the second round could play out. 

31. Minnesota Timberwolves: Maxime Raynaud, C, Stanford

After shooting up draft boards, the Timberwolves take the best player available. He could play alongside Rudy Gobert because of his 3-point shooting, which also would be a bonus if the Timberwolves lose Naz Reid. 

32. Boston Celtics: Ryan Kalkbrenner, C, Creighton

The Celtics just sent all 7-foot-2 of Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks, so now they can bring in a cheaper 7-foot-1 center that has shooting upside, playmaking out of the middle and smarts as someone that played 169 college games. 

33. Charlotte Hornets: Noah Penda, F, Le Mans Sarthe Basket

The Hornets simply need as many smart basketball players as possible. Penda is still only 20 but plays with a veteran’s mind, which will fit right in. 

34. Charlotte Hornets: Rasheer Fleming, F, St. Joseph’s

Fleming was thought to be a late first-round pick. Instead, the Hornets jump at the chance to add him and his 7-foot-6 wingspan to a team that can use a little bit of everything. 

35. Philadelphia 76ers: Bogoljub Marković, F/C, Mega Basket

He’ll need a bucket of Philly cheesesteaks to gain the pounds needed on his frame for the NBA, but Marković is a modern stretch big whose upside might be too hard to pass up. 

36. Brooklyn Nets: Johni Broome, PF/C, Auburn

After using a record five first-round picks, will the Nets keep on bringing in draft picks? If so, an experienced rookie like Broome might be the way. 

37. Detroit Pistons: Koby Brea, SG/SF, Kentucky

Malik Beasley was an absolute steal for the Pistons this past season. However, he’s hitting free agency and the Pistons would be wise to add another knock-down shooter form deep. 

38. Indiana Pacers: Tyrese Proctor, PG, Duke

It only makes sense for the Pacers to bring in another point guard named Tyrese with their own star out for the season. The former top prospect should be of strong value here. 

39. Toronto Raptors: Chaz Lanier, SG, Tennessee

Lanier can go get a bucket. The Raptors’ roster feels like a bit of a mish mosh right now, but Lanier’s scoring ability can be hard to pass up. 

40. New Orleans Pelicans: Jamir Watkins, SF, Florida State

The Pelicans went super young in the first round, so it’s time to bring in some age and experience. Watkins averaged over 18 points his final season at FSU, though his 3-point shot will have to improve. 

41. Golden State Warriors: Sion James, Wing, Duke

Consistency is key. From the start, we’ve been all-in on James wearing a Golden State jersey. General manager Mike Dunleavy put an emphasis on defense when speaking to reporters Monday, and James is a clone of Lu Dort. 

He also has improved exponentially as a shooter like Dort. James should be able to be a strong, versatile defender from the start. His physicality will translate. Will his shot? 

James shot 49.1 percent on catch-and-shoot threes as a fifth-year senior at Duke. In his final two years of college between Tulane and Duke, James did it all by averaging 11.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.2 steals per game, while shooting 51.5 percent from the field and 39.4 percent on threes. He has the size, strength and athleticism to be in the rotation as a rookie. This is a winning player that should be hard to pass up. 

42. Sacramento Kings: Ryan Nembhard, PG, Gonzaga

Unlike his older brother, Nembhard is small. People wouldn’t believe he’s 6-foot on a dating profile, but they do know he brings smarts, tenacity and the mindset to shift a culture in the right direction.

43. Washington Wizards: Adou Thiero, F, Arkansas

Many saw him as a first-round talent. The Wizards would love a slide like this for someone who should be able to guard up and down the court with players of all sizes. 

44. Oklahoma City Thunder: Alex Toohey, Wing, Sydney Kings

More talent for the champs. Toohey played two years in Australia’s NBL and impressed many at the NBA scouting combine with his overall skills and feel for the game. 

45. Chicago Bulls: Rocco Zikarsky, C, Brisbane Bullets

Back-to-back picks out of Australia. There’s big, and then there’s the 7-foot-4, 257-pound Zikarsky.

46. Orlando Magic: John Tonje, SG/SF, Wisconsin

The more shooting the better for the Magic, even after adding Desmond Bane. Tonje displayed the ability to put the ball in the basket over his six-year college career, and he plays with the smarts of someone who spent six years in college. 

47. Milwaukee Bucks: Micah Peavy, Wing, Georgetown

The Bucks simply need players they can rely on. That’s Peavy, a do-it-all wing that will need to prove his 3-point shot is for real. 

48. Memphis Grizzlies: Hunter Sallis, SG, Wake Forest

Sallis had a career-year across the board as a senior. He’s a former top prospect who can show why and still be a productive bench player. 

49. Cleveland Cavaliers: Lachlan Olbrich, PF/C, Illawarra Hawks

OK Australia, we get it. Olbrich contributed to a championship team in the NBL, and maybe the Cavs want to get even bigger in the frontcourt. 

50. New York Knicks: Amari Williams, C, Kentucky

Not only is Williams a massive center, he’s a playmaker out of the middle. That’s something the Knicks could use. 

51. LA Clippers: Kam Jones, PG, Marquette

His efficiency went down last season as his 3-point shot took a tumble. That felt more like an outlier for someone who averaged 17 points his final three years of college. 

52. Phoenix Suns: Brice Williams, SF, Nebraska

Williams is a big-bodied wing who can get to the mid-range and bury a three. He’s an older prospect with a calmness to his game. 

53. Utah Jazz: Dink Pate, G, Mexico City Capitanes

Upside, upside, upside. That’s Danny Ainge’s game. Once regarded as a top prospect who became the youngest player ever in the G League, Ainge takes another swing. 

54. Indiana Pacers: Eric Dixon, PF, Villanova

Some players just know how to put points up, and that’s Dixon. He led the nation in scoring last season and can stretch the floor with his 3-point shot. 

55. Los Angeles Lakers: Alijah Martin, G, Florida

The right team will have to draft Martin, a 6-foot-2 super-athlete with a 6-foot-8 wingspan who might be able to mold his game after Gary Payton II.

56. Memphis Grizzlies: RJ Luis Jr., Wing, St. John’s

Versatility and intensity. Luis brings both, and it’s easy to see him compete to carve out a role in the NBA. 

57. Orlando Magic: Javon Small, PG, West Virginia

Though he fits his last name at 6-foot-1, Small averaged 18.6 points and 5.6 assists last season after transferring from East Carolina. He’s worth betting on at this slot. 

58. Cleveland Cavaliers: Kobe Sanders, SF, Nevada

Sanders spent his first four years at Cal Poly before leveling up and proving himself to be a dynamic shotmaker in a multitude of ways at Nevada.

59. Houston Rockets: Tamar Bates, G, Missouri

To wrap it up, the Rockets go and get a seasoned guard in Bates. The lefty is a 3-and-D type of prospect at guard with a long wingspan and the ability to really shoot it.

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2025 NBA mock draft: Warriors select Brice Williams, Tamar Bates in second round

2025 NBA mock draft: Warriors select Brice Williams, Tamar Bates in second round originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The first round of the 2025 NBA Draft has come and gone, and the Warriors weren’t a part of it at all. 

That doesn’t mean the first 30 picks didn’t have possible short term and long-term effects on Golden State. Just look at the first two picks. Cooper Flagg went to the Dallas Mavericks, and Dylan Harper followed him in the state of Texas as the No. 2 pick to the San Antonio Spurs. Both teams missed out on the NBA playoffs last season, but they don’t expect that to be the case next year.

The Western Conference always is a slugfest, and a handful of top prospects joined the Warriors’ conference. 

The Warriors entered Thursday with the No. 41 pick, but a few hours before the start of the second round, they reportedly traded the selection to the Phoenix Suns for the No. 52 and No. 59 overall picks. So, now, Golden State will have two chances to add talent to the roster.

Here’s our best guess at how the second round could play out.

31. Phoenix Suns: Rasheer Fleming, F, St. Joseph’s

Fleming was thought to be a late first-round pick. Instead, the Suns jumped at the chance to add him and his 7-foot-6 wingspan

32. Boston Celtics: Ryan Kalkbrenner, C, Creighton

The Celtics just sent all 7-foot-2 of Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks, so now they can bring in a cheaper 7-foot-1 center that has shooting upside, playmaking out of the middle and smarts as someone that played 169 college games.

33. Charlotte Hornets: Maxime Raynaud, C, Stanford

After shooting up draft boards, the Hornets take the best player available. Raynaud could impact the Hornets from Day 1.

34. Charlotte Hornets: Noah Penda, F, Le Mans Sarthe Basket

The Hornets simply need as many smart basketball players as possible. Penda is still only 20 but plays with a veteran’s mind, which will fit right in.

35. Philadelphia 76ers: Bogoljub Marković, F/C, Mega Basket

He’ll need a bucket of Philly cheesesteaks to gain the pounds needed on his frame for the NBA, but Marković is a modern stretch big whose upside might be too hard to pass up.

36. Minnesota Timberwolves: Johni Broome, PF/C, Auburn

Broome is fits the experienced rookie mold of someone who played 168 college games. He was super efficient for Auburn last season, and despite athletic limitations, Broome knows how to dominate the glass.

37. Detroit Pistons: Koby Brea, SG/SF, Kentucky

Malik Beasley was an absolute steal for the Pistons this past season. However, he’s hitting free agency and the Pistons would be wise to add another knock-down shooter form deep.

38. Indiana Pacers: Tyrese Proctor, PG, Duke

It only makes sense for the Pacers to bring in another point guard named Tyrese with their own star out for the season. The former top prospect should be of strong value here.

39. Toronto Raptors: Chaz Lanier, SG, Tennessee

Lanier can go get a bucket. The Raptors’ roster feels like a bit of a mish mosh right now, but Lanier’s scoring ability can be hard to pass up.

40. New Orleans Pelicans: Jamir Watkins, SF, Florida State

The Pelicans went super young in the first round, so it’s time to bring in some age and experience. Watkins averaged over 18 points his final season at FSU, though his 3-point shot will have to improve.

41. Phoenix Suns: Sion James, Wing, Duke

James has been connected to the Warriors a ton, particularly by the person typing these words, so of course he lands at the slot the Warriors traded ahead of the second round.

42. Sacramento Kings: Ryan Nembhard, PG, Gonzaga

Unlike his older brother, Nembhard is small. People wouldn’t believe he’s 6-foot on a dating profile, but they do know he brings smarts, tenacity and the mindset to shift a culture in the right direction.

43. Washington Wizards: Adou Thiero, F, Arkansas

Many saw him as a first-round talent. The Wizards would love a slide like this for someone who should be able to guard up and down the court with players of all sizes.

44. Oklahoma City Thunder: Alex Toohey, Wing, Sydney Kings

More talent for the champs. Toohey played two years in Australia’s NBL and impressed many at the NBA scouting combine with his overall skills and feel for the game.

45. Los Angeles Lakers: Rocco Zikarsky, C, Brisbane Bullets

Back-to-back picks out of Australia. There’s big, and then there’s the 7-foot-4, 257-pound Zikarsky.

46. Orlando Magic: John Tonje, SG/SF, Wisconsin

The more shooting the better for the Magic, even after adding Desmond Bane. Tonje displayed the ability to put the ball in the basket over his six-year college career, and he plays with the smarts of someone who spent six years in college.

47. Milwaukee Bucks: Micah Peavy, Wing, Georgetown

The Bucks simply need players they can rely on. That’s Peavy, a do-it-all wing that will need to prove his 3-point shot is for real.

48. Memphis Grizzlies: Hunter Sallis, SG, Wake Forest

Sallis had a career-year across the board as a senior. He’s a former top prospect who can show why and still be a productive bench player.

49. Cleveland Cavaliers: Lachlan Olbrich, PF/C, Illawarra Hawks

OK Australia, we get it. Olbrich contributed to a championship team in the NBL, and maybe the Cavs want to get even bigger in the frontcourt.

50. New York Knicks: Amari Williams, C, Kentucky

Not only is Williams a massive center, he’s a playmaker out of the middle. That’s something the Knicks could use.

51. LA Clippers: Kam Jones, PG, Marquette

His efficiency went down last season as his 3-point shot took a tumble. That felt more like an outlier for someone who averaged 17 points his final three years of college.

52. Golden State Warriors: Brice Williams, SF, Nebraska

The Warriors worked out Williams on June 9, and for a team looking to add shooting, he fits the mold. Williams is a big-bodied wing who can get to the mid-range and bury a three. He’s an older prospect with a calmness to his game and fits the Warriors’ timeline, should he make the team.

This pick wouldn’t be a project, far from it. Williams is 23 years old and will turn 24 on July 5. He played five college seasons for a total of 157 games, and actually spent six years in college. A knee injury held him out for all of the 2021-22 season. So, why Williams?

First, he shot 38.5 percent from three for his career and never shot under 37 percent following his freshman year. Williams averaged 20.4 points per game his final college season, but isn’t going to be a ball-stopper. He also adds positional size at 6-foot-7 and 215 pounds.

53. Utah Jazz: Dink Pate, G, Mexico City Capitanes

Upside, upside, upside. That’s Danny Ainge’s game. Once regarded as a top prospect who became the youngest player ever in the G League, Ainge takes another swing.

54. Indiana Pacers: Eric Dixon, PF, Villanova

Some players just know how to put points up, and that’s Dixon. He led the nation in scoring last season and can stretch the floor with his 3-point shot.

55. Chicago Bulls: Alijah Martin, G, Florida

The right team will have to draft Martin, a 6-foot-2 super-athlete with a 6-foot-8 wingspan who might be able to mold his game after Gary Payton II.

56. Memphis Grizzlies: RJ Luis Jr., Wing, St. John’s

Versatility and intensity. Luis brings both, and it’s easy to see him compete to carve out a role in the NBA.

57. Orlando Magic: Javon Small, PG, West Virginia

Though he fits his last name at 6-foot-1, Small averaged 18.6 points and 5.6 assists last season after transferring from East Carolina. He’s worth betting on at this slot.

58. Cleveland Cavaliers: Kobe Sanders, SF, Nevada

Sanders spent his first four years at Cal Poly before leveling up and proving himself to be a dynamic shotmaker as a strong, big-bodied wing.

59. Golden State Warriors: Tamar Bates, G, Missouri

To wrap it up, the Warriors go and get a seasoned guard in Bates. The lefty is a 3-and-D type of prospect at guard with a long wingspan and the ability to really shoot it.

Bates began his career at Indiana but really shined the last two years after transferring to Missouri. In his last two seasons of college, Bates averaged 13.4 points while shooting 50.2 percent from the field, 39.2 percent from three and 93.6 percent at the free-throw line. Bates led the SEC in free-throw percentage as a junior, and then the entire country as a senior with a 94.6 percent clip when he went 87 for 92.

The Warriors worked Bates out on May 22 in their first group of pre-draft workouts.

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2025 NBA draft: Clippers select Penn State center Yanic Konan Niederhauser

Yanic Konan Niederhauser poses for a photo with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected 30th by the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of the NBA basketball draft, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Yanic Konan Niederhauser poses for a photo with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected 30th by the Clippers. (Adam Hunger / Associated Press)

Some three hours before the Clippers used the 30th and final pick in the first round of the NBA draft to select Penn State’s Yanic Konan Niederhauser, the two top choices went as predicted and then the rest of the order was all over the place Wednesday.

In Konan Niederhauser, the Clippers got a 7-foot center and that was one of the positions they needed help to back up starter Ivica Zubac.

“We always go into the draft board looking for the best available player, and it also coincides this time with a need,” said Lawrence Frank, the Clippers president of basketball operations. “We’ve kind of looked over the years for a center that complements Zu, that does something different than Zu does. Sometimes it’s resulted with guys being undersized where we haven’t been able to maximize it. Yanic has legit positional size and I think the rim-rolling threat, combined with what Zu’s play is, I think in due time will be really, really good.”

As expected, Duke’s talented Cooper Flagg was taken first overall by the Dallas Mavericks. Rutgers' Dylan Harper, the son of former NBA star and former Laker Ron Harper, was taken second by the San Antonio Spurs.

The rest of the lottery started to take shape with a change, when Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe was taken third by the 76ers.

Duke’s Kon Knueppel went fourth to Charlotte; Rutgers’ Ace Bailey went fifth to the Jazz; Texas’ Tre Johnson went sixth to the Wizards; Oklahoma’s Jeremiah Fears went seventh to the Pelicans; BYU’s Egor Demin went eighth to the Nets; South Carolina’s Collin Murray-Boyles went ninth to the Raptors; Duke’s Khaman Maluach went 10th to the Rockets (but he was traded to the Suns); Washington State’s Cedric Coward was taken 11th by the Trail Blazers (he was traded to the Grizzlies; France’s Noa Esse went 12th to the Bulls, Maryland’s Derik Queen went 13th to the Hawks (he was traded to the Pelicans); and Arizona’s Carter Bryant was taken 14th by the Spurs.

Read more:2025 NBA draft: Pick-by-pick coverage and analysis

Flagg was at the top of his draft class, a player the Mavericks really needed to take after trading fan favorite Luka Doncic to the Lakers last season, a trade that upset many of Dallas’ fans.

But they now get Flagg, who averaged 19.4 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists in his only season with the Blue Devils.

Konan Niederhauser, 22, who grew up in Switzerland, has been dealing with an ankle injury the Clippers don’t think will be a problem.

He averaged 12.9 points and 6.3 rebounds last season at Penn State.

“I think the reason we decided with Yanic is that he’s got great positional size,” Frank said. "He also has some definite traits in the short term that will carry over, like his ability to run the floor, his ability to play behind the defense in the dunker spot, his ability to play screen-and-roll and be a vertical threat. Those are things that will carry over pretty much on day one.”

The Clippers are a veteran-laden team led by Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, and because of that, Coach Tyronn Lue said any young player they take should follow their lead.

“I think the biggest thing is, coming into the draft, if you’re not a Cooper Flagg, a one, two or three pick, you got to find your way, find your niche to get on the floor,” Lue told a group of fans at the team’s draft watch party at Intuit Dome on Wednesday. “Playing without the basketball, because when you come to this team, or any other team, with Kawhi Leonards, James Hardens on the floor, you’re not going to [get a lot of time]. You have to learn how to play the game and make your teammates better and things like that. And then the most important thing is your attitude.”

When the NBA draft continues Thursday with the second round, the Clippers will pick 51st.

Read more:James Harden still has the support of Clippers' front office despite dismal playoffs

The Lakers didn’t have a first-round pick, but they have a second-round pick at No. 55.

For the Clippers, they have a few things to get worked out.

Harden, who averaged 22.8 points per game, 8.7 assists and 5.8 rebounds and was third-team All-NBA, has a player option for $36.3 million and he has to inform the Clippers of his decision by Sunday.

The consensus around the NBA is that Harden will opt out and seek a two-year extension from the Clippers.

Nicolas Batum has a player option for next season that pays him $4.9 million and he has to let the team know by Sunday of his decision. Norman Powell has one more year on his deal that pays him $20.4 million next season and he also is looking for an extension.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.