NBA Draft 2025: Team-by-Team Grades, Surprises, and Top Prospect Fits

The 2025 NBA Draft concluded Thursday night, and it's time to analyze the selections made by all 30 teams. These grades focus on value and fit based on available information, using stats-based projections and analysis from ESPN's Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo.

Trades significantly influenced these grades. Teams often overpay to move up, a risk exemplified by the New Orleans Pelicans. Conversely, the Atlanta Hawks capitalized on such a move, securing a top grade.

Here’s a breakdown of each team’s draft performance:

Jump to a team: ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI | CLE DAL | DEN | DET | GS | HOU | IND LAC | LAL | MEM | MIA | MIL | MIN NO | NY | OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX POR | SAC | SA | TOR | UTAH | WAS

Atlanta Hawks: A

• Round 1: Asa Newell (No. 23)

The Hawks benefited from acquiring an unprotected 2026 first-round pick (Milwaukee or New Orleans) from the Pelicans. Taking Asa Newell, projected 13th, was a bonus. Newell’s fit with Kristaps Porzingis is promising, complementing Porzingis’ strengths.

Boston Celtics: C+

• Round 1: Hugo Gonzalez (No. 28)
• Round 2: Amari Williams (No. 46), Max Shulga (No. 57)

Hugo Gonzalez seemed more suited as a stash pick. Compared to Christian Braun, Gonzalez's shooting (27% at Real Madrid) raises concerns. Amari Williams is intriguing as a rebounder and rim protector, but his 54% on 2-pointers is low for a center. Max Shulga projects well due to his 39% career 3-point shooting.

Brooklyn Nets: C+

• Round 1: Egor Demin (No. 8), Nolan Traore (No. 19), Drake Powell (No. 22), Ben Saraf (No. 26), Danny Wolf (No. 27)

The Nets' multiple first-round picks are significant for player development. Egor Demin and Nolan Traore share traits as playmakers, but their shooting needs improvement. Drafting raw players may position the Nets for the 2026 lottery.

Charlotte Hornets: B

• Round 1: Kon Knueppel (No. 4), Liam McNeeley (No. 29)
• Round 2: Sion James (No. 33), Ryan Kalkbrenner (No. 34)

Kon Knueppel addresses the Hornets' need at shooting guard. Liam McNeeley was a good value pick. Sion James might be less impactful, while Ryan Kalkbrenner could contribute immediately, given Mark Williams’ departure.

Chicago Bulls: A-

• Round 1: Noa Essengue (No. 12)
• Round 2: Lachlan Olbrich (No. 55)

Noa Essengue alongside Matas Buzelis offers length and athleticism. The Bulls are drafting young talent despite avoiding a complete rebuild.

Cleveland Cavaliers: B

• Round 2: Tyrese Proctor (No. 49), Saliou Niang (No. 58)

Tyrese Proctor is an interesting prospect who improved his 3-point shooting (40.5%). Saliou Niang, a stash pick, faces challenges due to his shooting (26% on 3s).

Dallas Mavericks: B

• Round 1: Cooper Flagg (No. 1)

The Mavericks selected Cooper Flagg, the expected pick after winning the lottery.

Denver Nuggets: Incomplete

The Nuggets' limited draft capital results in an incomplete grade.

Detroit Pistons: B

• Round 2: Chaz Lanier (No. 37)

Chaz Lanier gives the Pistons shooting insurance, averaging 18 points in the SEC and shooting 40% on 3s.

Golden State Warriors: B

• Round 2: Alex Toohey (No. 52), Will Richard (No. 56)

Alex Toohey's defensive activity stands out, while Will Richard was projected high due to his 2-point percentage.

Houston Rockets: Incomplete

The Rockets used their picks to acquire Kevin Durant, making them winners despite their strong draft record.

Indiana Pacers: A

• Round 2: Kam Jones (No. 38), Taelon Peter (No. 54)

Kam Jones could contribute immediately, addressing the guard need with Tyrese Haliburton injured. Taelon Peter is a fascinating swing with high shooting percentages.

LA Clippers: C-

• Round 1: Yanic Konan Niederhauser (No. 30)
• Round 2: Kobe Sanders (No. 50)

Taking Yanic Konan Niederhauser in the first round is risky given his rebounding and assist-to-turnover ratio. Kobe Sanders' late development raises questions.

Los Angeles Lakers: B+

• Round 2: Adou Thiero (No. 36)

The Lakers moved up to draft Adou Thiero, whose steal and block rates indicate defensive potential.

Memphis Grizzlies: C-

• Round 1: Cedric Coward (No. 11)
• Round 2: Javon Small (No. 48), Jahmai Mashack (No. 59)

The Grizzlies traded up for Cedric Coward, a move that raises questions about value. Javon Small scored efficiently, while Jahmai Mashack fits the team's defensive identity.

Miami Heat: A-

• Round 1: Kasparas Jakucionis (No. 20)

Kasparas Jakucionis is an imperfect prospect, but Miami capitalized on his drop with a good value pick.

Milwaukee Bucks: B

• Round 2: Bogoljub Markovic (No. 47)

Bogoljub Markovic scored efficiently in the Adriatic League, but his defensive impact is questionable.

Minnesota Timberwolves: B-

• Round 1: Joan Beringer (No. 17)
• Round 2: Rocco Zikarsky (No. 45)

Joan Beringer could potentially replace Rudy Gobert as he ages. Rocco Zikarsky has similar projections, raising questions about their simultaneous development.

New Orleans Pelicans: F

• Round 1: Jeremiah Fears (No. 7), Derik Queen (No. 13)
• Round 2: Micah Peavy (No. 40)

The Pelicans traded up for Derik Queen, a risky move. Jeremiah Fears was a consensus top prospect. Micah Peavy's improved 3-point shooting offers a potential 3-and-D role.

New York Knicks: C+

• Round 2: Mohamed Diawara (No. 51)

Mohamed Diawara hasn't developed into an impact player, making a stash pick sensible.

Oklahoma City Thunder: B

• Round 1: Thomas Sorber (No. 15)
• Round 2: Brooks Barnhizer (No. 44)

Thomas Sorber's defensive numbers and passing ability are promising. Brooks Barnhizer will be on a two-way contract.

Orlando Magic: B+

• Round 1: Jase Richardson (No. 25)
• Round 2: Noah Penda (No. 32)

Jase Richardson offers value, while Noah Penda's shooting is a work in progress.

Philadelphia 76ers: B+

• Round 1: VJ Edgecombe (No. 3)
• Round 2: Johni Broome (No. 35)

VJ Edgecombe's defensive base and athleticism are appealing. Johni Broome could immediately help the Sixers at center.

Phoenix Suns: B

• Round 1: Khaman Maluach (No. 10)
• Round 2: Rasheer Fleming (No. 31), Koby Brea (No. 41)

Khaman Maluach was the top prospect available. Rasheer Fleming gives the Suns another shot blocker, while Koby Brea addresses their need for shooting.

Portland Trail Blazers: C-

• Round 1: Yang Hansen (No. 16)

The Blazers are betting on their evaluation of Yang Hansen, who wasn't valued as highly by other teams.

Sacramento Kings: C

• Round 1: Nique Clifford (No. 24)
• Round 2: Maxime Raynaud (No. 42)

Nique Clifford emerged late as an NBA prospect. Maxime Raynaud brings a similar skillset to Quinten Post.

San Antonio Spurs: A

• Round 1: Dylan Harper (No. 2), Carter Bryant (No. 14)

Dylan Harper was the consensus No. 2 pick. Carter Bryant's 3-and-D potential makes him an ideal fit.

Toronto Raptors: B

• Round 1: Collin Murray-Boyles (No. 9)
• Round 2: Alijah Martin (No. 39)

Collin Murray-Boyles' success depends on the Raptors having shooting around him. Alijah Martin is productive but undersized.

Utah Jazz: B+

• Round 1: Ace Bailey (No. 5), Walter Clayton Jr. (No. 18)
• Round 2: John Tonje (No. 53)

Ace Bailey's development will be key for the Jazz. Adding Walter Clayton Jr., a potent shooter, could help. John Tonje's free throw and 3-point shooting should translate well.

Washington Wizards: B-

• Round 1: Tre Johnson (No. 6), Will Riley (No. 21)
• Round 2: Jamir Watkins (No. 43)

The Wizards are focusing on youth, adding two more teenagers. Tre Johnson's potential as a shooter justifies the pick. Will Riley and Jamir Watkins need to improve their defensive playmaking.