Pencils down, the 2025 NBA Draft is officially a wrap.
For the second year, the draft was a two-day event, and Day 1 was complete with star power. The festivities unsurprisingly began with the Mavericks selecting Cooper Flagg first overall, followed by the Spurs’ selection of Dylan Harper with the second pick.
From there, things got interesting, as a seemingly countless number of trades altered the draft order. Several teams did what was necessary to select their top targets, making for one of the more intriguing — albeit hard to keep up with — draft processes.
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As the dust settles and players finally get their appropriate draft caps, we take a look back at the draft efforts of all 30 teams, with grades that rank them from best to worst.
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NBA Draft grades 2025: Ranking the best & worst teams
1. San Antonio Spurs
- Grade: A+
Picks: Dylan Harper (No. 2), Carter Bryant (No. 14)
In recent years, few teams have nailed the lottery to the extent that the Spurs did this season.
Selecting Harper second overall was a no-brainer, but San Antonio effectively made this draft a home run by getting Bryant 14th overall. With Harper, the Spurs gain a 6-6 guard with NBA DNA and an innate feel for the game. San Antonio’s deep guard rotation means there isn’t much pressure on Harper to produce right away.
Bryant has scary two-way potential as a 3-and-D prospect and should make great leaps in San Antonio’s development system. The Spurs’ young core has improved even more, as Bryant and Harper join Stephon Castle, Jeremy Sochan, and Victor Wembanyama. Scary.
MORE: How Dylan Harper fits with Victor Wembanyama, Spurs
2. Dallas Mavericks
- Grade: A+
Picks: Cooper Flagg (No. 1)
Dallas only made one pick in this year’s draft, but it was the pick. Flagg is a generational-level talent who has the privilege of entering a situation where he can ease into his role. For an 18-year-old, that’s major.
Flagg will undoubtedly contribute immediately on the defensive end, and his offensive fluidity will be on display when he creates for himself and others — namely lob threats Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, and Dereck Lively II. Once Kyrie Irving returns to the lineup, this Dallas team should be among the favorites in the West. The presence of Flagg plays a big role there.
MORE: How Cooper Flagg fits with Mavs | Cooper Flagg to face Bronny James in first Summer League game
3. Phoenix Suns
Picks: Khaman Maluach (No. 10), Rasheer Fleming (No. 31), Koby Brea (No. 41)
Phoenix was aggressive in this year’s draft, and the result was getting a group of players they valued greatly.
Maluach answers Phoenix’s need for a center, though it also acquired Mark Williams from the Hornets. In Maluach, the Suns grabbed the player with the most intriguing potential in the draft. On Day 2, Phoenix was assertive in moving up to take a lengthy athletic forward in Fleming and a sharpshooting playmaker in Brea, though the Suns roster has plenty of shooting guards as is. The Brea pick suggests that dynamic will change.
4. Utah Jazz
- Grade: A-
Picks: Ace Bailey (No. 5), Walter Clayton Jr. (No. 18), John Tonje (No. 53)
Much will be made about the Bailey selection, as it is unclear whether wanted to land in Utah. That, however, is neither here nor there, as he will be a Jazz man for the foreseeable future.
Utah prioritized shot-making with its first-round picks, and with Bailey, it adds the blue-chip prospect it so desperately needed. The Jazz also add a proven winner in Clayton and take a step toward some semblance of an identity after a few dark years. As trade season intensifies, these picks may make even more sense.
MORE: Explaining Ace Bailey’s draft fall | Why Utah drafted Ace Bailey despite concerning pre-draft reports
5. Washington Wizards
- Grade: B+
Picks: Tre Johnson (No. 6), Will Riley (No. 21), Jahmir Watkins (No. 43)
Washington landed one of the draft’s most talented shooters in Johnson and then doubled down on the skill with Riley at 21st overall. The Wizards are sneakily building an identity around a young core that began to piece things together during last season’s stretch run.
In the second round, the franchise added an older rookie in Watkins, who can key in on a role as a defensive stopper with two-way potential. It was a successful two days for the Wizards.
6. Memphis Grizzlies
- Grade: B+
Picks: Cedric Coward (No. 11), Javon Small (No. 48), Jahmai Meshack (No. 59)
The Grizzlies made the first major splash of the draft, trading up to 11th to select Coward, one of the most intriguing prospects in the draft. His quick rise from Division III standout to draft darling made Coward an exciting pick, and his profile as a rangy defender with a fluid offensive game makes him a perfect Grizzlies prospect.
On Day 2, Memphis added an electrifying prospect in Small and used the final pick in the draft on Meshack, another gamer who fits the Memphis profile. As the franchise retools, it’s key to find talented players who fit the culture. The Grizz did just that.
MORE: How Cedric Coward went from DIII recruit to NBA lottery pick
7. Philadelphia 76ers
Picks: VJ Edgecombe (No. 3), Johni Broome (No. 35)
Exciting as the Edgecombe pick is, the Broome pick kept the Sixers from earning a grade higher than a B in this year’s draft.
Edgecombe will step into a role right away as an athletic wing capable of making a difference on the defensive end. The Sixers’ talented roster will alleviate some of the pressure for Edgecombe to shine immediately. The Broome pick isn’t bad per se, but it’s harder to justify at 35 when it’s unclear how his game will translate to the NBA.
MORE: Projecting Philly’s roster with No. 3 pick V.J. Edgecombe | How former Auburn star Johni Broome fits with 76ers
8. Sacramento Kings
Picks: Nique Clifford (No. 24), Maxime Raynaud (No. 42)
Sacramento made it a point to trade into the first round, and it made the most of its selection by taking Colorado State’s Clifford No. 24 overall. The Kings followed that up by taking Raynaud, another polished college veteran with the No. 42 overall pick.
While the franchise is in a strange transition period, it grabs two known commodities capable of contributing right away. Both Clifford and Raynaud possess unique skill sets and should be able to quickly adjust to the NBA level.
9. Toronto Raptors
Picks: Collin Murray-Boyles (No. 9), Alijah Martin (No. 39)
Say what you want, but it will be hard to score on the Raptors next season. Toronto further leaned into its identity by grabbing a do-it-all forward in Murray-Boyles and an athletic guard who thrives as a point-of-attack defender in Martin.
The Raptors aren’t ready to compete for a title right away, so the front office continues to go for talented players while figuring the rest out later. In the near future, that strategy could be looked back at as transformational.
MORE: Raptors roster projection after drafting Collin Murray-Boyles
10. Charlotte Hornets
Picks: Kon Knueppel (No. 4), Liam McNeeley (No. 29), Sion James (No. 33), Ryan Kalkbrenner (No. 34)
Charlotte opened with a safe pick by taking Knueppel No. 4 overall and then, aggressively, made its way back into the end of the first round by acquiring the 29th pick in the aforementioned Mark Williams trade. That pick became Liam McNeeley, a player many considered to be a lottery-level talent.
The one stain on this class is Duke’s James at 33rd, which feels like something of a reach, but Charlotte redeemed itself by taking Kalkbrenner one pick later, bringing in a 7-footer who very well could be the opening-night starter at center.
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11. Atlanta Hawks
Picks: Asa Newell (No. 23)
Atlanta didn’t do much in this draft on the surface, but it may turn out to be the big-picture winner. The Hawks picked up an unprotected first in next year’s draft by trading back 10 picks before using this year’s first-rounder to take Newell from Georgia.
Newell is an energetic, bouncy big man, and he’s going to thrive as a lob threat for Trae Young. He has a high motor and plays with great energy. The intangibles are there, and the rest should come with time.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder
- Grade: B-
Picks: Thomas Sorber (No. 15), Brooks Barnhizer (No. 44)
The defending champs do it again, getting a very skilled big man in Sorber. He’s a rim protector with a blend of traditional and modern-day frontcourt skills on the offensive end. Sorber’s player profile makes him a likely successor to Isaiah Hartenstein if things break the right way.
Barnhizer was drafted as an upside pick, and the Thunder will get a good look at him while he’s on a two-way contract this season. You can never doubt this front office, but more remains to be seen with their second-rounder.
13. Chicago Bulls
- Grade: B-
Picks: Noa Essengue (No. 12), Lachlan Olbrich (No. 55)
This is more about Essengue than anything, as he is a raw, young talent with potential that may require patience. The pick signifies that the Bulls are leaning more into their bigger-picture timeline, but they’ll have to develop him so he can reach his potential.
Olbrich is another one to file away for later, as it’s unclear if or when he’ll be able to have a tangible role with the franchise.
14. New Orleans Pelicans
- Grade: B-
Picks: Jeremiah Fears (No. 7), Derik Queen (No. 13), Micah Peavy (No. 40)
In a vacuum, the Pelicans did well by snagging both Fears and Queen in the lottery, but was it worth the price? New Orleans is a team experiencing a transition in the front office, and its draft strategy suggests the same.
I’d dock the Pelicans more if I weren’t a fan of their picks, but Queen may face an uphill battle to carve out his role. Fears will be very good, though, and Peavy could be a sneaky pick to fill a Naji Marshall-like void that was evident last season.
15. Boston Celtics
- Grade: B-
Picks: Hugo Gonzalez (No. 28), Amari Williams (No. 46), Max Shulga (No. 57)
The C’s went international with Gonzalez (Spain) at 28, Williams (England) at 46, and Shulga (Ukraine) at 57. Gonzalez is a particularly interesting pick, as he’s expected to come to the States and compete for playing time right away.
Boston addressed its needs for depth on the perimeter with Gonzalez and interior depth with Williams. This is a franchise that has earned the benefit of the doubt with its scouting process, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Joe Mazzulla thrusts both of these players into high-leverage situations next year.
16. Orlando Magic
- Grade: B-
Picks: Jase Richardson (No. 25), Noah Penda (No. 32)
Orlando was also active in the draft-day trade market, as it moved up to take Penda at the beginning of the second round. The Magic closed the first round by taking a second-generation player in Richardson, whose father, Jason, also donned the pinstripes.
Richardson’s size may be an issue, but his off-ball skills as a guard are ideal next to Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Penda fits the Magic’s defensive identity, which is always a plus with respect to draft selections.
17. Miami Heat
- Grade: B-
Picks: Kasparas Jakucionis (No. 20)
Miami only made one pick, but it took a lottery-level talent in Illinois’ Jakucionis. The Lithuanian point guard can assume some of the playmaking responsibilities thrust upon Tyler Herro last season, and he could carve a Goran Dragic-like role in South Beach.
It’s worth noting that there are defensive concerns, and Jakucionis will have to improve on that end to fit within the vaunted Heat Culture.
18. Los Angeles Lakers
- Grade: B-
Picks: Adou Thiero (No. 36)
The Lakers aggressively moved up in the draft order, jumping from 55 to 45 before again jumping to 36 to take Thiero out of Arkansas. He adds perimeter defense and athleticism, two things needed to build a successful team around Luka Doncic and LeBron James.
While Thiero’s shooting needs to improve, his athleticism also makes him a sneaky lob threat from the wing.
MORE: How Adou Thiero fits with Lakers’ roster
19. Minnesota Timberwolves
- Grade: B-
Picks: Joan Beringer (No. 17), Rocco Zikarsky (No. 45)
There are question marks about the future of the Wolves’ frontcourt, so the franchise doubled down by taking two big men.
France’s Beringer has a 9-3 standing reach and won’t turn 19 until November. The class’ best shot-blocker now gets to learn under a four-time Defensive Player of the Year in Rudy Gobert. Zikarsky will be on a two-way contract, but there’s no denying the size of the tallest player in the class.
20. Cleveland Cavaliers
- Grade: B-
Picks: Tyrese Proctor (No. 49), Saliou Niang (No. 58)
It’s hard to get too excited about a late second-rounder, but the Cavs may have gotten the best value pick by selecting Proctor 49th. After seeing the success of players like Andrew Nembhard and Derrick White, Cleveland gets its own version with that type of potential. That’s big for a team looking to make another leap.
21. Detroit Pistons
- Grade: B-
Picks: Chaz Lanier (No. 37)
After Malik Beasley enjoyed a career season from beyond the arc in Detroit, the Pistons add another pure shooter who can reap the benefits of Cade Cunningham’s playmaking. Lanier shoots the ball well, and he’s also an athletic cutter primed for a solid first season in Motown.
22. Portland Trail Blazers
- Grade: C+
Picks: Yang Hansen (No. 16)
The Blazers are believed to have seen something in Yang, a prospect they’ve reportedly been eyeing for two years now. Still, Portland used its No. 16 pick to take a player mocked in the mid-30s and, until proven otherwise, took a risky swing on a largely unproven prospect.
Portland’s conviction keeps the franchise from falling lower on the rankings.
MORE: Meet Yang Hansen, the draft’s biggest mystery
23. Indiana Pacers
- Grade: C+
Picks: Kam Jones (No. 38), Taelon Peter (No. 54)
The Pacers may have addressed the need for backcourt relief by taking Jones No. 38 overall, but Peter is one of the more surprising picks of the draft. It’s not meant to be a knock on Peter, but Indiana’s reach to take a player who didn’t land on top-100 big boards is a choice.
24. LA Clippers
- Grade: C+
Picks: Yanic Konan Niederhauser (No. 30), Kobe Sanders (No. 50)
The Clippers may have made a reach by taking Niederhauser at 30, especially when they weren’t ready to say he’ll step into the backup center position. LA’s vision of him becoming a 3-point shooter is interesting, to say the least, but the franchise is ambitious.
It’s unclear if the Clippers’ expectations for this class are too lofty or not.
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25. Brooklyn Nets
Picks: Egor Demin (No. 8), Nolan Traoré (No. 19), Drake Powell (No. 22), Ben Saraf (No. 26), Danny Wolf (No. 27)
The Nets had five first-round picks, but their approach was puzzling, at best. The first move to select Demin No. 8 overall felt like a reach, and it was a head-scratching decision to take another ball-dominant guard 11 picks later.
Brooklyn then took Powell, who has scary defensive potential, but it then used back-to-back picks to select Saraf and Wolf, two more players who do some of their best work with the ball in their hands. The Nets’ draft was subject to ridicule from the media and other front offices, but the odds are in their favor that at least one or two of the five picks end up making the public look foolish. That’s the only reason they’re not last on this list.
MORE: Danny Wolf’s brother goes viral after emotional reaction to pick
26. Golden State Warriors
Picks: Alex Toohey (No. 52), Will Richard (No. 56)
Golden State almost played the role of facilitator during the draft, engaging teams in trades as picks moved from hand to hand. The Warriors’ picks aren’t inconsequential, but these players will face steep uphill battles to make impacts. It’s worth noting that recent late-first rounders have found their footing in The Bay.
27. Milwaukee Bucks
- Grade: C-
Picks: Bogoljub Markovic (No. 47)
Before Milwaukee’s selection, the broadcast mentioned that superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo was closely monitoring his franchise’s moves. The Bucks went on to make a draft-and-stash selection, though Markovic could be a very impactful player down the line. Regardless, the now is much more important.
28. New York Knicks
- Grade: C-
Picks: Mohamed Diawara (No. 51)
The Knicks don’t have a coach yet and forfeited their actual pick in this year’s draft. They used their lone selection to take a player who probably won’t be doing much in orange and blue anytime soon.
Denver Nuggets
- Grade: Incomplete
Picks: No selections
Houston Rockets
- Grade: Incomplete
Picks: No selections
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