2025 NBA Draft: Grading picks, trades during first round

The 2025 NBA Draft has arrived, with picks and trades setting up the future of players and teams alike. Each transaction occurs in a unique landscape, with positional fit, franchise trajectory and draft board value playing a role in how the night is viewed.

With Cooper Flagg set to go No. 1 to the Dallas Mavericks and Dylan Harper heavily favored to go No. 2 to the San Antonio Spurs, the chaos after promises to provide high and low grades throughout the first round.

Follow along live throughout the first round, as each pick and trade is graded with analysis. Each move will update within the story.

1. Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg, Duke

Grade: A+

The Dallas Mavericks add On3’s No. 1 ranked prospect with the top pick, setting them up for the future. The only Tier 1 prospect in the class — and the youngest player on the board — makes this a home run which left little intrigue in the months leading up.

Cooper Flagg has pulled away from the field as the top prospect, leaving no doubt. His incredible defensive traits which transcend the position he plays were on display in bursts throughout his time at Duke, and he continued to make strides on the offensive end. Continued growth as a shooter ultimately has him among the top young players in the sport.

2. San Antonio Spurs: Dylan Harper, Rutgers

Grade: A-

The San Antonio Spurs add On3’s No. 2 ranked prospect to the fold, further cementing themselves as one of the best young cores in the NBA around Victor Wembanyama. The only thing holding this clear pick back from an A+ is the question surrounding positional fit on a team which already rosters De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle.

Dylan Harper shows off the kind of traits which are hard to bet against, boasting great size as a lead guard with scoring punch to complement his facilitation. The team’s ups and downs, mixed with injuries at Rutgers kept him from moving into elite prospect conversations but did nothing to dissuade interest. He is the clear second prospect in the draft class.

3. Philadelphia 76ers: VJ Edgecombe, Baylor

Grade: B+

The Philadelphia 76ers land the No. 4 prospect on On3’s big board, betting on VJ Edgecombe’s ability to provide immediate help on the perimeter as they look to return to contender status behind Joel Embiid. There are questions about positional fit on the second of two timelines, where Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain have already established worth.

VJ Edgecombe comes into the NBA Draft as an intriguing wing prospect, brining great length for his size. Among the best two-way players in the class already, his lack of projection needed should intrigue plenty teams hoping he can keep his baseline value while adding to the flashes he has showed throughout his career of stardom.

4. Charlotte Hornets: Kon Knueppel, Duke

Grade: B+

The Charlotte Hornets drafted On3’s 6 ranked prospect in a flat portion of the class, adding to the young core between LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. The continued mission to build a culture and find the future of the franchise gets a boost with a solid piece with a high floor and easy fit.

Kon Knueppel added value during his freshman season at Duke, not only by playing the sidekick role to Cooper Flagg, but by dispelling common assumptions about his game. While he is not a top-end athlete, he held up on defense with promise he can bring value on that end. His biggest asset is of course the 3-point shot, but upside getting to the basket moves him up the board.

5. Utah Jazz: Ace Bailey, Rutgers

Grade: B-

The Utah Jazz go with Ace Bailey, On3’s No. 5 prospect, ending the conversation surrounding his pre-draft process and putting him into the exact type of situation his representation reportedly wanted. After reports confirmed they were not on the preferred list, the grade was updated from a B to a B-.

Ace Bailey has run away with the title of most polarizing prospect in the NBA Draft this season, with a huge gulf in opinions. The shot-making ability is undoubted, but questions about his overall efficiency and ability to play within the construct of most professional schemes leave some worried. While there is a tempting upside, there is also a floor which losers the overall value.

6. Washington Wizards: Tre Johnson, Texas

Grade: A

The Washington Wizards land the No. 3 player on On3’s final big board without having to move up the board. Surrounding their young core of ball-handlers and frontcourt players with a high-level shooter who possesses major upside.

Tre Johnson has been a polarizing prospect throughout the evaluation process, but his combination of size and scoring punch have brought him closer to the top of the board. The ability to continue his upward trajectory as an offensive playmaker, as well as promise he could improve on defense, provide the type of star outcomes worthy of a high pick.

7. New Orleans Pelicans: Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma

Grade: D+

The New Orleans Pelicans remain caught in the middle under new leadership, now selecting On3’s No. 18 prospect who will require a long runway to become an efficient NBA guard. In light of other offseason moves so far, the pick draws even more question marks.

Jeremiah Fears built up quite the highlight reel during the early portion of the college season, but struggled in a big way after the calendar turned. In efficiency has plagued his game at times, between missed shots and turnovers. However, between the athletic flashes and his young age, there is plenty promise he can grow into the game and become a force.

8. Brooklyn Nets: Egor Demin, BYU

Grade: C+

The Brooklyn Nets hold five first round picks, which gives them the runway to select On3’s No. 17 prospect based on upside. While there were likely players higher on the board who would have made sense, they have four more chances to bring the pick into perspective.

Egor Demin enters the NBA Draft as the best passer in the class, combining vision with creativity which at times led to turnovers when it crossed the line. However, the inability to repeat his 3-point success from early into the latter portion of the season forces teams to consider how many ways he can create offense. Given his size, off-ball reps are also an interesting possibility for any interested team.

9. Toronto Raptors: Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina

Grade: B+

The Toronto Raptors continue to build on their identity of versatile forwards who combine length with offensive intelligence. As they look to build back into a contender, adding On3’s No. 7 ranked player will go a long way toward creating the neccisary depth.

Collin Murray-Boyles has drawn some big comparisons throughout the draft process, and is among the most interesting players to project and predict his value. He immediately enters the league as a versatile and disruptive defender capable of guarding many positions at a high level. The concern is his offensive package, which leaves much to be desired unless he develops a perimeter jumpshot.

10. Phoenix Suns: Khaman Maluach, Duke

Grade: B+

The Phoenix Suns look to rebuild the depth of their roster after flipping Kevin Durant for two players in addition to this pick. Getting On3’s No. 9 player at a position of need is a great start, particularly when few mock drafts had him falling this far.

Khaman Maluach brings intrigue given his size and athletic traits on display at Duke, paired with promise he can stretch the floor. While it has not been on display publicly, his ability to sell teams on pick-and-pop upside could shoot his value up in the final month. Meanwhile, rim protection and rim-running still provide him plenty value to offer.

11. Memphis Grizzlies: Cedric Coward, Washington State

Memphis Grade: A-
Portland Grade: B+

After trading Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic, the Memphis Grizzlies made it clear they would prioritize adding defense and length to the wing this offseason, they turn two new assets into On3’s No. 12 prospect. The Trailblazers, meanwhile, get two first-round picks and two second-round picks to move down with plenty fits left on the board.

Cedric Coward became a fast-riser on NBA Draft boards, especially given the lack of college tape this season due to injury. His measurements certainly helped, but his overall game brings the same shooting and defense combination which every team looks for in role players. Whether overlooked or out of sight, he is now in the mix to come off the board early.

12. Chicago Bulls: Noa Essengue, France

Grade: B+

The Chicago Bulls are committing to up-tempo basketball in a new era which now features some fun frontcourt athleticism and big-time upside. Taking On3’s No. 11 ranked prospect is good value as they make real progress toward a roster flip.

Noa Essengue is an analytics darling with his ability to produce defensively in Europe, while getting high-efficiency looks on offense. Currently best suited around the rim, the ability to develop consistency on the perimeter will be a major key to his growth. Big performances late in the season have him on the rise, building even more hope he can unlock his potential.

13. New Orleans Pelicans: Derik Queen, Maryland

Pelicans Grade: C-
Hawks Grade: A

The Pelicans take a player with connections to their new GM, but the No. 10 player on On3’s board seems to clash with Zion Williamson’s style of play as they move into a new era. Meanwhile, the Hawks acquire a pick with even more value than initial reports indicated, moving this from a B- to an A as they move down the board significantly.

Derik Queen has a wide range depending on the team, which comes as no surprise given his unique skillset. The offensive package is impressive to say the least, with footwork and shot-making ability from the center position. Age – even as a freshman – and the need to build sets around him limit the market. Meanwhile, to convince teams to overhaul things to his benefit, more defense is needed.

14. San Antonio Spurs: Carter Bryant, Arizona

Grade: B+

The San Antonio Spurs use their second pick of the night to land On3’s No. 15 prospect in the class, who plays a position of value and can fit both long-term and short-term into what the team is attempting to build.

Carter Bryant is a player who proves that traits matter in draft conversation, along with the ability to fill a role. While he did not star in his freshman season, he delivered what was asked off the bench and showcased a baseline value which many NBA teams value for the position. Upside is also present for one of the youngest wings in class.

15. Oklahoma City Thunder: Thomas Sorber, Georgetown

Grade: B-

The Oklahoma City have very few needs coming off an NBA title. They also have 15 players returning under contract, but can think ahead by picking On3’s No. 24 prospect to fill in years from now when contract extensions force a roster crunch.

Thomas Sorber raised his NBA stock throughout the college season with his ability to provide efficient offense, particularly showing upside as a pick-and-roll piece at the next level. With some versatility on the table, even if not at the 3-point line, the offense is enough to complement his defensive value. Shot blocking and disruption again fit the professional game well.

16. Portland Trail Blazers: Hansen Yang, China

Trade Grade: B+
Pick Grade: F

The Portland Trail Blazers seemed to swing a deal which brought value, moving down from 11 to 16 while acquiring future picks. However, they then reached for On3’s No. 45 prospect with better fits at the position, where they do not have need.

Hansen Yang is an intriguing project at the center position, offering the passing vision neccisary to facilitate offense from the top of the key. However, questions around his ability to score from the perimeter and provide adequate defense leave him in this range.

17. Minnesota Timberwolves: Joan Beringer, France

Grade: B

The Minnesota Timberwolves make an intriguing selection to sure up the future of their frontcourt, where they do not currently have need. However, On3’s No. 13 prospect opens up roster options moving forward as they reshape the future.

Joan Beringer is an athletic big who has performed well in Europe this season. He will not be mistaken for a floor-spacing center anytime soon, but has good value as a rim-runner and rebounding force capable of working the pick-and-roll. His stock has a wide range, depending largely on the type of offense interested teams want to run.

18. Utah Jazz: Walter Clayton, Florida

Jazz Grade: B+
Wizards Grade: C+

The Utah Jazz trade up to land their point guard of the future after swinging big for Ace Bailey. They land on On3’s No. 19 ranked player who gives them an archetype they have lacked for a number of years. Only moving down the board a couple picks will not hurt the Washington Wizards, but only getting rewarded with second-rounds picks shows the value jump was not significant.

Walter Clayton was the late-riser and classic March Madness star who sees a big boost on draft boards, but it was no fluke. The run highlighted the heights of his game, which brings big-time offensive value through 3-point shooting and shot creation. Proving he could stick at point guard was as valuable as anything he showed, finding teammates when needed in big games.

19. Brooklyn Nets: Nolan Traore, France

Grade: B+

The Brooklyn Nets make their second pick of the night, landing a high-upside point guard who slipped down the draft despite being On3’s No. 16 prospect. Again betting on upside, they have an all-European backcourt.

Nolan Traore has moved up and down the board over the past year, going from the Top 5 conversation to the lottery fringe after a difficult start in Europe. While he has shown the major ups and concerning downs, promise remains high for what the lead guard could become. Given the amount of time it takes many young guards to adjust to professional competition, his late-season surge should rebuild stock.

20. Miami Heat: Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois

Grade: A

The Miami Heat benefit from one of the top guards in the class slipping down the board. The No. 8 prospect on On3’s big board brings great value and versatility which promises to fit well moving forward.

Kasparas Jakucionis brings great size and ability to fill the box score in multiple categories while handling the ball. Turnover concerns paired with a streaky shot have dropped his stock from its highest point, but teams able to use him in on-ball and off-ball reps early in his career will likely get the most out of his skillset.

21. Washington Wizards: Will Riley, Illinois

Trade Grade: C+
Pick Grade: B

The Washington Wizards trade down and still get the chance to draft On3’s No. 28 player. With big upside, he makes sense long-term on a team which is looking to grow with a combination of veteran leaders and young potential.

Will Riley is a high-powered offensive prospect, who is also one of the youngest players in the class this year. He slowly grew into his role in college, ending his freshman year with offensive firepower worthy of watching. The defense remains a work-in-progress, but he possesses all the physical traits needed to add strength and improve there.

22. Brooklyn Nets: Drake Powell, North Carolina

Grade: B+

The Brooklyn Nets make their third of five selections in the first round, heading to the wing for the first time. They add On3’s No. 30 prospect, who has big potential as a defensive wing on a team looking to put pieces in place.

Drake Powell brings some of the best defensive tools in the draft class to the table, projecting as a high-level wing stopper in the NBA. The project he must invest in comes offensively, where he put up solid percentages on low volume as a freshman. Repeating the results on higher output remains a major question mark given the lack of increased role he saw.

23. Atlanta Hawks: Asa Newell, Georgia

Trade Grade: A
Pick Grade: B+

The Atlanta Hawks add On3’s No. 26 prospect, who made sense to target using the asset acquired in a trade to sure up a position of need moving forward. They also acquired Kristaps Porzingis, completing the remake inside.

Asa Newell has the potential to blossom into a valuable frontcourt player, given his unique combination of size and mobility. To maximize his skillset, Newell will need to translate his offensive touch to the 3-point line and stretch the floor. He can then serve as the second big in defensive sets who is able to roam and deter opponents.

24. Sacramento Kings: Nique Clifford, Colorado State

Kings Grade: A-
Thunder Grade: A+

The Sacramento Kings make a solid addition to the wing room, getting On3’s No. 21 ranked player in the class. They have more reshaping to do this offseason, but jump into the first round to kickstart that process. The Oklahoma City Thunder push things down the line, not looking to roster two rookies with an already full roster.

Nique Clifford added value throughout the college basketball season, taking himself from the second-round conversation into the first-round mix with improved shooting. He adds offensive punch to his game which already included solid defensive value and big rebounding for his position, along with come playmaking required for his team.

25. Orlando Magic: Jase Richardson, Michigan State

Grade: A

The Orland Magic make the pick which made the most sense of any on the board, addressing their needs for shooting. They also get more defense from the On3’s No. 23 player as they build into an East contender this offseason.

Jase Richardson is a fascinating NBA prospect who does not bring great size, but whose winning impact become undeniable during the college season. A transition to the starting lineup kickstarted the offense and allowed him to unlock more, although the ability to translate into a professional role remains a question.

26. Brooklyn Nets: Ben Saraf, Israel

Grade: B-

As they continue to add to their international backcourt, taking a swing on Ben Saraf’s upside as a scorer makes sense for a team in rebuild. The Nets land On3’s No. 32 prospect to fit with the many others already in the fold.

Ben Saraf is a talented offensive player, creating shots for himself throughout the season in Europe. Inefficiency from the perimeter has held him back from truly shooting up draft boards, and questions about his ability to translate high usage into off-ball reps and a limited role present a challenge for evaluators.

27. Brooklyn Nets: Danny Wolf, Michigan

Grade: A-

The Brooklyn Nets decide to make all five picks in the first round, getting their first frontcourt player in the class here. Landing On3’s No. 20 prospect gives great value and puts him into a great situation to showcase his skillset on a team building its core.

Danny Wolf comes to the professional ranks after making an interesting two-big lineup work in college. The success of different jumbo lineups across the NBA could make him a valuable commodity for certain franchises looking to add frontcourt versatility. The ability to shoot and pass from the top of the key give immense offensive value, even if rim protector of guarding in space will never be his strength on defense.

28. Boston Celtics: Hugo Gonzalez, Spain

Grade: B

In their rebuild offseason, the Boston Celtics add the No. 25 prospect on On3’s big board. He is a big-bodied wing who will be given a runway to prove himself while the team awaits the return of superstar Jayson Tatum.

Hugo Gonzalez has seen his stock slowly slide down throughout the season, due mainly to the extra tape of wings have put forward while he struggles to find minutes in Europe. As a highly-touted youth prospect, it is possible he could unlock all those traits in time, but it is nearly impossible to get a full picture of how he fits right now.

29. Charlotte Hornets: Liam McNeeley, UConn

Hornets Grade: B+
Suns Grade: A

The Charlotte Hornets move Mark Williams again after a deadline deal fell apart, getting On3’s No. 22 ranked player as part of the return. The Phoenix Suns do well to add a talented young player to the frontcourt, which is now stocked full.

Liam McNeeley has seen his draft stock fall since the start of the season, in part due to the injury he sustained and the drop in results his team displayed. The clear positive comes with his competitive fire, which was on display in the gulf in results his team showed based on his availability. Inconsistent results in the box score hurt him, however.

30. Los Angeles Clippers: Yanic Konan Niederhauser, Penn State

Grade: B-

The Los Angeles Clippers go to the center position, adding depth with On3’s No. 40 ranked prospect to close out the first round. The pick makes sense for a team which hopes to rely on veteran production to enter the top tier of contenders next season.

Yanic Konan Niederhauser saw a massive jump up the board during the pre-draft process, going from fringe entry to real prospect in the mix for selection. After transferring to the top level of college basketball, he did not get the public attention his stats likely deserved given the team struggles to compete with high-level teams.