logo
2025 NBA Draft grades, first-round pick-by-pick analysis: Mavs get A+ for Cooper Flagg, but Ace Bailey to Utah?

2025 NBA Draft grades, first-round pick-by-pick analysis: Mavs get A+ for Cooper Flagg, but Ace Bailey to Utah?

Yahoo5 days ago

How did teams perform on Day 1 of the 2025 NBA Draft? Let's hand out grades for every first-round pick.
Grade: A+
Hard to believe this is actually happening just five months after the Mavericks shockingly traded Luka Dončić. Yet here we are. Flagg is officially a Mav, and he has a chance to be great enough to win back the fans. He can help Dallas in both the short term and long term as a do-it-all forward who hustles like a madman, makes his teammates better as a passer and has dialed in a knockdown jumper. He's both the best offensive and defensive prospect in this draft class, making him the safest No. 1 pick in ages. As long as his jumper continues to fall like it did during his freshman year at Duke, he could play as a small forward next to Anthony Davis and another big. And with his size and versatility, he could play power forward in other lineups, too. There's no doubt he's going to produce. It's his growth as a shot creator that will decide if he reaches his All-Star floor or soars to his Hall of Fame ceiling.
Grade: B
If Cooper Flagg had never reclassified, Harper would be the consensus top pick with star upside because he's a big-bodied lefty combo guard who has a high floor with the skill, poise and playmaking instincts to dictate the game at his pace. Now that he'll be sharing shot-creation responsibilities in San Antonio, he'll be able to use his 6-foot-11 wingspan to greater effect on the defensive end and also utilize his bruising interior finishing as a cutter on offense. But he made only 36.8% of his catch-and-shoot 3s and just 28.7% of his dribble jumpers, so his fit with De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle is a question. All of them are more interior-focused guards, and so is Jeremy Sochan in the frontcourt. How many shaky shooters can the Spurs really put around Victor Wembanyama? It appears the Spurs will just take Harper, bank on his massive upside, and figure out team fit later.
Grade: A-
Edgecombe makes total sense for the Sixers. He is an explosive, high-motor wing who flies out of nowhere for poster dunks and chase-down blocks. He pairs his elite athleticism with a knockdown, spot-up jumper and fearless slashing. Though he needs to improve his shot creation to become more of a primary creator, the Sixers have enough in that department as is, so Edgecombe should get time to develop on his own timeline. It sure would've been nice for Philadelphia to get an opportunity to meet face-to-face with Ace Bailey, but odds are Edgecombe would've been the better choice anyway since he can help both in the short-term as a role player and in the long-term due to his high upside.
Grade: A
Knueppel has a sharpshooter's stroke, brainy pick-and-roll playmaking, and crafty scoring feel. He's the type of player who can come in right away and fit on any team, including perfectly between LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. He's got a slick midrange bag and strength scoring inside, but to become a player that takes over games he'll need to overcome his average athleticism. This would matter a bit less playing in Charlotte, since he could be one of multiple ball-handlers on the team.
Grade: B
Well, Bailey didn't get what he wanted by landing with the Jazz. There's a reason why he fell to No. 5, but this is a huge upside swing for the Jazz. Bailey is a ridiculous shot-making machine, capable of splashing contested jumpers from every spot on the floor and with the swagger of a throwback bucket-getter. He had 39 points against Indiana, 37 against Northwestern, and 30 against Penn State, showing an ability to have masterful performances in which he can't be stopped. But his raw edges as a shot creator and defender need sanding down to turn him into a full-on star. Over half of his half court shots came in the midrange, and yet he made only 36.4% of his pull-up 2s. He can catch fire, but he needs to prove he can be consistent on top of doing all the other things it takes to win. Maybe with Utah, he will learn.
Grade: A
Johnson is a clutch shot-maker who can catch fire from all over the floor, drilling step-backs and off-screen jumpers with ease. The Wizards are getting the best overall shooter in the class. He made 40.8% of catch-and-shoot 3s, over 50% of 3s off screens and 38.4% of dribble jumper 3s. But he needs to continue developing his point guard skills while also honing his shot selection since only 17% of his shots came at the rim in the half court. Plus, he must dramatically improve his defense to show he's more than just a one-way player.
Grade: A-
Fears is a dynamic guard with a twitchy attacking style and a knack for coming through as a clutch shooter. He's the best ball-handler in this draft class, giving him a runway to become New Orleans' long-term primary shot-creator. But he was one of college basketball's youngest freshmen, and it showed with his shaky decision-making as a shooter and passer. So he needs time to grow. All that said, he's a lottery pick because he has a feel for shot creation and a handle that lets him get anywhere on the floor, so he may only need time to emerge as a star.
Grade: C+
This is undoubtedly a huge swing for the Nets here. Demin has a rare ability at his size to make dazzling passes, which would give Brooklyn a jumbo-sized ball-handler. But he's also struggled to shoot and create his own shot against lengthy defenders, making him more of a love-him or hate-him prospect than a sure thing. Whether he becomes a point guard in the NBA will depend on the development of his jumper.
Grade: A-
Murray-Boyles has a chance to be one of the steals of this draft. He operates like a defensive savant the way he locks down every position, uses his ninja-quick hands to swipe at the ball, and inhales rebounds. He's the closest prospect to Draymond Green because he's such a special defensive presence, and offensively he's a finisher with a playmaking feel. Improving his jumper would move him out of tweener territory and into All-Star status, and ultimately that's the big question for him in Toronto. Can he fit next to Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram? CMB missed 30 of his 39 3-point attempts in two collegiate seasons, and made a tick under 70% of his free throws.
Grade: A+
Maluach was the highest upside player available on the board. He's a towering rim protector with switchable mobility, erasing shots at the rim and shadowing quick guards on the perimeter. He only logged 1.3 blocks per game but deterred opponents from even sniffing the basket. Beyond dunking lobs at a frequent rate, he's a work in progress on offense with a lack of seasoning as a screener, shooter, and creator. Such a raw skill set should come as no surprise since the South Sudan native didn't start playing basketball until he was 13. Maluach's upside has him ranked in the top two or three on some team draft boards, and perhaps that was the case for the Suns.
Grade: A++
What a way to replace Desmond Bane after he was traded away earlier this month. Coward has gone from a Division III player to a lottery pick in just a few years behind his rapid development into a prospect with a valued 3-and-D skill-set. He made 41% of his catch-and-shoot 3s in three DI seasons, while also developing a versatile scoring skill set with post fadeaways and midrange pull-ups. But he brings even higher upside thanks to his passing vision, versatile defense, and mature approach to the game that makes him the potential steal of the draft for the Grizzlies. Could Coward become the latest piece of a Big 3 alongside Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.?
Grade: B
A lot of people thought he'd go No. 7 or No. 8. Downhill attacking is his biggest asset. He went from someone to hack and put on the free-throw line to an improved FT shooter. He was was also a 3-point shooting liability who improved from there as well. Sometimes he looks like Giannis Antetokounmpo with the way he unfolds his long arms for scoop layups. Plus, he lives at the line: he had seven games with more than 10 free throws.
Grade: C
Conditioning is a concern for him. New Orleans is not the place I'd want to end up. He's got to figure out the jump shot as well. Unless he improves defensively, he could also be a matchup problem on that end of the floor. Queen is a burly big with guard-like handles who dazzles with spin moves, and crafty finishes like his game-winning leaning jumper to send Maryland to the Sweet 16. If he translates his velvet touch to the perimeter, he has offensive star upside, though his interior scoring, playmaking chops, and magnetic rebounding alone give him tantalizing potential for the Pelicans.
Grade: A
San Antonio is just about the perfect fit for Bryant. He hits spot-up 3s, attacks closeouts, makes the right play, and busts his ass on defense. He'll have a simple role with room to grow over the years and will be a nasty frontcourt fit with Victor Wembanyama. He's a rangy, athletic forward who projects as a highly versatile defender. And though he's raw as a ball-handler, he's a skilled spot-up shooter and a hyper-aware cutter. At a minimum, he has the baseline skills to be a great role player for the Spurs with the upside to someday be much more.
Grade: A+
I think he was the best overall big in this draft class who moved up to that spot late in the talent evaluation process. Sorber has a brick-house frame and the throwback skill set to match with strong screens, soft-touch finishes, and gritty drop-coverage instincts. But to be more than a role player, he needs to tap into the flashes he shows as a shooter while also improving his perimeter defense. As is, he's the best overall big in the draft. He's not quite the scorer that Derik Queen is, and he's not quite the defender Khaman Maluach is, and he's not quite the athlete that Joan Beringer is. But he does a lot of everything, and impacts the game at a high level.
Grade: C+
This is the biggest shock of the draft so far. WOW. It is a fascinating pick from a fit standpoint: What does a Donovan Clingan/Hansen Yang frontcourt look like in Portland? Or are we gonna see a trade down with the Nets? Yang is a massive Chinese 7-footer who scores with old-school craft, passes well and cleans the glass. But how much his slow feet and lack of shooting range can be improved will determine whether he can stick in the pros.
Grade: C-
He's one of the rawest projects in the entire draft. Makes you wonder what the Wolves' plan is with the other bigs on the roster, notably Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle. Beringer dunks everything around the basket. He's a rim protector and has shown improvement in other aspects of his defense. An area he'll need to improve on is he was a hackable player you didn't fear sending to the free-throw line. He's a worker, though, and wants to get better.
Grade: A+
Along with Ace Bailey, the addition of Clayton makes the Jazz look like the funnest League Pass team next season. Clayton is clutch and looked like Steph Curry at times. He's also a culture creator. I'm very intrigued with what the Ainges are doing in Utah's front office. Clayton is a fearless shooter with the versatility to take any shot at any moment, as we saw with him fueling the Gators to a national championship.
Grade: B+
He's the fastest player in this draft class. This is a good situation for him because it's a clean slate roster. The best comparison is an early version of Dejounte Murray. All speed, but inefficient shooting across the floor. He can play with pace and sets up a very different type of ball-handler for the Nets than fellow rookie Egor Demin.
Grade: D+
The Heat were probably hoping for Walter Clayton Jr. with this pick. For every beautiful assist Jakučionis had as a freshman, there's an equally ugly bone-headed turnover. He had 11 games this past season with more turnovers than made shots. As a primary creator, he's not a Tyrese Haliburton type. Think more along the lines of Spencer Dinwiddie; he's one of your guys on the roster, but he's not THE guy.
Grade: C+
I'm not his biggest fan. He's not a great athlete or a great shooter yet. He has a very lean frame. "What's he going to be?" was the common question I heard from scouts when talking about Riley's evaluation. He does have dynamic driving ability and playmaking instincts that scream upside as a jumbo-sized, shot-creating wing.
Grade: A
Powell has a chiseled frame that he uses to barrel into defenders at the rim and to contain opponents when he's on defense. He's a switch-everything defender who plays with a high motor, and if his spot-up jumper translates he checks all the boxes to be a 3-and-D role player at a minimum for the Nets. But as a projected lottery pick entering college, maybe he'll tap back into the shot-creating upside that he was once recruited for.
Grade: A+
It feels like a foundation is starting to build in Atlanta. Newell is a modern big who can pair nicely with the Hawks' pair of wings. If they keep Trae Young, he's got a lob threat with Newell, who is a dunk machine. This looks like a perfect prospect/team match. Even though he needs to improve his fouling habits, his energetic style is overall a positive on defense. The real question is what he becomes offensively: Will he ever develop his jumper? Or is he just a finisher?
Grade: A
Clifford is a tough-as-nails wing who does it all and could fill a number of different roles as a plug-and-play option for the Kings. He defends multiple positions, crashes the boards, and scores from everywhere. But as a super senior with only Mountain West pedigree, he lacks experience against high level competition despite his age.
Grade: A+
Richardson ends up with the same team his father, Jason Richardson, played a chunk of his career for. The younger Richardson is a skilled combo guard with a lethal midrange game and a poised pick-and-roll feel, looking like he downloaded the experience of his NBA veteran father. Jase didn't inherit his father's height or dunk contest athleticism, though, so his smaller stature could cap his upside.
Grade: B+
Ben Saraf, Nolan Traore and Egor Demin. Three international playmaking guards for Brooklyn for its first three picks in this draft is a fascinating approach. It's throwing darts and hoping one turns into a hit. Saraf is a crafty lefty playmaker who relies on guile, footwork and body control. Limited shooting and athleticism could cap his upside, but his positional size and skill are hard to pass up.
Grade: B
He's a unique, funky ball-handler. It's clear in the Nets' draft that they want players of all sizes to be able to handle the rock. Wolf is 6-foot-11 but ran point for Michigan, playing a slick style with risky passes and step-back jumpers that made him a highlight factory. But he's also a turnover machine and his shooting numbers are shaky, making him more of a raw bet who needs time to prove he can match his flash with substance.
Grade: A
He fits nicely in the Celtics' culture. He plays hard, but is more than a hustler and strong defender. He's a high-motor wing with great defensive tools and a slashing style on offense. If his jumper and handle develop, he could be a versatile two-way starter, though he didn't get a lot of playing time overseas.
Advertisement
Grade: C+
McNeeley is a sharpshooting wing with superb instincts moving without the ball, and the touch to splash from deep ranges. Though he doesn't project as a primary shot creator, his feel as a connective passer gives him the skill to fit into any type of offense, including Charlotte's.
Grade: A
Big swing here. He's a little bit of a late bloomer, so maybe he's more than a lob-threat center. Konan Niederhauser is an elite athlete who lives above the rim as a finisher and shot blocker, and he displays some intriguing upside as a 7-foot shot creator. But he needs to improve his fundamentals to make it all click.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Recent Vikings Starter, Former Defensive Player of the Year Linked to NFC Rival
Recent Vikings Starter, Former Defensive Player of the Year Linked to NFC Rival

Yahoo

time18 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Recent Vikings Starter, Former Defensive Player of the Year Linked to NFC Rival

Recent Vikings Starter, Former Defensive Player of the Year Linked to NFC Rival originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Minnesota Vikings are undeniably thin in the secondary after letting two of their three starting cornerbacks and a starting safety depart in free agency. Advertisement Minnesota spent big to secure Pro-Bowl cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. on a three-year extension, but decided not to pursue new contracts for Stephon Gilmore or Shaq Griffin. The Seattle Seahawks scooped up Griffin in free agency, while Gilmore remains a free agent with less than one month remaining before Minnesota opens training camp in mid-July. Gilmore, who will play next season at 35 years old, is a five-time Pro Bowler and former Defensive Player of the Year who started 15 games for the Vikings in 2024. He tallied nine pass breakups and an interception over that run. Former Minnesota Vikings cornerback Stephon Roberts-Imagn Images The fact that Minnesota's cornerback room is untested and Gilmore remains available at a market value of just $5.3 million on a new one-year deal, per Spotrac, creates the potential for a reunion between the two sides. Advertisement However, Aaron Schatz of ESPN suggested on Thursday that the New Orleans Saints, who play in the NFC South, should add Gilmore to their secondary before any other team beats them to it. "The Saints actually have salary cap room, which is a remarkable statement," Schatz wrote. "That gives them the ability to bring in a veteran to help fill a hole, and they could use one at outside cornerback." Schatz added that Gilmore remained a more than competent cover cornerback with the Vikings last season. "Gilmore maintained his high level in 2024 with Minnesota, ranking 30th in my coverage DVOA metric while being assigned to some of the league's toughest receivers," Schatz continued. Advertisement "He could challenge Isaac Yiadom for a starting job, while serving as an important mentor for Kool-Aid McKinstry and fourth-round rookie Quincy Riley." The Vikings have ostensibly replaced Gilmore with Isaiah Rodgers, though the latter has yet to prove himself as a true starting-caliber cornerback at the NFL level. He's played four seasons and appeared in 60 games, though started just 13 of them. The NFL suspended Rodgers, who will play next season at age 27, for the entirety of the 2023 campaign for violating the league's gambling policy. Related: Lions Star Names Vikings Justin Jefferson Among Top 5 WRs in NFL This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 26, 2025, where it first appeared.

WNBA Turns Heads With Kelsey Mitchell Post After Wings Game
WNBA Turns Heads With Kelsey Mitchell Post After Wings Game

Yahoo

time18 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

WNBA Turns Heads With Kelsey Mitchell Post After Wings Game

WNBA Turns Heads With Kelsey Mitchell Post After Wings Game originally appeared on Athlon Sports. While Caitlin Clark gets most of the attention and Aliyah Boston is recognized as one of the league's top centers, Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell continues to fly under the radar, but not for long. Advertisement The 29-year-old Ohio State alum has quietly been one of the steadiest scorers in the WNBA. She's now posted 20+ points in four straight games, including a season-high 32 in Friday night's 94-86 road win over the Dallas Wings. Mitchell has scored in double figures in every game this season, raising her season average to 18.9 points per game. After the win, the WNBA spotlighted Mitchell with a social media post that quickly drew reactions from fans and fellow players. The praise came in quickly. This fan started it out: "Yessss!!! KT is an All Star!!! 💜💜" Another chimed in: "Kelsey Mitchell has been playing "lights out" for several games. She is truly an all star. I've never seen anyone who can "finish" in tight quarters under the basket like she does ... and surrounded by so many much taller than she." Advertisement "Jheeez KM🔥🙌❤️ she and AB were amazing," posted by a fan. More praise here: "Great performances ladies!!" "Niceness 👏," said by a fan. This fan made it simple: "🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥" Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell has been one of the steadiest scorers of the team in the 2025 WNBA Hollars-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images Mitchell has been a staple of the Fever since being selected second overall in the 2018 WNBA Draft. She made the All-Rookie Team in her debut season and has since earned back-to-back All-Star selections. With Caitlin Clark missing seven games this season, including the last two, Mitchell has stepped up and kept Indiana's offense moving. The Fever now sit at 8-8 after Friday's win. Indiana returns to action Tuesday night, as they go against Minnesota Lynx, before opening a five-game homestand with a matchup on Thursday against the Las Vegas Aces. Advertisement Related: Ranking the 25 Best WNBA Players of All Time Related: WNBA Team Re-Signs Caitlin Clark's Former Teammate After Waiving Another Veteran This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 29, 2025, where it first appeared.

Vikings Miss Out on Trade for Elite $72 Million Cornerback
Vikings Miss Out on Trade for Elite $72 Million Cornerback

Yahoo

time18 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Vikings Miss Out on Trade for Elite $72 Million Cornerback

Vikings Miss Out on Trade for Elite $72 Million Cornerback originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Minnesota Vikings were never closely linked to Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey, but he always appeared the kind of player their defense could use. Advertisement Minnesota lost two of its three starting cornerbacks (Stephon Gilmore, Shaq Griffin) in free agency this offseason after bringing back Pro Bowler Byron Murphy Jr. on a three-year, $54 million contract. After leading the league with 24 interceptions last season and entering 2025 with a boatload of salary cap space, it seemed logical the Vikings would at least consider a splashy move in the secondary. Instead the team focused on the trenches, adding two starting offensive linemen (Will Fries, Ryan Kelly) and two starting defensive linemen (Jonathan Allen, Javon Hargrave) in free agency before selecting offensive guard Donovan Jackson out of Ohio State in the first round of the NFL draft. Former Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Isaiah Burke-Imagn Images To replace Gilmore and Griffin, the Vikings brought in free agent Isaiah Rodgers and are banking on former third-round pick Mekhi Blackmon bouncing back from an ACL injury he suffered on the first day of training camp in July 2024. Advertisement Rodgers won a championship ring with the Philadelphia Eagles in February, but he started just three games in 15 appearances for the Eagles last season. Rodgers has played in 60 total games in his career across a three-year stint with the Indianapolis Colts and one season in Philadelphia, starting just 13 of those contests. Rodgers has amassed 14 pass breakups, three interceptions and two forced fumbles over his four-year NFL career. His professional tenure should be a season longer, though the NFL suspended the defensive back for the entirety of the 2023 campaign for violation of the league's gambling policies. Former Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Navarro-Imagn Images Considering Rodgers' moderate production, minimal starting experience and serious lapse in judgement, Minnesota seemed primed to at least explore a deal for a player like Ramsey, as the team has north of $23.5 million in cap space currently available. Advertisement Whether the Vikings ever actually kicked the tires on Ramsey is unclear, though it doesn't matter now after the Dolphins traded the $72 million cornerback to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 pick swap-- the Dolphins get a fifth-rounder from the Steelers and send a seventh-rounder back. Minnesota could still add another cornerback to the roster if the secondary looks shaky during training camp, though it would more likely be a modest move than a blockbuster trade the likes of which Miami and Pittsburgh executed on Monday, June 30. Related: Recent Vikings Starter, Former Defensive Player of the Year Linked to NFC Rival This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 1, 2025, where it first appeared.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store