Grading Phoenix Suns' First Round of 2025 NBA Draft
Grading Phoenix Suns' First Round of 2025 NBA Draft originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The first round of the 2025 NBA Draft took place on Wednesday night as the stars of tomorrow found out which team they will be playing on at the highest level.
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To nobody's surprise, Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper were selected first and second overall by the Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs respectively.
After that, there were many surprises and multiple trades that took place and one team that was among them was the Phoenix Suns.
Phoenix made a massive move before their pick came up as they sent the 29th overall pick and a 2029 first-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets for Mark Williams in a move that fills a major key need on their roster.
After making the trade for Williams, the Suns then used the 10th overall pick to upgrade their frontcourt even more by selecting Duke center Khaman Maluach.
Suns' First-Round Grade: A
These were two massive moves by the Suns and one that warranted them receiving an A grade for the first round of the draft.
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Of course, the Suns struggled mightily at the center position last season but that will likely change heading into next season with the additions of Williams and Maluach.
Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams (5)© Scott Kinser-Imagn Images
Williams gives Phoenix a great young starting center, though he has dealt with his fair share of injuries during his NBA career, which ultimately cost him a chance to play for the Los Angeles Lakers last season after a trade was rescinded after he failed the physical.
Despite his injury history, the Suns add a great defender and inside scorer to their roster next to Devin Booker and Jalen Green.
Khaman Maluach during a game with Duke.Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
For Maluach, he will give the Suns much-needed size due to his 7-2 frame and he also bring a much-needed rim protector as well as a solid scorer, though he does still need to improve on his three-point shooting.
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By adding these two players alongside Booker, along with Green and Dillon Brooks whom they got in the Kevin Durant trade from the Rockets, it was a pretty successful first round of the draft for Phoenix.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 26, 2025, where it first appeared.
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