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The Herald Scotland
9 hours ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
NBA draft grades: Analyzing picks made by all 30 teams
However, several players with first-round potential slipped into the second round and were drafted by teams hoping to find that rare gem. Some of those picks impacted some overall draft grades following the completion of this week's draft. Here are USA TODAY Sports' 2025 NBA Draft grades after both rounds: 2025 NBA draft grades Atlanta Hawks: B+ The Hawks traded for Kristaps Porzingis and then acquired Asa Newell with the No. 23 pick. They also ended up with a 2026 first-round pick that could end up being a lottery pick. Boston Celtics: B At No. 28, Boston landed Spain's Hugo Gonzalez, who is one of Europe's top prospects. But he may not be ready to contribute immediately. Brooklyn Nets: A The Nets accumulated five first-round draft picks ahead of the draft and got: BYU's Egor Demin at No. 8, France's Nolan Traore at No. 19, North Carolina's Drake Powell at No. 22, Israel's Ben Saraf at No. 26 and Michigan's Danny Wolf at No. 27. Charlotte Hornets: B+ The Hornets need shooting. They were 28th in 3-point shooting percentage, 30th in field goal percentage and 30th in effective field goal percentage. Duke's Kon Knueppel can help a massive shortcoming on Charlotte's roster. They went after offense and size in the second round with Duke's Sion James and Creighton's Ryan Kalkbrenner in the second round. Chicago Bulls: B France is in a nice run of producing NBA players, and Noa Essengue, the No. 12 pick, will give the Bulls another interior option. Cleveland Cavaliers: B Did not have a first-round pick; traded to Utah as part of the Donovan Mitchell deal, which has worked out for the Cavs. They signed him to a three-year, $150.3 million contract that keeps him with the Cavs through at least 2026-27. Cleveland used one of its two second-round picks on Duke's Tyrese Proctor. Dallas Mavericks: A The Mavericks needed luck to get the No. 1 pick - just a 1.8% chance to win the lottery and that's what happened, allowing them to select Cooper Flagg, who brings talent, maturity and an NBA-ready game to a team looking to compete for a title. Denver Nuggets: A Did not have a first-round pick. The Nuggets traded it to Orlando in 2021 in a deal that sent Aaron Gordon to the Nuggets. It helped Denver win a title in 2023. Detroit Pistons: Incomplete Detroit's selection was sent away as part of the 2020 trade that brought Isaiah Stewart to the Pistons. Golden State Warriors: Incomplete As part of the trade that sent Jimmy Butler to Golden State, the Warriors shipped the No. 20 selection to Miami, which became Kasparas Jakucionis. While Butler infused defense, veteran experience and more competitiveness to the Warriors, they were eventually eliminated in the second round. Golden State had two second-round picks but those picks are unlikely to impact 2025-26. Houston Rockets: A- The Rockets did not have a first-round pick ... because they traded the No. 10 pick to Phoenix for Kevin Durant, putting them in position to contend for a title after going 52-30 last season and earning the No. 2 seed in the West. Indiana Pacers: Incomplete The Pacers did not have a first-round pick, trading the No. 23 overall selection to the Pelicans, as well as the rights to guard Mojave King. In exchange, the Pacers received their own 2026 first-round selection, which they had originally shipped to Toronto in the deal that brought Pascal Siakam to Indiana. Like Golden State, Indiana had two second-round picks, but the value won't be revealed immediately. Los Angeles Clippers: B With the final pick of the first night, the Clippers bolstered their interior presence, taking forward Yanic Konan Niederhauser out of Penn State. He's still a bit raw, but he should be an excellent developmental backup to center Ivica Zubac. Niederhauser should get plenty of burn as a low block defender -- he ranked 12th in the country in blocks per game (2.3) -- and should be a lob threat as a finisher. Los Angeles Lakers: B The No. 22 overall selection was part of the package the Lakers sent the Pelicans in the deal that brought center Anthony Davis to Los Angeles. The Lakers moved up from No. 45 to No. 36 and drafted Arkansas' Adou Thiero, who has first-round potential. Memphis Grizzlies: B+ This was all about replacing Desmond Bane, whom Memphis just shipped to the Orlando Magic, but on a budget. Bane had been signed to a max extension in July 2023, so he was going to become pricey. Guard Cedric Coward, a late riser in the draft process, was picked at No. 11. He has ample experience and should play right away. Memphis has a pretty solid track record in recent years of drafting. His size and shooting ability should translate instantly. Miami Heat: B Illinois' Kasparas Jakucionis was projected as a lottery pick in several mock drafts, and the Heat got him at No. 20. Milwaukee Bucks: A Did not have a first-round pick; the Bucks traded the pick to New Orleans in 2020, acquiring Jrue Holiday, who helped the Bucks win a title in 2021. Yes, the Bucks are trying to stay competitive with Giannis Antetokounmpo, but it's hard to complain about a title. Minnesota Timberwolves: B- The issue with Rudy Gobert is that his offensive game can be inconsistent. And Minnesota's consecutive trips to the Western Conference finals proved that the Timberwolves need more scoring, particularly when teams game plan to take Anthony Edwards out of rhythm. Joan Beringer is only 18, so he's a project and doesn't necessarily help Minnesota get over the hump in the short term. He's explosive and full of potential. Minnesota's window to win, however, is now, and plenty of plug-and-play prospects were available at 17. New Orleans Pelicans: B- In a vacuum, both Jeremiah Fears (guard, No. 7) and Derik Queen (center, No. 13) are solid players. But they're also both at positions where the Pelicans have established players, which could mean New Orleans will be looking to sell off veterans like point guard Dejounte Murray and power forward Zion Williamson. Queen's skill set -- his ball handling, vision, passing and touch -- should make him too valuable to sit. The same, frankly, goes for Fears. The Pelicans have very nice pieces; the fit is a little cumbersome. New York Knicks: B- Did not have a first-round pick; the Knicks have traded significant draft capital (no first-round picks in 2025, 2027, 2029 and 2031) to build this team. Back-to-back 50-win seasons and an Eastern Conference finals appearance this season are the results so far. Oklahoma City Thunder: B Given it's the Thunder front office led by executive VP/GM Sam Presti and the track record of the Thunder acing the draft, it's a safe bet to say the Thunder found value with the No. 15 pick (Georgetown's Thomas Sorber). Orlando Magic: B At one point during the draft process, Michigan State's Jase Richardson was a projected lottery pick and the Magic got him at No. 25. In the second round, the Magic landed Noah Penda, who has first-round talent, at No. 32. Philadelphia 76ers: B The Sixers passed on Ace Bailey and took defensive-minded guard VJ Edgecombe at No. 3. He will be able to guard multiple positions. Phoenix Suns: C- There's no question: the Suns have wanted a center for a long time. They traded Jusuf Nurkic to the Hornets in the middle of the season and struggled to find a presence down low. Duke's Khaman Maluach at No. 10 -- part of the trade that sent Kevin Durant to Houston -- is actually great value. But, minutes prior, the Suns also reportedly completed a trade to get another former Duke center, Mark Williams, from the Hornets. This reeks of a team that didn't think Maluach would be available, got impatient, and fired off a trade. Now, Phoenix has the opposite issue: it has one big too many. Portland Trail Blazers: C This was another curious first round move. Clearly, Portland loved Yang Hansen, a 7-foot-1 center from China with fluid athleticism and superb passing ability. But the Trail Blazers now have three centers: Hansen, Robert Williams (who is entering the final year of his contract) and Donovan Clingan (last year's No. 7 overall selection). Even if Portland packages Williams in a salary-shedding move, Hansen, who turned 20 on Thursday, June 26, is only one year younger than Clingan. Despite his impressive skill set, he also might need time to assimilate from the Chinese Basketball Association. Sacramento Kings: B+ The Kings did not have a first round pick to start the night but traded into the first round, acquiring the No. 24 pick from Oklahoma City and drafting Nique Clifford from Colorado State. At No. 42, Sacramento selected Maxime Raynaud, who had emerged as a potential first-round pick late in the draft process. San Antonio Spurs: A The Spurs have the past two rookies of the year (Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle) and just picked Rutgers' Dylan Harper at No. 2 and Arizona's Carter Bryant at No. 14. The Spurs are on their way. Toronto Raptors: B The Raptors are close to making a move in the East, and Collin Murray-Boyles at No. 9 is the kind of player who fits Toronto's system. Utah Jazz: A Danny Ainge struck again. Utah got excellent value at No. 5 with Ace Bailey, an electric player who is built exactly the way teams want their wings. He has effortless athleticism and is a hyper-competitive player who should find easy buckets. And then, in a trade with the Wizards, the Jazz nabbed an experienced guard in Walter Clayton Jr., who has range and the clutch gene. Washington Wizards: B The Wizards targeted guards as part of their extensive rebuild and selected Texas' Tre Johnson sixth and acquired Illinois' Will Riley at No. 21. Washington went after more perimeter scoring in the second round, drafting Florida State's Jamir Watkins at No. 43.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Grizzlies give 7-foot insurance policies final look before 2025 NBA Draft
The post Grizzlies give 7-foot insurance policies final look before 2025 NBA Draft appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Memphis Grizzlies have fully committed to a franchise pivot after trading Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is 'excited' about the new-look Grizzlies but EVP/GM Zach Kleiman is nowhere near finished putting together next season's roster. Free agency and trade markets are always in flux. However, using the 16th overall pick to add another big man with a versatile skill set would serve as a valuable insurance policy for last year's first-rounder, the oft-injured Zach Edey. Asa Newell (Georgia), Dylan Cardwell (Auburn), Lawson Lovering (Utah), and Jacksen Moni (North Dakota State) all fit the bill in different ways. Advertisement Asa Newell has been on 2025 NBA Draft radars for years as a five-star, one-and-done highlight machine. Dylan Cardwell remained loyal as a pivotal bit-part player in several Final Four runs. Lawson Lovering is a high-floor, low-ceiling commodity with a proven Power 5 resume. Jacksen Moni is a 6-foot-10 stretch four hitting over 40% from three-point range. Though Zach Edey has been ruled out, all four of these bigs would help Jaylen Wells win a few games during Las Vegas Summer League action. Newell, Cardwell, Lovering, and Moni have visited for private workouts as well. All-in for Asa Newell Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Asa Newell's mobility, lateral quickness, and high-IQ instincts are rare in general but especially unique in a seven-foot frame. At 6-foot-11 with an over seven-foot wide wingspan and a 220-pound frame, Newell's mobility and intensity alone allow him to guard multiple positions. Effective at protecting the rim, the 19-year-old was able to switch onto most SEC guards when needed, a valuable trait in today's NBA. Advertisement Averaging 15.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, a block, and a steal per game while shooting 54.3% from the field, Newell showcased a blend of size, athleticism, and modern big-man skills that make him an intriguing offensive prospect as well. His relentless energy on the glass and ability to crash the boards offensively would immediately address significant weaknesses. While his three-point percentage (29.2%) leaves room for improvement, Newell's 75% free-throw shooting and 26 made threes in 33 games suggest he could develop into a floor-spacing big next to Jaren Jackson Jr. Unfortunately, this would be a work in progress in Tuomas Iisalo's schemes that is not worth the gamble. Newell's passing and court vision are limited going only by the SEC tape. Still, his blend of size, mobility, and two-way potential is worth a mid-to-late first-round pick. Newell has been asked to do a lot for undermanned teams the last two years. He thrives as a finisher rather than a creator, which may restrict his offensive role early in his career. An ability to contribute immediately as a rim-running, defensive-minded forward with upside as a shooter makes him an appealing fit for the Grizzlies. Grizzlies look to Las Vegas Dylan Cardwell is a jack of all trades with a championship prize fighter philosophy. Scouts will talk about a 'versatile skill set' and the 'competitive edge' but those traits only carry a player so far. The Grizzlies had to see just how close Auburn alum is to reaching a ceiling. Everyone who watched Auburn's Final Four runs over the past five seasons can attest that the stat sheet does not do Cardwell justice. Locker room chemistry building and doing on-court clean-up jobs others shy away from cannot be measured in the box score. Advertisement It is easy to see the 23-year-old filling in for Zach Edey as a Summer League connector after averaging 5.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 0.8 steals in 20.3 minutes per game last season. Cardwell knows his calling card and would allow a healed-up Jaylen Wells to run wild in a Las Vegas offense as a screener and a break-initiating rebounder. However, relying on deflections, physicality, and hustle is one way to an NBA Summer League team. Taking only 10 three-pointers (40% 3PA) in five years is a quick way to get run out of an NBA gym. Every defense will collapse on the paint if Cardwell continues to ignore the rim and pass up wide-open shots. Lawson Lovering is a traditional seven-foot center who excels fundamentally in the paint. He averaged steady 8.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game, showcasing a soft touch around the rim and solid rim protection. There are problems when plays go off-script and Lovering needs to scramble though. The footwork was adequate yet not dominant in Big Ten action; lateral quickness to handle NBA pick-and-roll defense is a huge question mark. Jacksen Moni is a 6-foot-11 stretch-four with a developed, refined outside shot (40% 3PA). Moni averaged 10.2 points and 5.0 rebounds at North Dakota State, showing flashes of versatility as a shooter and passer. Moni's ability to space the floor is his calling card, but his slender build and lack of explosiveness make him a liability defensively, particularly against quicker wings or stronger bigs. Advertisement Newell would perhaps be a new direction altogether, allowing the Grizzlies to give Zach Edey a chance elsewhere. Moni might be the best option for the G-League Memphis Hustle. Quick feet, size, smarts, and solid shooting will always be in demand. Related: Grizzlies rumors: Memphis' Jaren Jackson Jr. 'focus' after Desmond Bane trade Related: Grizzlies' 10 worst NBA Draft day mistakes in history
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
NBA Draft 2025: Atlanta Hawks select Georgia's Asa Newell in first round
The Atlanta Hawks selected University of Georgia star Asa Newell with the No. 23 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. The Hawks swapped their No. 13 pick with the New Orleans Pelicans to draft the power forward on Wednesday night. Advertisement 'We are all excited to have you here, man. I'm telling you, having a Bulldog, this is big for us,' Hawks owner Tony Ressler told Newell in a call from the draft room. 'Yes sir. Thank you for keeping me in state. I really appreciate the opportunity and it's just a blessing. I just can't wait to get up there,' Newell said. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Newell is no stranger to Atlanta. He was born here and lived in Athens until his family moved to Florida, where he played with No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg at Montverde Academy. Newell received several collegiate offers, but decided to return to Athens and play for UGA head coach Mike White. Advertisement Newell made the SEC All-Freshman team, averaging 15.4 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. 'Asa is unbelievable. With where the league is going, people with size and athleticism like that just make sense,' Hawks General Manager Onsi Saleh said in a statement Wednesday night. 'He's a great screener, a great human being, a ridiculous athlete, and a really smart player too. He is an unbelievable competitor and does things that impact winning.' [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Atlanta Hawks select Georgia's Asa Newell in first round of the 2025 NBA draft
Former Georgia Bulldogs basketball forward Asa Newell was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks 23rd in the 2025 NBA draft, making him the first Georgia player drafted in the first round since Anthony Edwards in 2020. It seemed destined from his high school years that Newell would become a first round NBA draft pick. Newell was the 19th ranked prospect in the nation coming out of high school when he committed to the Georgia Bulldogs on Oct. 25, 2023. He showed his immense talent through just one season with the Bulldogs. As a freshman, Newell led all Bulldogs in points per game (15.4) and rebounds per game (6.9), and was second in blocks per game (1.0). He was the No. 1 option for a Georgia Bulldogs team that made the NCAA March Madness Tournament for the first time since 2015. Some analysts mocked the Atlanta Hawks selecting Newell with pick No. 22, a pick the Hawks acquired in the Dejounte Murray trade. However, the Hawks traded pick No. 22 to the Nets to acquire Kristaps Porzingis from the Celtics the day before the draft. Then, on draft day, the Hawks dealt pick No. 13 (acquired from Sacramento in a trade for Kevin Huerter) to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for pick No. 23 and an unprotected first from 2026. It will be the more valuable one of the two first rounders the Pelicans own in 2026 (theirs and Milwaukee's). The Hawks selection of Newell is reminiscent of when the Falcons drafted Jalon Walker with the 15th pick to keep him in Georgia. It's easy for Georgia fans to root for a former Bulldog on an Atlanta team, and now, Georgia fans get to watch two former Bulldogs grow into stars in two different sports.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
NBA Draft 2025: Atlanta Hawks select Georgia's Asa Newell in first round
The Atlanta Hawks selected University of Georgia star Asa Newell with the No. 23 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. The Hawks swapped their No. 13 pick with the New Orleans Pelicans to draft the power forward on Wednesday night. Advertisement 'We are all excited to have you here, man. I'm telling you, having a Bulldog, this is big for us,' Hawks owner Tony Ressler told Newell in a call from the draft room. 'Yes sir. Thank you for keeping me in state. I really appreciate the opportunity and it's just a blessing. I just can't wait to get up there,' Newell said. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Newell is no stranger to Atlanta. He was born here and lived in Athens until his family moved to Florida. Newell received several collegiate offers, but decided to return to Athens and play for UGA head coach Mike White. Newell made the SEC All-Freshman team, averaging 15.4 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. Advertisement 'Asa is unbelievable. With where the league is going, people with size and athleticism like that just make sense,' Hawks General Manager Onsi Saleh said in a statement Wednesday night. 'He's a great screener, a great human being, a ridiculous athlete, and a really smart player too. He is an unbelievable competitor and does things that impact winning.' [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
