2025 NBA Draft Grades: Which Teams Nailed Their Picks, and Who Fumbled?

Saturday - 09/08/2025 03:06
Who won the NBA draft? Which picks and trades stood out? Kevin Pelton grades every team's moves.

The 2025 NBA Draft is complete, and team grades are in. These assessments focus on value and fit, leveraging stats-based projections and expert analysis, not immediate results.

Draft success isn't solely about the picks themselves; factors beyond team control, such as player health, significantly impact outcomes. Evaluating trades is also critical. Teams often overpay to move up, overestimating their evaluation skills.

Here’s a look at how each team fared:

Jump to a team: ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI | CLE DAL | DEN | DET | GS | HOU | IND LAC | LAL | MEM | MIA | MIL | MIN NO | NY | OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX POR | SAC | SA | TOR | UTAH | WAS

decorative line Atlanta Hawks logo

Atlanta Hawks: A

Round 1: Asa Newell (No. 23)

The Hawks capitalized by acquiring an unprotected 2026 first-round pick from the Pelicans, moving down ten spots. Selecting Asa Newell, ranked 13th in projections, was a bonus. Newell's strengths complement Kristaps Porzingis, creating an intriguing fit.


Boston Celtics logo

Boston Celtics: C+

Round 1: Hugo Gonzalez (No. 28) Round 2: Amari Williams (No. 46), Max Shulga (No. 57)

Hugo Gonzalez's selection is questionable considering his shooting struggles (27% at Real Madrid). Amari Williams is an intriguing prospect, but his limited shooting range poses challenges. Max Shulga, a career 39% 3-point shooter, projects well.


Brooklyn Nets logo

Brooklyn Nets: C+

Round 1: Egor Demin (No. 8), Nolan Traore (No. 19), Drake Powell (No. 22), Ben Saraf (No. 26), Danny Wolf (No. 27)

The Nets' strategy of accumulating first-round picks is more significant than the individual selections. Brooklyn is investing in developing numerous teenagers, many with overlapping skill sets. Egor Demin and Nolan Traore possess similar playmaking abilities, but their shooting and scoring efficiency require improvement.


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1:23
Kon Knueppel's top plays that led him to the Hornets

Highlight reel of Kon Knueppel's best plays.

Charlotte Hornets logo

Charlotte Hornets: B

Round 1: Kon Knueppel (No. 4), Liam McNeeley (No. 29) Round 2: Sion James (No. 33), Ryan Kalkbrenner (No. 34)

Kon Knueppel fills a need at shooting guard, ranking second in projections. Liam McNeeley was a solid pick at No. 29. Sion James's selection is less appealing given his limited role in college. Ryan Kalkbrenner may contribute immediately due to Mark Williams's departure.


Chicago Bulls logo

Chicago Bulls: A-

Round 1: Noa Essengue (No. 12) Round 2: Lachlan Olbrich (No. 55)

Noa Essengue could be a good fit with Matas Buzelis, providing length and athleticism. The Bulls continue to draft young talent despite avoiding a complete rebuild.


Cleveland Cavaliers logo

Cleveland Cavaliers: B

Round 2: Tyrese Proctor (No. 49), Saliou Niang (No. 58)

Tyrese Proctor is an interesting prospect with shooting potential and defensive promise. Saliou Niang faces an uphill battle due to shooting struggles.


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1:58
Why the Grizzlies selected Cedric Coward

Exploring the reasons behind Cedric Coward's selection.

Dallas Mavericks logo

Dallas Mavericks: B

Round 1: Cooper Flagg (No. 1)

Cooper Flagg was the obvious choice for the Mavericks after winning the lottery.


Denver Nuggets logo

Denver Nuggets: Incomplete

The Nuggets' limited draft capital results in an incomplete grade.


Detroit Pistons logo

Detroit Pistons: B

Round 2: Chaz Lanier (No. 37)

Chaz Lanier's emergence as a scorer provides the Pistons with insurance if they can't retain Malik Beasley and Tim Hardaway Jr.


Golden State Warriors logo

Golden State Warriors: B

Round 2: Alex Toohey (No. 52), Will Richard (No. 56)

Alex Toohey's defensive potential stands out. Will Richard, a high 2-point percentage player, was a good value pick.


Houston Rockets logo

Houston Rockets: Incomplete

The Rockets' picks were used to acquire Kevin Durant, making them winners despite their draft track record.


Indiana Pacers logo

Indiana Pacers: A

Round 2: Kam Jones (No. 38), Taelon Peter (No. 54)

Kam Jones has the potential to contribute immediately, providing guard help with Tyrese Haliburton sidelined. Taelon Peter is a fascinating swing with impressive shooting numbers.


Los Angeles Clippers logo

LA Clippers: C-

Round 1: Yanic Konan Niederhauser (No. 30) Round 2: Kobe Sanders (No. 50)

Taking Yanic Konan Niederhauser in the first round is a questionable decision, given his limitations. Kobe Sanders' late blooming status raises concerns.


Los Angeles Lakers logo

Los Angeles Lakers: B+

Round 2: Adou Thiero (No. 36)

The Lakers' trade to move up for Adou Thiero is commendable. Thiero's defensive potential is intriguing.


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1:22
V.J. Edgecombe's family emotional after draft selection

An emotional moment for V.J. Edgecombe and his family.

Memphis Grizzlies logo

Memphis Grizzlies: C-

Round 1: Cedric Coward (No. 11) Round 2: Javon Small (No. 48), Jahmai Mashack (No. 59)

The Grizzlies' trade up for Cedric Coward is questionable. Javon Small is an undersized but efficient scorer. Jahmai Mashack fits the "Grit n' Grind" mold.


Miami Heat logo

Miami Heat: A-

Round 1: Kasparas Jakucionis (No. 20)

Kasparas Jakucionis's slide down the draft allowed the Heat to capitalize on value.


Milwaukee Bucks logo

Milwaukee Bucks: B

Round 2: Bogoljub Markovic (No. 47)

Bogoljub Markovic's selection won't drastically alter Giannis Antetokounmpo's future. Markovic scored efficiently but raises defensive questions.


Minnesota Timberwolves logo

Minnesota Timberwolves: B-

Round 1: Joan Beringer (No. 17) Round 2: Rocco Zikarsky (No. 45)

Joan Beringer could fit in the Timberwolves' system as a rim protector. Rocco Zikarsky provides a similar skillset, and their simultaneous development will be interesting to watch.


New Orleans Pelicans logo

New Orleans Pelicans: F

Round 1: Jeremiah Fears (No. 7), Derik Queen (No. 13) Round 2: Micah Peavy (No. 40)

The Pelicans' trade up for Derik Queen is risky, given his evaluation. Micah Peavy's breakout season gives him a shot at a 3-and-D role.


New York Knicks logo

New York Knicks: C+

Round 2: Mohamed Diawara (No. 51)

Mohamed Diawara's selection is a stash pick with limited impact so far.


Oklahoma City Thunder logo

Oklahoma City Thunder: B

Round 1: Thomas Sorber (No. 15) Round 2: Brooks Barnhizer (No. 44)

Thomas Sorber's defensive potential and passing ability are intriguing. Brooks Barnhizer will be on a two-way contract.


Orlando Magic logo

Orlando Magic: B+

Round 1: Jase Richardson (No. 25) Round 2: Noah Penda (No. 32)

Jase Richardson's selection offers value. Noah Penda's shooting is a work in progress.


Philadelphia 76ers logo

Philadelphia 76ers: B+

Round 1: VJ Edgecombe (No. 3) Round 2: Johni Broome (No. 35)

VJ Edgecombe's defensive base and athleticism are appealing. Johni Broome can contribute immediately, providing skill at the center position.


Phoenix Suns logo

Phoenix Suns: B

Round 1: Khaman Maluach (No. 10) Round 2: Rasheer Fleming (No. 31), Koby Brea (No. 41)

Khaman Maluach was the top prospect available. Rasheer Fleming provides shot blocking and range. Koby Brea addresses the Suns' need for shooting.


Portland Trail Blazers logo

Portland Trail Blazers: C-

Round 1: Yang Hansen (No. 16)

The Trail Blazers are betting on their ability to beat the market with Yang Hansen.


Sacramento Kings logo

Sacramento Kings: C

Round 1: Nique Clifford (No. 24) Round 2: Maxime Raynaud (No. 42)

The Kings limited the downside of the move by putting top-16 protection on the pick. Nique Clifford's late emergence as a prospect raises questions. Maxime Raynaud brings a similar skill set.


San Antonio Spurs logo

San Antonio Spurs: A

Round 1: Dylan Harper (No. 2), Carter Bryant (No. 14)

Dylan Harper was the consensus No. 2 pick. Carter Bryant's 3-and-D potential makes him an ideal fit.


Toronto Raptors logo

Toronto Raptors: B

Round 1: Collin Murray-Boyles (No. 9) Round 2: Alijah Martin (No. 39)

Collin Murray-Boyles' unorthodox game may translate to the NBA, but Toronto isn't an ideal landing spot. Alijah Martin is productive in college.


Utah Jazz logo

Utah Jazz: B+

Round 1: Ace Bailey (No. 5), Walter Clayton Jr. (No. 18) Round 2: John Tonje (No. 53)

Ace Bailey's development will need careful management. Walter Clayton Jr., an NCAA champion and potent shooter, could help. John Tonje's shooting should translate to the NBA.


Washington Wizards logo

Washington Wizards: B-

Round 1: Tre Johnson (No. 6), Will Riley (No. 21) Round 2: Jamir Watkins (No. 43)

The Wizards continue to lean into youth. Tre Johnson's shooting potential justifies the pick. Will Riley will need to improve his defensive playmaking. Jamir Watkins brings experience and defensive potential.

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