NBA Draft 2025: Suns, Heat Shine in Round 1; Jazz Raise Eyebrows with Bailey Pick

NBA Draft 2025: Analyzing Round 1's Biggest Wins, Unexpected Picks, and Lingering Questions

The 2025 NBA Draft witnessed Cooper Flagg, the first of three Duke players chosen, claimed by the Dallas Mavericks as the No. 1 overall pick. The first round concluded with the LA Clippers selecting center Yanic Konan Niederhauser with the 30th pick.

The night was filled with notable selections and surprises, including the Utah Jazz's decision to draft Rutgers guard Ace Bailey at No. 5 and the Phoenix Suns acquiring Duke's highly-rated center, Khaman Maluach, at No. 10.

Which teams emerged as clear winners after Day 1? Should New Orleans Pelicans fans question the trade that allowed them to draft Derik Queen?

Let's dissect the events that unfolded at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. ESPN's Jonathan Givony, Jeremy Woo, and Kevin Pelton offer their insights on the winners, surprises, and pressing questions following the 30 picks of Round 1.

Round 2 commences Thursday at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Givony: Top Round 1 Winners

Phoenix Suns logo

Phoenix Suns

The pick: Khaman Maluach (No. 10)

The Suns' acquisition of Kevin Durant appears even more strategic after Maluach's availability at No. 10. This strengthens Phoenix's center position while securing a promising long-term prospect.

Maluach brings intensity, shot-blocking prowess, rebounding skills, and defensive versatility, addressing key areas where the team struggled last season. His youth provides the roster with much-needed energy, complementing a backcourt loaded with talent.

Coaches and teammates praise his off-court demeanor, and his lob-catching abilities will make him a valuable pick-and-roll partner for Devin Booker.

Miami Heat logo

Miami Heat

The pick: Kasparas Jakucionis (No. 20)

Jakucionis, ranked No. 11 on our top 100 board, surprisingly fell to No. 20.

Any initial disappointment was likely overshadowed by the realization that he landed in one of the most advantageous situations for a guard prospect. The Heat desperately need shot creation and playmaking, and Jakucionis' toughness will make him a great fit.

Jakucionis' versatility to play any backcourt position provides the Heat with significant lineup flexibility alongside Tyler Herro.

His savvy pick-and-roll play and exceptional feel for the game suggest he could become the franchise's future point guard.

Givony: Biggest Round 1 Surprises

Portland Trail Blazers logo

Portland Trail Blazers

The pick: Yang Hansen, center (No. 16)

Hansen, ranked No. 35 on the ESPN big board, made the biggest leap in the first round when Portland selected him at No. 16.

The Trail Blazers have been scouting Yang since the FIBA U19 World Cup in Hungary in 2023. Despite drafting another 7-footer in Donovan Clingan last year, the Trail Blazers are very excited about Yang's skill level and plan to bring him to the NBA immediately to develop him.

Utah Jazz logo

Utah Jazz

The pick: Ace Bailey (No. 5)

Ace Bailey looking surprised after being drafted.

Bailey looked surprised when the Utah Jazz selected him at No. 5, after clearly trying to maneuver his way down the board to other destinations in Washington or Brooklyn. Bailey told Andscape's Marc Spears after the draft he had "no idea" the Jazz were interested in him.

Bailey declined multiple invite requests to visit and workout privately with Utah throughout the predraft process, but the Jazz felt they knew enough about his game and profile to feel comfortable drafting him regardless.

Immediately after making the pick, Ainge told ESPN: "We really like him as a player and a fit in our program."

The Best Pick of the Night

• Pelton: Carter Bryant to the Spurs at No. 14. Bryant possesses the 3-and-D skill set needed alongside San Antonio's core players: Victor Wembanyama, De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper.
• Woo: Khaman Maluach to the Suns at No. 10, and Thomas Sorber at No. 15 to the Thunder.

Favorite Round 1 Trade

• Pelton: Atlanta getting the better of Milwaukee's and New Orleans' first-round picks in 2026 to move back only 10 spots from No. 13 to No. 23.
• Woo: The Atlanta-New Orleans trade was the most significant of the night.

Which Title Contender Improved the Most?

• Pelton: The Thunder pushing back the No. 24 pick by getting a 2026 first-round pick from the Kings.
• Woo: The Magic, trading for Desmond Bane and nabbing Jase Richardson.

Derik Queen's highlight reel.

Favorite Prospect-Team Fit Outside of the Lottery?

• Pelton: Kasparas Jakucionis to the Heat at No. 20.
• Woo: Joan Beringer to the Timberwolves at No. 18.

Will Cooper Flagg Average 20 Points as a Rookie?

• Pelton: False.
• Woo: False, but I don't view that as a concern.

New Orleans giving up its 2026 unprotected first-round pick is ___.

• Pelton: Jumping out of the plane without a parachute.
• Woo: A mistimed decision.

Ace Bailey drafted 5th overall by the Utah Jazz.

Grading the Nets' Draft Night

• Pelton: C-plus.
• Woo: B.

Biggest Surprise: Who's Still on the Board Heading into Round 2?

• Pelton: Rasheer Fleming (Saint Joseph's).
• Woo: Maxime Raynaud (Stanford).