My 2025 NBA DRAFT FIRST ROUND GRADES

Here are my honest live thoughts on each pick

1st: Cooper Flagg - Dallas Maverick (A+)

It’s the easiest pick a teams gonna make all night but still deserves an A+ because Flaggs that good.

2nd: Dylan Harper - San Antonio Spurs (A+)

Again easy pick for the Spurs it gets an A+ from me. He’s the 2nd best player in this draft his elite physical tools, high basketball IQ, versatility, passing, feel and insane rim creation makes him one of the must not miss guard prospects.

3rd: VJ Edgecombe - Sixers (B+)

I give this pick a B because his 13th on my board and I believe theres better value at 3 but I like the fit for the Sixers it makes sense. This Sixers team lacks the athleticism, high-level motor, two-way profile profile that VJ gives in the guard spot. They should hit next season with a three-guard type lineup of McCain, Maxey and VJ as they all compliment each other really well. And cover eachothers weaknesses.

4th: Kon Knueppel - Charlotte Hornets (A)

Finally yes, finally the Hornets made a smart pick. Kon Knueppel was 6th on my draft board, and I think he fits Charlotte like a glove. He’s got more creation juice than people like to admit, even without the elite athletic profile. Kon’s high-level shooting instantly brings more gravity to the team for creators like LaMelo to cook and adds the connectivity they’ve been lacking. It’s the smartest pick for a team that lacked them last few drafts.

5th: Ace Bailey - Utah Jazz (B)

Ace Bailey ended up 9th on my board I actually like his long-term outlook as a role player, and honestly, this is probably Utah’s best pick of the rebuild so far. But I get the sense the Jazz see him as their future franchise star, and that feels like a misread. He struggles to create separation with his loose handle, his shot selection is questionable at best, he rarely looks to make the pass when trapped, and his overall feel and discipline just don’t scream “star” to me. Maybe I’m wrong, but I don’t see that trajectory right now.

6: Tre Johnson - Washington Wizards (A)

Tre Johnson was 4th on my board and I absolutely love this pick he adds another dimension to Wizards offense with his high level scoring touch and playmaking chops. My main question for the Wizards now is how do they develop the physical aspect of their team?

7: Jeremiah Fears - New Orleans Pelicans (C+)

I had Fears ranked fairly low on my board heading into the draft, and I just don’t understand this pick for the Pelicans after the Poole trade. Fears could be something nice long term, but I still have my doubts on his process. He is currently a ball-dominant guard that doesn’t finish or shoot well. It’s an interesting case, but I will say I understand the upside outlook. Fears has arguably the smoothest handle in the draft, the most explosive burst out of all the guards and the feel that helps him manipulate defenses at a high level. Question is, how vital is that if he can’t finish or shoot the ball? Question is what are the Pelicans aims next season? Are they keeping Jordan Poole?

8: Egor Demin: Brooklyn Nets (F)

Wow this is a horrible pick so many better players available… I’m stunned what are they thinking? I’m not a Egor fan at all. His lack of strength, handle for a lead guard, consistent jumper and weak point of attack defense leaves a really really really sour taste in my mouth at this spot. What are you smoking in Brooklyn?

9: Collin Murray-Boyles - Toronto Raptors (A+)

We’ve finally got a defensive backbone that has creation upside hallelujah thank you Masai and Bobby! I’ll keep it short as done a write up 2 days ago on CMB and the Raptors.

10: Khaman Maluach - Phoenix Suns (A+)

Really good pick Suns have got their frontcourt sorted for atleast the next 10 years. I had him 3rd on my final board so they’ve just ended up with great value. Suns have added a high-level finisher, roller and an insane paint presence with his size. I reckon eventually we start seeing Khaman shoot it with this roster too.

11: Cedric Coward - Memphis Grizzlies (B)

I’ll be honest I haven’t seen enough of Cedric to give a full evaluation of the pick. But from what I have seen, he fits the culture and style Memphis has built over the past four years. He’s a solid shooter who brings good size, and probably the most flexibility on the ball out of the wings they had available.

12: Noa Essengue - Chicago Bulls (A)

I said this on Twitter: The Bulls were my second favorite fit for Essengue they badly lack his athleticism, play-finishing, and defensive switchability in the frontcourt. I originally had them taking Asa for those reasons, but this is a pick with five times the upside. Great value at 12. If you’re a Bulls fan read this writeup please!

13: Derik Queen - New Orleans Pelicans (C+)

Erm okay this was an unexpected trade up pick. I don’t like the frontcourt idea with Zion but I guess if any team has the players to cover his weaknesses defensively it’s them. Look I wrote about Queen the other day. I’d advise Pelicans fans to read it to get a jist of what they’ve drafted.

14: Carter Bryant - San Antonio Spurs (A)

Good value at 14 and he’s the perfect guy you replace Vassell with. I think Carter Bryant checks all the boxes for both Spurs short and long term vision. Bryant is a high-level defensive playmaker who’s very switchable. He’s also a reliable floor spacer, and an elite athlete ready to contribute immediately. Spurs overall get an A grade this draft so far.

15: Thomas Sorber - OKC (A)

Okc have done it again haven’t they? Thomas Sorber has the second-highest upside out of all the bigs in this class in my opinion. Okc are getting a top rotational big in Sorber with long term starter outlook his high feel, quick footwork and wingspan brings great value. One thing that can definitely put you off with Sorber is his poor shot selection. He has a tendency to take shots that leave you baffled. But Okc get an A grade here as at this spot Sorbers great value.

16: Hansen Yang - Blazers (C-)

Ermmm WHAT? Yang is a crazy reach at this spot yes his got the tools but you’ll need the right developmental plan for him to be a NBA player. I like Portlands Center options and thought they needed a 4 more like a Noa or Asa. Look if they give Yang the right developmental plan he defo has the tools to elevate a team’s offensive upside.

17: Joan Beringer - Timberwolves (B+)

Timberwolves had a better option in Kalkbrenner. But I like Beringer fit on the Timberwolves. Joan has shown good improvement in the last year offensively but is still pretty raw on that end. Timberwolves have enough creators that could make Beringers life as simple as finish above the rim and collect the offensive boards. Now let’s go into my favourite part of Beringer's game: his defensive upside. He has quick feet and his hands are just as good. He has shown multiple times this year that he can defend 1-5. Look as a play finishing big who collects boards and defends well he fits the rotation. Again I think Kalkbrenner would’ve been the better timeline fit, but there’s no need to complain about the Beringer pick trust me, he has the ability to make an immediate impact in the right rotation. He was 18th on my big board!

18: Nolan Traore - Brooklyn Nets (D+)

What exactly are the Nets aiming for here? Why draft yet another skinny guard who needs serious work in the weight room? I’m a fan of Traore’s high feel and actually like his upside more than Egor Demin’s but this pick still feels wild. Neither shoots efficiently or defends at a high level, so doubling down on both just doesn’t make sense to me.

19: Walter Clayton - Utah Jazz (A)

I like this fit ended with Walter Clayton 20th on my board and see an elite rotational guard. His high-level shotmaking, consistent vision and creation upside will lead to him touching an NBA floor in no time. In fact he might even be Utahs best guard at this point but I am still a fan of Collier.

20: Kasparas Jakucionis - Miami Heat (B)

Look Kasparas falling this far ain’t crazy his struggles were very concerning post-injury. His lack of protection off the ball and decline as a shooter were major red flags. But Kasparas should be a good add to Miami guard rotation as he adds elite connectivity and size. He suits the offensive outlook with his high IQ, pick-and-roll play and pass-and-go instincts. He gives you concerns defensively though as he can get screened out of games and lacks the footwork to give switchability. Saying that Erik Spoelstra is the perfect coach for his development.

21: Will Riley - Washington Wizards (C)

I’m not a Will Riley fan at all, and the Wizards just added another skinny frame to an already lean roster. Right now, he feels more like a highlights player than a consistent contributor he lacks true shooting consistency and high end athleticism. That said, he does read the game well on both ends and shows real playmaking upside. Weren’t top 30 on my board so to me it’s a reach but I’ll say he has the flashes that scream he could breakout randomly. GET HIM ON THE WEIGHTS

22: Drake Powell - Brooklyn Nets (B)

I had Drake going to the Nets at 26 on my mock and here’s what I wrote: Drake Powell is more of a hypothetical prospect due to his raw athletic tools. If any team can afford to draft a raw prospect that needs time it’s the Brooklyn Nets, who are just starting their rebuild. I’ll go back to his pre-NCAA production because the shooting metrics and stocks all stood out in his junior and senior year. He was even 10th on my board in the preseason due to the fun film, stats and archetype success in the league. He’ll just need to land on a spot like the Nets who will be willing to give him time. think this is by far Nets best pick of the night.

23: Asa Newell - Atlanta Hawks (A)

Wow they traded down and got a guy I would’ve wanted them to push for at 13. Asa’s fit in Atlanta makes a lot of sense as his athleticism, play finishing, motor and ability to switch adds another dynamic to the Hawks frontcourt. I can’t wait for that first lob from Trae to Asa!

24: Nique Clifford - Sacramento Kings (A)

The Kings get great value at 24 shocked teams let Nique Clifford fall so far tbh. Great plug-and-play wing to add to the core. Clifford’s high-level rebounding, team defense, abilities to scale up and down fit what Kings need. He’s an instant contributor for a team likely looking to make the postseason again. +9 value compared to my board!

25: Jase Richardson - Orlando Magic (A++++)

Jase Richardson to Orlando. I love that fit they lack guys with his efficient sharpshooting abilities, smart off-ball movement, connectivity and defensive effort. Biggest steal of the draft hands down. I’d be shocked if he doesn’t contribute right away at the NBA level he’s just too smart of a player, and his production has been consistently high level dating back to his junior year of high school. I’m gonna be watching loads of Orlando next year. The most value compared to my board so far +15.

26: Ben Saraf - Brooklyn Nets (F)

Erm what are they thinking in Brooklyn another skinny inefficient guard? Oh man I feel so bad what a waste of 5 picks so far. Not in my top 30 and nearly missed out on my being in my top 40. I guess Nets will be in the Cam Boozer sweepstake then.

27: Danny Wolf - Brooklyn Nets (C)

Look atleast they covered a need? Danny Wolf is a high-feel big who can wow you with his handle and guard-like instincts but also make you question his decision-making. Nets are not the great fit as they likely ain’t gonna cover up his flaws… Wolf seems like a low ceiling / high upside pick. -3 value compared to my board!

28: Hugo Gonzalez - Boston Celtics (C)

It’s difficult to draw conclusions about Hugo after the season he had with Real Madrid, but in my opinion, his stock would have looked a lot different if he went the BYU route like Egor Demin. To me, he was the biggest player on both ends quite comfortably at the youth level. Hugo is the ultimate “what if”, but I can still see why he went in the 20-30 range and I like his fit with the Celtics long term given their style of play. He’s a big mystery package right now so it will be interesting to see how much he contributes year 1.

29: Liam McNeeley - Charlotte Hornets (C)

If you follow me on Twitter you’d know I’m not the biggest McNeeley fan. I question what he delivers to an NBA floor except for spacing. What are the Hornets plan here? Trading a young guard just to pick a specialist with the pick? It’s a weird one.

30: Yanic Kanan Niederhauser - Los Angeles Clippers (F)

The Clippers continue their bad drafting history. Look Yanic smashed the combine but he still was on my do not draft list for a reason. This guy has been a negative his whole college career despite the athleticism he displays. One of the worst underclass man I’ve seen drafted statistically. Again Clippers should just leave their picks alone as they don’t draft well at all.