2025 NBA Draft Grades: Team-by-Team Breakdown of Winners, Losers and Risky Picks

Sunday - 10/08/2025 06:03
Who won the NBA draft? Which picks and trades stood out? Kevin Pelton grades every team's moves.

The 2025 NBA draft has concluded, and it's time to assess how each team fared. These grades focus on value and fit based on available information at the time of the draft, not on predicting future success, which is often influenced by factors beyond a team's control. These evaluations rely heavily on statistical projections and expert analysis. Let's delve into the team-by-team breakdown.

Atlanta Hawks: Grade A

Atlanta Hawks logo

Round 1: Asa Newell (No. 23)

The Hawks' acquisition of an unprotected 2026 first-round pick from the Pelicans was a significant win. Selecting Asa Newell, ranked 13th in projections, further enhances this draft. Newell's potential complements newly acquired Kristaps Porzingis, making this a strong draft for Atlanta.

Boston Celtics: Grade C+

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

The Celtics' decision to bring Hugo Gonzalez to the NBA immediately raises questions, given his shooting struggles. Amari Williams offers intriguing potential as a rebounder and rim protector. Max Shulga, with his 39% career 3-point shooting, was a solid late pick.

Brooklyn Nets: Grade C+

Brooklyn Nets logo

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 a high volume of first-round picks is noteworthy. However, developing so many teenagers with similar skill sets presents challenges. The high number of raw players drafted could position the Nets for another lottery appearance in 2026.

Charlotte Hornets: Grade B

Charlotte Hornets logo

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

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

Kon Knueppel's highlights reel.

Selecting Kon Knueppel at No. 4 addresses a need at shooting guard. Liam McNeeley was a solid value pick. Ryan Kalkbrenner could contribute immediately, given the trade of Mark Williams.

Chicago Bulls: Grade A-

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

Noa Essengue's fit with Matas Buzelis is intriguing. The Bulls deserve credit for drafting young talent despite their reluctance to bottom out.

Cleveland Cavaliers: Grade B

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

The Cavaliers landed an interesting prospect in Tyrese Proctor, who shows promise as an on-ball defender and improved his 3-point shooting.

Dallas Mavericks: Grade B

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Round 1: Cooper Flagg (No. 1)

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Why the Grizzlies selected Cedric Coward

A look at why Memphis picked Cedric Coward.

Cooper Flagg was the obvious pick for the Mavericks after winning the lottery. The team simply avoided making a mistake.

Denver Nuggets: Grade Incomplete

Denver Nuggets logo The Nuggets didn't control any future second-round picks before getting their 2032 second-rounder when the draft concluded and still owe a pair of protected first-round picks, starting in 2027.

Detroit Pistons: Grade B

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Round 2: Chaz Lanier (No. 37)

Chaz Lanier's late-blooming career and 3-point shooting ability make him a valuable addition to the Pistons.

Golden State Warriors: Grade B

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

Alex Toohey's defensive activity and Will Richard's high 2-point percentage make them intriguing prospects for the Warriors.

Houston Rockets: Grade Incomplete

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The Rockets used both of this year's picks to acquire Kevin Durant in a trade that can't be completed until July 6. As a result, consider them a winner despite their strong track record in the draft.

Indiana Pacers: Grade A

Indiana Pacers logo

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

The Pacers continue to find value in the second round. Kam Jones has the potential to contribute immediately. Taelon Peter is a fascinating swing with his shooting efficiency.

LA Clippers: Grade C-

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

Taking Yanic Konan Niederhauser in the first round is questionable. Kobe Sanders' late-blooming profile raises concerns.

Los Angeles Lakers: Grade B+

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Round 2: Adou Thiero (No. 36)

The Lakers made a smart move to trade up for Adou Thiero, whose defensive potential is intriguing.

Memphis Grizzlies: Grade C-

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

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The Grizzlies' trade up for Cedric Coward is questionable in terms of value. Javon Small offers efficient scoring potential.

Miami Heat: Grade A-

Miami Heat logo

Round 1: Kasparas Jakucionis (No. 20)

The Heat capitalized on Kasparas Jakucionis's draft slide, making this one of the better value picks.

Milwaukee Bucks: Grade B

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Round 2: Bogoljub Markovic (No. 47)

Bogoljub Markovic's efficient scoring in the Adriatic League raises defensive questions.

Minnesota Timberwolves: Grade B-

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

The Timberwolves are betting on Joan Beringer to potentially replace Rudy Gobert. Rocco Zikarsky offers a similar profile, creating an interesting development scenario.

New Orleans Pelicans: Grade F

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

The Pelicans' trade to acquire Derik Queen is risky. Micah Peavy's breakout season at Georgetown gives him a shot at a 3-and-D role.

New York Knicks: Grade C+

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Round 2: Mohamed Diawara (No. 51)

Stashing Mohamed Diawara overseas might be the best option, given his limited development in France.

Oklahoma City Thunder: Grade B

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

Thomas Sorber's defensive numbers and passing ability are promising. Brooks Barnhizer will be on a two-way contract, per Givony.

Orlando Magic: Grade B+

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

Jase Richardson's value pick is a fun storyline. Noah Penda's shooting is a work in progress.

Philadelphia 76ers: Grade B+

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

VJ Edgecombe's defensive base and athleticism make him a solid pick. Johni Broome could help the Sixers immediately.

Phoenix Suns: Grade B

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

Khaman Maluach was the top prospect on the board. Rasheer Fleming gives the Suns another quality shot blocker.

Portland Trail Blazers: Grade C-

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Round 1: Yang Hansen (No. 16)

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

Sacramento Kings: Grade C

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

The Kings limited the possible downside of the move by putting top-16 protection on the pick.

San Antonio Spurs: Grade A

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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: Grade B

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

Collin Murray-Boyles needs shooting around him to succeed. Alijah Martin is undersized but productive.

Utah Jazz: Grade B+

Utah Jazz logo

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

Ace Bailey's development will be crucial for the Jazz. Walter Clayton Jr. could help that process with his shooting.

Washington Wizards: Grade B-

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

The Wizards are leaning heavily into youth. Tre Johnson's potential as a shooter justifies the pick.

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