NBA Draft 2025: Mavericks Land Flagg, Round 1 Shocks and Team Grades

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

The 2025 NBA draft kicked off with a bang on Wednesday, highlighted by the Dallas Mavericks selecting Duke's Cooper Flagg as the No. 1 overall pick. The first round concluded with the Los Angeles Clippers choosing center Yanic Konan Niederhauser at No. 30.

The evening was full of surprises, including the Utah Jazz's selection of Rutgers guard Ace Bailey at No. 5, and the Phoenix Suns acquiring Duke's Khaman Maluach at No. 10.

Let's dive into the key takeaways from the first round, with insights from ESPN's Jonathan Givony, Jeremy Woo, and Kevin Pelton.

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

Jonathan Givony's Round 1 Winners:

Phoenix Suns

• The Pick: Khaman Maluach (No. 10)

The selection of Maluach at No. 10 is a major win for the Phoenix Suns, addressing a critical need at center while adding a prospect with significant long-term potential.

Maluach is known for his intensity, rim protection, rebounding, and defensive versatility, qualities the Suns sorely lacked last season. His youth and potential for growth, coupled with his strong intangibles, make him an ideal pick-and-roll partner for Devin Booker.

Miami Heat

• The Pick: Kasparas Jakucionis (No. 20)

The Miami Heat were fortunate to land Kasparas Jakucionis at No. 20, a player ranked No. 11 on the top 100 big board.

Jakucionis' ability to play multiple backcourt positions provides the Heat with flexibility alongside Tyler Herro. His savvy pick-and-roll skills and exceptional feel for the game could see him develop into the franchise's future point guard.

Jonathan Givony's Biggest Surprises of Round 1:

Portland Trail Blazers

• The Pick: Yang Hansen, center (No. 16)

The Portland Trail Blazers surprised many by selecting Yang Hansen at No. 16, significantly higher than his No. 35 ranking on the ESPN big board.

The Trail Blazers have been scouting Yang extensively, impressed by his skill level and intangibles. Despite drafting Donovan Clingan last year, Portland views Yang as the best player available and plans to develop him in the NBA immediately.

Utah Jazz

• The Pick: Ace Bailey (No. 5)

The Utah Jazz's selection of Ace Bailey at No. 5 was unexpected, as Bailey reportedly preferred other destinations.

Despite Bailey declining workout invitations, the Jazz felt confident in their evaluation. New president of basketball operations Austin Ainge interviewed Bailey at the NBA draft combine and scouted him multiple times during the season.

Ainge stated, "We really like him as a player and a fit in our program."

Best Pick of the Night:

• Pelton: Carter Bryant to the Spurs at No. 14.
• Woo: Khaman Maluach to the Suns at No. 10 and Thomas Sorber at No. 15 to the Thunder.

Favorite Trade of Round 1:

• Pelton: Atlanta getting the better of Milwaukee's and New Orleans' first-round picks in 2026.
• Woo: The Atlanta-New Orleans trade.

Which Title Contender Helped Itself the Most?

• Pelton: The Mavericks.
• Woo: The Magic.

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.

New Orleans Giving Up Its 2026 Unprotected First-Round Pick Is...

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

How Would You Grade the Nets' Night?

• Pelton: C-plus.
• Woo: B.

Who Are You Most Surprised to See Still on the Board Heading Into Round 2?

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