The first round of the 2025 NBA Draft took place on Wednesday, kicking off with Cooper Flagg, the first of three Duke players drafted, being selected by the Dallas Mavericks with the No. 1 pick. The round concluded with the LA Clippers drafting center Yanic Konan Niederhauser at pick No. 30.
The night was filled with winners and unexpected moments. Surprises included the Utah Jazz selecting Rutgers guard Ace Bailey at No. 5 and the Phoenix Suns landing the highly-rated center Khaman Maluach from Duke at No. 10.
Which fan bases should feel optimistic about their team`s performance on Day 1, such as the Miami Heat potentially securing a future franchise point guard? Should Pelicans fans, however, be concerned about New Orleans` trade to move up and draft Derik Queen?
ESPN experts Jonathan Givony, Jeremy Woo, and Kevin Pelton weigh in to break down the key events from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, sharing their perspectives on the biggest winners, surprises, and pressing questions after the first 30 selections.
Givony: Biggest Winners of Round 1
Phoenix Suns (#10 Khaman Maluach)
The Suns` acquisition of Maluach at No. 10 significantly alters the outlook following their trade for Kevin Durant. This pick fortifies a crucial center position while adding one of the draft`s most promising long-term talents. Maluach is expected to bring high intensity, timely rim protection, strong rebounding, and switchable defense – qualities that were noticeably absent last season – providing a much-needed infusion of youth and energy into the roster.
Crucially, he is among the youngest players in the draft with substantial physical and skill development potential. Highly regarded for his character, he should develop into an effective pick-and-roll partner for Devin Booker, benefiting from his ability to finish lobs.
Miami Heat (#20 Kasparas Jakucionis)
It was unexpected to see Jakucionis, ranked No. 11 on ESPN`s top 100 board, drop all the way to No. 20. Any potential disappointment over his draft slot was likely eased by the realization that he landed in arguably the most favorable situation for a guard prospect – a team in desperate need of shot creation and playmaking. His fit within the Heat`s culture and reputation for toughness seems ideal.
Jakucionis` versatility across backcourt positions provides the Heat with significant lineup flexibility, especially when playing alongside Tyler Herro. Given his mature feel for the game and skill in running pick-and-rolls, it wouldn`t be surprising to see him eventually emerge as the team`s primary point guard.
Givony: Biggest Surprises of Round 1
Portland Trail Blazers (#16 Yang Hansen)
Hansen, ranked No. 35 on ESPN`s board, made the largest jump in the first round with his selection by Portland at No. 16. The Trail Blazers have scouted Yang extensively since 2023 and held a private workout with him recently. Despite drafting another 7-footer last year, Portland adopted a best-player-available approach and expressed considerable enthusiasm for Yang`s skill level and off-court attributes, planning to integrate him into the NBA immediately for development.
Utah Jazz (#5 Ace Bailey)
Ace Bailey appeared visibly surprised when the Utah Jazz drafted him at No. 5. Reports indicated he had hoped to be selected by teams later in the draft, such as Washington or Brooklyn, and he declined multiple workout requests from Utah, Philadelphia, and Charlotte. Nevertheless, the Jazz felt they had sufficient information from combine interviews and scouting by new president Austin Ainge to comfortably make the pick. Ainge commented post-draft that they highly valued Bailey as both a player and a cultural fit for their organization.
What was the best pick of the night?
Pelton: Carter Bryant to the Spurs at No. 14. After spending most of his college season coming off the bench, he might not be an immediate impact player. However, in the future, Bryant`s potential as a 3-and-D wing fits perfectly alongside San Antonio`s core young talent.
Woo: Assuming Cooper Flagg at No. 1 is excluded, I choose Khaman Maluach to the Suns at No. 10. As Givony explained, it was an excellent outcome for Phoenix, securing precisely the type of player needed to anchor the team`s future. Another strong pick was Thomas Sorber at No. 15 for the Thunder. Oklahoma City demonstrated foresight by waiting for him to fall, drafting a prospect with a similar skill set to their current center, which is important given upcoming contract decisions for other key players. This pick highlights the Thunder`s typical long-term roster planning.
What was your favorite trade of Round 1?
Pelton: Atlanta receiving the better of Milwaukee`s and New Orleans` unprotected first-round picks in 2026 for merely moving back 10 spots from No. 13 to No. 23. This maneuver could yield significant returns for the Hawks next year, particularly if the Pelicans struggle in a tough Western Conference or if Damian Lillard`s health impacts the Bucks.
Woo: While Atlanta clearly got the better value, it wasn`t my `favorite` trade, especially from New Orleans` perspective. The Pelicans seemed set on Derik Queen, which Atlanta arguably leveraged to extract serious value: an unprotected 2026 first-round pick that`s the better of two options. This level of risk is confusing for New Orleans, as there isn`t a clear path to playoff contention, and if Atlanta gets a high lottery pick, the cost will sting regardless of Queen`s development or his fit alongside Zion Williamson.
Which title contender helped itself the most?
Pelton: It`s improbable that any player drafted in Round 1 will be a key contributor in the final rounds of next season`s playoffs. However, the Thunder`s decision to trade their No. 24 pick to the Kings for a 2026 first-rounder might have the most significant long-term impact for a future contender (Oklahoma City).
Woo: Few clear contenders picked high, but I was impressed by the Magic`s strategy. This included an assertive trade for Desmond Bane (sending the No. 16 pick) and drafting Jase Richardson at No. 25. Richardson could offer valuable and inexpensive depth off the bench during Orlando`s window to compete with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. While perhaps not yet a definitive contender, the Magic have navigated the offseason effectively so far.
What`s your favorite prospect-team fit outside of the lottery?
Pelton: Kasparas Jakucionis to the Heat at No. 20. His profile as a physical guard with shooting capability, if he improves his turnover rate, is comparable to Goran Dragic. His size allows him to complement Tyler Herro or Davion Mitchell, making him a good fit for Miami`s specific needs and established culture.
Woo: Joan Beringer to the Timberwolves at No. 18. I have a high view of Beringer`s long-term potential due to his elite physical attributes, rim protection, and ability to run the floor. Developing behind Rudy Gobert provides an excellent mentorship opportunity for his transition to the NBA. This pick not only adds a significant talent but also addresses a long-term positional need for a Minnesota team aiming to contend with Anthony Edwards.
True or false: Cooper Flagg will average 20 points as a rookie.
Pelton: False. I don`t foresee scoring being the primary strength of Flagg`s game, especially on a team with other established offensive players like Anthony Davis and Klay Thompson, and potentially Kyrie Irving. Averaging 20 points as a rookie in that context doesn`t seem realistic.
Woo: False, but this isn`t a concern. His scoring average will likely depend on how much usage the Mavericks allocate to him immediately. Flagg`s strength lies in his well-rounded game, which is what should position him as a front-runner for Rookie of the Year, even without reaching a 20-point average. Dallas should be optimistic about his potential without needing to overload him right away.
Fill in the blank: New Orleans giving up its 2026 unprotected first-round pick is ___________?
Pelton: Jumping out of the plane without a parachute. The Pelicans witnessed last season how vulnerable a team can be to injuries in the competitive West. They risked giving Atlanta a pick that could potentially land high in the lottery, which would be an emotionally difficult outcome for New Orleans fans if it materializes.
Woo: A mistimed decision. Trading a future unprotected pick is a significant risk unless it secures a player who guarantees contention or substantially improves the team`s immediate standing. Gambling such a valuable asset on a rookie, even one they value, without a safety net if things go poorly seems questionable. Furthermore, Queen`s long-term fit alongside Zion Williamson regarding defense and floor spacing is also uncertain. The Pelicans` overall strategy has been confusing, and this significant leap of faith adds another layer of uncertainty.
The Nets came into Round 1 with five picks and used them all. How would you grade their night?
Pelton: Probably a C-plus. Brooklyn appeared to strongly favor project-based prospects, selecting two one-and-done players and two teenage international players, with only one pick being older than 19. I would have preferred to see a greater emphasis on players with more proven production, especially since only one of their picks ranked in the top 23 of my stats-based projections.
Woo: I`d give them a B. When a team makes five first-round picks, its draft board is unlikely to align perfectly with conventional wisdom, but I can discern the potential vision for the roster under coach Jordi Fernandez. They prioritized players with positional size and passing ability. While the exact outcome is uncertain, I respect their strategic approach, and they will have ample opportunity to evaluate these young players next season and determine the team`s future direction.
Who are you most surprised to see still on the board heading into Round 2?
Pelton: Rasheer Fleming (Saint Joseph’s). Ranked as the highest player on the final mock draft by Givony and Woo who wasn`t selected in the first round, and also rated highly (18th) in my stats-based projections. It will be interesting to observe if teams maneuver to draft Fleming early in Round 2.
Woo: Maxime Raynaud (Stanford). I anticipated he would be selected in the 20s. However, with several other big men drafted earlier, including Yang Hansen`s unexpected rise, he was among those who ultimately slipped out of the first round. I expect several teams will attempt to acquire him early in the second round.
