The NBA never stops. Less than 72 hours after the NBA Finals ended, Brooklyn, N.Y., is the center of the basketball world as the first round of the NBA Draft gets underway from Barclays Center.

Duke's Cooper Flagg has been the consensus top prospect since draft evaluations began and headlines this class. Not too far behind is Rutgers' Dylan Harper, who has long been viewed as the second-most league-ready prospect in the class.

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From there, things in this draft class will get interesting.

All eyes will be on landing spots for top prospects like Ace Bailey, VJ Edgecombe and Kon Knueppel, while there is also the prospect of quick risers like Cedric Coward and Nique Clifford. Additionally, several teams will make moves to adjust their rosters or move up in the order.

Through it all, The Sporting News will provide live grades and analysis for each pick in the NBA Draft.

2025 NBA DRAFT HQ: Live picks tracker | SN's 2-round mock | Top 60 big board

NBA Draft grades 2025: Live results and analysis for every pick

1. Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg, Duke

• Grade: A+

It is finally official: Flagg is a Maverick.

One of the most surefire No. 1 picks in recent years, Flagg is set to enter an ideal situation in Dallas in that he won’t face immediate pressure to be the franchise’s savior. The Mavericks have lofty expectations as a team this year, but Flagg can ease into his role as he’ll play alongside a pair of former No. 1 overall picks in Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving this season.

The Mavericks’ “defense wins championships” mentality applies well to Flagg, who should immediately contribute on that end of the floor. He’s just scratching the surface of his potential offensively, which says a lot considering he averaged 19.2 points and 4.2 assists last season.

MORE: Why Cooper Flagg is can't-miss No. 1 pick

2. San Antonio Spurs: Dylan Harper, Rutgers

• Grade: A

Yes, there’s a bevy of ball-dominant guards in San Antonio now, but Harper is easily the second-best prospect in this class. The Spurs didn’t overthink it.

As the game is trending toward the prioritization of big guards, San Antonio lands a 6-6 guard with NBA DNA and an innate feel for the game. He’s not guaranteed to start on Day 1, and an opportunity to lead the second unit may actually be beneficial to begin his career. 

Above all else, the 19-year-old is on the same developmental timeline as 21-year-old Victor Wembanyama and 20-year-old Stephon Castle, the league’s last two Rookie of the Year winners. Could the Spurs possibly make it three in a row?

3. Philadelphia 76ers: VJ Edgecombe, Baylor | Bahamas

• Grade: B+

The combination of a down year and lottery luck resulted in the Sixers picking third. Edgecombe lands with a team that expects to contend in a wide-open Eastern Conference next season. That can place a lot of pressure on a rookie.

Those expectations may be lofty, but Edgecombe is a fearsome competitor who was named Big 12 Freshman of the Year with averages of 15.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game. Given his physical profile, Edgecombe can thrive right away on the defensive end, and he’ll also benefit from NBA spacing. There are risks associated with depending heavily on a rookie, but if Philadelphia stays healthy, Edgecombe can grow into a bigger role by the end of the season.

4. Charlotte Hornets: Kon Knueppel, Duke

• Grade: B

This is a smart pick for the Hornets. Knueppel's 3-point shooting is his most NBA-ready trait, but he's much more than a 3-point shooter.

Last season, Knueppel showcased his ability to make plays off the bounce, driving at aggressive closeouts before making a play for himself or a teammate. In Charlotte, Knueppel adds consistency to a young core headlined by LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. He'll benefit from Ball's playmaking and provide even more floor spacing alongside Miller. This is another step on Charlotte's journey to return to prominence in the league.

5. Utah Jazz: Ace Bailey, Rutgers

• Grade: B

Bailey's a top-five talent, but this is the biggest surprise of the night so far. Utah wasn't one of the teams Bailey reportedly preferred to play for, but the Jazz were in dire need of a blue-chip prospect. Bailey is that.

Known for his tough shot-making ability, Bailey has legitimate superstar potential. His trajectory will depend heavily on how he develops during the early stages of his career in Utah. It's not the easiest situation for a young player as there is not much roster stability as the team is currently constructed, but Bailey gets to step into a high-usage role with low leverage early on.

He will be Utah's franchise centerpiece.

6. Washington Wizards: Tre Johnson, Texas

• Grade: B+

Washington's young core gets even more talent with Johnson, a skilled shooter and pure scorer who led the SEC in scoring as a freshman in 2024-25. 

Johnson joins a franchise that enjoyed success with its young core of Bub Carrington, Kyshawn George, AJ Johnson, and Alexandre Sarr. The Wizards also have assembled a crop of veterans who can serve as mentors for the young group. Like with all young teams, it's going to be a process for Washington, but it takes another step in the right direction to continue to move toward competing in the Eastern Conference.

7. New Orleans Pelicans: Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma

• Grade: B+

Fears is an absolute gamer, and he brings more youth to New Orleans, a franchise making a shift to get younger this offseason. With CJ McCollum gone and Dejounte Murray rehabbing from a torn Achilles, Fears will immediately get backcourt reps with the newly acquired Jordan Poole.

Everything in New Orleans revolves around the health of Zion Williamson, whose success often comes when he has the ball in his hands. That said, Fears can ease into some duties on the ball, but his ability to get downhill and make plays will be great for the Pels.

8. Brooklyn Nets: Egor Demin, BYU | Russia

• Grade: C+

The Nets used their first of potentially five picks in the first round to go with Demin, the jumbo-sized point guard from BYU. He's 6-9 and showed elite passing ability during his lone season with the Cougars.

This feels like an ambitious swing for Brooklyn, as Demin's weaknesses include his perimeter shooting and defensive ability. With as many first-round picks as the team has, there could be a bigger picture that Demin folds into. With the talent still on the board and the question marks in his game, it's hard to fully get behind this pick for Brooklyn.

9. Toronto Raptors: Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina

• Grade: B-

Toronto's got an identity, and Murray-Boyles certainly fits right into it. The Raptors are typically enamored with rangy forwards who defend well and aren't necessarily the best shooters. Murray-Boyles is a versatile defender who only made nine triples during his two years with the Gamecocks.

With that in mind, shooting isn't necessarily something the Raptors needed with this pick. Murray-Boyles shares some parallels with Scottie Barnes and Jonathan Mogbo, and it makes for more continuity, though it could make for clunkiness. This feels somewhat incomplete, but Murray-Boyles has a high floor.

10. Phoenix Suns (proposed trade with Rockets): Khaman Maluach, Duke | South Sudan

• Grade: A-

The Suns needed a center, and Maluach falling to them at No. 10 is a dream scenario. The 18-year-old has limitless potential as he is still relatively new to the game of basketball, which he picked up just six years ago.

Maluach measures at 7-2 and 250 pounds, and he has great instincts. He can improve as a rebounder, especially on the defensive end, but he will have time to learn and grow now that Phoenix has also acquired Mark Williams. This is a pick that may not pay off in 2025-26 or even 2026-27, but five years from now, the Suns will look very smart for taking Maluach.

11. Memphis Grizzlies (proposed trade with Trail Blazers): Cedric Coward, Washington State

• Grade: B+

Coward was one of the trendiest names and high risers throughout this draft process, but few predicted that he'd be a lottery pick. Memphis is taking a swing to take a player who fits what the team does.

A 6-6 wing with length and a fluid jumpshot, Coward steps into a situation where he can take on a big role from the jump. The trade sending Desmond Bane to Orlando opens up room on the perimeter in Memphis and Coward aligns with the franchise's identity of an ideal wing.

12. Chicago Bulls: Noa Essengue, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany) | France

• Grade: B-

He's not the first international player taken, but Essengue is the first 2025 selection that did not play collegiately. This is a pick that will require patience, as Essengue is just 18 years old and is a raw, young talent.

The Bulls are starting to build something with Matas Buzelis, Josh Giddey, and Coby White at the forefront, so in theory, a 6-9 wing with scary defensive potential is the next logical addition. Again, the big picture is important to keep in mind here, and Essengue's development as a shooter and his adjustment to the NBA game.

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13. New Orleans Pelicans (proposed trade with Hawks, via SAC): Derik Queen, Maryland

• Grade: B

Queen has a high ceiling, but there are some risks associated with the pick, the biggest being how well his game will translate to the next level. He is extremely skilled on the offensive end, but he is not a plus athlete, nor is he known for his defense.

New Orleans gave up the 23rd overall pick in this year's draft and an unprotected first-round pick next year. That's a big price to pay to get the capital needed to make this pick, but it's leaning further into the youth as he'll form a two-big look with Yves Missi.

14. San Antonio Spurs (via ATL): Carter Bryant, Arizona

• Grade: A-

This is a very Spurs-ian pick, and it's hard to be mad at it. Bryant's defensive ability and potential is worth a lottery pick alone, and his size makes him a player with a ceiling reminiscent of what we've seen from players like O.G. Anunoby.

Bryant is athletic, and he has the mechanics that will allow him to develop into an impactful shooter, especially in the Spurs' development system. As a bonus, Bryant's player profile gives San Antonio flexibility in potential trades moving forward.

15. Oklahoma City Thunder (via MIA): Thomas Sorber, Georgetown

• Grade: B+

The rich get richer as the Thunder address a major need less than 72 hours after winning the first NBA title in OKC history. The Thunder joins a frontcourt rotation headlined by Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, and is conceivably the heir apparent to Hartenstein as the franchise's next starting center.

He's a traditional big man with some modern playmaking ability, and in a few years, can step into a bigger role when the Thunder inevitably have to move on from certain players for financial reasons.

16. Portland Trail Blazers (proposed trade with Grizzlies, via ORL): Hansen Yang, Qingdao Eagles | China

• Grade: C

This is, by far, the biggest shocker of draft night, and potentially one of the biggest shocks in the last few drafts. Hansen has quickly jumped up big boards, but was still slotted as a second-rounder by most. Instead, Portland takes Hansen 15-20 picks earlier than he was expected to go.

Clearly, the Blazers rated Hansen higher than most did, but he joins a center rotation that already features Deandre Ayton and last year's first-round pick, Donovan Clingan. Hansen is expected to come over to the NBA in 2025-26, but he's a project who may need a few years to reach his final form.

17. Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET): Joan Beringer, Cedevita (Serbia) | France

• Grade: B+

The future of the frontcourt in Minnesota is in flux, and the franchise took a step toward adding some clarity by adding Beringer, arguably the best shot blocker in this draft class.

Beringer has a 9-3 standing reach and won't turn 19 until November. It's hard to think of a better mentor for a young, French shot blocker than Rudy Gobert, meaning Beringer has fallen into a great situation.

18. Utah Jazz (proposed trade with Wizards, via MEM): Walter Clayton Jr., Florida

• Grade: A-

Utah hasn't done a lot of winning in recent years, but now it takes one of the biggest winners in the draft in Clayton, a national champion with Florida last season. During the Gators' title run, Clayton was at his best when the lights were brightest.

The vision in Salt Lake City is starting to become a little clearer, and Clayton is another blue-chip prospect to add to the picture. It's hard to project who will be on the roster outside of Clayton and Bailey, but that's a solid start.

19. Brooklyn Nets (via MIL): Nolan Traoré, Saint-Quentin | France

• Grade: B-

Brooklyn is going all international with its backcourt of the future, pairing Traoré with No. 8 overall pick in Demin.

Traoré was once viewed as a top-five prospect in this class, meaning the talent is there, but he slid throughout the 2024-25 season in France's LNB Pro-A. At 6-3, 175 pounds, he's a shifty guard with decent size and there is room for the 19-year-old to grow and develop in a Brooklyn rebuild.

20. Miami Heat (via GSW): Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois | Lithuania

• Grade: B

Graded as a lottery pick by many, Jakucionis slightly slides to 20 and lands in an interesting situation with Miami. He's another big guard, who, with obvious international parallels set aside, could potentially find himself in a Goran Dragic-like role in Miami's system.

Jakucionis is a lead guard and can assume some of the playmaking responsibilities that Tyler Herro had to assume during his All-Star season in 2024-25. It's hard to immediately hand the keys to a young guard and there is room for improvement on defense, but Jakucionis makes sense in Miami.

21. Washington Wizards (proposed trade with Jazz, via MIN): Will Riley, Illinois | Canada

• Grade: B

You can never have too much shooting in the NBA, and Washington adds a rangy forward who can bring similar skills to his new teammate, Kyshawn George.

Riley is 6-8 and had several impressive shooting performances during his freshman campaign in Champaign, Ill., including a 31-point debut. The Wizards' young core continues to take shape, with Riley joining another shooter in his rookie classmate, Tre Johnson.

22. Brooklyn Nets (proposed trade with Hawks, via LAL): Drake Powell, UNC

• Grade: B+

After taking a few ball-dominant guards, the Nets take one of the biggest sleepers in the draft class, and a rock-solid defender. Powell has a pro-ready physique and didn't necessarily get to shine last season because he often played out of position with the Tar Heels.

Powell has very real 3-and-D potential and, in some ways, is the safest among Brooklyn's first three picks in 2025. The Nets will know what to expect from Powell in Year 1, the same cannot be said about many of the rookies in this class.

23. Atlanta Hawks (proposed trade with Pelicans, via IND): Asa Newell, Georgia

• Grade: B+

With Clint Capela entering free agency, the Hawks add an energetic, bouncy big man who is going to thrive as a lob threat for Trae Young.

Newell is listed at 6-11, 200 pounds and joins a frontcourt rotation that will feature Onyeka Okongwu and Kristaps Porzingis. Newell's motor and effort will translate right away and the rest will come together with time. It's a very exciting prospect for the Hawks.

24. Sacramento Kings (proposed trade with Thunder, via LAC): Nique Clifford, Colorado State

• Grade: B+

Sacramento jumped back into the first round to take a league-ready prospect in Clifford. The 23-year-old allowed the game to slow down during his college career, and he is a versatile player who scores at all three levels.

The Kings are in a very interesting spot, but as they work to find a sense of direction, a player like Clifford can help. Sacramento knows what its getting in him and the learning curve shouldn't be as sharp as it would be with a younger rookie.

25. Orlando Magic (via DEN): Jase Richardson, Michigan State

• Grade: B-

After following in his dad's footsteps to go to Michigan State, Richardson now lands with one of his dad's former NBA franchises. It's a good fit, though it may be somewhat complicated.

The Magic's move to snag Desmond Bane addressed a need for shooting, but the backcourt is still a little crowded with Jalen Suggs starting and former top-10 pick Anthony Black getting solid minutes off the bench. Richardson's abilities as a combo guard allow him to play off of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, but it's unclear just how much time he'll see in Year 1.

26. Brooklyn Nets (via NYK): Ben Saraf, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany) | Israel

• Grade: C+

Saraf is a very good prospect, but it's hard to see the upside after Brooklyn took Egor Demin and Nolan Traoré in the first round.

There may be a bigger picture at play here, but Brooklyn taking three guards who often play with the ball in their hands doesn't make much sense. In the grand scheme, however, Brooklyn could be thinking about what Oklahoma City did recently, but it needs plus defenders for that blueprint.

27. Brooklyn Nets (via HOU): Danny Wolf, Michigan | USA/Israel

• Grade: B-

The Nets do it again, taking one of the most intriguing prospects in the draft class in Wolf, a 7-footer who plays like a point forward.

How his game translates to the NBA level remains to be seen, but he at least provides a different look from the perimeter-heavy approach Brooklyn took to its first four first-round picks. There is plenty of uncertainty in the Nets' frontcourt, meaning Wolf could step into big minutes.

28. Boston Celtics: Hugo Gonzalez, Real Madrid | Spain

• Grade: B

It's a transitional offseason for the Celtics, who have made several trades in the lead-up to the draft. They now add a pro with an NBA-ready game and frame.

Gonzalez, 19, measures at 6-6 and 205 pounds and is coming off a championship season with Real Madrid. There is an opportunity for him to play right away in Boston with available minutes on the perimeter and he has similar strengths to another recent Celtics draft pick in Jordan Walsh.

29. Charlotte Hornets (proposed trade with Suns, via CLE): Liam McNeeley, UConn

• Grade: B+

Night 1 of the draft ends with Charlotte adding McNeeley after picking up Knueppel fourth overall. He has a shooter's reputation but also showed the ability to make the right play during his lone season with the Huskies.

The Hornets are leaning into versatility by adding these two wings, who join a team that, when healthy, is one of the more fun League Pass watches. The new front office braintrust has an identity its going for, and McNeeley fits it.

30. LA Clippers (via OKC): Yanic Konan Niederhauser, Penn State | Switzerland

• Grade: B

The back line of LA's defense just got scarier. Niederhauser led the Big Ten with 2.3 blocks per game last season and was a big riser through the draft process thanks to his measurables, which include a wingspan of over 7-3.

After Ivica Zubac earned All-Defensive Team honors in 2024-25, the Clippers add another big with potential to be a game-changer on that end of the floor. Niederhauser can also benefit from the playmaking of James Harden, who knows a thing or two about tossing lobs to Swiss centers.