The first round of the 2025 NBA Draft is officially in the books. No more mock drafts, no more speculation — now we’ve got real picks to talk about.

From the top of the board to the final selection of the night, this draft had a little bit of everything. Big names, surprise drops, trades, reaches — it all played out live, and now it’s time to break it down.

1. Dallas Mavericks Pick: Cooper Flagg

The Mavericks went with the obvious pick at No. 1 and locked in Cooper Flagg. No surprises there — he’s been the favorite for months, and Dallas didn’t overthink it. Flagg gives them exactly what they need right now: a high-IQ, defensive-minded forward who doesn’t need the ball in his hands to make an impact.

His fit in Dallas makes a ton of sense. With Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis already on the roster, Flagg won’t be asked to carry the offense right away. He can slide into a role where he defends multiple positions, knocks down open shots, and makes the extra pass. The Mavs needed someone who could fill gaps and raise their defensive ceiling, and Flagg checks all those boxes. He’s not flashy, but he’s the kind of player who helps teams win.

2. San Antonio Spurs Pick: Dylan Harper

The Spurs grabbed Dylan Harper with the No. 2 pick, and it’s easy to see why. He’s a big, smart, downhill guard who can create for himself and others — and he fits right into what San Antonio is building. This is a team that already has Wemby, Stephon Castle, and De’Aaron Fox in the backcourt. Adding Harper gives them another versatile piece who can handle the ball, defend bigger guards, and make things happen without needing 25 shots a night.

The Spurs didn’t overthink this one — they stuck to their identity: length, defense, high IQ, and guys who can grow together. Harper gives them a little bit of everything, and with Wemby drawing so much attention inside, he should have plenty of room to operate. This is a team trying to build something sustainable, and Harper fits the timeline perfectly.

3. Philadelphia 76ers Pick: VJ Edgecombe

VJ Edgecombe landed in Philly at No. 3, and honestly, it might be the most seamless fit of the night. The Sixers are coming off a brutal season — injuries, inconsistency, and way too much roster turnover — but Edgecombe gives them something they’ve been missing: a high-energy, two-way wing who doesn’t need a ton of touches to make a difference.

He’s built for the modern NBA — strong, athletic, defends multiple positions, and plays with real effort. Next to Maxey and Embiid, he won’t have to force anything. He can focus on guarding the other team’s best wing, hitting open shots, and just bringing some juice to a team that looked flat way too often last year.

There’s still room for him to grow, especially as a shot creator, but the foundation is solid. Philly didn’t need a savior here — they needed a connector.

4. Charlotte Hornets Pick: Kon Knueppel

The Hornets added to their young core with a steady, high-IQ shooter in Kon Knueppel at No. 4. He became the second Duke product to go in the top five, and while he doesn’t bring the freak athleticism that some of the others do, he brings something Charlotte desperately needs — reliable shooting and floor spacing.

This is a team still in the middle of figuring things out. LaMelo Ball’s health is always a question mark, Brandon Miller is progressing slowly, and they’re still missing that connective tissue guy who keeps things flowing. That’s where Knueppel fits in. He moves without the ball, shoots it with confidence, and doesn’t try to do too much. He won’t hijack possessions — he’ll make them smoother.

He’s not going to carry the offense, but the Hornets don’t need him to. They need someone who can knock down open threes and make smart decisions. It’s a pick that makes real basketball sense for a team that’s trying to take the next step without skipping any.

5. Utah Jazz Pick: Ace Bailey

Ace Bailey’s path to the NBA wasn’t short on drama. He skipped workouts with several top teams, made it clear that he had a few preferred destinations in mind, and let it be known that Utah wasn’t high on his list. Whether it was about market size, the rebuild, or just wanting to play somewhere with a bit more shine, the message got around.

But the Jazz weren’t fazed. They saw the upside, ignored the noise, and took him at No. 5. And truth be told, this might be the best place for him to grow. Utah’s not chasing headlines — they’re building something patiently, with a young roster, a steady coach, and an owner committed to doing it the right way.

If he buys in, there’s a clear path to becoming a star here. Utah will give him the space to make mistakes, the coaching to clean things up, and the trust to grow into his game. It might not have been the destination he wanted, but it could end up being exactly the one he needed.

Picks 6-10

6. Washington Wizards Pick: Tre Johnson

The Wizards used the No. 6 pick on Tre Johnson, and for a franchise looking to reset its identity, this pick makes a ton of sense. Washington’s in the middle of a major rebuild, but they’re not just collecting names — they’re being intentional about who they bring in. Johnson fits that mindset. He’s a confident, polished scorer who can shoot the lights out, and more importantly, he carries himself like someone who wants to grow into something bigger.

This is an organization with a rough history, and they’re clearly trying to shift the culture. Adding a guy like Johnson signals that change. He brings scoring punch, but he also brings maturity. He doesn’t need to be a superstar right away, and that’s the point. They’ve brought in vets like McCollum to help lead, and they’ve built a young core that can grow together.

7. New Orleans Pelicans Pick: Jeremiah Fears

Jeremiah Fears is a fascinating addition for a Pelicans team that’s clearly trying to reset the board without flipping it over. His game’s built around pace, craft, and control — something New Orleans hasn’t always had in the backcourt. While they’ve cycled through scorers and creators over the years, Fears offers a different flavor: he’s a natural floor general who can score when needed but doesn’t feel the need to dominate.

There’s still polish to add — especially with his shot — but the tools are there. And in New Orleans, he won’t be asked to save anything. He’ll just need to play his game and grow into the role.

8. Brooklyn Nets Pick: Egor Demin

The Nets took Egor Demin at No. 8, a tall, skilled playmaker who fits their mold. But the real story here is the position the Nets have put themselves in.

They came into this draft with four first-round picks and more cap space than anyone, by a pretty wide margin. That’s a rare combination. It gives them the freedom to go after big names in free agency, swing trades to move up, or just load up on high-upside guys like Demin. They don’t have to force anything — they’re in full control.

9. Toronto Raptors Pick: Collin Murray-Boyles

Toronto didn’t overcomplicate this one. With the ninth pick, they grabbed Collin Murray-Boyles — a no-nonsense forward who plays hard. The Raptors aren’t trying to shortcut their way back into contention, and Murray-Boyles fits the mold of the kind of player you can actually build with, not just around.

He gives them toughness up front, something they’ve lacked at times. He rebounds, he defends, and he makes the right play — even if it doesn’t show up in a highlight reel. For a team with Barnes, Ingram, Barrett, and a few other high-usage guys, having someone who just plugs in and raises the floor is valuable.

10. Phoenix Suns Pick: Khaman Maluach

The Suns picked up this selection as part of the blockbuster Kevin Durant trade, and they used it to bring in Khaman Maluach — a towering, athletic big man out of Duke. That makes three Duke players in the top 10, which says a lot about the kind of talent that program pumped out this year.

For Phoenix, this is a move that blends short-term help with long-term upside. They’re still trying to stay competitive around Devin Booker, but they needed fresh legs in the frontcourt — someone who can block shots, rebound, and protect the rim. Maluach brings all that, plus the kind of mobility that could eventually make him a defensive anchor. He’s raw, no doubt, but this is a pick with a clear vision: surround Booker with a more balanced and sustainable roster.

Let the Games Begin: 11-20

11. [TRADE] Memphis Grizzlies Pick: Cedric Coward

The Grizzlies weren’t content sitting at No. 16 — they packaged that pick with some future draft capital and moved up to No. 11 to snag Cedric Coward. He may not be a name that casual fans were throwing around early in the process, but scouts were buzzing about him late. He’s long, defends his tail off, and can really shoot it — exactly the kind of wing this Grizzlies team needed after trading away Desmond Bane. This roster still revolves around Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., and Coward gives them a low-usage, high-impact piece who can contribute early.

12. Chicago Bulls Pick: Noa Essengue

The Bulls stayed put at No. 12 and took a big swing on French forward Noa Essengue — a long, athletic 18-year-old with serious defensive upside. He brings size, motor, and a real defensive mindset — something Chicago’s been missing in their frontcourt since Caruso left. He’s raw on offense, sure, but he’s mobile, plays hard, and already shows flashes of being a switchable defender who can anchor small-ball lineups. With Giddey and Buzelis in the mix, adding a defensive-first forward like Essengue adds a different flavor without stepping on anyone’s toes.

13. [TRADE] New Orleans Pelicans Pick: Derik Queen

New Orleans wasn’t content sitting back — they jumped up from No. 23 to No. 13 in a deal with the Hawks to grab Derik Queen. The Pelicans saw a frontcourt prospect who checks a lot of their boxes: skilled, smart, and unbothered by the moment. Queen’s got great feel as a post scorer, and he might already be one of the best big-man passers in the class. He’s not a freak athlete, but he knows how to play. For a Pelicans team trying to build something more sustainable around Zion, this is the kind of bet that makes sense.

This move might go down as one of the worst of the night. Giving up an unprotected first next year — from a team that might be picking top-five — just to move from 23 to 13 is baffling. The Pelicans could’ve waited and had their pick of impact talent next summer instead of overpaying now.

14. San Antonio Spurs Pick: Carter Bryant

The Spurs weren’t done after grabbing Dylan Harper at No. 2. With their second first-rounder, they added Carter Bryant, a long, athletic wing who will feel right at home. He’s got the size and length to be a real problem defensively and the athleticism to run in transition. He’s still raw, but if he continues to develop, he could become dangerous. San Antonio’s quietly building a positionless lineup full of switchable wings and high-IQ players. Bryant gives them even more versatility — a guy who can play next to Wemby or help lead the second unit.

15. Oklahoma City Thunder Pick: Thomas Sorber

The Thunder just won it all — and somehow, they’re still making moves like a team that’s hungry for more. Most champs are short on draft capital or flexibility, but OKC still has both in spades. That’s what makes this pick so scary for the rest of the league. Thomas Sorber isn’t coming in to be the guy — he’s coming in to grow behind two really solid bigs and add even more muscle to the paint. The rich just keep getting richer.

16. [TRADE] Portland Trail Blazers Pick: Yang Hansen

The Trail Blazers made a savvy move at No. 16, landing Yang Hansen — a 7-foot-1 center out of China — as part of the deal that sent the 11th pick to Memphis. Instead of reaching higher on the board, Portland slid back and picked up a unique big man with legit long-term upside. Hansen isn’t your typical raw project. He’s already shown strong instincts, soft touch around the rim, and some real vision as a passer.

17. Minnesota Timberwolves Pick: Joan Beringer

Minnesota grabbed Joan Beringer at 17 — a towering, defense-first center with a real presence in the paint. He’s not the type who’s going to stretch the floor or fill up a scoring column right away, but he’s mobile, blocks shots, and knows how to stay vertical. With Rudy Gobert aging and some uncertainty about the frontcourt’s long-term shape, Beringer gives them a guy they can slowly develop into a reliable piece down the line. The Wolves are in win-now mode, but picks like this show they’re not losing sight of the future.

18. [TRADE] Utah Jazz Pick: Walter Clayton Jr.

Walter Clayton Jr. turned heads during March Madness with his fearless shot-making and big-game energy, and now he’s headed to Utah — after being selected by Washington. The Jazz traded up to snag him at 18, yet another sharp move by a front office that’s quietly stacking talent. Clayton’s confidence and ability to create offense out of nothing gives Utah another dynamic guard alongside Ace Bailey.

19. Brooklyn Nets Pick: Nolan Traore

The Nets went with French guard Nolan Traore at No. 19, and it fits what they’re building. He’s quick, shifty, and has some real burst with the ball in his hands. Not polished yet, but you can see the outlines of a lead guard who can create off the dribble and keep defenses honest. Brooklyn’s in no rush — they’ve got picks, they’ve got space, and they’re playing the long game. Traore gets to grow in a low-pressure environment, which might be the best possible scenario for him right now.

20. Miami Heat Pick:

Miami used the 20th pick to grab Kasparas Jakucionis, a 6'5" guard from Lithuania who brings a nice mix of size, feel, and tempo to the backcourt. He’s not a high-flyer or a dangerous scorer, but he plays with real control and already looks like a guy who sees the game one step ahead. This is a Heat team coming off a major shakeup after dealing Jimmy Butler, so there's room for new voices and new energy. Jakucionis fits the culture — he’s a grinder, plays smart, and doesn’t get rattled. It’s a very Miami kind of pick — understated, but savvy. 

Rounding Out the First Round: 20–30

21. [TRADE] Washington Wizards Pick: Will Riley

Riley is a 6′8″ wing with size and shooting upside. Washington snagged him from Utah to continue their youth injection alongside Tre Johnson. He’s a stretch wing who doesn't need the ball to help space the floor — exactly what a rebuilding backcourt needs.

22. Brooklyn Nets Pick: Drake Powell

Powell is a high-motor forward from UNC, known for crashing boards, cutting smartly, and knocking down corner threes. Brooklyn is stacking up versatile wings who can step into multiple roles — he fits their draft-and-develop blueprint perfectly.

23. [TRADE] Atlanta Hawks Pick: Asa Newell

Newell is a high-upside, spirited forward with a shooting touch. The Hawks swung this deal with New Orleans to grab a modern big who can stretch the floor and run in transition — and add an unprotected 2026 first-round pick in the process. He’ll bring juice and floor spacing to their evolving frontcourt.

24. [TRADE] Sacramento Kings Pick: Nique Clifford

OKC selected Clifford but sent him to Sacramento — a gritty, physical wing who defends and rebounds. The Kings are betting on toughness and energy off the bench, and Clifford fits the bill.

25. Orlando Magic Pick: Jase Richardson

Richardson is a springy, two-way guard who can defend the point of attack and make plays in transition. Orlando is building a young, versatile roster, and Richardson adds juice off the bench and potential long-term backcourt depth.

26. Brooklyn Nets Pick: Ben Saraf

The Nets used the 26th pick to select Ben Saraf, a 6'5" Israeli guard known for his polished offense — lightning quick, crafty finisher, and a strong passer. He’s seen as a true combo guard with poise and feel.

27. Brooklyn Nets Pick: Danny Wolf

Just after, Brooklyn nabbed Danny Wolf at 27, making history by selecting five first-rounders in a single draft. Wolf is a 7-foot playmaking big with intriguing passing and guard-like vision. He’s a long-term project but fits the Nets’ deep-build timeline.

28. Boston Celtics Pick: Hugo González

González is a 6′9″ wing from Spain who many had projected going higher — and Jay Bilas even called him "the steal of the draft" during ESPN’s broadcast. For Boston, he’s a smooth shooter with great size, and on a team full of veterans, he’ll get time to develop without pressure. It’s a low-risk, high-upside swing late in the first round for a team that can afford it.

29. [TRADE] Charlotte Hornets Pick: Liam McNeeley

The Suns made a bold move to acquire Mark Williams, sending the 29th pick, Liam McNeely, to Charlotte as part of the deal. For the Hornets, McNeeley gives them a skilled wing with two-way upside who fits alongside their young core. For the Suns, adding Williams fills an immediate need for size and rebounding.

30. Los Angeles Clippers Pick: Yanic Konan Niederhauser

The Clippers rounded out the first round with Yanic Niederhauser, a 6′11″ big from Penn State. He’s a traditional center — rim protector, lob catcher, physical interior presence. Niederhauser won’t fix everything, but he’s a crucial piece in the puzzle of reshaping their frontcourt.