In-Depth Analysis of the 2025 NBA Draft: The Best, the Worst, and the Predictions
The 2025 NBA Draft has concluded, with Cooper Flagg (No. 1 for the Dallas Mavericks) and Dylan Harper (No. 2 for the San Antonio Spurs) leading a group of players with unexpected twists in the first round. At Alofoke Deportes, we present an exhaustive analysis of the selections, the teams, and long-term projections. Ace Bailey was selected at number 5 by the Utah Jazz, a team that was not in his initial plans, but could be an excellent place to develop. The New Orleans Pelicans made an aggressive move to pair Jeremiah Fears (No. 7) with Derik Queen (No. 13), moving valuable draft capital to achieve it. The Portland Trail Blazers starred in the most surprising selection of the first round by choosing Yang Hansen (No. 16), who was ranked 35th on our final list of the top 100 prospects. For their part, the Brooklyn Nets, with five selections in the first round, used them all to start a rejuvenation project. In this analysis, we will explore the most valuable selections, the teams with the best draft classes, the players with All-Rookie potential, and much more. Join us as we break down the 15 key questions of this exciting draft.What was the favorite selection?
Jakucionis, with his ball-handling and playmaking skills, offers valuable shot creation on the baseline. In addition, his size allows him to play off-ball alongside Tyler Herro.Kasparas Jakucionis to the Miami Heat at the 20th pick. The Heat not only got the number 10 player on my list, but also one who fills a need in the roster and fits perfectly into their culture and playing style.
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Maluach, along with Mark Williams, should help change the defensive identity of the Suns, and could thrive complementing the team’s dominant perimeter group.Khaman Maluach to the Phoenix Suns at pick 10. The Suns addressed some of the issues from last season, especially by selecting Maluach, the exact type of area protector they desperately needed.
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Which player fell into the ideal situation?
When Bailey arrives in Utah, she will realize the fortunate situation she is in, with great development potential. Egor Demin to the Brooklyn Nets at pick 8. Going to a team where he will have the opportunity to play immediately, with many minutes with the ball, pairing with other talented passers, and perfecting his shot is ideal. His rookie season could be crucial, and his selfless playing style aligns with what the Nets want for their team. Landing in an unrestricted situation could be huge for Demin.Bailey to the Utah Jazz at pick 5. Despite speculation about his preferred destination, Bailey landed in a situation with a great opportunity, no established stars, an excellent coaching staff, and a passionate fanbase, making it the perfect place to reach All-Star potential.
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What was the best value selection?
McNeeley, known for his shooting ability, brings much more to the table with his size, toughness, game sense, and overall skill level. The Hornets could get a bargain with this pick.Liam McNeeley to the Charlotte Hornets at pick 29. I’m surprised McNeeley (No. 17 on our list) fell to the end of the first round. I firmly believe he will thrive with NBA spacing in a smaller offensive role than expected at UConn.
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Miami benefited from the unexpected decisions of other teams by selecting Jakucionis, who fits the need for a playmaking point guard.Jakucionis to the Heat. Miami benefited from some unexpected decisions by selecting a player that some (including myself) saw as a top-10 prospect, and who also fits the need for a playmaking point guard for the Heat.
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Which selection surprised the most?
Demin will have the opportunity to reach his full potential in an important role, and will play with playmaking teammates.Demin to the Nets. I was still a bit surprised to see him selected ahead of Khaman Maluach and Jakucionis, whom I had ahead of him on our Top 100 list. The Nets wanted to leave this draft with a starting point guard, and now they have three candidates for that position: Demin, Nolan Traore, and Ben Saraf.
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Hansen’s selection was a big bet on his offensive talent, which might not translate from the low level in China.Yang Hansen to the Portland Trail Blazers at pick 16. I was more surprised by the fascination than the impact. Hansen has an intriguing skill set for a young big, and I liked what I saw from him at the combine.
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Which team had the best overall draft class?
With Kalkbrenner, the Hornets got a player ready for the NBA, and who could play rotation minutes immediately with a cheap rookie scale contract. Charlotte needed someone ready for the NBA after trading Mark Williams. San Antonio Spurs. Drafting Harper was a great opportunity, and the Spurs shouldn’t give in to the temptation to trade him and accelerate their competitive window. The idea of letting Harper build a relationship with Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle makes a lot of sense. The Spurs should let Harper develop alongside Wembanyama and Castle, and with the addition of Carter Bryant, they could have a great future ahead.Charlotte Hornets. I like the additions of Kon Knueppel (N°4) and Ryan Kalkbrenner (N°34). Knueppel’s game sense, unselfish playing style, strength and toughness should facilitate his game, especially alongside LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, whom he could complement very well.
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Which team had the least favorite class?
The Pelicans courted risk with their transactions, and the lack of a draft pick next year adds pressure on the current group to take a big step forward.New Orleans Pelicans. This is less about the talent of the players they selected and more about how the Pelicans invited risk and adjustment concerns with their recent series of transactions. I am concerned about the possibility of any of the lottery picks using their talents in the situation.
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What was the favorite draft trade?
The Atlanta Hawks, by trading to select Asa Newell at pick 23. The Hawks secured what I project will be the number 8 pick in the 2026 NBA draft, just for dropping 10 spots in this draft. The Hawks obtained a valuable future pick by trading down in the draft.The Jazz made a smart move to get Clayton, who could be a valuable contributor.The Jazz traded to select Walter Clayton Jr. at the 18th position. The Jazz didn’t have to pay much to do so, and there’s a reasonable possibility that Clayton will become a valuable contributor.
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What was the least favorite draft trade?
Memphis paid a high price to move up in the draft.Memphis, by trading five spots with Portland from the 16th to the 11th position, giving up an unprotected first-round pick from the Orlando Magic in 2028 and two second-round picks. That feels like a terribly large haul to move up only five spots.
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New Orleans paid a high price by trading its future for Queen.New Orleans mortgaging the future for Queen. Regardless of how much you believe in the center of Maryland, trading a 2026 first-round pick to move up 10 spots in this draft was difficult for me to rationalize. It’s less about the player and more about the process.
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Which player will we be wondering why fell in the draft in five years?
Gonzalez has the potential to be a fan favorite in Boston.Hugo Gonzalez to the Boston Celtics at pick 28. He was ranked No. 15 on my personal list, 13 spots higher than where he was selected. He built an impeccable resume as one of the best international basketball prospects in FIBA youth competitions and youth club competitions before this season.
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Riley is talented and could surprise many over time.Will Riley to the Washington Wizards at pick 21. I believe a lot in Riley’s talent and I think there is a possibility that he will rise in a Wizards team that will give a lot of opportunities to its young talents. He will have to work hard on his physical development for that to happen.
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Prediction: Who will win the NBA Rookie of the Year?
Flagg. He is the best player in this class and will be asked to play an important role for the Mavs immediately. Flagg, with a great opportunity to stand out immediately, could adapt quickly to the NBA.Anyone but Flagg? I don’t think this is a particularly bold call. I suspect we’ll see him figure out the NBA on the fly, and pretty quickly.
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Prediction: Which five players will be named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team?
Flagg, Harper, Bailey, Knueppel, Tre Johnson (Wizards).
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Flagg, Harper, Johnson, Knueppel, and Clayton Jr.
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Which player is most likely to shine in the G League in 2025-26?
Javon Small, drafted No. 48 by Memphis. He will be difficult to handle in transition and should thrive in the open nature of that league, likely piling up points in bunches while making winning plays on both ends of the court. Small could become another gem for Memphis in the coming years.Nembhard, with his playmaking ability, could overcome his size limitations.Ryan Nembhard, not selected. Nembhard will sign a two-way contract with the Mavericks, and could be promoted to a roster spot and a utility role in the NBA due to the Mavericks’ lack of point guard depth.
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Which unselected player are you most interested in following?
Dixon could be a valuable addition to the Lakers.Eric Dixon with the Los Angeles Lakers. Dixon, 24 years old, will need to prove he can defend, but he has true toughness and physicality, in addition to his ability to stretch the floor.
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Three-point shooters with NBA size can often get more opportunities.John Poulakidas with the Los Angeles Clippers. Poulakidas has good proportions for a forward, is already a very good shooter, and if he can improve his defensive contributions, there is a path for him to enter a roster through the back door.
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Make a prediction about this class in five years:
Beringer could become an elite defender.Joan Beringer (N°17 for the Minnesota Timberwolves) will be an All-Defensive team candidate in five years. Beringer proved to be the best shot blocker in the Adriatic League during his first professional basketball season, demonstrating exceptional instincts and agility as a drop defender and rim protector, giving him great potential to grow in the long term on that end of the court.
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The Nets’ strategy could pay off in the long run.The Nets’ draft ages better than expected. There is a clear vision of what Brooklyn was trying to do: they bought Nolan Traore cheap.
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