2025 NBA Draft: Highlights and Top Picks
The first round of the 2025 NBA Draft is upon us. There were some surprising choices—like Yang Hansen—and a few positive outcomes, notably Cooper Flag going first overall. Amid all the excitement, several selections stood out, receiving top marks. According to my colleague Ricky O’Donnell’s evaluations, at least ten picks received an A or higher. These picks seem to fit perfectly with the teams and the players’ potential.
What were those standout picks? Let’s dive into the details. O’Donnell’s immediate reactions and grades provide a great insight.
Duke Forward Cooper Flag to the Dallas Mavericks (1.1)
Grade: A+
Ricky’s Take:
Flag is one of the most exciting prospects I’ve seen since I started covering drafts back in 2014. He’s checked all the boxes for what you want in a franchise player. With an impressive frame and an elite mindset, he seems to outwork everyone on the court. Even at just 17 years old, he had an incredible season in college basketball. As the youngest player about to join the NBA, he brings plenty of potential to a Dallas team that is trying to recover from their Luka Doncic trade. His defensive skills should prevent any trade discussions surrounding him.
The Mavericks’ pick of Flag felt like the right fit considering the lottery results. He doesn’t need the ball to thrive, as he brings a well-rounded game to the table and is a smart choice for a team that needs a reset.
Rutgers Guard Dylan Harper to the San Antonio Spurs (1.2)
Grade: A
Ricky’s Take:
Harper, standing at 6’6″ with a wingspan that reaches 6’10”, had an impressive start, converting 70% of his shots near the rim. He’s more of a scorer right now, but he does show flashes of solid playmaking. Harper has the potential to defend multiple positions and is particularly strong at the point of attack. While he may not be the best shooter at this point, his off-ball game should shine next to fellow players like Victor Wembanyama. The Spurs have certainly found a promising fit for their roster.
The fit between Harper and the Spurs seems to click perfectly, particularly alongside Wembanyama. It’ll be interesting to see how they manage the lineup with him and other players like Stefon Castle and Daron Fox.
Duke Guard Conneppel to the Charlotte Hornets (1.4)
Grade: A
Ricky’s Take:
Knueppel is known for his remarkable shooting ability, with over 30% of his shots coming from beyond the arc. He showed great chemistry with fellow Duke player Kaman Mallach and can score well when driving to the basket. Although he may not seem like a top-five pick at first glance, his shooting prowess and effective gameplay make him a solid choice for the Hornets, especially alongside Lamelo Ball and Brandon Miller.
Knueppel offers a powerful presence that complements both Ball and Miller, making him a crucial connector on the court. His ability to knock down threes will be valuable for the NBA team.
South Carolina Guard Colin Murray Boyles to the Toronto Raptors (1.9)
Grade: A
Ricky’s Take:
Murray Boyles stands out as one of the best defensive players in this draft class, but he also possesses offensive skills, like impressive driving and passing abilities. Despite being somewhat shorter at 6’6.5″, he compensates with strength. Although he still needs to work on his shooting, there’s no denying his all-around talent, which makes him a gem for Toronto, assuming they can enhance their shooting around him.
Murray Boyles is one of my top picks in this draft. His combination of length and strength could make him an intimidating defender for the Raptors, who prioritize size in their lineup.
Duke Center Kamanmaruach to the Phoenix Suns (1.10)
Grade: A
Ricky’s Take:
Mallach was one of my top choices and brings a compelling blend of length, finishing ability, and defensive prowess. His development trajectory is intriguing, especially since he’s only been playing basketball for five years. The Suns, who needed a solid center, snagged a real gift in Mallach. He offers significant upside that could be beneficial for Devin Booker’s timeline.
The Suns require interior size, and Mallach’s skills make him a strong pick, especially with the potential for growth alongside a seasoned player like Booker.
French Forward Noah Esenjou to the Chicago Bulls (1.12)
Grade: A-
Ricky’s Take:
Essengue boasts impressive length and athleticism, having already shown productive performance in a professional league. His transition abilities fit well with the Bulls’ fast-paced style, although they’ll need to focus on polishing his shooting and playmaking. Nonetheless, his athletic traits make him a solid pick for a franchise in need of a ceiling-raising player.
The Bulls seem eager to embrace a fast-paced future, and Esenjou could be the right fit for that vision.
Georgetown Center Thomas Solver to the Oklahoma City Thunder (1.15)
Grade: A-
Ricky’s Take:
Solver is an impressively strong center with a wingspan of 7’6″. He excels at setting screens and rebounding but still needs to develop his shooting. Even so, he’s well-suited for an OKC roster that looks to maintain a competitive edge as it grows.
The Thunder seems to have made another smart move. Solver’s length and strength can contribute significantly as their roster continues to evolve.
Illinois Guard Kasparas Jakucionis to the Miami Heat (1.20)
Grade: A-
Ricky’s Take:
Jakucionis was once projected as a top-five pick before some struggles with turnovers impacted his stock. He still has a commendable NBA skill set, particularly in passing and pulling up for shots. While he’s not the most dynamic athlete, his scoring ability could be a great fit alongside players like Bam Adebayo.
This feels like a perfect match for the Heat. If Jakucionis can refine his shooting, he might just become a standout talent.
Colorado State Wing Niek Clifford to the Sacramento Kings (1.24)
Grade: A-
Ricky’s Take:
Clifford might not have any standout skills that grab attention, but he excels in multiple aspects of the game. His defensive foundation has steadily grown into shooting and playmaking. Although it’s a risk to rely on a five-year college player, his improvement and mentality make him a formidable choice.
Niek Clifford brings valuable versatility to any team. His ability to mesh and support teammates could be a significant asset moving forward.
Michigan State Guard Jace Richardson to the Orlando Magic (1.25)
Grade: A
Ricky’s Take:
Richardson fits perfectly within the Magic’s needs. As one of the better shooters in this draft, he addresses the shooting issues the team faced last season. While size may be a concern, his scoring ability should mesh well with players like Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Desmond Bain. He has potential despite some injury history, making him a valuable addition.
The Magic are in need of a shooter, and Richardson’s skills seem well-suited to provide just that, even if he isn’t expected to be an immediate superstar.
