The 2025 NBA Draft has been thoroughly analyzed from various perspectives. Now, it’s all about how this rookie class performs at the Las Vegas Summer League before heading to training camp to kick off their NBA journeys.
While making draft decisions, teams really need to consider long-term potential rather than just immediate results. It’s rare for rookies to make an instant impact in the NBA. What matters more is how they project to perform in their peak years. Patience is key in the NBA, although both teams and fans might struggle with that concept.
Curious about immediate help? Check out our latest roster that could assist your team right out of the gate. Be sure to look at the instant evaluations and analyze who the winners and losers were in the first round. Also, the 2026 NBA Mock Draft has been released, so let’s take a closer look at teams that might see quick benefits from their selections.
Teams that have made significant strides in the 2025 NBA Draft
San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs had their sights set on the play-in tournament last season, despite facing challenges, especially after Victor Wembanyama’s season-ending injury. San Antonio kicked off the trading period by acquiring De’Aaron Fox, while also bringing in Dylan Harper and Carter Bryant, both of whom could be valuable next season. Harper, taken second overall, is set to make an impact with his offensive skills and defensive capabilities. There are concerns about how he meshes with Fox and some of the other shooters, but he’ll definitely be among the top players. Bryant will need more development time, especially offensively, but his defensive potential as a wing player looks promising. The Spurs are still slowly nurturing their plans around Wemby, but adding Harper and Bryant significantly enhances the roster.
Orlando Magic
The Magic found two players during the 2025 NBA Draft who can contribute right away, even though they didn’t have the top pick—landing at 25th overall. Jace Richardson stands out as a lottery-caliber talent, and the fit with Orlando seems ideal given their previous shooting struggles. His shooting prowess could be complemented by pairing him with either Anthony Black or Desmond Bain. Then there’s the French talent, Noapenda, who, while not explosive, possesses the length and intelligence on both sides of the ball that the Magic value. His shooting might be an issue, but he has the potential to carve out a role in the rotation right away.
Phoenix Suns
The Suns needed two main things in this Draft: some size and the prospects of future stars. They hit the mark by selecting Duke Center Kamanmaruach at No. 10, a player thought to have both safety and high upside. He’ll provide the Phoenix roster with a young presence in the frontcourt. The addition of veteran center Mark Williams further benefits Kamanmaruach’s transition into the NBA. Additionally, the Suns made solid second-round picks with Rushwa Fleming and Coby Blair. Fleming has shown great improvement as a shooter, while Blair emerged as a standout shooter during his college career. The Suns face challenges with their first-round pick situation stretched into 2032, but there’s hope in their new roster additions.
Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets don’t seem rushed to speed up their rebuild. They chose four players who could realistically see minutes based on the team’s current dynamics. The No. 4 pick, Kon Knueppel, fits well alongside Lamelo Ball and Brandon Miller, potentially boosting off-ball scoring with his shooting capability. Liam McNeeley, picked at No. 29, adds shooting depth, provided he can maintain his performance. Ryan Calkbrenner, chosen at No. 34, may take over starting center duties after the trade of Mark Williams, with his defensive skills evidently fitting the NBA mold. The fourth pick, Theon James, looks like he could become a reliable role player as well, especially after honing a three-point shot at Duke. With only 19 wins last season, the Hornets are counting on healthy contributions from all their draft picks.
Utah Jazz
Having concluded their tanking phase, the Jazz finished the season with just 17 wins and landed the No. 5 pick. While they might face a tough year, it’s an opportunity for their three new draft picks to gain experience. Ace Bailey may not have initially wanted to be in Utah, but he’s shown he can take and make shots as a small forward. The Jazz also moved up to select Walter Clayton Jr., whose shooting ability adds a much-needed option to their backcourt. After trading Colin Sexton, Clayton should see ample playing time as a rookie. Their second-round pick, John Tonjae, also made waves at Wisconsin, proving he can put up points. So, despite current struggles, the Jazz’s future looks a bit brighter after this draft.
Teams that could have made better moves in the 2025 NBA Draft
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves are considered major contenders for the Western Conference next season. They should be doing everything possible to improve their championship odds, but their two first-round selections fell short of that goal. Taking French center Joanne Bellinger at No. 17 might not provide the immediate help they need, as he requires time to adapt. While Rudy Gobert could be a good mentor, other players might have contributed more effectively this coming season. Rocco Zikarsky, picked 45th, is another long-term project—something the Timberwolves may regret in hindsight.
Los Angeles Clippers
Yanic Konan Niederhauser has an inspiring draft story. After a tough sophomore season, he transferred to Pennsylvania and greatly improved, landing a first-round selection at No. 30 with the Clippers. However, that felt like a stretch given his previous performance. Niederhauser lacks the impactful play that teams usually hope for from a first-rounder. The Clippers already have a strong young center in Ivika Zubak, and they need players who can elevate the team rather than simply filling roles. More promising wings and guards were available in the second round, which may have been a missed opportunity for the Clippers.
